Pilot Offficer Alan William Benting

[Keitht]

For the purposes of War Memorial research I am seeking information about P/O 182038 Alan William Benting of 617 Squadron, who gave his life in September 1944 and is interred at Enschede, Holland.

Any and all information would be appreciated.

Keith

[medpat]

Have sent Keith an e-mail with parents marriage, pilot's birth and possible marriage in 1938. There may be children to the marriage and as pilot's widow maybe still alive and I have named a possible son have chosen discretion. 

[rafcommands]

Keith,

Since his death was over 20 years ago you can apply to the RAF Disclosures at Cranwell for a copy of his service record.

For a small fee it will give you chapter and verse without the "possible" that creeps into 3rd party records searches.

This is available to all - not just relatives due to the length of time that has passed from death.

As the death is covered by the CWGC you do not even need to supply a death certificate - a reference to the CWGC database will suffice.

Ross

[Keitht]

Pat and Ross,

Thanks for your very interesting information. I have replied to the pms.

Ross, Would his service record include a photograph?

Regards,

Keith

[rafcommands]

No photograph.

Search on Form 543 to get examples of service records for others.

But the training units listed on the service record may contain intake group photos in the ORB held at Kew.

A bit hit and miss (and more miss than hit) so best to do the search in person rather than employ a private researcher for Kew.

Ross

[MaxD]

Commissioned in the GD branch of the RAFVR 23 July 1944 (London Gazette 19 Sep 1944).  Sad that he lost his life just 2 months into his commissioned service..

[Keitht]

Thanks Max. Much appreciated.

[StanleysChesterton]

You probably already have this:

September 23, 1944
The Lancaster NF923 the 617e Squadron KC-M is shot down by a German night fighter. The pilot continues down the unit and pour in Lochem. flight engineer AW Benting is seriously injured in Markelo right. He was taken to hospital in Enschede. There he dies two days later. The other four crew members are safe from the unit and escape captivity. Pilot Officer AW Benting Flight Engineer Royal Air Force |  Oosterbegraafplaats Enschede

Pilot Officer AW Benting Flight Engineer Royal Air Force 617 Squadron. 25th September 1944, Age 22. Son of William and Elizabeth Benting or Acocks Green, Birmingham, UK.

http://www.secondworldwar.nl/enschede/oorlogsgraven.php#.WE29ftSLTvY

[DavidJP]

Hi,

A lot of info here from 'Aircrew Remembered' website here: http://www.aircrewremembered.com/stout-geoffrey.html

Was part of operation Ladbergen to the Dortmund-Ems canal.

Grave photo from Find A Grave here: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=14042519

Mission description by air bomber Bill Rupert RCAF in his own words here: http://www.bombercrew.com/617/stout.htm

Hope these help.

Kind regards

David