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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: kyt on Sunday 01 June 08 12:21 BST (UK)

Title: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Sunday 01 June 08 12:21 BST (UK)
I have a fair collection books on the Commonwealth Air Forces for the WW2 period and if anyone would like any assistance, or a look up, please ask. For example (just a sample):

Honour The Air Forces - a complete register of all gallentry awards to RAF and Commonwealth airmen (except MiD) with date, unit and LG reference

Bomber Command and Fighter Command Losses of WW2

A number of squadron histories

Unsung Heroes - a register of all RAF etc POWs in the Far East

Several books on the RAF in the Far East (an area that is particularly difficult to research for airmen casualties)

etc

Just thought I'd mention it  :)

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Sunday 01 June 08 15:46 BST (UK)
I can recommend Kyt, he is a font of information who gives it most readily.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Wednesday 04 June 08 09:20 BST (UK)
Moderators, can I suggest you make this thread a sticky?
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Kevwood on Tuesday 10 June 08 18:25 BST (UK)
Hi, I wondered if you may be able to help with this.


I was just reading some archives on the website of my local paper and it says that a Wellington Bomber crashed here in 1945.

 
"14th January The crew of a Wellington bomber were all killed when their plane crashed in fields between Hinckley and Burbage. A farm worker named Raven, living at Sketchley, heard a definite bump, but did not see anything.

He came to the conclusion that nothing untoward had happened. The following morning he went out into the fields and found the wrecked plane 200 yards from his home. The bodies of the six RAF men were recovered. The pilot was Canadian and the aircraft had come from a Buckinghamshire station."

I would really like to do some research on this, is there anyway you would be able to find the names of the casualties? The crash was in Hinckley in Leicestershire.

Thanks,

Kev.


Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Wednesday 11 June 08 13:26 BST (UK)
Hello Kev

The aircraft was Wellington X Serial number MF116 belonging to 26 Operational Training Unit.

It took off at 18.05 for an evening cross-country training exercise. Shortly before 23.40, the pilot made a distress call before crashing at Holt Farm, Sketchley, on the south side of Hinckley. Both Canadians rest at Chester (Blacon) Cemetery, while the others were  claimed by their relatives.

F/O N Chobaniuk RCAF
Sgt L G Good
Sgt J S Gunn
Sgt J W McMurdo RCAF
Sgt J Thompson
Sgt C D Parker

The actual reason for the crash doesn't seem to have been established.

HTH

K

EDIT: As a Flying Officer, Chobaniuk, may already have done a tour of duty. I shall ask the Canadian exports on rafcommands if the have any further info on him
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Wednesday 11 June 08 14:01 BST (UK)
kyt, very kind of you  to make this offer.

 If you have anything on Flight Sgt Charles Haley HARGREAVES, Aus 421596, 460th Squadron, Lancaster pilot killed March 31 1944 in the Nuremburg Raid I'd be most grateful to have that info. His base was Binbrook.

Any little snippet at all would be of interest.
Thank you,

charlotte
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Wednesday 11 June 08 14:34 BST (UK)
Hello Charlotte

Hargreaves' service file and casualty files have been digitised and are available on line:

Service File

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/imagine.asp?B=5529670&I=1&SE=1

Casualty File:

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/imagine.asp?B=1069802&I=1&SE=1

It appears that he enlisted 28/2/1942, and after a series of training posts, joined 460 Squadron on 15.1.1944.

From another, it appears that he was second pilot for a couple of missions (usually second pilots were assigned to existing cres for the experience), before he started flying his own crew' He was killed in Lancaster NB738 - do you have information on themission or would you like me to add them?

I need to check the Squadron ORB for details of missions flown etc, but I cannot do that today.

Have a look through his files, and then please ask if you have any specific questions.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Kevwood on Wednesday 11 June 08 16:33 BST (UK)
Hi Kyt,
 thank you very much that is fantastic, i am going to see what else i can find out about them and see if i can get the local paper to print a story.

Thanks again.

Kev.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Thursday 12 June 08 15:20 BST (UK)
K, Thank you so much for the info you have given me about my brother. I am going through it bit by bit and will take up your kind offer to explain things if I get to something I can't figure out.
The urls are marvellous- I had no idea such files are available.  Reading the letters about getting permission to vist the grave brings back memories- it took years for the permission to come through to cross Europe which was then under 4 powers  occupation. The Aus War Museum has told us that our parents were the first Australians of whom they know to get this permission and travel through to Durnbach.

I'd be glad to have information about the mission if/when that is convenient.

Thank you again,
charlotte
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Thursday 12 June 08 18:12 BST (UK)
Hello Charlotte

I am glad to have been some help. I haven't had a chance to look through the squadron ORB yet, but will do so asap, to see if I can compile a list of missions he flew before the last one.

The mission on which he was killed was to Nuremburg, and the aircraft he was piloting was Lancaster ND738 (apologies, I made a mistake earlier).

They took off at 22.19 on the 30th from Binbrook. Nearing the target, they were shot down by a night-fighter and crashed with tremendous force at Ermreuth, 4 km WSW of the small town of Grafenberg. All are buried in Durnbach War Cemetery.

The crew were:
F/Sgt C H Hargreaves RAAF
Sgt D F Siddall
F/O J E Beaumont
F/Sgt W H Spargo RAAF
F/Sgt G D Moody
Sgt G Jones
Sgt A E Leggett

The raid was a major effort and the general details of the mission can be found in the Bomber Command Diaries:

"This would normally have been the moon stand-down period for the Main Force, but a raid to the distant target of Nuremberg was planned on the basis of an early forecast that there would be protective high cloud on the outward route, when the moon would be up, but that the target area would be clear for ground-marked bombing. A Meteorological Flight Mosquito carried out a reconnaissance and reported that the protective cloud was unlikely to be present and that there could be cloud over the target, but the raid was not cancelled.

795 aircraft were dispatched - 572 Lancasters, 214 Halifaxes and 9 Mosquitos. The German controller ignored all the diversions and assembled his fighters at 2 radio beacons which happened to be astride the route to Nuremberg. The first fighters appeared just before the bombers reached the Belgian border and a fierce battle in the moonlight lasted for the next hour. 82 bombers were lost on the outward route and near the target. The action was much reduced on the return flight, when most of the German fighters had to land, but 95 bombers were lost in all - 64 Lancasters and 31 Halifaxes, 11.9 per cent of the force dispatched. It was the biggest Bomber Command loss of the war.

Most of the returning crews reported that they had bombed Nuremberg but subsequent research showed that approximately 120 aircraft had bombed Schweinfurt, 50 miles north-west of Nuremberg. This mistake was a result of badly forecast winds causing navigational difficulties. 2 Pathfinder aircraft dropped markers at Schweinfurt. Much of the bombing in the Schweinfurt area fell outside the town and only 2 people were killed in that area. The main raid at Nuremberg was a failure. The city was covered by thick cloud and a fierce cross-wind which developed on the final approach to the target caused many of the Pathfinder aircraft to mark too far to the east. A 10-mile-long creepback also developed into the countryside north of Nuremberg. Both Pathfinders and Main Force aircraft were under heavy fighter attack throughout the raid. Little damage was caused in Nuremberg.
"

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Friday 13 June 08 02:44 BST (UK)
Thank you for that K. 
Some years back I read a book on the Nuremberg raid which said about the weather forecast that three Australian Lancaster pilots, when they heard abt the weather forecast went to their Binbrook Station CO and asked why the raid  was being proceeded with, given the foreacst.  I also read that Bomber Harris had been told that his strategy of mass bombing cities had to end by 31 March- the order came from Churchill I think.  It was suggested in the book that 30th March was his last chance to proceed with his strategy and despite controversy throughout the 30th March at the HQ about the weather forecast  he persisted...
Any comments on this in your books etc?

charlotte
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Friday 13 June 08 09:02 BST (UK)
Hello Charlotte

The weather reports may well have been mentioned by crews during their briefings. They would have probably have been "re-assured" with the fact that the Pathfinders were guiding them in.

March 31st, 1944 may well have been the date specified to Harris. Harris fought tooth and nail during the first months of 1944 for the Bomber Command Campaign to continue because he still believed that the Germans could be defeated by the destruction of their industries.

However, the planning for D-Day was well in hand, and part of that involved using BC to bomb railways, roads, emplacements etc across the whole of the French coast well before the invasion. This required BC squadrons to be put under Eisenhower's control. Harris resisted this until directly ordered by Churchill. The squadrons were only returned to Harris's full control about a month or so after D-Day.

K

EDIT: I've just rewritten this as I got the year completely wrong. I started writing about 1943, not 1944 - oops
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Saturday 14 June 08 07:31 BST (UK)
K, Didn't know that about Eisenhower's control.  I'm sure I read that about the disagreement  amongst the highups over the weather report and that Harris had been told 31st of March was when his chosen strategy had to end and so on.  Long time ago now. 
There is a book by Martin Middlebrook on the Nuremberg raid and maybe the incident of the three pilots at Binbrook was mentioned there.
Thanks for you help and anything else that comes your way about 460th Squadron would be of interest.

Thanks again,
charlotte
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Saturday 14 June 08 13:08 BST (UK)
Hi Charlotte

There appears to be a discrepancy between his personnel file and the squadron records because he is shown as having been posted to the squadron on 15 March, along with Spargo.

I've had a chance to go through the Squadron ORB and these are the details of your brother's missions:

Mission 1 (page 114) – Stuttgurt 15/3/1944.  Flew as second pilot in the crew of  P/O R A N Douglass in JB558 Took off 19.14. Landed 00.26

Mission 2 (page 124) – Frankfurt 22/3/1944. Flew as Pilot ND364. The crew was the same as his final mission except the Mid Upper Gunner was a Sgt T F J  Waller. Interestingly the pilot’s comments on returning are recorded in the ORB. He stated “Should be a good prang, good route” (not sure what he meant as a “prang” was a crash) Took off 19.04. Landed 01.06

Mission 3 (page 130) – Berlin 24/3/1944. Pilot of  ND364. Waller is still MU Gunner. Took off 18.57 Landed 03.08. Pilot’s comments – “Coned* for 15 minutes in south (can’t make out name) area, and subjected to intense predicted accurate high flak. About two minutes after attacked by 3 fighters over 16 mins. Owe our lives to fishpond**”

*by searchlights
** fishpond was airborne radar to help in detecting enemy fighters

Mission 4 – (page 140) Essen 26/3/1944 Pilot of ND656. Took off  20.05 Landed 01.24. Pilot stated “Quiet trip, concentrated bombing and attack should be good in spite of cloud handicap”

Mission 5 - (page 148) Nuremberg Pilot of Lancaster ND738. Leggett has replaced Waller for some reason not mentioned. Details as posted in earlier post.

The page numbers refer to the ORB, which can be accessed at:

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/imagine.asp?B=1359212&I=1&SE=1

HTH

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Sunday 15 June 08 07:42 BST (UK)
K,
Thanks so much for all that and your very generous use of your time.  I can explain the Waller bit.  Tom Waller was in the crew usually but on the night of the Nuremberg raid he was ill and was replaced by Leggat I think it was.
Tom Waller survived the war and my parents came to know him well on visits to England. In memory of my brother Haley, Tom  called his first daughter after me.  Haley had apparently chatted on quite a bit about his kid sister.  Tom's daughter told me when staying with us that her father never really got over the fact the whole crew were lost while he survived etc.

In one of my brother's letter abt a raid there was something about getting caught in search light crossbeams for about 20 mins.. also on another raid his plane was damaged and he only just managed to get it back to England and had to land at an  airbase closer to the route he took than 460th's Binbrook.

I'll print all this off and send it to our still living brother who spent 6 yrs in the AIF in  the middle east and PNG. So I grew up in the midst  of all this- with a good brave father who survived Gallipoli and France & who then worked tirelessly for RSL and those returned soldiers who needed help.

What you have sent me is just great and thanks again.
charlotte
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Wednesday 02 July 08 20:53 BST (UK)
I'm bumping this up again in the hope that the moderators will make it a sticky.  Kyt is very knowledgeable and willingly shares his expertise.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: whpool on Thursday 03 July 08 06:36 BST (UK)
Hello Kyt,

I'm sorry my query is no where near as exciting as the previous requests.  I'm just after a bit of help.

All I know is that my dad enlisted in the RAF [not called up], but have no idea of his squadron/station - other than Appledore, Kent seems to come to mind.  He never went overseas, but my brother seems to think that dad was involved in security for some special mission to do with radar? up in Scotland.  Now that both mam and dad have gone, I don't know where to start with finding his records.
I'm pretty sure he was a leading aircraftsman. 

Any advice on where I should start would be most welcome.

Thank you.
Maureen
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Thursday 03 July 08 08:29 BST (UK)
I'm sorry my query is no where near as exciting as the previous requests.  I'm just after a bit of help.

Hi Maureen

All RAF queries are exciting to me :)

Quote
All I know is that my dad enlisted in the RAF [not called up], but have no idea of his squadron/station - other than Appledore, Kent seems to come to mind. 

Appledore was a radar base with CGI* and VEB** apparatus

* Ground-controlled interception - a chain of radar stations would be linked to a base and GCI station would help guide fighters to intercept oncoming enemy aircraft

** Variable Elevation Beam - this was special equipment that helped to accurately plot the height of enemy aircraft. Not all stations had them

Quote
He never went overseas, but my brother seems to think that dad was involved in security for some special mission to do with radar? up in Scotland. 

There were a number of radar installations up in Scotland, and a number of experimental bases (as Scotland was safer from enemy attack). I'm afraid special mission could be one of many things, and without a location of where he was actually based it is difficult to say more.

Your father may have been the guard detail as all radar stations were heavily guarded, both from possble enemy action and more curious locals.

Quote
Now that both mam and dad have gone, I don't know where to start with finding his records.
I'm pretty sure he was a leading aircraftsman. 

Any advice on where I should start would be most welcome.

His records can be obtained by following the instructions on the link below. They are pretty straightforward (include as much info as possible but they will understand if you haven't got a service number etc) but can be quite a wait for a reply. When requesting his records make sure to ask for photocopies of the originals - otherwise you end up with a typed summary which is next to useless.

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/raf.html
Quote

When you get the records get back to us if you need help with deciphering the information.

HTH

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Thursday 03 July 08 10:13 BST (UK)
KYT, Radar has been mentioned and that makes me wonder how commonly it was in use in Lancasters in 1944. Earlier you gave me the info below on Mission 3 and from this I concluded that haley had radar onboard.  the reason I amcurious about how widespread its use was  is that amongst his belongings is a ltter from our father congratulating him on being selected to trail some new radar gear.  Does this bring anything to mind for  you? Would this have been the fishpond Haley mentioned?
Any comments very much appreciated.. and thanks,
charlotte
~~~~~~~~---------
Mission 3 (page 130) – Berlin 24/3/1944. Pilot of  ND364. Waller is still MU Gunner. Took off 18.57 Landed 03.08. Pilot’s comments – “Coned* for 15 minutes in south (can’t make out name) area, and subjected to intense predicted accurate high flak. About two minutes after attacked by 3 fighters over 16 mins. Owe our lives to fishpond**”

*by searchlights
** fishpond was airborne radar to help in detecting enemy fighters
~~~~~~~~------------
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Thursday 03 July 08 11:55 BST (UK)
Fishpond was indeed a form of radar used on RAF bombers - it was an extension of a form of radar called H2S. H2S was used to "map" the ground to aid with targetting, and it was discovered that with a bit of additional equipment, it could also be used to warn of enemy aircraft approaching from below.

A favourite tactic of the Germans was to approach from below and attack the aircraft with upward firing cannons - usually aimed at the wings and the fuel tanks. The Lancaster was vulnerable to ths approach because it had no belly turrets and hence no one to warn the pilot of an impending attack.

H2S was first used in early 1943, and by 1944 was used widely on aircraft. However, it was still a specialised job given to the Radio Operator and those who had qualified before its wide usage had to go on special courses.

However, your brother was a pilot so neither H2S or Fishpond would have been his direct responsibility. He may have gone specialist crew training, as the system was being developed in 1943 whilst he was at his OTU. What is the date of the letter?

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Thursday 03 July 08 11:59 BST (UK)
Will have to dig it out  and get back to you kyt. I remember having read the letter but finding it ... well that's another matter.
I knew about the german guns being aimed upwards and hitting the planes belly but didn't know the Lancasters were especially vulnerable.  And so many Lancs went on that raid.

Thanks,
charlotte
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Thursday 03 July 08 12:08 BST (UK)
Lancaster belly guns had been trialed but not found to be very good. And for a long time the RAF authorities did not know what was happening to their aircraft and wouldn't believe the few survivors' stories. They carried on believing that the Germans were firing at the aircraft from below by climbing hard and pointing their nose guns (which meant that the aircraft would shoot past as it attacked and so the belly gunner wouldn't really get a good shot - in reality, the enemy aircaft crawled along below the Lancaster until in position, and had a lot more time to do it)

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Thursday 03 July 08 13:24 BST (UK)
Thanks for that kyt. 
My brother's plane seems to have been brought down by another type of shot--- after the war my parents went to Germany and met the girl and her father, the mayor of the town near which the Lancaster had come down and who had gone out that night to the downed plane.    They said my brother, in the cockpit, had been shot in the head, so the gun fire must have come through the cockpit windows.
charlotte
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Aulus on Friday 25 July 08 17:28 BST (UK)
Hello kyt,

Just wondering if there's anything you can add to what I've already discovered/been told about my great uncle, William Edward Collis? 

Born 25 May 1918 in Forest Gate, London

CWGC info:
Name: COLLIS, WILLIAM EDWARD
Initials: W E
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant (Obs.)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 57 Sqdn.
Age: 24
Date of Death: 20/06/1942
Service No: 930440
Additional information: Son of James William Collis, and of Rosetta Florence Collis. of Ilford Essex.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Grave 2.
Cemetery: HELLENDOORN GENERAL CEMETERY

Lostbombers.co.uk (http://www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=5000) info:

Wellington Z1611 Information
Type    Wellington
Serial Number    Z1611
Squadron    57
X1D    DX-R
Operation    Emden
Date 1    19th June 1942
Date 2    20th June 1942

Further Information

"Serial Range Z1592 - Z1626. 35 Wellington Mk.111 Part of a batch of 440 Wellington Mk/1C/1V/111. Z1040-Z1054; Z1066-Z1115; Z1139-Z1181 108 Mk.1C delivered by Vickers (Chester) between May41 and Mar42. Z1071; Z1150 converted to Mk.XV1. Z1182-Z1183; Z1202-Z1221; Z1243-Z1292; Z1311-Z1345; Z1375-Z1424; Z1459-Z1496 195 Mk.1V delivered by Vickers (Chester) between Jun41 and Mar42. Z1562-Z1578; Z1592-Z1626; Z1648-Z1697; Z1717-Z1751 137 Mk.111 delivered by Vickers (Chester) between Nov41 and May42. Airborne 2345 19Jun42 from Feltwell. Shot down by a night-fighter (Oblt Viktor Bauer, 111./NJG1) and crashed 0237 20Jun42 near Rhaan (Overijssel), 5 km N of Hellendoorn, Holland. At 24 years of age, Sgt Collis was the eldest; his skipper, Sgt Ashworth was the yougest in the crew, being aged just 19. Sgt D.W.Ashworth KIA Sgt W.E.Collis KIA Sgt B.Chadwick KIA Sgt H.A.Payne KIA Sgt C.J.Morgan KIA "
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Friday 25 July 08 18:58 BST (UK)
Hi Aulus

I don't have much more than you have at the moment.

The Bomber Command Diaries states:

185 aircraft of 5 types attacked.

8 aircraft - 3 Wellingtons, 2 Stirlings, 1 Halifax and 1 Lancaster were lost

Only part of the bomber force identified the target. Emden reports about 100 houses damaged and 1 person injured.


I shall have look to see if I can add anything more

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Friday 25 July 08 19:23 BST (UK)
Just to add that the attacker was more likely to be Herbert Lutje not Bauer. Lutje made a claim for a Wellington over Raalte, which is very close to the crash site, a few minutes before the crash.

Viktor Bauer was a famous ace but mainly on the Eastern front. And he made claims for some Mig-3s on that date, which places him in the wrong place. Lostbombers seem to have confused him with Martin Bauer of NJG1, who also made a claim for a Wellington that night.

Lostbombers has a number of mistakes and one needs to be careful in using it.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kennyg on Friday 25 July 08 20:05 BST (UK)
Hi Kyt,

Thanks for offer.

I am trying to track down more information on my Great Uncle - John David Gibb.
 
I believe he died as a Pilot Under Training at 22 AS in Vereeniging on 29th February 1944.  His service number was 1672288 suggesting he enlisted at RAF Padgate in 1941.  He is listed on the CWGC site as David John Gibb.

Family stories suggest he hit power lines.  I'd like to be able to track down his service record and to confirm the circumstances of his death.

Anything you can tell me would be gratefully received!

Kenny
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Friday 25 July 08 20:26 BST (UK)
Hi Kenny

he was killed in Harvard 7456 (ex RAF serial EX829), Crashed near Bankfontein when the aircraft failed to pull out of a dive. There are no mention of any powerlines. And no other casualties are mentioned so he may have been flying solo.

Sorry, those are the only details I have to hand.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kennyg on Friday 25 July 08 20:41 BST (UK)
Hi Kyt,

Thanks - every little helps!

Could you suggest how I might go about tracking his service record - if he joined in 1941 it seems to be a while before he started pilot training!

Regards,

Kenny
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Friday 25 July 08 20:47 BST (UK)
I'm afraid only Next of Kin can apply for WW2 service records. So if you aren't NoK you will need the appropriate person to apply. If no-one else can be found, then you maybe eligible but you will need to provide evidence.

How to apply and the form to do so (you will need to send £30 as well) can be found here:

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/raf.html

If you do decide to apply then make sure to ask for photocopies of the originals. Otherwise you get a typed summary which is pretty useless.

And he may have enlisted as groundcrew before being chosen for flight training later.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Aulus on Monday 28 July 08 18:18 BST (UK)
Just to add that the attacker was more likely to be Herbert Lutje not Bauer. Lutje made a claim for a Wellington over Raalte, which is very close to the crash site, a few minutes before the crash.

Viktor Bauer was a famous ace but mainly on the Eastern front. And he made claims for some Mig-3s on that date, which places him in the wrong place. Lostbombers seem to have confused him with Martin Bauer of NJG1, who also made a claim for a Wellington that night.

Lostbombers has a number of mistakes and one needs to be careful in using it.

K

Thanks for this, and for the information on the raid on Emden.  You must have some comprehensive records at your fingertips!  I am much obliged to you.

Do we know any more about Herbert Lutje?

I presume there are no other publicly accessible records that will tell any more about my William Edward Collis' career in the RAF?  I don't think I'd be able to get his service record as his sister's children (last heard of in Canada and with no known contact details - indeed, although she'd be very old, their mother may still be alive) are closer relatives than I am (great-nephew).

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Monday 28 July 08 19:50 BST (UK)
It seems to have been 6th "victory":

http://www.luftwaffe.cz/lutje.html

It maybe possible to find out when the crew joined the squadron, and which missions they were on, but it would require a visit to Kew to look at the Operations Squadron Book for the squadron.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: victoriajoule on Saturday 23 August 08 16:20 BST (UK)
Hi Kyt - I would love to take you up on your offer of help....if you can help me!

I have my grandfathers service records (he was career RAF) so know details of where he was posted, Squadrons etc but interestingly they don't mention anything about his internment during the war...which is a family story.  I know that the story has some basis in fact as my father remembers seeing the telegram saying his father was missing presumed dead however we have no real fact about it which we would like to try and piece together.

My grandfathers name was Charles Jowsey and during the war he was stationed in Africa.  The family story is somewhat muddled but it says that he was on a boat leaving Africa which was torpedo'd. I am not sure which way around this goes but we believe he was interned by the Vichy French, but also that he was either picked up or released by the Americans and shipped back to Europe via America. 

We don't know what is fact and when this happened so any suggestions about I can find out about it would be useful?



Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Saturday 23 August 08 16:53 BST (UK)
Hi Victoria

He doesn't appear on any POW list, nor did any communication of being Missing end up in the The Times or the Flight Magazine. So if he was reported missing/POW it was for a very short time.

Could you list some of the units he was with, trade, rank etc. If you do not wish to do so on the boards then PM them to me.

If we can get a timescale when he was possibly torpedoed, then I know someone who could help as he has done a lot of research on ships carrying POWs in the Med that were lost.

Howevr, I should point out that Vichy prisoners are rather harder to track down as they weren't reported to the Red Cross as efficiently as by the Germans etc.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: victoriajoule on Saturday 23 August 08 17:31 BST (UK)
Thanks Kyt - I have PM'd you the info

Victoria !
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: binbrook74 on Tuesday 02 September 08 01:06 BST (UK)
Hi kyt
I am new to this site and live in england .
I found it whilst searching information on raf binbrook and 460 sqn.
I have seen your link to the 460 sqn orb but i have tried searching the archives for anything binbrook related and came up with nothing.
Not even the orb doesnt show up.
Maybe you could help me or find out for me what they have and is available to view if you would be most kind.
I have gathered a considerable amount of information on 460 sqn and trying to conatact any former crew or family as planning on writing a book on this once raf base so if anyone out there who was either stationed at binbrook who had a member of there family based there please get in touch as would love to hear from you.
Many thanks in advance
Darren
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Tuesday 02 September 08 01:24 BST (UK)
Darren, Welcome to rootscaht.

My brother Flt Sgt Charles Haley Hargreaves Aus 421596 was a Lancaster pilot and stationed T Binbrook at the time of the Nurneberg raid march 30 1944 when he was shot down and killed..
What are you looking for in info?

charlotte
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: binbrook74 on Tuesday 02 September 08 01:30 BST (UK)
Hi there
Many thanks for your reply so quickly.
I am interested in anything binbrook related as like i said i am collecting all information for a future publication on the base.
Do you have any photos or anything binbrook related which i could possibly have a copy of as trying to contact former 460 sqn crew is proving to be very hard .
Thanks again
I cand send you my email address if that is any good ,
Cheers
Darren
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: binbrook74 on Tuesday 02 September 08 01:33 BST (UK)
I know 3 of 460 sqn a/c were lost on that raid last night .
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Tuesday 02 September 08 01:38 BST (UK)
Haley was one of the three...shot down over Grafenburg There is a book on that raid.. by Martin Middlebrook I think his name was ... if you want the name of the book I could ask my other brother for it...

kyt, hope you don't mind me chatting to Binbrook74 on the thread...?
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: binbrook74 on Tuesday 02 September 08 01:50 BST (UK)
I think i have that book somewhere but just moved house so boxes to unpack still.
I shall have to look to see if i can find some pics of your brothers plane .
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Tuesday 02 September 08 01:54 BST (UK)
When you unpack, if you do find anything about Haley, I'd be glad to know.  Kyt has been great in helping but one never knows what tiny bit of new info fleshes out exisiting data.
It's 64 yrs ago but seems like yesterday that the cable came.

charlotte
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Tuesday 02 September 08 01:59 BST (UK)


Hi Darren and welcome to RootsChat ! :)

You've probably seen this already ( maybe even yours !!  :) ) ... but I'll post it just in case !!

http://home.st.net.au/~dunn/binbrook.htm !

Annie  :)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Tuesday 02 September 08 02:01 BST (UK)


I found this Charlotte !

Quote
On the evening of March 30,1944, 782 bombers preparing to depart for Nuremberg.

The stream this night was to be 68 miles long. It was designed to pass over Nuremberg in 17 minutes, to concentrate the destructive power of the raid.

It was dusk by the time the last Bombers lifted into the sky. When the planes got above the clouds though, and started to form up into the stream, all the air crews were struck by the same unfamiliar and unwelcome feeling. In the moonlight they were fully exposed and vulnerable.

Some navigators turned on their new H2S Radar, not realizing that instantly gave away their position to German Fighter Squadrons.

On the night of the Nuremberg raid, 96 bombers failed to return. 545 Airmen died, more airmen killed in one night than died during the entire Battle of England

http://www.feldgrau.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=8572
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Tuesday 02 September 08 02:07 BST (UK)
Thanks Annie... terrible story..
I read somewhere that 3 Aus pilots at Binbrook, when the briefing was over and they knew about the weather report and no cloud cover, went to see the CO to protest... now that's pretty extremeb behavious i'd think. My brother had a strong character but wasn't a trouble maker when it came to duty, but he was very rational ... my guess is he was one of them.

I'd love to be able to relocate that reference. Silly me didn't note it at the time.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Tuesday 02 September 08 08:31 BST (UK)
My, aren't we all a chatty bunch ;)

Hi Darren

I have a feeling that you have probably got most the info/sources that I could mention, but just incase:

Offence to Defence: History of Royal Air Force Binbrook by S. Scott (ISBN: 1870384075) (only a small booklet really)

No 460 Squadron Memorial Binbrook, Lincolnshire Series number A3211, Control Symbol 1973/1486 (not yet digitised but can be ordered from http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ResearcherScreen.asp )

http://www.gordonstooke.com/460squadron/contents.htm

and type in Binbrook into the Flight Magazine Archive search and you will find lots of mentions http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/index.html

BTW - are you saying that you have been unable to access the Squadron ORB that I linked?

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: binbrook74 on Tuesday 02 September 08 18:53 BST (UK)
Hi thanks for that info kyt.
I have the book on binbrook by stewrt scott and know him too.
I have been able to access the 460 orb but wondered if there was any other binbrook related material on there as cant work the site out .Maybe you could find out for me if possible.
Cheers
Darren .
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Wednesday 03 September 08 02:23 BST (UK)
KYT...  a question about an RAF chaplain.. in WW2 there was an  chaplain- Anglican I'd think- named Gower-Williams.. had a wife name unknown and a daughter, Joy, who was alsoin the armed forces- RAF if I remember correctly.

Is there anything in your reference material that would tell a little about him?  He was very kind to my brother, and the Gower-Williams made him very at home at their place.

maybe thi sis outside your field on reference... but just asking in case...

charlotte

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Wednesday 03 September 08 02:59 BST (UK)
I cannot find an RAF Chaplain by that name but there was an Army one called Lewis St. Clair Gower Williams MC. He had been a Lt in the South Wales Borders until 1926, before transferring to the RACD.

He is then a curate in Surrey in the early 1950s. He passed away on 15 April 1977

I don't know if this is the same man as you were after but is the only one listed as a Chaplain in the LG. However, this Gower Williams had two daughters called Lulu and Vivien Joy, so seems a pretty good match.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Wednesday 03 September 08 12:15 BST (UK)
Kyt, You got it in one... "my" Gower-Williams had a daughter  called Joy.

Don't know how my brother became friendly with them but they took him in 1943-44 and cabled my parents when he was his MIA.

Thank you. 
charlotte
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Wednesday 03 September 08 12:36 BST (UK)
It maybe worth trying to find out where he may have been based during the war, as many people befriended RAF men based in their locality, often sending an open invitation to a local airfield.

I don't know how one would go about researching a Vicar's "assignments" but someone may know.

Just as an additional bit of information. Vivien Joy's engagement to a Candian pilot was announced in The Times on 7th March 1945. Sadly he was killed 2 weeks later during Operation Varsity (the crossing of the Rhine) in Halifax NA311 (24th March 1945):

F/O D.R. McGillivray RCAF - Pilot - killed
W/O J.E. Bunn RCAF - Tail Gunner - killed
F/O G. Dixon RAFVR - W/Op - killed
F/O E.M. Hales RAFVR - Air Bomber - killed
F/Sgt J.B. Walker RAFVR - Navigator - killed
F/Sgt A. Aherne RAFVR - Flt Engr - killed

McGillivray's details on the CWGC give no personal information, but the engagement announcement states that he was from Vancouver.

Very sad.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: charlotteCH on Wednesday 03 September 08 12:47 BST (UK)
Kyt, Thank you so much for that additional info.. I often wondered what happened to the family and Joy in particular.  How sad for her.  I have photos of her here from my brother's album... maybe she was the link for him to her parents  . I do know that he spent a week at a time at her parents even though he had swarms of relatives in England..
They were a very kind family and poor Joy.

Thank you kyt,

charlotte
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: dragonq on Saturday 06 September 08 02:15 BST (UK)
Hi,

I am also researching my late uncle, John Adolphe Prior, who died on 7th August 1944 in a gardening mission to Brest. His plane, LK383 OJ-A, was the last Stirling lost on a bombing mission during the war. We believe it was taken out by flak over Brest. The plane was lost without trace, believed crashed into the sea.

I am in the process of trying to trace the other crew members, who were

DOUGLAS ALAN MOORE ADAMS (PILOT) of Derby, husband of Maud Elizabeth Adams
JOHN PRIOR (NAVIGATOR) of Wolverhampton (my uncle)
EARL STANLEY CARY of Vancouver (from the RCAF, believed to be another pilot flying second dickey), son of Ernest Albert and Ida Catherine Cary
JOHN EDWARD ASHFIELD CUTHBERT of Stroud, husband of J.M. Cuthbert and son of Edward and M. Cuthbert
TERRY KILCOYNE of Blaxton, Yorkshire, son of John and Rowena Kilcoyne
JOHN WILLIAM ROBINSON of Middlewich, Cheshire, son of Levi and Martha Ann Robinson
LESLIE HARRY MERCER of Tunbridge Wells, husband of D.M. Mercer

The first thing I want to do is to sort out the other members of the crew by role, ie, who was the rear gunner, etc. I also want to find out a little bit about the men, and if there are relatives out there, it would be wonderful to contact them.

A web page is being set up for this plane. Unfortunately it is in French, but there is still a lot of information if you can read that language. Hopefully an English web page may follow if I can get together enough information.

http://www.absa39-45.asso.fr/Pertes%20Bretagne/Finistere/7%20aout%201944/7_aout_44.htm



Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Saturday 06 September 08 02:24 BST (UK)


Hi dragonq and welcome to RootsChat !  :D

You probably have this already ... but I found this ...

http://www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=6346

The experts will be along later !!  :D

Annie  :)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: dragonq on Saturday 06 September 08 04:05 BST (UK)
Thanks for the tip, Annie : I do know the Lost Bombers website and have found it very useful.

I really wish I had found this thread yesterday, before I posted off the request for my uncle's service record. I've just read kyt's advice to ask for a photocopy, which of course, never occurred to me. I just assumed that was what I would get. I suppose I am now going to get a piece of paper with next to nothing typed on it, which is infuriating, considering with the bank draft it cost me A$85. I suppose it is totally pointless to write again after the fact, as they must get many dozens of applications every day.

If I may make a suggestion to anyone else who is researching RAF planes lost in Brittany, the people at the specialist French internet site, ABSA, have been absolutely fabulous to deal with. They have given me so much help, we now know more about the loss of my uncle's plane than anyone in the family for sixty-four years. They've even set up a special page for my uncle's plane, the address of which I quoted in my previous post. The site address for their forum is http://absa39-45.forumpro.fr/forum.htm and I heartily recommend it. It probably helps if you can read and post in French, but I do note that some people write in other languages.

I do hope some of you can help me with my uncle's elusive crew. By the way, here is a picture, which may help. My uncle is the very tall fellow on the far left. I don't know the names of the other men in the photo but suspect they may be some of the other crew members of the lost plane. Sorry for the poor quality of the snap.


Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Colin Cruddace on Saturday 06 September 08 15:57 BST (UK)
Hi,

I am hoping that someone might be able to help with finding the circumstances of the death of a young Australian pilot.
Flying Officer William Gordon Craig (surname originally Crapp)
431 squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, based at Croft, North Riding of Yorks.
Awarded DFC, (LG 13th Oct 1944)
Married on 10th Aug 1944 to Olive Mary Swainston (my Mother's cousin)
Death certificate details-
Died 8th April 1945, age 23, at 16 Acre Plantation, Wroot Road, Blaxton, Don Valley, West Riding of Yorks.
Notification was by Certificate received from R H Young, G/Capt., Officer Commanding, which gave occupation as - Flying Officer DFC, No. Aus 416549, Pilot, 20 Operational Training Unit, Royal Air Force.
Cause of death - Due to War Operations.

His funeral and burial took place in Darlington on 10th April 1945.

431 was a bomber squadron, flying Halifax and then Lancaster bombers. I have found another source which says his death was accidental and he was with Unit 3 Flying Instructors School RAF, so it's possible that he was not flying a mission at the time.

I was originally contacted by a relative of the Craig/Crapp family, and I understand that she has applied for the service records, but other posts seem to suggest that they might be of no help, so any pointers would be very much appreciated.

Regards,
Colin
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Saturday 06 September 08 16:29 BST (UK)
Hi Colin

Craig was killed whilst with the Bomber Command Instructors' School, based at RAF Finningley  - a unit set up to train experienced aircrew as Instructors for Operational Training Units etc.

Wellington LN585

F/L G A Clark (killed)
F/O W G Craig DFC RAAF (killed)
F/O G Lofthouse DFC (injured)
F/Sgt B F Griggs (killed)

Took off from Finningley to practice overshooting on one engine and while doing so (with the starboard motor feathered) crashed off a slow turn to the right and burst into flames, the time of the tragedy being reported as 1600. F/L Clark was cremated in Sheffield, Craig, who had married Olive Mary Craig of Darlington, was buried in the West Cemetery.  Lofthouse was treated at Doncaster Royal Infirmary. He received his DFC with 626 Squadron in 1945, whilst Craig had received his with 431 Squadron

details from Bomber Command Losses Volume 8 by Chorley

HTH
K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: ike on Saturday 06 September 08 18:40 BST (UK)
hi there, i dont know if you can help me. im look for archibald edward goodall, i think an air marshaller and was thought to have been killed in egypt during the second world war
thanks for you time
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Saturday 06 September 08 18:51 BST (UK)


I can't answer your question but it looks like somebody else is looking for your Archibald also Ike !

http://www.forcesreunited.org.uk/forum/displaytopic.asp?T=16099&P=1

Annie  :)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Colin Cruddace on Saturday 06 September 08 19:11 BST (UK)
Hi K,

Thanks very much for those details, and the fast reply. It has answered the question as to how he died, but makes it even more tragic to find that he died on a practice run. It just goes to show what dangers these brave young men must have faced, over and above enemy actions.

Would you happen to know if all the crew were being trained, or would F/L Clark be an Instructor?

Regards,
Colin



Craig was killed whilst with the Bomber Command Instructors' School, based at RAF Finningley  - a unit set up to train experienced aircrew as Instructors for Operational Training Units etc.

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Saturday 06 September 08 19:25 BST (UK)
I'm afraid my source doesn't say, except that Clark was the pilot.

Unfortunately Craig's files have not been digitised on the NAA but you could ask for copies:

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/Login.htm

Click on "Guest"

Search for "416549" - his service number. Don't bother with the first file as that refers to another operational loss in which he was involved.

Surprisingly there appears to be no Casualty Repatriation file for his final crash, but one of the other two may give indications to when he was transferred to the BCIS - this would then indicate whether he was being trained, or had been there long enough to have indertaken the course itself and become a master Instructor

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Colin Cruddace on Saturday 06 September 08 20:40 BST (UK)
I'm afraid my source doesn't say, except that Clark was the pilot.

Unfortunately Craig's files have not been digitised on the NAA but you could ask for copies:

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/Login.htm

Click on "Guest"

Search for "416549" - his service number. Don't bother with the first file as that refers to another operational loss in which he was involved.

Surprisingly there appears to be no Casualty Repatriation file for his final crash, but one of the other two may give indications to when he was transferred to the BCIS - this would then indicate whether he was being trained, or had been there long enough to have indertaken the course itself and become a master Instructor

K

Thanks once again K, I appreciate your time and experience.

I searched, as you advised, and the first one appears to be the Casualty Repatriation -
Title
CRAIG, William Gordon - (Flying Officer); Service Number - 416549; File type - Casualty - Repatriation; Aircraft - Wellington LN 585; Place - Finningley Yorks, United Kingdom; Date - 10 April 1945

The second refers to the Australian War Memorial, and the third, I think, is a personnel file, but the access status is 'not yet examined' so may not be available.

Have I found the same records, or is my delicate shade of green showing through?

Regards,
Colin
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: ike on Monday 08 September 08 18:20 BST (UK)
thank you
 yes thats my post but hes doesn't seem to want to be found
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Monday 08 September 08 19:12 BST (UK)
Hi Ike,

I've also done a thorough search of the CWGC, Flight magazine, and The Times, but to no avail. Have you looked in the overseas death registers? If not, someone may have access to them here, or ask on http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/index.php

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: ike on Monday 08 September 08 19:38 BST (UK)
thanks all i have of him is his birth cert and a ww1 pic.
any way thanks for your help
fran
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Bad_Angel32 on Tuesday 09 September 08 01:31 BST (UK)
Hi KTY

I was wondering if you could help me my grandfather worked for the RAF in ww2 as an enginer and i have been trying to find out info on him as there have been family rumers that he was at pearl harbour and was sent to the baharma's to recoup but i can not find any info on the RAF being at pearl harbour.
i would be most greatful if you have any info that could shed some light on the old rumer
oh... my grandfathers name was frances Eaglestone RAF no: 1265484

Thank you for your time Carrie
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Tuesday 09 September 08 11:20 BST (UK)
Hi Carrie

I have never heard of any RAF personnel at Pearl Harbor during the attack. Until the day of the attack the US was officially neutral and took great pains in making sure that any RAF presence in the country (usually there to either train or buy aircraft) was kept low key. This included personnel not wearing their uniforms in a number of places and always having USAAF "minders". There were a number of personnel on the mainland on the 7th Dec, but not that I know of at Pearl Harbor. I just cannot imagine why they would be there. The family stories may have mixed up the simaltaneous attacks by the Japanese on Malaya/Singapore.

But, of course, I could be wrong. Have you applied for his service records. That would indicate what units he was with, and so locations and missions.

If you apply, then ask for photocopies of the originals:

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/raf.html

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Greywolf on Sunday 14 September 08 16:23 BST (UK)
KYT,

First post from a newbie!

Can you help me with any information about 166 Squadron please? Websites, documents, places to go...whatever.

Best regards

Allan
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Monday 15 September 08 21:37 BST (UK)
Hi Allan

Unfortunately there isn't much in the way of information on the net that gives more than the barest of info:

http://www.rafweb.org/Sqn166-170.htm
http://www.raf.mod.uk/bombercommand/h166.html

There are a couple of books giving general history, or written by members of the squadron:

Letters from a Bomber Pilot by David Hodgson  ISBN: 042301630X

Bomber Intelligence: 103, 150, 166, 170 Squadrons R.A.F. - Operations and Techniques, 1942-45 by William E. Jones ISBN: 0904597385

On Wings of War: the history of 166 Squadron by Jim Wright. ISBN: 0952847604

Wright also runs (ran?) squadron association:

166 Squadron J W Wright, C.Eng, AMIME, MIE, 4 Parkway East, Kirby Park, Merseyside, L32 2BY

Is there something specific you are looking for?

K

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Monday 15 September 08 21:48 BST (UK)


Hi Allan and welcome to RootsChat !  :)

Heres a couple of sites that may give you some background ideas .....

No.166 Squadron was first formed in 1918. The Squadron was reformed in 1936 as a heavy-bomber squadron. Just after the outbreak of war 166 became a No. 6 Group training squadron, merging with No. 97 Squadron and SHQ Abingdon to form No. 10 OTU in April 1940.

No. 166 Squadron re-formed in January 1943, at Kirmington, Lincolnshire as a bomber squadron flying Wellingtons and from September 1943, Lancasters.

Airfields at which No. 166 Squadron were based:

Leconfield. Jan 1937 to Sept 1939
Abingdon Sept 1939 to Apr 1940
Jurby. detachment from Feb 1940 to Apr 1940
Kirmington. from Jan 1943

http://www.wartimememories.co.uk/allied/royalairforce/166sqd-raf.html

http://www.wartimememories.co.uk/airfields/kirmington.html
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Greywolf on Monday 15 September 08 22:25 BST (UK)
Annie and KYT - thank you.

The reason I want information is because I've recently found that my father was a flight sergeant with 166 during the bulk of WWII. I just wanted to know what sort of squadron they were, if they were purely training or whether they were involved in bombing raids,...as much gen as possible.

Dad never spoke of his flying days and, like a fool, I never asked him. Too late now, but any "fleshing out" of the Squadron will be most welcome.

Mr Wright has a phone number at the address given, so I'll contact him.

But any more info would still be welcome!!

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Tony55 on Monday 15 September 08 23:14 BST (UK)
Hi kyt,

I wonder if you could point me in the right direction to find any information on a Sgt J.W.Unett ..service no-638891 who flew with 235 Sqn.
He was killed in action on 27/12/1940 flying in a Blenheim Mk IVF , i've found his CWGC entry and i have his service medals and his entry details on the Battle of Britain site but we'd realy like some more detailed information on any missions he would have taken part in,
Thanking you in advance for any help you may be able to give,
Best wishes, Tony

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Tuesday 16 September 08 00:55 BST (UK)
Hi Tony

Unett was killed with 22 Squadron, not 235. 22 was a Coastal Command squadron flying Beauforts.

On this particular day he was part of a crew who took off in the afternoon, with two other Beauforts, for anti-shipping mission off the coast of Holland. The aircraft was (Beaufort N1118) was shotdown by heavy flak (from the ships) at 17.59 and crashed into the sea 25 miles west of Texal.

The crew were:

Squadron Leader D V W FRANCIS
Flying Officer E PENNINGTON
Sergeant R J FARTHING
Sergeant J W UNETT

All except Unett are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, which implies that his body was washed up later, buried locally and then buried at Sage after the war.

This is the little information I have on him (from The Men of the battle of Britain by Wynn):

Quote
Unett, of Exeter, joined the RAF in March 1939 as an Aircrafthand. He later remustered as an airman under-training Wop/AG and with training completed, he joined 22 Squadron in May 1940. He was attached to 235 Squadron from August 4th but was back on operations with 22 by September 3rd

As a Coastal Command squadron, 22 would have been involved during the early part of the Battle of Britainin anti-shipping attacks, and attacks against the barges being collected for the invasion of Britain. By the time of his death the squadron was basically concentrating on attacking small shipping alongthe french and Dutch coasts.

The squadron has an association that would be worth contacting as they may have the squadron ORBs that would detail which missions he was on etc:

http://www.22squadronassociation.org.uk/

K

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: dragonq on Tuesday 16 September 08 07:08 BST (UK)
Have just found a picture labelled B Flight, 2 Squadron, No 8 ITW, Newquay, October 7th 1942. My uncle, John Adolphe Prior (later 149 Squadron) is the blond man on the end of the back row.

Would be interested if anyone could let me know what the context of the picture is. By the way, if anyone would like a copy at a better resolution, I will be happy to supply it. Please send me a PM.

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: percy porter on Tuesday 16 September 08 10:05 BST (UK)
Try googling 8 ITW Newquay if you haven't already done so there is a lot of info there.

The pic will be a class photo, the white on the hats indicates they are under training and the instructors are in the centre front row.

ITW = Initial Training Wing.

Alan NZ
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Tuesday 16 September 08 10:07 BST (UK)
ITW was Initial Training Wing. Number 8 ITW  was based at Trebarwith Hotel, Newquay.

ITWs were where initial entries into the RAF began their traing*, and included all the basics of military training like marching etc. But also included academic subjects like maths, navigation etc. If they passed they eithr then went to an Elementary Flying School, usually in Canada or Observer/Air Gunnery School.

Here is a good example of what an ITW was like:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/26/a3130426.shtml

*If thy had been selected for aircrew training. Otherwise they went to a Ground Training School

EDIT: Alan beat me to it :)

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: exeter dweller on Tuesday 16 September 08 18:27 BST (UK)
Hello Kyt

I have just found your thread and wonder if you can find any information for the following person John Francis Xavier McKenna.

Family stories in my Wife's family say he is related to my Wife's family. I have not found definitive proof as yet.

Per his birth certificate John Francis Xavier McKenna was born on 20/12/1906 at 9 Ruvigny Mansions Putney. Father John Charles Xavier McKenna Mother Elizabeth Birbeck McKenna nee Terry.

Per the internet Francis X McKennna was the Commandant of the Empire Flying School based at Boscombe Down. I have contacted Qinetiq who now run the facility at Boscombe Down who confirm that he was killed whilst test flying a Mustang aircraft. I found the details on the internet but cannot put my hands on the print out I made at the time. Following his death The Mckenna Trophy was named in his honour. If I can confirm the family connection I have an open invitation to one of the annual dinners held at Boscombe Down when that year's winner is awarded the McKenna Trophy.

I know TSGT Francis X McKenna died on 22/04/1944 and is buried at the Cambridge American Cemetery Cambridge England. The details state he entered service from Pennsylvania.

I have also found details of his funeral at Times on line.

I wonder if you can confirm any details in your resources that might mention any RAF service during WW2. I am a bit concerned that John Francis Xavier McKenna (per birth certificate) is not the same person as Francis Xavier McKenna may explain why he is buried in the American Cemetery and why he entered the service from America.

I am unable to request his Service Records as I cannot confirm (at the moment) who is the next of kin.

Thanks in advance

Gary
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Tuesday 16 September 08 19:50 BST (UK)
Hi Gary

I'm afraid you are mixing up two different McKennas.

Technical Sergeant Francis X. McKenna belonged to 754th Bomber Squadron of the United States Air Force. He was killed when his aircraft (B-24 Serial Number: 42-52353) was shotdown over England by a German night fighter. He was from PHILADELPHIA and was born in 1922. He enlisted in the USAAF in 1942.

John Francis Xavier McKenna, as you stated was killed when his Mustang (Serial Number KH648) crashed due a failure on the wing. This McKenna had been the RAF since at least 1926 (that is the first London Gazette entry). He took over as Commandant of ETPS in 1944.

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2709969

He was a pilot with 23 Squadron (RAF) in 1930. In 1932 he was transferred to the Experimental Section, Royal Aircraft Establishment  in Farnborough, which is understandable as he had spent the last two years representing the RAF in all sorts of flying displays and competitions.

He was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1939 (before the start of the war). Unfortunately, I do not have any more information of his movements between 1932 and 1944, but it sounds like he was on the experimental side for most of that time. I have a book on Boscombe somewhere - when I locate it I shall have a look through.

I don't know if any of this helps. I shall keep looking and get back to you if I find anything more.

K



Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: exeter dweller on Tuesday 16 September 08 21:07 BST (UK)
Hello Kyt

Thank you for your quick response.

Thank you for clearing up the two McKennas. I had not thought of searching on the CWGC site as I wrongly assumed as he did not die in combat then he would not be buried in a CWGC grave.

I look forward to hearing from you with any further information you can find.

Reards

Gary

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Tuesday 16 September 08 21:25 BST (UK)
All deaths for military personnel, whatever the cause of death, and all civilians killed by enemy action, are listed on the CWGC. So always worth a look  :)

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Tony55 on Wednesday 17 September 08 07:33 BST (UK)
Hi again kyt,

sorry for the delay in replying but thanks very much for Your quick response and thanks very much for the information and putting me right on his squadron number and the link!   :)

i'll certainly get in touch with the association and see if they have any more information.

once again thanks very much.

Best wishes, Tony
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Wednesday 17 September 08 08:45 BST (UK)
Hi Tony,

From RAF Coastal Command Losses, Vol 1, R McNeill, Midland Counties Publications.

27/12/1940
22 Sqn
Beaufort I
N1118
OA-X

S/L D V W Francis
Sgt R J Farthing
Sgt J W Unett
F/O E Pennington

Op: Rover Patrol, RAF North Coates, Took off 15:45 hrs

Took off in the company of other squadron aircraft and set course for Holland. The flight made landfall on Texel at 16:55 hrs. Shortly afterwards S/L Francis, three times MiD, was seen to bank sharply while low on the water and had been shot down by the Sperrbrecher, SS Templar. THe Beaufort had already dropped its torpedo which continued to run true to hit and damage the 6,727 ton vessel.

As No.22 Sqn historian I can add the following information on the aircraft and crew:

S/L Francis had been posted into the squadron as a F/L on the 30th Aug 1940. Sgt Farthing had far more experience on squadron ops, having been with the squadron since the outbreak of war in Sept 1939. F/O Pennington was the squadron Gunnery Leader and had joined the unit as a P/O on 14th June 1940.

Sgt Unett was one of those early airmen who undertook air operations as an AG for extra pay in addition to his normal ground task. He is first noted as an AC on 16th April 1940.

N1118 had been taken on charge by the squadron on the 10th Sept 1940 (height of the BoB) and three months operational use lasted about the average length of time for a No.22 Squadron aircraft in 1940.

Regards
Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Tony55 on Wednesday 17 September 08 18:43 BST (UK)
 :)  Ross,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my earlier post to kyt and for giving me the additional information.

John W Unett was my FinLaw's 1 x cousin and his closest relative apart from John's sister.

My OH went to visit her father today and even though we've talked many times about his time in the RAF and John Unett he's only ever mentioned having his service medals.....so i was very plesantly surprised tonight when i got home to find out that he's sorted some bits and pieces out for me!!!    ;D

1.note from Buckingham Palace sending heartfelt sympathy
2.note from Air Ministry(1942)stating grave at Hage,Holland
3.note from Chaplin at RAF North Coates(1945) re: Roll of Honour
4.note from Air Ministry(1949) re: reburial at Sage cemetery
5.note from FlLt J.H.Holloway.MBE re: inclusion in "The Narrow Margin"appendix in the book "The Battle of Britain"
6.the origional box from the Air Ministry with note and his 3 service medals

and best of all , a picture of John with 3 other crew and 3 ground staff in front of a Beaufort!   ;D

hopefully if i don't mess it up it should be below  ::)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/brightspark4/JohnUnettandcrew.jpg)

if  it's worked John is the one at left rear.

once again thanks for the information
Regards Tony
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Tuesday 23 September 08 22:34 BST (UK)
Moderators, I don't know what the criteria for a "Sticky" is but I think this thread deserves one.

Currently there are in excess of 80 replies in the "Air Force Lookups - if you need help" thread and Kyt continually produces the goods.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kes123 on Wednesday 01 October 08 11:48 BST (UK)
wonder if you could help my grandad was raf 1379138 arthur wardale died age 31  13 feb 1942 he is buried in singapore memoriol column 419 how can i find out how he was killed and has he got any medals my name is keith wardale his grandson many thanks
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Wednesday 01 October 08 12:13 BST (UK)
Hi Keith

I'm afraid that I do not have a unit for your grandfather and so cannot say exactly where and how he may have died. The Singapore Memorial entry means that he has no known grave which, sadly, is the case for a lot who perished in those last days before the surrender.

As a member of the RAF the chances are that he was killed in one of the many bombings on airfields and depots in those hectic days, or during the evacuations.

If you can get hold of his service records, which will include what unit he was with and medals he was entitled to, then I maybe able to track down where he may have been killed.

To get his records follow the instructions on this link. Remember to ask photocopies of the original documents as the typed summary isn't much use for further research:

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/raf.html

Get back to us when you get the papers, with the unit.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: anceley on Tuesday 07 October 08 15:20 BST (UK)
hi Kyt
          wondered if you could help me ? Im looking for anything on my father David Cordiner who served in the R.a.F.

in the 1940s  I dont know where exactly but he lived at augustine rd.Whitburn Northumberland so it could have been

Acklington he served from or Broomhill. He married my mother in june 1942 at Amble where she Isabella Weatherston lived. I do have his photo but that and his birthdate june 1918 is all I have.

Anyone remember him ? 

                 
                                          Hopeful   Anceley
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Wednesday 08 October 08 13:48 BST (UK)
Hi Anceley

I'm afraid that with the WW2 still only available to NoK it is very difficult to track RAF personnel, except in those cases where they were aircrew or their names are mentioned in the books.

My best advice is to apply for his service records and when they arrive we maybe able to shed some light on the units that served with etc.

The following link tells you how to apply. It will cost £30 and there is a few weeks wait (the RAF service is quicker than the Army one which can take months). When applying please make sure to as for photocopies of the originals, otherwise they send you a typed summary which isn't much help:

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/raf.html

Though a service number and/or unit is of help in speeding up the search, it is not necessary. try to fill in as much information as possible on the form.

Good luck, and let us know what you get

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kalasira on Tuesday 04 November 08 21:21 GMT (UK)
to kyt really nice to read what you are doing, i would like some information on my dad he did,nt die in the war,only about ten year,s ago but would not talk about it he was a pilot,and then a bomb aimer which he hated,i don,t know anything about what he did,the only thing he told me was they all went out on a misstion and bomb the wrong place ture or false,don,t know?? his name was Harry Campbell Skillington,born boxing day 1924??was surposed to have changed his birth certifiate date so he could join up,allso he must have been staioned in belfast cos that is where he met my mum and do u know if the american,s were stationed there as well .i know i am being really checkie asking you ,hope you can help, all the best jacquie, :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ and thanks.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Wednesday 05 November 08 13:52 GMT (UK)
Hi Jacquie

I'm afraid his name hasn't cropped up in the books I've looked in but a more thorough search would be required.

Firstly, have you applied for his service records? They will be able to tell you (and us) what unit(s) he served with:

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/raf.html

From the units we will able to fill in some details about what he may have been doing etc

You also mention in other posts that you have photos of him. I know you are having a few problems posting these. Could you tell me what, if any, names, captions they may have on them. These would also provide clues.

You mention that he may have been based in Belfast. There were both training and operational bases in Northern Ireland, some being shared with the US air force. The fact that he was a pilot, and then a bomb aimer is unusual, and seems to imply that he changed during his training. A number of trainee pilots were not succesful and were given the option to train in another role.

Bombing the wrong targets was not unusual - it happened a lot, even when some of a squadron found the target and others did not.

I would certainly like to help, and if you can provide any more information, I shall continue looking.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kalasira on Wednesday 05 November 08 16:11 GMT (UK)
dear kyt,
thank you for replying so soon, i am going to find all the picture,s i have then i will get back to you to-nite,the only thing i can remember my dad saying was he was taken of being a pilot,cos when he would land he was to fast,and would damage the planes,that is why he became a bomb aimer,how true that is i will talk later,
thanks Jacquie. :) :)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: sarahcat on Thursday 06 November 08 17:31 GMT (UK)
Hello,

I am trying to find out about my grandfather's service history with the RAF.

His name was George (Duff) Nisbet and he was definitely stationed at Scampton in August 1940, as I have his marriage cert. This also includes his RAF number and his position:Sergeant Observer.It seems that he went on to fly Lancasters(or perhaps he was still an Observer?)in the early 1940's.The timing has lead me to think that he may then have been part of 83 Squadron(especially as he was Scottish and I believe the squadron had Scottish links?)

I am aware that I can write to the RAF for info on his service hist, but initially I was just wondering if there is anything else I can find out independently-so far I have not found anything on the Web.Would like to confirm his squadron number for starters....

Any help would be much appreciated.

Sarah Green(formerly Nisbet)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Thursday 06 November 08 17:39 GMT (UK)
Hi Sarah

I will have look around. Could you let me have his service number - you can pm me if you prefer.

Just one point - apart from national air forces (RAAF, RCAF, RNZAF, etc) there is no direct link between a persons origins and a squadron's possible local associations.

k
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: sarahcat on Thursday 06 November 08 18:11 GMT (UK)
Hello Kyt,

Many thanks for your quick reply. His service number was 580377.Thanks for the point about origins and squadron associations. (Should have added before-though it may not be of any use-but he did survive WW2 with no injuries as far as I know!)

Sarah
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Thursday 06 November 08 18:21 GMT (UK)
Hi Sarah

Just found out that he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal on 22 November 1940:

580377 Sergeant George Duff NISBET, No. 83 Squadron (so good guess on 83 Sqdn but it wouldn't have been for geographical reasons) I will ask if anyone has a citation.

He was promoted to Warrent Officer between then and Feb 1942, and the promoted to Pilot Officer on 5th February 1942 (service number changed to 47822).

Promoted to Flying Officer on probation (war subs.), on 1st Oct. 1942

Promoted to Flight Lieutenant (war subs) 5th Feb. 1944

Seems he stayed in the RAF after the war as his service was extended by four years, as a Flight Lieutenant, 29th May 1947

Reversion to reserve in 1952 (effectively retired)

These are his promotions but will look around to see if I can find anything on his service

K

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Thursday 06 November 08 18:27 GMT (UK)
Good job as always Kyt.  This thread warrants sticky status.

I would imagine that 83 Squadron was operating Hampdens at the time Nisbet got his DFM. 

I believe Guy Gibson would have been at the squadron at that time also.

In September 1940 when serving with 83 Squadron John Hannah became the R.A.F.'s youngest recipient of the V.C.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: sarahcat on Thursday 06 November 08 18:35 GMT (UK)
Hello Kyt,

Wow!thank you so much-my Dad (George's son)will be so chuffed, as sadly,he had no contact with George from his early childhood onward -so of course he never got to ask him about his time in the RAF.We know that George himself lived until the 1970s though...

Many thanks again,
Sarah
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kalasira on Thursday 06 November 08 20:26 GMT (UK)
HI David.
i noticed that you mentioned an john Hanna,do you no where he was from the reason i am asking is because,a friend of my mum,was killed and was a gunner,called thomos Hanna i think he might have had a brother,the paper clipping i have is very worn.i also have a other message to send you but i would rather send it as an e-mail as i have to be careful how i word it,all the best Jacquie.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Thursday 06 November 08 20:36 GMT (UK)
Jacquie, John Hannah was from Paisley in Scotland.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Thursday 06 November 08 20:59 GMT (UK)
Hi Jacquie

there is only one Thomas Hannah (note spelling, no Hanna without the H) on the CWGC and he was a Canadian:

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1799315

There are other "Hanna" in the air force on the CWGC  but none with the first or middle names of Thomas

Hampden AE390 of 420 Squadron on Gardening (dropping sea mines) mission

Took off from Waddington to lay mines off Lorient (Artichokes Region). Presumed shot down by Flak in the target area. Two are buried in Lorient (Kerentrech) Communal Cemetery, but Sgt Hannah and F/Sgt Bull are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Sgt T J Hannah RCAF Killed
Sgt W J Chapman Killed
F/Sgt P E Bull DFM Killed
F/Sgt J AThompson RCAF Killed

From this it seems that this Hannah was the pilot

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Thursday 06 November 08 21:11 GMT (UK)
Sorry Jacquie

Just reread what you wrote and wrongly assumed that you meant air gunner.

Is this your mum's friend?

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2062547

or?

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2769113

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: millymcb on Thursday 06 November 08 21:37 GMT (UK)
Hi kyt

I wonder if you have any reference to this chap?  (he's not one of mine - but a rellie of a friend I am helping out)

He born abt 1927 and was apparently in the RAF during the war (possibly also pre-war but I don't know) and I think he stayed in after the Second World War. 

Signaller II Albert Edward BAZEN

He survived the war died in a plane crash on a training flight n 5 April 1950 Wellington T10 NC615 2ANS West of Horam, E Sussex alongside three others..
Pilot II Gordon James MURDOCH
Signaller II Albert Edward BAZEN
F/Lt Harry SELMAN
F/Lt William Alfred RYDE

The aircraft was descending in a very steep dive and at about 1000' it broke up. The reason for the initial dive apparently could not be established at the time.

I have a ref to him from a book called "Last Take Off" and also a Times report from 8th April 1950 - but we have no information on his wartime career - so if you had anything we'd be very interested to know more about him.

Thanks


Milly ;D
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kalasira on Thursday 06 November 08 21:49 GMT (UK)
,he hi kyt
thank you very much for replying you must be very dedicated,and think that is great,the paper clipping say,s gunner Thomos Hanna,R,A,husband of Mrs e Hanna lived in Belfast the address was10 charlotte street Belfast,also a brother in law,yes he was a very good friend of the family that is all i have.
thanks Jacquie,has also sent some inform to David Layne it is names of the picture, s that i am going to send.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Thursday 06 November 08 22:03 GMT (UK)
Hi Milly

Doubt if he was pre-war as he would only have been 15 when the war started. In fact his service number 1898534 indicates that he joined up in January 1943, in the Euston area.

However, whatever his duties during the war, his rank of Signaller II (a highly complicated restructuring of ranks occurred in 1946 but was changed back in 1950) implies that was still under training, as was the pilot. The other two senior crew must have been the instructor. He may have been groundcrew before that. But unfortunately, I haven't found his name in anything yet

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: sarahcat on Thursday 06 November 08 22:38 GMT (UK)
Hello again Kyt,

Just to say my father was really pleased to have some info on his Dad's service history-it was so kind of you to take the time to look into it.

Oh, and yes please, any info re. the medal citation or other snippets that you come across, as and when,would be gratefully received!

I am happy to join the campaign to have this thread sticky-fied!!

Many thanks,

Sarah


Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: millymcb on Friday 07 November 08 10:15 GMT (UK)
Thanks for that info Kyt... Of course he was only 15 when he war started ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)

Interesting info on his service number....thanks


Milly
 ;D
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Friday 07 November 08 11:00 GMT (UK)
Hi Sarah

Thanks to John Larder on rafcommands here is the citation for Nisbet's DFM

Quote
This NCO has caried out a total of 37 operational flightts agianst the enemy during the course of which ha has completed 223 hours flying as Nav/BA or A/G. Amonst other successful operations which he has undertaken as Nav. are low-level attacks on the Dortmund-Ems Canal, The Scharnhorst at Kiel and 2 raids on Berlin. Throughout these operations, Sgt. Nisbet has displayed outstanding keenness, determination and devotion to duty. Strongly recommended for the award of the DFM.
Cited from  Tavernder's DFM Register.

K

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: sarahcat on Friday 07 November 08 11:40 GMT (UK)
Hi Kyt,

Wow again! Thanks so much for that and please thank John Larder for me, as I would not know how to contact him (but if you are able to give me any contact details for him, then I will thank him myself!)

Many thanks for all your time and effort,

Sarah
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: 7903 on Thursday 13 November 08 08:29 GMT (UK)
Hi Kyt,
In researching the family tree I have come across a reference to a Wellington bomber that crashed not far from where a relative lived in the village of Randwick, Gloucestershire. It came down on the 29th Jan 1943, can you please find out more about the crew and why it crashed.
Thank you
7903
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Thursday 13 November 08 09:50 GMT (UK)
Hi 7903

Randwick being about 1 mile NW of Stroud I believe this is the crash.

Wellington W5705 of 21 Operational Training Unit.

Returning from a Nickling mission (mission to drop propaganda leaflets over enemy territory. OTU crews often went on such missions near the end of their training as it was seen as an "easy" operation, and a good introduction to operational flying).

Took off at 17.56 from Moreton-in-Marsh and headed for France and, subsequently, released its cargo of leaflets in the vicinity of nantes. Damaged by enemy action and while trying to reach base, crashed near Stroud in Gloucestershire.

Sgt Morgan's elder brother, Rifleman Colin Frederick Morgan of the 2nd Batt, Rifle Brigade, was killed in action on 23 Nov 1941, and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial. Back on 26th January, F/Sgt McCausland RCAF had dosplayed great presence of mind when the port engine of Wellington R1649 exploded at 4000 feet while descending towards base. Turning into finals (final approach) he was baulked by another aircraft, which was on the flare path. Calmly, he retracted the undercarriageand force-landed alongside the other aircraft, causing minimal damage to his Wellington.

The crew of W5705 (all killed):

F/Sgt J W McCausland RCAF
Sgt P E Farren
Sgt F C W Palmer
Sgt G W Ayres
Sgt F A Morgan

Details from Chorley's Bomber Command Losses Volume 7

K



Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: 7903 on Thursday 13 November 08 10:10 GMT (UK)
Hi Kyt,
Thank you for the info.
Regards 7903
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: IainK on Saturday 15 November 08 21:28 GMT (UK)
Hi

With regard to the aforementioned Wellington accident in 1950: My Great Uncle was F/Lt Harry Selman. If anyone has further details of the accident which took his life, or of his fellow crew members I would be very grateful.

Milly, may I ask if your friend is related to one of the crew?

Thank you

Iain
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Saturday 15 November 08 21:54 GMT (UK)


Hi Iain and welcome to RootsChat !!  :)

I Googled and found this - looks like somebody else is looking for your Harry !! maybe this was what Milly was talking about ...

Quote
"172996 F/Lt. Harry Selman"
Can anybody assist with the reason for the death of this airman.
He was a wartime regular (and former POW)who was Gazetted with the MBE which was then cancelled as his death occurred before the date of announcement (8/6/50). I suspect his death (the word ' killed' is used in the cancellation) occurred around January 1950 as he transferred from the Equipment Branch back to GD Branch on 31/1/50 and the LG notes he was'since deceased'. His promotion to F/Lt. was effective 15/12/49 hence my assumption

http://www.rootschat.com/links/04tx/

Annie  :)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: millymcb on Saturday 15 November 08 23:07 GMT (UK)
Hi  Iain...welcome to Rootschat...


Yes...my  friend is related to Albert Edward Bazen.  We don't know much about him though other than that he died in the crash.

I didn't post the message on the site Annie mentions but I had seen it....that is the only info I know about Harrry Selman I'm afraid.  DaveW mentioned there (one of the posters) was the kind person who sent me the "Last Take Off" information.

Do you have access to times Digital Archive...??.It is only a short item but....
you could take a look at the newspaper report of sat 8th April...3 days after the crash. 

(I don't think I am allowed to put a copy on here for you unfortunately...but let us know if you don't have access to the Times and we'll point you in the right direction)


Milly ;D




Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: ricoba on Saturday 15 November 08 23:59 GMT (UK)
Hi,I have a Samuel Godfrey 1272401 as a volunteer air force dod 1943..Runnymede.Is there any more details on record.I do know about his parents.Thanks
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Sunday 16 November 08 00:29 GMT (UK)
Hi,I have a Samuel Godfrey 1272401 as a volunteer air force dod 1943..Runnymede.Is there any more details on record.I do know about his parents.Thanks

51 Squadron Halifax LW286

Mission to Berlin

Tookoff at 17.04 from Snaith. Cause of loss not established. Crashed in the IJsselmeer between Urk and Hindeloopen, where Sgt Springett is buried in the Protestant Cemetery. F/O Moynihan is buried in Lemsterland (Lemmer) Cemetery, while Sgt Dyer's grave is located at Amersfoot (Oud Leusden) General Cemetery. The others have not been identified and are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

P/O H F Farley
Sgt S H Godfrey
F/O F H Moynihan
F/O H O Hetterley
Sgt A B Springett
Sgt E H G Dyer
Sgt J E Whitehead 

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Sunday 16 November 08 00:52 GMT (UK)


21 is too young !  :-\  RIP Samuel Godfrey


http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=1798472
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: IainK on Sunday 16 November 08 09:47 GMT (UK)
Many thanks Annie & Milly.

I've seen the rafcommands website and am waiting to be registered so that I can try and contact the chap who first mentioned Harry. I'm hoping it's someone who may have known him.

I'm new to all this and would really appreciate any advice on how to gather more information about Harry's service history. I know he was a POW, how would I find out where? Or where he was stationed? Is the IWM the place to go?

I believe he was a member of the Caterpillar club after bailing out over Germany. He was a Bombadier in Halifax's I think.

Thanks again

Iain
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: ricoba on Sunday 16 November 08 09:54 GMT (UK)
Thanks so much for your promt reply Kyt.Could the plane have been shot down,loss of fuel,or pilot error?

Thanks for the thought Liverpool Annie

Some people are dumb bums aren't they ?Forgot that you said cause of loss not known.Thanks again for the info.  Ricoba
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Sunday 16 November 08 10:19 GMT (UK)
The cause is probably night-fighter, flak or the combination of the two, Ricoba. But as the wreckage was never found (though I believe bits of an aircraft in the area may have been found recently but its ID had not been established yet) cause cannot be given.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: ricoba on Sunday 16 November 08 11:07 GMT (UK)
Thanks again,Just found that Snaith is in Yorkshire,Ijsselmeer is a lake and Urk and Hinderloopen.are in Holland .I am in Oz so had not heard of these places.Bless the internet  (at times)thanks.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Sunday 16 November 08 11:09 GMT (UK)
Hi Ian,

Registration on RAF Commands is immediate so you should not need to wait.

Make sure you are trying to register on the active board not the archived one.

Active board
http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/register.php

Regards
Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: millymcb on Sunday 16 November 08 13:03 GMT (UK)

 

I'm new to all this and would really appreciate any advice on how to gather more information about Harry's service history. I know he was a POW, how would I find out where? Or where he was stationed? Is the IWM the place to go?

Iain


Hi Iain.... I've never really researched RAF records so I can't offer much help on that - but I would suggest you start another thread on this board (WW2) with a subject header saying you are looking for help on RAF records & POW records....and then ask  those questions specifically....  That way it will get noticed and someone will be able to help you.  It may get missed if you just leave it here. 

(To start a new thread just go to the board you want and click new topic and then start typing...)... Good luck...I'll come and say hello on the new thread when you have started it.


Milly
 ;D


Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Sunday 16 November 08 13:20 GMT (UK)

 

I'm new to all this and would really appreciate any advice on how to gather more information about Harry's service history. I know he was a POW, how would I find out where? Or where he was stationed? Is the IWM the place to go?

Iain


Hi Iain.... I've never really researched RAF records so I can't offer much help on that - but I would suggest you start another thread on this board (WW2) with a subject header saying you are looking for help on RAF records & POW records....and then ask  those questions specifically....  That way it will get noticed and someone will be able to help you.  It may get missed if you just leave it here. 

(To start a new thread just go to the board you want and click new topic and then start typing...)... Good luck...I'll come and say hello on the new thread when you have started it.


Milly
 ;D

A new thread would be good. In the meantime:

Harry Selman 172996

Halifax HR725 of 158 Squadron
Mission to Berlin 23/24 August 1943

Tookoff at 19.59 from Lissett. Shot down by a night-fighter and crashed near Soltau. The two airmen killed are buried in Hannover and Becklingen War Cemetery respectively, having been exhumed from graves at Soltau.

P/O Frisby was eventually taken to Sagan, where he gained a reputation as a very skillful forger and map maker. At the time of the mass break out from Sagan in March 1944, many of those who went through the tunnel were equipped with maps and documents produced by this talented Australian who, when shot down, was nearing the end of his operational tour.

P/O H B Frisby RAAF PoW
Sgt J H Jenkins killed
Sgt A V Kyle PoW
Sgt D R P De Laurier PoW
Sgt H Selman PoW
Sgt H Booth Killed
P/O B P Allen RCAF PoW S
Sgt G G Heyes PoW

Sgt Selman held at Camps 4B/L6, POW No:222642. He was commissioned as a Pilot Oficer during captivity.

If you are next of kin, or are in contact with the NoK, you or they could apply for his service records:

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/raf.html

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Sunday 16 November 08 13:48 GMT (UK)

I believe he was a member of the Caterpillar club after bailing out over Germany. He was a Bombadier in Halifax's I think.

Thanks again

Iain

Hi Iain !

I thought this maybe of interest !

http://www.caterpillarclub.org/irvin/irvin.htm

Annie  :)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: IainK on Sunday 16 November 08 14:37 GMT (UK)
Many many thanks for your replies. I'm feeling that flush of emotion which I'm sure you've all experienced when part of your personal history comes alive.

I've already begun planning a trip to the museum at Stalag 4b. My ultimate goal is to find someone, still living, who knew Harry. I never met him of course but he has always loomed large in my imagination.

Kyt, presumably you have access to this type of information, those few facts you gave me are incredibly helpful.

I'll post a new thread on the subject, as advised, and see if that brings more results.

I'm amazed that I've found so much so soon, thanks to you all.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: annsa on Sunday 16 November 08 18:18 GMT (UK)
Hi,

Harry Selman may have filed a PoW debriefing report. If it has survived with all it's appendices it may hold some interesting info, relating to the downing of the plane and his time spent as a PoW. Unfortunately not all bits and pieces are there in the reports but some make very interesting reading.
The reports are held at the National Archives at Kew.
As there was an Aussie who was a PoW, you could ask the National Archives of Australia to digitise his personnel file. Unfortunately they have now started to charge for this service, previously it was done for free. The Aussie record may well have interesting info in it as well. Someone of the RAF Commands site  (ot someone else) may have already applied to have the record digitised and if so it will be free to view, best way to find it is to search on the service number.

Regards,

Ann
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Sunday 16 November 08 18:32 GMT (UK)
Frisby's files have already been digitised - both service and casualty

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/Login.htm

Click Guest and enter his service number 416421 The last two files are accessible

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: IainK on Sunday 16 November 08 21:46 GMT (UK)
This is truely incredible. Yesterday I find this forum and mention Harry, then within 24hrs I'm reading (and seeing) a hand written account, of his plane being shot down over Germany and his capture, by his Captain. Breathtaking. And it all tallies with the stories I have carried with me since childhood of this family Hero.

When you mention "Kew" in regard to Harry's own service records I presume these to be the official RAF records? Why then are our records not public like the Australian one's? I will have to contact Harry's twin sister, my Great Aunt, to request these files I presume.

Thanks to everyone who has helped me out with this.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: annsa on Monday 17 November 08 13:25 GMT (UK)
Hi Ian,

You ask:
'When you mention "Kew" in regard to Harry's own service records I presume these to be the official RAF records? Why then are our records not public like the Australian one's? '

ErrorSPAM
REPORT THIS POST AS SPAM (Use 'Report to Moderator'). DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINKS IN THIS POST. DO NOT REPLY TO THIS PERSON.
][/color]Good question! I, and many others, cannot understand why the records can't be released as the Aussie, New Zealand and Canadian records are. In the past, with the help of a Canadian friend who was able to view a personnel file at Ottawa,I helped someone find out how their brother's life was lost and was able to put them in touch with family members of the other crew of the aircraft. Something they were extremely grateful for but only possible due to the fact that the Canadian records were open.
The RAF service files are available to next of kin (cost £30 now I believe), but you will only get 2 sheets of A4 and minimum info, all postings will be in that file but things such as letters, debriefing reports etc are not included. The PoW debriefing reports are held at the National Archives at Kew. You can find and view them free of charge, however you will have to search to find the right file to look at. I have looked at the Evasion and Escaping reports as well as Liberation reports. However, I am having a 'blonde' day and am unsure of the series number, it may be in the WO208 series, however, Kyt who is very likely more on the ball than I am will no doubt be able to point you in the right direction! WO208 series are the Evasion and Escaping files, if your relative managed to evade capture for a few days there might be something in those.
WO344 reports are what are known as the Liberation reports, he might have a file in that series.
There is a card index to most of the files held at the NA, however, some of the later series of the WO208 files, however some of the latter series of files do not (or didn't have) an index and therefore you just have to trawl through tons of paper.
Get the service record from the MoD, that will give you all his postings and if you get the chance go to the NA and see if there is a debriefing report lodged by him.

All the best,

Ann
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Monday 17 November 08 14:01 GMT (UK)
The RAF service files are available to next of kin (cost £30 now I believe), but you will only get 2 sheets of A4 and minimum info, all postings will be in that file but things such as letters, debriefing reports etc are not included.

Which is why I always say when posting, in response to a query about service records, that people should specifically ask for photocopies of the original file. Though one doesn't get as much info as the Australian records it is better than the default typed summaries one gets.

The WO 208 files are the reports filed those involved in Escapes and Evasions - collected to glean what information the escaper can provide on conditions, methods used, routes etc

The WO 344 files are the Liberated Prisoner of War Interrogation Questionnaires. They are subdivided into alphabetical groups:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/browser.asp?CATLN=3&CATID=13403&GPE=False&MARKER=0

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: IainK on Monday 17 November 08 17:04 GMT (UK)
It's a real shame we don't get to see the full files.

BTW in the book "Last Take Off" which has been mentioned, will the full co ordinates of the crash be given? Thanks to Milly I now know the name of the wood, but looking on Google Earth it is a large area. I'd like to visit the site at some stage to pay my respects. I also wonder if there is anything in the local press archive about the crash.

I suppose this can take on a slightly macabre fasination but the driving factor is not morbid curiosity but respect for a young man who lost his life in the line of duty, and the pride associated in my being related to him.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: brushbroomstick on Monday 17 November 08 17:30 GMT (UK)
My cousin William Emmerson Metcalfe 620395, 208 Squadron was an aerial photographer in the desert in North Africa where he contaracted TB and died in Engalne on 13 April 1945 , aged 25.

Is there any way I can find out about his time in the RAF?
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Monday 17 November 08 21:01 GMT (UK)
Kyt wrote................

"The WO 208 files are the reports filed those involved in Escapes and Evasions - collected to glean what information the escaper can provide on conditions, methods used, routes etc

The WO 344 files are the Liberated Prisoner of War Interrogation Questionnaires. They are subdivided into alphabetical groups:"

My father evaded for 10 days before capture, would he have filled in a WO 208?

I have a copy of his WO 344 which is disappointingly brief. 
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: annsa on Monday 17 November 08 21:08 GMT (UK)
Hi David,
I suppose it is possible. The latter files in the 'Liberation' series were not indexed unfortunately. I did a partial index of some of the files, but I was mainly looking for Canadian references for Hugh Halliday. I posted on the RAF Commands site (the old board) with the names of the files that I had noted, can't remember a Layneamongst the ones I looked at, but it was near the end of the day and I was scanning through stuff as quickly as possible. I have an excell file from Joss as he also ws trying to do some sort of index, will look and see if there is a Layne on either his or my notes. If I don't have the name, it doesn't mean that he isn't there though.

Regards,

Ann
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Monday 17 November 08 21:10 GMT (UK)
Thanks Annsa.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kalasira on Monday 17 November 08 22:38 GMT (UK)
hi kyt.
sorry i have,nt got back to you i have sent a message to David with load,s of name,s,s well i think i did,i now have a scanner and i am just waiting for some one to do it for me,which i hope will me be this week,in the mean time here are all the names i have,right here i go.
one of the picture,s has picton Aug 1944.
the Lancaster has D1 on the side with 3 row,s of air men.
next one David McNeil picton Ontario Canada 9-7-44.
Cpl.S.E.George 546896.R.A.F.
group photo taken at Monkton May 1944.
and the last one,
Sgt Paton.Sgt Skillington. Sgt Slinger. Sgt Jarvis. Sgt Shelly.W.O.Jones. Sgt S_rinsmaw ? Sgt Lenon,
Sgt Brompton. Sgt Thomos,o, Sgt Thomos.E.L. Sgt Kinear. Sgt Pattinson.that,s it up to now.
all the best Jacquie.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Tuesday 18 November 08 09:54 GMT (UK)
My cousin William Emmerson Metcalfe 620395, 208 Squadron was an aerial photographer in the desert in North Africa where he contaracted TB and died in Engalne on 13 April 1945 , aged 25.

Is there any way I can find out about his time in the RAF?

I see from the CWGC that he died as a Corporal which seems to imply that he was a photoprapher or photographic analyser - photo-recon aircrew, and other aicrew from 1941 onwards, tended to be Sergeants and above. However, he may taken part on aerial recon missions

Unfortunately, even any histories of the squadron are unlikely to contain any information on him.

The two ways to get information about him are his service records and the squadron ORBs. The ORBs (Operation Record Books) vary n quality and detail and so there maybe no mention of him.

If you are next of kin, or in contact with NoK, then you can apply for his service records (making sure to ask for photocopies of the originals)

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/raf.html

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Tuesday 18 November 08 10:14 GMT (UK)
hi kyt.
sorry i have,nt got back to you i have sent a message to David with load,s of name,s,s well i think i did,i now have a scanner and i am just waiting for some one to do it for me,which i hope will me be this week,in the mean time here are all the names i have,right here i go.
one of the picture,s has picton Aug 1944.
the Lancaster has D1 on the side with 3 row,s of air men.
next one David McNeil picton Ontario Canada 9-7-44.
Cpl.S.E.George 546896.R.A.F.
group photo taken at Monkton May 1944.
and the last one,
Sgt Paton.Sgt Skillington. Sgt Slinger. Sgt Jarvis. Sgt Shelly.W.O.Jones. Sgt S_rinsmaw ? Sgt Lenon,
Sgt Brompton. Sgt Thomos,o, Sgt Thomos.E.L. Sgt Kinear. Sgt Pattinson.that,s it up to now.
all the best Jacquie.

Picton was a Canadian training base during the war:

http://www.ontarioabandonedplaces.com/cfbpicton/picton.asp

I will have a look at the names, properly, a bit later to see if any come up.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: brushbroomstick on Tuesday 18 November 08 10:56 GMT (UK)
Thanks Kyt

I will try your suggestions

Irene
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: koitaki on Tuesday 18 November 08 14:01 GMT (UK)
Hi Kyt,

Could I please trouble you for any information you may have at ready access about my relative William (Billy) Shimmons, who was a RAF pilot in WWII.

What I understand (from hazy family anecdotes):

* Born about 1914, Belfast (ie. 24 in 1940).
* He was flying Hurricanes from Charmy Down base, near Bath UK.
* His Hurricane was brought down and he successfully parachuted, making him supposedly one of the two Northern Ireland members of the Caterpillar Club at that time, but don't know where or when accident occurred.
* As I understand it, after this accident he was sent to Scotland to teach at a Training Unit
* I believe he was also involved with 247 Squadron at one time
* From what I've heard, he had the rank of squadron leader at some stage

No problem if nothing found, but I've come up against a wall with the records office because I don't know any next of kin.

Many thanks if you have any details, no problem otherwise
Chris
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Tabbitha on Tuesday 18 November 08 14:50 GMT (UK)
Hi kyt. Ive held off till now asking for your help as I tried to find details myself.

I have to concede though,as i just cannot find a single thing to set me off on a path.

I am trying to find any information on my grandfather who served in the Raf

Both he and my Nan have passed,and as I wasnt doing my tree then, never asked for details.

I wondered if you could be kind enough to see if you can give me a small start in finding him?

Thomas Henry Phillips 

Birth: 13 Sep 1912 Lancashire

Death: June 1992  Lancashire

I know at one point he was based at the site that is now known as Ringway Airport.,Manchester and that he was a LAC.

I have no other info sadly.

I hope you can find him somewhere in your records

kind regards


Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: IainK on Tuesday 18 November 08 16:39 GMT (UK)
I have another question re my search.

One of Harry Selman's fellow crew members in the downed Halifax was a Canadian airman

P/O B P Allen J/21173, he ended up in L3 with P/O Frisby.

(I found a great drawing, online, done by Allen, of a fellow prisoner!!!)

Would I be able to see his records as I have the Australian Pilot? If so, where do I go?

I seem to be lucky it was an International crew or I'd have to wait until I can get to Kew!
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: annsa on Tuesday 18 November 08 18:52 GMT (UK)
Hi Ian,

Canadian records are not digitised for viewing online, however personnel records can be accessed. I would suggest a visit to the RAF Commands forum where there lurks a couple of Canadian researchers. one of them, Hugh Halliday lives near the archives in Ottawa and may well be able to go and get a peek at them. Try via the forum, if you have no luck come back to me and I will send Hugh an e mail. Not sure if his curling season has started yet, he tends to be off and away curling around this time of the year. If you head the request with Allen's name and RCAF number I'm sure that someone will come back to you with info.

Regards,

Ann
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Tuesday 18 November 08 19:31 GMT (UK)
IainK wrote..................."(I found a great drawing, online, done by Allen, of a fellow prisoner!!!)"

Would you please provide us with a link.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: IainK on Tuesday 18 November 08 21:42 GMT (UK)
Thanks annsa, I'll do that. I've since learnt of the recent(ish) death of G G Heyes.

The picture by B P Allen, done whilst at the Stalag III is at:

http://www.bombercrew.com/142/keen/through%20the%20wire.htm

Scroll across the drawings. It is of a baseball player.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kalasira on Tuesday 18 November 08 23:04 GMT (UK)
hi kyt
i thought it would be to good to be true i got all the picture,s out and put 1,to 3,etc to make it easy and set the scanner up already to and it would,nt work,and the reason it was,nt compatable with my laptop,as it was,nt for window,s vista as vista is quite new,so look,s like i will have to go out and buy one so you Will have to wait again hopefully not to long if i go to-morrow then hopefully we can have it done for Thursday with a bit of luck was going to go libray but you have to book the scanner a week in advance, all the best hope that info i sent you was o.k.Jacquie.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Wednesday 19 November 08 04:05 GMT (UK)


Hi K !

Would you happen to know anything about this flyer please ? I'd appreciate the help !  :)

Quote
Squadron Leader Wyndham Levy GRECH, obtained his aviator’s certificate on 19th July 1916. He had joined the Army in March as 2nd Lieutenant, but transferred to the newly formed Royal Flying Corps. During World War I he was involved in combat in the skies over France. With the outbreak of the World War II he joined the Royal Air Force, and for a time served as adjutant at Luqa RAF Station. He was born in 1890, the son of Mr and Mrs T. Levy Grech of Valletta, and having graduated from the University of Malta in 1913 as a Doctor of Laws, followed a legal career between the wars. He died in Malta in 1956
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Ruskie on Wednesday 19 November 08 06:35 GMT (UK)
Kyt,

I wonder if you would be kind enough to check your documents for information about:

Flight Sgt Arthur Wright RAF
killed 30 June 1943 Khartoum
age 20 years

There are these numbers on the cross at his grave:
A114
1075181

Arthur was from Liverpool.

I'm especially interested in how he died but would be very grateful for anything at all.

Many thanks.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Wednesday 19 November 08 11:45 GMT (UK)
Could I please trouble you for any information you may have at ready access about my relative William (Billy) Shimmons, who was a RAF pilot in WWII.


Hi Chris

I'm looking for confirmation for a suspected loss, and then I shall get back to you. I believe he may have had his crash whilst with 87 Squadron. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in October 1940. I shall get back to you in the next day or so

Thomas Henry Phillips 

Birth: 13 Sep 1912 Lancashire

Death: June 1992  Lancashire

I know at one point he was based at the site that is now known as Ringway Airport.,Manchester and that he was a LAC.

Hi Tabbitha

I'm afraid, as a LAC and so probably groundcrew, he probably won't appear in the books. I would recommend that you apply for his service records, asking for photocopies of the originals:

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/raf.html

Depending upon when he served at RAF Ringway, he may have been involved with the Parachute School, or the Air Transport Auxiliary

Sorry I can't be of more help at this stage

hi kyt
i thought it would be to good to be true i got all the picture,s out and put 1,to 3,etc to make it easy and set the scanner up already to and it would,nt work,and the reason it was,nt compatable with my laptop,as it was,nt for window,s vista as vista is quite new,so look,s like i will have to go out and buy one so you Will have to wait again hopefully not to long if i go to-morrow then hopefully we can have it done for Thursday with a bit of luck was going to go libray but you have to book the scanner a week in advance, all the best hope that info i sent you was o.k.Jacquie.

Sorry to hear about the scanner problems Jackie.

Did you have a look at the link I posted about Picton?

http://www.ontarioabandonedplaces.com/cfbpicton/picton.asp

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Wednesday 19 November 08 11:54 GMT (UK)
Kyt,

I wonder if you would be kind enough to check your documents for information about:

Flight Sgt Arthur Wright RAF
killed 30 June 1943 Khartoum
age 20 years

There are these numbers on the cross at his grave:
A114
1075181

Arthur was from Liverpool.

I'm especially interested in how he died but would be very grateful for anything at all.

Many thanks.

Hi Ruskie

Wright was killed in a Hudson crash that was ferrying aircrew. From the aircraft serial listing, Hudson FK618 -  "Spiralled into ground near Khartoum, Sudan Jun 30, 1943; presumed overloaded" The guys on rafcommands discussed this loss and another in similar circumstances back in 2003. Best to read the thread than me repeating it :)

http://www.rafcommands.com/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=3244&forum=DCForumID6

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: koitaki on Wednesday 19 November 08 12:54 GMT (UK)
Many thanks indeed Kyt    ;D
Dunno how you apparently find these details so easily - I scoured the internet's "vast" resources for some time without any hint of success!
One thing - I'm not sure if by "possible loss" you're inferring that he was killed in action.  Just to clarify, he survived the war and went back to Ireland (apologies, I didn't include this in my original post).  I believe a family member has a newspaper interview with him post-war which I'm also trying to locate.
Thanks again Kyt, very much appreciated!
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Ruskie on Wednesday 19 November 08 12:58 GMT (UK)
Fantastic Kyt - thank you SO much for the information and the link!
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Wednesday 19 November 08 19:27 GMT (UK)


Hi K !

Would you happen to know anything about this flyer please ? I'd appreciate the help !  :)

Quote
Squadron Leader Wyndham Levy GRECH, obtained his aviator’s certificate on 19th July 1916. He had joined the Army in March as 2nd Lieutenant, but transferred to the newly formed Royal Flying Corps. During World War I he was involved in combat in the skies over France. With the outbreak of the World War II he joined the Royal Air Force, and for a time served as adjutant at Luqa RAF Station. He was born in 1890, the son of Mr and Mrs T. Levy Grech of Valletta, and having graduated from the University of Malta in 1913 as a Doctor of Laws, followed a legal career between the wars. He died in Malta in 1956


Afraid I haven't been able to find anything about his RAF career except his promotions etc.

However, there is an article on him published in the Malta Aviation Museum's magazine:

http://www.maltaaviationmuseum.com/museumshop/database/orderproduct.asp?ID=75

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Wednesday 19 November 08 19:45 GMT (UK)


Thanks K !

I guess I won't be finding that article  ::) .... but maybe somebody somewhere will have it !!

Thanks again for looking !

Annie  :)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Wednesday 19 November 08 19:47 GMT (UK)
Looking at some of the other articles in the list I was tempted to get it. If you don't mind waiting a bit, I will have a think tonight whether I will

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Wednesday 19 November 08 19:50 GMT (UK)



Oh boy ! ... don't be blaming me when the bank account starts doin' a dive  !!  ;D ;D ;D

Edit ... in case you don't get it ... heres a consolation prize  ::) ::) ::)

http://www.npg.org.uk/live/search/portrait.asp?LinkID=mp00938&rNo=0&role=sit
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kalasira on Wednesday 19 November 08 20:34 GMT (UK)
hi kyt.
thanks for your reply yes i looked at that web site thanks,did u understand all the names i sent you,
hurray,i got a new printer with scanner and copier to day £29-99,so now i can get started now ,hopefully,i will send all the photo,s over the weekend,i am going back to that site to read it again.thanks
from Jacquie.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kalasira on Thursday 20 November 08 22:12 GMT (UK)
hi Kyt.
i will be sending all those picture.s but don,t i need a e-mail address to send them to please let me know,thanks Jacquie,
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Friday 21 November 08 09:12 GMT (UK)
Many thanks indeed Kyt    ;D
Dunno how you apparently find these details so easily - I scoured the internet's "vast" resources for some time without any hint of success!
One thing - I'm not sure if by "possible loss" you're inferring that he was killed in action.  Just to clarify, he survived the war and went back to Ireland (apologies, I didn't include this in my original post).  I believe a family member has a newspaper interview with him post-war which I'm also trying to locate.
Thanks again Kyt, very much appreciated!

Sorry, I phrased it wrong. Yes, I meant loss in that the aircraft was shotdown, or crashed for some other reason, rather than his loss.

Sorry to keep you waiting but I am still waiting for a response from a contact who may have some info.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Friday 21 November 08 09:13 GMT (UK)
hi Kyt.
i will be sending all those picture.s but don,t i need a e-mail address to send them to please let me know,thanks Jacquie,

Hi Jacquie

I have PMed you my email address

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kalasira on Saturday 22 November 08 00:24 GMT (UK)
ok kyt it will be monday or tuesday no later,there are about 15 up to now
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Shogun on Sunday 07 December 08 18:44 GMT (UK)
Hi I'm after any information on 576 Squadron Lancaster Bomber Serial Number    PB253 - Crashed 29th July 1944. that anyone may have, I am the Nephew of Alex Milne - Rear Gunner on the Lancaster.

Thanks
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Thursday 25 December 08 17:02 GMT (UK)


Hi Shogun and welcome to RootsChat !  :)

I can't answer your question I'm afraid but I found another flyer who died the same day .... looks like they may have been on the same flight !

In Memory of

Sergeant ALEXANDER MILNE
1697372, 576 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 20
on 29 July 1944
Son of George and Mary H. Milne, of Fallowfield, Manchester.

Remembered with honour
CHAUMOUSEY COMMUNAL CEMETERY

In Memory of

Sergeant JOHN ROWLAND CUTHBERT
1470775, 576 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 23
on 29 July 1944
Son of John and Annie Cuthbert, of High Kelling, Norfolk.

Remembered with honour
CHAUMOUSEY COMMUNAL CEMETERY


Annie
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Thursday 25 December 08 17:09 GMT (UK)



And a Canadian .... and as there are only 6 Commonwealth graves there ... they must have all been together !

In Memory of

Flying Officer PETER JOSEPH BIOLLO
J/26543, 576 (R.A.F.) Sqdn., Royal Canadian Air Force
who died age 20
on 29 July 1944
Son of Peter Paul Biollo and of Doris May Biollo (nee Caswell), of Edmonton. Alberta, Canada.

Remembered with honour
CHAUMOUSEY COMMUNAL CEMETERY

And I found this ....

Quote
Chaumousy par Girancourt
(Voges) France
September 8th, 1945.

Mr. Germain Carpentier,

In answer to your letter, I am sending you a few details concerning the airplane accident, in which lieutenant Peter Biollo was a victim, on the 29th July 1944.

His plane was chased by a German plane for about fifty kilometres, (about 31 miles). It ell to the earth in the forst of Renauvoid; a little hamlet about twelve kilometres (about 7� miles) from Epinal. Epinal is the chief town of Vosges. The hamlet of Renauvoid is a part of Chaumosy parish, therefore, the burial of the five victims took place in the Catholic cemetery of Chaumousy.

The fall of the airplane and the explosion of its bombs drew immediately, all the people to the place of the accident. The Germans forbade the people to go near, as two bombs had not exploded. There was no fire, no burning. Four bodies were identified. One was Mr. Peter. The fifth could not be identified as it was head-less and no identification ticket was found. The sixth victim escaped death - Caught in his parachute, in the branches of a tree, he was taken down, made prisoner by the Germans and treated for a broken leg, at the military hospital of Golbery, a few kilometres from here. Each victim was placed in a casket. The funeral took place on July 31st 1944, in the Church of Chaumousey, in the afternoon.

A very large, recollected number of people formed the funeral procession of these heroes, whose caskets were covered with flowers and in spite of the interdiction of the Germans, this big crowd went to the cemetery and joined in the final prayers at the graves.

I can assure you, that these graves are constantly covered with flowers and at each patriotic and religious feast, the parishioners with their pastor, visit them, thus replacing as far as they can, the families that are sorrowing, far away.

All these graves have crosses. The photos enclosed were taken before the crosses were erected.

You will find at the side of this page the place of each of these five graves, in the order they follow in the cemetery. Perhaps these details will be appreciated by other grief-stricken families.

Kindly express my sincere sympathy to the family of Mr. Peter Biollo.

Sincerely yours,

(signed) M.J. Mercier

Abbe Albert Mercier
Cure de Chaumousey
Par Geraucourt
Viges, France

(This is signed by the parish priest of Chaumousey)

http://www.canadianletters.ca/letters.php?letterid=9258&warid=4&docid=1&collectionid=364

http://www.canadianletters.ca/letters.php?letterid=9259&warid=4&docid=1&collectionid=364

http://www.canadianletters.ca/letters.php?letterid=9232&warid=4&docid=1&collectionid=364
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Thursday 25 December 08 17:18 GMT (UK)


Heres a picture of the 6 graves ....... hard to see the names ... I don't have a magnifying glass ... but maybe you can see them !




Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Thursday 25 December 08 17:45 GMT (UK)


And ... I just found this ......

Lancaster PB253 Information

Type   Lancaster
Serial Number   PB253
Squadron   576
X1D   UL-A2
Operation   Stuttgart
Date 1   28th July 1944
Date 2   29th July 1944

Further Information

"Serial Range PA964 - PD196 This aircxraft was one of 800 Lancasters ordered from A.V.Roe (Chadderton) Apr43 of which 756 were delivered as 255 Mk.1s, 500 Mk.111s and one Lancastrian between May44 and Mar45 mainly from Chadderton with 87 from Yeadon. The Mk.111s had Merlin 38 engines initially installed except for the late production models with Merlin 224 engines. PB253 was a Mk.111 and was delivered to 576 Sqdn Jul44 When lost this aircraft had a total of 67 hours.
No other operational history PB253 was one of four 576 Sqdn Lancaster lost on this operation. See: LL799; LL905; PB128. Airborne 2118 28Jul44 from Elsham Wolds. Crashed circa 0230 29Jul44 near Chaumousey (Vosges), 8 km w of epinal. Six are buried in Chaumousey Communal Cemetery. F/O Archibald survived and probably evaded capture. This is yet to be substantiated. F/O J.Archibald RNZAF Sgt J.R.Cuthbert KIA Sgt J.e.Kearney KIA F/O P.J.Biollo RCAF KIA Sgt L.Fielding KIA W/O T.P.Barry KIA Sgt A.Milne KIA "

http://www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=3663
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Thursday 25 December 08 18:03 GMT (UK)


F/O J.Archibald RNZAF must have been a POW !

In Memory of

Flight Sergeant LESLIE FIELDING
1035033, 576 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 22
on 29 July 1944
Son of John and Lily Fielding, of Blackburn, Lancashire.

Remembered with honour
CHAUMOUSEY COMMUNAL CEMETERY

In Memory of

Warrant Officer TERENCE PATRICK BARRY
1391654, 576 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 22
on 29 July 1944
Son of Daniel and Bridget Barry, of Woolwich, London.

Remembered with honour
CHAUMOUSEY COMMUNAL CEMETERY

In Memory of

Sergeant JOHN EDWARD KEARNEY
 1584132, 576 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 31
on 29 July 1944
Son of John and Edith Kearney; husband of Betty Kearney, of Southall, Middlesex.

Remembered with honour
CHAUMOUSEY COMMUNAL CEMETERY
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Thursday 25 December 08 18:13 GMT (UK)
I'm sure you have looked but I can find no Archibald listed in "Footprints"  or in the "RAF Commands" forum listing of POW's.

http://www.rafcommands.com/Air%20Force%20PoWs/RAF%20POWs%20Index.html
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: liverpool annie on Thursday 25 December 08 18:39 GMT (UK)


With my limited knowledge ... I can't find him either David .....  :-\

Annie


Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: annsa on Thursday 25 December 08 21:06 GMT (UK)
Hi David,

I am not sure if Ross' list of PoWs is actually 100% complete. Also, the airman in question may have changed identities with another PoW which sometimes leads to confusion. The other alternative is that he managed to escape whilst in transit and therfore there may be an E&E report.

Regards,

Ann
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Thursday 25 December 08 21:29 GMT (UK)
As Archibald was RNZAF try asking Errol on rafcommands. If anyone knows then he will as he has written the definative volumes on NZ air force personnel

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Mike Scawen on Thursday 01 January 09 15:13 GMT (UK)
Hello
I wonder if you can help me? I am looking for information on my uncle, Denis George CARLSON, RAFVR 1607061. He was in 22 SFTS Vereeniging and was killed in an aircrash 24 November 1944 at Kabanga. Do you have access to any other sources of information relating to this event that might expand thye information that I have.

Many thanks

Mike

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Shogun on Thursday 01 January 09 21:22 GMT (UK)
Annie Thanks for this, I appreciate your help. I've seen most of these links from 'trawling' the net and like you, can find no link to what happened to F/O Archibald the only survivor, it would be great if he had a story to tell.

I did find the following link on the 'net, which refers to a newspaper article, but I can find no trace.

It would be good, if someone with more 'net' skills that me could find more

http://www.brind.co.uk/html/newsps.html#anchorNW12

thanks again
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Friday 02 January 09 10:26 GMT (UK)
Hello
I wonder if you can help me? I am looking for information on my uncle, Denis George CARLSON, RAFVR 1607061. He was in 22 SFTS Vereeniging and was killed in an aircrash 24 November 1944 at Kabanga. Do you have access to any other sources of information relating to this event that might expand thye information that I have.

Many thanks

Mike

Hi Mike

I don't have anything but I will check with someone who has some details on Rhodesia

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Mike Scawen on Friday 02 January 09 16:21 GMT (UK)
OK. Thank you anyway.

M
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Claire3103 on Friday 09 January 09 18:34 GMT (UK)
Hello, I was looking up some information myself-I'm Roy Milne's grand daughter-Linda's daughter. Did you manage to find any information? I did find some basic information on the CWGC site but have only just started looking today so have not got very far just yet!
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rsel on Saturday 07 February 09 19:55 GMT (UK)
Hi,
   Don't know if you can help or not, but my grandfather George Albert Wellington was in No 54 MU/43 GRP according to his Service & Release record, service number 1465362. He was an Aircraftsman in Feb 1942, and by the time he was discharged (Oct 1946) was a Leading Aircraftsman.
   Now i have not been able to find much about his unit. All i can find seems to say they were based in Cambridge, with possible satellite units around Suffolk/Essex border. However, from what my mum and uncle remember he never mentions being in Cambridge. Also they thing he was a hydrolice specialist, but then remember him saying he also did some scavenging on the beaches. They also remember him saying he working on Bombers, but i have found references to No 54 Mu being the registered unit for a spitfire (currently in an American Museum). So as you can imagine i am a bit unsure what he was actualling involved in.

Richard
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Pete Keane on Monday 09 February 09 20:58 GMT (UK)
And whilst its quiet...........

Am putting together a history of our family members who served in both wars, plus national service.

I have one RAF serviceman to look at, but he was an only child so I have little anecdotal family history.

His name was Norman Beard.

I believe he was a Sergeant, possibly an observer, and flying Blenheims.

I think he died in 1940, June possibly. I am guessing that that he was in his 20's.

He is buried in Blackpool, his grave described as a military one, but I can find no trace on the CWGC website.

I would appreciate any assistance as I dont have quite enough for the application for his service history, and I might be stretching it saying I'm a next-of-kin !

As an aside, I have been told his father was partners with Billy Butlin ! Something else to look up in my spare time.....

Thanks in advance for any help.

Regards

Pete.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Tuesday 10 February 09 05:05 GMT (UK)
Hi all

apologies for the delay in replying. Afraid I've been really busy and haven't visited RC for quite a while.

Richard
I will have a look into the 15 MU and get back to you

Pete
This sounds like your chap
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2697758

Blenheim R3771
Lost control and crashed near Whitchurch at 17.05 during fighter affiliation exercises with Hurricanes. The entire crew killed:
Pilot Officer M Hohnen
Sgt H Beard
Sgt W Watson
Flight Lt I Sutherland

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Pete Keane on Tuesday 10 February 09 10:57 GMT (UK)
Thanks, that is very kind of you.

Pete
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rsel on Tuesday 10 February 09 17:10 GMT (UK)
Thanks K

I have also found some more references to the 54 MU being based at Newmarket, which does seem to have some bombers stationed there but also seems to have done a few SOE operations using them.

Richard
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: WelwynGC1 on Tuesday 17 February 09 11:23 GMT (UK)
Can anyone give a definitive answer to a query??

My Uncle was Rear Gunner on Two missions to Berlin flying in two different Lancs.
JA930  31/8/1943.........returned OK

JA969  3/9/1943  Lost without trace.

Having read a fantastic book about 100 Squadron, Lancaster Operations by Ian Reid l not only found a photo of JA969 but so much more.

I have a question though, both the above Lancasters were lost on the second date and my info has always been that JA930 is believed to have exploded over the target and my Uncles was lost without trace.

In the book it states that my Uncles Lanc, JA969 is believed to have crashed into the sea returning from the operation to Berlin. Presumably this will have been reported by another crew but can it be confirmed??

I also understand that nothing was heard from the crew after take off.

My Uncle, JW HAYTON  1333343  is front right on my other post, 21 Brave airmen.

Hope someone can assist.

In between the two trips to Berlin my Uncle and his mid upper gunner took part in a minelaying op to the West Coast of France on 2nd Sept 43 on which two of the squadrons Lancs were cancelled and one became bogged down.

 (100 Sqdn)  THanks, any info would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Salford Lass on Wednesday 11 March 09 16:53 GMT (UK)
Hi

Can you look at this post, I don't want to keep posting it lol

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,367244.0.html

Thanks
Debbie
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: WelwynGC1 on Wednesday 25 March 09 10:34 GMT (UK)
Can anyone give a definitive answer to a query??

My Uncle was Rear Gunner on Two missions to Berlin flying in two different Lancs.
JA930  31/8/1943.........returned OK

JA969  3/9/1943  Lost without trace.

Having read a fantastic book about 100 Squadron, Lancaster Operations by Ian Reid l not only found a photo of JA969 but so much more.

I have a question though, both the above Lancasters were lost on the second date and my info has always been that JA930 is believed to have exploded over the target and my Uncles was lost without trace.

In the book it states that my Uncles Lanc, JA969 is believed to have crashed into the sea returning from the operation to Berlin. Presumably this will have been reported by another crew but can it be confirmed??

I also understand that nothing was heard from the crew after take off.

My Uncle, JW HAYTON  1333343  is front right on my other post, 21 Brave airmen.

Hope someone can assist.

In between the two trips to Berlin my Uncle and his mid upper gunner took part in a minelaying op to the West Coast of France on 2nd Sept 43 on which two of the squadrons Lancs were cancelled and one became bogged down.

And also, anyone know the normal time to wait for service records from the RAF??  L notice someone got a quick reply, but l am now into my fourth week. L did send all that was required??

Steve.

 (100 Sqdn)  THanks, any info would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Gaille on Wednesday 25 March 09 13:35 GMT (UK)
Can you look up Royal Australian Airforce??

I have a long standing mystery Great uncle I would LOVE info on.

Name is Wilfred Evans
Born Middleton Manchester England 22 Oct 1909 (died 17 Oct 1993 Joondanna Australia.)

I know he emigrated to Australia in the 1920/30's (have the date at home but not on this computer)

He enlisted in Perth Western Australia

Service number: 46213
Next of Kin is listed as Marjorie Evans.

My dad was born in 1938 & remembers his "Australian Uncle" visiting his parents & grandparents during the war ........................ but we know nothing else.

Is it possible to find out where he was staioned? fought? any info would be gratefully recieved!

Gaille
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Thursday 26 March 09 07:26 GMT (UK)
Ok..

The nominal roll of the RAAF is on-line on the Aussie goverment website, his entry is:

http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/script/veteran.asp?ServiceID=R&VeteranID=894527

His service record has not been digitised yet for public viewing but you can request this to be done by email (details on the web pages for NAA.

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/Items_listing.asp?S=4&F=1&O=0&T=I&C=2

In case the link above does not work

http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/recordsearch/index.aspx

Select the search option then just put his service number in the keywords box. No need for anything else. Hit search. The file barcode and location are the detail needed for requesting a digital copy be posted on the web.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Gaille on Friday 27 March 09 01:49 GMT (UK)
Can you look up Royal Australian Airforce??

I have a long standing mystery Great uncle I would LOVE info on.

Name is Wilfred Evans
Born Middleton Manchester England 22 Oct 1909 (died 17 Oct 1993 Joondanna Australia.)

I know he emigrated to Australia in the 1920/30's (have the date at home but not on this computer)

He enlisted in Perth Western Australia

Service number: 46213
Next of Kin is listed as Marjorie Evans.

My dad was born in 1938 & remembers his "Australian Uncle" visiting his parents & grandparents during the war ........................ but we know nothing else.

Is it possible to find out where he was staioned? fought? any info would be gratefully recieved!

Gaille

ohhh wow!
Wonderful thank you so much!

I just showed Dad & he is really pleased with the info!
We will be getting the records I think - anyone know how much more they might give than is availible on the link there?


It says he was a leading Aircraft man with 25 Squadron on discharge in 1945, and ideas where they may have served?
(Dads just told me he doesnt think it was Wilfred that visited in the war years he thinks it was one of his Mums relatives - so he may not have been in England after all)

Gaille
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: SooCatt on Friday 27 March 09 18:43 GMT (UK)
Hi
This is a long shot but I'm hoping you may be able help.

I recently came across a vague reference to a spitfire which crashed at Pelton Fell in County Durham.  The pilot was killed but I have no idea when it was except that it was during WW2.

Is it possible that you have further info.  When it was? Who the pilot was?

Thanks in advance for your time and efforts

Susan
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - Help needed
Post by: waitara on Monday 30 March 09 00:13 BST (UK)
Hello Kyt


Flt Sgt Dennis Bensted Smith  b. Kimberley, South Africa in 1917,  joined Rhodesian Air Force

approximately 1940, then with Coastal Command, 500 squadron, RAFVR. He was shot down and killed

over the Bay of Biscay in Sept. 1942. I have not been able to find any information about medals, so would

be grateful for anything you can tell me. Any other relevant information would also be of great help.

Val.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Tuesday 31 March 09 08:16 BST (UK)
Hi,

I do not have information on campaign medal entitlement. You will need a service history to see where he served.

I do have more on the loss of Hudson AM587 if this would be of use.

Regards
Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: waitara on Tuesday 31 March 09 09:02 BST (UK)
Thanks Ross, information on the Hudson would be of interest.
How do I find Flt Sgt D B Smith's service history?
Val.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Tuesday 31 March 09 09:17 BST (UK)
Hi Val

17/09/42
500 Sqn
Hudson V
AM587

F/Sgt D B Smith
Sgt R Finklestone-Sayliss
Sgt A Young
Sgt R J Wilson

Took off from RAF St Eval

Shot down by Lt K Necesany of 13./KG40 in position PLQ 14W/8933 at 15:37 hrs. Two crew were seen in the water but were not rescued and all are now commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial to the Missing.

To get his service record the closest living relative needs to authorise a Kinship form from
http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/raf.html

Without this service record things are difficult but not impossible.

Regards
Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Benn2509 on Tuesday 31 March 09 09:35 BST (UK)
Hi, I'm looking for any information on my grandfather, Arthur Westwood, who we believe flew in Wellington bombers from India, bombing targets in Burma??
I don't know anything about his RAF career, all I have is a photo of him receiving his wings, about 1942, and the family thinks he was a navigator/radio operator.
He was granted leave from the manchester fire brigade to join the Raf in 1942, and after the war, he gave up a good life in the Raf to go back to the fire brigade, which eventually killed him.
I hope you can find out about him, I would like to know his squadron, where he was based and missions he flew and the planes he flew in.....if possible.
Many thanks in advance.
Benn,
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Tuesday 31 March 09 10:46 BST (UK)
Hi Benn,

With over two million men having served in the RAF by the end of 1945 I sad to say that we have much more ready information on those killed than those who survived.

The first steps to narrow the search are ones that only the immediate family can take. A copy of his service record would give all dates and postings from enlistment to demob.

This can be obtained from the RAF at
http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/raf.html

Once you have this then the search for operational information comes down to days rather than weeks of work on the individual. Best cross off the easy bits first then concentrate on digging out the more elusive information.

Regards
Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: manus on Tuesday 31 March 09 11:22 BST (UK)
Hi Kyt

I wonder if you would kindly look and see if you have any information on my uncle his name was Bernard Joseph Mahon Sergeant Royal Air Force 635470,233 Sqdn died on 21.06.1940 Thats all I know about him Thank You.

Regards Manus   
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Tuesday 31 March 09 11:51 BST (UK)
Hi Manus,

Your date is a month out.

21/07/40
233 Sqn
Hudson I
N7242

ZS-Z (Coded Z for Zebra)

Op: Strike, RAF Leuchars, Time up 10:29

P/O W L Ather
Sgt J J Crabtree
Sgt B J Mahon
Sgt A W Lamont

Detailed to bomb four mine sweepers from 1.Minensuchflottile and 12000 ton tanker Nordmark in position JZUB4545. The Hudson was shot down at 14:45 hrs by either Lt Eckhardt or Unteroffizier Ladwein of II/ZG76. P/O Ather and his crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Regards
Ross
Author RAF Coastal Command Losses, Vol 1 1939-41
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: waitara on Tuesday 31 March 09 13:58 BST (UK)
Hi Ross,
Thanks for information on the Hudson.
I am researching on behalf of a friend who is a relation, but not next of kin to D B smith.
When you say it is difficult, but not impossible, to get information without a service record, just what would be involved?
Regards
Val.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Tuesday 31 March 09 15:04 BST (UK)
Hi Val,

You need a bit of luck and access to the Operation Record Books held at Kew.

First look at the ORB for No.500 Sqn. Track back from the final op until you get to his first Op. Next check the monthly summary around this time. If you are lucky then his posting in will be recorded as well as where from.

If not then its a trawl through the OTU ORBs to see if you can pick up the trail again.

Failing that it's passenger lists to see if he came from Africa prewar. If no entry then he may have joined locally in Rhodesia.

All a bit hit or miss and very time consuming.

Regards
Ross

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Benn2509 on Tuesday 31 March 09 15:30 BST (UK)
Hi Ross, Many thanks for your information, I've printed off the relevant forms and I'm hoping the RAF can supply the service records.
Thanks again.
Benn.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: manus on Tuesday 31 March 09 15:57 BST (UK)
Hi Ross
Thank you so much for your help and all the information. It's so sad he was only age 19 born Waterford Ireland. My dad never spoke about it.  Maybe he found it to upsetting as my dad would have only been 17 year's old when it happened once again thank you.

Regards Manus
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: SooCatt on Friday 03 April 09 13:03 BST (UK)
Hi Ross
I wonder if you missed my earlier posting or was it that you had no luck with any information.
Here it is just in case you missed it
Hi
This is a long shot but I'm hoping you may be able help.

I recently came across a vague reference to a spitfire which crashed at Pelton Fell in County Durham.  The pilot was killed but I have no idea when it was except that it was during WW2.

Is it possible that you have further info.  When it was? Who the pilot was?

Thanks in advance for your time and efforts

Susan
Thanks
Susan
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Sunday 05 April 09 10:37 BST (UK)
Hi Susan,

Nearly 23,000 Spitfires were built and almost two million men enlisted into the RAF.

Without confirmation of the type and a year it is an impossible task to go through the Form 78s and Form 1180s to find one specific aircraft.

You need to find more info than the brief mention on the Peoples War before a search can commence.

Your loss could even be post war in 1948.

Regards
Ross

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: SooCatt on Sunday 05 April 09 17:05 BST (UK)
Thanks Ross
I did think it was a long shot but I appreciate you taking the time to reply. 
Susan
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Saturday 11 April 09 12:47 BST (UK)
Hi Susan,

"The impossible we do immediately, miracles take a little longer".

My hunch about 1948 looks to have paid off.

How does the side of a hill located near Holmeside Old Hall and across the fields from Peartree Cottages, Holmeside sound?

03 Sept 1948
TP240
Spitfire FR14
No.612 Sqn

Squadron Leader John Child

The pilot, who was out of current flying practice and had no instrument flying rating, entered cu-nim cloud whilst flying in formation at 6500 feet. He lost control of the aircraft and it dived steeply into the ground,

Regards
Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Saturday 11 April 09 13:19 BST (UK)
Nice one Ross.  Most impressive.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Ceeoh on Saturday 11 April 09 13:31 BST (UK)
Hi, do you know if  it is possible to trace airmen when one has no knowledge of whether they survived the war.

When I was a child we had two young airforce service men billeted with us, they were only 21 years old, I would love to know what happened to them.  I do have their service numbers.

Ceeoh
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: SooCatt on Saturday 11 April 09 20:56 BST (UK)
Ross
Thank you so much.  I can't tell you how grateful I am that you took the time and trouble to look when I had such vague information.

It certainly looks like a possibility.  It's a little further away than I would have expected but certainly near enough to be worth following up.  I'm going to see if I can find anything in the local papers (when I'm next at the archives)to confirm that this is the one which I read about having crashed at Pelton Fell.

You are a star!  :)

Susan
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: patjk on Sunday 14 June 09 23:36 BST (UK)


Heres a picture of the 6 graves ....... hard to see the names ... I don't have a magnifying glass ... but maybe you can see them !






John Edward Kearney, the navigator of this 'plane, was my father. The following letter was written by Jimmy Archibald, the pilot and surviving crew member, to my mother on October 11th 1944:

+++

Dear Betty,

I am terribly sorry I haven’t written before but I have just received your three letters.  I knew that I would soon be out of hospital and gave my cousin’s address for forwarding mail and consequently did not get them till I came here.

I suppose I must tell you what happened and I hate to do it as it will take away the scrap of hope you may have.  You know what a happy bunch we were, Betty, there wasn’t one of those boys that I didn’t love like a brother.  I would have done anything to save them but there wasn’t anything I could do.

We were shot down without warning by a German fighter.  I didn’t hear anything from Wee Alec or Terry and by the time I realised we were attacked, the plane was out of control and the intercom. was out of action.  I called out to them to abandon aircraft but got no reply.  Johnny Cuthbert and I were struggling with the controls but something must have gone for the plane started to turn over and over.  Then there was an explosion and I found myself falling.  I found out afterwards that I had gone through the Perspex since my arms had little chips stuck in it.
The French people who found me found your Johnny, Johnny Cuthbert, Pete and Les.  They must have died instantly when the explosion occurred.

There is nothing more I can say Betty, I can’t offer sympathy or cheer; I can only say my heart bleeds for you both and them.  There was a time in hospital when I wished I had gone too.  Every little thing reminds me of them and for you it must be so much worse.

If you want me to come and see you or if there is anything I can do to help, let me know.  I’ll be glad to do it.

+++

I am very anxious to learn more about my father and his fellow crew members, and if anyone can help perhaps you could get in touch with me. Not sure how that works, however, being a newbie at this sort of thing.
 
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: patjk on Monday 15 June 09 15:50 BST (UK)




. . .[snip]

In Memory of

Sergeant JOHN EDWARD KEARNEY
 1584132, 576 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 31
on 29 July 1944
Son of John and Edith Kearney; husband of Betty Kearney, of Southall, Middlesex.

Remembered with honour
CHAUMOUSEY COMMUNAL CEMETERY


As I posted elsewhere, John Edward Kearney was my father. I was about eleven months old when he was killed. The attached photograph of him in his RAF uniform might be of interest. They have his age wrong on on the Commonwealth War Graves website. He was born on April 4th 1918 which would make him 26 when he died, and not 31.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: patjk on Monday 15 June 09 17:44 BST (UK)


Heres a picture of the 6 graves ....... hard to see the names ... I don't have a magnifying glass ... but maybe you can see them !


I found the attached photo on a French site. It is more recent than the one on the War Graves Commission site, having been taken in 2007, and shows that the graves are still tended. I am puzzled by what appears to be a Canadian flag, when only one of the crew members was from that country. Perhaps national flags are rotated, and it just happened that when this picture was taken it was the turn of Canada?
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: cooper120 on Saturday 20 June 09 16:36 BST (UK)
Hi I dont know if you can help here but I am looking for Albert Potiphar whom I am told served in bomber command and took place in many raids over Germany. I am afraid that is all the information I have except he was born around 1903 - 1905.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Saturday 20 June 09 16:57 BST (UK)
There was a message on RAFCommands about a Alfie Potiphar who was a reargunner at No.24 OTU. May be the man you are looking for.

http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?p=22240

(text of post 6)

Regards
Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: cooper120 on Saturday 20 June 09 17:02 BST (UK)
Thanks Ross I will check it out and see if it brings anything else to light.

Regards

Trevor
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kevd on Sunday 26 July 09 18:43 BST (UK)
Hi

I was wondering if you had any information you could give me regarding my grandfather whose details were:

1476871 L.A.C. DONOVAN, G.M. (Flight runner)

I think he was part of:
4448 A/A Flight
RAF Regiment

Any details at all would be appreciated. Thanks!

Kev
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Sunday 26 July 09 19:20 BST (UK)
Nothing specific on LAC Donovan. Your best route would be to have the closest living relative contact the RAF at Cranwell and request a copy of his service record. This will list all postings from enlstment to demob.

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/raf.html

No.4448 Anti aircraft Flight was based at a number of locations and without knowing the timeframe it is difficult to say where exactly he was based eg (Dum Dum, Santanar Manipur Road, Dergaon and Palel).

The unit Operational Record Book (ORB) is held at The National Records Office, Kew under reference AIR 29/886. This is effectively the war diary for the unit and will give day to day details.

Regards
Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kevd on Sunday 26 July 09 19:38 BST (UK)
hi, thanks anyway i'll order the records.
thanks again.
kev
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Welsh Cockney on Thursday 30 July 09 17:31 BST (UK)
Hi There,
Just wondered if you can helpwith following?
Little,David Henry William
Nationality; United Kingdom
Rank; Sergeant (Air-Gnr)
Regiment/Service; Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text; 97 Sqdn.
Age; 32
Date of Death;26/11/1943
Service No.;1398493
Casuality Type; Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Ref;  2.H.9.
Cemetry; DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Thursday 30 July 09 17:40 BST (UK)
Here's a little.

Sorry posted incorrect information previously.

http://www.firebynight.co.uk/Crew%20Brown.html


25/26 November 1943 - Frankfurt


From the ORB: "Out of the 19 aircraft detailed for operations, which were to attack Frankfurt, three aircraft were withdrawn.  Remainder bombed in 9/10ths cloud top about 1,800' in thin layer - vis good.  Defence - H/F moderate - barrage bursting 16-18,000'.  S/Ls ineffective, some enemy aircraft fighter activity.  First TIs were fairly well concentrated, later flares were seen wide of target and scattered bombing followed.  Fires were scattered over an area of some 8 miles radius.  Fires were seen reflected in the clouds from 40 miles away but a good concentrated attack was not achieved. F/L BROWN (Can/USA) and crew failed to return.  This crew was operating for the first time with this Squadron."



Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Welsh Cockney on Thursday 30 July 09 18:31 BST (UK)
Thanks David,
The information with the photo ofCpt. Brown and crew looks to be correct and and David Little service  No . is correct also  so thanks again.
Brian.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: ritchiewilk on Thursday 30 July 09 18:52 BST (UK)
Hi,
 I am looking for information on the crew that was with  Sgt Gideon Jamieson Cairncross who was in the RAFVR.  He was killed in action 7 June 1943 while on a mission over the Mediterranean.  His inscription is on the Alamein Memorial.  Also any information on the mission he was on, if possible.  I do not know his squadron but I think he flew in Wellington bombers.

Thanks
Ritchie
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Thudnut on Thursday 30 July 09 22:13 BST (UK)
Hi Ritchie,
the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website shows his Squadron as 37 Squadron

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1536110

For some reason, there is no mention of the loss on the lost bombers website.  Are you sure he was on a mission?

Edited to add this: http://www.rafbf.org/books/wisewithouteyes.htm

Good luck
Thudders
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: ritchiewilk on Friday 31 July 09 18:13 BST (UK)
Hi Thudders,

Thanks for the info.

It was my father who said he was lost over the Med.  He thinks he was on a mission over Greece, Crete or somewhere in that area.  Thats all I know, I'm afraid.

Thanks again

Ritchie
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DevonJewel on Saturday 01 August 09 18:04 BST (UK)
Kyt,
My millitary knowledge if zero so I'm not sure what you are able to look up but I would love more information on a great uncle, I found this on CWGC:
Gunner ALBERT GEORGE STARLING
1533596, 16 Bty., 2 H.A.A. Regt., Royal Artillery
died age 21
between 26 April 1941 and 27 April 1941 missing at sea (letter received by parents in Aug 1941 assuming dead)
Son of George and Ada Starling.
Remembered with honour
ATHENS MEMORIAL

Are you able to add anything please or suggestions as to where else I could look?
Many thanks
DJ
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: briant on Wednesday 05 August 09 23:33 BST (UK)
On April 26th 1941,the Germans captured Athens, During the retreat a hospital ship was sunk just after it left  the harbour,

I read about this a few years ago but i cannot for the life of me remember the book or the ship,

I wonder if the moderator could move this queery to a slot of it's own as i think there maybe a few artillery experts out there missing it hid away here,

Regards Brian
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: ajhales on Thursday 31 December 09 14:21 GMT (UK)
I am trying to research a Lancaster aircraft from 49 squadron lost on the 24th March 1944. It was on a bombing operation to Frankfurt. I know that 6 out of the 7 crew were lost and I have some information about them but anything extra that you can add would be much appreciated.

Thank you
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: RandomElectron on Friday 19 March 10 12:03 GMT (UK)
Hello kyt.
Regarding your kind Look-up offer. I have a framed photograph of my late uncle, Flight Sgt. DAS McKay, standing outside Buckingham Palace, with a grin a mile wide. He had just come out from being presented with the DFM by King George VI after shooting down his twelfth Luftwaffe aircraft in the Battle of Britain and thus becoming an official Hurricane Ace.  Is there anything in your valuable book on him please? Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Friday 19 March 10 14:39 GMT (UK)
Hello kyt.
Regarding your kind Look-up offer. I have a framed photograph of my late uncle, Flight Sgt. DAS McKay, standing outside Buckingham Palace, with a grin a mile wide. He had just come out from being presented with the DFM by King George VI after shooting down his twelfth Luftwaffe aircraft in the Battle of Britain and thus becoming an official Hurricane Ace.  Is there anything in your valuable book on him please? Thanks in advance.

Hi Random

could you please PM me your email address - I have a far few snippets I'd like to send you from different sources.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: RandomElectron on Friday 19 March 10 14:56 GMT (UK)
Wow, thanks for that. I have just joined RootsChat, let me see how to PM another member........
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Friday 19 March 10 15:07 GMT (UK)
Click on my username on the left and that will take you to my profile. Scroll down and click Send this RootsChatter a personal message.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Friday 19 March 10 15:10 GMT (UK)
Hello kyt.
Regarding your kind Look-up offer. I have a framed photograph of my late uncle, Flight Sgt. DAS McKay, standing outside Buckingham Palace, with a grin a mile wide. He had just come out from being presented with the DFM by King George VI after shooting down his twelfth Luftwaffe aircraft in the Battle of Britain and thus becoming an official Hurricane Ace.  Is there anything in your valuable book on him please? Thanks in advance.

Hi Random

could you please PM me your email address - I have a far few snippets I'd like to send you from different sources.

K

Share and share alike?
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Friday 19 March 10 15:30 GMT (UK)
Hello kyt.
Regarding your kind Look-up offer. I have a framed photograph of my late uncle, Flight Sgt. DAS McKay, standing outside Buckingham Palace, with a grin a mile wide. He had just come out from being presented with the DFM by King George VI after shooting down his twelfth Luftwaffe aircraft in the Battle of Britain and thus becoming an official Hurricane Ace.  Is there anything in your valuable book on him please? Thanks in advance.

Hi Random

could you please PM me your email address - I have a far few snippets I'd like to send you from different sources.

K

Share and share alike?

I wish I could David but issues with sources and all that.

But a brief outline.

Donald McKay was awarded a DFM and Bar, both with 91 Squadron. His total tally at the end of the war was 14 confirmed kills, and a host of confirmed and unconfirmed shared kills. He also served with 501 Squadron and 521 Flight.

He ended the war as a F/Lt and went on to become one of the founding members of the Air Britain Society. He sadly died in 1959. His brother was Squadron Leader G R S McKay DFC.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: nvarchitect on Sunday 21 March 10 02:21 GMT (UK)
Hi kyt
I am new to this site and live in england .
I found it whilst searching information on raf binbrook and 460 sqn.
I have seen your link to the 460 sqn orb but i have tried searching the archives for anything binbrook related and came up with nothing.
Not even the orb doesnt show up.
Maybe you could help me or find out for me what they have and is available to view if you would be most kind.
I have gathered a considerable amount of information on 460 sqn and trying to conatact any former crew or family as planning on writing a book on this once raf base so if anyone out there who was either stationed at binbrook who had a member of there family based there please get in touch as would love to hear from you.
Many thanks in advance
Darren

460 Squadron - Binbrook
I am helping my dad Henry Baskerville compile his stories about being a bomber pilot for 460 Squadron at Binbrook in 1943/44. Below is the link to his articles so far. If you want to ask him any questions, you could post a comment there.
http://knol.google.com/k/460-squadron-collection#
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: aniph on Friday 26 March 10 07:22 GMT (UK)
Hi kyt

What a kind offer.

I'm wondering if you have anything on Daniel Paul Phillips NZ 391815. RAF

I don't know what squadron he was in first but after was at No 22 operational training unit.

Thanks
Annie
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Tuesday 30 March 10 21:07 BST (UK)
Moderators, can I suggest you make this thread a sticky?

Scrimnet Can I second that!  :)

By the way I now have Volume 1 & 3 of For Your Tomorrow by Errol Martyn so would be happy to do lookups for New Zealanders on any crew.

Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: BettyofKent on Tuesday 30 March 10 21:58 BST (UK)
Hello kyt

Thank you for your very kind look-up offer.
I wonder if you have anything on Bertram Max FRANKAL, Sergeant RAF Volunteer Reserve, killed 8th April 1945.
I've found him on the Lost Bombers website, but I don't know how accurate that is, perhaps your book could confirm what I've got, maybe even give additional information.

Betty
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Wednesday 31 March 10 05:26 BST (UK)
Hi Betty

yes the basic details of the loss are correct on that site.

Both R R N Forrest's and the Squadron Operations Book have been digitised on the National Archives of Australia.

It would appear that after the war, an investigation was carried out and Forrest's remains  were located and reburied. Sadly Frankal's were not found, hence why he is on the Runnymede Memorial.

Could you please PM me your email address. I will send you some details from the files, after I have checked through them We should be able to establish when Frankel joined the squadron and which missions he went on. It will just take me a day or two to go through the info.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: BettyofKent on Wednesday 31 March 10 11:12 BST (UK)
Hi kyt

It's good to know Forrest's remains were found & given a proper burial.
Bertie was one of the reasons I started my family history. I knew he was a cousin of my mother's, but that was all, so wanted to know where he fitted into the family. I would love to have anything you can find about him.
Many thanks for your help, I'll pm you now with my email address.

Betty
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: tilly25 on Monday 05 April 10 13:37 BST (UK)
Hi Kyt

I wonder if you have any information on Flight/Sgt John Gerry number 1438258 I know he was a navigator and was shot down but not sure where, any information would be gratefully received.

I am also looking for a Harry Shawcross (changed named by deed poll from Behn) fluent french speaker, think he joined the RAF

Judy
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Monday 05 April 10 19:51 BST (UK)
Hi Judy

there was a Sgt J Gerry who a member of a crew in 77 Squadron. His aircraft crashed on the night of the 12/13 May 1943 on its way back from a mission to Duisburg. The crash location was a field belonging to High Belthorpe farm at Bishop Wilton.

Two of the crew of the Halifax (Serial Number JB865) were killed - Flying Officer Thomas Archibald DFC RAAF (pilot) and Sgt Gerard Scully (Bomb Aimer). Using Archibald's casualty file in the Australian Archives I can confirm that this Gerry is the same one you are looking for).

The entire crew were:

F/O T Archibald DFC RAAF killed
Sgt C Hewitson
Sgt J Gerry
Sgt G Scully Killed
Sgt G Marlow
Sgt F K Smith
Sgt J Currie

The rest of the crew only received minor injuries.

It was not possible to establish the cause of the crash.

I haven't found anything on the other name yet and will let you know if I do.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: tilly25 on Tuesday 06 April 10 11:51 BST (UK)
Hi Kyt

Thanks very much for that information on Flight/Sgt Gerry

Judy
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: selwynfroggitt on Thursday 08 April 10 11:27 BST (UK)
Hello kyt,
I would appreciate any background information on the action of 57 Sqdn. on 3 June 1942.
Flight Sergt. Vincent Patrick Cummock of the Royal New Zealand Air Force died when his aircraft failed to return.
He was assigned to Bomber Command and I have been informed elsewhere that Bomber Command lost two aircraft that night.. one from 57 and one from 61.
A photograph of him appears on the Aucklandmuseum website
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Sunday 11 April 10 18:18 BST (UK)

Hi selwyn

might I suggest a visit to rafcommands.com and contacting Errol Martyn? He is THE authority on the RNZAF and should be able to give you some brief background.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Monday 12 April 10 13:42 BST (UK)
I would agree with Kyt that Errol is the very best person to contact ref RNZAF people. 
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: selwynfroggitt on Monday 12 April 10 14:25 BST (UK)
\\\\\\\\thank you for the replies.
I am in the process of joining rafcommands but from what I have seen there does not seem to be a facility to contact Errol Martyn... but I have accessed his profile.

May be like this forum... just post a query and hope for the best
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Monday 12 April 10 14:55 BST (UK)
Click on Errol's profile name and is e mail address will appear.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: BettyofKent on Monday 12 April 10 16:20 BST (UK)
I must thank kyt again for the information sent.
To say I'm pleased would be an understatement.
A family story said Bertie Frankal was killed in the last air raid over Germany. I found this wasn't true, but didn't know how the story had arisen. I do now. It turns out that the crew he was a member of was the last 466 Squadron crew to be lost over enemy territory as a result of enemy action.
I'm delighted to have a picture of Bertie.


Betty
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: busybod on Monday 12 April 10 20:06 BST (UK)
Kyt

I should like to find my Father's airforce records. I dont have a great deal of info about him, only that he joined up in Jamaica in the late 40's and came over to England.  Dont know the exact year.  How old did they have to be to join up - 18.  If so, he was born in 1928, so that would mean he would have joined up in 1946.

Any help you could give would be very much appreciated.


Busybod
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Tuesday 13 April 10 16:12 BST (UK)
Some applicants were a bit naughty and changed their birth certificates so that they were older than they actually were.  There is a thread for West Indians on www.cfww2.com that you might like to register with or extra help.

Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: briant on Tuesday 13 April 10 18:03 BST (UK)
This is a good site as well http://www.caribbeanaircrew-ww2.com/


Brian
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: busybod on Tuesday 13 April 10 18:58 BST (UK)
Thanks Dee and Brian, I'll check both those sites out.


Busybod
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Ceeoh on Wednesday 21 April 10 03:00 BST (UK)
During the war we had two young air force boys billeted with us in Redcar, both only 21 at the time.  I would love to know what happened to them"

1462950   AC/2  Beets William H  (Billy)

11505502  AC 2 Heyworth William (Bill)

Billy Beets was originally from Field Barn, Dunton, Fakenham, Norfolk

The last we heard of them was when they were relocated,  Billy Beets to RAF Station  Syerston  Newark  Notts, and Bill Hayward to Lynemouth  Morpeth  Northumberland.  This was towards the end of 1941.

Is there any chance I couuld trace what became of them - they were lovely boys and made such a fuss of the (then) 9 year old me!

Ceeoh
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: cwalarc on Monday 26 April 10 14:01 BST (UK)
thanks for info on Flt Sgt JK Henson dfm.  Cannot find much about 226 squadron or where he was based.  Which airfield did the fatal journey start from?  Would love any more info or where to look for it.
He was my uncle who I never met.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kyt on Monday 03 May 10 17:13 BST (UK)
During the war we had two young air force boys billeted with us in Redcar, both only 21 at the time.  I would love to know what happened to them"

1462950   AC/2  Beets William H  (Billy)

11505502  AC 2 Heyworth William (Bill)

Billy Beets was originally from Field Barn, Dunton, Fakenham, Norfolk

The last we heard of them was when they were relocated,  Billy Beets to RAF Station  Syerston  Newark  Notts, and Bill Hayward to Lynemouth  Morpeth  Northumberland.  This was towards the end of 1941.

Is there any chance I couuld trace what became of them - they were lovely boys and made such a fuss of the (then) 9 year old me!

Ceeoh

Hi Ceeoh,

I'm afraid I haven't been able to find anything on either man. They both appear to have survived the war, and neither was promoted to officer rank.

WW2 personnel are difficult to research unless they were either of the above, received a gallantry medal or there were some hints that they may have been aircrew.

Sorry I couldn't help.

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: geebrooks9 on Friday 07 May 10 15:00 BST (UK)
Hi, my dad served in the RAF during the second world war, he was serving in Africa but where I don't know. I have very little information on him during this time. I do have a photo of him in a military hospital which I attach. His name was Philip Thomas Cole Davis and he was born on the 26th of November 1905. Would it be possible to track him down. I think he picked up a tropical disease and sent home, I know he was out of the RAF in 1942. Any help would be much appreciated. Sara.
PS. he is the person in the middle of the photo.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Belgenland on Tuesday 11 May 10 10:10 BST (UK)
Kyt,

Could you please check your archive about RAF 77 Sqdn Halifax JD167 shot down in Boussu (Belgium) on 11th August 1943?

I am looking for informations about radio operator and air gunner Eric Yeomans Howes, service no 1295447.

Many thanks in advance.

Phil
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Thursday 13 May 10 09:46 BST (UK)
Try aswell 77 Squadron RAF Association Hon Secretary R Semlyen, Brinkworth Park House, Elvington, York YO41 4AT United Kingdom: email rachel AT semlyen.net : tel 07751 374955
Squadron association website http://homepage.ntlworld.com/r_m_g.varley/77 Squadron Association.html (this is from the RAFRA website so is usually reasonably up to date...
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Thursday 13 May 10 09:49 BST (UK)
Hi, my dad served in the RAF during the second world war, he was serving in Africa but where I don't know. I have very little information on him during this time. I do have a photo of him in a military hospital which I attach. His name was Philip Thomas Cole Davis and he was born on the 26th of November 1905. Would it be possible to track him down. I think he picked up a tropical disease and sent home, I know he was out of the RAF in 1942. Any help would be much appreciated. Sara.
PS. he is the person in the middle of the photo.
If you are his nearest living relative or the person who is is willing to pay £30 you can get his RAF service record.  Have a look at http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/service_records.html
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: geebrooks9 on Thursday 13 May 10 14:07 BST (UK)
Hi Dee, thank you very much. would it cause problems because I don't have my dads service number or indeed anything to go on?    Sara.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Monday 17 May 10 15:29 BST (UK)
Sara shouldnt be a problem as long as you have his DOB... The website tells you what else you need.
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: geebrooks9 on Monday 17 May 10 16:08 BST (UK)
Hi Dee, thanks a lot, will do, Sara xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: justmej on Monday 17 May 10 23:24 BST (UK)
And ... I just found this ......

Lancaster PB253 Information

Type   Lancaster
Serial Number   PB253
Squadron   576
X1D   UL-A2
Operation   Stuttgart
Date 1   28th July 1944
Date 2   29th July 1944

Further Information

"Serial Range PA964 - PD196 This aircxraft was one of 800 Lancasters ordered from A.V.Roe (Chadderton) Apr43 of which 756 were delivered as 255 Mk.1s, 500 Mk.111s and one Lancastrian between May44 and Mar45 mainly from Chadderton with 87 from Yeadon. The Mk.111s had Merlin 38 engines initially installed except for the late production models with Merlin 224 engines. PB253 was a Mk.111 and was delivered to 576 Sqdn Jul44 When lost this aircraft had a total of 67 hours.
No other operational history PB253 was one of four 576 Sqdn Lancaster lost on this operation. See: LL799; LL905; PB128. Airborne 2118 28Jul44 from Elsham Wolds. Crashed circa 0230 29Jul44 near Chaumousey (Vosges), 8 km w of epinal. Six are buried in Chaumousey Communal Cemetery. F/O Archibald survived and probably evaded capture. This is yet to be substantiated. F/O J.Archibald RNZAF Sgt J.R.Cuthbert KIA Sgt J.e.Kearney KIA F/O P.J.Biollo RCAF KIA Sgt L.Fielding KIA W/O T.P.Barry KIA Sgt A.Milne KIA "

http://www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=3663


Think this thread relates to the above...

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,454271.0.html
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: meggie4 on Wednesday 19 May 10 12:39 BST (UK)
Re F/O James Archibald Lancaster PB253 Squadron 526 became POW .Sent to hospital in Paris as wounds needed greater medical attention.He was looked after by the local people until he became too ill and became a POW  He was liberated in Paris and returned to England.
He was invalided out of the airforce and returned to NZ on the death of his father. For many years he was every year fighting  the POW association about information that listed him as missing in action.  I presume that is why  everyone had such difficulty finding him.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Monday 24 May 10 20:02 BST (UK)
Kyt
Can you do me a favour and tell me more about the collision between Stirling W7467 (7 Sqn) and a 56 OTU Hurri... I know from the Earith the names & where buried but what were they doing and why crash 1.5miles north of Earith.  R W Taylor and J W Mahler were the pilots but which was which.  There is a lovely memorial just outside Earith but reception here wont let me upload a picture-damn it...
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: jb148 on Wednesday 26 May 10 16:57 BST (UK)
Hi Looking for help on a ex- pow - His name is Sidney Richard Vickers - warrant Officer 590124  R A F.  I now he was awarded the Order of the British Empire medal.  Also i now he was a P O W  in 1942.  Is there anything else you can help me with !
Regards
James
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Thursday 27 May 10 12:45 BST (UK)
Kyt
Can you do me a favour and tell me more about the collision between Stirling W7467 (7 Sqn) and a 56 OTU Hurri... I know from the Earith the names & where buried but what were they doing and why crash 1.5miles north of Earith.  R W Taylor and J W Mahler were the pilots but which was which.  There is a lovely memorial just outside Earith but reception here wont let me upload a picture-damn it...
Dee

Just to let you know that my colleagues on rafcommands came up with some information to say that apparently the Hurri was doing an "unauthorised attack" on the aircraft when they collided.  Such a shame and what a waste of life....
Dee
D
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: ARM99 on Monday 12 July 10 00:24 BST (UK)
I'm attempting to find details of my father's activities in the RAF from the beginning of the second world war and would appreciate any help.
His Name is William Edwin Mulford - service number 37202. He was posted to 50 squadron in late 1939 with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. I would be interested in knowing what he flew, who were his crew and what missions he went on. He was promoted to Squadron Leader in December 1940.
He was posted to 431 squadron in late 1942 and was KIA in June 1943.
Any information would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Monday 12 July 10 00:59 BST (UK)
I can't help you too much, however your father piloted my father (rear gunner) on an operation to Berlin on 20 September 1941.

They received a recall when just inside enemy territory and attacked a S.E.M.O. (Self evident military objective) on the Rheine.

They departed Swanton Morley (which was unusual) and landed at Finningley.

If I can help further please contact me but that is the only reference I have to your father.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Monday 12 July 10 21:13 BST (UK)
Just to let you know that my colleagues on rafcommands came up with some information to say that apparently the Hurri was doing an "unauthorised attack" on the aircraft when they collided.  Such a shame and what a waste of life....
Dee
D
Quote
You are so right.... He would have been in so much trouble if he had survived!  Mind you he might have misrecognised the a/c and thought it was a German one!
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: yekepa on Tuesday 03 August 10 14:34 BST (UK)
Kyt
Can you help on ORB for 90 squadron Tuddenham 1945 Lancasters
HK610 and PD336  I have crew lists and where they crashed, if you can offer anything else I would be grateful
Yekepa
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: yekepa on Tuesday 03 August 10 14:39 BST (UK)
Kyt  sorry I forgot to add that I am looking for any informatin at all on P/O Smith who flew a Lancaster from Tudddenham, particularly on the day of HK610's crash, he took off 7 minutes before HK610. 2nd February 1945
Thanks Yekepa
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Tuesday 03 August 10 22:48 BST (UK)
Good lord.  Tuddenham is literally just down the road from here.... I kennel my dog there! Another coincidence that they were at Honington where I live in 1957!
Cant help you with crew details but Kyt can do that when hes available.  However re 90 Sqn it will be either a Lancaster I or III.  If you contact the RAF Museum at Hendons archivist's (there is a link on their site) they may be able to give you copies of the a/c engineering information (cant promise anything) and they are really busy so it might well take some time...
Is P/O Smith a relative?  if he is might be worth getting his service record...
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: yekepa on Wednesday 04 August 10 12:06 BST (UK)
Thqnk you for reply I will look at Hendon
yekepa
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Thursday 05 August 10 20:55 BST (UK)
Yekepa
Also contact the following as I am sure they would love to hear from you.
90 (XC Bomber) Squadron Jack Johnson  01603 764483  01603 764483  see also  google Mildenhall Register.
Good luck
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: yekepa on Friday 06 August 10 07:22 BST (UK)
Dee  Thanks for that I have contacted Mildenhall Register, but not the orther contact you suggested - will do - Many Thanks
Y.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: er indoors on Friday 17 September 10 21:54 BST (UK)
Hello

I am trying to trace somebody who was in the Equipment branch 1938-1947  P Barlow 31420 any idea how I can trace
where he served and what he did?

Look forward to hearing from you, if you have the time.

Regards
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Thursday 23 September 10 22:04 BST (UK)
You can put a request in for his service records.  Heres a link on which you might find information:
http://www.veterans-uk.info/recordsmedalsbadges.htm
Not sure whether he was Safety Equipment or what we now call a Supplier but if you get his record it will tell you where and when.  If you do get it then come back to either here or www.rafcommands.com/forum for more information.
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: bill247 on Saturday 25 September 10 17:27 BST (UK)
Hi Kyt, Bill from Glasgow here.
I dont know if you can be of assistance to me but i thought i would ask anyway.
I am trying to track down information on a Radar Station in Malta in WW2.
My Late Father served on the RAF Ames 504 Radar Station on Dingli Cliff Malta from 1940 till 1943 as a   Radio Direction Finding ( RDF ) Operator , Otherwise known as Radar.
I have been trying to find the location of this Radar Unit on Malta for almost 2 yrs as there appears to be a somewhat shortage of info on this Station.
I have also been trying to locate a military map of Malta as well to see if that can be of any help.
Kyt, Any assistance or advice on this would be most welcome.
I am a rootschat member bill 247.
  Thank you very much for your time.
                    Bill.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Salty on Wednesday 29 September 10 13:02 BST (UK)
Hi Kyt,

Am trying to help a friend out, I have details from the CWGC

Sgt Pilot 1386266 James William George PARKER
1 Squadron RAF Volunteer Reserve
Died on 24 May 1943 and is buried at Reichwald Forest War Cemetery

Wondering if you can help with any detail as to exactly what he was doing that day and what he was flying.
Cheers Tom
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Wednesday 29 September 10 13:18 BST (UK)
Not wishing to preempt Kyt who is much more knowledgeable that I but I find in Chorley that Parker was the only casualty in 51 Squadron Halifax HR 842 lost on a raid to Dortmund.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Salty on Wednesday 29 September 10 14:24 BST (UK)
Hi David,
That was very quick and thankyou, but am I being a bit thick in that you say Parker the pilot was the only casualty and he is buried in Germany. One has to ask how he gets chucked out and the plane gets back home.
Or am I reading this wrong?

Cheers Tom
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Wednesday 29 September 10 15:42 BST (UK)
As I said, the aircraft was lost on a raid to Dortmund the rest of the crew became P.O.W.'s
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Salty on Wednesday 29 September 10 15:51 BST (UK)
Aah, just me being thick then.

Thanks again
Tom
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Wednesday 29 September 10 19:49 BST (UK)
Tom
Not stupid at all.  Was just looking in Middlebrooks Bomber Command Diaries.  Nothing about your guy but the very same night there was a Wellington from 431 Sqn that was flown back by the bomb aimer Sgt Sloan after there was confusion on whether the pilot gave the order to bail (he did) because the a/c was reported to be on fire by the rear gunner.  Sgt Sloan and 2 others stayed with the plane and got her home....
Sooooo curiouser and curiouser right story just wrong crew.  RIP Sgt Parker and his crew... his was just one of 19 Halifaxes lost that night...  Kyt & David will give you more information when available...
You might like to give your friend these details
51 Squadron Association Sqn Ldr P J Mason RAF(Retd), 26 Aversley Road, Sawtry, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 5XD: tel  01487 831488  01487 831488 : philjmason AT aol.com : a related site http://website.lineone.net/~redgoose/assoc.htm
Good luck
Dee

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Salty on Wednesday 29 September 10 20:43 BST (UK)
Thanks very much Dee, I do feel a bit thick sometimes LOL
Tom
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Wednesday 29 September 10 22:01 BST (UK)
Incidentally my father was there that night too.

23rd May 1943.  DORTMUND. (GERMANY)

Take off time 2314 from Bourn.   
Lancaster ED 862 P.  Crew, F/O Fletcher, Sgt. Nelson, F/Sgt. Robertson, Sgt. Beesley, F/Sgt. Layne, Sgt. White, Sgt. Page.
After a nine day break Bomber Command sent a mixed force of 826 aircraft against this target, the largest non 1,000 bomber raid of the war to date.  The Pathfinder Force accurately marked the target and consequently considerable damage was done to Dortmund on a raid that was considered a great success. 38 of the attacking aircraft were lost, 4.6% of the force.
This crew were one of 12 Lancasters from 97 Squadron tasked with bombing Dortmund, 3 of these aircraft were acting as Pathfinders.  Their bomb loads consisted of,  1 x 4,000 lb. bomb, 4 x 1,000 lb. bombs and 7 x 500 lb.
The crew’s bombs were dropped on Dortmund from 20,000 feet.  It was very dark, the moon was rising but the target was obscured by smoke.  Red and Green T.I.’s were in the sights when the bombs were dropped and a big red explosion was seen on the west side of the target.  There was a tremendous amount of smoke up to 10,000 feet and on the return the glow of the fires could be seen at the Zuider Zee, (Holland).
The crew returned to base with a flight time of 4.05 hours.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Salty on Thursday 30 September 10 08:53 BST (UK)
Thank you for that info David.
Tom
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: BlackpoolBell on Wednesday 06 October 10 05:52 BST (UK)
I am looking to find out about my father and what he did in world war 11 in the far east. He was RAF. He survived the war. Do you have any records if I check his enlistment number?
Many thanks
Judith
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Wednesday 06 October 10 16:19 BST (UK)
Start with getting his service record. Is your mum still alive as she can get the records for free?  If you look back through here you should be able to find the link so you can get the forms to do it?
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: BlackpoolBell on Wednesday 06 October 10 19:52 BST (UK)
many thanks
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Wednesday 06 October 10 22:05 BST (UK)
Good luck and come back to us if you need any further help when you get it.  By the way you want photocopies not a transcription of the records because by the very nature errors can occur during the transcription...
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Wheeltapper on Monday 18 October 10 15:27 BST (UK)
Hello Kyt, I am researching the crash of a Wellington Bomber which came down on the edge of Althorpe Park, Northamptonshire on 24 Sept. 1944. All crew were lost. It was part of the 85 OTU flying out of Husbands Bosworth airport. I have the names of the crew and have been in contact with the family of the Canadian Airman,but am finding it difficult to positively trace the other airmen and their families. Any help that you could give me regarding these airmen would be wonderful. Iam new to this form of research so please forgive me if I have not gone about this in the correct way.Best Regards,
Wheeltapper.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: seahall on Wednesday 20 October 10 02:35 BST (UK)
HI All.

Kyt has already answered some of this query and help from
other Rootschatters here, just so we do not duplicate.

http://www.rootschat.com/links/0a4f/

Also more information about crash.

http://www.rootschat.com/links/0a4g/

Sandy
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: bill247 on Wednesday 20 October 10 11:44 BST (UK)
hi sandy, bill from glasgow (see page 19 ), just wondered if kyt had found any info on the Ames Radar unit No 504 Dingli cliff Malta . I am looking for any information or a military map that would show where this radar stood on the cliff in ww2 as my Late father served there with the RAF as a radar operator on this unit.
      many thanks for your time.
                   bill.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: grahalex on Tuesday 26 October 10 16:44 BST (UK)
hi, my Dad was William Alexander S/N 968154, served with 458 squadron. He was born in Scotland and I believe was ground crew with 458. He then trained as an Air Gunner, he always told me he was a mid upper Gunner on Lancs but I can't find this in his records.He was posted to ACSEA in September 1944. Can you help with any other detail ?
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Wednesday 27 October 10 19:03 BST (UK)
Grahalax by records do you mean that you have his service records?  Did you get the photocopied ones or transcribed... If so if you pm Kyt a copy of the record he may be able to decipher it for you... If you dont have his service records then it is worth getting them because that will tell you what you want to know... the link about service records is further back on here if you need it.
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: grahalex on Wednesday 27 October 10 23:03 BST (UK)
I have the photocopied one, but I don't have a digital version of it and it's too big to scan. I will try and photo the relevant sections and PM them.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: David Layne on Thursday 28 October 10 19:08 BST (UK)
I have the photocopied one, but I don't have a digital version of it and it's too big to scan. I will try and photo the relevant sections and PM them.

I folded my father's in half in order to scan them.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: grahalex on Thursday 28 October 10 23:34 BST (UK)
I don't have access to a scanner.I have taken some photo's that I could email and have PM'd KYT.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Saturday 30 October 10 11:58 BST (UK)
Thats a very good option as the copies will be good for Kyt to look at.
Dee  :)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: grahalex on Monday 01 November 10 18:53 GMT (UK)
KYT has looked at my Dad's records and has done a brilliant job in decifering them for me. He has really brought them to life and made sense of all those numbers and letters. One thing though, does anyone know where 3 SofTT was ?
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: tioman on Tuesday 02 November 10 18:09 GMT (UK)
Hallo.

I wonder if you could find anything out or point me in the right direction as to the circumstances of my Uncle Patrick' death.  I remember my Dad who was also in the RAF saying Patrick was at RAF Aldergrove in N.Ireland and that he took off and never came back.... that may have been his way of explaining it or he may not have known at all.
Thanks very much
Tioman

No Surname Rank Service Number Date Of Death Age Regiment/Service Nationality Grave/Memorial Ref. Cemetery/Memorial Name
1  McNEILLY , PATRICK  Sergeant 1522944 19/03/1945  22 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve United Kingdom Sec. 246. Grave 6. OLD MONKLAND CEMETERY
Title: Re. Donald McKay and Skybirds
Post by: aprilina on Thursday 04 November 10 17:17 GMT (UK)
Hi RandomElectron - I'm trying to find out some more info. re Donald McKay, the WW2 hurricane fighter pilot. I'm interested in him as he corresponded with my grandfather Alfred J Holladay re Skybirds model planes which he used to make during his time with the RAF, and possibly before this.
Skybirds were the original 1/72 scale model aircraft and began production back in 1932 and became very popular with the youth of the day. I never knew my grandfather but I've very proud of the fact that he instiled a love of aircraft and aviation in general into the teenagers of the 1930's.
I have copies of some of the letters written by Donald McKay (printed in the Skybirds own newsletters) where he is noting the colour schemes of the ME 109's with reference to painting the model planes in these colours.
I wondered if you had any of the original letters he wrote to my grandfather Alfred J. Holladay ( he was the MD of the company that made Skybirds), or any of the replies back to your uncle.
I have displayed my Skybirds material in the past and will do againn this month - any info fro your uncle would be most welcome.

Many thanks -- Graham Bailey - Essex
Title: Re Donald Mckay, RAF hurricane pilot
Post by: aprilina on Thursday 04 November 10 18:41 GMT (UK)
Hi - Not sure if my original message made it through earlier today as was posted in a public library, so have typed out a similar message again. Sorry if it's a repeat!
Have just joined RootsChat and I'm looking for some info. re Donald Mckay as he used to correspond with my grandfather Alfred J. Holladay about the model planes called Skybirds that were made by my grandfather's company (Mr Holladay was the MD the company).
I notice that RandomElectron is a nephew of Donald McKay from previous messages earlier this year but I'm unable to contact him personally as I've just signed up today. He mentions that he has a photo of his uncle outside Buckingham Palace.
Part of at least one of Mr. McKay's letters was printed in a Skybird newsletter during the course of the early 1940's - I believe he mentions a change in the  painting scheme on a real ME 109 and how this might be applied to future models of that particular aircraft. I think he was shot down over Kent during the Battle of Britain but managed to bale out successfully and went on to score more victories againgst the Lutfwaffe.
I never knew my grandfather but I'm very proud of the fact that he instilled a great interest in aircraft and aviation in general into the youth of the early 1930's.
I now own a large selection of Skybirds model aircraft and their accessories - these kits were the original 1/72 model planes on which many other companies based their own designs.
I'm planning a large display of Skybirds planes at an exhibition for models and hobbies later this month at Southend-on-Sea in Essex, and hope to include a section on former RAF pilots who were inspired into the world of aviation partly by virtue of building these model planes. As well as Donald McKay, other notable RAF pilots were Neville Duke (author of 'Test Pilot') and Geoffrey Wellum (author of 'First Light'). No doubt many other youngsters back in the 1930's and early 40's were inspired in a similar way, some working in the aircraft industry, and others working in related office jobs or as ground crew, with a select few going on join the elite in the RAF.
Any further info. re Donald McKay would therefore be most welcome, esp. any correspondence between him and the firm of A.J. Holladay & Co. Ltd..

        Many thanks,
                              Graham Bailey  -  Essex
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: patjk on Tuesday 12 April 11 03:22 BST (UK)
Hi I'm after any information on 576 Squadron Lancaster Bomber Serial Number    PB253 - Crashed 29th July 1944. that anyone may have, I am the Nephew of Alex Milne - Rear Gunner on the Lancaster.

Thanks

I can help. My dad was your uncle's navigator, and was killed in the same crash. I have some letters which may be of interest, and last year went to the graves of the crew. Feel free to get in touch.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: patjk on Friday 13 May 11 21:28 BST (UK)
I'm sure you have looked but I can find no Archibald listed in "Footprints"  or in the "RAF Commands" forum listing of POW's.

http://www.rafcommands.com/Air%20Force%20PoWs/RAF%20POWs%20Index.html

Jimmy Archibald was dad's pilot. Jimmy was the only survivor. He landed in a tree and sustained (depending on which account is correct) a broken leg or pelvis. The Germans took him to a local hospital for initial treatment, and then shipped him to Paris where he was shortly afterwards liberated and returned to the UK. My mother had confirmation of my dad's death from Jimmy before she got it from the RAF. Jimmy returned to New Zealand after the war. I am in regular contact with his son David, who is presently (May 2011) en route to visit the graves of his father's crew in France. I made the same trip last year, and was presented with a small piece of my dad's 'plane which had been saved by the local villagers. They are wonderful people. They keep fresh flowers on the graves to this day, and have erected at their own expense a memorial in the forest where the 'plane crashed.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Wheeltapper on Wednesday 18 May 11 09:33 BST (UK)
Hello Kyt,
Thank you for your offer of help, but I have got quite a lot of info on the aircraft and flight so at the moment I am ok. However, I may need to get back to you at a later date. Hope this will be alright with you.
Again,many thanks
Patricia.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: emarbe on Monday 06 June 11 08:25 BST (UK)
Hello Kyt

This is a really long shot, but you might just be able to help.
I am trying to find out if an RCAF Engineer by the name of David Orr Beenie (Orr is the middle name) was stationed in the Cheltenham area around 1942.

Mike
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Monday 06 June 11 12:32 BST (UK)
For Canadian Service records which would tell you which Sqn he was on  and then you can work out from that where he was stationed try this website for further information:
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-909.007-e.html
You also might find there is a Sqn Assn you can join too to find out more information...
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: emarbe on Monday 06 June 11 14:17 BST (UK)
For Canadian Service records which would tell you which Sqn he was on  and then you can work out from that where he was stationed try this website for further information:
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-909.007-e.html
You also might find there is a Sqn Assn you can join too to find out more information...
Dee

Hello Dee
Thanks for the help, but it now transpires that the man concerned wasn't in the RCAF and things aren't quite as straightforward as I thought (I'm doing this for someone else).

Mike
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Tuesday 07 June 11 13:10 BST (UK)
That doesnt suprise me.  One of the crews I am interested the local Dutch person who rescued him thought he was Canadian because he spoke French to him... It could be that he was Canadian or it could be that he thought they were over France! Its making it difficult to find out where he came from so we can get hold of him!
Dee  :)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Friday 10 June 11 18:20 BST (UK)
Mine turned out to be from Bradford!!!
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: emarbe on Friday 10 June 11 19:07 BST (UK)
Hello Dee or Kyt

I posted a request for information on a RCAF engineer based in Gloucestershire in 1942 with the name David Orr Bennie, but things have changed.
It would seem that he was NOT Canadian but he was by all accounts a RAF engineer based near Northleach in Gloucestershire.
Is there any way of finding his service number with just a name to go on?.

Mike
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: daarchie on Sunday 25 September 11 13:27 BST (UK)
Hi

I am David Archibald the son of James Archibald the Pilot of PB253 who survived the crash

If there was anything i can help you with I am only too pleased to assist.
I recently went on a pilgrimage to Renauvoid and was able to meet with some wondwerful people who took me to the memorial where the plane cashed. The folk have been faithful in the memory of the crew. I was a very moving time
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Tuesday 27 September 11 14:13 BST (UK)
Hello Dee or Kyt

I posted a request for information on a RCAF engineer based in Gloucestershire in 1942 with the name David Orr Bennie, but things have changed.
It would seem that he was NOT Canadian but he was by all accounts a RAF engineer based near Northleach in Gloucestershire.
Is there any way of finding his service number with just a name to go on?.

Mike

Hi
It might be worth trying to get the F540 (Station reports) for Northleach as it was a
23 Group Glider Training School.  They tend to list any none squadron personnel who arrive or depart at the station. They hold the F540s at the National archives. 
If you have no luck you could also try www.rafcommands.com/forum as they may be able to help you.
Best wishes
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Tuesday 27 September 11 14:21 BST (UK)
Hi

I am David Archibald the son of James Archibald the Pilot of PB253 who survived the crash

If there was anything i can help you with I am only too pleased to assist.
I recently went on a pilgrimage to Renauvoid and was able to meet with some wonderful people who took me to the memorial where the plane cashed. The folk have been faithful in the memory of the crew. I was a very moving time

Welcome David.  Hopefully we can help you too.  Having been to commemorations in Holland I know exactly where you are coming from reference it being very moving..
PS I see there was a Kiwi on the crew.  If you like I can look up his details in Errol Martyns excellent "For your tomorrow".
Title: Re: Re Donald Mckay, RAF hurricane pilot
Post by: chippy flier on Monday 31 October 11 23:30 GMT (UK)
Hi - Not sure if my original message made it through earlier today as was posted in a public library, so have typed out a similar message again. Sorry if it's a repeat!
Have just joined RootsChat and I'm looking for some info. re Donald Mckay as he used to correspond with my grandfather Alfred J. Holladay about the model planes called Skybirds that were made by my grandfather's company (Mr Holladay was the MD the company).
I notice that RandomElectron is a nephew of Donald McKay from previous messages earlier this year but I'm unable to contact him personally as I've just signed up today. He mentions that he has a photo of his uncle outside Buckingham Palace.
Part of at least one of Mr. McKay's letters was printed in a Skybird newsletter during the course of the early 1940's - I believe he mentions a change in the  painting scheme on a real ME 109 and how this might be applied to future models of that particular aircraft. I think he was shot down over Kent during the Battle of Britain but managed to bale out successfully and went on to score more victories againgst the Lutfwaffe.
I never knew my grandfather but I'm very proud of the fact that he instilled a great interest in aircraft and aviation in general into the youth of the early 1930's.
I now own a large selection of Skybirds model aircraft and their accessories - these kits were the original 1/72 model planes on which many other companies based their own designs.
I'm planning a large display of Skybirds planes at an exhibition for models and hobbies later this month at Southend-on-Sea in Essex, and hope to include a section on former RAF pilots who were inspired into the world of aviation partly by virtue of building these model planes. As well as Donald McKay, other notable RAF pilots were Neville Duke (author of 'Test Pilot') and Geoffrey Wellum (author of 'First Light'). No doubt many other youngsters back in the 1930's and early 40's were inspired in a similar way, some working in the aircraft industry, and others working in related office jobs or as ground crew, with a select few going on join the elite in the RAF.
Any further info. re Donald McKay would therefore be most welcome, esp. any correspondence between him and the firm of A.J. Holladay & Co. Ltd..

        Many thanks,
                              Graham Bailey  -  Essex

 Hi, just found this, I am another nephew of Uncle Donald, I also have the photo at Buck house :)
Its great to hear the connections with Skybirds as my Grandfather (his younger brother Noel,also RAF,as all 3 brothers were) would always talk about Skybirds and the brothers love of them as he helped me with my Airfix kits :)
 If by any chance you re visit this site please reply,would love to get in touch and fill in a few more details.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: chippy flier on Monday 31 October 11 23:45 GMT (UK)
 
 @ Random electron
Wow, meet a relative within five minutes of joining the site. :)
 I suppose we are cousins of some sort ..... Donald Mckay is my Great Uncle too.
 If we find someway to connect via this I have stacks of stuff on Don, Roy and Noel (my grandad,the baby brother of the 3 ) including a rather fantastic photo of our Uncle Donald in flying gear taking a sneaky whizz against the ready hut wall :)
 Of course it goes without saying (and much appreciated Kyt for your discretion) that Im not going to reveal much on here ( nothing juicy folks,just pvt family stuff) but reasonable requests Im open to.
 All the best and regards to the family.
 Kai.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: MaxD on Tuesday 01 November 11 09:55 GMT (UK)
I wonder if the experts have anything on a cousin Flt Lt (or FO) George C H Birchall RCAF kia 31 Oct 1941, listed on the Runnymede Memorial such as squadron, circumstances of his death?  He is commemorated on his family grave stone in Fergus Ontario.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Tuesday 01 November 11 12:42 GMT (UK)

 @ Random electron
Wow, meet a relative within five minutes of joining the site. :)
 I suppose we are cousins of some sort ..... Donald Mckay is my Great Uncle too.
 If we find someway to connect via this I have stacks of stuff on Don, Roy and Noel (my grandad,the baby brother of the 3 ) including a rather fantastic photo of our Uncle Donald in flying gear taking a sneaky whizz against the ready hut wall :)
 Of course it goes without saying (and much appreciated Kyt for your discretion) that Im not going to reveal much on here ( nothing juicy folks,just pvt family stuff) but reasonable requests Im open to.
 All the best and regards to the family.
 Kai.
Glad you have found a rellie and got some information.. good for you both...
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Tuesday 01 November 11 13:11 GMT (UK)
I wonder if the experts have anything on a cousin Flt Lt (or FO) George C H Birchall RCAF kia 31 Oct 1941, listed on the Runnymede Memorial such as squadron, circumstances of his death?  He is commemorated on his family grave stone in Fergus Ontario.
Ah hes listed as RAF not RCAF so you will have to contact the RAF records system:
Name: BIRCHALL, GEORGE COLQUHOUN HAMILTON
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force
Unit Text: 220 Sqdn.
Date of Death: 31/10/1941
Service No: 42789
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 29.
Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

Its worth starting here: www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/service_records.html

Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Tuesday 01 November 11 13:15 GMT (UK)
From RAF Coastal Command Losses, Vol 1

No.220 Sqn
Hudson V
AM618

NR-M

Op: South Stab Patrol, RAF Wick, Took off at 16:06 hrs

F/O G C H Birchall
P/O J P Croker
Sgt A McK Barr
Sgt G L D Bailey

Failed to return after sending an SOS. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Regards
Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: paulcheall on Tuesday 01 November 11 13:44 GMT (UK)
Visitors to my Dad's ww2 diary web site can search on names on the site which is almost 200 assorted names of people Dad was in touch with during the war, mostly comrades from dUNKIRK, North Africa, Sicily and Normandy.

Most are army but there are a few airforce. People with a particular interest in the RAF might like to view the pages at http://www.fightingthrough.co.uk/#/lily-mars/4553670831 which is the tragic yet heart-warming tale of RAF Lancaster LL678, fondly known as the Lily Mars.

Paul

PS - the crew were mixed nationality including British, Canadian and Australian
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: MaxD on Tuesday 01 November 11 15:04 GMT (UK)
Thank you Dee and Ross.  Interesting regarding his nationality.  He was born in Canada, of Canadian parents and hence my assumption he was RCAF.  Nonetheless, thank you for the additional info.  MaxD
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: flipflops on Tuesday 01 November 11 15:33 GMT (UK)
In 1945 a mosquito operating out of Banff landed home after an attack on shipping with a bit of one of the ship's mast embedded in its nose. Do you happen to know if this event was ever made into a movie?
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Tuesday 01 November 11 15:47 GMT (UK)
Thank you Dee and Ross.  Interesting regarding his nationality.  He was born in Canada, of Canadian parents and hence my assumption he was RCAF.  Nonetheless, thank you for the additional info.  MaxD
Youre welcome Max.  Ross is a good contact for further information too.  Much more expert than I am.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: do137 on Friday 04 November 11 20:48 GMT (UK)
Any one with any knowledge on the RAF SERVICING COMMANDOS`?

My Grandfather served with them on D Day. I have gained access to the SQN records at Kew Archives but i am struggling to gain any photo records of them, the RAF SC seem to have been forgotten through time.

Many thanks...

Kev   
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Saturday 05 November 11 13:22 GMT (UK)
Kev Unfortunately the back room boys in this case the Servicing Commands dont have much coverage in books etc.  There are books about written by some of the techies but pictures are rather scarce.  Might be worth you contacting the RAF Museum and IWM photo archivists to see if they have anything.
Another idea is to write to the RAF news see if you can get anything that way. 
The RAF Assn have a newsletter and there may be someone at one of their branches who has information about that sphere of work.
Good luck with that one.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: emarbe on Monday 21 November 11 18:05 GMT (UK)
This is a very long shot, but the experts might have a solution.

I'm helping someone in Canada who is trying to trace a close relative who was in the Airforce and it has been established it was NOT the RCAF.
The only information she has is the man's name and location in England which was around Hitchin, Hertfordshire.
I know that the US were in that area, but how do I find out whether it was the RAF or USAAF with just a name to go on?.
I have also posted this on the WW2 board.

Mike
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Wednesday 23 November 11 12:38 GMT (UK)
It depends on how unusual his name was for one thing.  When you say Hitchin was that where he was stationed or where he came from...Can you say when he was over here?
We will need more details before the more expert members (than me) can help you too much.
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: emarbe on Wednesday 23 November 11 15:42 GMT (UK)
Hello Dee

His name was James Allen Nicholson, aged about 38 - 40 and he was stationed around Letchworth/Hitchin.
He returned to Canada in 1946, but he was not in the RCAF.

What he did in the Airforce is unknown, also where he was from in Canada.

I realise this is very little to go on but wondered if there is any way of finding out whether he was in the RAF or USAAF.

Mike
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: forthefamily on Monday 28 November 11 14:40 GMT (UK)
Hello,

I was directed over here by another Rootschatter because I want to do some research on an uncle of mine but all the info I have is his R.A.F. number from his marriage certificate.....

Emile Marin Martens
A.C. No. 1899876 R.A.F.

Any info you can give me about him would be wonderful.

Thanks,

mab
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: calvert on Friday 23 December 11 16:08 GMT (UK)
hello I was advised to place the request on this thread.....
Do patient records exist for RAF Hospital Ely.  My grandfather was a patient there in 1951.  wonder if anyone remembers him, called harold ernest webb
WE do already have his service record and it would seem as though the best part of his final two years in service (1951), he was in this hospital...his service number was 1167902
regards
mark
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Saturday 24 December 11 19:06 GMT (UK)
Hello Dee

His name was James Allen Nicholson, aged about 38 - 40 and he was stationed around Letchworth/Hitchin.
He returned to Canada in 1946, but he was not in the RCAF.

What he did in the Airforce is unknown, also where he was from in Canada.

I realise this is very little to go on but wondered if there is any way of finding out whether he was in the RAF or USAAF.

Mike

Hi Mike
It was not unusual or uncommon for Canadians to be in the RAF.  It was a little more unusual for them to be in the USAAF.  Do the Canadians have the equivalent of Rootschat because finding out where he came from in Canada would be a huge help though he might have born in England and moved there when young... Nicholson is not a rare name unfortunately.  I am thinking that he may have been at Bassingbourn (which is not too far from Hitchin!) but that was both British and later American forces during the war... Was he there during the latter end of the war because if so it was more likely to be USAAF.  Are there letters or something which gives you the idea he was in that area?
Sorry for not being much help.  Might be worth putting something in RAF Commands forum too if you havent already done so.
Best wishes
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: EDWARDO on Saturday 24 December 11 20:46 GMT (UK)
Hello.I know you have a lot to do,but there is no rush for my reply.the national achives are a nightmare for me ,i go round and round get fed up and leave.would love your help for any papers they have of
     Sgt WW Cottle RAFVR KILLED IN MID AIR COLLISION  IN A HALIFAX 22/23 NOVEMBER 1943
 his aircraft was a halifax LW 264 KN-K 77 Sqdn,and collided with a halifax from 102 sqdn  aircraft  over newlands farm in yorkshire.there is no rush as I have waited a long time.Thanks.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Pejic on Sunday 25 December 11 09:50 GMT (UK)
What a wonderful thread (which I have only just come across),

If anyone has time there are a few things (mainly abbreviations) from my father's RAF record which have puzzled me since obtaining it years ago, they are not too important but it would help me to fill out my knowledge of him:

Posting reason codes: HH, H, B, G3 and S3

a2Q (P3) W pack only

PPX in promotions record

where /what were 3, 19 and 27 General Hospitals in North Africa (probably Egypt)

WSI

G Bench (reason for losing 1 days service)

Does anyone have a record of the 3 NCOs and 5 airmen of 47 squadron who were in the people lining the coronation route in May 1937.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: ScouseBoy on Sunday 25 December 11 10:55 GMT (UK)
Can someone please help me find details about Basil Bennett  ( my uncle ).  He  was a technical officer on RADAR.  He was based in Inverness at some point.  but I believe he had responsibility  for   certain technical equipments in the Northern Scotland and  Northern Ireland  sector  so would travel to a number of the stations.  I think that he was a commissioned officer.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Sunday 25 December 11 20:34 GMT (UK)
@Edwardo try www.rafcommands.com/forum as they have some experts on there as I am not sure what is happening with Kyt at the moment. 
@Pejic Some of the codes have been losts in the mists of time but it might be worth contacting the RAF Museum.  As far as the General Hospitals are concerned it might be worth doing a search on ww2 talk forum as I seem to remember a thread on there about North African Hospitals. If not come back to me and I will put a thread on for you.
@Scouseboy might be worth you going for Basils service record (see previous comments on this thread).  It would help if you knew his DOB for that purpose.
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Pejic on Sunday 25 December 11 21:52 GMT (UK)
Thanks Dee, all hospitals located.

I'll try the RAF museum, the place I got the records (suspect it was Kew, but it was a long time ago) couldn't/wouldn't help.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Tuesday 27 December 11 20:54 GMT (UK)
Well done Pejic.  If its not on one of the forums it might be worth starting a thread in case someone else is looking for similar information.  Good luck with the other stuff.  Let us know how you get on.
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: WelwynGC1 on Friday 30 December 11 05:36 GMT (UK)
Hello.I know you have a lot to do,but there is no rush for my reply.the national achives are a nightmare for me ,i go round and round get fed up and leave.would love your help for any papers they have of
     Sgt WW Cottle RAFVR KILLED IN MID AIR COLLISION  IN A HALIFAX 22/23 NOVEMBER 1943
 his aircraft was a halifax LW 264 KN-K 77 Sqdn,and collided with a halifax from 102 sqdn  aircraft  over newlands farm in yorkshire.there is no rush as I have waited a long time.Thanks.
Hi Edwardo, the following information you may have......
Pilot Officer William Waterson Cottle   22/11/43.
Info says he was 102 Squadron so strange that you say he was in a 77 squadron Halifax and collided with a 102 Squadron Halifax.

Sorry dont know anymore but someone surely will. Source, Chorley, Bomber Command losses Roll of Honour.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: EDWARDO on Friday 30 December 11 17:34 GMT (UK)
Thank you for reply welwyngc1.hope your right about more replys.thanks.Edd
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: tilly25 on Sunday 15 January 12 11:09 GMT (UK)
Hi

I am looking for information of John Frederick Peter Behn (1238972) Sgt Air Gunner who was killed on 10.6.1942.
According to his grave stone his unit was 405 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Any help would be appreciated

Judy
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: chops on Monday 23 January 12 20:55 GMT (UK)
Looking for any information that you might have on a crew from 158 Sqn RAF who flew out of Lissett in Halifax Mk III LV946 NP-K. My grand father F/O Ronald Stakes (132016) was the rear gunner the night they were to attack Tergnier, France (18 April 1944) and crashed near Ly-Fontaine.

Thanks in advance.

Ron
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: didactylos on Friday 27 January 12 11:23 GMT (UK)
Wondering, have posted here but not getting any real answers:

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,578070.0.html

maybe this is where I should be asking?

My father's records will probably tell me a lot, but I cannot make any sense of them.

Roger
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: sharki on Saturday 28 January 12 11:00 GMT (UK)
Hi Judy,
From Chorley's Bomber Command Losses I have the following:
Sgt. J F P Behn, Mid-Upper Gunner on Halifax Mk II, Serial No. W7703, Squadron Code, LQ, Aircraft ID letter, Q.
6/7th October, 1942.Returning to RAF Topcliffe from an attack on Aachen, over the south coast and low on fuel, the pilot decided to land at RAF West Malling. His first attempt failed and, while going round again, the Halifax stalled and crashed at 0034hrs atWrotham, 5 miles ENE of Sevenoaks, Kent. Two of the crew, the wireless operator and rear gunner parachuted to safety, the rest sadly, died in the crash.
Sgt. Behn is buried in Grave 605A, Fulwood, (Christ Church) Churchyard, Yorks.

Kind Regards,
Bill.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Keitht on Saturday 28 January 12 11:11 GMT (UK)
Please can anyone provide information concerning the death of 1575629 Flt Sgt Kenneth William Adams, 114 Squadron RAFVR, lost on 16 May 1944?

Keith
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: tilly25 on Saturday 28 January 12 11:47 GMT (UK)
Hi Judy,
From Chorley's Bomber Command Losses I have the following:
Sgt. J F P Behn, Mid-Upper Gunner on Halifax Mk II, Serial No. W7703, Squadron Code, LQ, Aircraft ID letter, Q.
6/7th October, 1942.Returning to RAF Topcliffe from an attack on Aachen, over the south coast and low on fuel, the pilot decided to land at RAF West Malling. His first attempt failed and, while going round again, the Halifax stalled and crashed at 0034hrs atWrotham, 5 miles ENE of Sevenoaks, Kent. Two of the crew, the wireless operator and rear gunner parachuted to safety, the rest sadly, died in the crash.
Sgt. Behn is buried in Grave 605A, Fulwood, (Christ Church) Churchyard, Yorks.

Kind Regards,
Bill.


 thanks very much for that info Bill
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Sunday 29 January 12 09:12 GMT (UK)
Please can anyone provide information concerning the death of 1575629 Flt Sgt Kenneth William Adams, 114 Squadron RAFVR, lost on 16 May 1944?

Keith

Hi Keith
Unfortunately there is no 114 Sqn Assn.  Having looked in Halleys Sqns of the RAF appears they would have been flying from Marcianise (Italy) and he would have been a navigator (from the cwgc site) on a Boston III or IIIa.  Might be worth putting something on RAF Commands forum www.rafcommands.com/forum as the guys on there are really helpful.
Dee
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Keitht on Sunday 29 January 12 10:26 GMT (UK)
Thanks Dee, that's already more than I knew. I'll do as you suggest.

Thanks again.

Keith
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: dillonking on Thursday 02 February 12 10:45 GMT (UK)
Could you possibly tell me if one of the following brothers was a pilot with the RAF. I'm sorry to have so little information

Arthur C Bradley b. 1918 Kent
Victor T F Bradley b. 1921 Thanet, Kent

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: bleckie on Tuesday 14 February 12 16:53 GMT (UK)
Hi All

Can anyone tell me anything about the following person

986700 Sergeant  James McDonald McKinnie

Died 1st March 1943  RAF VR

Yours Aye
BruceL

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: dillonking on Wednesday 15 February 12 16:38 GMT (UK)
McKINNIE, JAMES MCDONALD
Rank:Sergeant
Service No:986700
Date of Death:01/03/1943
Age:21
Regiment/Service:Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Grave ReferenceGrave 413.
CemeteryMUTHILL CEMETERY
Additional Information:
Son of John and Isabella M. McKinnie, of Muthill.
I hope this helps you. I found my pilot here it is in the War Graves Commission
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: didactylos on Wednesday 15 February 12 21:29 GMT (UK)
I am getting nowhere despite getting my father's records. Can anyone fill in any details or point me where to look regarding what he was 'up to' in these squadrons and at these times?

Squadron 2780 02/04/1943 until....
Squadron 2876 20/07/1943 until....
Squadron 2715 02/12/1944 until....

17 Nov 1945 ACSEA 31st Maintenance Unit, then India Command

During this period he is AC2 and moved to LAC as a rank, but suddenly in 30 April 1953 he's made a Flt Lt and his service ends in 28/04/1956.

He looks to have been a motor mechanic with anti aircraft defence units but I'd love to know where they were and when, and what went on after the war to get him a commission and postings to Cyprus and Aden at times when things were a little 'hot' in these places?

He also had two periods in hospitals, is there any way I could get to those records?

Long shots I know, but this is all very intriguing. One 'story' is that he may have been involved in the discovery of one of the concentration camps..... he died many years ago and never spoke of any of this to me - at the time a young boy.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: bleckie on Thursday 16 February 12 07:42 GMT (UK)
Hi dillonking

Thank you i had all that info I obtained that from memorial stone at Muthill.

I was perhaps looking for a bit more info Ops where he died etc.

Yours Aye
BruceL
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: msimp on Thursday 16 February 12 12:23 GMT (UK)
Hi Bruce,
From W.R.Chorley 'Bomber Command Losses' volume 7,covering losses in Operational Training Units,page 204,comes the following;
28/2-1/3/43, 29 O.T.U.,Wellington III Z1666,operation 'Nickel' (leaflet dropping).
Sgt.J.E.Ford,
Sgt.A.W.Gillespie,
Sgt.W.A.Champion,
Sgt.V.P.Thompson,
Sgt.J.McD.McKinnie,
(probably listed in the order, from top to bottom;pilot,navigator,bomb aimer,wireless operator and air gunner.)
Took off 1652 North Luffenham and is assumed to have carried out a successful duty.However,while returning to base it is strongly believed that an electrical fault occurred,leaving the crew without communications.Flying above cloud,the captain was left with two options;abandon the Wellington,or descend through cloud cover in an attempt to establish their position.Sgt.Ford chose the latter and at around 0200 the Wellington smashed into the side of a hill at Widdington Farm,Rushall,near Upavon airfield in Wiltshire and disintegrated.All rest in various cemeteries within the U.K..
Regards,Mark Simpson.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: bleckie on Thursday 16 February 12 12:31 GMT (UK)
Hi Mark

Thanks a lot from memory his stone in Muthill mentioned he was a gunner? I will check my photo's when I get home.

Once again many thanks from a gratefull ex Rock

Yours Aye
BruceL
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Noandra on Monday 20 February 12 06:04 GMT (UK)
Thank you so much for your offer. I am trying to find out all I can on Albert Edward MOORE RAF #1435648, he enlisted in June 1941. He was born in Townsville, Australia on 23-2-1918.
Family information says that he left Australia for England and joined the RAF as he could not get into the RAAF. He married in London in 1942 and returned and died in  Australia.
I cannot find any Australian military records for him.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: archie_hami on Saturday 21 July 12 05:01 BST (UK)
F/0 James "Jimmy" Archibald
(I'm his grandson and replacement)
He was indeed captured post the crash of PB253
He survived the war and ultimately had two sons and a daughter.
I feel that he never forgave himself for surviving the crash/failing to protect his crew.
My parents(David and Ann) have visited the crash site in Renauvoid.
I would deeply appreciate any pictures of Grandad and his crew and aircraft.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: archie_hami on Saturday 21 July 12 05:10 BST (UK)
F/0 James "Jimmy" Archibald
(I'm his grandson and replacement)
He was indeed captured post the crash of PB253
He survived the war and ultimately had two sons and a daughter.
I feel that he never forgave himself for surviving the crash/failing to protect his crew.
My parents(David and Ann) have visited the crash site in Renauvoid.
I would deeply appreciate any pictures of Grandad and his crew and aircraft.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: dillonking on Saturday 21 July 12 18:17 BST (UK)
Hello Mark could you look up info concerning the following person

Flight Sergeant Thomas Victor Bradley service no° 1259352 shot down over Holland 31st August 1943. RAF 76 Squadron.
Many thanks
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: morbital on Monday 23 July 12 11:10 BST (UK)
Hello Kev

The aircraft was Wellington X Serial number MF116 belonging to 26 Operational Training Unit.

It took off at 18.05 for an evening cross-country training exercise. Shortly before 23.40, the pilot made a distress call before crashing at Holt Farm, Sketchley, on the south side of Hinckley. Both Canadians rest at Chester (Blacon) Cemetery, while the others were  claimed by their relatives.

F/O N Chobaniuk RCAF
Sgt L G Good
Sgt J S Gunn
Sgt J W McMurdo RCAF
Sgt J Thompson
Sgt C D Parker

The actual reason for the crash doesn't seem to have been established.

HTH

K

EDIT: As a Flying Officer, Chobaniuk, may already have done a tour of duty. I shall ask the Canadian exports on rafcommands if the have any further info on him

Thanks for posting this, Nick Chobaniuk was my great uncle :)

My family had received a DVD with footage of the dedication ceremony of the memorial plaque as well as a local news story clip, I have uploaded both to youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d29UOYuIy9o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHxF1b3RUAA
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: jath on Friday 27 July 12 03:10 BST (UK)
I would love some help in finding out information on Eric Edward Frisby, Royal Air Force 1054490, who was my grandfather.
There are so many questions I should have asked my grandmother before she passed away at the grand age of 94. I came across a photo of his grave and felt I needed to keep alive the final inscribed words of "treasured memories" now my grandmother has gone. My mother would like to know more details of her father's life and my three children have asked so many questions that I cannot answer about the person they see in the one photo we have.
I know he was a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner and killed in a plane crash on the Isle of Man on 9th September 1941. I have no other details of the accident. What was he doing on the Isle of Man? What did he do before that? My mother tells me she thinks there was another plane crash before he was relocated to Jerby. Any information of any kind would be so lovely to have and to share.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: barryd on Friday 27 July 12 03:56 BST (UK)
Eric was buried at CHAPEL ALLERTON (ST. MATTHEW) OLD CHURCHYARD, Yorkshire. He was the son of William J. Frisby and Annie E. Frisby, of Leeds; husband of Dorothy Frisby. Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: jath on Friday 27 July 12 04:17 BST (UK)
Thank you so much for this quick response. My mother, who still lives in England, has been to visit the grave at Chapel Allerton. I live in Australia now and recently came across a beautiful photo of his grave:

www.flickr.com/photos/gabobarreto/5433634571.

I would so love to know more about my grandfathers service history - his squadron, type of plane flown, details of any missions and the two crashes if anyone can help.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: HollyBlue on Friday 27 July 12 19:25 BST (UK)
Hi Kyt

I'm looking for information on my second cousin Eric Chadwick Flying Officer 157671 144 Squadron who died 26th April 1945, shot down over Norway (i think).  I've looked him up in the RAF Bomber Command Losses 1945, by W R Chorley and was disappointed that there was no mention of him.  I wonder if it is because he flew a Mosquito which is a fighter/bomber plane and so he was thought more of as a fighter pilot than a bomber pilot.  I wonder if you would be good enough to look him up in your fighter pilot book and if not could you let me know the name and author of this book.  Thank you in anticipation.

Jane
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Friday 27 July 12 21:04 BST (UK)
He was Coastal Command so not covered by Chorley.

I've given details of the loss on your other thread.

You can download the relevant section of the Operations Record Book at The National Archives for the month of the loss for £3.50 his other operations can be found by back tracking months.

Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: HollyBlue on Saturday 28 July 12 11:16 BST (UK)
Thank you so very much for your help.  I'm now getting nearer to finding out more about  him.  Just found a photograph from Imperial War Museum HU93035 of the plane he was flying, Beaufighter MkX Serial NV182 on a mission over Flekkefjord/Bevigan Bay, Norway, just before his plane plunged into the sea.  I can't believe it!  I feel so proud and quite emotional.  I know members of my family are very interested in seeing this photo.  Thanks again.

Jane
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Jen14 on Sunday 05 August 12 22:39 BST (UK)
Looking for any information that you might have on a crew from 158 Sqn RAF who flew out of Lissett in Halifax Mk III LV946 NP-K. My grand father F/O Ronald Stakes (132016) was the rear gunner the night they were to attack Tergnier, France (18 April 1944) and crashed near Ly-Fontaine.

Thanks in advance.

Ron

Ron,

My grandad, Philip Dowdeswell, was from the same squadron and crashed in Erches (Somme). It sounds like they may have been on the same plane? He survived the crash and went into hiding nearby for some time before being captured and taken as a prisoner of war. I have some of his diary entries as well as letters from some of the people who helped him after the crash.

Would be great to hear from you and share information,

Jen
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: AngelFish on Friday 07 September 12 01:11 BST (UK)
Hi

Thank you so much for the offer of help and lookups.

I am new to Air Force records.  I want to find out more about William McMenamin, we have a photo of him in Corporals Uniform. He was born c1915 and died 1977 in Lincolnshire, England.

I don't know how to find out anything about regiment, when he joined or left, or anything. I've read other websites but I'm still struggling to make sense of what I'm reading, or finding any trace of William.

I will be very grateful if you can help.  Thank you so much. Claire
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Friday 07 September 12 20:01 BST (UK)
With over 2 million men and women serving in the RAF at the end of 1945 more is known about aircrew and casualties rather than those ground crew members who survived.

As a Corporal he would not have been aircrew unless the picture is in the first year of the war or he had been subsequently chosen for flying training.

Best way is to apply to the MoD at RAF Cranwell for a copy of his service records. The details have changed recently so to keep this post current in years to come do a search for "MoD Service Records".

I have a suspicion that his service number is 542877 but when you contact Cranwell say that this is only a possible and to check the other details on birth/death/NoK that you give in the letter.

When you do get details then please put them on the internet to help others who may be searching for the same name or service numbers in the 4 million or so who served in the RAF.

Regards
Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Friday 21 September 12 12:15 BST (UK)
Looking for any information that you might have on a crew from 158 Sqn RAF who flew out of Lissett in Halifax Mk III LV946 NP-K. My grand father F/O Ronald Stakes (132016) was the rear gunner the night they were to attack Tergnier, France (18 April 1944) and crashed near Ly-Fontaine.

Thanks in advance.

Ron

Jen and Ron you might like to look in a book called Footprints on the Sands of Time by Oliver Clutton-Brock if he was a POW...Its all about Bomber Command POWs.
Dee


Ron,

My grandad, Philip Dowdeswell, was from the same squadron and crashed in Erches (Somme). It sounds like they may have been on the same plane? He survived the crash and went into hiding nearby for some time before being captured and taken as a prisoner of war. I have some of his diary entries as well as letters from some of the people who helped him after the crash.

Would be great to hear from you and share information,

Jen
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Trees on Friday 21 September 12 23:01 BST (UK)
Its a very long shot but my cousins and I are keen to find out more about one of our uncle's RAF service. We have black and white photos of him in uniform and think his medal ribbon has more than the usual three . We think he was a photographer but not on flying observations. I know at one time he was barracked in an old German station and a cousin believed he was one of the first in Belsen could that have been to take photographic evidence did RAF personnel enter Belsen? It is also thought he was mentioned in dispatches but again I can't find anything in the London Gazette. I have seen a series of photos he took of Ike taking the salute at a parade at the Brandenburg gate. I have also seen photos of him taken at the German station at the wheel of a military vehicle and there is a story of how he pulled over to allow a tank to pass at one time only to see the German cross on its side as it passed
Is there any way I can find his number or verify any of the above?
his name was Phillip Pratt born Birmingham 1922
Hope you can help put us on the right track thank you
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: sharki on Sunday 23 September 12 14:49 BST (UK)
Jen,
Phillip Dowdeswell was shot down on 10/11 April 1944. He was the wireless operator on Halifax MkIII, LW723 NP-X of 158 Squadron tasked to attack Tergnier. When captured he was sent to Stalag Luft 3 (Sagan-Belaria).
Those of his crew who did not survive are buried in Meharicourt Communal Cemetery.
Although they were sent to attack the same target, your grandfather was not in the same crew as Ron's grandfather, F/O Ronald Stakes as there was a week between the two attacks on this target. It is however, quite likely and indeed very possible that they knew each other.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: kennyg on Sunday 23 September 12 19:21 BST (UK)
Grateful for any information on Sergeant Flt Engineer Joseph Leonard Green, 1605300, 77 Sqdn, RAFVR.

CWGC has him dying on 15 Feb 1944. Can anyone provide more information around his service and death please?

I believe he was killed in a Halifax and was part of Bomber Command - Battle of Berlin?

Thanks in advance

Kenny
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Carleton on Tuesday 25 September 12 00:56 BST (UK)
To Kyt:

 am presently searching Pathfinder No. 405 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn. from WW2.  Lancaster III  PB477 (Call Letters LQ-B) was logged off  at 1554 hours 2 Jan. 1945 by the Control Tower at R.A.F. Gransden Lodge in Cambridgeshire on a raid to Nuremberg, Germany, with 7 men aboard.  It crashed at Rohrau near Nufringen, killing 5 men; two were captured the following morning and interned at Stalag Luft 1 until they were freed by the Russians in May of '45.

W/Cmdr. Kenneth John LAWSON, D.S.O. & Bar, D.F.C., Pilot, R.A.F.V.R. (Killed)
Sgt. Sidney RHODES, Flight Eng., R.A.F.V.R., P.O.W.
P/O Stanley Herbert FITZHENRY, Navigator, R.A.A.F. (Killed)
S/L Nathan CRAWFORD, D.F.C. Bomb Aimer, R.C.A.F. (Killed)
F/L Eric Cecil DUKE, D.F.M. Wireless Operator, R.A.F.V.R., (Killed)
F/O Gerald Edward GEEVES, D.F.C. Mid-Upper Gunner, R.C.A.F. (Killed) (my uncle)
W/O1 Dorland G. PLYLEY Rear Gunner, R.C.A.F., P.O.W.

I have quite a bit of information on some of these men but not all of them.

The ones I am interested in are Sgt. Sidney Rhodes, who spent the better part of 4 months in Stalag Luft 1 POW camp along with W/O1 Dorland G. Plyley.  They both survived their ordeal.  Rhodes remained with the R.A.F. until he retired at a later age and Plyley lived until 1969, having married and had two children.  I am not aware of any awards for these two men.

P/O S. H. Fitzhenry of the R.A.A.F. was killed.  Again, I am not aware of any award presented to him.

I believe that S/L Nathan Crawford was awarded the D.F.C. but am not 100% sure.

F/L Eric Cecil Duke might also have been awarded the D.F.C. - again, not sure.  He previously was a member of No. 51 Sdn.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

Carleton
Ottawa, Canada

 
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: spike19 on Tuesday 02 October 12 16:25 BST (UK)
I have just started researching my uncle Thomas George Nottingham who died 16/17 Aug 1944 on board LL972 from East Kirkby destination Stettin.  At this stage I have the crew list and where he is buried but no details about what may have happened to the plane and why it crashed.  Also I am curious about his burial place, I understand he was moved from his original burial place to the Cwlth Cemetary in Poznan, Poland.  But the plane originally crashed at Risznow SW of Medewitz, Kreis [= District] Gammin, Pommern, Germany.  Is it normal to move the bodies so far?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: griffo on Wednesday 03 October 12 17:31 BST (UK)
Hi
looking for info on
  James  Ewart Gladstone Dovey Service No 755863   
     37 Squadron  R A F V R
  Sgt. Wir Op/Air Gunner Killed in Action 29th May 1941
  any Info into circumstances of Operation.
    Cheers Griffo
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Deirdre784 on Wednesday 10 October 12 00:59 BST (UK)
Looking for any additional service info on:
William Edward Smith, RAF volunteer reserve (1018219, 38 sqdn). Died 22 March 1942 age 29. Son of William and Margaret Smith of Cardiff. Remembered at the Alamein memorial (CWGC site).
Thanks,
Deirdre
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: lancman on Thursday 08 November 12 18:30 GMT (UK)
I have a fair collection books on the Commonwealth Air Forces for the WW2 period and if anyone would like any assistance, or a look up, please ask. For example (just a sample):

Honour The Air Forces - a complete register of all gallentry awards to RAF and Commonwealth airmen (except MiD) with date, unit and LG reference

Bomber Command and Fighter Command Losses of WW2

A number of squadron histories

Unsung Heroes - a register of all RAF etc POWs in the Far East

Several books on the RAF in the Far East (an area that is particularly difficult to research for airmen casualties)

etc

Just thought I'd mention it  :)

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: lancman on Thursday 08 November 12 18:32 GMT (UK)
I have a fair collection books on the Commonwealth Air Forces for the WW2 period and if anyone would like any assistance, or a look up, please ask. For example (just a sample):

Honour The Air Forces - a complete register of all gallentry awards to RAF and Commonwealth airmen (except MiD) with date, unit and LG reference

Bomber Command and Fighter Command Losses of WW2

A number of squadron histories

Unsung Heroes - a register of all RAF etc POWs in the Far East

Several books on the RAF in the Far East (an area that is particularly difficult to research for airmen casualties)

etc

Just thought I'd mention it  :)

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: lancman on Thursday 08 November 12 19:15 GMT (UK)
hi kyt.-Doing research re two members of 630 Sqdrn East Kirkby. S/Ldr Clifford Rogers DFC ,Pilot, & F/Sgt William E J Cox DFM Flight Engineer.Both in the same crew.
Is it possible to trace both citations as they may have been awarded for the same action. They both survived a tour with 630, I understand, but Bill Cox went to 1654 HCU at RAF Wigsley. He was a Staff Flight Engineer flying with a u/t Engineer in a Stirling aircraft LJ630 which crashed shortly after take off .There were no survivors.
31/08/1944.
A crew photograph of Cliff Rogers ,including Bill Cox, would be fantastic.

My 'pioneering ' post.

Best Wishes
Lancman. :) :)

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Friday 09 November 12 14:05 GMT (UK)
There isnt a specific 630 Sqn Assn but you might like to contact the 57 Sqn Assn as they cover 630 too.  Will pm the details to you :)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: msimp on Saturday 10 November 12 13:31 GMT (UK)
Lancman,
From Ian Tavender's 'The Distinguished Flying Medal Register For The Second World War',Volume 1,page 429;
Cox,William Edwin John.1607195 Flight Sergeant.No.630 Squadron.
L.G.13/10/1944.Sorties 30 and two thirds.Flying hours 203.25.Flight Engineer.
Flight Sergeant Cox,a Flight Engineer,has successfully completed 32 sorties against heavily defended and difficult targets in Germany and occupied territory.These include 7 attacks on Berlin,3 on Frankfurt and 2 on Leipzig and others on Augsburg,Schweinfurt,Nuremburg and Annecy. Throughout his tour,Flight Sergeant Cox has been a member of an outstandingly efficient crew the excellence of whose performance has been due in part,at least,to his enthusiasm and skill.On one occasion while he was taking off in a fully laden Lancaster on a dark night,one engine caught fire as soon as the aircraft was airborne.By his coolness and promptitude in carrying out his Captain's instructions,Flight Sergeant Cox prevented any serious consequences to the accident.He has shown himself to be an enthusiastic and efficient Flight Engineer whose courage,determination and devotion to duty have been amply demonstrated during a very successful tour.He is strongly recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.
                                                         1st July 1944.
Afraid I can't help with Roger's D.F.C.citation-maybe someone has access to Nick and Carol Carter's book on the subject.
How much information are you looking for ?I have the 630 Squadron Operational Record Book if you are after sortie details.
Hope this is of interest,
Regards,Mark Simpson.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Keitht on Sunday 18 November 12 22:45 GMT (UK)
Hi Kyt,

On behalf of Moseley School, Birmingham, I am researching the 96 names inscribed on the school war memorial.

Please can you tell me anything about the loss of 1575629 Flt/Sgt Kenneth William Adams of 114 Sqdn, KIA 16 May 1944 and buried in Caserta War Cntery, Italy?

Keith
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: EDO on Monday 19 November 12 05:18 GMT (UK)
.....................
P/O Stanley Herbert FITZHENRY, Navigator, R.A.A.F. (Killed)
.....................
P/O S. H. Fitzhenry of the R.A.A.F. was killed.  Again, I am not aware of any award presented to him.
......................
Any help would be gratefully appreciated.
Carleton
Ottawa, Canada

For your record, an extract from the RAAF Nominal Roll

"Service Record
Name    FITZHENRY, STANLEY HERBERT
Service    Royal Australian Air Force
Service Number    410475
Date of Birth    13 Aug 1919
Place of Birth    RICHMOND, VIC
Date of Enlistment    30 Jan 1942
Locality on Enlistment    Unknown
Place of Enlistment    MELBOURNE, VIC
Next of Kin    FITZHENRY, HERBERT
Date of Death    2 Jan 1945
Rank    Pilot Officer
Posting on Death    405 (RCAF) SQDN
WW2 Honours and Gallantry    None for display
Prisoner of War    No
Roll of Honour    HAWTHORN VIC"

EDO
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Dynamite Gang on Sunday 23 December 12 08:32 GMT (UK)
Looking for any information that you might have on a crew from 158 Sqn RAF who flew out of Lissett in Halifax Mk III LV946 NP-K. My grand father F/O Ronald Stakes (132016) was the rear gunner the night they were to attack Tergnier, France (18 April 1944) and crashed near Ly-Fontaine.

Thanks in advance.

Ron

Jen and Ron you might like to look in a book called Footprints on the Sands of Time by Oliver Clutton-Brock if he was a POW...Its all about Bomber Command POWs.
Dee


Ron,

My grandad, Philip Dowdeswell, was from the same squadron and crashed in Erches (Somme). It sounds like they may have been on the same plane? He survived the crash and went into hiding nearby for some time before being captured and taken as a prisoner of war. I have some of his diary entries as well as letters from some of the people who helped him after the crash.

Would be great to hear from you and share information,

Jen
Hello Ron and Jen,

I am a french teacher and historian. The city hall of Ly-Fontaine asked me to write the story for the news bulletin. I hope that you will see my message. You can contact me via msn.

Regards

Phil
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: senteacher on Saturday 29 December 12 20:03 GMT (UK)
Hi, I wonder if you can help me find out more about my grandfather's time in the RAF. He was 1044922 Flt Sgt Pye, J. 3777 MU RCTF South East Asia Air Forces.

I don't know which squadron/s this involved. I do know he was based in the Shetlands and also in Egypt. Until a few years before he died he would not say anything about Burma (he was there at the end of the war) but began to tell me little bits before he died. He mentioned a place which he called Ming la dongh but I don't know whether this was an actual place or whether the name got garbled over the years.
Any help at all or suggestions of further reading would be gratefully received
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: niblet on Tuesday 12 March 13 21:42 GMT (UK)
james mcdonald mckinnie is my uncle buried in muthill cemetry
maggie mckinnie
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: bleckie on Tuesday 12 March 13 21:48 GMT (UK)
Hi niblet

We must be related down the line. The McDonalds out of Muthill were my mothers family.

Yours Aye
BruceL
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: ike on Wednesday 13 March 13 08:11 GMT (UK)
I wonder if you could shed any light on one of my uncles his name was Archibald Edward Goodall born 22 Aug. 1898. Edmonton, Middlesex. joined the flying corps in the first world war only have one photo of him in uniform. he was either in the fleet air arms as an air marshaler,[cant find anything on him in that] or air force as an air marshaler?. his nick name i belive was 'the captain' I can find nothing on him in the two years I have been searching. He has been a challenge to say the least,
thank you
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Wednesday 13 March 13 12:04 GMT (UK)
Given his date of birth he would have had to reach senior rank to serve in WW2.

If service WW1 and preWW2 then his service record will have been transferred to the TNA

A quick search on Discovery for his full name, limited to AIR series gives the reference

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=C11659854

Order this reference to get his record.

Regards
Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: ike on Wednesday 13 March 13 13:10 GMT (UK)
thank uou for your reply.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: sspabl on Monday 15 April 13 14:41 BST (UK)
Hi, I wonder if you can help with some information. My late father Hugh Patrick Kelly served in the RAF for a brief time during WW2. His official number was 1153730. I have requested his record of service and note many hospitalisations both in England and in  Canada over a 4 year period. However, no reason was given for these. He was eventually discharged  as physically unfit for airforce service in March 44.
 I would like to know in what units he served and gain some insight to their activities and the reasons for periods in hospital and eventual discharge.
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Thank you.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: EDO on Tuesday 16 April 13 00:19 BST (UK)
Good morning

Seeking more information re my cousin Waverley William  HARRIS who was killed 'in a fire fight' off Norway 11 January 1945. 

Family records reveal that he was attached to an RAF squadron based near Aberdeen SCO.

RAAF Nominal Roll information -
Name    HARRIS, WAVERLEY WILLIAM
Service    Royal Australian Air Force
Service Number    426459
Date of Birth    15 Apr 1924
Place of Birth    BRISBANE, QLD
Date of Enlistment    22 Jun 1942
Place of Enlistment    BRISBANE, QLD
Next of Kin    HARRIS, WILLIAM
Date of Death    11 Jan 1945
Rank    Flight Sergeant'

Any further information will be welcomed.

Your interest is appreciated.

EDO
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Tuesday 16 April 13 08:49 BST (UK)
Hi Edo,

Mosquito PZ190

More details in reply to a relative on my forum

http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?11127-Place-Flekke-Fjiord-Norway-Mosquito-Bomber-shot-down-in-Jan-1945

Although details of how to have his RAAF service record and casualty records digitised were given the relative does not seem to have progressed with this.

If you follow the details in the last post on the thread you will receive all the information on his service career that you could ever hope for.

Regards
Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: mosmi on Thursday 16 May 13 21:17 BST (UK)
Hi,

Really impressed by all the research and work you guys do in here! It's fantastic to see it in action.

I have a pretty obscure query, without much info to go on, I'm afraid. A friend of mine bought a beautiful suit that once belonged to a Sqn Ldr C.H.N. Mackey. The age of the suit would suggest that he served in the Second World War, according to him. We'd be really interested to find out more about this chap and his service, but that's essentially all the information we have about him.

I had a go searching on the London Gazette website, but didn't manage to come up with anything. Given he's not a relation, I guess I can't get in touch with the Air Historical Branch. Any suggestions of where I might be able to research him would be most welcome!
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Jen14 on Wednesday 22 May 13 22:55 BST (UK)
Thanks for the suggestion Dee, I've just seen this message and ordered that book.
Thank you,
Jen


Looking for any information that you might have on a crew from 158 Sqn RAF who flew out of Lissett in Halifax Mk III LV946 NP-K. My grand father F/O Ronald Stakes (132016) was the rear gunner the night they were to attack Tergnier, France (18 April 1944) and crashed near Ly-Fontaine.

Thanks in advance.

Ron

Jen and Ron you might like to look in a book called Footprints on the Sands of Time by Oliver Clutton-Brock if he was a POW...Its all about Bomber Command POWs.
Dee


Ron,

My grandad, Philip Dowdeswell, was from the same squadron and crashed in Erches (Somme). It sounds like they may have been on the same plane? He survived the crash and went into hiding nearby for some time before being captured and taken as a prisoner of war. I have some of his diary entries as well as letters from some of the people who helped him after the crash.

Would be great to hear from you and share information,

Jen
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Jen14 on Wednesday 22 May 13 23:00 BST (UK)
Thank you for this Sharki, this is really helpful and interesting,
Jen

Jen,
Phillip Dowdeswell was shot down on 10/11 April 1944. He was the wireless operator on Halifax MkIII, LW723 NP-X of 158 Squadron tasked to attack Tergnier. When captured he was sent to Stalag Luft 3 (Sagan-Belaria).
Those of his crew who did not survive are buried in Meharicourt Communal Cemetery.
Although they were sent to attack the same target, your grandfather was not in the same crew as Ron's grandfather, F/O Ronald Stakes as there was a week between the two attacks on this target. It is however, quite likely and indeed very possible that they knew each other.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Rosie (MaccHistorian) on Monday 27 May 13 12:49 BST (UK)
I wonder if anyone can help?
I looked up a relative's name (Bernard Rowley) in the National Archives AIR78 index to get his service number and found two Bernard Rowleys. One card was stamped with an F in a circle and the other had KD typed underneath the name. I'll upload the image so you can see.
What do the F and the KD mean? Thanks.


Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Monday 27 May 13 13:12 BST (UK)
F in a circle means that he was graded into Class F reserve and usually means pre war service.

His service number is from a block used for RAF entry at RAF Cardington commencing Sept 1939 and running to April 1940.

The other chap is also a wartime entrant and comes into a block that was enrolled between June 1941 and July 1942 at Birmingham combined service recruiting centres. As his number is late in the block I would suggest an enrolment of early 1942 eg Feb/March/April.

Regards
Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rutht22000 on Monday 27 May 13 14:20 BST (UK)
Hi

I wonder if you had anything on these 2 cousins:

Cyril Norman Stanley Campbell (b.1913) and Francis Morris Gordon Scotter (b.1918).

Cyril joined No 73 Squadron in 1939 and flew Hurricanes as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force.  He was awarded a DFC after guiding home a squadron of Spitfires lost in fog (not sure when this was) and suffered burns in April 1940 when he was shot down.  We have no idea where he went after he left the No 4 Casualty Clearing Station before coming back to England to recover.
He did survive his injuries and married in London.

Francis was part of (I think) 1419 Flight.  He was awarded a DFC too in 1941 and in 1946 received a King's Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air.  He died in Cairo in 1969.

Any information, particularly about Francis would be gratefully received   :)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Monday 27 May 13 14:59 BST (UK)
Francis, 40853, was trained at the School of Army Co-operation. Entered the school as acting Pilot Officer 14th Jan 1939 and was still there May 1939.

The unit for his post war commendation has been listed on my site by Hugh Halliday
http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?4698-1-January-1946-awards-(1)

Regards
Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: freddiebean on Tuesday 28 May 13 09:53 BST (UK)
Hi

Can you see anything on Frank Martin Rhodes, he was born in 1925 and died in the early 50s.

Thank you in advance
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Tuesday 28 May 13 11:55 BST (UK)
Freddiebean.

Always best to prepare some bait when embarking on a fishing spree.

What do you know that suggests he was RAF and if so when approximately did he serve.

You can get the basics from a SAR to MoD at Cranwell - see MoD webpages for non relation forms/deceased over 25 years.

Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: freddiebean on Tuesday 28 May 13 13:34 BST (UK)
Sorry Ross I should know better by now! :-[

He lived in March Cambridgeshire so I think that is where he was based

All I have are these the "passport" type photo (front and back)is probably when he joined does he look around 18yrs to you  :-\ so that would make 1943., on the back is The insignia is from a christmas from him but undated and the other is badge from his jacket
 
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Tuesday 28 May 13 13:50 BST (UK)
Okay Doke,

The white flash in the cap denotes that he was aircrew candidate at the time of the photo.

The insignia is for an Air Gunner 1/2 wing that he would have gained on completion of the first phase of aircrew training. (usually in the UK) before crewing up at OTU.

He appears in the card index of AIR 78/133 - free download from the TNA website and this gives his service number as 1850696

This number block was in use from Late 1942 to 1944 at Oxford so this would have been where he went for attestation/medical etc.

He would have volunteered twice - one to join the RAF and then again for aircrew training.

No hits in the London gazette for his OR service number so on completion of training he should have been promoted to Sgt and remained an NCO for the rest of his service career.

As said you can apply for his service record which takes a bit to come through but does shine a torchlight for where to look for trace rather than the stabs in the dark that happen without it's guidance.

cheers
Ross

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: freddiebean on Tuesday 28 May 13 16:47 BST (UK)
Hi Ross

Thank you so much for all that info' :D I really struggle finding my way around the TNA site so as yet haven't been able to find his name in the index cards I did find AIR 78/133 but only one name came up and it wasn't Rhodes but I'm sure I will find it by the end of play.  I've worked it out now and have downloaded  ;D  

I'm sure I have a photo of a plane in my tin of photos, I wonder if he flew it, mind you it was a very small plane :-\

Thanks again

Julia
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Rosie (MaccHistorian) on Thursday 30 May 13 21:30 BST (UK)
F in a circle means that he was graded into Class F reserve and usually means pre war service.

His service number is from a block used for RAF entry at RAF Cardington commencing Sept 1939 and running to April 1940.

The other chap is also a wartime entrant and comes into a block that was enrolled between June 1941 and July 1942 at Birmingham combined service recruiting centres. As his number is late in the block I would suggest an enrolment of early 1942 eg Feb/March/April.

Regards
Ross

Thank you that information, Ross. I have a few photos of him in uniform, one of which has on the back, "After arrival from Crete 5/41", so I assume he must be the one who enrolled earlier. A couple of photos were taken at Tel Aviv but no dates, unfortunately; and the one which says it was taken after arrival from Crete has the date but no location. I despair of our ancestors!
He was born in 1919 so perhaps could have joined up at the age of 18 in 1937? What would be the usual age to join the RAF in the 1930s?
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: DeeBoneham on Friday 31 May 13 14:00 BST (UK)
Cyril Norman Stanley Campbell (b.1913) .

Any information, particularly about Francis would be gratefully received   :)

Found him on the London Gazette being promoted to Pilot Officer in December 1940.  His non commissioned rank was Flight Sergeart at the time and his service number was 580306.  His service number as an officer was 44879.  Hope this will help you find somemore information.
Dee :)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Beverly27 on Saturday 08 June 13 18:32 BST (UK)
was looking for a George Lewis in the RAF served in the middle east 1937 to 1945..cannot find any info
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Carleton on Thursday 17 October 13 18:44 BST (UK)
I apologize for not posting this message the way it should be posted.  I tried!  :-(

I am hoping to find information I am lacking on Sgt. Sidney Rhodes RAF (VR) Serv. No. 1680670.  He enlisted 07 Nov. 1942 (E. Riding, Yorkshire?).  He surfaces for the very first time as Flt. Eng. with No. 405 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron aboard PB477 and was shot down 02 Jan. 1945 on a raid to Nuremberg.  Out of a crew of 7 men, Rhodes and the rear air gunner (Plyley) were the only two survivors.  Rhodes and Plyley both spent time in Stalag Luft 1 before being freed by the Russians in May of 1945.

I have copies of Rhodes' and Plyley's POW debriefing papers.  Two of the questions asked were, "Were you lectured in your unit on how to behave in the event of capture" and "Were you lectured on escape and evasion" (state where, when and by whom)....Rhodes' answer to both these questions was "Only at Dalton Battle School".  There was no mention of a post to another/other squadron(s).  Plyley, on the other hand, mentions in his report that he  learned this when he was part of 419 Sqdn.

I am looking for help in determining if indeed Rhodes served with another squadron before he was posted to No. 405 (R.C.A.F.) Sqdn.  There is very little "war" information out there on this man.  Post-war is a different story.  He was remustered into the regiment upon his release from POW camp and retired from the Air Force in 1958.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

Carleton   


I have a fair collection books on the Commonwealth Air Forces for the WW2 period and if anyone would like any assistance, or a look up, please ask. For example (just a sample):

Honour The Air Forces - a complete register of all gallentry awards to RAF and Commonwealth airmen (except MiD) with date, unit and LG reference

Bomber Command and Fighter Command Losses of WW2

A number of squadron histories

Unsung Heroes - a register of all RAF etc POWs in the Far East

Several books on the RAF in the Far East (an area that is particularly difficult to research for airmen casualties)

etc

Just thought I'd mention it  :)

K
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - Victor Thomas Bradley
Post by: Zuluss12 on Friday 31 October 14 09:10 GMT (UK)
Hi - you posted asking about VT Bradley - he was my uncle and I have the following info. for you.  I wondered why you were interested in him?  Best wishes:

The plane was nicknamed:'Saint the Second'/Bomber Command
Squadron:No. 76 Squadron RAF
He is buried at ROERMOND (KAPEL IN 'T ZAND) ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY in the Netherlands.

On the night of the 30th/31st of August 1943 the RAF dispatched a force of 660 aircraft for an operation to Monchengladbach and the nearby town of Rheydt.
The force was made up of 297 Lancasters, 185 Halifaxes, 107 Stirlings, 57 Wellingtons and 14 Mosquitos. The plan was for the Pathfinders to mark Monchengladbach with target indicators first, and two minutes later, to mark Rheydt. Visibility was good and target marking was described as "model". The result was that around half of the buildings in both towns were damaged or destroyed with the main railway station in Rheydt being particularly hard hit.

Charles Akroyd-Stuart and his crew took off from RAF Holme-on Spalding Moor in Halifax DK207 MP-S at 12.06am on the morning of the 31st of August for the operation; the target for his aircraft was Monchengladbach.

The aircraft was shot down by a German night fighter flown by Oberleutnant Martin Drewes of II/NJG1 and crashed at 3.58am near Grathem (Limburg). Two of the crew survived to become prisoners.

The crew were:-

Squadron Leader Charles Anthony Letteblere Akroyd-Stuart (Pilot)
Sergeant Douglas Gordon Jackson Powell (Flight Engineer)
Pilot Officer Kenneth Holme (Navigator)

Sergeant Victor Thomas Bradley (Air Gunner)

[/b]Sergeant Stuart Cameron MacLennan RCAF (Air Gunner)

Sergeant WG Williams prisoner of war (Stalag VI B Mulhberg)
Sergeant DJ Doe prisoner of war (Stalag VI B Mulhberg)

Theirs was one of 25 aircraft which were lost on the operation.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Carleton on Sunday 02 November 14 03:22 GMT (UK)
Hi Zuluss,

You have sent this message to me in error.  I am not researching Sgt. V. T. Bradley.  The messages I have posted on this forum have been in regards to the crew of No. 405 (R.C.A.F)  Squadron who were shot down 02 Jan. 1945 near Rohrau, Germany.

Carleton
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Zuluss12 on Monday 03 November 14 11:19 GMT (UK)
Sorry about that - my first attempt so just getting to understand how this works - apologies!
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: millymcb on Wednesday 19 November 14 17:47 GMT (UK)
Hi Zuluss and Carleton...

It was Dillonking who was asking about T V Bradley..see quote below.

Milly

Hello Mark could you look up info concerning the following person

Flight Sergeant Thomas Victor Bradley service no° 1259352 shot down over Holland 31st August 1943. RAF 76 Squadron.
Many thanks

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: TreeDigger on Thursday 20 November 14 12:10 GMT (UK)
Hello,

I would be ever so grateful if you could try and find information about this father-son combination (my father and grandfather) who supposedly both were RAF members.

*John "Jack" Walter HAYCOCK, DOB 01 Dec 1901 Liverpool, LANC
Corporal - lived The Netherlands 1926 - 1932 - afterwards member Scots Guards (?)
Residing in Hounslow Middlesex

*Albert John Radcliffe "Raddy" HAYCOCK, DOB 21 Dec 1927 Greater London
Air Training Cadet in 1945, RAF service member during late Nineteen Fourties in Malaysia

They are both mentioned in a newspaper article in the Daily Mirror of 19 June 1945, due to the fact that my father apparently hitched rides with the US 95th Bomber Group from Heston aerodrome and other locations. The 95th BG Facebook site claims this never happened as they can't find proof, so I'm hoping you maybe can find some information on either that specific occurrence, or my grandfather and father in general.

Any information would be very much appreciated!  :)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Trees on Saturday 10 January 15 15:42 GMT (UK)
I would be glad for any information about Christopher Mark Handley of the 156 squadron no 15628
I believe he was killed in 1944 over Holland
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups & Christopher Mark Handley
Post by: Carleton on Saturday 10 January 15 16:37 GMT (UK)
Have a look at the following sites:

http://www.156squadron.com/view_aircrew.asp?pCrewId=1363

https://menofworth.wikispaces.com/Handley%2C+KM

Carleton
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: chirp on Sunday 11 January 15 13:48 GMT (UK)
I would very much appreciate any information you might have on a disaster which occurred on 14 September 1945 in Bodmin Cornwall when an RAF aircraft carrying members of 644 Squadron crashed. One report states that the date was 19 September. All six crew were killed. They were: Bailey, Briggs, Garnett, Mathias, Ormesher and Reardon. Many thanks.

Chirp
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Trees on Sunday 11 January 15 14:12 GMT (UK)
Many thanks His father was vicar at the church so I expect it was he who put the memorial of the second link there. How very sad that it is no more unless by any chance The Bible was passed on to one of his living relatives I hope so . He is loosly connected to my tree through his mother but having found him I want to keep his memory alive.
Trees
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Spikey68 on Sunday 11 January 15 16:49 GMT (UK)
I would very much appreciate any information you might have on a disaster which occurred on 14 September 1945 in Bodmin Cornwall when an RAF aircraft carrying members of 644 Squadron crashed. One report states that the date was 19 September. All six crew were killed. They were: Bailey, Briggs, Garnett, Mathias, Ormesher and Reardon. Many thanks.

Chirp

From "The Price of Peace - A Catalogue of RAF Aircraft Losses Between VE-Day and End of 1945" by Cummings:

14 September 1945
Halifax PN305 644 Squadron.
Bolventor Cornwall

The aircraft was en-route from its base at RAF Tarrant Rushton to the Azores and was carrying a crew of 7 and 14 passengers. Due to an electrical failure, the dingy inflation valve was activated and the dingy blew up, came out of its wing stowage and fouled the tailplane assembly, restricting the elevators. The pilot lost control and the aircraft dived into the ground. This was almost a repeat of an accident reported earlier in the book. The local press reports, and the initial reports in the Accident Card, indicates that there were only 12 fatalities but the list below confirms the true scale of this tragedy. Additionally, some reports suggested that there were WAAF's aboard the aircraft but this was not so. By a stroke of fate, one of those on board the aircraft lived in the area of the accident and his death is registered in his home parish.


Flight Sergeant Clifford William AKERS
Flying Officer Peter Stafford BRIGGS
Flight Lieutenant Jeremiah Charles GARNETT
Flight Sergeant William MATHIAS
Flight Lieutenant Geoffrey Percival ORMESHER
Aircraftman 2nd Class Alan Ralph TITFORD
Flight Lieutenant Gerald Theodore BAILEY DFC
Flying Officer Alan John REARDON
Leading Aircraftman Leonard Roy Victor COX
Aircraftman 1st Class Patrick FITZGIBBON
Leading Aircraftman Cecil Everard Charles HOBOROUGH
Leading Aircraftman Roy William NICHOLLS
Corporal Henry Phillip MILLS
Leading Aircraftman Selwyn THOMAS
Leading Aircraftman Thomas Smith WALLACE
Leading Aircraftman Ernest Raymond RICHINGS
Leading AircraftmanStanley PRICE
Aircraftman 2nd Class Dennis MARTIN
Leading Aircraftman Edward Joseph LYNOTT
Leading Aircraftman Edwin Arthur George PETTIFER
Aircraftman 2nd Class Robert OWEN
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: chirp on Sunday 11 January 15 17:01 GMT (UK)
Thank you so much Spikey for this information. So many lives lost, how tragic, and the war had ended it was a complete accident. Very sad. My relative was Geoffrey Percival Ormesher, he was 22. I really appreciate your reply and I am happy that I can add the details to Geoffrey's page on my family history database.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: RobinRedBreast on Thursday 21 September 17 10:18 BST (UK)
Hi Tony,

From RAF Coastal Command Losses, Vol 1, R McNeill, Midland Counties Publications.

27/12/1940
22 Sqn
Beaufort I
N1118
OA-X

S/L D V W Francis
Sgt R J Farthing
Sgt J W Unett
F/O E Pennington

Op: Rover Patrol, RAF North Coates, Took off 15:45 hrs

Took off in the company of other squadron aircraft and set course for Holland. The flight made landfall on Texel at 16:55 hrs. Shortly afterwards S/L Francis, three times MiD, was seen to bank sharply while low on the water and had been shot down by the Sperrbrecher, SS Templar. THe Beaufort had already dropped its torpedo which continued to run true to hit and damage the 6,727 ton vessel.

As No.22 Sqn historian I can add the following information on the aircraft and crew:

S/L Francis had been posted into the squadron as a F/L on the 30th Aug 1940. Sgt Farthing had far more experience on squadron ops, having been with the squadron since the outbreak of war in Sept 1939. F/O Pennington was the squadron Gunnery Leader and had joined the unit as a P/O on 14th June 1940.

Sgt Unett was one of those early airmen who undertook air operations as an AG for extra pay in addition to his normal ground task. He is first noted as an AC on 16th April 1940.

N1118 had been taken on charge by the squadron on the 10th Sept 1940 (height of the BoB) and three months operational use lasted about the average length of time for a No.22 Squadron aircraft in 1940.

Regards
Ross
Thank you very much for this.
Flight Officer, Edward "Teddy" Pennington, born 9th of September 1908, in Stockport, was one of my 2x Great Uncles. He became a builder. By the time he was 25, he had built two semis. He also built a bungalow in Woodley, Stockport for his mother in law.
Before he joined the RAF, he brought a Robinson Redwing Aeroplane, on the 8th of August, 1939. This plane once belonged to the film actor and comedian Will Hay. Edward was actually friends with Will Hay.
My Grandma and her two siblings lived in Lincoln. They remembered one of their Uncles (Teddy), coming to Lincoln in his aeroplane one time, and bringing Will Hay with him. He landed at Waddington, near Lincoln. This must obviously have been before he joined the RAF.
I did not previously know the name of the actual vessel that shot the crew down either.

One Question please:
When mentioning S/L Francis what does: "three times MiD" mean?

Thank you very much.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Thursday 21 September 17 19:05 BST (UK)
Mentioned in Despatches

eg
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34795/supplement/1056/data.pdf

and

http://en.ww2awards.com/upload/person/65527/LG%2035107-1574.pdf

Ross

Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: RobinRedBreast on Thursday 21 September 17 21:24 BST (UK)
Mentioned in Despatches

eg
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34795/supplement/1056/data.pdf

and

http://en.ww2awards.com/upload/person/65527/LG%2035107-1574.pdf

Ross
Thank you.  :)
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: RobinRedBreast on Thursday 21 September 17 21:36 BST (UK)
Mentioned in Despatches

eg
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34795/supplement/1056/data.pdf

and

http://en.ww2awards.com/upload/person/65527/LG%2035107-1574.pdf

Ross
http://ww2today.com/27th-december-1940-coastal-command-in-action-against-german-shipping
This appears to show the very same ship that shot the crew down. It sates that: "A later attack by Squadron Leader Francis seriously damaged this ship but his Beaufort was shot down and all the crew lost."
From what I have seen, the same ship carried on in service until the end of the war.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Steve Poole on Saturday 24 March 18 14:31 GMT (UK)
Hi Jath,

Are you still on here? I have the full story on your Grandfather and would love to share with you and your family.

Steve
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: stitchwitch on Sunday 25 March 18 00:02 GMT (UK)
Hi

Would you be able to look for anything on my late father? He was Ronald Heywood, born 8/2/1924 Tarvin Cheshire. He was wop/ag in Wellington bombers, so a sergeant. He did his basic training at RAF Yatesbury (Lincolnshire?), then by troopship to North Africa (Cairo), then to Italy (Bay of Naples area) where he finished up in a largely SA squadron.

Due to a family SNAFU I don't have his service number. Someone once told me that when his medals arrived he sent them back. This may or may not be true, but I never saw them. Anything you could dig up would be gratefully received.

Many thanks
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Wilf1234 on Saturday 13 October 18 09:46 BST (UK)
Deleted
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: nanny jan on Saturday 13 October 18 11:34 BST (UK)
Hi,

Welcome to Rootschat.

The person who started this thread has not been active for some time but if you are looking for a service record then details of how to apply are in the link below:


http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=651361.0

They are held by the MOD and are not available on line.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: BushInn1746 on Saturday 13 October 18 12:11 BST (UK)
Hi

I've been trying to trace details of my Dad's cousin, but after hours of searching i'm getting nowhere fast!

Unfortunately we have scant information other than he was In the Raf and flew 'bombers'. My father thinks that he was most likely a F/Sgt as he struggled with authority and therefore unlikely to have been officer material. He survived the war but was from what we could see very badly affected by his experiences.


His details are:
Robert George Milward Davison born ... 1921 Brentford, Middlesex


Hello

My Grandfather was Aircrew on 1940 RAF Bombers and (although we already knew his names and RAF number) I found his:- Initials, his H Surname and Service Number amongst AIR 78/79/1 from Holroyd A. to Hopkin (an 1137 pages pdf, with 6 to 8 Index Cards per page).

My H surname (part) was a 250 Mb PDF Free download which I seem to recall took half an hour to download on our Broadband.


A few names in AIR 78, are missing, but never discovered one missing yet.


Looks like Davison will be one of the pdfs around AIR 78/44
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_ep=AIR%2078%2F44&_dss=range&_ro=any&_st=adv


WW 2 RAF Service Record Still with MoD
We were very disappointed with my Grandfather's RAF Service Record (a Form 543) from MoD, because his "Form 1996." sent out from the RAF three months after his War death has identical information, as the Form 543.

Usually the Unit and Squadron Numbers only (with dates), qualifications and awards if any and next of kin, can be obtained from the Service Record or Form 1996 anyway.

But if you don't know the Unit/s and Squadron/s or Stations (places) where your RAF relative served, you will probably need to check their RAF Record.


A surviving member of his direct family, may already have some limited information (not everyone threw this stuff away), that they might be prepared to share with you? I've had a request for my Grandfather's from my Father's Cousin, I've never met and we have been swapping much family info by email scans. A great way, of learning about your family history too.

With a Surname and Service Number you might find him in The Gazette online, although I can't see anything with only a very quick name search.

Mark
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Wilf1234 on Saturday 13 October 18 12:37 BST (UK)
Hi mark

I can't thank you enough. This led me straight to his service number (1577555)

I'd held off applying for the £30 records as I'd seen lots of reports similar to yours of poor quality information being provided.

Any ideas where I would need to look next as a brief Google with the new service record hasn't come Up with anything at all?

Thanks again

W
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: BushInn1746 on Saturday 13 October 18 12:50 BST (UK)
Hi mark

I can't thank you enough. This led me straight to his service number (1577555)

I'd held off applying for the £30 records as I'd seen lots of reports similar to yours of poor quality information being provided.

Any ideas where I would need to look next as a brief Google with the new service record hasn't come Up with anything at all?

Thanks again

W

Wilf

Service Records vary, an RAF Serviceman of the Squadron Association still alive at the time, told me he got about 50 pages, but most others only get the Unit information and brief details on two A3 Sheets.


Usually the Unit and Squadron Numbers only (usually with dates), qualifications and awards if any and next of kin (Amended), can be obtained from the Service Record or our Form 1996 anyway (I have both).

My Father already knew two of his Father's RAF Stations and the ORBs at Kew could be researched from Unit and Station level ORBs (amongst Unit AIR 29 & Station AIR 28), the Station and Station Appendices give some Operational Orders etc., and Squadron information.

Then the Squadron ORBs in AIR 27; Group ORBs AIR 25 and Command ORBs AIR 24 can be searched from there.

Mark
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: BushInn1746 on Saturday 13 October 18 13:02 BST (UK)
Have you tried a Surname and Service number search here to see if he was mentioned. Not everyone was mentioned, but it won't have anything about Operations.

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/

Mark
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: BushInn1746 on Saturday 13 October 18 15:43 BST (UK)
Wilf

If you can't get definite information about the Stations, Units & Squadrons with dates, from your family, you'll probably have to Apply and see if you can obtain the 'Service Record' or information from Disclosures about Units & Squadrons and places and see what was listed.

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records

Against that Service Number did the Card have his full names, or just initials only, because occasionally you can get two or more Cards in AIR 78 with the same sets of initials.

If applying, they'll ask you for Date of Birth and other info anyway.

Mark
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: Rootes75 on Saturday 20 October 18 23:36 BST (UK)
I am still trying to find out more about my Great Uncle, I have a photo of him in RAF uniform during the war. He passed away in 1949 so the family know very little of him.
His name was Kenneth Hann, I have no service numbers etc so finding anything out has been very difficult.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: BushInn1746 on Tuesday 23 October 18 08:38 BST (UK)
Hello

My RAF Grandfather's surname was on a 250 Mb PDF Free download (but we already had his S/No. and other details).


A few names in AIR 78, are missing.


Looks like the surname Hann might be one of the pdfs in AIR 78/69 (462.5 Mb download)
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_cr=AIR%2078%2F69&_dss=range&_ro=any&_st=adv

Check that there are not two or more K. Hann.


WW 2 RAF Service Record Still with MoD

Only direct relatives were usually entitled to the full photocopy information e.g. Wife / Parents, then if deceased their Children, then Grandchildren.
https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records/apply-for-someone-elses-records


Perhaps if his direct family are still alive, they may have that information already and be prepared to share it with you?

A Sibling might be a N of K on his Record.


Many are awfully brief, but should give Movements and Postings to Units and /or Squadrons and other brief information about the individual.


Mark
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: mickawinn on Sunday 05 May 19 17:54 BST (UK)
I am looking for information about Rupert Victor De Podesta (749349) who died in a plane crash on the 16 th July 1942. He was a Sergeant/Pilot and I believe the plane crashed on landing at an Oxford airfield. He had been training in Albany, Georgia so might have been returning from the USA. I recall finding a website with details of various plane crashes/losses but can’t remember the name. Can anyone help please?
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Sunday 05 May 19 18:10 BST (UK)
Airspeed Oxford I, BF940, of No.3 (P)AFU.

Crashed 1/2 mile south west Ashton Keynes, Wiltshire, 01:15 hrs 40 mins into the dual instruction flight.

Also killed was the instructor F/O A K C Holder.

Court of Inquiry found crash due to failure to maintain equilibrium in deterorating weather conditions.

http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?6125-420716-Unaccounted-airmen-16-7-1942&p=73403&styleid=3

Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: mickawinn on Sunday 05 May 19 18:30 BST (UK)
Thanks Ross for your quick reply. I am trying to trace which squadron he was in so are the court of enquiry records available anywhere?
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Sunday 05 May 19 18:41 BST (UK)
Squadrons were only one of the flying units of the RAF

In this case he was with No.3 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit as I said.

This type of unit took trained pilots from units abroad and gave them experience in flying in european theatre conditions before they went on to Operational Training Units.

Court of Inquiry - not Enquiry - proceedings have not usually survived to public record but summary can be found on some related documents eg the finding recorded on the Form 1180 Accident Card.

His service record will confirm date of posting in to No.3 (P)AFU

Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: JJen on Sunday 05 May 19 18:43 BST (UK)
If you have access to newspapers Nottingham Journal 18 July 1942 has a small article referring to the death of Rupert V (Dickie) de Podesta.

JJ
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: mickawinn on Sunday 05 May 19 19:00 BST (UK)
Yes I found the articles in the Nottingham Journal and the Nottingham Evening Post which don’t give much info.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: mickawinn on Monday 06 May 19 06:34 BST (UK)
Thanks for your help. Where did you find the court of inquiry information?
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: rafcommands on Monday 06 May 19 06:58 BST (UK)

Form 1180 Accident Card

cut and paste the words into Google gives

https://www.google.co.uk/search?source=hp&ei=fsrPXPXQIcSOlwTqsoPwCQ&q=Form+1180+Accident+Card&btnK=Google+Search&oq=Form+1180+Accident+Card&gs_l=psy-ab.3..33i160.2551.2551..3700...0.0..0.112.112.0j1......0....2j1..gws-wiz.....0.Mfi3qQBfvsc

Ross
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: craigashton68 on Wednesday 08 May 19 21:00 BST (UK)
i have been handed down some war medals from my wife's dad, they are from his wife's aunty and uncle, i would love to find any info on where they come from and any history i can find out about them.
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: craigashton68 on Wednesday 08 May 19 21:01 BST (UK)
here are some pics--
Title: Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
Post by: brockkerbyivanhoe on Sunday 18 February 24 12:41 GMT (UK)
Gideon Jamieson CAIRNCROSS served in my great uncles crew in 37 SQN .

Kind regards

Brock Kerby
Madoc Ontario Canada