51 Squadron

[old rowley]

thats ok Jalk, we all swim in circles at times, with me it is usually doing the backstroke as I never seem to be going in the right direction 

old rowley

[robjam]

Hi Jalkatz,

I don't know if this is any use to you, but my Father witnessed the accident from a Lincoln bomber from 214 Sqn situated about two miles behind.

He seems to remember that the debris was scattered through the streets of Newark.  It might therefore be an idea to search the local papers of that area for more information.

All aircraft were returned directly after the accident.

My Father cannot remember much more but doubts whether it was a ground control error because of the nature of the exercise.

Regards

Rob

[Jalkatz]

Hi Rob, please thank your dad for me.  I've got the original newspaper cutting in front of me and it says that the crash happened over Averham (I've never heard of it so don't know how far from Newark).  But it goes into a lot of detail about Newark - the mock attack was to be at Newark, where "the bombers were trying to obliterate Staythorpe power station" - and this was 1/2 mile from the crash.  It includes accounts from witnesses in Newark - so I guess your dad's memory is of this crash.

Apparently, ground control's involvement was that it sent one plane up as another was coming in to land - it was thick fog that night, according to the reports that Rowley found for me, which perhaps explains the mistake.

I heard about the court marshall only last week so I don't have any more details about that but the person who told me about it was correct in every other detail, right down to date and time, so I'm assuming it's correct for now.

Thank you *very* much for your post.

Jackie

[annsa]

Hi,

Try the General Queries message borad at:

www.rafcommands.com

You should get furhter info from there. Also I would think that there is a lliberation report for you relative which would be at the National Archives at Kew. It is possible that one of the researchers that use the RAF Commands site may have a copy/further info on file.

Regards,

Ann Sadler

[Thudnut]

Jalkatz,
here's some information your uncle being shot down, escaping and being recaptured in 1943.

http://www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=1178

Thudnut

[Jalkatz]

Try the General Queries message borad at:

www.rafcommands.com

Hi Ann,
Thank you for that link.  I've posted a message over there and will see what comes of it.
Many thanks,
Jackie

[Jalkatz]

Hi Thudnut,
How on earth did you find that information???
Thank you so much - especially your timing.  I'm going to visit his brother next weekend and will take a printout of that page with me.
Best wishes,
Jackie

[Thudnut]

I like a challenge - especially RAF ones!

Timing was pure luck, but glad to be able to help.

I'm sorry but I can't find anything on the 1949 crash at the moment - but I'll keep looking.  Do you have any further information (such as aircraft type, Squadron - was he still on 51 Sqn?, what did his aircraft collide with?).

It may also be worth your while checking the old RAF Courts Martial records.  I believe that there's a CD out there sonewhere with them all on.

Thudders

[annsa]

Hi Jackie,

You have a few replies already. Hope that they will be of some use.

Regards,

Ann