50 Squadron/Raid of Duisburg 12/13 May 1943

[Pyrian2]

Hi

I've just started researching my family history and have found that I know next to nothing about my Grandfather, GEOFFREY DOUGLAS PRIESTLEY who was killed 12/13 May 1943, I think in a Lancaster bomber returning from a raid over Duisburg. I have accessed the military records of his death which says he was in 1660 CU, but the Cambridge roll of honour says he was in 50 Squadron.
He is buried at Amersfoort General cemetery.

Any one have any information that could help me start filling in the many blanks? I am particularly interested in knowing who he served with and in what capacity!

I have also attached a couple of photos, don't know the dates.

Many thanks

Paul

[David Layne]

I can find no one of that name in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Register.

http://www.cwgc.org/debt_of_honour.asp?menuid=14

[Flakdodger]

Hi Pyrian2,
and welcome to Rootschat.
David Layne is your man on 50 Squadron.
Glad you have seen this David, I was about to PM you.
[Priestley is on the CWGC database - I have just been looking at his entry]
Paul, you might like to view one of David's threads, which was joined by chasmac, the cousin of P/O Ivatt, a crewmate of your Grandfather.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,306538.30.html
Cheers
Dave

[Pyrian2]

Many thanks. I feel silly I didn't see that before!

[Flakdodger]

Paul,
S'all right. No prob.
Have you considered obtaining your Grandfather's service record?
Go to http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/service_records.html and follow the links.
It will cost you £30 (ask for a photocopy of the actual document) and it will answer your questions as to where and when he served.
I have had another look at the photo. He is wearing a Sidcot Suit and a Type B flying helmet. Both these items of kit suggest an earlier period in the war to mid 1943. The goggles seem to be non standard.
Cheers
Dave

[Pyrian2]

Many thanks - I'll do that!

[Svenja]

Hi Pyrian

Have you seen this:

http://www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=9229
F/O G.D. Priestley was flying as second Navigator.
The other crewmembers are also mentionned.

Here is the history of the 50 squadron:
http://www.raf.mod.uk/bombercommand/h50.html

Regards
Svenja

[Pyrian2]

Many thanks - I hadn't seen that!

[DeeBoneham]

If you pm a member called Kyt I am sure he will be able to find it in Chorleys Bomber Command Losses.  It includes a volume for 1943 and then another one for HCU/OTUs.  I am sure they will find it in there somewhere.
Dee