RAF WW2 Death - 158 Squadron

[Uncle Reff]

I have come across the death of an air gunner who died around Lincoln during the Second World War.

I have shown the details from the CWGC website below, I wonder if anyone could look up any likely aircraft losses on that date please.

Name:     REFFLES, ALBERT WILLIAM
Rank:    Sergeant (Air Gnr)
Regiment/Service:    Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text:    158 Sqdn.
Age:    21
Date of Death:    22/06/1943
Service No:    1350043
Additional information:    Son of Albert Edward and Elizabeth Reffles, of Southsea.
Grave/Memorial Reference:    Plot G. Row 12. Grave 2.
Cemetery:    PORTSMOUTH (HIGHLAND ROAD) CEMETERY

Thank you very much - John

[kyt]

Halifax HR785. The aircraft was returning from a mission to Krefeld when it dived into the ground at Bran Road, Lincoln. The entire crew killed:

Sgt K CSmart
Sgt K E G White
Sgt W C T Dempsey
P/O R N Freeman
Sgt R P Hansford
Sgt A W Raffles
Sgt G J Hanrahan

There is an accident report at TNA that you could order (AVIA 5/22):

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATID=-894342&CATLN=7&accessmethod=5

K

[Uncle Reff]

Once again kyt you come up trumps!

Thank you very much for looking this one up, it is greatly appreciated...

I am about due another trip to Kew, will send you a copy of the report if you are interested...

John

[kyt]

Hi John

sorry about the delay in replying. Yes please, I would love a copy of the report whenever you get a chance to visit TNA. Thank you

K

[DeeBoneham]

Just a little bit more information. My little book of words says they were based at Lissett and that it would have been a Halifax II.  You might like to contact:
158 Squadron Assn H N Mottershead DFC, 3 Sundial Walk, Brailsford, Ashbourne Derbyshire DE6 3DQ: 01335 360186: email: alison.mottershead@btopenworld.com  and a personal site: http://www.trasksdad.com/PopsProgress/
for more information.
Dee

[Stephen Hansford]

Hi John,

I have just picked up on your entry via a Google search so I joined up in order to reply.

My great uncle was Roland Philip Hansford the wireless op on Albert Reffles Halifax. I have been doing research into him and his crew for a while now.

I have copies of the Accident Investigation report from Kew, ORB entries detailing their three successful missions and some photos of the crews graves (Hansford, Freeman, Smart) which I would be more than happy to share with you and anyone interested.
Their plane unfortunately crashed on its way to Krefeld in a brickfield near Brant Road in Lincoln killing all on board

Please feel free to contact me as I would love further info and any crew photos. I only have one of Roland at my Grandads wedding
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Cheers Steve

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[Uncle Reff]

Thanks Steve, have sent an email directly.

John

[Uncle Reff]

Thank you to everyone who has once again helped tremendously. 

I have now made a tribute page to Albert William Reffles and the other brave men of Halifax HR 785 on my website at:

http://www.reffell.org.uk/heroes/albertwilliamreffles.php

I hope that it does them justice...

Kind regards - John

[DeeBoneham]

Might be worth putting it on the aircrew remembrance website too.  They are adding more and more to that all the time...
Dee