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[email protected] www.canberra.kwikkopy.com.au Compilation Alan Storr 2006 The information appearing in this compilation is derived from the collections of the Australian War Memorial and the National Archives of Australia.
Author : Alan Storr Alan was born in Melbourne Australia in 1921. He joined the RAAF in October 1941 and served in the Pacific theatre of war. He was an Observer and did a tour of operations with No 7 Squadron RAAF (Beauforts), and later was Flight Navigation Officer of No 201 Flight RAAF (Liberators). He was discharged Flight Lieutenant in February 1946. He has spent most of his Public Service working life in Canberra – first arriving in the National Capital in 1938. He held senior positions in the Department of Air (First Assistant Secretary) and the Department of Defence (Senior Assistant Secretary), and retired from the public service in 1975. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Melbourne University) and was a graduate of the Australian Staff College, ‘Manyung’, Mt Eliza, Victoria. He has been a volunteer at the Australian War Memorial for 21 years doing research into aircraft relics held at the AWM, and more recently research work into RAAF World War 2 fatalities. He has written and published eight books on RAAF fatalities in the eight RAAF Squadrons serving in RAF Bomber Command in WW2. He is a member of Canberra Legacy. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Author acknowledges and thanks Kerrie Leech, currently Curator, Private Records, at the Australian War Memorial, for the great contribution she has made ensuring compatibility between my laptop and an AWM computer, so that research material on my laptop can be downloaded, and for her expertise in solving any computer problem that has arisen during the project. Without her contribution, the project would not have got off the ground.
Alan Storr. A WW2 photo of the Author
MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE BY ALAN STORR. PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. These volumes are dedicated to the memory of some brave young members of the Royal Australian Air Force, missing while serving on attachment with the Royal Air Force or other Air Forces during the Second World War, and have no known grave. The project was inspired by a letter that was published in the RAAF Association magazine ‘Wings’ (Winter Edition 2002), written by a daughter appealing for information about her father missing in WW2 when she was two years of age. Not only are the volumes a record of some of the unsung heroes of WW2, but I hope it will assist those who are still seeking information about the circumstances in which their loved husband, father, son, brother or family member went missing and has no known grave. To Mark Whitmore the then Assistant Director, National Collection, Australian War Memorial, Canberra, and now Director, Collections, at the Imperial War Museum, London, and Carmel McInerny, the then Senior Curator, Published & Digitised Records at the AWM and now Manager at the National Library, I extend my grateful thanks for their ready endorsement and support of the project in January 2003 as a worthwhile digitised “add on” to the AWM Honour Roll computer record of those members concerned. My particular thanks go to Kerri Leech, Assistant Curator, Published & Digitised Records, at AWM for her expert and ready assistance in developing and testing the necessary computer systems and providing computer short cuts designed to make the task easier and help overcome my lack of computer skills. Kerri has also maintained an oversight of and provided continuing advice on the project. From an initial examination of the RAAF WW2 Registers of Deaths and Burials, AWM 237 (63) Airmen and AWM 237 (64) Officers, with cross checks to AWM237(62) and (65), it was established that there were 1423 RAAF members who fitted the above project criteria of ‘missing with no known grave’ and comprised 511 Officers and 912 Airmen. The bulk of fatalities were among those serving on attachment with the Royal Air Force. To put the above number of fatalities in context, there were overall 11061 RAAF fatalities in WW2, of which 5944 fatalities occurred in RAAF Squadrons and Support Units, and 5117 fatalities were among RAAF members attached to the Royal Air Force or other Air Forces. It is from this latter figure of 5117 that this project identified the 1423 RAAF members missing with no known grave. Also included in the project are a small number of Australians who enlisted directly in the Royal Air Force either before or in the early stages of the war and are on the AWM Commemorative Roll as missing with no known grave.
2. With some 1500 RAAF Casualty files to be examined, much of the research of necessity has taken place at Australian National Archives, East Block Canberra. The work has now been completed, and the information incorporated in the AWM Honour Roll computer record and is available for PDF purposes. In addition to this digitised “add-on” to the Honour Roll, whereby the information can be accessed on the AWM website www.awm.gov.au, a printout of this same information for each member concerned is filed in alphabetical name order in Volumes 1 to 2 (Officers) and 3 to 6 (Airmen) which are held for research purposes in the AWM Research Centre. AWM Call Number R 940.544941 S886r V.1 to 6 refers. As a volunteer at the Australian War Memorial it has been a personally rewarding work and one that it has been a privilege to undertake. I always felt that there was a story to be told, and I appreciate the opportunity given to me and the facilities provided by the War Memorial to undertake the work. Having completed the project there are two things that stand out in my mind. One is the variety of aircraft types being flown in various theatres of war when reported missing – from single or twin engine fighters, to multi-engine light, medium or heavy bombers as well as multi-engine transports, flying boats or patrol aircraft. The other is the ages of these men, how young they were – many just lads really. One can only wonder at their skill and bravery, when one can see as an example, a young RAAF lad who has completed his pilot training in Australia or Canada or Rhodesia. He then proceeded to UK, is attached to the Royal Air Force, does various Conversion and Operational Training Courses, and finds himself at the early age of 20 years and 8 months with the awesome responsibility of being Captain (Pilot) of an RAF Lancaster bomber, responsible not only for his own life but that of the six other crew members on board, taking off at night in UK mid-winter with a full load of bombs and fuel, to undertake the hazardous trip of bombing Berlin or some other daunting target, and on one of these missions the aircraft and crew did not return. This project I trust honours and pays tribute to their memory. Alan Storr (Volunteer), Published and Digitised Records. Australian War Memorial, Canberra. 14 November 2004
3. MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE EXPLANATORY NOTES VOLUME NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6
SUMMARIES OF MISSING CIRCUMSTANCES (Filed in Aphabetical Name of Member order) Officers Letters Officers Letters Airmen Letters Airmen Letters Airmen Letters Airmen Letters
A to L to A to F to L to Q to
K Z E K P Y
OTHER AIR FORCES INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT RAAF personnel serving on attachment with the Royal Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, South African Air Force, Indian Air Force and US Army Air Force. SOURCES. AWM 237(63) Airmen and (64) Officers : Register of Deaths and Burials of RAAF Personnel who died on service 1939-1947. AWM 237 (62) and (65) AWM Roll of Honour AWM Commemoration Roll RAAF Casualty files held by National Archives, Canberra. Series A705. RAAF Service Record files held by Archives, Canberra Series A9300 or A9301. AWM 65 Honours & Awards Citations RAAF WW2 Nominal Roll AWM Call No. RF 358.41310941 J45r : RAF Squadrons by Wg Cdr Jefford, C.G.
4. MISSING INCLUDES Missing in Action Missing in Air Operations Missing Lost at Sea Missing in Flying Accident SUMMARIES OF MISSING CIRCUMSTANCES : This information is as recorded in the relevant RAAF Casualty File for the member concerned. This source covers over 95% of the summaries which are filed in alphabetical name order in these Volumes. In the remaining cases where no Casualty File exists, reference was then made to the members Service Record file, where there is invariably only a one line entry that the member is missing and the presumed date of death, but no information as to the missing circumstances. RANKS OF CREW MEMBERS : These are as recorded at time aircraft was reported missing. It includes promotions which have been promulgated posthumously but back dated with effect prior to the date the member was reported missing. Rank abbreviations are as per the Honour Roll format. MUSTERINGS OF CREW : These are shown only when recorded in the Casualty File and appear in the order as recorded in the Circumstantial report. PARENT AIR FORCE OF CREW MEMBERS : These are shown as and when recorded in the Casualty file. If uncertain then left blank. AIRCRAFT RADIO SIGNAL : These can comprise two components – the Squadron Code letters and the Aircraft Individual Letter, eg UV-G . the Letters UV denotes RAAF 460 Squadron and the letter G denotes G for George. In some instances the Aircraft letter is only recorded in the Casualty file, in other cases only the Squadron Identity code letters and in other cases no reference at all. The Aircraft Radio signal where shown in the Summary is as recorded in the Casualty file. CITATIONS : These are recorded in the Summaries where applicable. They are extracted from the relevant AWM Citation file and the file reference noted as the source. REGIONAL AFFILIATIONS : an informal scheme under which some RAF Squadrons were affiliated to towns in the UK or to cities or countries elsewhere. This was intended to provide the unit with a territorial link and give the related region a more personal stake in the war eg. 61 (City of Lincoln) Sqn RAF, 88 (Hong Kong) Sqn RAF. Whilst these affiliations were never formalised in the Unit’s title, they were consistently used and are included in the summary where applicable. ACCESS TO MATERIAL : AWM Website : www.awm.gov.au AWM Call Number :R 940.544941 S886r V.1 to 6.
5. RAAF MEMBERS ATTACHED TO THE ROYAL AIR FORCE IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. STATISTICS ;
FATALITIES BY THEATRE OF WAR OR COUNTRY. FATALITIES
EUROPE (France, Germany, Holland Denmark, Belgium, Austria, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria)
316
NORWAY/SWEDEN/BALTIC
42
UNITED KINGDOM (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
58
NORTH SEA
227
ENGLISH CHANNEL
67
ATLANTIC OCEAN
128
IRISH SEA
34
MIDDLE EAST
63
NORTH AFRICA
74
ITALY/SICILY/SARDINIA/GIBRALTAR/MALTA
63
MEDITTERANEAN (includes Aegean/Adriatic sea)
170
INDIA/CEYLON/INDIAN OCEAN/BAY OF BENGAL
35
BURMA
64
FAR EAST (Malaya, Singapore, NEI, New Guinea)
61
CANADA
21 TOTAL FATALITIES
1423
6. RAAF MEMBERS ATTACHED TO THE ROYAL AIR FORCE IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. STATISTICS ;
FATALITIES BY AIRCRAFT TYPES.
AIRFCRAFT TYPE LANCASTER WELLINGTON LIBERATOR HALIFAX STIRLING MANCHESTER MARAUDER WHITLEY HAMPDEN BLENHEIM HUDSON BEAUFIGHTER SPITFIRE HURRICANE MOSQUITO SUNDERLAND CATALINA MITCHELL MARYLAND ANSON DAKOTA BALTIMORE BEAUFORT BOSTON * OTHERA/C TYPES (under 10 fatalities) TOTAL : 51 A/C TYPES
FATALITIES 276 308 108 77 49 9 24 28 16 109 63 41 61 29 16 26 12 13 20 10 21 15 19 9 64 1423 FATALITIES.
*Includes Albacore, Albermarle, Beechcraft, Bisley, Bombay, Botha, Cnerlie, Defiant, DH86, Flying Fortress, Harvard, Kittyhawk, Lerwick, Martinet, Mohawk, Mustang, Oxford, Proctor, Tempest, Tomahawk, Thunderbolt, Typhoon, Ventura, Vilderbeeste, Walrus, Warwick, Whirlibomber.
7 RAAF MEMBERS ATTACHED TO THE ROYAL AIR FORCE IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. STATISTICS ;
FATALITIES BY MUSTERINGS.
MUSTERING
FATALITIES
PILOT
549
OBSERVER, NAVIGATOR, BOMBAIMER, AIR BOMBER, NAVIGATOR WIRELESS.
361
WIRELESS OPERATOR AIR GUNNER WIRELESS OPERATOR AIR
386
AIR GUNNER
122
FLIGHT ENGINEER
4
FITTER MECHANIC
1 TOTAL FATALITIES
1423
REFERENCE SOURCES : Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour Print Outs. AWM 237 (65) RAAF WW2 Fatalities by Squadrons AWM 237 (63) Airmen and (64) Officers : Register of Deaths and Burials of RAAF Personnel who died on service 1939-1947 AWM 65 (
) Citations held by Australian War Memorial
(NAA) National Australian Archives at East Block, Canberra :: Series A705 RAAF WW2 Casualty files. Series A9300 and A9301 RAAF Members WW2 Service records files. Micro Film No 463 OAFH ) Office of RAAF Air Force History. Veteran Affairs Nominal Roll 1939-1947 RAAF members . Commonwealth War Graves records. RAAF WW2 POW Files held at the Australian War Memorial : File Ref Series A54 File 779/3/129, Parts 1 to 30. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Volumes 1939 to 1947. Michael Maton : DFC’s for Australians in World War 2 Ian Tavender : DFM Registers for WW2 Volumes 1 and 2.
SECOND WORLD WAR OVERVIEW : ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE The Royal Australian Air Force was expanding when war broke put, having 12 Squadrons formed, or in the process of forming. Most were located in Australia, but Australian airmen would end up serving in every theatres of war. At the outbreak of war, 10 Squadron RAAF was in Britain collecting Sunderland flying boats purchased by the RAAF. The squadron was offered to Britain to serve as part of the Royal Air Force Coastal Command, flying anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic Ocean for the duration of the war. 11 Squadron was stationed at Port Moresby with Catalina flying boats, flying long-range reconnaissance patrols over northern Australia and north of Papua New Guinea. In 1940, 3 Squadron was posted to the Middle East as an army co-operation squadron with the Australian Imperial Force, but became a fighter squadron. Plans had been made to raise and send more squadrons overseas but the Australian Government then signed up to the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS), under which the Royal Australian, New Zealand and Canadian Air Forces would train aircrews to be loaned to the Royal Air Force. Most would serve in British squadrons, though some would be posted to ‘Article XV’, or ‘400-series’squadrons. These squadrons were raised by the RAF but with their nationality officially recognised – for instance 460 Squadron RAAF, to which the famous Lancaster G for George at the Australian War Memorial belonged. Many aircrews who survived their tours of duty returned to Australia to serve in RAAF Squadrons as instructors. Training of EATS recruits took place in Australia, Canada, Rhodesia and Britain. By war’s end almost 40,000 Australians had been sent overseas under this scheme., serving in Europe, the Middle East, Burma and other places. Many men in Australia and overseas died in training accidents. Many who graduated from courses flew with Bomber Command, which had the highest operational loss rate of any British Commonwealth force in the war. The RAAF also sent ground crews to serve in most of the Article XV squadrons (as well as 3 and 10 Squadrons), most serving up to four years service overseas. Hundreds of RAAF members became prisoners of war in Germany and Italy, as well as a smaller number in the Far East. The majority of RAAF personnel remained in Australia. The massive expansion of the forces required extensive administration, training, supply and maintenance services, and there was also a strong commitment to ‘home defence’, so many men and most women who volunteered for the RAAF never got a chance to serve overseas. To assist in meeting the demand for manpower within Australia, the RAAF formed the Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force in 1941, recruiting women to serve in administrative roles and to perform routine maintenance on aircraft, serving alongside men, in non-operational units (mostly training establishments) in Australia. In 1940, the RAAF sent three squadrons to Malaya; in 1941 these were joined by an Article XV squadron, 453, raised at Bankstown, New South Wales, along with some EATS graduates posted to British squadrons. They were the first to see action against Japanese forces.About 200 RAAF men, mostly ground staff, were taken prisoner by the Japanese. By the end of 1942, RAAF squadrons also had seen extensive operational service in northern Australia, the Netherlands East Indies and Papua New
2. Guinea. Other squadrons flew anti-submarine patrols over the shipping lanes around Australia. . The majority of RAAF personnel who saw active service served in these campaigns against Japan. A few had previously served in Europe or the Middle East. Along with flying squadrons, RAAF members served in various supporting units including headquarters, supply depots, communications flights, medical aerial evacuation units, radar stations and airfield construction squadrons – some of the latter two types of units serving in the Philippines in 1945 with American forces. The RAAF also played a part in the repatriation of prisoners of war at the end of the war. The only RAAF servicewomen to see active service were members of the RAAF Nursing Service. Source : Veteran’s Affairs World War 2 Nominal Roll Note : There were 11,061 RAAF fatalities in World War 2.. (Australian War Memorial Fact Sheet No 19 refers).* comprising 5,117 fatalities in RAAF members attached to RAF (primarily) or in some instances other Air Forces (Source : Count of fatalities in AWM 237 (62) Register of Deaths. and 5,944 fatalities in RAAF Squadrons and support units.. * Source AWM 148 Roll of Honour cards, RAAF, Second World War.
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
413332 Warrant Officer ATKINSON, William James
Source: NAA : A705, 166/4/125. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire MB 877 131 Sqn RAF
Summary: Spitfire MB 877 of 131 (County of Kent) Sqn RAF took off From RAF Station Colmhead, near Taunton, Somerset, on 1 June 1944, flying No 4 in a formation of 4 aircraft. The formation was detailed to attack an enemy target at St Brieuc, France. The formation crossed the French coast west of St Malo. . At Lamballe, Bretagne in France, the formation turned west and followed the railway line. About 5 miles from St Brieuc a goods train was seen which the formation attacked. The Formation Leader was hit by flak from gunfire trucks at the end of the train. The Leader called on the formation to accompany him home. He received 2 replies but none from MB 877. After repeated calling and no replies, the Leader called up Distress Control to try and locate MB 877. No3 in the formation stated that just before turning into the attack he noticed MB 877 turn starboard also, but he could not see MB 877 after the attack. Crew: RAAF 413332 WO W.J.Atkinson, Pilot. Following post war enquiries and investigations, when no trace of the missing aircraft or pilot could be found, it was recorded in 1948 that WO Atkinson had no known grave.
1
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
403297 Sergeant ADA, Alan Fletcher
Source: NAA : A9301, Bar Code 5523312. No Casualty file available. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Whitley
58 Sqn RAF
Summary: Sgt Ada of 58 Sqn RAF, was presumed dead on 6 May 1942 as a result of air operations from the UK. No other detail of the operation was available from the member’s service record. Crew: RAAF 403297 Sgt A.F.Ada, Pilot.
2
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. 410934 Flight Sergeant ADAM, Walter Joseph Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/19/46 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 149, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LL 861 SR – H ATTD 101 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LL 861 of 101 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Ludlow Magna, Market Raisen, Lincolnshire, at 2211 hours on the night of 30/31st March 1944 to carry out a bombing operation against Nurnberg. The aircraft was due back at Base at 0545 hours on 31 March, but nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RCAF
420950 PO Irving, D J, Captain, (Pilot) Sgt Phillips, F (Flight Engineer) 412542 WO King, S G R (Navigator) 427016 Flt Sgt Noske, J A (Air Bomber) 413771 Flt Sgt Huggett, N G (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 426999 Flt Sgt Newman, J B (Mid Upper Gunner) 410934 Flt Sgt Adam, W J (Rear Gunner) FO Litchfield, R F (Special Duties, Air Bomber)
In 1949 it was established from an examination of German documents that the aircraft crashed at Lauterbach, 11 kms north north east of Eisenach, Germany, in the province of Thuringe, and that Flt Sgt Noske and two unknown crew members were buried at Eisenach Town Cemetery. As Eisenach was in the Russian Zone of Occupation it was not possible for investigating teams to visit the area to visit the site of the crash and locate any of the graves of the crew. At the time the names of the 8 crew members were registered as missing with no known grave. Commonwealth War Graves record that Flt Sgt’s Noske and Newman are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. The remainder of the crew have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
3
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407704 Flight Sergeant ADAMS, Phillip Paul
Source: NAA : A705, 168/85/74. Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim BA 542 13 OP TRAINING RAF
Summary: Blenheim BA 542 of No 13 Operational Training RAF arrived at RAF Luqa, Malta, from RAF station Bicester on 15 July 1942, on transit to the Middle East. It left Luqa at 0425 hours GMT on 16 July but failed to arrive at its destination Crew: RAAF RCAF RAF
407704 Flt Sgt P.P.Adams, Pilot. Sgt G.E.Price, Observer. Sgt G.A.Russell, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
The remains of Sgt Price were washed ashore at Port Said on 12 August 1942. He is buried in the Port Said War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. It was recorded that the other two crew members had lost their lives at sea.Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
4
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
421874 Flight Sergeant ALEXANDER, Jack Arnold
Source: NAA : A705, 166/3//202. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 800 53 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 800 of 53 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station St Eval near Wadebridge, Cornwall, on the night of 16 April 1944 to carry out and anti-submarine patrol in the Bay of Biscay. The last contact with the aircraft was at 4.45am on the morning of 17 April 1944, but after that nothing further was heard from BZ 800 which did not return to base. It was presumed that the aircraft was missing as a result of enemy action while attacking a U-boat. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF
421874 Flt Sgt J.A.Alexander, Navigator Bombaimer. 420859 Flt Sgt M.Box. Navigator Bombaimer. Flt Lt Roberts, G. FO Moore, D.J. Flt Sgt F.H.Nopper. Sgt J.Humbles. PO Reed, H.G.R. Flt Sgt J.L.Stubbs. Flt Sgt R.R.Bawrie.
In 1949 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
5
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
422092 Warrant Officer ALLMAN, George Gregory
Source: NAA : A705166/3/403. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling LK 197 196 Sqn RAF
Summary: Stirling LK 197 of 196 Sqn RAF took off at 22.24 hours on the night of 30/31 March 1945 from RAF Station, Shepherd Grove, Stanton, near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK., to drop supplies in Norway of 10 containers and 4 packages. The aircraft had enough fuel for 10hrs 30mts flying. Nothing further heard from aircraft or of crew. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
422411 PO Campbell, C., Captain, (Pilot). Flt Sgt K.W.Linney, Navigator. 422092 WO G.G.Allman, Wireless Operator/Air. Flt Sgt F.W.Matthews, Air Bomber. Flt Sgt F.C.Brenner, Flight Engineer. Flt Sgt E. Lloyd, Air Gunner
6
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
116993 Sergeant ANSTEY, Frederick William
Liberator Aircraft Type: 42 – 110120 Serial number: Radio call sign: 530 Sqn USAAF Unit: Summary: On the night of 28 October 1944 Liberator 42-110120 of 530 Sqn, 380 Bomb Group USAAF, 5th Air Force, failed to return from a mission to Macassar, NEI. The aircraft took off from Darwin at 1751 hours, manned by a RAAF crew of eleven. The following sequence of messages was received by Ops room No 380 (B) Group : 281420Z No 3 out, Position 06.25S 120.50E course 120deg true. 281555Z 2 engines out, posn 0800S 123.35E. 281628Z Not likely to reach base. No 4 giving trouble. Preparing to ditch. Darwin obtained a bearing of 340deg at 281604Z. Search ships and 4 B24’s immediately began search, and B24’s, B25’s and Catalinas on subsequent days were unable to locate missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF 408190 FO Harrison, A.L., Captain, (Pilot). RAAF 413969 WO S.H.Davidson, 2nd Pilot. RAAF 416078 Flt LT Cropley, A.A., Navigator. RAAF 408590 FO O’Dea, D.J., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 416861 WO K.L.J.Killen, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 423587 Flt Sgt W.R.Barber, Navigator/Bombaimer. RAAF 408448 Flt Sgt C.L.Wilken, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 36474 Sgt S.H.Jamieson, Armament/Gunner. RAAF 429432 Sgt J.E.Cook, Air Gunner. RAAF 62526 Sgt W.J.Bird, Fitter 11A/Gunner. RAAF 116993 LAC (Agt Flt Sgt) F.W.Anstey, Flight Engineer. ARMY VX21828 Major Latrelle, H.R., AIF, Intel. Officer (Observer). In 1949 it was recorded that the aircraft and crew were lost at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
423597 Flight Sergeant ARMSTRONG, Gordon Arthur Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/33/18 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 284, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax NA 508 KN – A ATTD 77 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax NA508 took off from RAF Full Sutton, Yorkshire at 2315 hours on the night of 16/17th June1944, detailed to bomb Sterkrade, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
415498 PO Blair, R A W Captain (Pilot) Sgt H L Moore (Flight Engineer) 425210 PO Pratt, L G (Observer) 423597 Flt Sgt G A Armstrong, (Air Bomber) 410370 WO J P O’Meara, (Wireless Air Gunner) 427807 FO Date, J M (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt D G Tastin, (Tail Gunner)
A 1947 report by a Missing Research & Enquiry team stated “ the Communal Police at Neuwer-Amstel reported that the aircraft crashed in flames at Neuwer-Amstel on the night of 16/17 June 1944. German documents confirmed that only one body was recovered that of WO O’Meara.” He is buried at the Bergen-Op-Zoom War Cemetery, Locality Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. The other six crew members have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
8
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
428596 Warrant Officer ARNEY, Harold James Source : NAA : A705, 166/4/217. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PA 973 OF – C 97 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster PA 973 of No 97 (Strait Settlements) Sqn RAF, took off at 2335 hours from RAF Station Coningsby, Lincoln, UK, on 20 March 1945 to bomb a target at Bohlen. Weather clear. Visibility good. Flak over target moderate to intense. Aircraft did not return to base and no evidence as to loss or whether aircraft shot down over target. No messages received from aircraft. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
418813 Flt Lt Cottman, J.D., Captain (Pilot). 432022 PO Murray, A.G., Navigator. 428596 WO H.J.Arney, Wireless Operator. 430103 Flt Sgt J.S. Coster, Air Bomber. 437562 Flt Sgt V.E.Petschel, Mid Upper Gunner. 430011 Flt Sgt L.J.Bull, Rear Gunner. Sgt J.W.Cross, Flight Engineer.
With no trace of the aircraft or crew being found following post war investigations and enquiries, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
9
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
420112 Flight Sergeant ARNOLD, Allan Edward
Source: NAA : A705, 166/4/112. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 962 159 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 962 of 159 Sqn RAF took off on 29 February 1944 at 1615 hours together with other Squadron aircraft for the target Rangoon, Burma. BZ 962 carried a bomb load of 4500 lbs. According to eye witness accounts from 5 other aircraft, 2 aircraft were seen over the target area to go down in flames and hit the ground. No distress signals were received from BZ 962 which did not return to base after the mission, but an IFF plot faded out at 0500 hours in position 2204N, 8916E. Three aircraft were sent out on a parallel search but found nothing of the above missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF
420112 Flt Sgt Arnold, A.E., Captain (Pilot). Flt Sgt V.E.Whitehall, Co-Pilot. Flt Sgt A.R.Burn, Navigator. FO Clifton, B., DFM, 1st Wireless Operator. Sgt C.A.Plank, 2nd Wireless Operator. Sgt A.E.B. Stout, Mid Upper Gunner. Sgt D.R.Burgess, Beam Gunner. Sgt M.L.Davis, Rear Gunner. Sgt J.Leak, Flight Engineer.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
409012 Flight Sergeant ADAMS, Richard Harry
Source: NAA : A705, 166/3/124. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hurricane BD 729 1449 Flight (RAF)
Summary: Hurricane BD 729 of 1449 Flight RAF took off from the RAF Station Old Town, St Mary’s,Isle of Scilly, at 0800 hours on 3 October 1943 to carry out an ASR search in an area some 35 miles south of the Scillies. BD 729 was No 2 in Blue Section and accompanied No1 Blue section flown by WO Poole (RAF). Both aircraft joined up with an Anson of 276 Sqn and began the search. Later the 2 Hurricanes were ordered to search an area a little away from the Anson and conduct a parallel search 4 miles apart. WO Poole at 9am was told by Base to go to 2000 feet. At 9.04am Poole heard Adams say “Can you see those aircraft” and almost immediately Poole saw 8 aircraft about 7 miles away circling at about 100/500 feet. He could not see BD 729 but flew towards the other aircraft to investigate. When about 5 miles away the other aircraft formed line astern and flew in a south westerly direction. He chased them for a few minutes but could not catch them. He then returned to his previous position and saw a blue patch on the sea. He gave this position by radio and then had to force land himself due to fuel shortage. He could not raise Adams by radio. A search was organised immediately. The search aircraft sighted an oil patch, fuel tank, and a whitecylinder in the position given by Poole. A flying boat landed at the spot and recovered some wreckage from a Hurricane aircraft, and a white cylinder which was from a long range German aircraft. Adams body was not recovered, and in 1949 it was recorded that he had lost his life at sea. Crew: RAAF
409012 Flt Sgt R.H.Adams, Pilot.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407110 Leading Aircraftman ARTHUR, Colin Tolhurst
Source: NAA : A705, 32/4/62. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Harvard 2704 1 Service Flg Trg School RCAF
Summary: Harvard 2704 of No. 1 Service Flying Training School, RCAF, crashed on a detached ice floe on 4 February 1941, 1.5 to 2 miles off-shore in Nottawasaga Bay, Ontario. Small parts of the aircraft apparently the wings, were spread over a large area, but the engine and main body of the aircraft appeared to have gone through the ice to the bottom of the lake. The above was observed from the air and it was impossible to reach the spot on the surface. Due to bad weather and a heavy southerly gale the ice flow completely disappeared on 8 February 1941, and salvage operations were suspended until the spring. In mid May 1941 salvage operations located the wreckage approx 3 miles north west from the Nottawasaga River in the Georgian Bay in approx 60 feet of water. By mid June a major portion of the wreck was brought to the surface. Divers searched the lake bottom but no bodies were found in the water or in the wreck. The search was subsequently abandoned. Crew: RAAF RAAF
400156 LAC C.M.Ross. Trainee Pilot 407110 LAC C.T.Arthur, Trainee Pilot
.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
409881 Flight Sergeant AYERS, Ralph James
Source: NAA : A705, 166/4/84. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling BK 798 OJ – Q 149 Sqn RAF
Summary: Stirling BK 798 of 149 (East India) Sqn RAF, took off from RAF Station, Lakenheath, Suffolk, at 5.20pm on 20 December 1943 for mine laying operations in the Friesian Islands area. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RCAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF
409881 Flt Sgt R.J.Ayers, Captain (Pilot). 422138 Flt Sgt C.W.M.Corkill, Navigator. Sgt J.R.Martin, Air Bomber. Sgt P.J.Lunn, Flight Engineer. Sgt V.Mandy, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt W.M.Power, Air Gunner. Sgt W.Macadie, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew could be found, it was recorded in 1949 that the crew had lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial, tot the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
406323 Flight Sergeant BACKHOUSE, Herbert Frederick
Source: NAA : A705, 166/27/34. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Bisley BA 315 162 Sqn RAF
Summary: Bisley BA 315 of 162 Sqn RAF on 29 January 1943 as a result of a flying accident, crashed into the sea at position 230 deg. from and 3 miles off Saida, Algiers, with the crew and passenger missing believed drowned. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
406570 FO Messer, A.K.B., Pilot. 406323 Flt Sgt H.F.Backhouse, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt A.W.Cheyne, Observer. AC2 C.E.Stone, Pax.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
405145 Sergeant BAILEY, Edwin Alfred
Source: NAA : A705, 163/90/301. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HF 907 1443 Flight RAF
Summary: Wellington HF 907 of No. 1443 Flight RAF took off from base on 5 June 1942 on a non operational six hour consumption test flight. This involved a cross country flight from Base to Bardsey Island, Lynas Point, Rhyl and return to base. The aircraft was last heard of in the vicinity of the Isle of Man. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF
Sgt N.V.Lloyd, Captain (Pilot0. Sgt L.J.Grove, 2nd Pilot. 405145 Sgt E.A.Bailey, Observer. Sgt J.W.Cockburn, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt W.Hurley, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt J.W.Ashby, Air Gunner. LAC McDonald, Testing ASV equipment.
The bodies of Sgt Lloyd and Sgt Ashby (RAF members), were recovered from the sea at Birkenhead, Cheshire, and the body of Sgt Cockburn (RAF) was washed ashore and buried at Malew Cemetery, Isle of Man. The remaining four crew members including Sgt Bailey (RAAF), were recorded as having lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. 403491 Sergeant BAILEY, Garnet James Source: NAA : A705, 163/90/344. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster R 5608 ZN ATTD 106 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster R 5608 of 106 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on the night of 25 July 1942 for a mining operation in the Deodars area. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. In 1946 it was established that the aircraft had been shot down between the islands of D’Oleron and De Re, off the west coast of France in the Bay of Biscay. Flt Sgt Church and Sgt Adams became POW’s. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Sgt H.A.Church, Captain (Pilot). Sgt R.W.Butler, Flight Engineer. Sgt W.McP Samuel, Navigator. 403491 Sgt G.J.Bailey, Air Bomber. Sgt E.Bradley, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt D.Freeman, Mid Upper Gunner. Sgt E.A.Adams, Rear Gunner.
In a statement by Flt Sgt Church, he reported “Sgt Bailey abandoned the aircraft on his own initiative through the front escape hatch, before the aircraft ditched. The crew of a German flak ship informed me that they heard his calls for assistance in the water some considerable distance from where the aircraft ditched. They informed me they attempted his rescue, but that he drowned before he could be reached.” Sgt Samuel body was washed ashore and is buried at the Isle d’Oleron cemetery, France. In 1948 it was recorded that Sgt Bailey (RAAF) and the other 3 crew members had lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey,UK.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
405710 Sergeant BAILEY, Lloyd Maxwell
Source: NAAQ : A705, 163/90/293. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Mitchell 41-12450 3rd Bombardment GP USAAF
Summary: Mitchell 41-12450 of 90th Bombing Sqn, 3rd Bombardment Group, USAAF, took off on an operational flight on 25 May 1942 and failed to return. 1st Lieut Hesselbarth, Captain of 41-12450 had carried out a bombing attack on Lae aerodrome in formation, and the aircraft was last seen by other aircraft losing altitude in the vicinity of the target area. It was believed that its engines had been put out of commission by enemy ack-ack. Crew: USAAF 1st Lieut Hesselbarth, J.E. Captain (Pilot). RAAF 405710 Sgt L.M.Bailey, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Other crew details not recorded. Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew were found, it was recorded in 1949 that Sgt Bailey (RAAF) had no known grave.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
406283 Flight Sergeant BAILEY, Thomas Leon Ford
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/5. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8514 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington Z 8514 took off at 2115 hours on 30 September 1942 to bomb Tobruk, Libya. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RCAF RAAF RAF RAF
400621 Sgt H.C.Hunt, Captain (Pilot). PO Ramage, W.N., 2nd Pilot. Sgt R.Sillis, Observer. 406283 Flt Sgt T.L.F.Bailey, 1st Wireless Operator. Sgt J.W.Flint, 2nd Wireless Operator. Sgt J.J.Bowles, Air Gunner.
Following post war searches and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew was located, the search was abandoned in 1948.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
400667 Flight Sergeant BAINES, Ian Aubrey
Source: NAA : A705, 163/90/350. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8778 Sea Rescue Flight RAF
Summary: Wellington Z 8778 of RAF Sea Rescue Flight took off at 1000 hours on 3 August 1942 from Landing ground ‘X’ in answer to a request from Flying Control AHQ, Egypt, to search for a missing Wellington aircraft of 104 Sqn which had signalled at about 0500 hours that it was force landing in position 30.51N, 29.52E. The Captain was instructed to carry out a search of the reported position to a depth of 30 miles. It was pointed out that the area traversed the main Cairo-Alexandria road and also contained a large number of aerodromes. At 1245 hours a snap D/F bearing by Gianaclis was 135 deg. At 1300 hours a WT signal from Z 8778 read “search had up to that time been unsuccessful, but continuing.” At 1642 hours a further attempt was made to contact Z 8778 but was not successful. The aircraft had a safe endurance of 8 hours – perhaps over 10 hours. Extensive searches were made for Z 8778 over the next two days but were unsuccessful. Crew: RAF RCAF RCAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF
FO Dick, J.T., DFC, Captain (Pilot). PO Locke, H.G., 2nd Pilot. PO Prince, R.C., 3rd Pilot. Flt Sgt H.S.Impett, Navigator. 400667 Flt Sgt I.A.Baines, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 404014 Sgt J.C.Daley, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt R.S.Hughes, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and searches when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew were found, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
414875 Warrant Officer ADCOCK, Ronald John Henry
Source: NAA : A705, 166/3/266. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire MD 397 152 Sqn RAF
Summary: Spitfire MD 397 of No 152 (Hyderabad) Sqn RAF, took off at 0905 hours on 18 August 1944 together with 3 other Sqn aircraft to carry out a “Rhubarb” over the Thetkagyin and Kalemyo areas, Burma. MD 397 flown by WO Adcock was flying No 2 to FO Francis as No1. Whilst strafing some 3 miles down river south of Kalemyo, in position 94.05E, 23.08N, Adcock became separated from his No 1. At 10.10am the pilots of the accompanying aircraft heard Adcock radio “Have hit tree. Trying to make base. Don’t think I can do it”. At 10.15am FO Francis saw a thick cloud of smoke on the west bank of the river, and then saw the wreckage of a Spitfire crashed and burning. There was no sign of the pilot. Crew: RAAF
414875 WO R.J.H.Adcock, Pilot.
In 1946 an RAF search party found the wreck of a Spitfire some 1.5 miles north of Kampale, Burma in position 23.12N 94.05E. The aircraft was identified as MD 397, but there was no sign of a grave near the wreck. The Town Clerk of Chinsaing stated that “he had to go with 2 Japanese officers to the scene of the crash. The aircraft had struck a tree and wreckage was scattered over a wide area. The pilots body was beside the wreckage. The Japanese ordered me to bury the body on the spot, but due to air raids it was only possible to cover the remains with grass and leaves. Since then the area had been flooded by monsoons and it was unlikely that the remains would ever be found.” It was later recorded that the remains of the missing pilot had been unlocated after searches.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
426856 Flight Sergeant ADCOCK, William Jeffrey
Source: NAA : A705, 166/3/242. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PB 126 CF – T 625 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster PB 126 of 625 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Kelstern, near Lough, Lincolnshire, at 2210 hours on the night of 30 June/1 July 1944 to attack Vierzon, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF
Flt Lt Elmhurst-Baxter. Sgt Blakey. 417084 WO W.J.E.King. Flt Sgt Foley. 417950 Flt Sgt F.O.Evans. 426856 Flt Sgt W.J.Adcock, Air Gunner. Flt Sgt R.Gladstone.
RAAF crew members WO King and Flt Sgt Evans, together with RAF members Flt Lt Elmhurst-Baxter, Sgt Blakely, and Flt Sgt Foley survived the crash and returned safe to the UK. Both King and Evans stated “the aircraft was attacked by a night fighter when returning from the target and set on fire. Flt Sgt Adcock was seen to get out of the rear turret but flames were spreading rapidly. The Bombaimer, Flight Engineer, Navigator and Wireless Operator/Air Gunner baled out from the forward escape hatch, followed by the Captain. WO Adcock would normally abandon the aircraft from the rear escape hatch, but the survivors considered that his parachute was possibly damaged by flames. They state that they had later heard that two bodies were found in the wreck of the aircraft.” Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded in 1947 that no trace of the two missing crew members could be found and that they had no known grave.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407886 Sergeant ALCORN, James Alexander Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/87/234 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses Operational Training Units, 1940-1947, Page 136, Volume 7.. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington P 9285 27 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington P 9285 of No 27 Operational Training RAF, took off from RAF Lichfield, Staffordshire, UK, at 1043 hours on 16 July 1942 to carry out a cross country training exercise. The route was RAF Lichfield - Bassingbourne - Church Fenton Flamborough Head - 54deg north 02deg east - 53deg north 02 deg east - Finningley Base. There was nil air firing involved, but 15 x 11.5 lb smoke bombs were carried. The weather was fair with 5 tenths cloud at 2000 feet and visibility moderate. The aircraft was due back at 1630 hours. At 1230 hours the RDF plot on P 9285 faded out, and the aircraft did not return to base from the exercise. There were four other aircraft on the same exercise and they struck no adverse weather on the trip. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
416007 Sgt B.H.Richards, Pilot. Sgt D.S.Large, Observer. Sgt W.B.Barr, Observer/Bombaimer. Sgt R.Brooke, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 407886 Sgt J.A.Alcorn, Air Gunner.
It was later recorded that the missing crew had no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
401359 Sergeant ALLEN, Keith
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/87/224. Commonwealth War Graves records Micro Film 463 OAFH, W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 128, Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Manchester L 7387 EA ATTD 49 SQN RAF
Summary: Manchester L7387 of 49 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire, at 1000 hours on 20 June 1942, to carry out a search in an area 53.40N to 53.50N and 01.40E to 3deg east. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
403876 Sgt J.O.O’Brien. (Pilot) 405162 Sgt T.F.B.McKenna. (Navigator) 401359 Sgt K.Allen, (Air Bomber) 402539 Sgt H.W.Price. Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt Goldring. Sgt H.J.Rogers. Sgt CA.Garos.
The bodies of Sgts McKenna and Price, ( RAAF), were recovered from the sea. Sgt McKenna is buried in the Kviberg Cemetery, Sweden. Sgt Price is buried on the Island of Schiermonnikoog, (Vredenhof), Netherlands. The remaining crew members were presumed to have lost their lives at sea and have no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
425577 Flight Sergeant ANDERSEN, Thomas Mervyn
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/3/166 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Micro Film No463 OAFH
Wellington HF 194 ATTD 179 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington HF 194 of 179 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station North Front, Gibraltar, on the evening of 16 January 1944, to carry out an anti-sub patrol in the vicinity of Cape St Vincent. The aircraft was due back at 8am the next day, but it did not return to base. Extensive searches were carried out but no trace of the missing aircraft or crew were found. This was the first operational trip for the newly formed crew. Crew: RCAF RAAF RCAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
PO McNeil, W Y Captain (Pilot) 420980 Flt Sgt G.A.McGilvray, (Pilot). Flt Sgt P W H Crickmay, (Navigator) 416856 Flt Sgt S.R.Hore, (Wireless Air Gunner). 422529 Flt Sgt R.D.Anthony, (Wireless Air Gunner. 425577 Flt Sgt T.M.Andersen, (Wireless Air Gunner)
All the crew have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Malta Memorial, Malta. The Malta Memorial is situated in an area of Floriana and is easily identified by the Golden Eagle which surmounts the column. .
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
414332 Warrant Officer ANDERSON, Anton David
Source: NAA : A705, 166/3/361. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax LL 123 518 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax LL 123 of 518 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station on the Isle of Tiree, Strathclyde, Scotland, at 2353 hours on 20 January 1945 on a long range “Bismuth” Meteorological sortie. Weather reports were transmitted normally, the last one in Position 8 on the 1st Leg at 0444 hours. Nothing further was received until 0712 hours when the following was transmitted “WJR 3 WDM 3 10500-138”. The next message at 0808 hours was SOS. And another SOS was received at 0818 hours. Then nothing further. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Lt Bacon, A.J., Captain (Pilot). Wg Cdr Morris, N.F., 2nd Pilot. Flt Lt Beuttell, R.G., Meteorological Observer. 414332 WO A.D.Anderson, Navigator Bombaimer. Flt Sgt A.H.Andrews, Flight Engineer. Flt Sgt R.Kiddle, Wireless Operator/Air. Flt Sgt R.A.Loader, Wireless Operator/Air. Flt Sgt W.D.Stone, Wireless Operator/Air.
It was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
402632 Flight Sergeant ANDERSON, Edwin Laurence
Source: NAA A705, 163/87/272. AWM 65 (66). Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8522 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington Z 8522 of 104 Sqn RAF took off on 9 October 1942 to attack Landing Grounds Nos 17 and 18 on night operations in Libya. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
402632 Flt Sgt E.L.Anderson, Captain (Pilot). FO Newman, A.J., 2nd Pilot. 401347 Flt Sgt L.J.R.Govett, Observer. 400355 Flt Sgt A.A.C.Peters, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 400348 Flt Sgt T.H.Howlett, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt M.A.Ball, Wireless Operator/Air.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
423579 Flight Sergeant ANDERSON, Eric James
Source: NAA : A705, 166/3/119. AWM 65 (65). Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax LW 538 MH – N 51 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax LW 538 of 51 Sqn RAF took off on 19 August 1944 from RAF Station, Snaith, near Goole, Yorkshire, to attack a target at Sterkrade, Germany. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
429347 FO Quan, W.P., Captain (Pilot). Sgt P.F.J.Franklin, Navigator. 423579 Flt Sgt E.J.Anderson, Air Bomber. 419721 Flt Sgt K.K.Kempson, Wireless Operator. Sgt E.L.McLaren, Flight Engineer. Sgt J.E.Cartwright, Mid Upper Gunner. Sgt K.E.C. Adams, Rear Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew were found, it was recorded in 1950 that the crew had no known grave,
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
402196 Sergeant ANDERSON, William Edward
Source: NAA : A705, 163/87/294. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Maryland 1639 69 Sqn RAF
Summary: Maryland 1639 of 69 Sqn RAF was returning to Malta on 18 March 1942 from a recce patrol. When some 4 miles southwest of Filfola in the Malta area, it was attacked by enemy fighters and shot down into the sea. ASR searches were carried out but no trace of the aircraft or crew were found. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
400599 Sgt G.B.Parker, Pilot. 402275 Sgt R.K.Grimley, Observer. 402196 Sgt W.E.Anderson, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt G.J.Relemaunt, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
406282 Sergeant ANNESLEY, Sydney Kenneth
Source: NAA : A705, 163/87/190. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Baltimore AG 729 223 Sqn RAF
Summary: Baltimore AG 729 of 223 Sqn RAF Middle East, was detailed on 26 April 1942 as one of a formation of 12 Sqn aircraft on a non operational cross country flight. AG 729 was seen to fall away from the formation and descend to sea level heading for the coast. It was last seen flying a parallel course to the formation. One aircraft from the formation carried out a search, and a more extensive ASR search was carried out, but no trace of the missing aircraft or crew were found. It was presumed that the aircraft came down in the sea. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF
Sgt S.E.Hunt, Pilot. `Sgt A.Hunter, Observer. 406282 Sgt S.K.Annesley, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt J.A.Nelson, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
422529 Flight Sergeant ANTHONY, Ronald David
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/3/166 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Micro Film No463 OAFH
Wellington HF 194 ATTD 179 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington HF 194 of 179 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station North Front, Gibraltar, on the evening of 16 January 1944, to carry out an anti-sub patrol in the vicinity of Cape St Vincent. The aircraft was due back at 8am the next day, but it did not return to base. Extensive searches were carried out but no trace of the missing aircraft or crew were found. This was the first operational trip for the newly formed crew. Crew: RCAF RAAF RCAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
PO McNeil, W Y Captain (Pilot) 420980 Flt Sgt G.A.McGilvray, (Pilot). Flt Sgt P W H Crickmay, (Navigator) 416856 Flt Sgt S.R.Hore, (Wireless Air Gunner). 422529 Flt Sgt R.D.Anthony, (Wireless Air Gunner. 425577 Flt Sgt T.M.Andersen, (Wireless Air Gunner)
All the crew have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Malta Memorial, Malta. The Malta Memorial is situated in an area of Floriana and is easily identified by the Golden Eagle which surmounts the column. .
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407760 Flight Sergeant ARNOLD, George Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA :A705, 166/3/20
Commonwealth War Graves records
Marauder FK 377 ATTD 14SQN RAF
Summary: Marauder FK377 was lost in Melos Harbour while on an operational flight on 21st February 1943. Melos Harbour is in the island of Milo, one of the Cyclades Group, Middle East. The aircraft was one of a 2nd wave of 14Sqn aircraft to attack. No exact information as to its fate was found, but one Marauder was seen to catch on fire in the harbour and crash into the sea, and another was last seen with its engine on fire. There were two aircraft missing from the operation and it was presumed that FK377 which failed to return to base was one of the above casualties. It was presumed that the crew had lost their lives at sea. Crew: RAAF RNZAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
407612 Flt Sgt R A Barton, Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt N A McMillan, (2nd Pilot) 401292 FO Annells, R H (Navigator) 407760 Sgt G Arnold, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt F J Armstrong, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R F Bell, (Wireless Air Gunner)
Flt Sgt Barton is buried in the Phaleron War Cemetery, Greece. The cemetery is a few kms to the south-east of Athens at the boundary between old Phaleron district and Alimos-Kalamak district on the coast road from Athens to Vouliaghmen. The remaining five crew members have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. The Memorial forms the entrance to the El Alamein War Cemetery. Alamein is a village bypassed by the main coast road, approx 130kms west of Alexandria on the road to Mersa Matruh..
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
416140 Flight Sergeant ARNOLD, William Morris
Source: NAA : A705, 166/4/63. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson V 9031 279 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hudson V 9031 of 279 Sqn RAF was detailed to carry out an ASR search off the Lizzard. The aircraft took off at 0820 hours on 7 January 1943 from RAF Station St Eval, but nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RNZAF RAAF RAF
416140, Flt Sgt W.M.Arnold, Pilot. Sgt J.D.Slater, Navigator Bombaimer. 403951 Sgt R.R.W.Paradise, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt R.Bannister, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404322 Sergeant ATHERTON, William Samuel Charles
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 9101 15 Operational Trg RAF
Summary: Wellington Z 9101 of 15 Operational Training Unit RAF in transit from RAF Station Portreath to Malta, crashed into the sea near Europa Point, Gibraltar, just before midnight on 9 January 1942. In a later statement by the one survivor Sgt Harrison (RAAF) he reported “ Z 9101 crashed into the sea in flames at a point somewhere off Europa Point, Gibraltar, approx 15 minutes after take off at 2326 hours on 9 January 1942. Sgt Atherton (RAAF) and the remainder of the crew with the exception of Sgt Morris (RAF) were trapped in the front portion of the aircraft and were killed instantly. The aircraft sank very quickly and I was fortunate enough to be able to get clear of the fuselage and reach the surface where I was rescued by a patrol launch from 202 Sqn Gibraltar. I was later told in hospital that no wreckage or other crew members were found.” Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
400626 FO Moloney, T.G., Captain (Pilot). 400630 PO Patterson, J, 2nd Pilot. 404332 Sgt W.S.Atherton, Observer. 408018 Sgt K.H.Harrison, Rear Gunner. Sgt G.Hall, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt A. Morris, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
PO Patterson (RAAF) was buried in the British Cemetery at Malaga. With no trace of the missing aircraft or remaining four crew members being found following post war enquiries, it was recorded that FO Moloney (RAAF), Sgt Atherton (RAAF) and the 2 RAF members of the crew were lost at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
408668 Flight Sergeant ATKINSON, Wilfred George
Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/4/86
Commonwealth War Grave records.
ATTD 232 SQN RAF
Summary: Flt Sgt W.G.Atkinson (RAAF) a Pilot attached to 232 Sqn RAF, was reported missing after an enemy air raid on Lentini East, Sicily, on the night of 11th/12th August 1943. Following extensive searches and enquiries, during which the place of burial could not be established, it was recorded in 1949 that Sgt Atkinson had no known grave. His name is commemorated on the Malta Memorial, Malta.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
406988 Warrant Officer AWCOCK, Terrence Lansdowne
Source: NAA : A705, 166/4/155. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PB 535 KM – Z 44 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster PB 535 of No 44 (Rhodesia) Sqn RAF, took off from RAF Station Dunholme Lodge, Lincoln, on 12 September 1944 to attack Darmstadt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
418130 FO Lade, D.S., Pilot. 406988 WO T Awcock., Navigator Bombaimer Flt Sgt T.Starke, Flight Engineer. PO McCallam, J.A.W. DFC, Air Bomber. Sgt M. Benjamin, Wireless Operator (Air). 429450 Flt Sgt H.J.Conquest, Air Gunner. 410668 FO Hourigan, I.P., Air Gunner.
FO Lade and FO Hourigan (RAAF) are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery. Germany, and following post war investigations and enquiries, it was recorded in 1950 that the remaining crew members had no known grave.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
426772 Flight Sergeant BADGERY, David George Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/573, 166/3/233 Digitised. Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Mitchell FL 192 ATTD 226 SQN RAF
Summary: Mitchell FL192 of 226 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Hartford Bridge, near Camberley, Surrey, detailed to attack the battle zone in France on the night of 18th/19th June 1944. The aircraft was damaged by enemy action. The crew tried to fly the aircraft back, but it crashed into the sea on the way back to base. Crew: RCAF RAAF RAAF RCAF
Flt Sgt C P V Middlecombe Captain (Pilot) 426772 Flt Sgt D.G.Badgery, Navigator Bombaimer. 423032 Flt Sgt D.J.A.Ahearn, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner). Flt Sgt R W T Ulens, (Air Gunner).
Fl Sgt’s Middlecombe, Badgery and Ulens have no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK. Flt Sgt Ahearn is buried at the Bayeaux War Cemetery, France. Bayeux is a town in Normandy, 24kms north west of Caen.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
414379 Flight Sergeant BAETZ, Henry Laurence
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/388. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hurricane KZ 337 184 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hurricane KZ 337 of 184 Sqn RAF from RAF Station Detling, Maidstone, Kent, was returning from air operations on 21 December 1943. He had lost his section and requested a bearing. He acknowledged the bearing and then two more courses were passed to him which were acknowledged. No further contact was made with KZ 337 and the aircraft did not return to base. Searches were carried out but no trace of the missing aircraft or pilot was found. The last plot of the aircraft was south east of Dungeness. Crew: RAAF
414379 Flt Sgt H.L.Baetz, Pilot.
In 1949 it was recorded that Flt Sgt Baetz had lost his life at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
408232 Flight Sergeant BAIN, Leslie Neil
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/132. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HZ 146 40 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HZ 146 of 40 Sqn RAF, Middle East, took off at 1746 hours on the night of 19th/20th April 1943, to attack Landing Grounds at Soliman South. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base in the morning. Other aircraft on the mission reported seeing two aircraft shot down in flames at 2055 and 2105 hours. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF
401176 Sgt G.R.Webb, Captain (Pilot). Sgt M.F.McKeon, Pilot. 409157 Sgt H.W.E.Liley, Air Bomber. Sgt A.G.Quick, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt I.W.Sanderson, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 408232 Flt Sgt L.N.Bain, Air Gunner.
In 1943 the Germans and the Italian Red Cross confirmed that Sgt Webb and Flt Sgt Bain had been killed on 19 April 1943, but no burial details were given. Sgt Liley and Sgt Quick became POW’s, and in a later statement by Sgt Liley he reported “the aircraft was shot down on 19 April 1943 and he baled out. He believes that Sgt Bain and one other were killed when the aircraft crashed 20 miles east of Tunis, but that he had no definite confirmation that Bain was killed.” In 1947 following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded that the graves of Sgt Webb and Flt Sgt Bain could not be located.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404746 Flight Sergeant BANBURY, Richard Mostyn Graham
Source: NAA : A705, 163/90/453. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HD 947 148 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HD 947 of 148 Sqn RAF, Middle East, took off at 1035pm (local time) on the night of 28th/29th September 1942, to attack enemy shipping in Tobruk HarbourLibya. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. The aircraft carried 4 x 500lb bombs, 2 x 4.5 flares and 750 gallons of petrol. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RCAF RCAF RAAF
PO Pearse, S.C., Captain (Pilot). Sgt R.H.Gresham, 2nd Pilot. Sgt A.H.Threlfall, Observer. Sgt D.A.Mitchell, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt D.D.Miller, Front Gunner. 404746 Flt Sgt R.M.G.Banbury, Rear Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407817 Sergeant BANNEAR, Ronald Kenneth
Source: NAA : A705, 163/90/364. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson FH 427 48 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hudson FH 427 of 48 Sqn RAF took off at 1401 hours on 10 August 1942 from Lossiemouth, Scotland, to carry out a ‘North Bert’ patrol which was extended northwards. The ETA of FH 427 back at Base was 2000 hours. No message was received from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RCAF RAAF RAAF
400838 PO Watts, G.R., Captain (Pilot). Sgt G.R.Ash, Navigator. 407648 Sgt J.E.Ramsey, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 407817 Sgt R.K.Bannear, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
PO Watts (RAAF) body was recovered near Vigra Island on 18 August 1942 and was buried in Stavne cemetery, Trondheim, Norway. The remaining missing crew members were recorded as having no known grave.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
409883 Flight Sergeant BARBER, Charles Albert Mark
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/384. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Sunderland DW 106 270 Sqn RAF
Summary: Sunderland DW 106 of 270 Sqn RAF which took off at 2345 hours on 18 December 1943 in transit flight from RAF Station Pembroke Dock, failed to arrive at Gibraltar. It was reported that a distress IFF signal was picked up 30 miles off Cape St Vincent, Portugal, by Sunderland EK 589 which was following DW 106. this being the only information re. possible location of the missing aircraft. A thorough search of the area failed to locate the aircraft or crew. Crew: RAF RCAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
Flt Lt Wood. J.E., Captain (Pilot). FO Hanna, N.E., Pilot. 411629 PO Chapman, N.P., Navigator/Bombaimer. Flt Sgt F.E.J. Brown, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. FO Jay E.J., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Flt Sgt P.McPhee, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. PO Crimp, R.R.T., Flight Engineer. Flt Sgt K.P. Botting, FE/Air Gunner. 409883 Flt Sgt C.A.M.Barber Air Gunner.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
413335 Flight Sergeant BARBER, Ross Gordon Norman
Source: NAA : A705, 166/38/344. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufighter T 3384 54 Operational Trg RAF
Summary: Beaufighter T 3384 of 54 Operational Training RAF took off on 23 November 1943 from RAF Station Charterhall, Berwickshire, on a night training non operational flight over the sea. The pilot of another aircraft taking part in the same exercise reported the weather was satisfactory for some time until he encountered cloud and hit severe rain. Severe icing was encountered at 9000 feet. His aircraft lost height very rapidly but the aircraft was brought under control at 7000 feet. He then tried to contact Barber without success. Cooper last heard Barber say he was iceing very badly and something about out of control. The casualty occurred approx 40 miles from RAF station Charterhall, and both crew of T 3384 were believed drowned. Crew: RAAF RAAF
413335 Flt Sgt R.G.H.Barber, Pilot. 402620 FO Stokes, M.A., Navigator (W)
In 1949 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
423587 Flight Sergeant BARBER, William Ronald
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/755. Liberator Aircraft Type: 42 – 110120 Serial number: Radio call sign: 530 Sqn USAAF Unit: Summary: On the night of 28 October 1944 Liberator 42-110120 of 530 Sqn, 380 Bomb Group USAAF, 5th Air Force, failed to return from a mission to Macassar, NEI. The aircraft took off from Darwin at 1751 hours, manned by a RAAF crew of eleven. The following sequence of messages was received by Ops room No 380 (B) Group : 281420Z No 3 out, Position 06.25S 120.50E course 120deg true. 281555Z 2 engines out, posn 0800S 123.35E. 281628Z Not likely to reach base. No 4 giving trouble. Preparing to ditch. Darwin obtained a bearing of 340deg at 281604Z. Search ships and 4 B24’s immediately began search, and B24’s, B25’s and Catalinas on subsequent days were unable to locate missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF 408190 FO Harrison, A.L., Captain, (Pilot). RAAF 413969 WO S.H.Davidson, 2nd Pilot. RAAF 416078 Flt LT Cropley, A.A., Navigator. RAAF 408590 FO O’Dea, D.J., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 416861 WO K.L.J.Killen, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 423587 Flt Sgt W.R.Barber, Navigator/Bombaimer. RAAF 408448 Flt Sgt C.L.Wilken, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 36474 Sgt S.H.Jamieson, Armament/Gunner. RAAF 429432 Sgt J.E.Cook, Air Gunner. RAAF 62526 Sgt W.J.Bird, Fitter 11A/Gunner. RAAF 116993 LAC (Agt Flt Sgt) F.W.Anstey, Flight Engineer. ARMY VX21828 Major Latrelle, H.R., AIF, Intel. Officer (Observer). In 1949 it was recorded that the aircraft and crew were lost at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
403119 Sergeant BARKLAY, Harold Edward
Source: NAA: A705, 163/90/207 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hurricane P 3101 289 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hurricane P3101 of 289 Sqn RAF crashed into the sea on 8 December 1941 near Burn Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland, in a flying accident during an ack-ack cooperation exercise. After carrying out several runs over the ack-ack gun positions, the aircraft was seen to turn left and lose height. The engine appeared to fail and the pilot attempted a landing on a smooth stretch of water off Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth. From a low level the aircraft dived into the sea apparently trapping the pilot. The body of the pilot was not recovered. Crew: RAAF
403119 Sgt Barklay, H E (Pilot)
It was subsequently recorded that Sgt Barklay had lost his life at sea.
44
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404464 Flight Sergeant BARNARD, Robin Edgell
Source: NAA : A705, 163/43/82. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim V 5983 113 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim V 5983 of 113 Sqn RAF failed to return from a raid attacking shipping in Akyab harbour, Burma, on 9 September 1942. In a report by other crew members on the same raid, they stated “One minute after our attack on the enemy shipping in Akyab harbour on 9/9/1942, our formation was attacked by four enemy fighters in 23 minutes. At the end of this time FO Loane’s aircraft was last seen with a fighter on its tail at very close range as we entered cloud. Our position then was 60 miles from Akyab on a bearing of 300 deg. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
402514 FO Loane, O.L., Pilot. 402184 Sgt T.Bell, Observer. 404464 Sgt L.E.Barnard, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
In 1949 following investigations it was concluded that the missing crew were lost at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404541 Warrant Officer BARNES, Arthur
Source: NAA : NA705, 166/5/166. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington BB 456 215 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington BB 456 of 215 Sqn RAF India, left base at 6pm on 17 May 1943 to carry out bombing operations on a target at 20.52N, 95.51E,in the vicinity of Meiktila, Burma. The aircraft failed to return from this mission. The crew of other aircraft on the same mission reported seeing what they thought was an aircraft hit by flak and crash. Crew: RCAF RCAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
Flt Lt Guest, J.A. Pilot. Flt Sgt J.W.Wilmore, Pilot. 404238 WO C.L.Edwards, Navigator. 404473 Flt Sgt J.B.Whyte, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 404541 WO A. Barnes, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Flt Sgt R.Cross, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, the aircraft was discovered outside the village of Kyubobin. The headman indicated an open common grave. Villagers stated that they saw the plane approaching them unsteadily from the east of Meiktila near the airfield. They saw two descending by parachute, then the plane dived and hit a paddy field mound and exploded. In 1950, six unidentified bodies were found at Kalaw, but there was no evidence to link the bodies with the above aircraft. In 1954 it was recorded that after further searches the remains of the crew of BB 456 were unlocated.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
406324 Warrant Officer BARNES, Vernon Stewart
Source: NAA : A9301, Barcode 5540577. No RAAF Casualty file is held by Archives. See also A705 166/26/276 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HZ 603 38 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HZ 603 of 38 Sqn RAF Middle East, took off from Nicosia at 1827C hours on 27 October 1943 to carry out an offensive operation in the Aegean Sea, and then return to Berga 111. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF SAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
Flt Sgt Dubery, C D Captain (Pilot) Lt Garlick, G L (2nd Pilot) FO Walton, D R (Navigator) 407651 Flt Sgt Slade, A B (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 406324 WO Barnes, V S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 407560 WO McCord, D A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
433709 Flight Sergeant BARNFIELD, Colin Edward Hunter
Source: NAA : A9301, Barcode 5525447. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington MP 792 78 Operational Trg RAF
Summary: Wellington MP 792 of No 78 OTU RAF took off from RAF Station Ein Shemer, Middle East Force, at approx 6pm on 8 January 1945 to carry out a non operational training exercise over the sea, and the aircraft failed to return to base. Normal radio contact was kept with the aircraft for a time but after 6.35pm no further messages were received, and base could not regain contact. A little later information was received that an aircraft had crashed in the sea. A launch was despatched to carry out a search, and although some aircraft wreckage similar to the missing aircraft type was located, it could not be established if it came from the missing aircraft. Also no trace of the crew could be found. It was believed that the aircraft came down in the sea approx 3 miles west of Jaffa, Palestine, and that the crew were lost at sea. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
10963 FO Williams, A.H., Pilot. 428417 FO Fong, G., 2nd Pilot. 433709 Flt Sgt C.E.H. Barnfield, Navigator Bombaimer. 435057 Flt Sgt A.B.Tunnock, Wireless Operator/Air. 436254 Flt Sgt A.A.Robins, Wireless Operator/Air. 430970 Flt Sgt N.G.Sandlant, Wireless Operator/Air.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
409649 Flight Sergeant BARR, Donald Leighton Spence
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/212. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4363 PM – U 103 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster W 4363 of 103 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Elsham Wolds, near Barnetby, Lincolnshire, at 2228 hours on the night of 6/7th July 1943 to lay mines in the Gironde River, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
409649 Flt Sgt Barr, D.L.S., Captain (Pilot). Sgt R.F.Garside, Navigator. Sgt N.Gardner, Air Bomber. 409550 Flt Sgt G.H.Isaacs, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt P.Maynard, Flight Engineer. Sgt D.F.O.Turner, Air Gunner. Sgt N.Hollas, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
421233 Flight Sergeant BARRETT, Alwyn Walter Beves
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/367. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HF 141 172 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HF 141 of 172 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Chivenor, Barnstaple, North Devon, at 1600 hours on the 5 December 1943, to carry out mine laying operations in the Bay of Biscay area. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
408684 WO A.C.Kidson, Captain (Pilot). Sgt J.B.Croft, 2nd Pilot. 421233 Flt Sgt A.W.B.Barrett, Navigator. 409920 Flt Sgt O.E.C.Hoffman, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt R.J.Veitch, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt J.H.Colley, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
428116 Flight Sergeant BARRETT, Layton Challander
Source: NAA : A507, 166/5/932. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 175 1656 Conversion 71 Base RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM 175 of No 1656 Conversion Unit RAF took off from RAF Station Lindholme, Doncaster, Yorkshire, after 11pm on 5 February 1945 on a night cross country non operational training flight. The route was from Base – Benson – Shrewsbury – The Skerries – Strumble Head – Bury St Edmunds – Whittlesey and return to Base. The aircraft would have been over the sea for approx half an hour. Contact was maintained until 12.55am on the 6 February, when the plane was in the vicinity of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Then nothing further was heard from LM 175 and the aircraft did not return to Base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
8651 Flt Sgt R.E.Plante, Captain (Pilot) 428116 Flt Sgt L.C.Barrett, Navigator Bombaimer. Sgt Skail Sgt McKie. Sgt Ralph. Sgt Macfarlane. Sgt Side.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
405994 Flight Sergeant BARTLETT, Sidney William
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/150. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire P 8582 58 Op Training RAF
Summary: Spitfire P 8582 of No 58 Operational Training Unit RAF was detailed on 5 May 1943 to carry out an air to sea firing exercise. P 8582 was seen to fire its guns into the sea after a shallow dive, then pull out on a 360 degrees climbing turn, turn to port then straighten out, then make another shallow dive from which the aircraft did not pull out and it crashed into the sea. The aircraft crashed at 0951 hours into the Firth of Forth, 5 miles north east of Dunbar, Scotland. Crew: RAAF
405994 Flt Sgt S.W.Bartlett, Pilot.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing pilot had lost his life at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
424283 Warrant Officer BATEUP, John Edwin
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/549. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PB 636 P4 – D 153 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster PB 636 of 153 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Scampton, Lincoln, on 22 January 1945 to bomb Duisberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
Flt Lt Jones, DFC. Sgt S.S.James. 428340 Flt Sgt J.J.L.McDonell, Navigator Bombaimer. Flt Sgt C.L.Cullen. 424283 WO J.E.Bateup, Wireless Operator (Air). Sgt R.V.Trafford. Sgt A.Simpson.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
12168 Warrant Officer BATHURST, Alan L
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/252 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HZ 351 547 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HZ 351 of 547 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Davidston Moore, Camelford, Cornwall, at 1410 hours on 15 August 1943 to carry out an operational sortie in the Bay of Biscay. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. The enemy claimed to have destroyed four British aircraft in the area that day, but it is not known if it included HZ 351. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
PO White, J Captain (Pilot) PO Blunt, J (2nd Pilot) PO Fisher, (Navigator) 12168 WO Bathurst, A L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 408784 Flt Sgt Simpson,, L G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 408788 Flt Sgt Taylor, R J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
30053 Flight Sergeant BATTEN, Douglas Walter
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/218. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax LW 459 158 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax LW 459 of 158 Sqn RAF took off at 2028 hours on the night of 21/22 January 1944 to bomb Magdeburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft until 0300 hours in the early morning when the aircraft reported it was coming down in the sea. The last signal was received at 0307 hours when it reported it was about to ditch. An SOS fix was obtained in position 54.14N, 00.56E. ASR searches were carried out but no trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found. Crew: RCAF RAF RCAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
WO J.B.M.Sirovyak, Captain (Pilot). Flt Sgt S.Jones, Navigator. FO Walker, G.S., Air Bomber. Sgt J.A.Baylock, Wireless Operator/Air. Sgt T.S.Wilkinson, Mid Upper Gunner. 30053 Flt Sgt D.W.Batten, Rear Gunner. Sgt J.R.Craig, Flight Engineer.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
415212 Flight Sergeant BAVIN, Douglas Frederick
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/179. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Whitley BD 414 10 Op Training RAF
Summary: Whitley BD 414 of No 10 Operational Training Unit RAF took off at 1045 hours on 3 June 1943, on an operational patrol in the Atlantic ocean. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RCAF RCAF RAF RAF RCAF
415212 Flt Sgt D.F.Bavin, Captain (Pilot). PO Pepper, H., 2nd Pilot. PO Dorwood, D.R., Navigator. PO Nicholls, C., Bombaimer. Sgt C.A.Richardson, Wireless Operator Air Gunner. Sgt E.Neilson, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
412098 Flight Sergeant BAYLISS, Jack Bernard
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/97. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington X 3965 AS – L 166 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington X 3965 took off from RAF Station Kirmington, Lincolnshire, at 1943 hours on the night of 29/30th March 1943, being one of twelve squadron aircraft detailed to attack Bochum, Germany. Weather conditions were good, with good visibility and no cloud over the target. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
Sgt O.B.Collins, Captain (Pilot). FO Young, L., Navigator. Sgt J.B.Hubbard, Air Bomber. 412098 Flt Sgt J.B. Bayliss, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 401744 Flt Sgt S.N.Curtis, Rear Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407888 Sergeant BEATTY, Colin John
Source: NAA : A705, 163/91/246. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HF 849 27 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington HF 849 of No 27 Operational Training Unit RAF, was in transit from the UK to the Middle East. It left RAF Station Luqa, Malta on the 22 April 1942, but failed to arrive at its destination. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Sgt A.Westle, Pilot. 407888 Sgt C.J.Beatty, Pilot. Sght E.Bradley, Observer. PO Dryden, A.S., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt R.Easton, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt L. Fordham, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404165 Flight Sergeant BEDWELL, Horace Kempton
Source: NAA : A705, 163/91/209. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8525 NP – H 158 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington Z 8525 of 158 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Driffield at 2128 hours on 29 April 1942 to carry out an operational sortie on Ostend, Belgium. The aircraft carried 12 x 250 lb bombs, and enough fuel for 8/9 hours flying. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RCAF RAF
Sgt J.E.T.Saunders, Captain (Pilot). 404165 Flt Sgt H.K.Bedwell, Observer. Sgt D.R.Freear, 1st Wireless Operator. Sgt G.R.LeFebvre, 2nd Wireless Operator. Sgt H.Wakeford, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew were lost at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
403650 Flight Sergeant BEESTON, Richard Denison
Source: NAA : A705, 163/91/249. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington X 3795 JN 150 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington X 3795 of 150 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Snaith at 2355 hours on 25 July 1942 as one of eleven to attack Duisberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. The cloud cover was ten tenths. Moderate flak was encountered by the other planes and enemy night fighters were active. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
403339 Flt Sgt D.M.Horselman, Captain (Pilot). Sgt O.L.Griggs, 2nd Pilot. Sgt J.O.Badcock, Observer. 401453 Sgt J.M.Saunders, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 403650 Flt Sgt R.D.Beeston, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 404640 WO J.V.Basuttin, Air Gunner.
It was later established that Flt Sgt Beeston (RAAF) was missing but that the remaining five crew men had been captured and were POW’s. In a statement by WO Basuttin he reported “ the aircraft was at a height of 19,500 feet when hit by flak and the port motor was set on fire. The aircraft lost height and the Captain gave orders to the crew to take up crash stations before it crashed in the English Channel. Five of the crew escaped safely, but Flt Sgt Beeston failed to get out before the aircraft sank.” It was later recorded that Flt Sgt Beeston had lost his life at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
425109 Warrant Officer BEGG, John
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/950. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Dakota KJ 927 357 Sqn RAF
Summary: Dakota KJ 927 of 357 Sqn RAF India, failed to return to base from a ferry flight mission in Burma on 10 February 1945. A wireless message from KJ 927 reported the aircraft over the target area in cloud in position 25.45 N 93.25 E, and that the turbulence was excessive with the aircraft almost uncontrollable. There was no report of a forced landing and it was assumed that the aircraft had crashed as the range limit had been exceeded. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
421464 PO Reid, J.W.D., Captain ( Pilot). WO Hartely, Navigator. 425109 WO J.Begg, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Flt Sgt T.L.Longhurst, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Flt Sgt T.Nathaniel, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded that the missing crew had no known grave.
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419081 Flight Sergeant BEGG, Reginald Kenneth
Source: NAA: A705, 166/3/238 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio Call Sign Unit:
Lancaster JB 460 UL-V2 576 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB460 ‘V2’ of 576 Sqn RAF at RAF Station, Elsham Wolds, Barnetby, Lincolnshire, UK, was detailed to operate against Flers Constructional Works in the Pas de Calais area on the night of 24/25 June 1944. Since take off nothing further heard of the aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
421873 PO Alcorn, J W, Captain (Pilot) Sgt J. Manning, Flt Engineer. 419081 Flt Sgt R.K. Begg, Air/Bomber Sgt T.E. Hays, Navigator Sgt T.A. Robey, W/Operator Sgt J.B. Cowie, Air Gunner Sgt A Morrell, Air Gunner
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
414456 Sergeant BEILBY, John George
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/507. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington LN 878 21 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington LN 878 of No 21 Operational Training Unit RAF took off from RAF Station Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, on a day cross country exercise on 24 April 1944. The last known position of the aircraft was a fix which placed LN 878 80 miles east of Hull. The aircraft failed to return to base after the exercise. Subsequent reports show that the Wireless Operator had contacted numerous stations during the trip and was well up to his job. He would have taken correct action in distress had he had time. There was no evidence to show how the aircraft became lost. From the way the plot faded suddenly there is a strong possibility that it had been shot down by enemy fighters. Subsequent searches found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF
414456 Sgt J.G.Beilby, Pilot. 432219 Sgt M.D.MacFarlane, Navigator. Sgt J.M.Dunn, Air Bomber. 425885 Flt Sgt E.A.Nayler, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt W.Lane, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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406286 Warrant Officer BELL, Douglas Charles
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/24. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HX 785 38 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HX 785 of 38 Sqn RAF Middle East, left Gambutt at night on22/23 January 1943, on a mine laying operation off the coast of Greece. The aircraft was last heard from in the Gulf of Pentalion at 0310 hours when a message was received “ hit flak going down target area” It was assumed that the aircraft had ditched in approx position 38.10N, 24.10E. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
PO West. L.A., Captain (Pilot). FO DeVilliers, J.M., 2nd Pilot. Sgt W.F.O’Beirne, Navigator. 406286 WO D.C.Bell, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt D.St.J.Lidiard, Wireless Operator. Sgt R.Wrigglesworth, Ai Gunner. Flt Lt Johnston, J.G. T (Arm) of 235 Wing.
In a later statement FO DeVilliers one of the survivors reported that “ after coming down they all got out safely, but as they had no dinghy they all had to swim in their mae wests. Land was visible some miles away. It was agreed that DeVilliers the strongest swimmer should try and make land and try to get a boat. Some 6 or 7 hours later he hailed a boat just off shore. He was picked up and they set out to look for the others. Three hours later they found the bodies of Sgt Lidiard and Sgt Wrigglesworth who had died from the cold. They failed to find any of the others. They were later stopped by an Italian gunboat and the 2 bodies were taken off. They were later told that they 2 were buried by the Germans in Athens, to whom he was handed over.” It was later recorded that the remaining four crew members unaccounted for had lost their lives at sea, whilst the grave of Sgt Lidiard could not be located.
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413946 Warrant Officer BELL, Hilton Craig Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/603. Lancaster Aircraft Type: ME 668 Serial number: ZN – L Radio call sign: 106 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster ME 668 of 106 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Metheringham, Lincolnshire on the night of 7/8th July 1944 to part of a Squadron attack on the flying bomb dump at St Leu, D’Esserent, France. Fierce opposition was encountered by the formation and ME 668 did not return to base after the raid. Crew: RAAF 421814 Flt Lt Marchant, G.N., Captain (Pilot). RAF Sgt F.Wells, Flight Engineer. RAF FO Hardcastle W.G., Navigator. RCAF FO Kinnis, A.G. Air Bomber. RAAF 413946 WO H.C.Bell, Wireless Operator (Air). RAF Sgt W.B.Gladstone, Mid Upper Gunner. RCAF FO Paterson, F., Rear Gunner. Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the aircraft crashed and exploded at Les Gatines, D’Oulines, France, some 33 kms north of Dreux. The remains of FO Hardcastle, Sgt Gladstone (RAF members) and FO Paterson (RCAF) are buried at Oulines Cemetery, France, whilst Flt LT Marchant, FO Kinnis and Sgt Wells became POW’s, with WO Bell reported missing. Flt Lt Marchant in his statement reported that “they crossed the French coast at 12,000 feet in the vicinity of Dreux when the aircraft’s starboard inner engine was hit by flak and caught fire. He ordered the engineer to feather the airscrew and operate the extinguisher button, which was done. As the fire did not subside he ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft. Immediately afterwards it was hit from each quarter by two enemy fighters, and Flt Lt Marchant stated that WO Bell, the rear gunner and mid upper gunner lost their lives in the air. The engineer and bombaimer baled out at 12,000 feet. The aircraft was governable but had no lateral control and there was fire in all four engines, the bomb bay and most of the fuselage. The top of the cockpit was blown away and the aircraft went into a shallow spin. Flt Lt Marchant baled out through the cockpit top at 500 feet and states that the aircraft crashed near the town of Dreux.” Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded that the remains of WO Bell could not be located.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
402184 Flight Sergeant BELL, Thomas
Source: NAA : A705, 163/91/582. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim V 5983 113 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim V 5983 of 113 Sqn RAF failed to return from a raid attacking shipping in Akyab harbour, Burma, on 9 September 1942. In a report by other crew members on the same raid, they stated “One minute after our attack on the enemy shipping in Akyab harbour on 9/9/1942, our formation was attacked by four enemy fighters in 23 minutes. At the end of this time FO Loane’s aircraft was last seen with a fighter on its tail at very close range as we entered cloud. Our position then was 60 miles from Akyab on a bearing of 300 deg. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
402514 FO Loane, O.L., Pilot. 402184 Sgt T.Bell, Observer. 404464 Sgt L.E.Barnard, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
In 1949 following investigations it was concluded that the missing crew were lost at sea.
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408382 Flight Sergeant BELOT, Theodore Albert
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/187. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington BK 843 27 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington BK 843 of No 27 Operational Training RAF, took off from RAF Station Lichfield, Staffordshire, at approx 1.50pm on 14 June 1943 to carry out a non operational flight over the North Sea. The route was Lichfield – Attenborough – 55.00N 00.00E – Drem – Alconbury – Cannock – Return to base. At 4.30pm a 1st class fix of 281 deg was obtained, but thereafter nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
406977 Flt Sgt E.G. Holden. Pilot. 409542 Sgt R.A.Hatfield, Observer. 409162 Sgt L.H.Macdonald, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 408382 Flt Sgt T.A.Belot, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 420141 Sgt P.L.Cashion. Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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404881 Sergeant BENN, John Walter
Source : NAA : A705, 163/91/371. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster R 5760 EM – Y 207 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster R 5760 of 207 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Bottesford, Leicestershire, at 2240 hours on 12 August 1942, to carry out a bombing raid on Mainz, Germany. On the mission 10 tenths cloud from 6000 to 10000 feet was encountered. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Sgt D.W.Fry, Captain (Pilot). Sgt R.W.E.Holmes, Flight Engineer. 404881 Sgt J.W.Benn, Navigator Bombaimer. Sgt P.R.Kenny, Navigator Bombaimer. Sgt S.Obbard, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt J.Fitzpatrick, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt H.A.Green, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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404428 Sergeant BENSTED, Lionel Mauricee
Source: NAA : A705, 163/91/124. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington
215 Sqn RAF
Summary: A Wellington of 215 Sqn RAF on an operational flight on 10 June 1942, was destroyed by an explosion 4 miles south east of Chafaagoan, India. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
402387 Sgt A.M. McLean, Pilot. 404549 Sgt A.C.Honeyman, 2nd Pilot. 400321 PO Gregory, G.R., Observer. 404428 Sgt L.M.Bensted, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt G.W.Hill, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt G.L.G.Fuller, Air Gunner.
It was reported that the remains of PO Gregory and other crew members were buried with full military honours by local police in three graves, with further remains buried in one grave. All graves were subsequently covered by flood waters and no marking or removal of remains to cemetery was impossible due to remoteness of location. In a 1948 report it was stated that after searching no trace of the graves could be found, and the remains could not be located for transfer to a British Military cemetery. Chafaagoan which is 52 miles north of Dacca, is in a remote locality and subject to flooding from the Brahmaputra river.
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402102 Sergeant BERRIMAN, Cecil Kenneth
Source: NAA : A705, 163/91/108. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Maryland AH 361 39 Sqn RAF
Summary: Maryland AH 361 of 39 Sqn RAF took off from Fuka satellite (Malta), at 0558 hours on 22 August 1941 on a recce over the Tobruk-Bardia road area and landing grounds. The aircraft did not return to base after this mission. It was originally reported that the aircraft was missing believed to have forced landed, but there was no definite evidence to confirm this, and it was considered that its loss was due to enemy action. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
402102 Sgt C.K.Berriman, Pilot. 400072 Sgt H.G.Waller, Observer. Sgt G.M.Halstead, Wireless operator/Air Gunner. Sgt Crothers, Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded in 1948 that the crew had lost their lives at sea.
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40182 Flight Sergeant BERRY, Stanley George
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/369. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington JA 415 303 Ferry Transport RAF
Summary: Wellington JA 415 of 303 Ferry Transport RAF took off from RAF Station Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, at 2.43am on 6 December 1943 for Rabat Sale, Morocco, North Africa. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not reach its destination. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RCAF RAF
Flt Sgt J.N.Redfern Pilot. Sgt B.R.Finney, Pilot. 8928 Sgt G.H.Kloske, Navigator Bombaimer. 40182 Flt Sgt S.G.Berry, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Flt Sgt G.Finlayson, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt J.T.Walkinshaw, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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62526 Sergeant BIRD, Walter James
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/756. Liberator Aircraft Type: 42 – 110120 Serial number: Radio call sign: 530 Sqn USAAF Unit: Summary: On the night of 28 October 1944 Liberator 42-110120 of 530 Sqn, 380 Bomb Group USAAF, 5th Air Force, failed to return from a mission to Macassar, NEI. The aircraft took off from Darwin at 1751 hours, manned by a RAAF crew of eleven. The following sequence of messages was received by Ops room No 380 (B) Group : 281420Z No 3 out, Position 06.25S 120.50E course 120deg true. 281555Z 2 engines out, posn 0800S 123.35E. 281628Z Not likely to reach base. No 4 giving trouble. Preparing to ditch. Darwin obtained a bearing of 340deg at 281604Z. Search ships and 4 B24’s immediately began search, and B24’s, B25’s and Catalinas on subsequent days were unable to locate missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF 408190 FO Harrison, A.L., Captain, (Pilot). RAAF 413969 WO S.H.Davidson, 2nd Pilot. RAAF 416078 Flt LT Cropley, A.A., Navigator. RAAF 408590 FO O’Dea, D.J., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 416861 WO K.L.J.Killen, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 423587 Flt Sgt W.R.Barber, Navigator/Bombaimer. RAAF 408448 Flt Sgt C.L.Wilken, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 36474 Sgt S.H.Jamieson, Armament/Gunner. RAAF 429432 Sgt J.E.Cook, Air Gunner. RAAF 62526 Sgt W.J.Bird, Fitter 11A/Gunner. RAAF 116993 LAC (Agt Flt Sgt) F.W.Anstey, Flight Engineer. ARMY VX21828 Major Latrelle, H.R., AIF, Intel. Officer (Observer). In 1949 it was recorded that the aircraft and crew were lost at sea.
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403495 Sergeant BLACKLEY, Allan Neil Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/92/153 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, 1939-1947, Page 201 Volume 8. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington X 9812 - Z 103 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington X9812 of 103 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Binbrook, at 2310 hours on the night of 25/26th June 1942, to attack Bremen, Germany. The aircraft participated in the Third “Thousand Plan” attack of 1942, Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
Sqd Ldr Atkinson, Captain (Pilot). 403432 Sgt J.G.O’Sullivan, Observer. 407603 Sgt D.H.McIntosh, Air Bomber. 403495 Sgt A.N.Blackley, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt Waller, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the bodies of Sgt O’Sullivan (RAAF) and Sgt McIntosh (RAAF) were washed ashore at Vlieland and Terschelling respectively, and their remains are interred in the local cemeteries. These islands are two of the Friesian group of islands off the north west coast of Holland. It was presumed that the aircraft had crashed in the North Sea, and that the remaining missing members of the crew had lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
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428038 Flight Sergeant BLAUBAUM, Maxwell Bibra
Source: NAA : A705, 166/5/694. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster IM 511 GI - C 622 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster IM 511 of 622 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Mildenhall, Suffolk, at 1932 hours on night of 11/12th September 1944, to lay mines in enemy waters off Rostock, Germany. Nothing further was heard of the aircraft or crew after take off. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
426556 PO Devine, E.W., Captain (Pilot). Sgt J.B.Bell. 429544 Flt Sgt G.R. Ferguson. Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 428038 Flt Sgt M.B. Blaubaum. Navigator/Bombaimer. Sgt J.J.Coyle. Sgt R.Burton. Sgt R.C.M.Meyer.
In a 1949 report it was concluded that aircraft and crew were all lost at sea.
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402219 Sergeant BLESSING, Wilson George Source : NAA : A705, 163/92/150 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufighter T 4829 ATTD 272 SQN RAF
Summary: Beaufighter T4829 took off at 0630 on 15 June 1942 detailed to carry out a convoy escort in the Eastern Mediterranean south of Greece. The aircraft was last seen heading towards the convoy and as far as can be ascertained it was not seen again. There was no evidence to show why the aircraft had not returned and it was assumed that the aircraft and crew had been lost through enemy action. Crew: RAAF RAF
402219 Sgt W G Blessing, Captain (Pilot) Sgt J R Williams, (Wireless Operator/Observer)
It was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Alamaein Memorial, Egypt. The Alamein Memorial forms the entrance to the El Alamein War Memorial.
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409497 Flight Sergeant BOAL, Harold James
Source: NAA : A705, 166/6/405. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 659 OF – J 97 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB 659 of 97 (Straits Settlements) Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Bourn, Cambridge, on the night of 30/31st January 1944 to attack Berlin. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RCAF RAF RAF RCAF
412434 PO Hart A.R., Captain (Pilot). Sgt L Clifton, Flight Engineer. 409497 Flt Sgt H.J.Boal, Navigator Bombaimer. Flt Sgt G.Williams, Air Bomber. Sgt W.Jones, Wireless Operator. Sgt D.Hicks, Mid Upper Gunner. Flt Sgt C.M.Price, Rear Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the aircraft crashed 4 kms north of Halfweg on the 31 January 1944. The nature of the crash was such that all the crew were killed, as well as seven civilians in a farmhouse. Halfweg is approx 7 miles west of Amsterdam, Holland. It was only possible to recover the remains of PO Hart (RAAF) and Flt Sgt Williams (RCAF) and they are interred in Zwanenburg Cemetery near Halfweg. It was not possible to recover the remains of other crew members and they have no known grave.
76
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
408418 Sergeant BOCK, Allan James Henry
Source: NAA : A705, 166/6/210. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington BJ 963 27 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington BJ 963 of No 27 Operational Training Unit, RAF, took off from RAF Lichfield, Staffordshire, on a non operational cross country flight on 22 July 1943. The route was from Base – Shrewsbury – Van Bardsley Island – Studwals – Baggors Park – Base. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. It was presumed that the aircraft must have crashed at sea. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
Flt Sgt Clayton. Flt Sgt Mack. 410382 Sgt H.J.Richardson, Observer. 410605 Flt Sgt N.R.Linton, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 408418 Sgt A.J.H.Bock, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
77
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
401412 Sergeant BOLTON, George Frederick Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/103/197 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses Operational Training Units, 1940-1947, Page 120, Volume 7. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington N 2851 - F3 23 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington N 2851 of No 23 Op Training RAF, took off from RAF Station Stradishall, at 2312 hours on rhe night of 30/31st May 1942, detailed to attack Cologne, Germany. The aircraft failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
Sgt W.R.C.Johnston, Captain (Pilot). 403132 Sgt J.Donn-Patterson, Observer. 401412 Sgt F.G.Bolton, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 404913 Sgt M.L.Glenton-Wright, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 405256 Sgt R.A.Broodbank. Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was established that the aircraft crashed near Gravendeel Zuid, Holland, and the remains of Sgt Johnston (RAF) and Sgt Broodbank (RAAF) were interred at Grosswijk Cemetery, Rotterdam. Also the severity of the explosion in the crash was such that it was found impossible to recover the remains of the other three missing crew members and in 1948 it was recorded that they had no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
78
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
412099 Flight Sergeant BOND, John Keith
Source: NAA : A705, 166/6/15. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster IW 4789 PH – E 12 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster IW 4789 of 12 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Wickenby, at 1626 hours on the 17 January 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
406573 Flt Sgt D.C.Morphett, Captain (Pilot). 401848 Flt Sgt C.MacD.Miller, Navigator. 412099 Flt Sgt J.K.Bond, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt J.Corke. Sgt L.E.Austin. Sgt D.B.Pollitt. Sgt W.B.Maunder.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
79
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
403549 Sergeant BONNEFIN, Joseph Marcel
Source: NAA : A705, 163/93/427. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson AM 873 48 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hudson AM 873 of 48 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station, Wick, Caithness, Scotland, at 0830 hours on 16 February 1942 to carry out a South Stand patrol. The ETA back at Wick was 1405 hours. No signals were received from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RCAF RAF
FO Birch S., Captain (Pilot). 403549 Sgt J.M.Bonnefin, Navigator. Sgt J.G.Purcell, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt J Croll, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
80
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
400823 Sergeant BOTT, Allan Theodore
Source: NAA : A705, 163/93/438. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 7586 211 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z 7586 of 211 Sqn RAF was lost as a result of enemy action at approx 12.30pm on 6 February 1942. Three aircraft were operating on escort duty and two did not return (Z 7586 and Z 9713), and the third aircraft was shot down on the way back to Palembang. The escort duty was over a convoy from Berhala Straits to Banka Straits. A survivor (Sgt Offard) from the third aircraft shot down, later stated that “he had seen one Blenheim on fire, but he did not know what happened to the second aircraft missing”. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
400823 Sgt A.T.Bott, Pilot. 404212 Sgt H.J.Lamond, Observer. 406200 Sgt J.N.Lynas, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations the search for the above missing crew was abandoned in 1950.
81
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
402645 Sergeant BOURKE, William
Source: NAA : A705, 163/93/321. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Whitley Z 9220 51 Sqn RAF
Summary: Whitley Z 9220 took off from RAF Station Dishforth at 1738 hours on the night of 31 October 1941, but failed to return to base from the night operation. A W/T message from the aircraft calling for help was received at 0032 hours on the 1st November, and the last known fix position of the aircraft was approx 165 miles east of Flamborough Head. Z 9220 carried a bomb load of 2 x 500lb, and 6 x 250 lb bombs. It was presumed that the aircraft was missing as a result of enemy action. On 10 November 1941 a dinghy belonging to Z 9220 was picked up by a trawler 17 miles east of Yarmouth. The dinghy contained the body of one crew member who could not be identified. The remaining missing members were not located and it was concluded that they had lost their lives at sea. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RCAF
402645 Sgt W.Bourke, Pilot. 402349 Sgt C.A.Guan. Pilot. Sgt S.Burgess. Sgt G.O.Williams. Sgt A.T.Bradley.
82
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
412307 Warrant Officer BOWDEN, Noel Oswald
Source: NAA : A705, 166/6/543. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hurricane LB 797 11 Sqn RAF
Summary: At 1100 hours on 23 May 1944, WO Bowden flying Hurricane LB 797 was detailed as Blue 2 to carry out a ‘Rhubarb’ of enemy lines of communication north of Ukrhul. About 1230 hours when Blue section was five miles south of Somra, and going towards Ukrhul, Blue 1 (Flt Lt Page) sighted 10 Army O 1’s about 700 feet below to his left. Blue Section was flying just below 7/10ths cloud, but at the moment of sighting they were in the open, with the nearest cloud being 500 yards to port. Blue 1 immediately opened up full throttle and revs, dropped his tanks and turned towards the cloud closely followed by Blue 2. Blue 1 was able to lower his nose enough to take a snap shot of one enemy aircraft without visible results. Just before going into the cloud, he saw one or more Army O1’s behind him firing, and in his mirror caught a quick glance of something going down in flames. He took this to be Blue 2 but could not state this definitely. Flt Lt Page landed at Imphal, but WO Bowden did not return from this mission. Somra is located near the Burmese border, 42 miles south east of Kohima, Assam, India. The coordinates where WO Bowden was last seen in LB 797 was 26.18N, 94.44E Crew: RAAF
412307 WO N.O.Bowden, Pilot.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404478 Sergeant BOWER, Frank Graham
Source: NAA : A705, 163/93/462. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington X 9913 ZP 109 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington X 9913 of 203 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Stradishall at 1950 hours on 28 March 1942 to carry out a special duty flight for Air Ministry. The route was from base to a point 60 miles north of Terschelling, and then coastwise at a range of 60 miles along the Friesian Islands, the west coast of Germany and the west coast of Denmark to Skagen. The return trip was on a parallel track but at a distance of 30 miles from the coast. The aircraft had fuel for 15 hours, and was installed with special wireless investigation equipment and carried 2 special equipment operators to work the equipment. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. The route was close to enemy fighter zones and it may have been intercepted. Crew: RAF RAAF RCAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
PO Maygothling G.J., Captain (Pilot). 404933 Sgt F.J.Cassells, 2nd Pilot. PO Convey, L.J., Observer. PO Cussen, R.J., Wireless Operator//Air Gunner. 404478 Sgt F.G.Bower, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt R.A.Walker, Air Gunner. PO Sadler, B.E.P., Special Equipment Operator. LAC R.Rendall, Special Equipment Operator.
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
84
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
420859 Flight Sergeant BOX, Malcolm
Source: NAA : A705, 166/3/202. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 800 53 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 800 of 53 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station St Eval near Wadebridge, Cornwall, on the night of 16 April 1944 to carry out and anti-submarine patrol in the Bay of Biscay. The last contact with the aircraft was at 4.45am on the morning of 17 April 1944, but after that nothing further was heard from BZ 800 which did not return to base. It was presumed that the aircraft was missing as a result of enemy action while attacking a U-boat. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF
421874 Flt Sgt J.A.Alexander, Navigator Bombaimer. 420859 Flt Sgt M.Box. Navigator Bombaimer. Flt Lt Roberts, G. FO Moore, D.J. Flt Sgt F.H.Nopper. Sgt J.Humbles. PO Reed, H.G.R. Flt Sgt J.L.Stubbs. Flt Sgt R.R.Bawrie.
In 1949 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
85
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430112 Flight Sergeant BOYD, Norman Collis Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/682, 166/7/767 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 519, Volume 1944.. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster HK 664 90 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster HK 664 of 90 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Tuddenham, Bury St Edmund, Suffolk, at 1420 hours on 23 December 1944, to attack Trier, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
FO Floyd, H.G., Captain (Pilot). Flt Sgt J.R.Ennor, Navigator. 432485 FO Christie, A.G., Air Bomber. 430112 Flt Sgt N.C.Boyd, Wireless Operator (Air). Sgt E.C.Allison,, Mid Gunner. Sgt F.W.Clinch, Rear Gunner. Sgt J.Manning, Flight Engineer. WO R.W.Gibson, Mid Under Gunner.
Post war enquiries established that a captured document of a German Parachute Ack-Ack Regiment indicated that HK 664 had been shot down by the Regiment on 23 December, and the aircraft had crashed at Echternach, 17 miles north east of Luxembourg, Belgium, on the River Sure. The remains of FO Floyd, FO Christie, Sgt Clinch and Sgt Manning were located and they are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Locality Hutton, Luxembourg, Belgium. Hotton is south of Liege on the N86. Flt Sgt Boyd and the three other missing crew members have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
421786 Flight Sergeant BOYD, Roy Vincent
Source: NAA : A705, 166/6/665. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax JP 296 58 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax JP 296 of 58 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Brawdy at 1955 hours on 20 August 1944, to carry out an anti-submarine patrol north west of Bordeaux, France, between the mouth of the Gironde and La Pallice, France. The last signal was received from the aircraft at 0150 hours on the 21st August 1944, and it did not return to base after the mission. Crew : RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Wg Cdr Grant J.B. Captain (Pilot). Lt Hendrickson, G., 2nd Pilot. FO Phillips, D., Navigator. 421786 Flt Sgt R.V.Boyd, 2nd Navigator. Flt Sgt G.Martlew, Flight Engineer. PO Cockburn, W.R., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. WO W.McKenna, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Flt Sgt G.Grieg, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt M.L.Knight, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Survivors later reported that whilst the aircraft was attacking 3 enemy submarines, JP 296 was struck by fire from one of them, and the seriously damaged aircraft came down on the sea. Owing to the force of the impact the survivors were dazed and their recollections confused. But Flt Sgt Boyd and three others were not seen again after the aircraft struck the sea. The dinghy was lost and the 5 survivors endeavoured to support themselves on small pieces of wreckage in the rough sea and the rain. Two of the five died before help arrived. After 10 and a half hours in the water the remaining three survivors were rescued by British warships, but they could find no trace of the other missing crew members.
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401100 Sergeant BOYTON, Basil
Source: NAA: A705, 163/93/708 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hampden AE 360 415 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force
Summary: Hampden AE 360 of 415 (Swordfish) Sqn RCAF, took off at 2020 hours on 4 October 1942 on a night navigational training exercise. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Extensive searches the next day failed to locate the missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF 401100 Sgt Boyton, B (Pilot) RAF PO Barton, Y H (Observer) RAF Sgt Stuckless, J G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Maher, J FR (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) In 1949 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
401345 Sergeant BRABENDER, Elton Duncan
Source: NAA: A705, 163/93/604 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson F 413 Royal Air Force Ferry Command RAF
Summary: Hudson F 413 of RAF Ferry Command took off on a ferry flight at 2210 hours on 12 July 1942 from Gander, Canada, for the UK. The last contact with F413 was at 2312 hours on 12 July when it was over the sea. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after that and F 413 failed to reach its destination. Crew: RAF RCAF RAAF
Flt Lt Crofton, R D (Pilot) Sgt Wylie, R E (2nd Pilot) 401345 Sgt Brabender, E D (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
In 1949 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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400502 Sergeant BRADY, James Maxwell
Source: NAA : A705, 163/93/407. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington IC 9043 15 Op Trg RAF
Summary: Wellington IC 9043 of No 15 Operational Training RAF, was reported missing on a ferry flight from RAF Station Portreath, UK, to the Middle East on the night of 16 January 1942. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
400502 Sgt J.M.Brady, Pilot. 400693 Sgt J.R.Brown, Pilot. 405075 Sgt J.H.Hehir, Air Gunner. Sgt Scott, AFNA. Sgt Y.D.Scott. Sgt J.E.Browne.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
90
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
402635 Sergeant BRADY, John Bernard
Source: NAA : A705, 163/93/426. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson AM 663 500 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hudson AM 663 of 500 (County of Kent) Sqn RAF, took off at 0700 hours on 17 February 1942, from RAF Station, Binham, Norfolk, UK, to carry out an anti-shipping patrol off the Dutch coast. No communication was received from the aircraft, but an IFF plot which may have been AM 663 returning was seen to fade out approx 30 miles off the coast from Cromer (Norfolk) at 0957 hours. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
400290 PO Pollock, P.R., Pilot. 402635 Sgt J.B.Brady, Observer. Sgt D.W.Hewitt, Wireless Operator. Flt Sgt Webb, Air Gunner.
With no trace of the missing aircraft or crew being found following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the crew had lost their lives at sea and they would be commemorated on a Memorial to those deceased members who have no known grave.
91
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. 410443 Flight Sergeant BRAND, Norman Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/10/277, 166/24/501 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 347, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax MZ 298 DY – F ATTD 102 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax MZ 298 of 102 (Ceylon) Sqn RAF, took off from RAF Pocklington on the night of 23/24th July 1944, detailed to attack a flying bomb site at Les Hautes Buisson. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
420923 FO Donald, H W E, Captain (Pilot) 410443 Flt Sgt N Brand, (Navigator Bombaimer) 417855 Flt Sgt R T Lathlean (Air Bomber) 437061 Flt Sgt R B Selth (Air Gunner) 419962 Flt Sgt D A Rogers, (Air Gunner) Sgt R V Skeates Sgt W J Cook
The only survivor Flt Sgt Selth later stated “the aircraft was apparently attacked by enemy aircraft when approx 30 miles from the English coast on the return journey. A number of flashes occurred along the port wing and a few seconds later both port engines caught fire.The pilot retained control for a while, then the machine went into a dive and the pilot ordered crew to abandon. The survivor believes there was an explosion as he next found himself in the air and parachute opened a few seconds before he reached the water. He was picked up about an hour later by a naval vessel which also recovered the bodies of Flt Sgt Lathlean and Flt Sgt Rogers.” The bodies of FO Donald, Flt Sgt Brand, Sgt Skeates and Sgt Cook were not recovered and were recorded as lost at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK. Both Flt Sgt’s Lathlean and Rogers are buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, UK.
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415067 Sergeant BRANSBY, Alfred Henry
Source: NAA : A705, 166/2/26. (Archives advise that this casualty file was not received by them) A9301. Barcode 5535473. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufighter T 5235 2 (C) Op Training RAF
Summary: Beaufighter T 5235 of No 2 (C) Op Training Unit RAF took off at 0851 hours on 28 January 1943 on a navigational exercise. At 1200 hours the aircraft was in a position 29 miles due east of Filey Point, Yorkshire. After that nothing was heard from T 5235 and the aircraft did not return to base. Crew: RAAF 415067 Sgt A.H.Bransby, Pilot. Details re the other crew member are not available on Sgt Bransby’s service record file.
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426030 Warrant Officer BRENNAN, Arthur Benjamin
Source: NAA: A705, 166/6/761 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NF 960 KO – R 115 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster NF 960 of 115 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station, Witchford at 1305 hours on 28 October 1944 to attack Cologne, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Lt Hynes, B M Captain (Pilot) Sgt Wiggins, C H (Navigator) 428015 Flt Sgt Bovill, J M (Air Bomber) 426030 WO Brennan, A B (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Taylor, P W (Air Gunner) Sgt Raybould, G F (Air Gunner) Sgt Gooch, E (Flight Engineer)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the aircraft had crashed in the garden of a house at 1072 Koaln-Berliner Strasse, Strasserhof, Burscheir about 12 miles north east of Cologne. The aircraft had been hit by ack-ack fire, and had exploded on impact with wreckage being scattered over a wide area. Both Flt Sgt Bovill (RAAF) and Sgt Gooch (RAF) survived the crash and became POW’s. Flt Lt Hynes (RNZAF) and Sgt Wiggins (RAF) were interred by the Germans, but their remains were later re-interred in the Reichswald Forest British Cemetery. The remains of WO Brennan (RAAF), and Sgts Taylor and Raybould (RAF) could not be located and have no known grave.
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404771 Sergeant BRENNAN, Cyril
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 163/93/556 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Commonwealth war Graves record
Spitfire BM 536 ATTD 130 SQN RAF
Summary: Spitfire BM536 of 130 (Punjab) Sqn RAF, together with 11 Spitfires from the Squadron led by Wg Cdr Blake DFC, took off on 25 June 1942, to escort bombers of No 19 Sqn in an attack on German shipping off the Island of Ushant off the north west coast of France.. Eight enemy ships were attacked by the formation. Sgt Brennan was seen by Sgt Paton lagging 200 yards behind the formation with an FW 190 firing from the rear. BM 536 did not appear to take evasive action. The same FW 190 then attacked Sgt Paton’s aircraft. Flt Lt Durrant noticed that Sgt Brennans aircraft was missing from the formation, and almost immediately saw a splash in the sea some 30 miles north of Ushant. BM 536 did not return to base after this mission. Crew: RAAF
404771 Sgt C Brennan, (Pilot)
In 1948 it was recorded that Sgt Brennan had lost his life at sea. His name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
413161 Flight Sergeant BRENNAN, Leonard Reginald
Source: NAA : A705 : 166/6/181. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington W 5564 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington W5564 of 104 Sqn RAF took off on 8 June 1943 on an operational flight in the Middle East. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RCAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
PO McLaren F.E., Captain (Pilot). 413161 Flt Sgt L.R.Brennan, Pilot. Sgt F.E.Bobby, Navigator. Sgt R.O.C.Harris, Wireless Operator Air Gunner. Sgt D.J.A. Robson, Front Gunner. 407867 Flt Sgt T.W.R. Jones, Rear Gunner.
In a later statement by PO McLaren (RCAF), the sole survivor, he reported “the aircraft received a direct hit amidships by heavy flak from a flak ship whilst approaching the target from the sea. I immediately jettisoned the bombs, and set course for Base. Sgt Robson was wounded. Although both engines were going the aircraft was unable to maintain height. The inter-com was useless and I decided to ditch. We were about 10 miles from the coast at the time. The aircraft sank in about 20 seconds, but all the crew got out. There was no dinghy. I last saw Sgt Harris swimming strongly for the coast.” PO McLaren was picked up by the Royal Navy at approx 1400 hours on 8 June, but no other survivors were found. Sgt Harris (RAF) remains were subsequently located in Enfidaville War Cemetery, and in 1948 it was recorded Flt Sgt Brennan and Flt Sgt Jones (RAAF), and Sgt Bobby and Sgt Robson (RAF) had lost their lives at sea.
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415611 Flight Sergeant BRODRICK, Noel George
Source: NAA : A705, 166/6/401. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HE 898 37 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HE 898 of 37 Sqn RAF took off at 1814 hours on the 27 January 1944 from Tortorella Landing Ground to bomb marshalling yards at Arezzo, Italy. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RNZAF
415611 Flt Sgt N.G.Brodrick, Pilot. Flt Lt Walsh, B.G., Navigator Bombaimer. Sgt J.F.Street, Navigator. FO Cressey, L.W., Air Bomber. Sgt J.H.Adams, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Flt Sgt F.T.Lovegrove, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
97
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429645 Flight Sergeant BROWN, Bruce Harold Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/783 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 479, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 624 DX – A 57 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM 624 of 57 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station East Kirkby, at 1631 hours on the night of 6/7th November 1944 to cut the junction of the Dortmund-Ems and Mitterland Kanal systems near Gravenhorst, Germany. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off and the aircraft did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
26756 FO Cooper, J A G, Captain (Pilot) Sgt Beach, A K (Flight Engineer) 417817 FO Draysey, L (Navigator) 427118 Flt Sgt Hesford, B (Air Bomber) 429645 Flt Sgt Brown, B H (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Sloane, F J (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Saville, G (Rear Gunner)
All the crew have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
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404197 Sergeant BROWN, Cedrick Tyson
Source: NAA : A705, 163/93/371. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim V 6294 203 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim V 6294 of 203 Sqn RAF failed to return from an operational patrol over the Mediterranean on 19 December 1941. At the time the Squadron was operating in the Western Desert from Suqa, Egypt, Sidi Barrani and Tobruk, Libya, including emergency Landing Grounds in that area. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF
PO Read, A.T., Pilot. 404197 Sgt C.T.Brown, Observer. Sgt A.McLevy, Wireless Operator Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
99
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
401024 Sergeant BROWN, Edgar Harold
Source: NAA : A705, 163/93/364. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 5597 34 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z 5597 departed Singapore on 11 January 1942 to carry out a raid on Sungei Patani, Malaya. Storms were encountered one hour from Singapore and only one aircraft reached the target area. No news was heard from Z 5597 and the aircraft did not return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAAF
Sgt J.E.Smith, Pilot. Flt Sgt P.H.Hillebrand, Observer. 401024 Sgt E.H.Brown, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
It was later recorded that the missing crew had no known grave.
100
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
400693 Sergeant BROWN, John Raeburn
Source: NAA : A 705 : 163/93/406. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington IC 9043 ATTD Royal Air Force Stn Portreath
Summary: Wellington IC 9043 was reported missing on a ferry flight from RAF Station Portreath, UK, to the Middle East on the night of 16 January 1942. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
400502 Sgt J.M.Brady, Pilot. 400693 Sgt J.R.Brown, Pilot. 405075 Sgt J.H.Hehir, Air Gunner Sgt Scott, AFNA. Sgt Y.D.Scott. Sgt J.E.Browne.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
101
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400139 Sergeant BROWN, Vincent Leigh
Source: NAA : A705, 163/93/325. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Whitley Z 9129 DY 102 Sqn RAF
Summary: Whitley Z 9129 of 102 (Ceylon) Sqn RAF took off at 10.7pm on 7 November 1941 to attack Berlin. A message was received from the aircraft at 6.42am on 8 November placing the aircraft 60miles north of Borkum Island, Germany, part of the Friesian group of islands. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft and Z 9129 and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF
400139 Sgt V.L.Brown, Observer. Sgt J.H.Thorley. PO Allchin, J.C.A. Sgt J.A.Steeves. Sgt W.Clarke.
Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew were found, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
102
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402725 Sergeant BRYANT, Ronald Owen
Source: NAA : A705, 163/93/324. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Whitley Z 6796 DY 102 Sqn RAF
Summary: Whitley Z 6796 of No 102 (Ceylon) Sqn RAF took off at 2214 hours from RAF Topcliffe, Yorkshire, on the night of 7 January 1941, to attack Berlin. One QDM bearing was given from Horsham St Faith at 0726 hours on 8 November, but then nothing further was heard from the aircraft and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RCAF RAF RAF RAF
402725 Sgt R.O.Bryant, Pilot. Sgt E.M.Lefty. Sgt R.C.Mathews. Sgt W.Miller. Sgt R.Brown.
Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew were found, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
103
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
419567 Flight Sergeant BUCIRDE, Reginald John
Source: NAA: A705, 166/6/673 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 622 HW– P 100 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM 622 of 100 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Grimsby, Lincolnshire, at 8.30pm on the night of 26/27th August 1944 to attack targets at Kiel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen Lancasters from various Squadrons were lost on this raid on Kiel. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
422956 FO Hutchins, K M Captain (Pilot) 434296 FO Leigh J S (Navigator) 429218 FO Connolly D O (Air Bomber) 419567 Flt Sgt Bucirde R J (Wireless Operator Air) 436283 Flt Sgt Billing A N (Air Gunner) Sgt Watts R H (Flight Engineer) FO Rogers, K R DFC (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that Flt Sgt Bucirde (RAAF) had lost his life at sea. The bodies of the other six crew members were washed ashore and identified on various parts of the west coast of Schleswig–Holstein and on small islands off the coast. FO Rogers (RAF) is buried at the Hamburg Cemetery, Ohlsdorf, and the remaining five members are buried at the Kiel War Cemetery. FO Hutchins (RAAF) and Captain (Pilot) of LM 622 was aged 19 years and 4 months when he lost his life. W.R.Chorley “RAF Bomber Command losses of 2nd World War” says Hutchins was one of the youngest Australian bomber pilots to die on bomber operations in 1944.
104
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
422401 Flight Sergeant BUCKMAN, John Arthur
Source: NAA, A705, 166/6/354 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington LN 301 70 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington LN 301 of 70 Sqn RAF took off from Djedeida North landing ground, 15 miles north west of Tunis, at 1712 hours on 22 November 1943 to attack Ciampino drome, Italy. Messages were received from the aircraft at 9.44pm and 10.29pm when LN 301 requested a bearing and course to return. An identification message believed to have come from the aircraft at 11.15pm was received, but after that nothing further was heard, and the aircraft did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
413883 Flt Sgt MacLeod, J R Captain (Pilot) 420178 Flt Sgt Fraser, I L (2nd Pilot) Sgt Hamilton, W (Navigator) 422648 Sgt Madden, J F (Observer) 415779 Flt Sgt Gillett, G G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 422401 Flt Sgt Buckman J A (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
403441 Sergeant BUCKNELL, Phillip Crocker
Source: NAA : A705, 163/94/196. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson T 9333 60 Op Training RAF
Summary: Hudson T 9333 of No 60 Operational Training Unit RAF, took off at 8.4pm on 8 March 1942, on a night training exercise over the sea, from which the aircraft failed to return. Although an unknown aircraft was heard over the W/T, this was not however identified with T 9333. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF
402898 Sgt T.C.Wills, Pilot. Sgt I.S.Woolf, Navigator. 403473 Sgt D.M.Hall,, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 403441 Sgt P.C.Bucknell, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
106
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409023 Flight Sergeant BULL, Douglas Walter Westlake
Source: NAA : A705, 166/6/124. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hurricane P 2754 56 Operational Trg RAF
Summary: Hurricane P 2754 of No 56 Operational Training RAF was one of two aircraft detailed to carry out a practice attack at 6000 feet. During the exercise P 2754 collided with a third aircraft returning to base on a training flight. P 2754 crashed into Montrose Basin, Scotland, and despite continuing efforts over 4 days, the missing pilot could not be found. Crew: RAAF
409023 Flt Sgt D.W.W.Bull, Pilot.
In 1948 it was recorded that the missing pilot had lost his life at sea.
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430011 Flight Sergeant BULL, Lawrence Joseph Source : NAA : A705, 166/6/1020. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PA 973 OF – C 97 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster PA 973 of No 97 (Strait Settlements) Sqn RAF, took off at 2335 hours from RAF Station Coningsby, Lincoln, UK, on 20 March 1945 to bomb a target at Bohlen. Weather clear. Visibility good. Flak over target moderate to intense. Aircraft did not return to base and no evidence as to loss or whether aircraft shot down over target. No messages received from aircraft. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
418813 Flt Lt Cottman, J.D., Captain (Pilot). 432022 PO Murray, A.G., Navigator. 428596 WO H.J.Arney, Wireless Operator. 430103 Flt Sgt J.S. Coster, Air Bomber. 437562 Flt Sgt V.E.Petschel, Mid Upper Gunner. 430011 Flt Sgt L.J.Bull, Rear Gunner. Sgt J.W.Cross, Flight Engineer.
With no trace of the aircraft or crew being found following post war investigations and enquiries, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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403554 Flight Sergeant BUNTINE, Robert Athol
Source: NAA : A705, 163/94/263. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire 197 1435 Flight RAF
Summary: Spitfire 197 of 1435 Flight RAF was one of 3 Spitfires which took off from Luqa, Malta, at 7.50am on 13 August 1942. When approx 100 miles west of Malta, the aircraft were intercepted and attacked by 5 enemy fighters over a convoy. Flt Sgt Buntine’s Spitfire was shot down during the combat. The aircraft was last seen spinning towards the sea. There was no later report that he had been picked up by the convoy or escort vessels. Crew: RAAF
403554 Flt Sgt R.A.Buntine, Pilot.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that Flt Sgt Buntine had lost his life at sea.
109
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414463 Flight Sergeant BURGUM, William Arnold Source: AM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/241 Commonwealth War Graves Records. . Micro Film No 463 OAFH Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax HR 980 NP – E ATTD 158 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax HR 980 of 158 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Lissett, near Driffield, Yorkshire, at 1914 hours on the night of 23/24th August 1943 to bomb Berlin. The aircraft had enough fuel for 10 hours. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF RAAF RAF
414463 Flt Sgt W.A.Burgum, Captain (Pilot). Sgt P.I.Buck, Navigator. Sgt D.R.Hemstock, Air Bomber. Sgt A.Cox, Wireless Air Gunner. Sgt G.E.Harrison, Air Gunner. 421595 Sgt H.C.Harber, Air Gunner. Sgt R.Hill, Flight Engineer.
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was established that HR 980 was attacked by enemy night fighters and crashed in marshy terrain near the village of Reiersdorf, approx 40 miles east of Berlin. The bodies of Sgt Harber (RAAF) and Sgt Cox (RAF) were recovered by the Germans together with the remains of one unidentified crew member. The remains of all three are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. The remains of the remaining missing crew members were not recovered and they are recorded as having no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
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407524 Flight Sergeant BURNS, Robert John
Source: NAA : A705 : 166/6/23.
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HX 646 221 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HX 646 of 221 Sqn RAF, took off from RAF Station Luqa, Malta at approx 1805 hours on 23 January 1943 to attack an enemy convoy in the vicinity west of Sicily. The aircraft did not return to base, and it is believed the aircraft located the convoy and must have been damaged whilst making an attack. In a later statement by Sgt Baker (RAF) who survived the crash and was captured by the Italians he reported : ‘the aircraft was attacked without warning at 1am over the sea between Sicily and Tunis. The aircraft was flying at about 300 feet at the time of attack and flew into the sea immediately afterwards. Sgt Baker extracted himself and floated to the surface, where he climbed into the aircraft dinghy which had apparently been released by the automatic release gear and inflated. He was rescued next day by an Italian patrol. Baker saw no other members of the crew and has assumed that the bodies of the crew sank with the aircraft.’ Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RCAF RAAF
400414 Sqn Ldr. Jackson, G.F., Pilot. Sgt S.G.Viala, Pilot. 416043 FO Craig, J.I., Air Observer. Sgt F.J. Baker, Wireless Operator. PO Shustove, S.G., S.I.Operator. 407524 Sgt R.J.Burns, Air Gunner.
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400643 Sergeant BURRAGE, John Allan Source: NAA : A705, 163/94/206.
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim
211 Sqn RAF
Summary: In a letter from RAAF London, it was reported that Flt Lt Stewart was classified as missing near Java on 21 February 1942. He was a member of a crew of Sgt Burrage which left Kiladjati, Java, in a Blenheim aircraft of 211 Sqn RAF to raid shipping in the river near Palembang. The crews of other aircraft engaged on the same raid stated that the formation ran into a heavy storm before reaching Sumatra and was split up. Independent attacks were carried out but nothing was seen or heard of Sgt Burrage’s aircraft after the formation parted company. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
400643 Sgt J.A.Burrage, Pilot. 400545 Flt Lt Stewart, D.McL., Observer. 404298 Sgt M. McDonald, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
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407926 Flight Sergeant BURRETT, James Robert
Source: NAA : A705, 163/94/286. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufort AW 350 39 Sqn RAF
Summary: Beaufort AW 350 of 39 Sqn RAF was engaged on an operational sortie with a Beaufighter escort on a shipping strike off Paxos, Greece on 22 September 1942, when Beaufighter T 5150 collided with it and AW 350 crashed into the sea. The pilot of Beaufighter T 5150 whilst following his Deputy Section Leader failed to notice he was in dangerous proximity to Beaufort AW 350. The airscrews of the Beaufighter came into contact with the underside of AW 350 cutting through the fuselage just forward of the tail unit probably severing the elevator control cables, causing complete loss of elevator control. AW 350 crashed into the sea at 1714 hours approx 150 miles east of Malta. Crew: RCAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Izzard, A.F., Pilot. 407926 Flt Sgt J.R.Burrett, Observer. FO Jones, R., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt W.L.Dodson
113
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405345 Warrant Officer BURTON, Edwin Erle
Source: NAA, A705, 166/6/165 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Marauder FK 112 14 Sqn RAF
Summary: Marauder FK 112 of 14 Sqn RAF took off from Bone aerodrome on 3 June 1943, detailed to carry out a ship reconnaissance in the Mediterranean and the coast of Sardinia. A signal was received from the aircraft at 1350 hours when FK 112 was off the east coast of Sardinia, when it is believed that FK 112 had sighted an enemy convoy of one merchant ship and two destroyers escorted by three enemy fighters. The crew of another Marauder on the same mission believe that FK 112 while approaching the enemy convoy to take photos, was intercepted by the enemy fighters. No further messages were received from FK112 and the aircraft did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
Sgt Rawlings, H Captain (Pilot) Sgt Lumsden, W L (2nd Pilot) Flt Sgt Austin, L J (Navigator) 405345 WO Burton, E E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Nuttall, G H (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Liddle, J (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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403856 Pilot Officer BURTON, Ronald Garnet Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/29/129 Commonwealth War Graves records Manchester Aircraft Type: L 7471 VN Serial number: VN Radio call sign: ATTD 50 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Manchester L7471 took off from RAF Swinberby at 2315 hours on the night of 6/7th June 1942 detailed to bomb Emden, Germany. A fix was given to the aircraft at 0140 hours on 7th June but thereafter nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 403104 FO Beatty, A D Captain (Pilot) RAAF 403856 PO Burton, R G (2nd Pilot) RAF PO Allen, F W R (Navigator) RAAF 404646 Sgt R G Buchanan, ((1st Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 402615 Sgt A F Scanlan, (2nd Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 402472 Sgt A C Tebbett, (Air Gunner) RAAF 400342 Sgt R F Davies, (Air Gunner) Five of the crew were POW’s and PO Burton who lost his life has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK. FO Beatty as a POW died on 10th September 1942 from meningitis following on the injury he received when the aircraft crashed.. He is buried in the Sage War Cemetery, Locality Oldenburg, Niedersachsen, Germany. Sage is a village 24kms south of Oldenburg, a town 43kms west of Bremen. Sgt Buchanan later reported “The starboard engine gave trouble immediately after leaving the target. It took some time to feather the engine and we were down very low when this was accomplished. The aircraft would not maintain height on one engine and we finally crashed in the sea about 30/40 miles from Emden. The 2nd Pilot did not have time to get out and he went down with the plane. FO Beatty had a fractured skull, the Navigator a fractured hip and the others scratches and bruises. We were captured an hour later in the dinghy by a German seaplane.” Sgt Scanlan stated “The starboard engine cut out at about 1000 feet and it refused to feather. The aircraft dropped to sea level and then climbed to 300 feet but the strain was too great on the port engine and we ditched. We crashed into the sea nose first. I am pretty sure we were not hit by enemy aircraft.”
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415758 Warrant Officer BURY, Glyn Norman
Source: NAA, A705, 166/6/846 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster HK 653 OJ – Y 149 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster HK653 of 149 (East India) Sqn RAF, took off from RAF Station Methwold, Norfolk, at 1130 hours on 12 December 1944 to attack Witten, Germany. The aircraft carried full bomber equipment and carried HE bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. A member of a crew on the same mission, reported seeing two aircraft explode in the air and that one of them was the missing aircraft. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
FO Miller, K A W Captain (Pilot) Sgt Ward, D (Flight Engineer) 415758 WO Bury, G N (Navigator) Flt Sgt Cass, J A (Air Bomber) Sgt Hanna, C M (Wireless Operator) Sgt Middleton, R (Air Gunner) Sgt Richman, H L (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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403314 Sergeant BUTCHER, Charles Sydney
Source: NAA, A705, 163/94/260 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Whitley Z 9119 51 Sqn RAF
Summary: Whitley Z9119 of 51 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Chivenor, Devon, at 0630 hours on 3 August 1942, to carry out an anti submarine patrol in the Atlantic ocean. Z9119 did not return to base after the patrol. About 8am, Z9119 was seen by the crew of another Whitley Z9228, being attacked by two enemy Aradoes 196. At 0810 hours Z9228 saw a Whitley ditch into the sea and burst into flames, in position 48.45N, 70.30W. This was in the Atlantic Ocean approx 130 miles south westerly from Lands End. Subsequent searches could find no trace of the missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
403314 Sgt Butcher, C S Captain (Pilot) PO Hemy, C D (2nd Pilot) Sgt Anson, H V (Observer) Sgt Hatch, S E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Parker, W F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Forster, S E (Air Gunner)
It was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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408306 Flight Sergeant BUTTERWORTH, John
Source: NAA, A705, 166/6/361 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JA 853 MG – L ATTD 7 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster JA 853 of 7 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Oakington, Cambridge, at 1624 hours on 16 December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF
412327 WO Watson, W A Captain (Pilot) 415061 Flt Sgt Waterman, W M (Navigator) 412270 Flt Sgt Robinson, G N (Air Bomber) 408306 Flt Sgt Butterworth, J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Hurst, J (Mid Upper Gunner) 414876 Sgt McWha, R D (Rear Gunner) Flt Sgt Hedges, R E (Flight Engineer)
Captured German documents and post war investigations in the Follega area (Holland) and at Lemmar Cemetery, established that JA 853 exploded in mid air and crashed at Follega, which one and a half miles north of Lemmar on the north coast of Zuider Zee, Holland. Five bodies were recovered by the Germans who identified those of Flt Sgt Waterman (RAAF), Flt Sgt Robinson (RAAF) and Flt Sgt Hedges (RAF) with two being unidentified. The 5 were interred by the Germans in Lemmar cemetery. Exhumation later identified the two unidentified as Sgt McWha (RAAF) and Sgt Hurst (RAF), and they were reinterred in the Lemmar cemetery. In 1948 it was recorded that the two missing crew members WO Watson (RAAF) and Flt Sgt Butterworth (RAAF) had no known grave.
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416410 Flight Sergeant BYASS, Reginald Anderson
Source: NAA, A705, 166/6/222 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4894 GT - T 156 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster W4894 of 156 Sqn RAF of RAF Station Wyton, Huntingdon, took off from Warboys drome at 1948 hours on 3 April 1943 to attack Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RCAF RAF
416410 Flt Sgt Byass, R A Captain (Pilot) 409519 FO Black, G J (Navigator) 414102 Sgt Thurecht, N R (Bombaimer) 415000 Sgt Trigwell, R S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Minns, G R (Flight Engineer) Sgt Robertson, D L (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Crooks, S E (Rear Gunner)
Sgt Crooks body was washed ashore on 8 November 1943 at Oosterland, Wieringen, Holland and is buried at the Military cemetery, Helder. In 1947 it was recorded that the remaining missing crew members had lost their lives at sea. In the 1990’s wreckage of the aircraft was found in the Waddenzee and it is believed the aircraft was shot down by a German night fighter east of Texel Island, Holland.
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421158 Warrant Officer BYERS, Peter William Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA, A705, 166/6/760
Commonwealth War Graves records
Lancaster ND 626 AS – O ATTD 166 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND 626 OF 166 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Kirmington, Lincolnshire, on the night of 26/27th October 1944, being one of six squadron aircraft to carry out mine laying operations in the Heligoland Bight. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after takeoff and it did not return to base. Crew: RCAF RAF RCAF RACF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Burton, J R Captain (Pilot) Sgt Eades, A E (Flight Engineer) FO Walker, D B (Navigator) FO Hill, J B (Air Bomber) 421158 WO Byers, P W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Tarbard, V (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt Elders, G S (Rear Gunner)
A crew member on the same mission later reported “No one actually saw FO Burton’s aircraft shot down, but while flying about 10 to 15 minutes off Heligoland and prior to dropping mines, I noticed some flak on my left which came from either a flak ship or from Heligoland ground defences. I would say the latter. A few minutes later an explosion was seen on the ground which I took to be an aircraft crashing. Whether this occurred on land or sea I am able to say due to a cloud layer below us.” Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the aircraft had crashed into the sea and the missing crew had no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
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403685 Sergeant BYRNE, Nial Thurlow
Source: NAA: A705, 163/94/294 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 1219 QT - V 142 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington Z1219 of 142 Sqn RAF together with other Squadron aircraft took off from RAF Station Grimsby at 1902 hours on 23 September 1942, detailed to carry out mine laying operations in the Heligoland Bight. The route was from Base – Saltfleet – 54.30N, 8.00E – St Peter’s Head – 54.01N, 08.13E – 54.16N, 06.00E – Saltfleet – Base. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and Z1219 did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
Sgt Seamark, L A, DFM, Captain (Pilot) Sgt Lind, R (Navigator Bombaimer) 403685 Sgt Byrne, N T (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Trewin, A (Front Gunner) Sgt Godly, W J (Rear Gunner)
Sgt Seamark’s body was recovered from the sea at the Island of Pellorm, one of the group of Haligen Islands off the north west coast of Germany. His remains are interred in the British Military Cemetery at Hamburg (Ohlsdorf). It was recorded in 1949 that the remaining missing crew members had lost their lives at sea.
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432340 Flight Sergeant CADDY, Peter Giblin
Source: NAA: A705, 166/7/615 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Whitley Z 6739 19 Op Base RAF
Summary: Whitley Z 6739 was detailed on the night of 27 August 1944 to carry out a bombing exercise at Burghead and then a cross country operational training exercise from Base – Benbecula – Cape Wrath – 58deg N 1 deg W – Inverurie – Base. On return to carry out an air firing exercise at Spey Bay. The aircraft took off at 2139 hours from RAF Kinloss, Scotland, completed the bombing exercise and carried on with the cross country exercise. All early contacts were in order. At 0140 hours on the 28th August Z6739 requested a fix from Leuchars and received a first class bearing. Good contacts were maintained with the aircraft until 0231 hours, but then nothing further was heard from the aircraft which did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
432340 Flt Sgt Caddy, P G (Pilot) Sgt Finch W A B (Navigator) Sgt Crawford, J (Air Bomber) 432329 Flt Sgt Yabsley, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Truffet, F (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Tibbles, R E (Rear Gunner)
Searches were carried out over the following days but no trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found. In 1949 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
15279 Flight Sergeant CAIN, Lance
Source: NAA: A 705, 163/95/191 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator EV 942 354 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator EV 942 of 354 Sqn RAF took off on 30 December 1944 on an anti U Boat patrol in the Indian area. It was last plotted off the south east coast of Ceylon in position 6.59N, 82.12E, when the aircraft was flying over the sea. The aircraft failed to return to base from the mission. Crew: RCAF RAAF RCAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
FO Manyluk, W A Captain (Pilot) 417587 Flt Sgt McCulloch, R W (Pilot) PO Maika, P J (Navigator Bombaimer) Sgt Welburn, J K (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 429018 Flt Sgt Robinson, A W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 434942 Flt Sgt Gordon, M J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 15279 Flt Sgt Cain, L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Sutcliffe, J (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and searches it was recorded in 1946 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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407637 Sergeant CALDWELL, James Humphrey Source: NAA : A705, 163/95/328.. Stirling Aircraft Type: R 9328 Serial number: MG – A Radio call sign: 7 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: Stirling R 9328 of 7 Sqn RAF took off at 2250 hours from RAF Station Oakington on the night of 26/27th July 1942 to bomb Hamburg. The aircraft did not return to base after the mission. In a later statement by Flt Lt Harris (RCAF), Captain and Pilot of R 9328, who became a POW, he reported “On the night of 26 July 42 my aircraft was hit by enemy action. Sgt Stewart-Moore (POW) informed me later that he thinks Sgt Caldwell was probably killed in the action as he saw the rear turret which was Sgt Caldwell’s position being badly damaged by enemy fire. The elevators of the aircraft being damaged and being at an extremely low height, the aircraft crashed into the sea and immediately sank. Unfortunately FO Leigo who was in the front turret must have been killed by the impact and Sgt Harfoot was probably so severely injured that he could not make his escape and was drowned. The Germans informed me later that they had recovered three bodies. The survivors are quite well and including myself are Sgt Stewart-Moore, Sgt Roberts (Flt Engineer) and Sgt Blyth (Air Gunner).” It was also recorded by Sgt Stewart-Moore that after bombing the target, the aircraft went down to ground level to evade searchlights and flak. It followed the course of the River Elbe, where the aircraft struck the water, bounced and then nosed in. Four crew got into the dinghy, enemy searchlights were kept on them and they were picked up by naval patrol boats. Crew: RCAF Flt Lt Harris, J.N., Captain (Pilot). RAF Sgt W.C.P.Harfoot, Navigator. RAAF 401069 FO Leigo, D.P., Bombaimer. RAAF 405426 WO Stewart-Moore, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAF Sgt Roberts, Flight Engineer. RAF Sgt Blythe, Mid Upper Gunner. RAAF 407637 Sgt J.H.Caldwell, Rear Gunner. In 1950 following investigations in Germany by the Missing Research and Enquiry service it was recorded that the aircraft was buried in quick sands making salvage impossible, and that it was extremely unlikely that the remains of the missing three crew members could be recovered.
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423435 Flight Sergeant CALVERT, Clive Percival
Source: NAA : A705, 163/7/753 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 682 ZN – K 106 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND 682 of 106 Sqn RAF took off at 0045 hours on 16 December 1944 from RAF Metheringham, Lincoln, being one of fourteen squadron aircraft detailed to carry out a mine laying operation in the Spinach area in the Baltic. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Barratt E, Captain (Pilot) Sgt Emerson, J F W (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt Berry, A (Navigator) Flt Sgt Towle, E G (Air Bomber) 423435 Flt Sgt Calvert, C P (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Day, R E B (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Green, P E (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was established that FO Barratt (RAF) body was washed ashore at Helsingborg, Sweden, and that the remains of Flt Sgt Towle (RAF) had been recovered from the sea on 25 December 1944, and returned to the sea. The remains of Sgt Emerson (RAF) were located interred on the Danish Isle of Anholt. In 1947 it was recorded that the remaining missing crew members had lost their lives at sea.
125
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404451 Sergeant CAMERON, Richard Beauchamp
Source: NAA : A705, 163/95/200 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hurricane Z 3328 156 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hurricane Z 3328 of 156 (Punjab) Sqn RAF took off at night on 24 December 1941 from RAF Station Duxford, Cambridgeshire, to carry out a non operational sector recce under control from the Squadron Operations room. At time of take off the weather was clear with bright moonlight and no cloud in the vicinity of base. Elsewhere there were patches of cloud at considerable height. Base kept in regular radio contact with the aircraft. During the latter part of the recce when Z3328 was at 12,000 feet and approx 12 miles from base, the Controller gave the aircraft a vector of 280 degrees intending to take the aircraft a short distance to the west, before bringing it back for a landing. This vector was acknowledged by the aircraft. A D/F plot at the same time indicated that the aircraft was following the instructions. Four minutes later the aircraft was given a vector of 090 degrees to bring him back to land at base, but this was not acknowledged. Repeated calls were made to the aircraft but were not acknowledged. Extensive searches were subsequently carried out but no trace of the missing aircraft or pilot were found. Crew: RAAF
404451 Sgt Cameron, R B (Pilot)
It was later concluded that the aircraft had most likely crashed in the sea off East Anglia, and in 1949 it was recorded that the missing aircraft had no known grave.
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406139 Flight Sergeant CAMPBELL, Edgar Edwin Mackenzie
Source: NAA A705, 163/95/269. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 9820 113 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z 9820 of 113 Sqn RAF crashed on 19 April 1942 while carrying out a low level attack on an enemy drome at Allanmyo, Burma, near the Irrawaddy river, it being presumed the aircraft was brought down by ack-ack fire. The target is approx 180 mile north west of Rangoon, Burma. Z 9820 set out with other squadron aircraft and the attack was successfully carried out. After the attack, Z9820 was slightly behind the formation and was seen to dip suddenly and to somersalt into a clump of trees. An eye witness to the crash, Sgt White an air gunner in one of the aircraft stated “ the vic of 5 aircraft had just left the target with Z9820 flying No 4 and a few hundred behind the formation. As we turned to port the aircraft appeared to dip slightly and then burst into flames just above tree top height. It then dropped on the trees and somersaulted for a time still in flames. The plane was covered in thick black smoke and smoking fiercely when we were miles away.” Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
406527 FO Hickey, M.M. Pilot. 407276 FO Rogers, R.L., Observer. 406139 Flt Sgt Campbell, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
In 1953 it was established that the aircraft crashed south of Allanmyo at 1921N 9514E at a village called Thahnga, 20 miles north of Allanmyo. The wreckage was scattered over a wide area, but no remains of the missing crew were located.
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422425 Flight Sergeant CAMPBELL, Kenneth John
Source: NAA : A705, 166/7/531. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 818 53 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 818 of 53 Sqn RAF took off at 2130 hours from RAF Station, St Eval, Cornwall, on 13 June 1944, to carry out an anti-submarine patrol in support of major operations then in progress. A message was received from the aircraft late at night indicating that a submarine had probably been sighted and was about to attack. Nothing was subsequently heard from the aircraft which failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF
Sqd Ldr Carmichael, DFC., Captain (Pilot). Flt Sgt E.E.Stevens, 2nd Pilot. Flt Sgt J.T.McKeown, 1st Navigator. 408874 FO Peters, A.O., 2nd Navigator. FO White, V.R., Wireless Operator/Air. 422537 Flt Sgt R.H.Curner, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 422425 Flt Sgt K.J.Campbell, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Flt Lt Shaw, J.W., Air Gunner. 422221 Flt Sgt I.E.Martin, Air Gunner. Sgt V.N.Lusher, Flight Engineer.
With no trace of the missing aircraft or crew being found following post war enquiries and investigations, it was concluded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
424286 Flight Sergeant CAMPBELL, Robert Hepburn
Source: NAA : A705, 166/17/593. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LL 793 GI – Q 622 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster LL 793 of 622 Sqn RAF took off at 2255 hours on 21 May 1944 from RAF Station Mildenhall to bomb Duisberg, Germany. Nothing further was heard of the aircraft or crew after take off. Crew: RAAF RAAF RNZAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
11604 PO Harris, J.A., Captain (Pilot). 414142 PO Kelly, L.J., Navigator. Flt Sgt D.G.Blackmore, Bombaimer. Sgt D.B/White, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Flt Sgt A.N.Otley, Air Gunner. 424286 Flt Sgt R.H.Campbell,, Air Gunner. Sgt B.E.Wareham, Flight Engineer.
In 1950 the crew were recorded as missing with no known grave.
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420335 Flight Sergeant CAMPBELL, Robert Hugh
Source: NAA : A705, 166/7/246 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax HX 158 102 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax HX 158 of 102 (Ceylon) Sqn RAF took off at 1754 hours on 11 November 1943 from RAF Station Pocklington, York, to carry out a gardening (mine laying) operation. At 2110 hours information from No 4 Group that an aircraft with call sign MO1 had sent an SOS at 2023 hours. This was picked up by Hull MF/DF station and a bearing of 092 deg obtained. No further messages were obtained from the aircraft. HX 158 had a call sign of MOS not MO1 and it was considered that this may have been an error in sending or in receiving the message. HX 158 did not return from the mission, but the crew of another Halifax of 10 Sqn reported that they had seen an aircraft on fire and glide down and ditch at approx 2025 hours in position 53.04N 0441E after it had been hit by flak at a height of between 4/5000 feet. It could not however be established for certain that this was HX 158. Crew: RAAF RCAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
420335 Flt Sgt Campbell, R H Captain (Pilot) FO Dingley, L D (Navigator) Sgt Arrowsmith, J C (Air Bomber) Sgt Henley, C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Dyson, A G (Air Gunner) Sgt Thrall, F (Air Gunner) Sgt Yorke, L G (Flight Engineer)
In 1949 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
130
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403023 Sergeant CAMPBELL, Staffa Kinloch
Source: NAA : A705, 166/7/9 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson FH 281 353 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hudson FH 381 of 353 Sqn RAF took off from Dum Dum, India, at 0730 hours on 1 January 1943 to carry out an offensive shipping recce in the Bay of Bengal. The aircraft was due back at 1500 hours, but it did not return from this mission. Crew: RCAF RAF RAF RAAF
PO Massey, M P (Pilot) Sgt Wheeler, R G (Observer) Sgt Wilson, R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 403023 Sgt Campbell, S K (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and searches, it was established in 1955 that the aircraft had crashed in position approx 2 and a half miles north from the village of Kaingshe, Burma. The inhabitants of the village stated that a plane had crashed in the vicinity, and they helped in establishing the exact spot, which was in dense bamboo jungle. Heavy yearly rains must have washed away the greater parts of the wreckage and only small fragments remained. Intensive searches for the remains of any of the crew were unsuccessful and it was presumed that the remains had been washed away. It was subsequently recorded that the graves of the missing crew had been unlocated after search.
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401298 Sergeant CANET, David
Source: NAA : A705, 163/95/355 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster R 5661 61 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster R 5661 of 61 Sqn RAF operating under Coastal Command control and detached to St Eval, took off at 1216pm on 19 August 1942to carry out an anti-ship patrol. At 0245 hours a signal was received from the aircraft over the Atlantic Ocean approx 100 miles NW off Cape Ortegal, just outside the Bay of Biscay. An hour later another signal was received giving the same position but this could not be established if the signal came from R 5661. No further signals were received from R 5661 and the aircraft did not return to base. The route of the recce was Base – 43.52N 9deg W – then East to 4 Deg West – then return to the same longtitude to a point limited by endurance, then return to base. There was 5/10ths cloud at 2/3000 feet. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
FO Searby, Captain (Pilot) PO Eaton, A (2nd Pilot) 401357 Sgt Witham, I VF (Navigator) FO Haig, R A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Townsend, A E, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner acting as Air Bomber) 401298 Sgt Canet, D (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Vowles, S R (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the remains of Sgt Townsend (RAF) were recovered from the sea. It was also recorded in 1949 that the remaining missing crew members had no known grave.
132
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424964 Warrant Officer CANTWELL, Richard Power
Source: NAA: A705, 166/7/897 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 849 60 – P 582 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND 849 of 582 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Little Staunton, near St Nects, Huntingdonshire, at 1808 hours on 15 March 1945 to bomb Hagen, Germany. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
FO Underwood, W H T, DFC Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt Robson, R W (Navigator) FO Lewis, J W (Air Bomber) 424964 WO Cantwell, R P (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Murray, G (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Willer, G O (Rear Gunner) Sgt Goodwin, W J (Flight Engineer)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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401492 Warrant Officer CARNIE, Ian David
Source: NAA : A705, 166/7/137. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Marauder MK 363 14 Sqn RAF
Summary: Marauder MK 363 of 14 Sqn RAF of the British North African Force, took off on 27 June 1943 to carry out a shipping recce between North Corsica and the east coast of Sardinia. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off, but on 28 June 1943, another Marauder on patrol sighted 3 airmen clinging to wreckage 60 miles off the east coast of Sardinia. Intensive air-sea rescue operations on the 28th and 29th June failed to locate these airmen again. Crew: RAF RNZAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
PO Francis, R.K., Captain (Pilot). Flt Sgt R.G.Dules, 2nd Pilot. 401171 FO Murphy, E.S., DFC, Navigator. 401492 WO I.D.Carnie, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt D.W.Sloggett, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt S.Jealis.
With no trace of the missing aircraft or crew being found following post war enquiries, it was concluded in 1948 that the missing crew were lost at sea.
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407490 Sergeant CARNIE, Wilfred Leslie
Source: NAA : A705, 163/95/503 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 7517 14 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z 7517 of 14 Sqn RAF crashed 8 miles south of Landing Ground C10 whilst carrying out night landing practice on 14 June 1942. The cause of the crash is not known, but a report states that it is presumed the attention of the pilot was distracted by flares and searchlights which were brought into operation as a result of an air raid warning. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
407677 Sgt Highman, G F (Pilot) 405109 Sgt Lynch, W D (Observer) 407490 Sgt Carnie, W L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war searches when the remains of the crew were not recovered from the graves in which they were buried in the desert, the search was abandoned in 1949 and it was recorded that the crew had no known grave.
135
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401367 Flight Sergeant CARRODUS, Robert James
Source: NAA: A705, 166/7/47 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson FE 423 269 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hudson FE 423 of 269 Sqn RAF took off from Greenland at 1252PM on 1 March 1943 on an anti submarine patrol as escort to a convoy moving in an area along the south west coast of Greenland. At 0145 hours a recall signal was sent to the aircraft and acknowledged. At 0205 hours the aircraft was instructed to divert and land at Bluewest One or Marrak, whichever landing ground had the best weather conditions. The aircraft did not return and searches over a three week period by US navy ships and flying patrols, did not locate the missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF
FO Lane, A J (Pilot) FO Johnson, M D (Navigator) Flt Sgt Arnott, W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 401367 Flt Sgt Carrodus, R J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
In 1948 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
136
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402012 Sergeant CARTER, Anthony Edward
Source: NAA: A9301, Barcode 5538269. No RAAF Casualty file is held by Archives. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
DH 86
216 Sqn RAF
Summary: RAAF Sgt Carter (Observer) attached to 216 Sqn RAF, was reported missing believed killed in action as a result of operations in the Middle East on 23 January 1942. A report by FO Bateman (a POW) stated that Sgt Carter was killed on 23 January 1942.
137
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400525 Flight Sergeant CARTER, Harold Marcus
Source: AWM 237 ( 65) NAA: A705, 163/28/111 Commonwealth War Graves records
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Baltimore AG 737 223 Sqn RAF
Summary: Baltimore AG 737 of 223 Sqn RAF, operating as part of 1437 Strategic Recce Flight, RAF Middle East, took off at 1000 hours on 10 August 1942 to carry out a reconnaissance patrol over enemy positions in the Western Desert and Libya. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
407615 FO Dumas, C J (Pilot) 400525 Sgt Carter, H M (Observer) 406217 Sgt Humphries, K E (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) Sgt Millar, F J (Air Gunner)
It was later reported by the Fighting French that the wreck of the aircraft was found east of Lake Margh-Ra in the Middle East, and that there were no survivors. In 1949, No 1 War Graves Commission reported that they had no burial information of the above members and the case was closed with the missing crew having no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.
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401027 Sergeant CARTER, Kenneth Raymond Champion
Source: NAA : A705, 163/95/201. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim V 5636 34 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim V 5636 of 34 Sqn RAF was reported missing on air operations in the Far East on 28 December 1941. The night time mission encountered rough weather 2 hours from Singapore, and a very small percentage of aircraft reached the target area. Sgt Carter was heard to ask for a D/F bearing some 4.5 hours after take off by Far East Command who notified Tenghah D/F Station. The station faintly heard V 5636 and then the contact faded. The D/F station called continuously with nil response, and the aircraft did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF
Flt Lt Hill, R.E. Sgt R.J.Rmyneg. 401027 Sgt K.R.C.Carter, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
It was later recorded that the missing crew had no known grave.
139
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402109 Sergeant CASH, John Francis
Source: NAA : A705, 163/95/152. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hurricane Z 4578 274 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hurricane Z 4578 of 274 Sqn RAF took off on 16 August 1941 from Sidi Barrani in company with other Hurricanes from 274 Sqn to do an offensive sweep over Gambut. The Squadron was flying at approx 1200 feet over Gambut drome when Sgt Cash broke away followed by his Number 2 Sgt McDonnell. Lt Hoffe who was in the formation saw Sgt Cash attacking an S 79 which was attempting to land. He then lost sight of Z 4578. Shortly after Lt Hoffe saw an aircraft alight on the water 4 miles north of Ras Beddad in the neighbourhood of Bardia in Libya, but he could not identify the aircraft as Z 4578 which did not return to base from this mission. A search of the area 2 hours later could find no trace of the aircraft or pilot. Crew: RAAF
402109 Sgt J.F.Cash, Pilot.
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420141 Sergeant CASHION, Patrick Leslie
Source: NAA: A705, 166/7/126 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington BK 843 27 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington BK 843 of No 27 Operational Training RAF, took off from RAF Station Lichfield, Staffordshire, at approx 1.50pm on 14 June 1943 to carry out a non operational flight over the North Sea. The route was Lichfield – Attenborough – 55.00N 00.00E – Drem – Alconbury – Cannock – Return to base. At 4.30pm a 1st class fix of 281 deg was obtained, but thereafter nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
406977 Flt Sgt E.G.Holden. Pilot. 409542 Sgt R.A.Hatfield. Observer. 408382 Flt Sgt T.A.Belot, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 409162 Flt Sgt L H. Macdonald. Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 420141 Sgt P.L.Cashion. Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
141
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404933 Sergeant CASSELLS, Francis John
Source: NAA : A705, 163/95/244. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington X 9913 ZP 109 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington X 9913 of 203 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Stradishall at 1950 hours on 28 March 1942 to carry out a special duty flight for Air Ministry. The route was from base to a point 60 miles north of Terschelling, and then coastwise at a range of 60 miles along the Friesian Islands, the west coast of Germany and the west coast of Denmark to Skagen. The return trip was on a parallel track but at a distance of 30 miles from the coast. The aircraft had fuel for 15 hours, and was installed with special wireless investigation equipment and carried 2 special equipment operators to work the equipment. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. The route was close to enemy fighter zones and it may have been intercepted. Crew: RAF RAAF RCAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
PO Maygothling G.J., Captain (Pilot). 404933 Sgt F.J.Cassells, 2nd Pilot. PO Convey, L.J., Observer. PO Cussen, R.J., Wireless Operator//Air Gunner. 404478 Sgt F.G.Bower, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt R.A.Walker, Air Gunner. PO Sadler, B.E.P., Special Equipment Operator. LAC R.Rendall, Special Equipment Operator.
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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420443 Flight Sergeant CATO, Reginald Hubert
Source: NAA : A705, 166/7/594. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator EV 878 224 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator EV 878 of 224 Sqn RAF took off from St Eval on the evening of 11 August 1944, to carry out an anti-submarine patrol and failed to return. The aircraft was shot down by HMS Onslow in the Bay of Biscay west of La Rochelle, France. The aircraft exploded in the air and was seen by naval vessels to crash into the sea. The vessels were quickly on the spot but there were no survivors. Crew: RAF RNZAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
Sqn Ldr Lindsay, E.W., Captain (Pilot). FO Andrews, W., 2nd Pilot. FO Eglen, J.D., 1st Navigator. FO Rumley C.W., 2nd Navigator. 404496 FO Craine, A.R., Wireless Operator/Air. WO W.J. Knill, Wireless Operator/Air. 420443 Flt Sgt R.H.Cato, Wireless Operator/Air. Sgt J.T. Dunn, Wireless Operator/Air. Sgt J.F. Phillips, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt H.F.G. Stebbins, Flight Engineer.
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411744 Warrant Officer CHALMER, Edward Dawson
Source: NAA : A705, 166/6/102. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufort DD 936 39 Sqn RAF
Summary: Beaufort DD 936 of 39 Sqn RAF took off from Luqa drome, Malta, in company with two other Beaufort aircraft at approx 2317 hours on 15 May 1943, to carry out a shipping search off the west coast of Italy. DD 936 signalled to base at approx 0331 hours on a bearing of 060/070 deg Malta. Another Beaufort on the same mission reported the presence of twin engine night fighters in the target area. DD 936 did not return from this mission. Aerial reconnaissance on 16 May sighted a large patch of oil off the south east coast of Sicily in position 36.58N, 16.02E. There were no signs of any survivors. Crew: RAAF RCAF RAF RAF
411744 WO E.D.Chalmer, Pilot. Sgt F.J.Payne, Observer. Sgt J.E.Taylor, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt W.G.Farrell, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Following post war investigations and enquiries, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
144
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
413712 Flight Sergeant CHALMERS, Ivor Ramsay
Source: NAA : A705, 166/7/216 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax D 265 431 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force
Summary: Halifax D 265 of 431 (Iroquois) Sqn RCAF took off from RAF Tholthorpe, Yorkshire, at 2243 hours on 8 October 1943 to bomb Hanover, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF RCAF RAF
413712 Flt Sgt Chalmers, I R Captain (Pilot) Sgt Stubbings, (Navigator) PO Walker, (Bombaimer) Sgt Mather, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Evans, (Rear Gunner) Sgt Hamil, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Beekann, (Flight Engineer)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
145
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403686 Flight Sergeant CHANDLER, James
Source: NAA : A705, 166/7/33 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Baltimore AG 796 69 Sqn RAF
Summary: Baltimore AG 796 of 69 Sqn RAF Malta, took off at 1025 hours on 23 February 1943 on an operational reconnaissance. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base.
Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
Flt Sgt Oldrieve, F R (Pilot) FO Heywood, R A (Observer) 403686 Flt Sgt Chandler, J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 402891 Sgt Sullivan, J B (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
146
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405296 Sergeant CHANDLER, Keith John
Source: NAA : A705, 163/96/163. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson AE 646 1 (C) Op Training RAF
Summary: Hudson AE 646 of No 1 (C) Operational Training RAF on 20 August 1942, collided with Hudson T 9273 during practice formation flying, and crashed into the sea 2.5 miles north west of Grune Point, Solway Firth, Cumberland. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF ` RAF
405296 Sgt K.J.Chandler, Captain (Pilot). Sgt A.J.P.Howe, Navigator. Sgt L.Hargrave, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt J.Browne, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Sgt Browne’s Body was recovered from the sea and interred in England. The other 3 missing members are recorded as having lost their lives at sea.
147
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402457 Sergeant CHAPMAN, Alfred William Musgrave
Source: NAA: A705, 163/96/76 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington T 2879 99 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington T 2879 of 99 (Madras Presidency) Sqn RAF took off from RAF Waterbeach, Cambridge, at 1928 hours on 28 September 1941, to attack Genoa, Italy. The ETA back at base was 0520 hours on 29 September. Two signals were received from the aircraft both 1st class QDM’s, at 0536 and 0545 hours which were acknowledged and indicated the aircraft was on track. At that time it was estimated that the aircraft was over the sea between the French and English coast. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft which failed to return to base. Crew : RNZAF RAF RCAF RAAF RNZAF RAF
Sgt Parry, J S Captain (Pilot) Sgt Robertson, I J (2nd Pilot) PO Brown, W R J (Observer) 402457 Sgt Chapman, A W M (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt MacDonald, H M (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Fieldhouse, E (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that three bodies were washed ashore with PO Brown (RCAF) being buried at Harlingen Cemetery, Gent Holland, and Sgt Robertson (RAF) and Sgt MacDonald (RNZAF) being buried at Denburg (Texel) General Cemetery, Holland. It was presumed that the remaining three missing crew members had lost their lives at sea.
148
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407198 Flight Sergeant CHENOWETH, Colin Maxwell
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/144/173 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Baltimore AG 852 ATTD 223 SQN RAF
Summary: Baltimore AG 852 of 223 Sqn RAF Middle East, was one of a formation of aircraft in an operation to bomb stores at Chazal Station on 2 November 1942. Over the target there was heavy ack-ack fire, and AG 852 was hit, blew up and seen to leave the formation going down in flames. One of the crew was seen to bale out, but it was impossible to state who it was. There was no further news of the aircraft or crew which did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
401133 Flt Sgt A C Maclure, (Pilot) 406400 Flt Sgt C S Middleton, (Observer) 407198 Flt Sgt C M Chenoweth, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 402006 Sgt T G Richards, (Air Gunner)
Flt Sgt Middleton is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. The search for the graves of the remaining missing crew members was abandoned in 1946. They have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, which is situated at the entrance to the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. .
149
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408564 Flight Sergeant CHITTOCK, Wesley Victor Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/83 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 123, Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax HR 787 MH ATTD 51 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax HR 787 took off from RAF Snaith, near Goole, Yorkshire, at 0026 hours on 27 April 1943 detailed to attack Duisberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
411439 Sgt C M Brigden, Captain (Pilot) Sgt N Thompson, (2nd Pilot) Sgt RG H Sees, (Flight Engineer) Sgt W D Griffith, (Navigator) Sgt C C Peters, (Air Bomber) Sgt W Holding,(Wireless Operator) 408564 Flt Sgt W V Chittock, (Air Gunner) 406804 Sgt B F K Green, (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established from German documents that the aircraft crashed 2kms east of Kleinen Broich, and all the crew were killed. Five of the crew are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. Sgt Sees, Sgt Holding and Flt Sgt Chittock have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
150
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416545 Flight Sergeant CLARK, Graham Russell
Source: NAA: A705, 166/7/155 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HE 610 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HE 610 of 104 Sqn RAF, Middle East, took off from Hani West Landing ground at 0016 hours on 29 July 1943 to attack Capedichino, Naples, Italy. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
416545 Flt Sgt Clark, G R Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt Roberts, I J (Navigator) Sgt Garner, A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Keep, E (Bombaimer) Flt Sgt Walker, H J (Air Gunner)
Following extensive searches in the Naples area when no trace of the missing crew could be found,, it was recorded in 1948 that they had lost their lives at sea.
151
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423063 Flight Sergeant CLAYWORTH, Eric Raymond
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/48 , 163/43/639 Micro Film 463, OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 201 Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax LL 356 NF – U ATTD 138 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax LL 356 of 138 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Tempsford, near Sandy, Bedfordshire, on the night of 27/28th April 1944, on Operation Osric 59.The aircraft did not return to base from the special operations mission. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF RAAF RCAF
414741 Flt Sgt Williamson, G H Captain (Pilot) Sgt G P Croad. (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt H Dootson, (Navigator) WO11 A J G Barnes, (Air Bomber) Sgt H F Benbow, (Wireless Operator Air) 423063 Flt Sgt Clayworth, E R (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt J E Smythe, (Air Gunner)
The aircraft set course for Belgium probably taking the northerly route, and it came down into the sea off the Dutch Frisian Islands. All the crew lost their lives. Flt Sgt Williamson’s body was washed ashore on the north coast of Terschelling island on 16th June 1944, and interred in the Terschelling (West Terschelling) General Cemetery, Netherlands. Terschelling is one of the Frisian group of islands off the north coast of Holland and West Terschelling is the main village on the island. No trace was found of the remaining members of the crew and they are recorded as having lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
152
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404025 Sergeant CLEMENTS, Herbert Allan
Source: NAA : A705, 163/97/126 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim 3872 11 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blemheim 3872 of 11 Sqn RAF was missing on 19 February 1942, from an operational flight to Landing Ground 121 in Sidi Barrani area, Egypt. The aircraft took off from Bade at 1130 hours on 19 February. The wreck of the aircraft was found on 31 March 1942, 68 miles west of Mersa Matruh, 1.5 miles north of the railway in the Sidi Barrani area. The identities of the missing crew were established and the remains of the crew were buried. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
407594 Sgt Small, J T (Pilot) 404025 Sgt Clements, H A (Observer) 400684 Sgt Wheeler, W R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war searches and investigations when no trace of the graves were found, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had no known grave.
153
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403920 Flight Sergeant CLEMOW, William John
Source: NAA : A705, 166/7/88 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington MP 518 221 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington MP 518 of 221 Sqn RAF, Middle East took off from RAF Station Luqa, Malta at 2110 hours on 27 April 1943, to carry out an shipping strike in the Maritimo area, Italy, some 30 miles north of Ustica. The aircraft failed to return to base from this mission. Crew: RAF RNZAF RNZAF RNZAF RAAF RNZAF
Flt Lt Taylor, J L (Captain (Pilot) FO Prebble, J D (2nd Pilot) FO Whatnall, G O (Navigator) Sgt Rowley, D K (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 403920 Flt Sgt Clemow, W J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Moyniham, T C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
In statements made in 1946 by three members who survived the aircraft crash and became POW’s, all three agreed that all crew members were in the aircraft when it crashed into the sea due to flying too low when trying to evade enemy night fighters. The position was half way between Pantellaria Island and Cape Bon and the time between 0150/1200 hours on the 28 April 1943. Flt Sgt Clemow (RAAF), FO Prebble (RNZAF) and Flt Taylor (RAF) went down with the aircraft and were not seen again. The three remaining members of the crew got out due to the aircraft breaking open on impact with the water and climbed into the dinghy. There was no wind and the sea calm. They were picked up several hours later by an Italian naval boat and became POW’s. In 1948 it was recorded that the three missing members had lost their lives at sea.
154
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402565 Sergeant CLIFFORD, Clive Edward Wigram
Source: NAA : A705, 163/97/131 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster R 5493 KM – M 44 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster R 5493 of 44 (Rhodesia) Sqn RAF, took off from RAF Station Waddington, Lincolnshire, at 1950 hours on 24 March 1942to carry out a mine laying operation off Lorient, France. At 1108pm a radio message from the aircraft was received giving its position, but the message faded. Red flares were also seen 5 miles off Lizzard Point but it was not certain if these came from R 5493. The aircraft did not return to base and subsequent searches found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew Crew: SAAF SAAF RAAF SAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Sgt Smith, L W Captain (Pilot) Sgt Marston, R A (2nd Pilot) 402565 Sgt Clifford, C E W (1st Navigator) Sgt Murdoch, A F (2nd Navigator) Sgt Cluff, E B (1st Wireless Operator) Sgt Boyd, J (2nd Wireless Operator) Sgt Plower, N H (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Davidson, J McN (Rear Gunner)
Following post war investigations and enquiries among local residents on the Island of Croix located off the French coast, 8 miles south west of Lorient, it was established that R 5493 was hit by ack-ack fire and exploded in the air, crashing in the sea off the north east coast of the island. No bodies were recovered from the crash, and it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
155
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402110 Sergeant CLOWRY, Felix French
Source: NAA : A705, 163/97/75 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington N 2756 38 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington N 2756 of 38 Sqn RAF took off at 1010pm on 13 July 1941 to bomb Benghazi, Libya. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Other crews on the same mission reported seeing an aircraft in flames on the water one mile off Benghazi harbour. These reports could not be corroborated. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
402110 Sgt Clowry, F F (Pilot) Sgt Wilkins, J P Sgt Cashman, S M Sgt Young, W Sgt Grocott, D Sgt Dargie, A M S
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
156
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407707 Sergeant COCKINGTON, Percival Source: NAA : A705, 163/98/831 Marauder Aircraft Type: FK 367 Serial number: Radio call sign: 14 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: Marauder FK 367 of 14 Sqn RAF took off on 16 December 1942 for a shipping strike between Zuara and Tripoli. The aircraft was attacked and damaged by enemy fighters 50 miles north of Tripoli, but endeavoured to reach the mainland. The aircraft did not return from this mission. Crew: RAAF 407318 Sgt Einsaar, A A (Pilot) RAF Sgt Dixon, L R (Pilot) RAAF 401305 Sgt Exell, T E (Observer) RAF Sgt Plosken, R (Observer) RAAF 407707 Sgt Cockington, P (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Willcocks, L B (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Watts, A N (Air Gunner) In a later statement by Sgt Einsaar who survived the crash, he reported “As there were no ships sighted, at approx 1200 hours the aircraft turned in a northerly direction to a DR position from Tripoli. Approx half an hour later we were attacked by a strong force of MR 1090’s and MR 210’s. They made three attacks and the aircraft was badly damaged. Two hours from Base on the way back one engine ran out of fuel. We were within 20 miles of base when the second engine ran out of fuel. The fuel tanks had been holed by canon shells. The aircraft was belly landed on the water and burst into flames. Sgt Watts was killed outright in the attack. Sgt Willcocks was hit in the leg and severely burnt on landing. Sgt Exell’s Mae west was unserviceable, and I supported him for one and a half hours when I was compelled to release him. He had died before I let go. Sgt Plosken was unhurt but was not seen again after the ditching. Dinghies were dropped by search aircraft but were too far away.” Sgts Einsaar, Willcocks and Dixon were picked up by a torpedo boat at 1900 hours and admitted to Benghazi hospital. In 1949 it was recorded that Sgt Exell and Sgt Cockington had lost their lives at sea.
157
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400526 Sergeant CONNOR, Les William Higgs
Source: NAA : A705, 163/98/471. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim 27899 45 Sqn RAF
Summary: On 14March 1942, Blenheim 27899 from 45 Sqn RAF piloted by Sgt Powell was detailed to carry out a low level offensive recce. of the Lower Irrawaddy – Mingaladon – Himawbi Road area, Burma. The aircraft took off from Magwe drome at approx 1530 hours but did not return to base. The following day one aircraft went out on a search, but owing to low cloud and general weather conditions being bad, they found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
404656 Sgt L.S.Powell, Pilot. 400526 Sgt L.W.H.Connor, Observer. 407496 PO Eden, J.J., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
In 1953 following searches by the British Far Eastern Graves Service, it was reported that “ the aircraft crashed in the Lower Irrawaddy area of southern Burma about half a mile from the Mingaladon – Hmawbi road. The aircraft exploded on impact and all three would have been killed instantaneously. Their bodies were thrown from the aircraft and later cremated by the local villagers who witnessed the crash and gave the information to the search party”. All crew recorded as missing with no known grave.
158
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429450 Flight Sergeant CONQUEST, Henry John
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/635. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PB 535 KM – Z 44 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster PB 535 of No 44 (Rhodesia) Sqn RAF, took off from RAF Station Dunholme Lodge, Lincoln, on 12 September 1944 to attack Darmstadt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
418130 FO Lade, D.S., Pilot. 406988 WO T Awcock., Navigator Bombaimer Flt Sgt T.Starke, Flight Engineer. PO McCallam, J.A.W. DFC, Air Bomber. Sgt M. Benjamin, Wireless Operator (Air). 429450 Flt Sgt H.J.Conquest, Air Gunner. 410668 FO Hourigan, I.P., Air Gunner.
FO Lade and FO Hourigan (RAAF) are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery. Germany, and following post war investigations and enquiries, it was recorded in 1950 that the remaining crew members had no known grave.
159
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418632 Flight Sergeant CONROY, Desmond James
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/306 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HE 855 26 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington HE 855 of No 26 Operational Training RAF took off from RAF Wing, near Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, at 2230 hours on 25 November 1943 to carry out a night cross country exercise, part of which was over the North Sea. The aircraft contacted Docking at 2255 hours just before crossing the coast, and a second WT message was received, but nothing was heard from HE 855 after that. Searches were carried out but no trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RCAF RAF
Sgt Morley, D J (Pilot) Sgt Ford, A K (Navigator) Sgt Ashcroft, J H (2nd Navigator) 418632 Flt Sgt Conroy, D J (Air Bomber) Sgt Page, K J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Mould, G B (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Pullen, L G (Air Gunner)
It was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
160
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400696 Sergeant COOK, Alan Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/98/360. Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 183, Volume 1941. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington R 1135 HA – N ATTD 218 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington R 1135 of No 218 (Gold Coast) Sqn RAF, took off from RAF Station, Marham, at 2217 hours on the night of 15/16th November 1941 to attack Kiel. Germany. At 0212 hours on 16 November 1941 an SOS was received from the aircraft when on its return journey and well out over the North Sea. Attempts were made to locate the missing aircraft but without success. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
400696 Sgt A.Cook, Captain (Pilot). Sgt J.B.Drury. Sgt E.C.Reeve. Sgt R.N.Hannan. Sgt R.E.Glenny.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in the 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
161
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414907 Warrant Officer COOK, Allan Alfred
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/564 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Mitchell FV 986 13 OP TRAINING RAF
Summary: Mitchell FV 986 of No 13 Operational Training Unit RAF, took off from RAF Station, Bichester, Oxfordshire, on an operational training flight in the early hours of the morning on 24 July 1944, The aircraft crashed at Chilwell, Beeston, about 3 miles south west of Nottingham at 0230 hours. The aircraft disintegrated on hitting the ground. Crew : RAAF RAAF RAAF RCAF
430040 FO Montgomery, A M (Pilot) * *(of 16 (P) Service Flg Trg School, RAF) 423264 FO Stephens, R F (Observer) 414907 WO Cook, A A (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt N A Hartrick (Air Gunner)
WO Cook has no known grave His name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK The other three crew members were killed. FO’s Montgomery and Stephens are buried in the Oxford (Botley) Cemetery, UK. Sgt Hartrick is buried in the Harrogate (Stonefalol) Cemetery, UK.
162
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429526 Flight Sergeant COOK, Francis John
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/682 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 165 WP – T 186 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM 165 of 186 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Tuddenham, Bury St Edmund, Suffolk, at 2252 hours on 14 October 1944, to bomb Duisberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
429526 Flt Sgt Cook, F J Captain (Pilot) Sgt Morrell, J (Navigator) Sgt Howell, K B (Air Bomber) Sgt Read, G T (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Purnell-Howards, W P I (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Sunley, J R (Rear Gunner) Sgt James, F H W (Flight Engineer)
Post war examination of German documents revealed that LM 165 was shot down at Meidrich at 0145 hours on 15 October. The aircraft was one of 19 aircraft which failed to return from the Duisberg raid. All 19 were shot down in the Duisberg area, but it was not possible in all cases to determine which of the 19 each individual report referred to. The remains of those who lost their lives in the 19 aircraft were buried by the Germans in various cemeteries in the district. Some were identified, but in the case of the majority it was not possible to determine which aircraft they had come from. German records show that 4 of the above crew had been identified prior to their original burial, although it was not possible to establish who they were. All the unidentified were laid to rest in a War Cemetery as unknown airmen who had no known grave.
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429432 Flight Sergeant COOK, James Edward
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/391. Liberator Aircraft Type: 42 – 110120 Serial number: Radio call sign: 530 Sqn USAAF Unit: Summary: On the night of 28 October 1944 Liberator 42-110120 of 530 Sqn, 380 Bomb Group USAAF, 5th Air Force, failed to return from a mission to Macassar, NEI. The aircraft took off from Darwin at 1751 hours, manned by a RAAF crew of eleven. The following sequence of messages was received by Ops room No 380 (B) Group : 281420Z No 3 out, Position 06.25S 120.50E course 120deg true. 281555Z 2 engines out, posn 0800S 123.35E. 281628Z Not likely to reach base. No 4 giving trouble. Preparing to ditch. Darwin obtained a bearing of 340deg at 281604Z. Search ships and 4 B24’s immediately began search, and B24’s, B25’s and Catalinas on subsequent days were unable to locate missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF 408190 FO Harrison, A.L., Captain, (Pilot). RAAF 413969 WO S.H.Davidson, 2nd Pilot. RAAF 416078 Flt LT Cropley, A.A., Navigator. RAAF 408590 FO O’Dea, D.J., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 416861 WO K.L.J.Killen, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 423587 Flt Sgt W.R.Barber, Navigator/Bombaimer. RAAF 408448 Flt Sgt C.L.Wilken, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 36474 Sgt S.H.Jamieson, Armament/Gunner. RAAF 429432 Sgt J.E.Cook, Air Gunner. RAAF 62526 Sgt W.J.Bird, Fitter 11A/Gunner. RAAF 116993 LAC (Agt Flt Sgt) F.W.Anstey, Flight Engineer. ARMY VX21828 Major Latrelle, H.R., AIF, Intel. Officer (Observer). In 1949 it was recorded that the aircraft and crew were lost at sea.
164
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. 430973 Flight Sergeant COOK, Keith Thomas Source: NAA : A9301, Barcode 5549452. Nil RAAF Casualty file held by Archives. See also A705, 166/11/322. Liberator Aircraft Type: KG 911 Serial number: Radio call sign: 203 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: Liberator KG 911 of 203 Sqn RAF Captained by Flt Lt Elmes, took off at 0215Z on 23 July 1945 from Kankesantura on an operational sortie with another Liberator C 203 of the Squadron. Both aircraft staged through China Bay, where they refuelled before proceeding on the mission. KG 911 took off from China Bay at 0500z, being followed by C 203 at 0510Z. The task was to attack a convoy of fire vessels, “Sugar Dog” type, which were escorted by one vessel, moving in an easterly direction along the northern coast of Sumatra. C 203 made a successful flight to the target area, and sighted the convoy at 1112Z on 23 July which was stationary approx 2 miles north of Sigli, attacked it and was met by accurate machine gun fire from all vessels. During his bombing run, the Captain of C 203 reported seeing a large fire, which he took to be a petrol fire, on a hill side three to four miles inland from Sigli. From the time KG 911 took off from China Bay, no signals were received from the aircraft, although the Control Station kept calling until approx two hours past absolute endurance. C 203 and an ASR Catalina, which was covering the track between China Bay and the target area, saw nothing of KG 911 to or from the target. Two ASR Liberators carried out a parallel track sweep as far as Sabang on the following day without success. From the evidence available it was considered possible that the petrol fire reported some three to four miles from Sigli was that of the missing aircraft D 203, which had possibly met either ack- ack fire from the land or was intercepted by fighter aircraft and had crashed. Crew: RAAF 413842 Flt Lt Elmes, C R H (Pilot) RAF FO Prosser, J V (2nd Pilot) RAF WO Pickering, K C (Navigator/Bombaimer) RAF Flt Sgt Churchill, J (Flight Engineer) RAAF 442421 Flt Sgt Francis, H B (Wireless Operator/Air) RAAF 435624 Flt Sgt Hamilton, C H (Wireless Operator/Air) RAAF 430973 Flt Sgt Cook, K T (Wireless Operator/Air) RAF Sgt Marchant, F H H (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Grainger, R K (Air Gunner)
165
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
423985 Flight Sergeant COOK, Ronald Anthony
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/562 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 366 DX – N 57 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB 366 of 57 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station East Kirby, Lincolnshre, at 1740 hours on 27 January 1944 to attack Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF RAF RAAF
PO Wright, A O Captain (Pilot) Sgt English, J (Flight Engineer) Sgt Marsh, D N (Navigator) Sgt Rennie, D J (Air Bomber) Sgt Huxtable, G J (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Anderson, R (Air Gunner) 423985 Flt Sgt Cook, R A (Air Gunner)
Following post war investigations, it was established from German documents that the aircraft crashed at Jetzch, 10 kms north west of Luckau, in the Russian Zone of occupation in Germany. Four of the crew became POW’s and no information re. the burial place of the three remaining missing members Flt Sgt Cook (RAAF), PO Wright (RAF) and Sgt Anderson (RAF) could be found. One of the survivors stated that in his opinion, the aircraft was shot down by rockets over the target.
166
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421169 Flight Sergeant COOK, Walter Stuart
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/390 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Ventura F 958 -K 519 Sqn RAF
Summary: Ventura F 958 of 519 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station, Skitten near Wick, Caithness, Scotland, at 0854 hours on 12 March 1944, on a long range meteorological flight. The aircraft was on a track of 350deg true from Noup Head to Position 10. Nothing was heard from F 958 until the aircraft called Inverness at 1417 hours and passed a meteorological message. At 1521 hours F 958 called Inverness for a fix. Inverness replied requesting the aircraft to run for a fix but got no reply. Inverness called again at 1523 hours but got no reply. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft which did not return to base, and no distress signals were received. The last plot on the aircraft was 61.30N, 0053W in the vicinity of the Shetland Islands. Naval and air searches were carried out but no trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found. Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Carpenter, J R (Pilot) RNZAF FO Hart, G HY (Navigator Bombaimer) RAAF 421169 Flt Sgt Cook, W S (Navigator Bombaimer) RAF Flt Lt Overton, B G (Wireless operator Air) RCAF Flt Sgt Young, C T (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) In 1949 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
167
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424152 Flight Sergeant COOKE, Terence Raymond
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/416 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington X 3225 20 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington X 3225 of No 20 Operational Training Unit RAF, took off from RAF Station Lossiemouth, Scotland, at 1002 hours on 1 April 1944, on a non operational training flight. The aircraft was seen by the coast guard to be on fire in the air and crash into the sea 4 miles north of the Isle of Jura, Scotland. Crew: RAAF RAF RCAF RAF RAF
424152 Flt Sgt Cooke, T R (Pilot) Sgt Stafford, J H (Navigator) Sgt Lewis, G W (Air Bomber) Sgt Hodgson, G (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Robertshaw, A (Air Gunner)
Sgt Robertshaw’s remains were recovered and are buried in Carlsheaton Cemetery, Dewsbury, Yorkshire. It was recorded in 1949 that the remaining four missing crew members had lost their lives at sea.
168
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400409 Flight Sergeant COOPER, Alan Ernest
Source: NAA : A705, 163/98/535 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufighter T 3291 272 Sqn RAF
Summary: Beaufighter T 3291 of 272 Sqn RAF took off at dusk at 2030 hours on 14 June 1942 on convoy escort duties in the Mediterranean south of Crete. The aircraft which did not return to base was last seen in the vicinity of the convoy. Crew: RAAF RAF
400409 Flt Sgt Cooper, A E (Pilot) Sgt Ridgeway, C C (Navigator/Wireless Operator)
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
169
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412908 Warrant Officer COOPER, William John
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/536 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire PA 848 681 Sqn RAF India
Summary: Spitfire PA 848 of 681 Sqn RAF took off from Alipore, India, at 0631 hours on 2 July 1944, en route to a refuelling base at Cox’s Bazaar, preparatory to carrying out a photo recce over Burma. At 0715 hours the aircraft was plotted over the sea in a position 10 miles north west of Sudharan, Bengal, Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it did not return to base after the mission. There were severe rainstorms in the area when searches were carried out, but no trace of the missing aircraft or pilot was found. Crew: RAAF
412908 WO Cooper, W J (Pilot)
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409294 Sergeant COPE, Arthur Reginald
Source: NAA: A9301, Bar Code 5527802 Nil RAAF Casualty file held by Archives. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
ATTD Royal Air Force Gibraltar
Summary: RAAF Sgt Cope (Pilot) was reported missing from air operations UK on 9 March 1943. He was attached to the RAF North Front, Gibraltar.
171
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422138 Flight Sergeant CORKILL, Charles William Maxwell
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/328. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling BK 798 OJ – Q 149 Sqn RAF
Summary: Stirling BK 798 of 149 (East India) Sqn RAF, took off from RAF Station, Lakenheath, Suffolk, at 5.20pm on 20 December 1943 for mine laying operations in the Friesian Islands area. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RCAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF
409881 Flt Sgt R.J.Ayers, Captain (Pilot). 422138 Flt Sgt C.W.M.Corkill, Navigator. Sgt J.R.Martin, Air Bomber. Sgt P.J.Lunn, Flight Engineer. Sgt V.Mandy, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt W.M.Power, Air Gunner. Sgt W.Macadie, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew could be found, it was recorded in 1949 that the crew had lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
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426544 Warrant Officer COSSART, James Bowes
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/477. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LL 948 ZN – V 106 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster LL948 of 106Sqn RAF took off from RAF Stn. Metheringham, Lincoln, UK at 1705hrs on the night of 14 March 1945 to bomb oil refineries at Lutzkendorf, about 30 miles west of Leipzig. The aircraft was one of fifteen Squadron aircraft detailed to attack the target. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft which did not return to base. Crew member Sgt J. Hussey, (Rear Gunner) RAF, who survived the crash later reported : “the aircraft was on the return journey just south of Karlsthur not far from the Rhine, when hit by flak. The plane caught fire and flames spread rapidly with the plane breaking up. Hussey in the rear turret was able to exit the plane but believed the others did not have time to get out. “ Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
437109 FO Barrow, B.E. Captain (Pilot) Sgt H. Castle, Flight Engineer. Flt Sgt H. Bedford, Navigator. 426544 WO J.B.Cossart, Air Bomber. 433115 Flt Sgt R.K.Locke, Wireless Operator Sgt G.S.Armstrong, Mid-upper Gunner Sgt J.S.Hussey, Rear gunner (survived)
173
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430103 Flight Sergeant COSTER, John Stewart
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/926. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PA 973 OF – C 97 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster PA 973 of No 97 (Strait Settlements) Sqn RAF, took off at 2335 hours from RAF Station Coningsby, Lincoln, UK, on 20 March 1945 to bomb a target at Bohlen. Weather clear. Visibility good. Flak over target moderate to intense. Aircraft did not return to base and no evidence as to loss or whether aircraft shot down over target. No messages received from aircraft. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
418813 Flt Lt Cottman, J.D., Captain (Pilot). 432022 PO Murray, A.G., Navigator. 428596 WO H.J.Arney, Wireless Operator. 430103 Flt Sgt J.S. Coster, Air Bomber. 437562 Flt Sgt V.E.Petschel, Mid Upper Gunner. 430011 Flt Sgt L.J.Bull, Rear Gunner. Sgt J.W.Cross, Flight Engineer.
With no trace of the aircraft or crew being found following post war investigations and enquiries, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
174
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400912 Sergeant COUTIE, Alan Vincent
Source: NAA : A705, 163/98/431. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hurricane BE 589 232 Sqn RAF.
Summary: Hurricane BE 589 of 232 Sqn RAF took off from Palang, Malaya at approx. 0955 hours on 25 January 1942 on a mission to proceed to vector of 180 deg. and pick up a convoy proceeding to Singapore. BE 589 was one of four aircraft on the mission. Owing to lack of fuel, BE 589 force landed near the coast of Sumatra. No further news was received of pilot or aircraft. Crew: RAAF
400912 Sgt A.V.Coutie, Pilot.
Later a report was received that Sgt Coutie had reached shore in Sumatra in the vicinity of Riow Islands, and been assisted by natives and placed in hospital. All records were however lost when the Japanese occupied Malaya and Sumatra, The source of the report was not known, and the report could not be confirmed. Following post war enquiries and investigations, the search was abandoned and in 1950 Sgt Coutie was recorded as having no known grave.
175
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403722 Warrant Officer COX, Frank Mitchell
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/302. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufighter LX 977. 603 Sqn RAF
Summary: Beaufighter LX 977 of 603 (City of Edinburgh) Sqn RAF, at 0700 hours on 13 November 1943 together with 9 Beaufighters of 603 Sqn and 47 Sqn and in company with two B25’s of USAAF, took off on an offensive sweep of Leros Island. They proceeded through the Kaso Straits and arrived in the target area at 0907 hours. The sweep was carried out with nil sightings and a small amount of flak. The formation passed through Kaso Straits again at 1007 hours and altered course for base. At 1025 hours LX 977 reported an oil leak in the starboard engine. He climbed to 2500 feet and Beaufighter D of 47 Sqn was detailed to stay with him. At 1034 hours the starboard engine cut out and the aircraft lost height to 100 feet, where the engine apparently picked up again. WO Cox the pilot of LX 977 indicated he would have to ditch. The sea was rough with a wind of 25 knots. The Observer was seen to jettison his cupola hatch. LX 977 ditched at 1042 hours in position 33.52N, 25.50E. It ditched tail first, the aircraft was covered by breakers and the tail unit broke away. WO Ferguson was seen in the water about 50 yards from the dinghy which was the right way up and inflated. He disappeared shortly after and was not seen again. Beaufighters D, G and P remained in the area until 1100 hours but saw nothing more. Crew: RAAF RAAF
403722 WO F.M..Cox, Pilot. 400984 WO N.S.Ferguson, Navigator Bombaimer.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
176
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405174 Sergeant COX, Neville Holt
Source: NAA : A705, 163/98/552 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington R 1162 27 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington R 1162 of No 27 Operational Training Unit, RAF, took off shortly before midnight on 25 June 11942, on a night operation against Bremen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it did not return to base. Other crews reported that the aircraft was possibly shot down over the target. Crew: RCAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
PO Lamb, T F Captain (Pilot) 405174 Sgt Cox, N H (Observer) 403940 Sgt Mathers. J B (Observer) 403786 Sgt Poynting, K H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 400442 Sgt Synnot, J M (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
177
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405721 Sergeant CRAVEN, George Edward James
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/13 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Catalina FP 266 Royal Air Force Ferry Command RCAF
Summary: Catalina FP 266 of RAF Ferry Command on a delivery flight from Canada to the UK was reported missing after it’s last contact with base at 0400 hours GMT on 25 December 1942. No passengers were carried on the aircraft which did not reach its destination. Crew: RAFFC RAF RCAF RAFFC RAAF RAF
Captain Benson, H C Civilian, (Pilot) Sgt Harding, R (1st Officer) Sgt Bevan, D O (Navigator) Mr Auld, J H Civilian (Radio Operator) 405721 Sgt Craven G E J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Thompson, R E (Flight Engineer)
In 1949 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
178
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400969 Flight Sergeant CRIPPS, Raymond Frank
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/9. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4371 PH – C 12 Sqn RAF.
Summary: Lancaster W 4371 of 12 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Wickenby, to carry out a mine laying operation in the St Peters Head area of the West Friesian Islands. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RCAF RCAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF
Sgt D.C.Marshall, Captain (Pilot). Flt Sgt J.A.Buick, Navigator. 400969 Flt Sgt R.F.Cripps, Bombaimer. Sgt S.V.Ramsay, Wireless Operator. Sgt G.D.Hester, Flight Engineer. Sgt W.D.Dorey, Mid Upper Gunner. Flt Sgt J.E.Bradley, Rear Gunner.
Following post war investigations and enquiries it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
179
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420920 Flight Sergeant CROFT, Barry Alan
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/498 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling UJ 819 299 Sqn RAF
Summary: Stirling UJ 819 of 299 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station, Keevil, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, on 6 June 1944, to carry out an operational sortie in the vicinity of Caen, France. The aircraft did not return to base from this mission. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
421012 Flt Sgt Gilbert, L J DFM Captain (Pilot) 420920 Flt Sgt Croft, B A (Wireless Operator Air) FO Franklin Sgt Knight Sgt Pizer Sgt Mason, M C
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had no known grave.
180
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404207 Sergeant CROMPTON, George William Sergio
Source: NAA : A705, 163/98/610 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HX 580 N0 43 Group RAF
Summary: Wellington HX 580 of No 43 Group RAF, was in transit from RAF Station Moreton in the Marsh to the Middle East. It departed Gibraltar at 1141 hours on 30 July 1942 for the Middle East. Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it did not reach it’s destination. Crew: RAF RAAF RCAF RAF RAAF
Sgt Mears, L W (Pilot) 400396 PO Fordyce, H S W (Pilot) Sgt Greene, A (Observer) Sgt Maxwell, C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 404207 Sgt Crompton, G W S (Air Gunner)
In a statement by PO Fordyce who became a POW, he reported that the aircraft was attacked by two enemy aircraft and shot down into the sea. Sgt Crompton was severely wounded in the attack but refused to leave the turret during the engagement. When the aircraft crashed into the sea, the other crew members who were rescued were unable to release Sgt Crompton from the crashed aircraft. In 1949 it was recorded that Sgt Crompton had lost his life at sea.
181
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412405 Warrant Officer CROSSING, Murray Herbert
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/261 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufighter JL 937 177 Sqn RAF
Summary: Beaufighter JL 937 of 177 Sqn RAF India, took off at 1352 hours on 10 October 1943 in formation with another Beaufighter to make an offensive patrol over the Kalemyo-Yeu road. JL 937 was last seen at 1535 hours near Shoegyin at a height of 300 feet and in difficulties after apparently being hit by light ack-ack fire. Crew: RAAF RAF
412405 WO Crossing, M H (Pilot) Sgt Hall, T A (Navigator)
Following post war enquiries and searches, it was reported in 1954 that the aircraft had crashed approx 2 miles east of Kain Village, on the opposite bank of the Chindwin river from Kalewa, Burma. Village locals indicated the scene of the crash, but the grave site of the crew in a field which had been ploughed several times was not located. The locals stated that one of the crew had been burnt with the plane, and one buried in a very shallow grave on a track used by Japanese motor transport. Although the plane was identified, the remains of the crew were not located after search in the area.
182
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412128 Flight Sergeant CROXTON-DAVIS, Robert
Source: NAA :A705, 166/9/113 (Digitised) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire W 3901 ATTD 118 SQN RAF
Summary: Spitfire W 3901 of 118 Sqn RAF was Blue 4 in a formation of Spitfires detailed on 21 June 1943 to attack enemy shipping off the Dutch coast between Den Helder and Egmond. No shipping was sighted between these two points, but a convoy was seen about 7 miles east of Texel. The Blue Section leader attacked the leading ship and W 3901 was the last to attack. W3901 was hit by flak, followed by black smoke and then fire, and the aircraft was seen to crash into the sea. There was not sufficient height for a bale out to be made. Crew: RAAF
412128 Flt Sgt Croxton-Davis, R (Pilot)
In 1948 it was recorded that the missing pilot had lost his life at sea. His name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
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404327 Sergeant CROZIER, John Francis
Source: NAA : A705, 163/98/577. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8650 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington Z 8650 of 104 Sqn RAF detailed to carry out a mission on the night of 13/14th July 1942, crashed approx 30 miles west of Wadinatrin in the Middle East. The crash was caused by a change in the barometric pressure. Crew: RAF RCAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
Sgt G.Cairns, Pilot. Sgt W.D.M..Embree, Pilot. 404327 Sgt J.F.Crozier, Observer. Sgt J.C.Dickinson, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt S.J.Berry, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt T.A.Clarke, Air Gunner.
Although it was reported that Sgt Crozier had been buried near the scene of the crash the search for his grave was abandoned in 1946.
184
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404779 Flight Sergeant CULLEN, John Kennedy
Source: NAA : A705, 163/99/120. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4116 EA 49 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster W 4116 of 49 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Scampton, at 1745pm on the night of 12/13th October 1942, detailed to attack a target at Wismar, Germany. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft or of the crew after take off. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
400890 PO Laidlaw, G.L., Observer. 404642 Sgt W.H.Ross. (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 404779 Sgt J.K.Cullen. Wireless Operator Air Gunner. FO Elliott, R.F. Sgt G.Hodge. Sgt A.R.Hendrie. FO Horne, J.W.H.
In a 1949 report by the Missing Research and Enquiry Unit it stated that searches failed to reveal any trace of the aircraft or crew. The crew were recorded as missing with no known grave.
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422537 Flight Sergeant CURNER, Reginald Hawies
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/502. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 818 53 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 818 of 53 Sqn RAF took off at 2130 hours from RAF Station, St Eval, Cornwall, on 13 June 1944, to carry out an anti-submarine patrol in support of major operations then in progress. A message was received from the aircraft late at night indicating that a submarine had probably been sighted and was about to attack. Nothing was subsequently heard from the aircraft which failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF
Sqd Ldr Carmichael, DFC., Captain (Pilot). Flt Sgt E.E.Stevens, 2nd Pilot. Flt Sgt J.T.McKeown, 1st Navigator. 408874 FO Peters, A.O., 2nd Navigator. FO White, V.R., Wireless Operator/Air. 422537 Flt Sgt R.H.Curner, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 422425 Flt Sgt K.J.Campbell, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Flt Lt Shaw, J.W., Air Gunner. 422221 Flt Sgt I.E.Martin, Air Gunner. Sgt V.N.Lusher, Flight Engineer.
With no trace of the missing aircraft or crew being found following post war enquiries and investigations, it was concluded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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401744 Flight Sergeant CURTIS, Stanley Noel
Source: NAA : A705, 166/8/72. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington X 3965 AS – L 166 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington X 3965 took off from RAF Station Kirmington, Lincolnshire, at 1943 hours on the night of 29/30th March 1943, being one of twelve squadron aircraft detailed to attack Bochum, Germany. Weather conditions were good, with good visibility and no cloud over the target. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
Sgt O.B.Collins, Captain (Pilot). FO Young, L., Navigator. Sgt J.B.Hubbard, Air Bomber. 412098 Flt Sgt J.B. Bayliss, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 401744 Flt Sgt S.N.Curtis, Rear Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew had no known grave.
187
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
413175 Flight Sergeant CURWOOD, Geoffrey McDowall
Source: NAA : A9301, Barcode 5539609. Nil RAAF Casualty file held by Archives. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
3 Op Training RAF
Summary: Flt Sgt Curwood of No 3 Operational Training Unit, RAF, was recorded missing on a non-operational flight from United Kingdom on 23 November 1943 Crew: RAAF 413175 Flt Sgt G.McD.Curwood, Navigator Bombaimer. No other crew details are available.
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400785 Warrant Officer DALEY, Edward Arthur
Source: A705 : 163/100/116 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire AB 459 145 Sqn RAF
Summary: Spitfire AB 459 of 145 Sqn RAF Middle East, took off with other Squadron aircraft at 1205 hours on 4 July 1943 to provide high level cover for bombers over Gerbini. After leaving the target several RF 2001’s were sighted but were not engaged. AB 459 which failed to return from the mission was last seen 5 miles south of Comiso, Sicily, flying straight and level. Crew: RAAF
400785 WO Daley, E A (Pilot)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that WO Daley had lost his life at sea.
189
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404014 Flight Sergeant DALEY, John Campbell
Source: NAA : A705, 163/100/242. Wellington Aircraft Type: Z 8778 Serial number: Radio call sign: Sea Rescue Flight RAF Unit: Summary: Wellington Z 8778 of RAF Sea Rescue Flight took off at 1000 hours on 3 August 1942 from Landing ground ‘X’ in answer to a request from Flying Control AHQ, Egypt, to search for a missing Wellington aircraft of 104 Sqn which had signalled at about 0500 hours that it was force landing in position 30.51N, 29.52E. The Captain was instructed to carry out a search of the reported position to a depth of 30 miles. It was pointed out that the area traversed the main Cairo-Alexandria road and also contained a large number of aerodromes. At 1245 hours a snap D/F bearing by Gianaclis was 135 deg. At 1300 hours a WT signal from Z 8778 read “search had up to that time been unsuccessful, but continuing.” At 1642 hours a further attempt was made to contact Z 8778 but was not successful. The aircraft had a safe endurance of 8 hours – perhaps over 10 hours. Extensive searches were made for Z 8778 over the next two days but were unsuccessful. Crew: RAF RCAF RCAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF
FO Dick, J.T., DFC, Captain (Pilot). PO Locke, H.G., 2nd Pilot. PO Prince, R.C., 3rd Pilot. Flt Sgt H.S.Impett, Navigator. 400667 Flt Sgt I.A.Baines, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 404014 Flt Sgt J.C.Daley, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt R.S.Hughes, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and searches when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew were found, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had no known grave.
190
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422141 Flight Sergeant DANIELS, Edward
Source: NAA: A705, 166/9/288. Aircraft Type: Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 913 547 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 913 of 547 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station St Eval, Wadebridge, Cornwall, at 0602 hours on 12 April 1944 on an anti-sub patrol in the Bay of Biscay. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
421867 Flt Sgt E.G.Swanbury, Pilot. 410579 Flt Sgt K.W.Webb, Navigator Bombaimer. 417634 Flt Sgt M.R.Goldney, Navigator Bombaimer. 421846 Flt Sgt K.R.Foster, Wireless Operator Air. 422141 Flt Sgt E.Daniels, Wireless Operator Air. Flt Sgt Sutton. Sgt Wood. Sgt Crosbie. FO Ryer.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
191
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401369 Sergeant DARE, Keith Edward
Source: NAA : A705, 163/100/225 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster R 5861 ZN 116 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster R 5861 of 116 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Coningsby at 2359 hours on 8 July 1942 to attack Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RCAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
PO Broderick Sgt Lodge Sgt Woolner 401369 Sgt Dare, K E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Rees Sgt Roberts Sgt Curtis
Sgt Curtis’s body was recovered from the sea near Delfzijl and buried at Delfzijl Cemetery on the north east coast of Holland. Sgt Woolner’s remains were washed ashore and are buried at the Island of Nordeney Cemetery in the East Frisian Group of Islands, on the north west coast of Germany. In 1948 it was recorded that the remaining missing crew members had lost their lives at sea.
192
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426552 Warrant Officer DATSON, Edgar Jack
Source: NAA : A705, 166/9/494. Wellington Aircraft Type: HZ 644 Serial number: Radio call sign: 524 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: Wellington HZ 644 of No 524 Sqn RAF, took off from RAF Station Langham at 1546 hours of 13 January 1945 to carry out an armed recce. against enemy shipping off the Friesian Islands. The patrol was to commence at 5400N 0700E and after covering an area up to 5350N 0815E to follow the inner convoy route to Borkum, and from thence to make for base due at 1946 hours. No messages were received from the aircraft which did not return to base. No reports were received from later aircraft on similar mission other than heavy flak from Nordernay to Borkum. Beaufighters and a Warwick aircraft made searches during daylight, but no trace of the aircraft or crew were found. It was assumed that the crew were lost at sea. The crew were on their 29th mission when they failed to return. Crew: RAF Flt Lt MacGregor, R.H., DFC, Captain, (Pilot). RAF Flt Sgt G.A.Sarsons, 2nd Pilot. RAAF 420468 PO Ham, G.W., DFC, Navigator. RAAF 426418 WO R.Webster, Wireless Operator/Air. RAAF 426552 WO E.J.Datson, Wireless Operator/Air. RAF Sgt D.J.H.Sayers Wireless Operator/Air. RAF WO D.Kirtley, Wireless Operator/Air.
193
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406208 Sergeant DAVEY, Walter James
Source: NAA : A705, 163/100/210. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim
84 Sqn RAF
Summary: Sgt Davey was a member of the crew of a Blenheim aircraft of 84 Sqn RAF which was reported to have crashed into the side of a hill south east of Lahat, Sumatra. The aircraft had left Palembang in the early hours of 16 February 1942 to proceed to Bandoeng, Java. It encountered bad weather on the way and the aircraft was forced to return, crashing into the hillside at Lahat, which is about 100 miles east of Palembang. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
408074 Sgt N.S.Geappen, Pilot. 400532 Sgt D.J.Gosbell, Observer. 406208 Sgt W.J.Davey, Wireless Operator Air Gunner.
RAAF Sgt J.R.Reid, (Air Gunner) a regular member of Sgt Geappen’s crew was also reported to have been killed in the above crash. However it was later established that Sgt Reid had travelled in another plane from Palembang which had been forced to return to Palembang, and that Sgt Reid had been shot and killed on the ground by advancing Japanese troops.
194
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413969 Warrant Officer DAVIDSON, Stuart Hugh
Source: NAA : A705, 166/9/428. Liberator Aircraft Type: 42 – 110120 Serial number: Radio call sign: 530 Sqn USAAF Unit: Summary: On the night of 28 October 1944 Liberator 42-110120 of 530 Sqn, 380 Bomb Group USAAF, 5th Air Force, failed to return from a mission to Macassar, NEI. The aircraft took off from Darwin at 1751 hours, manned by a RAAF crew of eleven. The following sequence of messages was received by Ops room No 380 (B) Group : 281420Z No 3 out, Position 06.25S 120.50E course 120deg true. 281555Z 2 engines out, posn 0800S 123.35E. 281628Z Not likely to reach base. No 4 giving trouble. Preparing to ditch. Darwin obtained a bearing of 340deg at 281604Z. Search ships and 4 B24’s immediately began search, and B24’s, B25’s and Catalinas on subsequent days were unable to locate missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF 408190 FO Harrison, A.L., Captain, (Pilot). RAAF 413969 WO S.H.Davidson, 2nd Pilot. RAAF 416078 Flt LT Cropley, A.A., Navigator. RAAF 408590 FO O’Dea, D.J., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 416861 WO K.L.J.Killen, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 423587 Flt Sgt W.R.Barber, Navigator/Bombaimer. RAAF 408448 Flt Sgt C.L.Wilken, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 36474 Sgt S.H.Jamieson, Armament/Gunner. RAAF 429432 Sgt J.E.Cook, Air Gunner. RAAF 62526 Sgt W.J.Bird, Fitter 11A/Gunner. RAAF 116993 LAC (Agt Flt Sgt) F.W.Anstey, Flight Engineer. ARMY VX21828 Major Latrelle, H.R., AIF, Intel. Officer (Observer). In 1949 it was recorded that the aircraft and crew were lost at sea.
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401618 Flight Sergeant DAVIE, Robert Curtis
Source: NAA : A705, 166/9/37 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Marauder FK 139 14 Sqn RAF
Summary: Marauder FK 139 of 14 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Shallufa at 1245 hours on 21 February 1943, together with eight other Squadron aircraft to attack shipping and harbour installations at Melos Island in the Aegean Sea. FK 139 was one of the second wave of aircraft to attack. There is no exact information as to what happened, but one Marauder was seen to catch fire in the Harbour and crash into the sea, and another was last seen with its port engine on fire. FK 139 did not return from this mission it was assumed that the aircraft was one of the two missing from this mission. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
Sgt Yarwood, B H Captain (Pilot) Sgt Walker, H (2nd Pilot) Flt Sgt McLean, E T H (Navigator) 401618 Flt Sgt Davie, R C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Gotheridge, F (Air Gunner) Sgt Glenn, W J E (Air Gunner)
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37524 Flight Sergeant DAVIS, Albert Russell
Source: NAA : A705, 166/9/237 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax BB 377 1652 Conversion Unit
Summary: Halifax BB 377 of 1652 Conversion Unit RAF, took off in the dark on 26 January 1944, from Lyneham-Mac in transit to Hampshire. The aircraft burst a tyre on take off and it crashed into the sea. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
20772 Flt Sgt Wood, G M (Pilot) 417451 Flt Sgt Bowering, F E (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 37524 Flt Sgt Davis, A R (Navigator) 415578 Flt Sgt Graham, Y M F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 427148 Flt Sgt Rich, W W (Air Gunner) Sgt E H Oliver
The six crew lost their lives, but only 5 bodies were recovered. Flt Sgt Wood. Flt Sgt Bowering, Flt Sgt Graham and Flt Sgt Rich are buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, UK. The fifth body recovered was believed to be either Flt Sgt Davis or Sgt Oliver (RAF), and this unidentified body was also buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery and the grave marked as an unknown member. Both Flt Sgt Davis and Sgt Oliver are recorded on the Runneymede Memorial as having no known grave.
197
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407166 Sergeant DAVIS, Lance George
Source: NAA : A705, 163/100/301 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Commonwealth War Graves records .
Beaufort DE 110 47 Sqn RAF.
Summary: On 26 October 1942 Beaufort DE 110 piloted by PO Garriock, was in a formation of 8 Beauforts of 47 Sqn RAF, which left Gianaclis to strike against an enemy convoy of 2 motor vessels, a tanker and four destroyers nearing Tobruk. Bisleys and Beaufighters escorted the above formation. The target convoy was seen at 3220N 2342E. The Beauforts carried out a torpedo attack and the Bisleys a low level bombing attack on the convoy. Ten miles on the return journey, DE 110 (PO Garriock), collided with a Bisley and crashed into the sea. No survivors were observed, and all crew members were lost at sea. Crew: RAAF RNZAF RAAF RAAF
403733 PO Garriock, W., Pilot. PO Simpson, R.W., Observer. 407166 Sgt L.G.Davis, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 404689 Sgt R.J.Hamilton, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
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431092 Flight Sergeant DAY, John Alfred
Source: NAA : A705, 166/9/578 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Mosquito DZ 599 627 Sqn RAF
Summary: Mosquito DZ 599 of 627 Sqn RAF took off on 28 March 1945 to carry out a mining operation in the Elbe River, Germany. Shortly after crossing the coast on the return trip to base, DZ 599 was subject to light flak as were other aircraft on the same mission. The pilot of DZ 599 was heard to say that he was going to land in the sea. Nothing further was heard from DZ 599, and the aircraft did not return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAAF
FO Barnett, W A (Pilot) 431092 Flt Sgt Day, J A (Navigator Bombaimer)
FO Barnett who was rescued and returned safely to England reported “ I was forced to ditch the aircraft slightly due west of Heligoland, due to engine failure. The ditching was fairly successful, and we both managed to get out of the aircraft through the escape hatch. The dinghy had not released, and they then had to use their K type dinghies. Flt Sgt Day had not been able to recover his dinghy from the aircraft, and I endeavoured to get him into my dinghy but was unable to do so because of the extreme cold. Flt Sgt Day managed to get on to the wing of the aircraft but this was not secure, and he slipped away from the aircraft and is presumed to have drowned.” In 1949 it was recorded that Flt Sgt Day had lost his life at sea.
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417567 Flight Sergeant DENHOLM, Robert Russell
Source: NAA : A705, 166/9/425 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster HK 544 KO – U 115 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster HK 544 of 115 Sqn RAF took off From RAF Station Witchford, Cambridgeshire, at 0831 hours on 18 October 1944, to attack Bonn, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
423077 FO Smith, K V, Captain (Pilot) Sgt Greener, T (Navigator) FO Skelton, I G (Air Bomber) 417567 Flt Sgt Denholm, R R (Wireless Operator/Air) Sgt Constable, J C (Air Gunner) Sgt Mason, E T (Air Gunner) Sgt Rutson, G J (Flight Engineer)
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew had no known grave.
200
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402154 Sergeant DENNIS, Frederick William
Source: NAA : A705, 163/101/85 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 5860 14 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z 5860 of 14 Sqn RAF together with 5 other squadron aircraft took off on 14 December 1941 for an individual cloud cover raid on motor transport on the Barce – Cirene road. Nothing was heard from Z 5860 after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RCAF RAF
402154 Sgt Dennis, F W (Pilot) Sgt Campbell, W R (Observer) Sgt Redfern, J A W (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was assumed that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
201
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416001 Flight Sergeant DEY, Arthur Alexander
Source: NAA : A705, 166/9/36 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HX 626 221 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HX 626 of 221 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Luqa, Malta, at 1955 local time on 27 February 1943 on an enemy shipping search patrol between Marsala and Palermo. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RCAF RCAF
FO Cochrane, D H Captain (Pilot) 416001 Flt Sgt Dey, A A (Pilot) Sgt Dempster, G W (Observer) 406470 FO Davey, G F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt McArdle, G A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Jamieson, G E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
The bodies of FO Davey and Sgt McArdle were recovered from the sea and are interred in the British Military Cemetery, Catania. In 1947 it was recorded that the remaining missing crew members had lost their lives at sea.
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408388 Flight Sergeant DICKENSON, Max Elwin
Source: NAA : A705,166/9/323. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 915 224 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 915 of 224 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station St.Eval, Cornwall, in the early hours of 7 June 1944. The aircraft was detailed to patrol the coast of Ushant, France but failed to return to base. The last signal received from the aircraft at 0207 hours stated that they were attacking the enemy, the position of the aircraft then was off the French coast near Ushant. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
414988 FO Buchan-Hepburn, R.H., Captain, (Pilot). Flt Sgt G.H.J., Fairs, 2nd Pilot. 420386 PO Hogan, P.W., Navigator Bombaimer. 422822 Flt Sgt J.D.Whitby, Navigator. 422512 Flt Sgt B.A.Hands, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 408388 Flt Sgt M.E.Dickenson, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 422464 Flt Sgt H.J.Earl, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 418506 Flt Sgt A A Kennedy, (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) Flt Sgt L.J.Barnes, Wireless Operator Mechanic/Air Gunner. Sgt A.Collins, Flight Engineer.
In a 1949 report it was stated that all efforts to find any trace of the aircraft or crew were unsuccessful, and the crew had been recorded as missing lost at sea.
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425834 Warrant Officer DICKSON, Andrew Stanley
Source: NAA : A705, 166/9/590 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster RA 544 P4 – U 153 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster RA 544 of 153 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Scampton, Lincoln, on 4 April 1945, being one of five squadron aircraft to carry out a mine laying operation at night in enemy waters in the “Silverthorn” area. No ground fire was experienced but enemy fighters were present. One unidentified aircraft was seen to be hit and disappeared in flames in cloud. Nothing was heard from RA 544 after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
Wg Cdr Powley, F S DFC Captain (Pilot) Sgt Sadler, C F (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt Sims, L G (Navigator) Flt Sgt Higgins, W (Air Bomber) 425834 WO Dickson, A S (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt Madden, C (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt Neal, R (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, the crew are listed as missing on the Runneymede memorial and have no known grave.
204
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405905 Warrant Officer DICKSON, Vivian
Source: NAA : A705, 166/9/275. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax BB 446 614 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax BB 446 of No. 614 (County of Glamorgan) Sqn RAF, Central Mediterranean Force, took off from Celone at 2255 hours on 15 March 1944, to carry out an attack on the Sofia marshalling yards, Bulgaria. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it did not return to base. No 205 Group aircraft operating against the same target reported seeing an aircraft shot down in the target area, and also that no chutes were seen going down. As BB 446 was the only aircraft which could not be accounted for after the mission, it was assumed that the aircraft was shot down in the target area. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
414243 PO Lawson, L.A., Captain, (Pilot). Flt Sgt J.M.Withers, Navigator. 405905 WO V. Dickson, Air Bomber. Sgt F.H.Worthington, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt D.J.Lewis, Flight Engineer. Sgt D.R.Williams, Air Gunner.
In 1948 it was reported that following investigation and enquiries in the Sofia area, no trace of the aircraft or crew could be found. The crew were recorded as having no known grave.
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423079 Flight Sergeant DICKSON, William Alexander
Source: NAA : A705, 166/9/416 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PB 412 UM – Z2 626 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster PB 412 of 626 Sqn RAF took off from Raf Station Wickenby, Lincoln, at 1716 hours on 4 October 1944, on a mine laying operation in enemy waters in the “Silverthorn” area. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
FO Green, G A Captain (Pilot) 429247 Flt Sgt Stephens, W A (Navigator) FO Taylor, K E F (Air Bomber) 423079 Flt Sgt Dickson, W A (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Farley, C F (Flight Engineer) Sgt Norman, W (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Cohen, L (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
206
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427503 Flight Sergeant DILLON, James McKenzie
Source: NAA : A705, 166/9/410 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 722 AS – D 166 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM 722 of 166 Sqn RAF took off From RAF Kimington, Lincolnshire, on 23 September 1944, being one off twenty three squadron aircraft to attack Neuss, Germany. There was moderate heavy flak and some enemy fighter opposition, and aircraft were seen shot down over the target in several combats. Nothing was heard from LM 722 after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Davies, J G Captain (Pilot) Sgt Caston, C L (Flight Engineer) Sgt Rollinson, A (Navigator) FO Cameron, F (Air Bomber) 427503 Flt Sgt Dillon, J McK (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Ward, R R (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Leigh, R (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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404142 Sergeant DILLON, William John
Source: NAA : A705, 163/102/38 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Maryland 1614 21 Sqn RAF
Summary: Maryland 1614 of 21 Sqn RAF was one of two Marylands detailed on 12 December 1941 to patrol the sea 40 miles north of Derna, with the intention of intercepting JU 52’s engaged in ferrying from Crete. Shortly after commencing the patrol, both aircraft were attacked by enemy fighters, and Maryland 1614 which did not return from this mission was last seen with an enemy aircraft on its tail. Crew: SAAF RAAF RAAF SAAF
Lt Parry, T L (Pilot) 407236 Sgt Hart, G M (Observer) 404142 Sgt Dillon, W J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Phelps, J E (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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407602 Sergeant DING, Eric John
Source: NAA : A705, 166/9/27 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HX 221 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HX - of 221 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Luqa, Malta, at 1830Z hours on 7 February 1943 to illuminate a convoy 60 miles east of Sardinia. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
FO Waite, G F C 403211 FO Braine, H (Pilot) Sgt Hunt, A Sgt Spencer, F Sgt Hamilton, D P 407602 Sgt Ding, E J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Sgt Hunt’s body was washed ashore on the south coast of Sardinia, and he is buried in the British Military cemetery, at Cagliari, Sardinia. It was later recorded that the remaining missing crew members had lost their lives at sea.
209
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. 6501 Flight Sergeant DONAGHY, Patrick Joseph Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/120/451, 163/160/200 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson V 9163 ATTD 59 SQN RAF
Summary: Hudson V 9163 of 59 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station North Coates, Lincolnshire at 1145 hours on 11 May 1942 to carry out a strike against enemy shipping off the Dutch coast. V9163 was accompanied by two other squadron aircraft. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
402674 Flt Sgt Scouller, C (Pilot) 6501 Flt Sgt Donaghy, P J (Observer) 402924 Sgt Heggaton, K W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 402363 Sgt Kermode, K W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that Flt Sgt Scouller’s body was washed ashore on the Island of Heligoland, an island in the North Sea off the north west coast of Germany. His remains were buried in the local cemetery and reinterred in the Hamburg (Ohlsdorf) British Military Cemetery. German documents also confirmed that the remains of Flt Sgt Donaghy and Sgt Heggaton were recovered from the sea, but the location of their graves could not be established. Both Flt Sgt Donaghy and Sgt Heggaton together with Sgt Kermode (missing) are recorded as having no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
210
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434967 Flight Sergeant DONALD, John Neal
Source:
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax NA 193 1652 Conversion RAF
Summary: Halifax NA 193 of 1652 Conversion Unit RAF, took off from RAF Station Marston Moor, Yorkshire, at 2225 hours on 4 April 1945, on a non-operational night training exercise “Bullseye” to Scapa Flow. The aircraft was due back at 0305 hours on 5 April, but it did not return to base. Air sea rescue launches located large amounts of small pieces of wreckage on the surface of the water and it was assumed that the aircraft crashed at high speed out of control, and struck the water with considerable force. It was impossible to ascertain the cause. Two bodies were recovered and parts of NA 193, but the main portion of the aircraft was on the sea bottom. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
432034 PO Tanner, N.W.N., Captain (Pilot). 433107 Flt Sgt J.C.Hughes, Navigator. 434967 Flt Sgt J.N.Donald, Bombaimer. 432779 Flt Sgt C.F.Ford, Wireless Operator. 439842 Flt Sgt R.W.Faulks, Gunner. Sgt L.A.Cooke, Flight Engineer. Sgt W.J.R. Semple, Rear Gunner. Sgt A.Card.
The bodies of Flt Sgt Faulks (RAAF) and Sgt Cooke (RAF) were recovered with Flt Sgt Faulks being buried in Wick Cemetery, Scotland. In 1949 it was recorded that the remainder of the crew had lost their lives at sea.
211
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403132 Sergeant DONN-PATTERSON, James Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/103/197 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses Operational Training Units, 1940-1947, Page 120, Volume 7. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington N 2851 - F3 23 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington N 2851 of No 23 Op Training RAF, took off from RAF Station Stradishall, at 2312 hours on rhe night of 30/31st May 1942, detailed to attack Cologne, Germany. The aircraft failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
Sgt W.R.C.Johnston, Captain (Pilot). 403132 Sgt J.Donn-Patterson, Observer. 401412 Sgt F.G.Bolton, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 404913 Sgt M.L.Glenton-Wright, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 405256 Sgt R.A.Broodbank. Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was established that the aircraft crashed near Gravendeel Zuid, Holland, and the remains of Sgt Johnston (RAF) and Sgt Broodbank (RAAF) were interred at Grosswijk Cemetery, Rotterdam. Also the severity of the explosion in the crash was such that it was found impossible to recover the remains of the other three missing crew members and in 1948 it was recorded that they had no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
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418088 Flight Sergeant DOW, John Charles De-Burgh
Source: NAA : A705, 166/10/128 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster DV 243 207 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster DV 423 of 207 Sqn RAF Took off from RAF Station Spilsby, Lincolnshire, on 23 October 1943 to carry out an operational mission, but was forced to land in the sea due to lack of petrol. The aircraft ditched in the dark position 02.15W, 53.39N. All the crew were safely picked up by a British destroyer, but nothing was seen of Flt Sgt Dow after he jumped into the sea after the ditching. The destroyer searched for Dow for 1.5 hours, and aircraft searched the next day, but Flt Sgt Dow was not found. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF RAAF RAAF
PO Kelly, Captain (Pilot) Sgt Burleigh, S (Flight Engineer) Sgt Beech, D C (Navigator) Sgt McNeill (Air Bomber) Sgt Lambert, G R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 418088 Flt Sgt Dow, J C De-B (Air Gunner) 417462 Flt Sgt Duggin, G J (Air Gunner)
In 1949 it was recorded that Flt Sgt Dow had lost his life at sea.
213
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414474 Flight Sergeant DREWE, Arthur Douglas
Source: NAA : A705, 166/10/103 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HF 593 150 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HF 593 of 150 Sqn RAF took off at 2058 hours on 26 August 1943 to attack the marshalling yards at Bagnoli, Italy. An SOS was received from the aircraft at 2314 hours from position 36.16N 124.18E, but nothing further was heard from the aircraft which did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
414474 Flt Sgt Drewe, A D Captain (Pilot) Sgt Hibberson, S G (Navigator) Sgt Hughes, R (Air Bomber) Sgt Greenwood, A H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Green, A H (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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402187 Sergeant DRUMMOND, Noel Gibson Sterling
Source: NAA: A705, 163/103/144 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 7909 11 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z 7909 of 11 Sqn RAF was reported missing on 12 December 1941,when on an operational flight in the vicinity of Derna Landing ground, Middle East. Crew: SAAF RAAF RAF
2nd Lt Burrage, R I (Pilot) 402187 Sgt Drummond, N G S (Observer) `Flt Sgt Martin, D (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Searches found no trace of the missing aircraft and crew and the search was abandoned in 1946.
215
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402085 Sergeant DUFFIN, Kenneth Isaac
Source: NAA : A705, 163/103/85 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim V 5641 113 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim V 5641 of 113 Sqn RAF when returning from an operational raid, was attacked by enemy fighters at 1000 hours on 20 October 1941, and was shot down some 150 miles out to sea north of Gambut, Middle East. Crew: SAAF RNZAF RAAF
2nd Lt Burr, E H (Pilot) Sgt Jenkinson, C L (Observer) 402085 Sgt Duffin, K I (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
In 1948 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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406438 Sergeant DUFFY, Thomas Michael Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/104/129 and 163/911/231 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson FH 346 407 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force
Summary: Hudson FH346 of 407 RCAF Sqn together with four other squadron aircraft were detailed to attack enemy shipping off the Dutch coast. The aircraft took off from RAF Station Bircham Newton, at 2335 hours on the night of 19/20th June 1942, and proceeded to datum. They flew singly and not in formation as the night was too dark. Four aircraft returned from the mission, one attacking a ship of 2000 tons, although slightly damaged by flak. Nothing was heard from FH 346 and it did not return to base. Crew: RCAF RCAF RAAF RAAF
PO Little, P C (Pilot) Sgt Aikenhead, L L (Observer) 407818 Sgt Bennett, A S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 406438 Sgt Duffy, T M (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
The bodies of Sgt Bennett (RAAF) and Sgt Aikenhead (RCAF) were washed ashore on the Eastern Freisian Island off the Dutch coast. Sgt Bennet is buried in the Sage War Cemetery, Germany.. Sage is a village 24kms south of Oldenburg. Sgt Aikenhead is buried in the Delfzul General Cemetery, Netherlands. In 1949 it was recorded that the other two missing crew members had lost their lives at sea and have no known graves. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
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416149 Flight Sergeant DURDIN, Garnet Walter
Source: NAA : A705, 166/10/21 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ED 599 HW – S 100 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster ED 599 of 100 Sqn RAF took off at 1838 hours from RAF Station Grimsby, Lincolnshire, on 4 March 1943, being one of four Squadron aircraft to carry out an operational sweep over Western France, from Cherbourg to Bordeaux and return. Two of the aircraft returned safely, one crashed and nothing further was heard of ED 599. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
Flt Lt Curle, R A, Captain (Pilot) PO Challoner, C S (Air Bomber) Sgt Hart, D A (Observer) 411113 FO Crapp, E C (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 403699 FO Riding, H (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 416149 Sgt Durdin, G W (Air Gunner) Sgt Gooch, D L (Air Gunner)
A 1948 report stated that Flt Lt Curle’s body was recovered from the sea near St Nicholas on 3 April 1943 and buried at Chateau Cemetery, Isle d’Oleron. St Nicholas is on the north-west coast of France approx 30 miles North West of La Rochelle. Ile d’Oleron is located off the French coast about 35 miles south east of St Nicholas. No trace of the aircraft was found which it was assumed crashed in the sea, with the remaining crew members lost at sea.
218
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429280 Flight Sergeant DYER, Bruce Douglas
Source: NAA : A705, 166/10/295. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NF 952 LS – Q 15 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster NF 952 of 15 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Mildenhall, Suffolk, UK, at 2013 hours on the night of 26/27th August 1944, to attack Kiel, Germany. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
423822 Fl Lt Moran, W.J., Captain (Pilot). Sgt G.Rennie, Navigator. 429280 Flt Sgt B.D.Dyer, Wireless Operator. Sgt K.V.Logan, Air Bomber. Sgt G.B.Donaldson, Mid Upper Gunner. Sgt R.D.Faint, Rear Gunner. Sgt W.D.Brockett, Flight Engineer.
With no trace of the missing aircraft or crew being found following post war investigations and enquiries, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew were lost at sea.
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406351 Sergeant DYSON, Dudley Harnett Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/104/102, 163/120/384 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses Operational Training Units, 1940-1947, Page 101, Volume 7. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington X 9682 27 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington X9682 of No 27 Operational Training Unit RAF, took off from Valley Anglesey, Wales, at night on 25 February 1942, on a cross country training flight. The aircraft was last heard from in the vicinity of Squires Gate, Wales, at 1056 pm when an SOS message was received over the Irish Sea between Valley and Liverpool. The aircraft did not return to base, and subsequent air/sea rescue searches found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RNZAF
406351 Sgt Dyson, D H (Pilot) 406335 Sgt Veal, C G (2nd Pilot) 402302 Sgt Hargrave, A P R (Observer) 404598 Sgt Parsons, S J R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 407946 Sgt Madge, R C (Air Gunner) Sgt Hawkins, R G (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
220
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401007 Warrant Officer DYSON, Francis Victor
Source: NAA : A705, 163/104/134 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Marauder FK 155 14 Sqn RAF
Summary: Marauder FK 155 of 14 Sqn RAF, British North African Forces, took off from Bone at 0510 hours on 9 May 1943, to carry out a shipping reconnaissance. Repeated requests for weather reports were not answered by FK 155, and the aircraft did not return to base after the mission. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
400940 Flt Sgt Russell, T G Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt Fennell, P (2nd Pilot) 401007 WO Dyson, F V (Navigator) 401529 Flt Sgt Nicholas, W G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Armstrong, J W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Ayton, W H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it as recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
221
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402569 Flight Sergeant DYSON, John Henry
Source: NAA : A705, 163/104/104 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington W 5516 LQ – D 405 Sqn RCAF
Summary: Wellington W 5516 of 405 (Vancouver) Sqn RCAF took off from RAF Station Pocklington, East Yorkshire, at 7pm on 26 February 1942, to bomb Kiel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Other crews reported a heavy concentration of searchlights and flak over the target area. At 2013 hours near Husem, two vapour trails were seen by one pilot and a minute later a large red flash in the sky and a burning aircraft seen descending. This may or may not have been W 5516. Crew: RAF RCAF RAAF RCAF RCAF RCAF
Flt Lt Robson, J A Captain (1st Pilot) Wg Cdr MacAllister, G D (2nd Pilot) 402569 Flt Sgt Dyson, J H (Observer) Flt Sgt Robson, M P F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Phillips, E C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Piers, W S (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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422464 Flight Sergeant EARL, Harold John
Source: NAA: A705, 166/11/150. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 915 224 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 915 of 224 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station St.Eval, Cornwall, in the early hours of 7 June 1944. The aircraft was detailed to patrol the coast of Ushant, France but failed to return to base. The last signal received from the aircraft at 0207 hours stated that they were attacking the enemy, the position of the aircraft then was off the French coast near Ushant. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
414988 FO Buchan-Hepburn, R.H., Captain, (Pilot). Flt Sgt G.H.J., Fairs, 2nd Pilot. 420386 PO Hogan, P.W., Navigator Bombaimer. 422822 Flt Sgt J.D.Whitby, Navigator. 422512 Flt Sgt B.A.Hands, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 408388 Flt Sgt M.E.Dickenson, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 422464 Flt Sgt H.J.Earl, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 418506 Flt Sgt A.A.Kennedy, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Flt Sgt L.J.Barnes, Wireless Operator Mechanic/Air Gunner. Sgt A.Collins, Flight Engineer.
In a 1949 report it was stated that all efforts to find any trace of the aircraft or crew were unsuccessful, and the crew had been recorded as missing lost at sea.
223
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417821 Warrant Officer EARLE, Harold Murray
Source: NAA : A705, 166/11/182. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PD 326 VN 50 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster PD 326 of 50 Sqn RAF took off form RAF Station Skellingthorpe Lincolnshire, at 2220 hours on 28 October 1944 to attack U boat pens at Bergen, Norway. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
423391 FO Wonders, R.R., Captain (Pilot). Sgt J.Fearnley, Flight Engineer. 436054 Flt Sgt V.H.Minchin, Navigator. 417821 WO H.M.Earle, Air Bomber. Sgt G.Chaloner, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt D.R.Foster, Mid Upper Gunner. Sgt R.Kenyon, Rear Gunner.
With no trace of the missing aircraft or crew being found following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
224
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410471 Flight Sergeant EATON, Roger Leigh
Source: NAA: A705, 166/11/62 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HK 629 142 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HK 629 of 142 Sqn RAF, British North African Forces, took off from RAF Kairouan at 2005 hours on 5 August 1943 to attack the Messina beaches. The route was from Base – Ustica – Vulcano Island – Target – and return the same route. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
412789 Flt Sgt Wiltshire, A C Captain (Pilot) Sgt Howard, R R E (Navigator Bombaimer) Sgt Perkins, M T (Bombaimer) Sgt StClaire, A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 410471 Flt Sgt Eaton, R L (Air Gunner)
225
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404290 Sergeant ECKERSLEY, George Keith
Source: NAA: A705, 163/105/97 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim V 5992 11 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim V 5992 of 11 Sqn RAF crashed into the sea at 11.20am on 9 April 1942 in the Trincomalee area, Ceylon. The aircraft was shot down by enemy aircraft in operations against a Japanese fleet. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF
Sqn Ldr Ault, K (Pilot) Sgt Whiles, S D (Navigator) 404290 Sgt Eckersley, G K (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sub Lt Bonnell, R J M N
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had no known grave.
226
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413180 Flight Sergeant EDIS, Herbert George
Source: NAA: A705, 166/11/76 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 150 101 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB 150 of 101 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Ludford Magna, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, at night on 31 August 1943 to attack Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
413180 Flt Sgt Edis, H G Captain (Pilot) Sgt Bardill, C (Flight Engineer) Sgt Cornfield, N (Navigator) Sgt Findlay J (Air Bomber) Sgt Holdway, R D (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Haigh, G (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Bennet, W (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew had no known grave.
227
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404238 Warrant Officer EDWARDS, Christopher Lynton
Source: NAA : A705, 166/11/43 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington BB 456 215 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington BB 456 of 215 Sqn RAF India, left base at 6pm on 17 May 1943 to carry out bombing operations on a target at 20.52N, 95.51E,in the vicinity of Meiktila, Burma. The aircraft failed to return from this mission. The crew of other aircraft on the same mission reported seeing what they thought was an aircraft hit by flak and crash. Crew: RCAF RCAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
Flt Lt Guest, J.A. Pilot. Flt Sgt J.W.Wilmore, Pilot. 404238 WO C.L.Edwards, Navigator. 404473 Flt Sgt J.B.Whyte, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 404541 WO A. Barnes, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Flt Sgt R.Cross, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, the aircraft was discovered outside the village of Kyubobin. The headman indicated an open common grave. Villagers stated that they saw the plane approaching them unsteadily from the east of Meiktila near the airfield. They saw two descending by parachute, then the plane dived and hit a paddy field mound and exploded. In 1950, six unidentified bodies were found at Kalaw, but there was no evidence to link the bodies with the above aircraft. In 1954 it was recorded that after further searches the remains of the crew of BB 456 were unlocated.
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404887 Sergeant EKLUND, Karl Hugo Source: AWM 235 (65) NAA : A705, 163/107/87, 163/87/159 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 36, Volume1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hampden AT 194 PT ATTD 144 SQN RAF
Summary: Hampden AT194 of 144 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station, North Luffenham, Rutland, at 1837 hours on the night of 24/25th February 1942 detailed to carry out a gardening operation and lay mines off the Terschelling Island, near the coast of Friesland, Holland. The aircraft was due over the target at 2030 hours. Nothing was heard from the AT194 after take off and it did not return to base. Pilots of other aircraft reported moderate flak with a number of enemy aircraft patrolling the area. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
404887 Sgt K H Eklund, (Pilot) 402214 Sgt G H Anderson, (Navigator) Sgt J R Dobson, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt P A Thomas, (Rear Gunner)
Sgt Anderson’s body was washed ashore on the west coast of Jutland, Denmark, and he is interred in Lemvig (Jutland) Cemetery, Denmark. Lemvig is a town on Western Jutland on the south shore of the Nissum Fjord Bredning, which forms part of the Lim Fjord. No trace of the three missing crew members has been found and they are recorded as having lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
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416554 Flight Sergeant ELLIS, Reginald Arthur
Source: NAA : A705, 166/11/64 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HE 613 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HE 613 of 104 Sqn RAF took off from Hani West Landing Ground at night on 7 August 1943 to attack Cape Palami, Italy. The aircraft failed to return from this mission. Cape Palami is on the south west coast of Italy approx. 20 miles north east of Reggio. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
411943 Sgt Smith, D H Captain (Pilot) Sgt Bristow, K F (2nd Pilot) 421140 Sgt Veale, R S (Navigator) 416554 Flt Sgt Ellis, R A (Bombaimer) Sgt Holmes, F C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Barriskill, W J (Air Gunner)
Following post war instructions and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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402960 Sergeant ENRIGHT, Edwin George
Source: NAA : A705, 163/107/80. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire AA 864 72 Sqn RAF
Summary: Spitfire AA 864 of 72 (Basutoland) Sqn RAF, took off from Gravesend, Kent, at 1055 hours on 8 December 1941, as part of Biggin Hill Wing. During a sweep over France in which the Wing was engaged, Sgt Enright was flying Yellow 2. About 10 miles over the French coast various enemy aircraft were sighted and Sgt Enright followed Yellow 1 down to attack 4 M.E’s. As the attack was broken off Yellow 1 was attacked by a Squadron of 109 E’s as was also presumably Sgt Enright in Yellow 2. After the attack Yellow 1 saw nothing more of Sgt Enright nor could R/T communication be established with him. Crew: RAAF
402960 Sgt E.G.Enright, Pilot.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that Sgt Enright had no known grave.
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405151 Sergeant ESSAM, Thomas
Source: NAA : A705, 163/108/15. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson AM 699 1 (C) Op Training RAF
Summary: Hudson AM 699 of No 1 Operational Training Unit RAF was reported missing on a night navigation operational training flight from RAF Silloth on 25 March 1942. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. A crash in Solway Cahnnel was reported almost immediately by the Royal Observer Corps. Searches failed to find any wreckage or survivors but the body of one crew member, Sgt Taylor was recovered 24 hours later. It was considered at the time that there may have been a collision with another aircraft which was granted permission to land shortly after AM 699 took off. The second aircraft did not however land and it was also reported missing. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF
403044 Sgt P.Field, Pilot. Sgt J.Oldknow, Observer. 405151 Sgt T.Essam, Wireless Operator Air Gunner. 403452 Sgt M.C.Taylor, Wireless Operator Air Gunner.
Sgt Taylor was interred in Silloth Cemetery, and the remaining three missing crew members recorded as having lost their lives at sea.
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409398 Flight Sergeant EVANS, David Geoffrey
Source: NAA : A705, 166/12/29 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling EE 904 90 Sqn RAF
Summary: Stirling EE 904 of 90 Sqn RAF, took off from RAF Station West Wickham,, West Wratting, Cambridge, at 2237 hours on 25 July 1943 to attack Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RNZAF RNZAF R$AF RNZAF RAF
Sqn Ldr Dugdale, J DFC Captain (Pilot) 409398 Flt Sgt Evans, D G (2nd Pilot) FO Conroy, P H (Navigator) PO Disbrowe, H A (Air Bomber) Flt Sgt Keeley, J H (Wireless Operator) Sgt Young, W A (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt Bowman, J F (Rear Gunner) Sgt Hobbs, D F A (Flight Engineer)
The aircraft crashed in the sea in the Yarmouth area. Seven airmen bodies were recovered by Naval authorities 15 miles off the coast near Yarmouth. Three were from the above aircraft and the other four were from another Stirling aircraft. It was reported that it was possible that the two aircraft had collided, but it is not known whether EE 904 was lost on the outward or return journey from its assigned mission. The remains of PO Disbrowe, Flt Sgt Keeley and Sgt Young were buried. The remaining 5 missing crew members of EE 904 were recorded as having lost their lives at sea.
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443289 Flight Sergeant EVERS, Edwin Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/32/615, 166/12/150, Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Sunderland W 6009 4(C) Operational Trg School RAF
Summary: On the 14th January 1945, Sunderland W6009 took off from RAF Station Alness, RossShire Scotland, on a non-operational armament training exercise. The aircraft crashed off shore near Ferrytown, Doronach Firth, Scotland at 1340 hours.. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
429929 FO Crompton, A W Seriously injured 405596 FO Marstella, R T (Pilot) Killed 436397 PO Bugg, E N Seriously injured 426656 Flt Sgt McLeod, O N Seriously injured 437444 Flt Sgt Pryor, M C Seriously Injured 423487 Flt Sgt Griffiths, J J (Wireless Operator Air) Missing 414626 Sgt Laing, O W (Flight Engineer) Killed 433805 Sgt Freudenstein, W J W Seriously injured 441309 Sgt Wadel, R R Seriously injured 443289 Flt Sgt Evers, E (Air Gunner) Missing 417881 FO Pepper, F L (Wireless Operator/Air) Missing
The bodies of FO Marstella and Sgt Laing were recovered from the sea and buried at Harrogate RAF Cemetery, Yorkshire. No trace was found of missing crew members FO Pepper and Flt Sgt’s Griffiths and Evers, who lost their lives at sea. They have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
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RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
401305 Sergeant EXELL, Tom Ellis
Source: NAA : A705, 163/109/108 Marauder Aircraft Type: FK 367 Serial number: Radio call sign: 14 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: Marauder FK 367 of 14 Sqn RAF took off on 16 December 1942 for a shipping strike between Zuara and Tripoli. The aircraft was attacked and damaged by enemy fighters 50 miles north of Tripoli, but endeavoured to reach the mainland. The aircraft did not return from this mission. Crew: RAAF 407318 Sgt Einsaar, A A (Pilot) RAF Sgt Dixon, L R (Pilot) RAAF 401305 Sgt Exell, T E (Observer) RAF Sgt Plosken, R (Observer) RAAF 407707 Sgt Cockington, P (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Willcocks, L B (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Watts, A N (Air Gunner) In a later statement by Sgt Einsaar who survived the crash, he reported “As there were no ships sighted, at approx 1200 hours the aircraft turned in a northerly direction to a DR position from Tripoli. Approx half an hour later we were attacked by a strong force of MR 1090’s and MR 210’s. They made three attacks and the aircraft was badly damaged. Two hours from Base on the way back one engine ran out of fuel. We were within 20 miles of base when the second engine ran out of fuel. The fuel tanks had been holed by canon shells. The aircraft was belly landed on the water and burst into flames. Sgt Watts was killed outright in the attack. Sgt Willcocks was hit in the leg and severely burnt on landing. Sgt Exell’s Mae west was unserviceable, and I supported him for one and a half hours when I was compelled to release him. He had died before I let go. Sgt Plosken was unhurt but was not seen again after the ditching. Dinghies were dropped by search aircraft but were too far away.” Sgts Einsaar, Willcocks and Dixon were picked up by a torpedo boat at 1900 hours and admitted to Benghazi hospital. In 1949 it was recorded that Sgt Exell and Sgt Cockington had lost their lives at sea.
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420651 Flight Sergeant FAIRBAIRN, George Stuart
Source: NAA : A705, 166/13/114 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 149 SR - R2 101 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB 149 of 101 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Market Rasen, Lincoln, at 1947 hours on 3 September 1943 to attack Berlin. The ETA back at base was 0430 hours on 4 September. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF
Flt Sgt Hammond, F J Captain (Pilot) Sgt Paddon, F D (Flight Engineer) 420651 Flt Sgt Fairbairn, G S (Navigator) 421134 Flt Sgt Singer, R J (Bombaimer) Sgt Sedman, K W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Southwell, W A (Mid Upper Gunner) 23113 Flt Sgt Pepperrell, A J (Rear Gunner)
Both Flt Sgt Hammond (RAF) and Flt Sgt Singer (RAAF) became POW’s. In a statement by Flt Sgt Hammond, he reported “owing to the circumstances of the destruction of the aircraft, I was unable to see or contact my Navigator. I believe he was killed, although I did not see him or hear him at all, before I finally was able to leave the very damaged aircraft.” Flt Sgt Singer reported “the aircraft crashed in the Berlin area. I baled out and was the first to leave the aircraft. The only knowledge of the other crew members is of the Pilot who was repatriated. I have never seen or heard of the other members.” Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew members had no known grave.
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407785 Flight Sergeant FALLON, Colin
Source: NAA : A705, 163/110/22. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hurricane AB 897 261 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hurricane AB 897 flown by Flt Sgt Fallon was engaged in a raid over Akyab in Burma on 27 June 1943 protecting our dive bombers, and on the return journey AB 897 spun into the sea south of Chittagong near Sonadia Island about 3 miles from the shore. At the time he was not attacked by enemy aircraft but was possibly hit by ack-ack fire. The aircraft spun into the sea and white smoke was observed. Flt Sgt Fallon was not seen to bale out of the aircraft. Crew: RAAF
407785 Flt Sgt C.Fallon, Pilot.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that Flt Sgt Fallon had no known grave.
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417169 Flight Sergeant FARNDELL, David Lindsay
Source: NAA : A705, 166/13/155 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Anson MG 510 1693 Flight Coastal Command RAF
Summary: Anson MG 510 of 1693 Flight Coastal Command RAF, on 1 December 1943, was doing low level bombing practice on a target in Sinclair Bay, Scotland, and after dropping the practice bomb from a height of 50 feet, the aircraft was seen to pull up to about 200 feet, and attempt to turn back onto the target. A high G stall occurred on the turn, and the aircraft crashed into the sea. The area was searched by ASR launches and a Walrus aircraft but apart from aircraft wreckage, no survivors were found. Crew: RCAF RAAF RCAF RCAF USAAF
FO Charnaud, L E (Pilot) 417169 Flt Sgt Farndell, D L (Navigator Bombaimer) Flt Sgt Wilson, A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Yard, B J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Tech. Sgt Stillwell, F G L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
In 1949 it was recorded that the missing had lost their lives at sea.
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402649 Sergeant FAUNT, Lindsay Gordon
Source: NAA : A705, 163/110/321 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington R 3222 99 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington R 3222 of 99 (Madras Presidency) Sqn RAF took off on 20 October 1942 to attack Antwerp, Belgium. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
402649 Sgt Faunt, L G (Pilot) Sgt Dance, H E Sgt Allport, R E Sgt Pinkerton, R Sgt McDonough J A Sgt Kay, P
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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404542 Sergeant FERGUSON, Archibald Henry
Source: NAA : A705, 163/111/30 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Tomahawk AM 372 112 Sqn RAF
Summary: Tomahawk AM 372 of 112 Sqn RAF was reported missing on 20 December 1941 5 miles west of Barce. Crew: RAAF
404542 Sgt Ferguson, A H (Pilot)
Post war searches and enquiries did not locate any grave of the missing pilot, and it was recorded that he had no known grave.
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429544 Flight Sergeant FERGUSON, George Robert
Source: NAA : A705, 166/13/302. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster IM 511 GI - C 622 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster IM 511 of 622 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Mildenhall, Suffolk, at 1932 hours on night of 11/12th September 1944, to lay mines in enemy waters off Rostock, Germany. Nothing further was heard of the aircraft or crew after take off. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
426556 PO Devine, E.W., Captain (Pilot). Sgt J.B.Bell. 429544 Flt Sgt G.R. Ferguson. Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 428038 Flt Sgt M.B. Blaubaum. Navigator/Bombaimer. Sgt J.J.Coyle. Sgt R.Burton. Sgt R.C.M.Meyer.
In a 1949 report it was concluded that aircraft and crew were all lost at sea.
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402771 Flight Sergeant FERGUSON, Gordon Reid
Source: NAA : A705, 163/111/48 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington ES 990 148 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington ES 990 of 148 Sqn RAF took off at 0005 hours on 22 June 1942 to bomb Benghazi. The aircraft failed to return to base from this mission. Two aircraft operating at the same time over the target reported seeing one aircraft hit by flak and descend in flames but under control to about 2000 feet, when it fell and exploded on impact when it hit the ground. Crew: RAF RAF RNZAF RAAF RNZAF RAF
Wg Cdr Kerr, D A Captain (Pilot) PO Westcott, F W A (2nd Pilot) Sgt Cross, D W (Navigator) 402771 Flt Sgt Ferguson, G R (1st Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Booth, G (2nd Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Washer, L M (Rear Gunner)
PO Westcott became a POW and he later made this statement “I am not able to give any definite information about the rest of the crew. I was blown from the aircraft and taken to hospital unconscious. He later heard that 5 bodies had been found in the wreck of the aircraft, but could obtain no confirmation of the report.” Following post war enquiries and searches, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing members of the crew had no known grave.
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400984 Warrant Officer FERGUSON, Norman Stewart
Source: NAA : A705, 166/13/151. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufighter LX 977. 603 Sqn RAF
Summary: Beaufighter LX 977 of 603 (City of Edinburgh) Sqn RAF, at 0700 hours on 13 November 1943 together with 9 Beaufighters of 603 Sqn and 47 Sqn and in company with two B25’s of USAAF, took off on an offensive sweep of Leros Island. They proceeded through the Kaso Straits and arrived in the target area at 0907 hours. The sweep was carried out with nil sightings and a small amount of flak. The formation passed through Kaso Straits again at 1007 hours and altered course for base. At 1025 hours LX 977 reported an oil leak in the starboard engine. He climbed to 2500 feet and Beaufighter D of 47 Sqn was detailed to stay with him. At 1034 hours the starboard engine cut out and the aircraft lost height to 100 feet, where the engine apparently picked up again. WO Cox the pilot of LX 977 indicated he would have to ditch. The sea was rough with a wind of 25 knots. The Observer was seen to jettison his cupola hatch. LX 977 ditched at 1042 hours in position 33.52N, 25.50E. It ditched tail first, the aircraft was covered by breakers and the tail unit broke away. WO Ferguson was seen in the water about 50 yards from the dinghy which was the right way up and inflated. He disappeared shortly after and was not seen again. Beaufighters D, G and P remained in the area until 1100 hours but saw nothing more. Crew: RAAF RAAF
403722 WO F.M..Cox, Pilot. 400984 WO N.S.Ferguson, Navigator Bombaimer.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
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409037 Warrant Officer FIDGE, Harold Stanley
Source: NAA : A705, 166/13/191 AWM 65 (2087) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LL 681 JI – J 514 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster LL 681 of 514 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Waterbeach , Cambridgeshire, at 0017 hours on 20 February 1944, to attack Leipzig, Germany. The aircraft failed to return to base from this mission. Crew: RAF RCAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
Flt Lt Kingwell, L G Captain (Pilot) WO Dodding, (2nd Pilot) Sgt Knight, G E (Navigator) Sgt Bates, W A (Air Bomber) Sgt Whichelow, H M (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Taylor, H (Mid Upper Gunner) 409037 WO Fidge, H S (Rear Gunner) Sgt Newbury, D W (Flight Engineer)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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400054 Sergeant FIELD, Patrick
Source: NAA : A705, 163/112/47 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington T 2895 37 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington T 2895 of 37 Sqn RAF Middle East, was detailed to attack Maleme aerodrome at night on 23/24th May 1941. Nothing was heard from the aircraft other than a signal received giving an ETA of 0640 hours on the 24 May. Crew : RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
400054 Sgt Field, P (Pilot) Sgt Mew, H J Sgt Tipper L Sgt Rowe, J Sgt Kelsall, E M Sgt Marsh, P G
It was later established that bodies of Sgt Field (RAAF) and Sgt Tipper (RAF) were washed ashore and buried 10 kms west of El Burg in Egypt, the graves being marked by a cross. Sgt Kelsall (RAF) was also washed ashore in the vicinity of Damietta and buried. Subsequent searches could not however locate these graves and they were recorded as having no known grave. The three remaining missing crew members were recorded as having lost their lives at sea.
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403044 Sergeant FIELD, Peter
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/112/114 163/165/86 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson AM 699 1 (C) OP TRAINING RAF
Summary: Hudson AM699 of No 1 Operational Training Unit RAF was reported missing on a night navigation operational training flight from RAF Silloth on 25 March 1942. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. A crash in Solway Cahnnel was reported almost immediately by the Royal Observer Corps. Searches failed to find any wreckage or survivors but the body of Sgt Taylor was recovered 24 hours later. It was considered at the time that there may have been a collision with another aircraft which was granted permission to land shortly after AM 699 took off. The second aircraft did not however land and it was also reported missing. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF
403044 Sgt P.Field, Pilot. Sgt J.Oldknow, Observer. 405151 Sgt T.Essam, Wireless Operator Air Gunner. 403452 Sgt M.C.Taylor, Wireless Operator Air Gunner.
Sgt Taylor was interred in Silloth Cemetery, near Carlisle, Cumberland, UK and the remaining three missing crew members are recorded as having lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
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400555 Sergeant FISHER, Geoffrey Walter
Source: NAA : A705, 163/112/93. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufort N 1092 39 Sqn RAF
Summary: Beaufort N 1092 of 39 Sqn RAF took off on 26 December 1941 to carry out an operational flight over Crete. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF
PO Wallington L.G.R., Pilot. Sgt V.Miles, Observer. Sgt C.W.Townsend, Wireless Operator Air Gunner. 400555 Sgt G.W.Fisher, Wireless Operator Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the body of PO Wallington was washed ashore and buried at El Mind, Victoria Naval Cemetery. It was also reported that the remains of Sgt Fisher (RAAF) was washed ashore on the Island of Koufonissi. Local inhabitants stated that a body was found in January 1942 on the beach and buried by Italian soldiers then in occupation. The grave was marked with a cross. However the remains were subsequently lost owing to the grave being washed away by waves and high tides. In 1950 it was recorded that following a visit a wooden cross was found on the beach but a grave could not be located, and Sgt Fisher was recorded as missing with no known grave.
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436403 Flight Sergeant FITZGERALD, Edward Charles
Source: NAA : A705, 166/13/325 Aircraft Type:
Wellington
Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
LP 464 40 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington LP 464 of 40 Sqn RAF Central Mediterranean Force, was detailed on 11 October 1944 to attack an enemy target at Verona, Italy. LP 464 was one of three aircraft that failed to return from the mission. One aircraft was seen to go down on fire and successfully ditch, as a green light was seen floating intermittently. Two other aircraft were seen shot down over the target and a Rear gunner saw five parachutes bale out from one of these aircraft. Crew: RAF WO Bodley, R W F (Pilot) RAAF 426605 Flt Sgt Johnston, L R (Navigator) RAF Sgt Butcher, A G (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Coyle, G (Air Bomber) RAAF 436403 Flt Sgt Fitzgerald, E C (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries and investigations, 6 graves were exhumed in the Verona cemetery but it was not possible to identify the remains. The missing crew were recorded as having no known grave.
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414548 Sergeant FITZGERALD, Patrick John
Source: NAA : A705, 166/13/22 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley :RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War 1940-1947, Page 207, Volume 7. A ircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington DV 914 20 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington DV 914 of No 20 Operational Training Unit RAF, took off on 12 March 1943 on an operational training flight between the Mull of Kintyre and Scarpa Island, West Scotland. The route was Base – Tiree – Mull of Kintyre – Scarpa – Base. No signals were received from the aircraft and it failed to return to base from the exercise. An aircraft was seen by ASR launches exercising in the vicinity of the Island of Tiree to spin into the sea from a height of 10000 feet. It was also separately reported that an RAF Corporal and a civilian had seen an aircraft crash into the sea off the West coast of Scotland and this was considered by the unit to be DV 914. Crew: RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF
Sgt Morris, G E (Pilot) 414371 Sgt Wright, S R (Navigator) 414548 Sgt Fitzerald, P J (2nd Navigator) 420978 Sgt McDonagh, J H W(Bombaimer) Sgt Robinson, T (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 412744 Sgt Stockbridge, H S (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
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402328 Flight Sergeant FLETCHER, Colin Alais
Source: NAA : A705, 163/112/115 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington W 5570 12 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington W 5570 of 12 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Grimsby, at 2158 hours on 10 April 1942, to carry out a bombing attack on Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RCAF
PO Cook, H L Captain (Pilot) 403047 Sgt Frost, R R (2nd Pilot) 402328 Flt Sgt Fletcher, C A (Observer) Sgt Pratt, E V (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Row, F D N (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Flt Sgt McEwan, W T (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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400190 Sergeant FLOWERS, Sydney Thomas
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/112/58 Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington
15 Op Trg RAF
Summary: A Wellington aircraft of 15 Operational Training Unit RAF flown by Sgt Flowers, left Malta for the Middle East at 2013 hours on 1 July 1941, but failed to arrive at its destination. Crew: RAAF 400190 Sgt S.T.Flowers, Pilot. RAF Sgt A Newbould, (Wireless Air Gunner) No other crew details are available on the above Casualty file. Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded in 1948 that Flt Sgt Flowers had lost his life at sea. His name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK. Sgt Newbould is buried in the El Alamein War cemetery, Egypt.
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434629 Flight Sergeant FOGARTY, Kevin Gregory
Source: NAA : A705, 166/14/359.
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LL 966 LE – P 630 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster LL 966 of 630 Sqn RAF took off on 15 February 1945 from RAF Station East Kirkby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, at 1651 hours on 14 February 1945 to attack Rositz, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: SAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
Lieut Lacey, Captain (Pilot). Sgt D. Mayes, Flight Engineer. FO Proudley, R.E., Navigator. 432686 FO Wallwork, A., Air Bomber. 434629 Flt Sgt K.G.Fogarty, Wireless Operator/Air. Sgt A.Carson, Air Gunner. Sgt A.G.Davies, Air Gunner.
In 1948 it was established that LL 966 was one of two aircraft shot down by anti-aircraft fire 2kms east of Rositz, at Zschernitzsch, which is approx 24 miles south of Leipzig. The aircraft apparently exploded on impact and wreckage was burnt and scattered over a wide area. The remains of the members recovered from the two aircraft shot down were buried in a communal grave at Zschernitzsch Cemetery. The remains were later exhumed and those of Lieut Lacey (SAAF) and Sgt Davies (RAF) identified, and re-interred. Other crew members could not however be identified. The names of the unidentified crew members are commemorated on the Runnymede memorial to the memory of those deceased who have no known grave.
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414783 Warrant Officer FOLBIGG, Samuel Albert
Source: NAA : A705, 166/14/261
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax LL 400 644 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax LL 400 of 644 Sqn RAF took off at 0146 hours on 31 August 1944 on a special 38 Group operation over Europe. The aircraft was due to return at 0543 hours, but nothing further was heard after take off, and the aircraft did not return to base. Crew: RCAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
FO Caverley, Pilot. 420586 FO MacLennan, W.A., Navigator. Flt Sgt S.G.Kentch, Air Bomber. Flt Sgt B.J.Tuhey, Air Gunner. 414783 WO S.A.Folbigg, Wireless Operator/Air. Sgt G.B.Fitzgerald, Flight Engineer.
In 1950 the crew were recorded as having no known grave.
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432779 Flight Sergeant FORD, Clarence Frederick
Source: NAA : A705, 166/14/398. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax NA 193 1652 Conversion RAF
Summary: Halifax NA 193 of 1652 Conversion Unit RAF, took off from RAF Station Marston Moor, Yorkshire, at 2225 hours on 4 April 1945, on a non-operational night training exercise “Bullseye” to Scapa Flow. The aircraft was due back at 0305 hours on 5 April, but it did not return to base. Air sea rescue launches located large amounts of small pieces of wreckage on the surface of the water and it was assumed that the aircraft crashed at high speed out of control, and struck the water with considerable force. It was impossible to ascertain the cause. Two bodies were recovered and parts of NA 193, but the main portion of the aircraft was on the sea bottom. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
432034 PO Tanner, N.W.N., Captain (Pilot). 433107 Flt Sgt J.C.Hughes, Navigator. 434967 Flt Sgt J.N.Donald, Bombaimer. 432779 Flt Sgt C.F.Ford, Wireless Operator. 439842 Flt Sgt R.W.Faulks, Gunner. Sgt L.A.Cooke, Flight Engineer. Sgt W.J.R. Semple, Rear Gunner. Sgt A.Card.
The bodies of Flt Sgt Faulks (RAAF) and Sgt Cooke (RAF) were recovered with Flt Sgt Faulks being buried in Wick Cemetery, Scotland. In 1949 it was recorded that the remainder of the crew had lost their lives at sea.
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420172 Warrant Officer FORD, Errol Percival Source: NAA : A705, 166/14/280 Liberator Aircraft Type: BZ 978 Serial number: Radio call sign: 159 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: Liberator BZ 978 of 159 Sqn RAF took off on 5 October 1944 together with 15 other aircraft, on a low level attack on the Bangkok – Lampang railway line from Uttardit to Bhanpajii. Locomotives were the primary target with opportunity targets along the railway line secondary. An SOS was received from BZ 978, and another 35 minutes later saying “Trying Chittagong, two engines U/s, height 5000 feet, air speed 140 mph.” twenty four minutes later another message was received “ unable to receive due to heavy interference”. Eleven minutes later a final message to Base Control said “attacked by two enemy fighters over target, one dead and two wounded” This was the last message received from the aircraft which did not return to base. ASR and air searches were carried out over the area the aircraft was thought to have ditched. These reported on the night of 6/7th October that flashing lights and pyrotechnics were seen in position 18.30N, 92.50E. No dinghy was seen. On 7 October a dinghy was seen in position 18.55N, 92.22E. On 9 October a dinghy was again sighted, but there was doubt whether this was the unit’s dinghy. Nothing further was seen of the crew or dinghy. Crew: RAF WO McKinnon, J Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt Roper, L J (2nd Pilot) RAAF 416627 WO Swan, C S (Navigator) RAAF 420172 WO Ford, E P Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Hill, F E RAAF 423854 Flt Sgt Nelson, J A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt Paterson, W N (Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt Richardson, H F (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Richardson (RAF) reached the shore in a dinghy, but subsequently died in Rangoon jail on 28 October 1944. Flt Sgt Roper and Sgt Hill (RAF) successfully reached shore in a dinghy, survived and returned to the UK safe. It was established that WO Ford (RAAF) was killed in the air by gun fire from enemy aircraft, and his body was not recovered. Also the four other missing crew members were not seen to leave the aircraft after ditching and their bodies were not recovered.
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409587 Flight Sergeant FORSYTH, Thomas Kevin
Source: NAA : A705, 166/14/109 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Mosquito DZ 597 139 Sqn RAF
Summary: Mosquito DZ 597 of 139 (Jamaica) Sqn RAF, took off from RAF Station, Marham, at 1839 hours on 20 October 1943 along with 8 other squadron aircraft, to attack Berlin. Nothing was heard from DZ 597 after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF
409587 Flt Sgt Forsyth, T K (Pilot) Sgt James, L G (Navigator)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, German documents revealed that the aircraft crashed at Zaatzke, 4 miles north west of Wettstock, and the crew were buried in the Wettstock (Doose) Cemetery, 55 miles north west of Berlin, and in the Russian zone of occupied Germany. As it was not possible to visit the grave and identify the remains, their names are recorded on the missing memorial at Runneymede, UK.
256
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407101 Sergeant FORT, Clifford Gurney
Source: NAA : A705,l 163/113/239 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Sunderland W 4025 201 Sqn RAF
Summary: Sunderland W 2025 of 201 Sqn RAF was engaged on convoy escort duty in the North Atlantic on 31 July 1942, when it was shot down by a ship of the convoy in position 55.23N, 14.13W. At the time the weather and visibility was bad. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Sgt Tomley, M J Flt Sgt Collins, J A Sgt Williams, N Sgt Bluck, W Sgt Goodings, J R Sgt Scrace, H 407101 Sgt Fort, C G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 407104 Sgt Lewis, V (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) PO Allen, J Flt Lt Traill, J R Flt Lt Wakefield, W B Sgt Wheatley, P S
The bodies of Flt Sgt Tomley. Flt Sgt Collins and Sgt Williams (all RAF members) were recovered by a naval vessel and buried at sea. Sgt Wheatley (RAF) survived the crash and was rescued. The remaining members could not be found and they were recorded as having lost their lives at sea.
257
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421846 Flight Sergeant FOSTER, Keith Reginald
Source: NAA : A705, 166/14/187. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 913 547 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 913 of 547 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station St Eval, Wadebridge, Cornwall, at 0602 hours on 12 April 1944 on an anti-sub patrol in the Bay of Biscay. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
421867 Flt Sgt E.G.Swanbury, Pilot. 410579 Flt Sgt K.W.Webb, Navigator Bombaimer. 417634 Flt Sgt M.R.Goldney, Navigator Bombaimer. 421846 Flt Sgt K.R.Foster, Wireless Operator Air. 422141 Flt Sgt E.Daniels, Wireless Operator Air. Flt Sgt Sutton. Sgt Wood. Sgt Crosbie. FO Ryer.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
258
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422163 Flight Sergeant FOWLER, Ernest John
Source: NAA : A705, 166/14/158. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 795 53 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 795 of 53 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station St Eval near Wadebridge, Cornwall, at 10.20pm on 3 February 1944 on an anti-sub patrol in the Atlantic Ocean. At 8.11am on the morning of 4 February a signal was received from the aircraft “U Boat sighted”. This was in position 45.30N, 0700W in the Bay of Biscay area. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft and it did not return to base. It was presumed that the aircraft was shot down while attacking a U boat. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
416972 Flt Sgt J.O.Lewis. Navigator Bombaimer. 420791 FO Williams, N.J., Navigator. 422557 Flt Sgt S.G.Hill. Wireless Operator (Air). 422163 Flt Sgt E.J.Fowler. Wireless Operator (Air). Sgt Patey, Sgt Churchman, Sgt Howard, Flt Lt Bell, Sgt Lidgitt.
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
259
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442340 Flight Sergeant FOWLER, George Swan Murray
Source: NAA : A705, 166/14/354 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Flying Fortress HB 796 214 Sqn RAF
Summary: Flying Fortress HB 796 of 214 (Federated Malay States) Sqn RAF, took off at 0329 hours on 9 February 1945 from RAF Station Oulton, Norwich, for a window operation in the Western Ruhr, Germany. HB 796 when returning from the operation was heard at approx 4.30am approaching at a low altitude from the north nor east over the towns of New Romney and Lydd in Kent England. The engines seemed to be running normally and no explosions were heard, but several residents of Lydd district heard the aircraft diving towards the sea and heard a muffled thud. A coast guard watcher at Denge Marsh was of the opinion that the aircraft attempted to land on the foreshore, bounced up and crashed into the sea. American type oxy bottles carried by the aircraft were found scattered above the high water mark and believed to have not been in the water. Crew: RNZAF RAAF RAF RNZAF RNZAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
PO Robertson, J P Captain (Pilot) 442340 Flt Sgt Fowler, G S M (Navigator Bombaimer – Special Operator) Flt Sgt Buckland, P G (Navigator) WO Bennett, PG (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt Olds, F R (Air Bomber) Sgt Banner Sgt Bunyan, W (Rear Gunner) Sgt Usher, T W E (Flight Engineer) Sgt Carrott, R J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Dobson, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Four bodies viz : PO Robertson (RNZAF) and Sgt Banner, Sgt Bunyan and Sgt Dobson of the RAF, were washed ashore at Dungeness, Kent and are buried in the UK. The remaining 6 crew members were missing and have been recorded as having lost their lives at sea.
260
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413848 Flight Sergeant FOXLEY, Arthur Harold
Source: NAAQ : A705, 166/14/147. Sunderland Aircraft Type: T 228 Serial number: Radio call sign: 228 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: Sunderland T 228 took off from RAF Station Pembroke Dock, South Wales, at 7.15am on 24 December 1943 to carry out an anti-submarine patrol. At 12.25pm a distress signal was received from the aircraft. At this time T228 was over a force of enemy destroyers and in company of another Sunderland. At 1.10pm a message was received from the other Sunderland aircraft which stated that wreckage of a Sunderland aircraft had been sighted and one survivor seen on the wing float of the aircraft. A dinghy was dropped but the survivor disappeared a few minutes later. Although the crew of the accompanying aircraft did not actually see T228 shot down, it was believed that T228 was shot down by an enemy surface vessel. Crew: RAF Fl Lt Fitzearle, W.H.E., Captain (Pilot). RAF Sgt R.M.Bond, 1st Pilot. RAF Flt Sgt R.K.Chapman, 2nd Pilot. RAAF 413151 PO Weiland, E., Navigator/Bombaimer. RAF Flt Sgt J.B.Mullin, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAF FO Hodges, R.J. RAAF 413848 Flt Sgt A.H.Foxley, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 413852 Flt Sgt G.W.Gordon, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAF Sgt G.Wilks, Flight Engineer. RAF Sgt W.J.Lock, Fitter/Air Gunner. RAF Sgt F.Gander, Fitter/Gunner. RAF Flt Sgt L.Robinson, Air Gunner. Plus 9 RAF passengers. In 1949 it was recorded that all on board the aircraft had lost their lives at sea.
261
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. 442421 Flight Sergeant FRANCIS, Hugh Benjamin Source: NAA : A705, 166/14/475 Liberator Aircraft Type: KG 911 Serial number: Radio call sign: 203 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: Liberator KG 911 of 203 Sqn RAF Captained by Flt Lt Elmes, took off at 0215Z on 23 July 1945 from Kankesantura on an operational sortie with another Liberator C 203 of the Squadron. Both aircraft staged through China Bay, where they refuelled before proceeding on the mission. KG 911 took off from China Bay at 0500z, being followed by C 203 at 0510Z. The task was to attack a convoy of fire vessels, “Sugar Dog” type, which were escorted by one vessel, moving in an easterly direction along the northern coast of Sumatra. C 203 made a successful flight to the target area, and sighted the convoy at 1112Z on 23 July which was stationary approx 2 miles north of Sigli, attacked it and was met by accurate machine gun fire from all vessels. During his bombing run, the Captain of C 203 reported seeing a large fire, which he took to be a petrol fire, on a hill side three to four miles inland from Sigli. From the time KG 203 took off from China Bay, no signals were received from the aircraft, although the Control Station kept calling until approx two hours past absolute endurance. C 203 and an ASR Catalina, which was covering the track between China Bay and the target area, saw nothing of KG 911 to or from the target. Two ASR Liberators carried out a parallel track sweep as far as Sabang on the following day without success. From the evidence available it was considered possible that the petrol fire reported some three to four miles from Sigli was that of the missing aircraft KG 911, which had possibly met either ack- ack fire from the land or was intercepted by fighter aircraft and had crashed. Crew: RAAF 413842 Flt Lt Elmes, C R H (Pilot) RAF FO Prosser, J V (2nd Pilot) RAF WO Pickering, K C (Navigator/Bombaimer) RAF Flt Sgt Churchill, J (Flight Engineer) RAAF 442421 Flt Sgt Francis, H B (Wireless Operator/Air) RAAF 435624 Flt Sgt Hamilton, C H (Wireless Operator/Air) RAAF 430973 Flt Sgt Cook, K T (Wireless Operator/Air) RAF Sgt Marchant, F H H (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Grainger, R K (Air Gunner)
262
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427782 Warrant Officer FRANKLIN, Harold Kendall
Source: NAA : AQ705, 166/14/408. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax RG 564 C8 – P 640 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax RG 564 of 640 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Leconfield, East Yorkshire, on 18 April 1945 to attack Heligoland, Germany. The aircraft carried 9 x 1000 ANM, 4 x 500 MC, 7600 rounds ammo, and enough fuel for 7 hours flying. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
415916 FO Pugh, H.K., Captain (Pilot), Sgt J.Whittenbury, Navigator. Flt Sgt W.Probert, Air Bomber. 427782 WO H.K.Franklin, Wireless Operator. Sgt G.A.Knowles, Rear Gunner. Sgt A.R.Lishman, Mid Upper Gunner. Flt Sgt R.T.Jacques, Flight Engineer.
Sgt Lishman’s (RAF) body was recovered from the sea and is buried in the Hamburg British Military Cemetery. Other bodies were also recovered but could not be identified and were buried as unknown airmen. In 1949 it was recorded that FO Pugh and the other unaccounted for members of the crew had lost their lives at sea.
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430145 Sergeant FRASER, Alexander John
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/14/205 Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beechcraft HB 129 6 Op Training RCAF
Summary: Beechcraft HB 129 of No 6 Operational Training RCAF, was detailed to carry out a training exercise on 19 May 1944, along the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, from Patricia Bay to Port Harry and return to Patricia Bay. The last contact with HB 129 was when the aircraft was in the Strait of Georgia in position 50.03N, 124.30E. HB 129 did not return to base from this exercise, and no trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF
PO Merrill, H Pilot. PO Machell, E.B., Navigator. 430145 Sgt A.J.Fraser, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
All the crew have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Ottawa Memorial, Canada. The Ottawa Memorial stands on the north eastern point of Green Island in the City of Ottawa overlooking the Rideau Falls.
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420178 Flight Sergeant FRASER, Ian Lovat
Source: NAA: A705, 166/14/140 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington LN 301 70 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington LN 301 of 70 Sqn RAF took off from Djedeida North landing ground, 15 miles north west of Tunis, at 1712 hours on 22 November 1943 to attack Ciampino drome, Italy. Messages were received from the aircraft at 9.44pm and 10.29pm when LN 301 requested a bearing and course to return. An identification message believed to have come from the aircraft at 11.15pm was received, but after that nothing further was heard, and the aircraft did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
413883 Flt Sgt MacLeod, J R Captain (Pilot) 420178 Flt Sgt Fraser, I L (2nd Pilot) Sgt Hamilton, W (Navigator) 422648 Sgt Madden, J F (Observer) 415779 Flt Sgt Gillett, G G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 422401 Flt Sgt Buckman J A (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
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422484 Flight Sergeant FRENCH, Geoffrey Charles
Source: NAA : A705, 166/14/188 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington LN 928 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington LN 928 of 104 Sqn RAF, Central Mediterranean Force, took off from Foggia drome at 2307 hours on 16 April 1944 to attack a target at Leghorn Italy. The following messages were received from the aircraft : 0130 hours : Landing at Borgo with engine trouble. 0206 hours Preparing to ditch. 0209 hours Now ditching. Position 42.20N, 0937E. The position was in the sea near Corsica. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF
421900 FO Gilleland, W C Captain (Pilot) 422484 Flt Sgt French, G C (Navigator Bombaimer) Sgt Fox (Navigator) 418224 FO Denison, L A (Navigator Bombaimer) Sgt Adams, S E (Wireless Operator Air) 413446 WO Ryan, W B (Air Gunner)
When the aircraft ditched, FO Gilleland (RAAF) the pilot, was forced out of the escape hatch by the inrush of water. No other survivors were seen. He reached a dinghy and later saw a light being shone upside of the dinghy. He was rescued when a Catalina was sighted and attracted that same afternoon on 17 April 44. It was later recorded that the 5 missing members had lost their lives at sea.
266
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408805 Sergeant FRIDAY, Arthur Ian Source: NAA : A705, 163/113/205. Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Mitchell 41-12466 13 Bomber Sqn (USAAF).
Summary: Mitchell 41-12466 of No 13 Bomber Sqn USAAF, was detailed as one of a formation to attack Lae, New Guinea, on 25 May 1942. The aircraft was attacked by Zeros and heavy ack-ack whilst over Lae, and crashed 20 miles south east of Salamaua, near the coast of New Guinea. The Co-Pilot, 2nd Lieut Mitchell, D.C. (USAAC) who eventually reached the mainland, confirmed that Sgt Friday had been killed in action. No knowledge was held of any burial as it was understood that Lieut Mitchell, the only survivor was too weak to take such action. Crew: USAAF 2nd Lieut Mitchell, D.C., Co-Pilot. RAAF 408805 Sgt A.I.Friday, (Wireless Air Gunner). RAAF 408201 Sgt T A Wise, ( Other crew member details are not recorded on above casualty file. Sgt Friday’s is recorded as missing and his name is commemorated on the Lae Missing Memorial, Papua New Guinea. Sgt Wise was injured in the crash
267
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403047 Sergeant FROST, Rae Rees
Source: NAA : A705, 163/113/194 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington W 5570 12 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington W 5570 of 12 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Grimsby, at 2158 hours on 10 April 1942, to carry out a bombing attack on Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RCAF
PO Cook, H L Captain (Pilot) 403047 Sgt Frost, R R (2nd Pilot) 402328 Flt Sgt Fletcher, C A (Observer) Sgt Pratt, E V (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Row, F D N (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Flt Sgt McEwan, W T (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
268
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428286 Flight Sergeant FROST, William Gordon
Source: NAA : A705, 166/14/364 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NF 975 UL – J2 576 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster NF 975 of 576 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Finkerton, near Lincoln, at night on 20/21 February 1945 to attack Dortmund, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
FO Bastick, R S Captain (Pilot) Sgt Martin, F G J (Flight Engineer) 428286 Flt Sgt Frost, W G (Navigator Bombaimer) Flt Sgt Bibby, W V (Air Bomber) Flt Sgt Coates, W G (Wireless Operator) Sgt Sargent, H A (Air Gunner) Sgt Swaffer, R L (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew had no known grave.
269
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407028 Sergeant FULLER, Clifford Jack
Source: NAA : A705, 163/114/18 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Maryland AH 354 24 Sqn RAF
Summary: Maryland AH 354 of 24 (Commonwealth) Sqn RAF, took off on 5 August 1941 to carry out an operational mission at Derna, Cyrenaica. The pilots of accompanying aircraft reported that AH 354 was caught in 10 searchlights and shot down in flames at 2200 hours on 5th August., the aircraft crashing into the sea east of Derna. Crew: SAAF RAAF SAAF SAAF
Lt Clarkson, C L (Pilot) 407028 Sgt Fuller, C J (Observer) Sgt Green, G C (Air Gunner) Sgt Read, H A (Air Gunner)
It was later reported that some bodies from AH 354 had been recovered and buried but the graves could not be located. The body of Sgt Read (SAAF) was recovered and is buried in the El Alamein British Military Cemetery. In 1958 it was assumed that Sgt Fuller (RAAF) had lost his life at sea.
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402114 Sergeant GALE, David Ross
Source: NAA : A705, 163/115/52. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Tomahawk AK 398 250 Sqn RAF
Summary: Tomahawk AK 398 of No 250 (Sudan) Sqn RAF was one of 10 Tomahawk’s which took off on 26 June 1941 to escort bombers detailed to attack Gazala in the Tobruk/Bardia area. Arriving over Bardia-Capuzzo, a large dogfight was sighted below of approx 40 ME 109’s, G50’s and Hurricanes. The Tomahawk formation joined in, and became separated. At one time 5 crashes were seen on the ground with one Pilot coming down by chute. On returning to base two Tomahawks were missing including AK 398. Crew: RAAF
402114 Sgt D.R.Gale, Pilot.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, when no trace of the missing pilot could be found, it was recorded in 1948 that Sgt Gale had no known grave.
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425149 Flight Sergeant GALLIGAN, Edwin Richard AWMA 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/125 digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 306, Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling EE 949 IC – G 623 Sqn RAF.
Summary: Stirling EE 949 of 623 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Downham Market, Norfolk, at 2230 hours on 31 August 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
Wg Cdr Little, E.J., DFC, Captain (Pilot). 414170 Flt Sgt O.J.Tanner, 2nd Pilot. FO Huxter, E., Navigator. Sgt A.C.Brooksbank, Air Bomber. Sgt A.J.Millin, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 425149 Flt Sgt E.R.Galligan, Air Gunner. Sgt C.W.Sweeting, Air Gunner. Sgt W.Lowe, Flight Engineer.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the aircraft crashed at Werbig, 9 kms north west of Belzig. The aircraft exploded on striking the ground and all crew were killed instantly. Flt Sgt Tanner and Sgt Millin are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. The other six crew members have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
272
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404964 Flight Sergeant GALLOGLY, Vincent John
Source: NAA: A9301, Barcode 5539429 Nil RAAF Casualty file held by Archives. Extract from Page 130, RAF Bomber Command Losses of the 2nd World War 1942, by W.R.Chorley. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington DV 818 PM 103 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington DV 818 of 103 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Elsham Wolds at 2308 hours on the night of 22 June 1942 to bomb Essen, Germany. The aircraft did not return to base from this mission. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Wg Cdr Godfrey, DFC, O Captain (Pilot) 404964 Flt Sgt Gallogly, V J (Pilot) PO Downward, A C R Flt Sgt Edwards, H G Sgt Porteous, J W Sgt Barnett, F E
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was presumed that the aircraft came down in the sea off the coast of Holland. Wg Cdr Godfrey is buried in the Eerum (Wierhuizen) Protestant Cemetery, and Sgt Porteous the Sage War Cemetery, Germany. Sgt Barnett became a POW, with the remainder of the crew missing.
273
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405548 Flight Sergeant GANNON, Ronald Dillon
Source: NAA : A705, 163/115/147 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8594 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington Z 8594 of 104 Sqn RAF took off at night on 14/15th October 1942 to attack Tobruk. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RNZAF RCAF RAAF RAF RAAF
Sgt Baldwin, E W Captain (Pilot) WO Keane, D M (2nd Pilot) Flt Sgt Elliott, R J (Observer) 405027 Sgt Smith, J L (2nd Observer) Sgt Clark, H R (Wireless Operator) 405548 Flt Sgt Gannon, R D (Air Gunner)
The names of Sgt Gannon and Sgt Smith (RAAF) are commemorated on the Alamein Missing Memorial
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408074 Sergeant GEAPPEN, Noel Sherrin
Source: NAA : A705, 163/116/31. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim
84 Sqn RAF
Summary: Sgt Geappon was the pilot of a Blenheim aircraft of 84 Sqn RAF which was reported to have crashed into the side of a hill south east of Lahat, Sumatra. The aircraft had left Palembang in the early hours of 16 February 1942 to proceed to Bandoeng, Java. It encountered bad weather on the way and the aircraft was forced to return, crashing into the hillside at Lahat, which is about 100 miles east of Palembang. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
408074 Sgt N.S.Geappen, Pilot. 400532 Sgt D.J.Gosbell, Observer. 406208 Sgt W.J.Davey, Wireless Operator Air Gunner.
RAAF Sgt J.R.Reid, (Air Gunner) a regular member of Sgt Geappen’s crew was also reported to have been killed in the above crash. However it was later established that Sgt Reid had travelled in another plane from Palembang which had been forced to return to Palembang, and that Sgt Reid had been shot and killed on the ground by advancing Japanese troops.
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417298 Flight Sergeant GERICKE, Phillip Kenneth Ross DFM
Source: NAA : A705, 166/15/183 AWM 65 (2267) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ED 610 LS – C 15 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster ED 610 of 15 Sqn RAF took off From RAF Station Mildenhall, Suffolk, at 0010 hours on 29 January 1944, to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
Flt Lt Woodruff, D G DFC Captain (Pilot) FO Burcham, S J (Navigator) FO Hussey, J E B(Air Bomber) FO Newly, R V (Wireless Operator) Sgt Appleby, H E (Flight Engineer) Sgt Botham, R J Mid Upper Gunner) 417298 Flt Sgt Gericke P K R DFM (Rear Gunner)
In 1948 the wallet of Sgt Appleby was recovered from the sea off Esbjerg on the south west coast of Denmark, by the Captain of a Danish trawler. It was assumed that the aircraft had crashed in the North Sea, and that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea. Citation : DFM : As rear gunner, Flt Sgt Gericke has participated in very many sorties against important targets. He is a cool, confident and resolute gunner, and his skill has on more that one occasion, contributed materially to the safe return of his aircraft. On one occasion in an attack on Kassel, his aircraft was attacked by a Junkers 88. Although his reflector sight was hit by a bullet and rendered useless, Flt Sgt Gericke coolly withheld his fire until the attacker came into loose range then, with a well placed burst of fire, shot the enemy aircraft down. His determination and efficiency have set an excellent example.
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407362 Flight Sergeant GERMEIN, Joseph Francis
Source: NAA : A705, 163/116/34. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim V 9620 113 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim V 9620 of 113 Sqn RAF took off on a sortie on the morning of 23 May 1942, and failed to return to base. Information later received from 221 Group advised that an aircraft had crashed in jungle country in the Eastern States. A revolver belonging to a crew member of V 9620 and FO Griggs log book was recovered from the wreckage and later received by the unit. Crew: RAAF RRAF RAAF
406490 FO Pearse, E.F., Pilot. 406382 FO Grigg, C.D., Observer. 407362 Sgt J. F Germein, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
It was established in 1942 that the aircraft crashed in the jungle, four miles north east of Ompi Bazaar, India, and 20 miles south of Agartala. The aircraft was burnt out and the crew of three found dead. They were buried at the scene of the crash near a small village of Bahurambari, at 9141E and 2344.6seconds N. Later exhumation was not possible due to remoteness of the location, and inability to identify the locality of burial site.
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405549 Sergeant GIBSON, John Arthur
Source: NAA: A9301, Barcode 5523110 RAAF Casualty file is not held by Archives. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
13 Bomber Squadron USAAF
Summary: Sgt Gibson a Wireless Operator Air Gunner attached to No 13 Bomber Squadron USAAF was reported missing on air operations in New Guinea on 23 May 1942. No other casualty or crew details are available on the above file.
278
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
426094 Warrant Officer GIBSON, John Richardson
Source: NAA : A705, 166/15/334. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington MF 698 30 Operational Trg RAF
Summary: Wellington MF 698 of 30 Operational Training Unit RAF took off from RAF Seighfo satellite drome at 0300 hours on 12 October 1944, on a night cross country exercise. Approx 30 minutes after take off the first position report was received from the aircraft, but after that nothing was heard and MF 698 did not return to base. The route of the exercise was over the Cardigan Bay area. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
427966 PO White, D.G., Pilot. 426094 WO J.R.Gibson, Navigator. 419758 Sgt R.G.Kingsley, Air Bomber 437884 Flt Sgt A.R.Telford, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 433034 Flt Sgt W.M.Schafer, Air Gunner. Sgt N.Glasper, A/c. FO Woodley, W., Flying Instructor. FO Pegrum, A., Flying Instructor.
In 1949 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
279
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
421012 Flight Sergeant GILBERT, Leslie John DFM
Source: NAA : A705, 166/15/259 AWM 65 (2297) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling UJ 819 299 Sqn RAF
Summary: Stirling UJ 819 of 299 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station, Keevil, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, on 6 June 1944, to carry out an operational sortie in the vicinity of Caen, France. The aircraft did not return to base from this mission. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
421012 Flt Sgt Gilbert, L J DFM Captain (Pilot) 420920 Flt Sgt Croft, B A (Wireless Operator Air) FO Franklin Sgt Knight Sgt Pizer Sgt Mason, M C
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had no known grave. Citation : DFM : Flt Sgt Gilbert was pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed for an operational mission one night in May 1944. Shortly after reaching the enemy coast on of the engines became unserviceable. Despite this, Flt Sgt Gilbert persisted in his mission which he successfully completed in the face of many difficulties. His appreciation of the responsibilities entrusted to him and his unswerving devotion to duty set a fine example.
280
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
413188 Warrant Officer GILBERT, Ronald Desmond Source: NAA : A705, 166/15/302 Typhoon Aircraft Type: MN 920 Serial number: Radio call sign: 181 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: Typhoon MN 920 of 181 Sqn RAF was one of a formation of four Typhoons which took off at 1416 hours on 19 August 1944 to carry out an armed reconnaissance in the Maiseux – Vimoutieres – Orbes area in Normandy, France. MN 920 flown by WO Gilbert was Yellow 4 in the formation. When they reached the target area the formation split up. Yellow 1 and 2 in Section 1, and Yellow 3 and 4 in Section 2. The pilot of Yellow 3 reported that Yellow 4 had followed him in three rocket propelled attacks on tanks, south east of Vimoutieres. When Yellow 3 broke away from the 4th attack, he observed Yellow 4 flying due south on a straight course at a low altitude, and that this was the last he had seen of Yellow 4 (MN 920). Yellow 4 did not return to base after the mission. Crew: RAAF 413188 WO Gilbert, R D (Pilot) Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or pilot had been found,, it was recorded that WO Gilbert had no known grave. Citation : MID : At about 1400 hours on 6th July 1944 a Typhoon aircraft damaged by enemy action, crashed into eight “readiness” aircraft of No 247 Squadron in the marshalling area, at the downwind end of the strip on B.6 airfield. It immediately burst into flames and set fire to three other aircraft. The remaining five aircraft in the area were in very grave danger of being set alight by the flames, and being damaged by exploding rockets, ammunition, petrol tanks and oxygen bottles. WO Gilbert of 181 Squadron immediately entered the cockpit of one of the aircraft and attempted to start it. The Typhoon unfortunately would not start, but he courageously remained in the cockpit until it as towed to safety. I consider his attempt to save this aircraft, which was really only ten yards from they nearest burning one, an act of great gallantry and he gave a very fine example to the witnesses of the incident. (Published in the Kings Birthday Honours List 1945)
281
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407270 Sergeant GILES, David Arthur
Source: NAA : A705, 166/117/140 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 6421 203 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z 6421 of 203 Sqn RAF took off on 26 March 1942 to carry out an operational flight in the Middle East. The aircraft was lost at sea off the Libyan coast at approx 1210pm on the 26 March. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF
Flt Lt Green, V V (Pilot) 407270 Sgt Giles, D A (Observer) Flt Sgt Dawson, C W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
282
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404719 Sergeant GILKESON, Charles Aubrey Jim
Source: NAA : A705, 163/117/108 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Botha L 6407 8 Air Gunnery School RAF
Summary: Botha L 6407 of 8 Air Gunnery School RAF took off from RAF Station Evanton on 15 November 1941, to carry out a daytime air firing practice of a beam attack to be fired on a “Z” towline. There was ten tenths cloud at the time at a height of 1200/1500 feet with a south east wind and visibility of 5-6 miles. Soon after take off the aircraft was seen to explode in midair and fall to the ground in flames. The wreck of the aircraft was embedded in tidal mudflats 3 miles from Tarberness, near Tain, Scotland. There was no evidence of parachutes being used. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF
404719 Sgt Gilkeson, C A J (Pilot) LAC Allan, J K (Air Gunner under training) LAC James, G N (Air Gunner under training) LAC Saxton, D H (Air Gunner under training)
There were no survivors from the accident, and no bodies were recovered. Sgt Gilkeson’s name is recorded on the Memorial to the Missing at Runneymede.
283
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
408123 Sergeant GILL, Neil Stewart
Source: NAA : A705, 163/117/123. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Albacore T 0135 36 Sqn RAF
Summary: Albacore T 0135 of 36 Sqn RAF was shot down on 26 January 1942 by Japanese carrier fighters, while attacking a large Japanese invasion fleet at the mouth of the River Merseing on the south east coast of Malaya, in the vicinity of Endau. Out of the attacking force of 36 aircraft from Nos 36, 100 and 16 Sqns RAF, 19 aircraft were lost . Crew: RNZAF RAAF RAAF
Sgt Fleming, Pilot. 400860 Sgt J.H.Henderson, Observer. 408123 Sgt N.S.Gill, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
In 1947 the wreck of T 0135 was found in position 02,37N, 103.46.5E, approx 3 to 4 mile due north of Telok Sari near Endau and in shallow water. The wreckage was uncovered at low tides. The remains of any of the missing crew were irrecoverable.
284
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
417360 Warrant Officer GILL, Robert Douglas
Source: NAA : A705, 166/15/419. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NF 907 UM – K2 626 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster NF 907 of 626 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Wickenby, Lincolnshire at 1735 hours on 18 February 1945 to carry a mining operation over the target “Rosemary” in the Kattegat area. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
418276 FO Hollaway, K.G., Captain (Pilot). Flt Sgt T.W.Gascoigne, Navigator. Sgt J.T.Jones, Air Bomber. 417360 WO R.D.Gill, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt R.F.Edwards, Flight Engineer. Sgt E.Harrison, Mid Upper Gunner. Sgt D.W.Hughes, Rear Gunner.
In 1949 it was reported that all efforts to find any trace of the aircraft and crew had been unsuccessful, and the crew had been recorded as missing lost at sea.
285
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
415779 Flight Sergeant GILLETT, Geoffrey Gordon
Source: NAA : A9301, Barcode 5524593. RAAF Casualty file not held by Archives. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington LN 301 70 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington LN 301 of 70 Sqn RAF took off from Djedeida North landing ground, 15 miles north west of Tunis, at 1712 hours on 22 November 1943 to attack Ciampino drome, Italy. Messages were received from the aircraft at 9.44pm and 10.29pm when LN 301 requested a bearing and course to return. An identification message believed to have come from the aircraft at 11.15pm was received, but after that nothing further was heard, and the aircraft did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
413883 Flt Sgt MacLeod, J R Captain (Pilot) 420178 Flt Sgt Fraser, I L (2nd Pilot) Sgt Hamilton, W (Navigator) 422648 Sgt Madden, J F (Observer) 415779 Flt Sgt Gillett, G G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 422401 Flt Sgt Buckman J A (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
286
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407929 Flight Sergeant GITSHAM, Stewart Burton
Source: NAA : A705, 163/117/192. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufort DE 115 47 Sqn RAF
Summary: On 26 October 1942 Beaufort DE 115 piloted by FO Davidson, was in a formation of 8 Beauforts of 47 Sqn RAF, which left Gianaclis to strike against an enemy convoy of 2 motor vessels, a tanker and four destroyers nearing Tobruk. Bisleys and Beaufighters escorted the above formation. The target convoy was seen at 32.20N 23.42E. The Beauforts carried out a torpedo attack and the Bisleys a low level bombing attack on the convoy. After carrying out the torpedo attack on a merchant vessel, Beaufort DE 115 is believed to have crashed beside it. DE 115 did not return to base. Crew: RCAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Davidson, H.J. Pilot. 407929 Flt Sgt S.B.Gitsham, Observer. PO Jones, T.H., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt S.R.M.Pugh, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
287
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404913 Sergeant GLENTON-WRIGHT, Michael Lotherington Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/103/197 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses Operational Training Units, 1940-1947, Page 120, Volume 7. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington N 2851 - F3 23 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington N 2851 of No 23 Op Training RAF, took off from RAF Station Stradishall, at 2312 hours on rhe night of 30/31st May 1942, detailed to attack Cologne, Germany. The aircraft failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
Sgt W.R.C.Johnston, Captain (Pilot). 403132 Sgt J.Donn-Patterson, Observer. 401412 Sgt F.G.Bolton, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 404913 Sgt M.L.Glenton-Wright, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 405256 Sgt R.A.Broodbank. Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was established that the aircraft crashed near Gravendeel Zuid, Holland, and the remains of Sgt Johnston (RAF) and Sgt Broodbank (RAAF) were interred at Grosswijk Cemetery, Rotterdam. Also the severity of the explosion in the crash was such that it was found impossible to recover the remains of the other three missing crew members and in 1948 it was recorded that they had no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
288
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
418387 Flight Sergeant GODFREY, Lloyd William Lewis
Source: NAA : A705, 166/16/229 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4337 UL – R2 576 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster W 4337 of 576 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Elsham Wolds, Barnetby, Lincolnshire, on 3 December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
420334 Flt Sgt Booth, J M Captain (Pilot) Sgt Kaye, G H (Flight Engineer) 418387 Flt Sgt Godfrey, L W L, (Observer) 413254 Sgt Richards, R E D (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 420836 Flt Sgt Jennings, M N (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 417959 Sgt Jones, N W (Air Gunner) 418584 Flt Sgt Taskis, D R G (Air Gunner)
Post war efforts to establish the circumstances of the crash and its location were unsuccessful. The bodies of Flt Sgt Booth, Flt Sgt Jennings, Sgt Jones and Flt Sgt Taskis (RAAF) are interred in the Rheinberg War cemetery, Germany, whilst the remains of both Flt Sgt Godfrey and Sgt Richards (RAAF) could not be found and they are recorded as having no known grave.
289
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
415521 Flight Sergeant GODFREY, Richard Roy Source : NAA : A705, 166/16/187. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HZ 811 150 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HZ 811 of 150 Sqn RAF was one of a number of Squadron aircraft to attack barges and harbour installations at Leghorn, Italy. HZ 811 took off at 1845 hours on 24 September 1943. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Leghorn is located on the north west coast of Italy. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
409340 FO Williams, E.O.S., Pilot. 410198 FO West, J.D., Navigator. 415521 Flt Sgt R.R.Godfrey, Navigator. 409566 Flt Sgt D.G.Meyer, Navigator Acting Bombaimer. 421059 Flt Sgt N.J.Veale, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew were located, it was recorded in 1948 that the crew had lost their lives at sea.
290
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407153 Flight Sergeant GOLDER, Reginald William
Source: NAA : A705, 166/118/319 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling W 7448 LS – E 15 Sqn RAF
Summary: Stirling W 7448 of 15 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Alconbury on 7 April 1942 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base after the mission. Crew: RCAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
WO Hare, T W Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt F W Cooper, (Flight Engineer) 402585 Sgt A L Brandt, (Observer) Sgt K Taylor, (1st Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt E R C Oakley, (2nd Wireless Air Gunner) 407153 Flt Sgt R W Golder, (Mir Upper Gunner) Sgt G Stephenson, (Rear Gunner) Sgt R Thompson Horan, (Flight Engineer)
Sgt Brandt’s (RAAF) body is interred in the Kiel British Military cemetery. Post war efforts to find the remains of the aircraft or any other member of the crew were unsuccessful and they have been recorded as having no known grave.
291
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
417634 Flight Sergeant GOLDNEY, Murray Rufus
Source: NAA : A705, 166/16/319. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 913 547 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 913 of 547 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station St Eval, Wadebridge, Cornwall, at 0602 hours on 12 April 1944 on an anti-sub patrol in the Bay of Biscay. The aircraft failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
421867 Flt Sgt E.G.Swanbury, Pilot. 410579 Flt Sgt K.W.Webb, Navigtator Bombaimer 417634 Flt Sgt M.R.Goldney, Navigator Bombaimer. 421846 Flt Sgt K.R.Foster, Wireless Operator Air. 422141 Flt Sgt E.Daniels, Wireless Operator Air. Flt Sgt Sutton. Sgt Wood. Sgt Crosbie. FO Ryer.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
292
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
420659 Flight Sergeant GOMES, Lewis Charles
Source: NAA : A705, 166/16/188 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington MP 791 172 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington MP 791 of 172 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Chivenor, Barnstaple, Nth Devon, at 1946 hours on the 28 September, 1943, to carry out an operational patrol over the Bay of Biscay. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Sgt Barr, J H Captain (Pilot) Sgt Cole, R G (2nd Pilot) 420659 Flt Sgt Gomes, L C (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Sgt Jones, F J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Harris, F J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Jones, D A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
293
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
413852 Flight Sergeant GORDON, George Wallace
Source: NAA : A705, 166/16/246. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Sunderland T 228 228 Sqn RAF
Summary: Sunderland T 228 took off from RAF Station Pembroke Dock, South Wales, at 7.15am on 24 December 1943 to carry out an anti-submarine patrol. At 12.25pm a distress signal was received from the aircraft. At this time T228 was over a force of enemy destroyers and in company of another Sunderland. At 1.10pm a message was received from the other Sunderland aircraft which stated that wreckage of a Sunderland aircraft had been sighted and one survivor seen on the wing float of the aircraft. A dinghy was dropped but the survivor disappeared a few minutes later. Although the crew of the accompanying aircraft did not actually see T228 shot down, it was believed that T228 was shot down by an enemy surface vessel. Crew: RAF Fl Lt Fitzearle, W.H.E., Captain (Pilot). RAF Sgt R.M.Bond, 1st Pilot. RAF Flt Sgt R.K.Chapman, 2nd Pilot. RAAF 413151 PO Weiland, E., Navigator/Bombaimer. RAF Flt Sgt J.B.Mullin, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAF FO Hodges, R.J. RAAF 413848 Flt Sgt A.H.Foxley, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 413852 Flt Sgt G.W.Gordon, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAF Sgt G.Wilks, Flight Engineer. RAF Sgt W.J.Lock, Fitter/Air Gunner. RAF Sgt F.Gander, Fitter/Gunner. RAF Flt Sgt L.Robinson, Air Gunner. Plus 9 RAF passengers. In 1949 it was recorded that all on board the aircraft had lost their lives at sea.
294
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
408807 Flight Sergeant GORDON, Ian Stanley
Source: NAA : A705, 166t/16/74. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufighter JL 874 235 Sqn RAF
Summary: Beaufighter JL 874 of 235 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Leuchars, Fifeshire, Scotland, on 1 May 1943 together with 17 other Beaufighters as fighter escort to 9 torpedo Beaufighters on a sweep along the Norwegian Coast from Lister Light to Stavenger fiord. The visibility along the coast was good with a cloudless sky. The formation was attacked by 8 enemy fighters off Stavanger, and JL 874 was last seen astern of the main formation in combat with 4 or 5 enemy aircraft. Nothing was seen or heard from the aircraft after this encounter and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF
408807 Flt Sgt I.S. Gordon, Pilot. PO Coleman, C., Navigator (BW).
Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew could be found, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
295
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
434942 Flight Sergeant GORDON, Malcolm James
Source: NAA : A705, 166/16/509 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator EV 942 354 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator EV 942 of 354 Sqn RAF took off on 30 December 1944 on an anti U Boat patrol in the Indian area. It was last plotted off the south east coast of Ceylon in position 6.59N, 82.12E, when the aircraft was flying over the sea. The aircraft failed to return to base from the mission. Crew: RCAF RAAF RCAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
FO Manyluk, W A Captain (Pilot) 417587 Flt Sgt McCulloch, R W (Pilot) PO Maika, P J (Navigator Bombaimer) Sgt Welburn, J K (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 429018 Flt Sgt Robinson, A W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 434942 Flt Sgt Gordon, M J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 15279 Flt Sgt Cain, L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Sutcliffe, J (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and searches it was recorded in 1946 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
296
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
402033 Sergeant GORNALL, George Herbert
Source: NAA : A705, 163/118/290. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 9713 211 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z 9713 of 211 Sqn RAF was lost as a result of enemy action at approx 12.30pm on 6 February 1942. Three aircraft were operating on escort duty and two did not return (Z 7586 and Z 9713), and the third aircraft was shot down on the way back to Palembang. The escort duty was over a convoy from Berhala Straits to Banka Straits. A survivor (Sgt Offard) from the third aircraft shot down, later stated that “he had seen one Blenheim on fire, but he did not know what happened to the second aircraft missing”. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
407810 Sgt Steele, G M (Pilot) 400417 Sgt Menzies, S K (Observer) 402033 Sgt Gornall, G H (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations the search for the above missing crew was abandoned in 1950.
297
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
400532 Sergeant GOSBELL, Donald James
Source: NAA : A705, 163/118/314. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim
84 Sqn RAF
Summary: Sgt Gosbell was a member of the crew of a Blenheim aircraft of 84 Sqn RAF which was reported to have crashed into the side of a hill south east of Lahat, Sumatra. The aircraft had left Palembang in the early hours of 16 February 1942 to proceed to Bandoeng, Java. It encountered bad weather on the way and the aircraft was forced to return, crashing into the hillside at Lahat, which is about 100 miles east of Palembang. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
408074 Sgt N.S.Geappen, Pilot. 400532 Sgt D.J.Gosbell, Observer. 406208 Sgt W.J.Davey, Wireless Operator Air Gunner.
RAAF Sgt J.R.Reid, (Air Gunner) a regular member of Sgt Geappen’s crew was also reported to have been killed in the above crash. However it was later established that Sgt Reid had travelled in another plane from Palembang which had been forced to return to Palembang, and that Sgt Reid had been shot and killed on the ground by advancing Japanese troops.
298
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
400981 Sergeant GOTTS, Rex Alfred
Source: NAA : A705, 163/118/473 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster R 5909 VN 50 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster R 5909 of 50 Sqn RAF took off From RAF Station, Swinderby, Lincolnshire, at 2302 hours on 22 September 1942 to attack Weimar, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF
Flt Sgt Dickenson, G K Captain (Pilot) Sgt Trottier, W H (Flight Engineer) 400981 Sgt Gotts, R A (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 403161 Sgt Carnley, J W (Air Bomber) Flt Sgt Wade, H J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 401258 Sgt Watson, C F Air Gunner) 407873 Sgt Phillips, H A (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the aircraft had exploded in the air and crashed in the Baltic Sea off the Isle of Laaland, Denmark. The bodies of Sgt Carnley and Sgt Watson (RAAF) were washed ashore on the Isle of Laaland and are buried in the Svino Churchard Cemetery, Denmark. It was recorded in 1949 that the remaining crew members had lost their lives at sea.
299
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
401212 Flight Sergeant GOUDIE, Nathaniel Robert
Source: NAA : A705, 166/16/39 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson FH 363 269 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hudson FH 363 of 269 Sqn RAF was one of two aircraft airborne at 1200 hours on 1 March 1943 to carry out a convoy escort duty in the Atlantic. At 1.30 PM a message was despatched recalling the aircraft. This was acknowledged. FH 363 remained in communicating with base until 1712 hours, then nothing further was heard and FH 363 failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF
FO Ramsey, WO Williams, Flt Sgt Boardman, 401212 Flt Sgt Goudie, N R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
In 1949 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
300
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
401347 Flight Sergeant GOVETT, Leslie Jack Robert
Source: NAA : A705, 163/118/502 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8522 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington Z 8522 of 104 Sqn RAF took off on 9 October 1942 to attack Landing Grounds Nos 17 and 18 on night operations in Libya. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
402632 Flt Sgt E.L.Anderson, Captain (Pilot). FO Newman, A.J., 2nd Pilot. 401347 Flt Sgt L.J.R.Govett, Observer. 400355 Flt Sgt A.A.C.Peters, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 400348 Flt Sgt T.H.Howlett, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt M.A.Ball, Wireless Operator/Air.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had no known grave.
301
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404712 Sergeant GOWDIE, Robert St Clair
Source: NAA : A705, 163/118/412 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington DV 663 40 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington DV 663 of 40 Sqn RAF took off at 1945 hours on the 7th August 1942 to attack shipping in Tobruk Harbour Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAF RNZAF RAAF RAAF RCAF
Sgt Kerr, L F Captain (Pilot) Sgt Hainey, K K (2nd Pilot) Sgt Thomson, J I (Observer) 403537 Sgt Smith, F R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 404712 Sgt Gowdie, R StC (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Wolstenholme, D (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
302
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
401308 Sergeant GRABHAM, Arthur James
Source: NAA : A705, 166/118/362. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hampden 136 420 (RCAF) Sqn
Summary: Hampden 136 of 420 (Snowy Owl) Sqn RCAF, took off from RAF Station Waddington, Lincolnshire, at 2238 hours on 8 January 1942, to attack Dieppe, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RCAF RAAF RAF RCAF
Sgt I.M.Reid, Pilot. 401308 Sgt A.J.Grabham, Observer. Sgt C.J.Bunn, Wireless Operator. Sgt H.R.Copeland, Rear Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew could be found, it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew had no known grave.
303
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404963 Flight Sergeant GRACE, Hilary Francis
Source: NAA : A705, 166/118/467. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 1651 150 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington Z 1651 of 150 Sqn RAF was one of 9 aircraft which took off from RAF Station Snaith, Yorkshire, to attack Bremen, Germany. The weather en route was cloudy, but fine over the target which was obscured by smoke haze. Moderate to heavy flak was encountered over the north west and south east of Bremen. Nothing was heard from Z1651 aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF
404963 Flt Sgt H.F.Grace, Captain (Pilot). Sgt J.C.Chamers, Observer. 405588 Sgt H.W.Holgate, Bombaimer. Sgt C.Mackenzie, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 411265 Sgt T.D.Shepherd, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found, it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew had no known grave.
304
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
414374 Sergeant GRAHAM, John Alexander
Source: NAA : A705, 166/16/112. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator 23688 44 Radar Direction Finding USAAF
Summary: Liberator 23688 of No 44 Radar Direction Finding, USAAF, was one of 16 aircraft that had completed a bombing mission in enemy occupied territory over Macassar, Celebes, on 23 June 1943. Approx 10 miles west of Macassar at 0230Z a Nate type enemy aircraft rammed into the wing of Liberator 23688, causing a flat spin from 9000 feet, and 23688 crashed into sea 3 to 5 miles from shore. Nil parachutes were seen of any crew baling out. The incident was witnessed by Lt Roth of the USAAF, the pilot of the aircraft directly behind 23688. Crew: RAAF 414374 Sgt J.A.Graham, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Plus 9 personnel of the USAAF. Sgt Graham is recorded as missing on the Missing Memorial at Ambon.
305
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
423100 Flight Sergeant GRANT, John Charles
Source: NAA : A705, 166/16/366 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Anson MG 468 518 Sqn RAF
Summary: Anson MG 468 of 518 Sqn RAF took off at 1730 hours on 3 July 1944 on a cross country flight from RAF Isle of Tiree, Argyllshire, Scotland, to Prestwick. The aircraft crashed into the sea 5 miles south of Rhinus Point, Isle of Islay, Scotland. The aircraft ran into thick sea fog soon after take off tried to get below it, and struck the water in bad visibility. The aircraft disintegrated on hitting the water. Two of the crew who survived the crash managed to reach the dinghy, and were rescued. There was however no sign of Flt Sgt Grant. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF
Flt Sgt Alton D (1st Pilot) FO Mackenzie, D (Navigator) 423100 Flt Sgt Grant, J C (Wireless Operator Air)
306
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
413373 Flight Sergeant GRAY, George Henderson
Source: NAA : A705, 166/16/103. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington BJ 672 27 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington BJ 672 of No 27 Operational Training Unit RAF took off from RAF Station Lichfield, Staffordshire, at 1136 am on a non operational flight over the North Sea on 14 June 1943. Communications were received from the aircraft at 1141am and 1224pm when the aircraft was near Boston, Lincolnshire on the outward journey. No other messages were received and BJ 672 failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
15851 Flt Sgt W.D.Weir, Pilot 412024 Sgt V.C.Mcquade, Observer. 413373 Flt Sgt G.H.Gray, Observer. 410327 Sgt R.McL.Grieve, Wireless Operator Air Gunner. 421602 Sgt J.S.Lee, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
307
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407152 Sergeant GRAY, Maxwell Clifford
Source: NAA : A705, 163/118/324 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 7896 11 Sqn RAF
Summary: On 9 April 1942, FO Burgan was navigator on Blenheim aircraft Z 7896 of 11 Sqn RAF, which was one of a formation of four Blenheims on a mission from Ceylon to attack a Japanese invasion fleet, 175 miles east of Trincomalee. None of the aircraft returned from this mission and no further information ever obtained. Aircraft and crew lost at sea. Crew: RAF RAAF RAAF
Flt Lt Adcock, C H (Pilot) 407285 PO Burgan, G S, DFC (Navigator) 407152 Sgt Gray, M C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
308
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
406299 Sergeant GREEN, Garnham Frederick
Source: NAA : A705, 163/118/448 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 7847 8 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z 7847 of 8 Sqn RAF was detailed to carry out an convoy escort patrol on 4 September 1942, forty miles distant from its base in the Middle East. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. The weather conditions were good, but later aircraft on the same escort mission reported large areas of cloud with a base down to 100 feet. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
404834 Sgt Williams, A S (Pilot) 405060 Sgt McDowall, R G (Observer) 406299 Sgt Green, G F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
309
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404420 Sergeant GREGG, Stanley Alfred
Source: NAA : A705, 163/1118/511. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster R 5691 VN 50 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster R 5691 of 50 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Skellingthorpe, Lincolnshire, at 1232 hours on 24 October 1942 for a daytime attack on Milan, Italy. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
403644 Sgt R.L.Cumberland, Captain ( Pilot). Sgt W.Scott, Flight Engineer. 403532 Sgt J.T.Philpot, Navigator. 404420 Sgt S.A.Gregg, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt J.J.Glendinning, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt F.Adey, Air Gunner. Sgt J.St B,Fern Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the aircraft was shot down and crashed in the sea in the vicinity of Meuvaines near Caen, France, and close to the French coast. The remains of Sgt Cumberland (RAAF), Sgt Philpott (RAAF), and Sgt Glendinning (RAF) are buried in the Caen War Cemetery, and that of Sgt Adley (RAF) in the Saint Marie Cemetery, Le Havre. In 1949 it was recorded that the remaining three missing crew members including that of Sgt Gregg (RAAF) had lost their lives at sea.
310
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
410327 Flight Sergeant GRIEVE, Ronald McLennan
Source: NAA : A705, 166/16/104. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington BJ 672 27 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington BJ 672 of No 27 Operational Training Unit RAF took off from RAF Station Lichfield, Staffordshire, at 1136 am on a non operational flight over the North Sea on 14 June 1943. Communications were received from the aircraft at 1141am and 1224pm when the aircraft was near Boston, Lincolnshire on the outward journey. No other messages were received and BJ 672 failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
15851 Flt Sgt W.D.Weir, Pilot 412024 Sgt V.C.Mcquade, Observer. 413373 Flt Sgt G.H.Gray, Observer. 410327 Sgt R.McL.Grieve, Wireless Operator Air Gunner 412602 Sgt J.S.Lee, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
311
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
429224 Flight Sergeant GRIFFIN, Felix Ivor
Source: NAA : A705, 166/16/418 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HE 444 21 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington HE 444 of No 21 Operational Training Unit RAF, took off from RAF Moreton in the Marsh, to attack a diversionary “Bullseye” target, 58 miles from Borkum in the Frisian Islands. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Other crews reported some ack ack fire from a flak ship near the target, and also ack ack fire from a convoy 10 miles off Cromer on the return journey. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
429224 Flt Sgt Griffin, F I Captain (Pilot) Sgt Kempthorne,, R D (Navigator) Sgt Grego, G C (Air Bomber) 430373 Flt Sgt Laidler, G J K (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt McLachlan. D C (Air Gunner) Sgt Whittle, R (Air Gunner)
Apart from an envelope being found in the sea of Cromer, with the service particulars of Sgt Grego, no trace of the missing aircraft or crew were found and in 1949 it was recorded that they had lost their lives at sea.
312
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
429375 Flight Sergeant GRIFFITH, John Bryant De Burgh
Source: NAA : A705, 166/16/357 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax MX 592 LK – G 578 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax MX 592 of 578 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Burn, near Selby, Yorkshire, at 2338 hours on 12 June 1944, to attack a target at Amiens, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
FO Wilden, R F Captain (Pilot) Sgt Currums, W N (Flight Engineer) 423896 Flt Sgt Robin, P R A (Navigator) Sgt Askwith, P (Air Bomber) Sgt Hocking, J C (Wireless Operator) 429375 Flt Sgt Griffith, J B DeB (Mid Upper Gunner) 29132 Flt Sgt Mitchell, D S (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the aircraft was hit by flak and crashed at Mailly Raineval (Somme), 5 miles south west of Moreuil. FO Wilden and one unidentified crew member are buried in the Parish cemetery at Mailly Raineval, but no trace of the remaining 5 crew members could be found.
313
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
423487 Flight Sergeant GRIFFITHS, John Jefferson Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/32/615, 166/12/150, Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Sunderland W 6009 4(C) Operational Trg School RAF
Summary: On the 14th January 1945, Sunderland W6009 took off from RAF Station Alness, RossShire Scotland, on a non-operational armament training exercise. The aircraft crashed off shore near Ferrytown, Doronach Firth, Scotland at 1340 hours.. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
429929 FO Crompton, A W Seriously injured 405596 FO Marstella, R T (Pilot) Killed 436397 PO Bugg, E N Seriously injured 426656 Flt Sgt McLeod, O N Seriously injured 437444 Flt Sgt Pryor, M C Seriously Injured 423487 Flt Sgt Griffiths, J J (Wireless Operator Air) Missing 414626 Sgt Laing, O W (Flight Engineer) Killed 433805 Sgt Freudenstein, W J W Seriously injured 441309 Sgt Wadel, R R Seriously injured 443289 Flt Sgt Evers, E (Air Gunner) Missing 417881 FO Pepper, F L (Wireless Operator/Air) Missing
The bodies of FO Marstella and Sgt Laing were recovered from the sea and buried at Harrogate RAF Cemetery, Yorkshire. No trace was found of missing crew members FO Pepper and Flt Sgt’s Griffiths and Evers, who lost their lives at sea. They have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
314
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
402275 Sergeant GRIMLEY, Robert Keith
Source: NAA: A705, 163/118/305 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Maryland 1639 69 Sqn RAF
Summary: Maryland 1639 of 69 Sqn RAF was returning to Malta on 18 March 1942 from a recce patrol. When some 4 miles southwest of Filfola in the Malta area, it was attacked by enemy fighters and shot down into the sea. ASR searches were carried out but no trace of the aircraft or crew were found. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
400599 Sgt G.B.Parker, Pilot. 402275 Sgt R.K.Grimley, Observer. 402196 Sgt W.E.Anderson, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt G.J.Relemaunt, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
315
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
402349 Sergeant GUAN, Charles Allen
Source: NAA : A705, 163/119/20
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Whitley Z 9220 51 Sqn RAF
Summary: Whitley Z 9220 took off from RAF Station Dishforth at 1738 hours on the night of 31 October 1941, but failed to return to base from the night operation. A W/T message from the aircraft calling for help was received at 0032 hours on the 1st November, and the last known fix position of the aircraft was approx 165 miles east of Flamborough Head. Z 9220 carried a bomb load of 2 x 500lb, and 6 x 250 lb bombs. It was presumed that the aircraft was missing as a result of enemy action. On 10 November 1941 a dinghy belonging to Z 9220 was picked up by a trawler 17 miles east of Yarmouth. The dinghy contained the body of one crew member who could not be identified. The remaining missing members were not located and it was concluded that they had lost their lives at sea. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RCAF
402645 Sgt W.Bourke, Pilot. 402349 Sgt C.A.Guan. Pilot. Sgt S.Burgess. Sgt G.O.Williams. Sgt A.T.Bradley.
316
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
417364 Flight Sergeant GUY, William Trevor
Source: NAA : A705, 166/16/194 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling BK 723 WP – D 90 Sqn RAF
Summary: Stirling BK 723 took off from RAF Station Wratting Common Cambridgeshire at 1840 hours on 3 October 1943, to attack Kassel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft until 2030 hours when the aircraft reported that an engine was unserviceable and it was ditching in the North Sea. The message was brief and it was not possible to get a fix. ASR searches were carried out but no trace of the missing aircraft or crew could be found. Crew: RAF RAF RCAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF
Sgt De Meillac, Y Captain (Pilot) Sgt Taylor, K G (Navigator) Sgt McKitterick, D K (Air Bomber) Sgt Bell, W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 415995 Flt Sgt Kealy, J W (Upper Gunner) 417364 Flt Sgt Guy, W T (Rear Gunner) Sgt Leeves, B K (Flight Engineer)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
317
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
406847 Flight Sergeant HAIN, Alan Wesley
Source: NAA : A705, 166/17/326. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire AA 793 681 Sqn RAF
Summary: Spitfire AA 793 of 681 Sqn RAF took off from Dum Dum aerodrome India, at 0700 hours on 28 September 1943 on an operational flight and en route landed at Chittagong at 0800 hours to refuel. It left Chittagong again at 1200 hours to carry out a photo reconnaissance over Burma. At 1215 hours a plot of AA 793 was recorded, but that was the last plot received. It was later reported that an unidentified aircraft had crashed and exploded on 28 September between 1200 and 1300 hours on the east bank of the Kaladan river. In 1945 it was reported that the wreckage of AA 793 had been located half buried in the ground and that the remains of Flt Sgt Hain had been identified but no burial details had been given. Later search parties in the area reported that recovery and burial of the remains was impractical and Flt Sgt Hain is recorded as missing on the Singapore Memorial. Crew: RAAF
406847 Flt Sgt Hain, A W (Pilot)
318
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
400888 Flight Sergeant HAINS, Charles George Duval
Source: NAA : A705, 163/120/721 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufighter T 4986 272 Sqn RAF
Summary: Beaufighter T 4986 of 272 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Kali on 11 December 1942 together with other squadron aircraft on an offensive patrol to intercept enemy transport aircraft. About 30 miles from the island of Lampion in the Mediterranean the formation was intercepted by enemy aircraft and during the engagement one aircraft was seen to crash into the sea. As T4986 did not return to base after the mission, it was presumed that this was the aircraft that was shot down. Crew: RAAF RAF
400888 Flt Sgt Hains, C G D (Pilot) Sgt Lawson, D C (Observer)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that Flt Sgt Hains had lost his life at sea.
319
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
411316 Flight Sergeant HAIRE, Reginald Joseph
Source: NAA : A705, 163/120/708. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson FK 522 I Overseas Aircraft Delivery RAF
Summary: Hudson FK 522 of No 1 Overseas Aircraft Delivery RAF, left RAF Portreath (Cornwall), at night on 6 December 1942, in transit to Gibraltar. The aircraft took off climbing in the normal direction over the sea, and it then started a turn to port gradually, but lost height until it hit cliffs and exploded on impact. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RCAF RAOC
Sgt J.W.C Kidd. Sgt P.H.Moulton. 411316 Flt Sgt R.J.Haire, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. PO R.J.Gunn. Crafstman G.Atkinson, Passenger.
Craftsman Atkinson’s body was later recovered, but it was recorded that the four missing crew members had lost their lives at sea.
320
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
413990 Flight Sergeant HALL, Alfred Cyrus
Source: NAA : A705, 166/17/420 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire BP 419 8 (C) Op Training RAF
Summary: Spitfire BP $19 of No 8 Conversion Operational Training RAF was detailed to carry out on 31 December 1943, a high level photo recce training flight above 25,000 feet from Dyce to East Anglia and return. The route was from RAF Dyce, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, to Hexham – Kings Lynn – Leeds – Dyce. The aircraft took off at 1030 hours and should have returned by early afternoon, but it failed to return to base from this exercise. Three other aircraft on the same exercise were all airborne 15 minutes after BP 419. The weather forecast was good, but it deteriorated rapidly after take off. Two of the aircraft returned after covering the route, and they struck ten tenths cloud with few breaks. The third aircraft landed at Wood Vale due to the poor weather. Crew: RAAF
413990 Flt Sgt Hall, A C (Pilot)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that Flt Sgt Hall had no known grave.
321
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
403473 Sergeant HALL, Derek Maitland
Source: NAA : A 705, 163/120/390. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson T 9333 60 Op Training RAF
Summary: Hudson T 9333 of No 60 Operational Training Unit RAF, took off at 8.4pm on 8 March 1942, on a night training exercise over the sea, from which the aircraft failed to return. Although an unknown aircraft was heard over the W/T, this was not however identified with T 9333. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF
402898 Sgt T.C.Wills, Pilot. Sgt I.S.Woolf, Navigator. 403473 Sgt D.M.Hall,, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 403441 Sgt P.C.Bucknell, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
322
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
401034 Sergeant HALL, Garrick Ridley
Source: NAA : A705, 163/120//481 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim V 5425 36 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim V 5425 of 36 Sqn RAF was one of three squadron aircraft attacking Akyab, Burma on 9 September 1942. They were attacked by enemy fighters when off the coast in the vicinity of Akyab, and broke formation, and V 5425 which was not seen again in the ensuing combat, failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF
PO Mockridge, G A (Pilot) Sgt Brown, D H (Observer) 401034 Sgt Hall, G R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
323
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
435624 Flight Sergeant HAMILTON, Colin Henry Source: NAA : A705, 166/17/1322 Liberator Aircraft Type: KG 911 Serial number: Radio call sign: 203 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: Liberator KG 911 of 203 Sqn RAF Captained by Flt Lt Elmes, took off at 0215Z on 23 July 1945 from Kankesantura on an operational sortie with another Liberator C 203 of the Squadron. Both aircraft staged through China Bay, where they refuelled before proceeding on the mission. KG 911 took off from China Bay at 0500z, being followed by C 203 at 0510Z. The task was to attack a convoy of fire vessels, “Sugar Dog” type, which were escorted by one vessel, moving in an easterly direction along the northern coast of Sumatra. C 203 made a successful flight to the target area, and sighted the convoy at 1112Z on 23 July which was stationary approx 2 miles north of Sigli, attacked it and was met by accurate machine gun fire from all vessels. During his bombing run, the Captain of C 203 reported seeing a large fire, which he took to be a petrol fire, on a hill side three to four miles inland from Sigli. From the time KG 911 took off from China Bay, no signals were received from the aircraft, although the Control Station kept calling until approx two hours past absolute endurance. C 203 and an ASR Catalina, which was covering the track between China Bay and the target area, saw nothing of KG 911 to or from the target. Two ASR Liberators carried out a parallel track sweep as far as Sabang on the following day without success. From the evidence available it was considered possible that the petrol fire reported some three to four miles from Sigli was that of the missing aircraft D 203, which had possibly met either ack- ack fire from the land or was intercepted by fighter aircraft and had crashed. Crew: RAAF 413842 Flt Lt Elmes, C R H (Pilot) RAF FO Prosser, J V (2nd Pilot) RAF WO Pickering, K C (Navigator/Bombaimer) RAF Flt Sgt Churchill, J (Flight Engineer) RAAF 442421 Flt Sgt Francis, H B (Wireless Operator/Air) RAAF 435624 Flt Sgt Hamilton, C H (Wireless Operator/Air) RAAF 430973 Flt Sgt Cook, K T (Wireless Operator/Air) RAF Sgt Marchant, F H H (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Grainger, R K (Air Gunner)
324
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404689 Sergeant HAMILTON, Roy James
Source: NAA : A705, 163/120/645. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufort DE 110 47 Sqn RAF.
Summary: ON 26 October 1942 Beaufort DE 110 piloted by PO Garriock, was in a formation of 8 Beauforts of 47 Sqn RAF, which left Gianaclis to strike against an enemy convoy of 2 motor vessels, a tanker and four destroyers nearing Tobruk. Bisleys and Beaufighters escorted the above formation. The target convoy was seen at 3220N 2342E. The Beauforts carried out a torpedo attack and the Bisleys a low level bombing attack on the convoy. Ten miles on the return journey, DE 110 (PO Garriock), collided with a Bisley and crashed into the sea. No survivors were observed, and all crew members were lost at sea. Crew: RAAF RNZAF RAAF RAAF
403733 PO Garriock, W., Pilot. PO Simpson, R.W., Observer. 407166 Sgt L.G.Davis, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 404689 Sgt R.J.Hamilton, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
325
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
400585 Flight Sergeant HAMMOND, Ronald Frank DFM
Source: NAA : A705, 163/120/700 AWM 65 (2479) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufighter T 5197 248 Sqn RAF
Summary: Beaufighter T 5197 of 248 Sqn RAF was one of three Beaufighters detailed on 1 December 1942 to search for Beaufighter JL 434, missing from an intercept patrol the previous day. Nothing was heard from the three aircraft after take off shortly after 8 am from RAF Station Talbenny, Pembrokeshire, South Wales, and the three aircraft failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF
400585 Flt Sgt Hammond, R F DFM (Pilot) WO McColl, H (Navigator)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave. Citation : DFM : In August 1942, when serving at Malta, this airman destroyed two enemy aircraft in air combat and at least two more in a low level attack on an enemy airfield. Since returning to the United Kingdom he has destroyed further enemy aircraft. Flight Sergeant Hammond is an exceptionally keen and gallant pilot who has set a splendid example.
326
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
402181 Sergeant HANDFIELD, Peter Paul
Source: NAA: A705, 163/120/377 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Maryland AR 725 203 Sqn RAF
Summary: Maryland AR 725 of 203 Sqn RAF left Landing Ground 39 for Malta at 1032 hours on 15th February, 1942. At 1345 hours Malta gave a 3rd class bearing to the aircraft and a course to steer, but the aircraft failed to reach Malta. A message was received from 201 Group at 0805 hours on 16 February that an aircraft had been shot down and there were no survivors. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
404105 Sgt Holloway, E G (Pilot) 402181 Sgt Handfield, P P (Observer) Sgt Welsh, J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Checkley, J E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
In 1948 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
327
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422512 Flight Sergeant HANDS, Bruce Alfred
Source: NAA : A705, 166/17/619. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 915 224 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 915 of 224 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station St.Eval, Cornwall, in the early hours of 7 June 1944. The aircraft was detailed to patrol the coast of Ushant, France but failed to return to base. The last signal received from the aircraft at 0207 hours stated that they were attacking the enemy, the position of the aircraft then was off the French coast near Ushant. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
414988 FO Buchan-Hepburn, R H, Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt Fairs, G H J (2nd Pilot) 420386 PO Hogan, P W (Navigator Bombaimer) 422822 Flt Sgt Whitby, J D (Navigator) 422512 Flt Sgt Hands, B A (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 408388 Flt Sgt Dickenson, M E (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 422464 Flt Sgt Earl, H J (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 418506 Flt Sgt Kennedy, A A (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Barnes, L J (Wireless Operator Mechanic/Air Gunner) Sgt Collins, A (Flight Engineer)
In a 1949 report it was stated that all efforts to find any trace of the aircraft or crew were unsuccessful, and the crew had been recorded as missing lost at sea.
328
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402536 Sergeant HANNAFORD, Jack Coulson
Source: NAA : A705, 163/120/404. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufighter T 4878 236 Sqn RAF
Summary: Beaufighter T 4878 of 236 Sqn RAF took off at 3pm on 15 March 1943 from RAF Station Wattisham, on an operational shadow patrol over the North Sea off the Dutch coast. The aircraft failed to return from this mission. Crew: RAAF RAF
402536 Sgt J.C.Hannaford, Pilot. Sgt F.A.Robinson, Navigator (Wireless).
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
329
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406178 Sergeant HANSON, Leonard William
Source: NAA : A9301, Barcode 5531907. RAAF Casualty is not held by Archives. Note : The source of the following details is Page 58, RAF Bomber Command Losses in the Second World War, 1942, by W.C.Chorley. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax R 9453 MP – K 76 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax R 9453 of 76 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Tain, Scotland, at 1832 hours on the night of 30/31 March 1942, to bomb the German battleship Tirpitz. The aircraft was last heard from on W/T at 0215 hours on 31 March, but nothing further was heard and the aircraft did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RCAF RCAF RCAF RAF RAAF
Sqn Ldr Burdett, A.P. Sgt D.C.Martin. Flt Sgt W.J.Cadger. Flt Sgt N.F.Bowsher. Flt Sgt L.W.Flether. Sgt6 S.Davis. 406178 Sgt L.W.Hanson. Air Gunner.
Sqn Ldr Burdett’s body was recovered from the sea approx. 16 miles south of Sumburgh Head in the Shetland Islands. It was presumed that the aircraft had crashed into the sea, and that the remainder of the crew had lost their lives at sea.
330
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411320 Flight Sergeant HARDEN, Jack Bruce
Source: NAA : A705, 163/120/587. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington BJ 776 12 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington BJ 776 of 12 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Wickenby, at 7.30pm on 26 September 1942 to carry out a sea mining mission in German territorial waters in the Kiel Bay area. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
402989 FO Ward, J.S., Captain (Pilot). 401864 Sgt H.C.Thompson, Navigator. 411320 Sgt J.B.Harden, Air Bomber. 403375 Sgt A.C.Rich, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 406812 Sgt P.R.Mitchell, Rear Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
331
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419992 Flight Sergeant HARE, William Henry
Source: NAA : A705, 166/17/427 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington LN 661 -E 11 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington LN 661 of No 11 Operational Training Unit took off from RAF Westcott, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, at 1120pm on a night cross country navigation training flight. Part of the flight was over the North Sea. The last known position of the aircraft was 52.55N 10.58W. Then nothing was heard from LN 661 which failed to return to base. ASR searches found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RNZAF RAAF RAAF RNZAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Sgt Blackwood, H W A Captain (Pilot) 426133 Sgt Miller, R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 419992 Flt Sgt Hare, W H (Air Gunner) PO Willis, H R Sgt Jaeger, J H Sgt May, L D Sgt Body, J J
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
332
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402302 Sergeant HARGRAVE, Arthur Peter Roy Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/104/102, 163/120/384 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses Operational Training Units, 1940-1947, Page 101, Volume 7. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington X 9682 27 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington X9682 of No 27 Operational Training Unit RAF, took off from Valley Anglesey, Wales, at night on 25 February 1942, on a cross country training flight. The aircraft was last heard from in the vicinity of Squires Gate, Wales, at 1056 pm when an SOS message was received over the Irish Sea between Valley and Liverpool. The aircraft did not return to base, and subsequent air/sea rescue searches found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF 406351 Sgt Dyson, D H (Pilot) RAAF 406335 Sgt Veal, C G (2nd Pilot) RAAF 402302 Sgt Hargrave, A P R (Observer) RAAF 404598 Sgt Parsons, S J R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 407946 Sgt Madge, R C (Air Gunner) RNZAF Sgt Hawkins, R G (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
333
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400347 Flight Sergeant HARLOCK, George Robert
Source: NAA : A705, 163/120/490 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington DV 643 37 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington DV 643 of 37 Sqn RAF took off from advanced Landing Ground 09 at night on the 24th June 1942 to attack targets in the Benghazi area. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RNZAF RCAF RAAF RAF
Flt Lt Halliwell, C P T Captain (Pilot) PO De Clifford, M C (Pilot) FO Jones, P C (Observer) 400347 Flt Sgt Harlock, G R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Noble, H E (Air Gunner)
FO Jones (RCAF) body was recovered from the sea and buried by the Italians in the Benghazi cemetery. In 1948 it was recorded that the missing crew members had lost their lives at sea.
334
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417837 Flight Sergeant HARRIS, Albert Alfred
Source: NAA : A705, 166/17/406. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster DV 382 UL - G2 576 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster DV 382 of 576 Sqn RAF was detailed to operate against Berlin on the night of 16/17 December 1943. The aircraft left RAF Station Elsham Wolds, Barnetby, Lincolnshire, UK, at the appointed time, but nothing further was heard of the aircraft or crew. In 1947, a report from No 4 MREU, RAF (Germany) established that the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Berlin-Lichtenberg, Map Ref N53 Z9253. Investigations were carried out in the Berlin area and at Doeberitz-Elsgrund cemetery, about 10 miles west of Berlin. Despite exhaustive searches and interrogations of local authority, it was not possible to obtain any information of actual location of crash. Exhumations at the Doeberitz-Elsgrund cemetery located 2 members of the crew buried there viz Chapman & Russom (both RAF members), but it could not be established whether the remainder of the crew were buried there. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
FO McAra, R S, Captain (Pilot) Sgt Barrett, J L (Flight Engineer) 422388 FO Blackmore, G L (Navigator) Flt Sgt Chapman, C (Air Bomber. Body interred) Sgt Russom, E (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Body interred) 417917 Flt Sgt Western, M G (Air Gunner) 417837 Flt Sgt Harris, A A (Air Gunner)
335
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407119 Flight Sergeant HARRIS, Allen Dawe
Source: NAA : A705, 163 120/477 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Baltimore AG 715 69 Sqn RAF
Summary: Baltimore AG 715 of 69 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Luqa, Malta, at 6.50am on 15 June 1942, on a sea patrol. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF
PO Patrick, A H (Pilot) 407119 Flt Sgt Harris, A D (Observer) Sgt Warburton, W D (Wireless Operator) Sgt Sanders, C E# (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
336
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430734 Flight Sergeant HARRIS, Keith Source: NAA : A705, 166/17/873 Liberator Aircraft Type: 109985 Serial number: Radio call sign: HY Bomber Replacement Trg NADZAB Unit: Summary: Liberator 109985 of Heavy Bomber Replacement Training, Nadzab, New Guinea, took off at 0932 hours on 28 November 1944 to bomb Tobera, Rabaul, in company with 16 B24’s. Fifty two minutes after setting out from base, and at 10,500 feet 40 miles from Cape Gloucester, New Britain, a part of the life raft broke away from its housing and fouled the tail plane and elevator. A terrific vibration set up in Liberator 109985, and the aircraft dived down, it taking all the combined strength of Lt Fry (USAAF) and Flt Lt Court (RAAF) to pull the aircraft out of its dive. The bombs were jettisoned, and it was decided to make for Cape Gloucester. All gunners were instructed to leave their turrets put on their chutes and mae wests and stand by. The aircraft was loosing height and vibrating badly. At 5000 feet over Cape Gloucester, all on board were instructed to abandon the aircraft when the aircraft was over the air strip not over the water. The aircraft flew over the strip 3 times to ensure every one got out. Strong winds however blew 5 members off shore about one mile. Both Sgt Brown (RAAF) (Engineer) and FO Henry RAAF (Wireless Operator) asked to stay on the aircraft. Flt Lt Court (RAAF) with the help of Lt Fry managed to get control of the aircraft and pull the stick column back for a landing. All the crew members blown off shore were picked up by rescue craft with the exception of Flt Sgt Harris (RAAF) who was subsequently recorded as missing with no known grave. Crew : RAAF 2633 Flt Lt Court, W Captain (Pilot) USAAF Lt Fry (Pilot) RAAF 412768 Flt Sgt McLeod, R W (Co-Pilot) USAAF Sgt Cathcart (Instructor Gunner) RAAF 433822 PO Seymour, H A (Navigator) RAAF 412913 WO Coutts, J G (Air Bomber) RAAF 77279 Sgt Brown, R H (Engineer) RAAF 430734 Flt Sgt Harris, K (Wireless Operator Air) RAAF 401692 FO Henry, C ((Radio Operator) RAAF 433494 Sgt Rousseau, P A (Gunner) RAAF 432900 Sgt Dean, F A (Gunner)
337
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426459 Flight Sergeant HARRIS, Waverley William
Source: NAA : A705, 166/17/942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Mosquito PZ 190 143 Sqn RAF
Summary: Mosquito PZ 190 of 143 Sqn RAF, was one of a mixed force of Beaufighters and Mosquito’s, which took off on 11 January 1945, on an anti shipping raid in Fleekke Fiord, Norway. The Mosquito’s role was to provide fighter cover for the formation. PZ 190 flew as Number 2 to Mosquito N248. The aircraft took off at 1230pm and set course at 1245pm. At 1430 hours the formation was intercepted along the Norwegian coast five miles from Lister drome by 6 to 8 SE fighters and a general dog fight ensued, with 4 enemy aircraft destroyed. PZ 190 was still in formation with his Leader immediately prior to the intercept. During the combat the Leader lost sight of his number 2 as did other crews. The Beaufighter crews reported seeing at approx 1735 hours a Mosquito crash into the sea a few miles off the coast with no sign of survivors. An ASR Warwick aircraft was sent out to search but it failed to return to base. Other searches found no trace of the crew of PZ 190, which failed to return. It was presumed that PZ 190 was shot down by enemy aircraft during the combat. Crew: RAF RAAF
Flt Sgt Smoolenaers, Pilot, (Belgium). 426459 Flt Sgt W.W.Harris, Navigator Bombaimer.
In 1950 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
338
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415652 Flight Sergeant HARRISON, Wintfred Patten
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/425 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Commonwealth War Graves records
Lancaster W 4780 AS – HZ ATTD 166 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster W 4780 of 166 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Kirmington, Lincolnshire, at 0012 hours on the night of 2/3rd January 1944, being one of 12 squadron aircraft to attack Berlin. The weather experienced on the mission was extremely difficult with cloud up to 20,000 feet and some icing of engines and airframes. Seven aircraft reported seeing enemy night fighters although only one was attacked. Four aircraft were seen shot down from the target back to Halberstradt. Nothing was heard from W 4780 which failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
Sgt Firth, G Captain (Pilot) Sgt Oldham, E A (Flight Engineer) Sgt Murray, P (Navigator) Sgt Birtwhistle, J (Air Bomber) 415652 Flt Sgt Harrison, W P (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Hamilton, J (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Hales, H F (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew had no known grave. Their names are recorded on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
339
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405039 Flight Sergeant HART, Albert Roy George
Source: NAA : A705, 163/120/660. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington W 5478 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington W 5478 of 104 Sqn RAF Middle East, took off at night on 29 October 1942 detailed to carry out attacks on troop concentrations in the battle area. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RCAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF
PO Martin, J.S., Pilot. Sgt W.D.M.Embree, Pilot. Sgt V.R.Pear, Observer. 400756 Sgt D.H.Lee, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 405039 Flt Sgt A.R.G.Hart, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt B.A.Beeney, Air Gunner.
Following post war investigations and enquiries when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew could be found, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had no known grave.
340
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407236 Sergeant HART, Graham Melville
Source: NAA : A705, 166/120/336 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Maryland 1614 21 Sqn RAF
Summary: Maryland 1614 of 21 Sqn RAF was one of two Marylands detailed on 12 December 1941 to patrol the sea 40 miles north of Derna, with the intention of intercepting JU 52’s engaged in ferrying from Crete. Shortly after commencing the patrol, both aircraft were attacked by enemy fighters, and Maryland 1614 which did not return from this mission was last seen with an enemy aircraft on its tail. Crew: SAAF RAAF RAAF SAAF
Lt Parry, T L (Pilot) 407236 Sgt Hart, G M (Observer) 404142 Sgt Dillon, W J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Phelps, J E (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
341
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402596 Sergeant HART, Morris David
Source: NAA : A705, 163/120/549. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington AD 629 108 Sqn RAF.
Summary: Wellington AD 629 of 108 Sqn RAF took off at 1946 hours on 12 August 1942 to carry out an operational sortie against Tobruk. Nothing further was heard of the aircraft or crew after take off. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
402425 Sgt Watts, D.M., Captain, (Pilot) 402864 FO Gengos, W 2nd Pilot PO Harris, R, Navigator. 400354 Sgt Opas, A L Wireless Operator 402596 Sgt Hart, M.D. Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt Taylor, J W. Rear Gunner
In 1948 it was recorded that all the crew lost their lives and have no known grave.
342
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408257 Warrant Officer HART, Robert Arthur
Source: NAA : A705, 166/17/636 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire MD 133 616 Sqn RAF
Summary: Spitfire MD 133 of 616 (South Yorkshire) Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Culmhead, Taunton, Somerset, on 19 June 1944, flying as Chevron Blue 2 with FO McKenzie (RAF) leading the formation and PO Stodhart (RAF) Blue 3 in the formation. The formation took off at 2115 hours on an operational shipping recce. The formation was returning to base after an uneventful flight, when Blue 2 (WO Hart) called Blue 1 to say his engine was cutting. Blue 1 told him to climb and bale out. Blue 2 was then seen to climb slightly, and then go into a rather steep glide, with the nose dropping just below sea level, with the aircraft finally entering the sea almost vertically. The time was 2220 hours and the crash was at sea 30 miles south east of Plymouth. ASR searches could find no trace of the missing aircraft or pilot. Crew: RAAF
408257 WO Hart, R A (Pilot)
In 1949 it was recorded that WO Hart had lost his life at sea.
343
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404585 Sergeant HARTLEY, Clement Alfred Victor
Source: NAA : A705, 163/120/418 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hampden AT 126 49 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hampden AT 126 of 49 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Scampton, Lincoln, at 2354 hours on 6 April 1942, to attack Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF
Flt Sgt Davis, L Captain (Pilot) Sgt Walmsley, D P Sgt Griffiths, M 404585 Sgt Hartley, C A V (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew had no known grave.
344
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420835 Flight Sergeant HARVEY, Douglas Venning Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/17/387 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 152, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 624 AS – X ATTD 166 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME624 of 166 Sqn RAF was one of twenty-six Squadron aircraft that took off from RAF Station Kirmingham, Lincolnshire, on the night of 30/31st March 1944 to bomb Nurnberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from ME624 after take off and it did not return to base. The ground defences were slight but fighter opposition was heavy. Two of the squadron aircraft were engaged in combat, and four squadron aircraft were shot down on this mission. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF
Flt Sgt Fennell, R B Captain (Pilot) Sgt Pettis, W (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt Smyth, J (Navigator) Flt Sgt Kiegwin, W J C (Air Bomber) 420835 Flt Sgt Harvey, D V (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Jones, A P (Mid Upper Gunner) 409130 Sgt Allan, W J (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and interviews with the local authorities at Giessen, it was established that the aircraft exploded on impact at Wiseck on 31 March 1944, as a result of enemy action at Wiseck near Giessen, Germany. Flt Sgt Kiegwin (RAF) survived the crash and became a POW. The remains of Flt Sgt Harvey (RAAF) were not located and he is recorded as having no known grave. His names is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK. The remains of the five other crewmen are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany..
345
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409542 Flight Sergeant HATFIELD, Ronald Arthur
Source: NAA: A705, 166/17/182 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Commonwealth War Graves records.
Wellington BK 843 27 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington BK 843 of No 27 Operational Training RAF, took off from RAF Station Lichfield, Staffordshire, at approx 1.50pm on 14 June 1943 to carry out a non operational flight over the North Sea. The route was Lichfield – Attenborough – 55.00N 00.00E – Drem – Alconbury – Cannock – Return to base. At 4.30pm a 1st class fix of 281 deg was obtained, but thereafter nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
406977 Flt Sgt E.G.Holden. Pilot. 409542 Flt Sgt R.A.Hatfield. Observer. 409162 Sgt L.H.Macdonald, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 408382 Flt Sgt T.A.Belot, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 420141 Sgt P.L.Cashion. Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey. UK
346
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402504 Flight Sergeant HAWES, William George
Source: NAA: A705, 163/120/513 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster R 5632 EM – N 207 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster R5632 of 207 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Bottesford, Nottinghamshire, at 0045 hours on 24 July 1942 to attack Duisberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RNZAF RAF RAF RCAF RCAF RAF
402504 Flt Sgt Hawes, W G Captain (Pilot) Sgt Hooper, P J Sgt Clarke, H F Sgt Cartwright E Flt Sgt Blair, T C Flt Sgt Chaisson, J C Sgt Smith, W
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that Flt Sgt Blair’s (RCAF) remains were washed ashore at Ijmuiden on the west coast of Holland, 6 miles north west of Haarlem. He is buried in the New Eastern Cemetery, Amsterdam. In 1948 it was recorded that the other six missing crew member had lost the lives at sea.
347
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404433 Sergeant HAWKINS, Hedley Maurice
Source: NAA: NA705 163/120/582 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington X 3457 SR – R 101 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington X3457 of 101 Sqn RAF, took off from RAF Station Stradishall, Suffolk, at 1945 hours on 21 September 1942 to carry out a mine laying operation. The aircraft was due back at 0245 hours the next morning, but it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF
404433 Sgt Hawkins, H M Captain (Pilot) Sgt Rimmer, J (Pilot – Bombaimer) Sgt Sagar, J S (Observer) Sgt Rodgers, J E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Shankland, W (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
348
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408105 Sergeant HAY, Phillip Carlisle
Source: NAA: A705, 163/120/363 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Vilderbeest K 4108 36 Sqn RAF
Summary: Vilderbeest K4108 of 36 Sqn RAF was reported missing after a raid on Endau, Malaya on 26 January 1942. Crew: RAF RCAF RAAF
Sqn Ldr Willmott, B B (Pilot) Sgt Ewan, G (Observer) 408105 Sgt Hay, P C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
In a statement by WO Jones, I R (RAAF) a POW, reported in 1945 “ In the Endau operation on 26 January 1942, my aircraft was flying next to that of Sgt Hay. As we peeled off, I saw Hay’s aircraft hit in the petrol tank. It was diving to the deck with a fine spray coming out of the petrol tank. I lost sight of the aircraft after that.” Fl Lt Eckerley E C (RAAF) also a POW reported in 1945 “ Sqn Ldr Willmott of 36 Sqn walked back to his unit from the crash of his aircraft on 26 January 1942 in a dazed condition and reported that Ewan and Hay were both killed.” In a 1947 report on above file it is recorded that the statement attributed to Sqn Ldr Willmott could not be confirmed.
349
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429560 Flight Sergeant HAYDEN, John Percival
Source: NAA : A705, 166/17/465 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling EF 246 1660 Conversion Flight, RAF
Summary: Stirling EF 246 of 1660 Conversion Flight RAF, took off from RAF Swinderby at 2019 hours on 29 January 1944, on a night searchlight cooperation exercise. Shortly after 2200 hours EF 246 came into the Hull area flying on a course due south flying at 15,000 feet, and was illuminated by about 20 searchlights. The aircraft commenced violent evasive action, turning north, and diving appeared to be in distress with smoke seen coming from one side of the aircraft. All searchlights were doused at 8/9000 feet. The aircraft continued diving with smoke and flames seen pouring from one engine. The aircraft dived straight into the Humber River at 2203 hours. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
FO Greig, J M (Staff Pilot) Sgt Dickenson, W (Pupil Pilot) Sgt Spence, A (Flight Engineer) Sgt Williams, G J (Navigator) FO Neary, E P (Air Bomber) Sgt Walker, S (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Helsey, D L (Mid Upper Gunner) 429560 Flt Sgt Hayden, J P (Rear Gunner)
The remains of Flt Sgt Hayden and 3 of the RAF members were not recovered and are listed as missing with no known grave. The bodies of the remaining RAF crew members were recovered and buried.
350
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429952 Flight Sergeant HAYES, Douglas Lionel
Source: NAA : A705, 166/17/1125 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster WD 639 1667 Conversion Aircrew School RAF
Summary: Lancaster WD 639 of 1667 Conversion Aircrew School, RAF took off from RAF Sandtoft, near Doncaster, Yorkshire, at 0258 hours on the morning of 5 April 1945, to carry out a non operational training flight. The aircraft dived into the ground in a field about three quarters of a mile from Crowle, Lincolnshire. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
434588 PO Grayson, J E Captain (Pilot) 437422 Flt Sgt Kilsby, M B (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 434240 Flt Sgt Castor, E J (Air Bomber) 432937 Flt Sgt Bennett, W S Wireless Operator Air) 429952 Flt Sgt Hayes, D L (Mid Upper Gunner) 19183 Flt Sgt Evans, T (Rear Gunner) Sgt Crawhall, (Flight Engineer)
A major portion of the aircraft was buried in soft earth, and after five bodies were recovered, digging was suspended owing to a crater falling in. The bodies of Flt Sgt Hayes (RAAF) and Flt Sgt Evans (RAAF) were not recovered, and their names are recorded on a Special Memorial at RAF Cemetery, Yorkshire.
351
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
400518 Sergeant HAYES, Harold John
Source: NAA : A705, 163/120/429 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 7902 203 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z 7902 of 203 Sqn RAF took off at 0930 hours on 14 April 1942 from Bu Amud to carry out an operational recce over the Mediterranean. The aircraft was due back at base at 1530 hours, but it failed to return to base. Crew: SRAF RAAF RAAF
Flt Lt Bowker, M B (Pilot) 400518 Sgt Hayes, H J (Observer) 408089 Sgt Parsons, C J S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
352
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
421272 Flight Sergeant HEBBLEWHITE, Geoffrey Alfred
Source: NAA : A705 : 166/17/413 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington W 5712 15 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington W 5712 of No 15 Operational Training Unit RAF, took off from RAF Harwell, near Didcot, Berkshire, on 23 December 1943 to carry out a night cross country flight and air to sea firing. An SOS was received from the aircraft at about 0115 hours, when W 5712 was plotted as being on track and west of the Scillies. Soon after a second SOS was received and then nothing further. The aircraft failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Raymond, F E Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt Lipshitz, A DFM (Navigator) Sgt Miles, A C R (2nd Navigator) 421272 Flt Sgt Hebblewhite, G A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Mintonette, F W (Gunner) Sgt Griggs, C D M (Gunner)
The body of Flt Sgt Lipshitz (RAF) was recovered from the sea at Portreath, Cornwall. The remaining five missing crew members were later recorded as having lost their lives at sea.
353
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402924 Flight Sergeant HEGGATON, Knox William Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/120/451, 163/160/200 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson V 9163 ATTD 59 SQN RAF
Summary: Hudson V 9163 of 59 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station North Coates, Lincolnshire at 1145 hours on 11 May 1942 to carry out a strike against enemy shipping off the Dutch coast. V9163 was accompanied by two other squadron aircraft. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
402674 Flt Sgt Scouller, C (Pilot) 6501 Flt Sgt Donaghy, P J (Observer) 402924 Sgt Heggaton, K W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 402363 Sgt Kermode, K W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that Flt Sgt Scouller’s body was washed ashore on the Island of Heligoland, an island in the North Sea off the north west coast of Germany. His remains were buried in the local cemetery and reinterred in the Hamburg (Ohlsdorf) British Military Cemetery. German documents also confirmed that the remains of Flt Sgt Donaghy and Sgt Heggaton were recovered from the sea, but the location of their graves could not be established. Both Flt Sgt Donaghy and Sgt Heggaton together with Sgt Kermode (missing) are recorded as having no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
354
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405075 Sergeant HEHIR, James Hassett
Source: NAA : A705, 163/121/130 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington IC 9043 15 Op Trg RAF
Summary: Wellington IC 9043 of No 15 Operational Training RAF, was reported missing on a ferry flight from RAF Station Portreath, UK, to the Middle East on the night of 16 January 1942. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
400502 Sgt J.M.Brady, Pilot. 400693 Sgt J.R.Brown, Pilot. 405075 Sgt J.H.Hehir, Air Gunner. Sgt Scott, AFNA. Sgt Y.D.Scott. Sgt J.E.Browne.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
355
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408579 Flight Sergeant HEHIR, Martin Randolph
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/121/255 Micro Film No 463,OAFH. Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 256, Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington BK 198 QT – P ATTD 142 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington BK198 of 142 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Grimsby at 2245 hours on the night of 7/8th November 1943, together with 9 other aircraft from the Squadron, detailed to carry out a mine laying operation off Texel Island, Holland. The route was Base – 52.43N, 05.18E – 52.47N, 04.32E – Base. Nothing was heard from BK198 after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
Sgt Hill, R H Captain (Pilot) Sgt Atkinson, J (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Sgt Collins, N B (Bomb Aimer) 403846 Flt Sgt Woodhouse, T (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 408579 Flt Sgt Hehir, M R (Rear Gunner)
W R Chorley states that “it was believed that the Pilot may have lost control due to intense searchlight glare and the aircraft came down into the sea at 0038 hours on the 8th November1942 in the target area.” All the crew were killed in the crash. Both Flt Sgt Woodhouse (RAAF) and Sgt Atkinson (RAF) are buried in the Bergen General Cemetery, Locality Noord-Holland, Netherlands. Bergen is on the coast 6kms north-west of Alkmaar and 43kms NNW of Amsterdam. The other three crew members have no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
356
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407289 Flight Sergeant HEHIR, Robert Joseph
Source: NAA : A705, 163/121/186 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 6044 14 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z 6044 of 14 Sqn RAF, Middle East, was involved in night landing practice. Whilst the practice was in progress a local air raid warning was received. The pilots of the various were ordered to circle close in. Z 6044 was reported missing and failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF
Sgt Leaver, C M (Pilot) Sgt Powell, H (Observer) 407289 Flt Sgt Hehir, R J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had no know grave.
357
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
400860 Sergeant HENDERSON, John Hartley
Source: NAA: A705, 163/121/137 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Albacore T 0135 36 Sqn RAF
Summary: Albacore T 0135 of 36 Sqn RAF was shot down on 26 January 1942 by Japanese carrier fighters, while attacking a large Japanese invasion fleet at the mouth of the River Merseing on the south east coast of Malaya, in the vicinity of Endau. Out of the attacking force of 36 aircraft from Nos 36, 100 and 16 Sqns RAF, 19 aircraft were lost . Crew: RNZAF RAAF RAAF
Sgt Fleming, Pilot. 400860 Sgt J.H.Henderson, Observer. 408123 Sgt N.S.Gill, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
In 1947 the wreck of T 0135 was found in position 02,37N, 103.46.5E, approx 3 to 4 mile due north of Telok Sari near Endau and in shallow water. The wreckage was uncovered at low tides. The remains of any of the missing crew were irrecoverable.
358
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402820 Flight Sergeant HERBERTE, John Henry Draper
Source: NAA : A705, 166/17/86 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire ER 876 145 Sqn RAF
Summary: Spitfire ER 876 of 145 Sqn RAF took off on 26 Mar4ch 1943 in company with other aircraft of the Squadron, to intercept enemy aircraft. At 10.45am, south of El Hamma, the formation dived to attack 8 ME 109’s. Nothing was heard from ER 876 and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF
402820 Flt Sgt Herberte, J H D (Pilot)
Flt Sgt Herberte’s name is inscribed on the Malta Memorial to the missing.
359
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. 407030 Sergeant HERMAN, Ronald McGregor Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial numbers: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/133/121
Commonwealth War Graves records
Wellington Z9038 and DV483 ATTD 37 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington Z9038 and DV483 were involved in a head on collision at RAF Station Luqa, Malta on the night of 8/9th March 1942. Both aircraft had been dispersed on the drome and were brought out for the night’s operations. Z9038 had been parked near the windward end of the runway and obliged to taxi up it to get to the take off end. The aircraft entered the flare path at the time DV483 was taking off without receiving permission from the control point. Downward recognition lights were not being used owing to the pool of light and consequent risk of bombing. DV483 was almost airborne when it crashed into Z9038 taxying down the flare path and the two machines burst into flames. The mines and bombs on board both aircraft started to explode and rescue work continued in spite of the difficulty. Crew: Z9038 RAF FO Boyd, C I L Captain (Pilot) Injured RAF Sgt A G Thomas, (2nd Pilot) Injured RAAF 402077 Sgt N J Knight, (Observer) Died RAF Sgt H Williams, (Wireless Air Gunner) Injured RAAF 407030 Sgt R M Herman, (Wireless Air Gunner) Missing RAF FO Kirkman, J S (Air Gunner) Sgt Knight died of his injuries in hospital on 9 March 1943. He s buried in the Pembroke Military Cemetery, Malta. The Cemetery is located just off the north-east coast road that runs from Msida through St Andrews to St Paul’s Bay. Sgt Herman has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Malta Memorial. The memorial is situated in the area of Floriana and is easily identified by the Golden Eagle which surmounts the column. It stands outside the main entrance to Valletta. CWG records their Date of Death as 9 March 1942. Crew : DV483 RCAF Flt Sgt S J Kozlowski, Captain (Pilot) Killed RCAF Sgt J H B Marcotte, (2nd Pilot) Injured RAF Sgt E Goodfellow, (Observer) Killed RAAF 400312 Sgt H M Walker, (Wireless Air Gunner) Killed.
360
RAAF 404411 Sgt V F O’Hagan, (Wireless Air Gunner) Injured RAF Sgt A Thomas, (Air Gunner) Injured Flt Sgt Kozlowski and Sgt Walker are buried in the Malta (Capuccini) Naval Cemetery, Malta. The Cemetery is about 2kms south-east of Rinella, a bay and hamlet opposite Valletta across the mouth of the Grand Harbour, and on the southern outskirts of the village of Kalkara. CWG records their Date of Death as 8th March 1942. CWG does not disclose where Sgt Goodfellow is buried.
361
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427118 Flight Sergeant HESFORD, Brian Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/783 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 479, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 624 DX – A 57 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM 624 of 57 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station East Kirkby, at 1631 hours on the night of 6/7th November 1944 to cut the junction of the Dortmund-Ems and Mitterland Kanal systems near Gravenhorst, Germany. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off and the aircraft did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
26756 FO Cooper, J A G, Captain (Pilot) Sgt Beach, A K (Flight Engineer) 417817 FO Draysey, L (Navigator) 427118 Flt Sgt Hesford, B (Air Bomber) 429645 Flt Sgt Brown, B H (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Sloane, F J (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Saville, G (Rear Gunner)
All the crew have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
362
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
400713 Sergeant HIDDLESTON, Travis Arnold Hutton
Source: NAA : A705, 163/122/76 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire X 9445 53 Op Trg RAF
Summary: Spitfire X 9445 of 53 Operational Training RAF flown by Sgt Hiddleston was involved in a mid-air collision on 5 October 1941 with Spitfire K 9817 flown by Sgt Brennan (RAAF). The accident occurred one quarter of a mile off shore at 1525 hours near Southerdown, Glamorgan, South Wales. X 9445 dived into the sea, and K 9817 was flown safely back to base. Crew: RAAF
400713 Sgt Hiddleston, T A H (Pilot)
It was recorded in 1948 that Sgt Hiddleston had lost his life at sea.
363
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400277 Sergeant HIGGINS, Eric Vincent Keiran
Source: NAA : A705, 163/122/62 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington R 3171 75 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington R 3171 of 75 (New Zealand) Sqn RAF, took off from RAF Feltwell, Norfolk, on an operational flight on 16 July 1941. At 0300 hours it’s port engine was set on fire as a result of enemy action, and the aircraft attempting to return to base got within 30 miles of the English coast, and force landed in the North Sea off the Dutch coast. Crew: RAAF RNZAF RCAF RNZAF RNZAF RNZAF
400277 Sgt Higgins, E V K (Pilot) Sgt Fotheringham, R E Sgt Roberts, J H C Sgt Dyer, S A Sgt Hare, P E Sgt McKinnon,, D M
The bodies of both Sgt Fotheringham and Sgt Roberts were washed ashore and are buried in Amsterdam New East Cemetery, Holland. The remaining four missing crew members were recorded as having lost their lives at sea.
364
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404484 Flight Sergeant HIGGINS, Graham Henry David
Source: NAA : A705, 163/122/141 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax W 1233 78 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax W 1233 of 78 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Middleton, St George, Durham, at 2139 hours on 11 August 1942 to attack Mainz, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it did not return to base.
Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RCAF RAF RAF RAF
Sgt Fleetwood-May, J Captain (Pilot) Sgt Thomasson, T N (2nd Pilot) 404484 Flt Sgt Higgins, G H D (Observer) PO Myrick, J F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Hisley, M G (Air Gunner) Sgt Harrison, J (Air Gunner) Sgt Kelly, L (Flight Engineer)
The body of PO Myrick (RCAF) was washed ashore at Vjersstrand, Oksdol, on the west coast of Denmark. It was later recorded that remaining missing crew members had lost their lives at sea.
365
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407677 Sergeant HIGHMAN, Gordon Francis
Source: NAA : A705, 163/122/126 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 7517 14 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z 7517 of 14 Sqn RAF crashed 8 miles south of Landing Ground C10 whilst carrying out night landing practice on 14 June 1942. The cause of the crash is not known, but a report states that it is presumed the attention of the pilot was distracted by flares and searchlights which were brought into operation as a result of an air raid warning. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
407677 Sgt Highman, G F (Pilot) 405109 Sgt Lynch, W D (Observer) 407490 Sgt Carnie, W L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war searches when the remains of the crew were not recovered from the graves in which they were buried in the desert, the search was abandoned in 1949 and it was recorded that the crew had no known grave.
366
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
403512 Flight Sergeant HIGSON, William Frank
Source: NAA : A705, 163/122/153 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 1728 12 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington Z 1728 of 12 Sqn RAF took off at 0035 Hours on 14 September 1942 from RAF Station Binbrook, to attack Bremen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it did not return to base. The weather was fine over the target, with moderate flak. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
Sgt Harrison, A E Captain (Pilot) PO Thomas, E F (Navigator) Sgt Lunn, B P (Air Bomber) 411187 Sgt Riding, E H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 403512 Flt Sgt Higson, W F (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew had no known grave.
367
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416023 Sergeant HILL, Dennis
Source: NAA : A9301 Barcode 5524655 Nil RAAF Casualty file held by Archives. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufighter
235 Sqn RAF
Summary: A 235 Sqn RAF Beaufighter flown by Sgt Hill was reported missing on air operations on 27 August 1942. Crew: RAAF
416023 Sgt Hill, D (Pilot)
368
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
422557 Flight Sergeant HILL, Sydney George
Source: NAA : A705 : 166/17/472. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 795 53 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 795 of 53 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station St Eval near Wadebridge, Cornwall, at 10.20pm on 3 February 1944 on an anti-sub patrol in the Atlantic Ocean. At 8.11am on the morning of 4 February a signal was received from the aircraft “U Boat sighted”. This was in position 45.30N, 0700W in the Bay of Biscay area. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft and it did not return to base. It was presumed that the aircraft was shot down while attacking a U boat. Crew: RAAF 416972 Flt Sgt J.O.Lewis. Navigator Bombaimer. RAAF 420791 FO Williams, N.J., Navigator. RAAF 422557 Flt Sgt S.G.Hill. Wireless Operator (Air). RAAF 422163 Flt Sgt E.J.Fowler. Wireless Operator (Air). RAF crew members Sgt Patey, Sgt Churchman, Sgt Howard, Flt Lt Bell, Sgt Lidgitt. Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
369
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
418275 Flight Sergeant HISCOCK, William Warren Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/17/721 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley :: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 406, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PD 226 AS – U ATTD 166 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster PD 226 of 166 Sqn RAF at RAF Station Kirmington, Lincolnshire,was one of five Squadron aircraft detailed to carry out a mine laying sortie in the Baltic, on the night of 29/30th August 1944. Opposition from the enemy was not on a large scale, but two of the aircraft were engaged in combat by enemy night fighters. PD 226 did not return to base and nothing was heard of the aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
423305 PO Heath, L D, Captain, (Pilot) Sgt Lewis, L G (Flight Engineer) Sgt Griffiths, T R L (Air Bomber) 432281 Flt Sgt Solomons, S S (Navigator) 418275 Flt Sgt Hiscock, W W (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) Sgt Vaughan, G A (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Noble, W F (Rear Gunner)
In a 1949 report it was confirmed that the body of Flt Sgt Solomons (RAAF) was washed ashore in the vicinity of Brakne Hoby and is interred in the Jewish cemetery at Malmo. Brakne Hoby is located close to the southern coast of Sweden approx 2 and a half miles north east of Karlshamm, and Malmo is situated on the south east coast. It was assumed that the aircraft had crashed into the sea and the remainder of the crew were lost at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey,UK.
370
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404677 Warrant Officer HISKENS, Edwin Tytler
Source: NAA: A705, 163/122/147 AWM 65 (2648) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire EP 340 248 Sqn RAF
Summary: Spitfire EP 340 of 248 Sqn RAF was lost at sea on 15 October 1942 as a result of enemy action off Malta. EP 340 and other squadron aircraft were engaged in an interception duty, when they met 9 JU 88’s with a large fighter escort. A dog fight ensued and no one saw EP 340 go down, but it was presumed that the aircraft was shot down. Crew: RAAF
404677 WO Hiskens, E T (Pilot)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that WO Hiskens had lost his life at sea.
371
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402121 Sergeant HOAD, Burton Paget
Source: NAA : A705, 163/123/162 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 7683 55 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z 7683 of 55 Sqn RAF took off at 1655 hours on 29 October 1941 to carry out a high level night attack on dumps in the Timini area, Libya. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: SAAF RAAF RAAF
Lt Blair, D H (Pilot) 402121 Sgt Hoad, B P (Observer) 400265 Sgt Wilson, R H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
In 1948 it was recorded that the missing crew had no known grave.
372
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. 420196 Flight Sergeant HOBBINS, Eric Clement Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/12/38 Commonwealth War Graves records Sunderland Aircraft Type: JM 710 Serial number: Radio call sign: ATTD 204 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Sunderland JM710 crashed at RAF Bathurst on 22nd September 1943, while turning on its circuit prior to landing. In an a Court of Inquiry into the accident, a witness Cpl White, RAF Marine Coxswain stated “ I was coxswain of Pinnace engaged on flare path duty on 22/9/43. At approx 2100 hours on the same night I was stationed at No 2 flare and the aircraft was proceeding on a course of 030 degrees to the flare path downwind, and going from the taxying side of the flare path towards the alighting side of the flare path .I then also observed the aircraft to commence a turn to port. Whilst completing this turn the aircraft seemed to fall very quickly, struck the water and burst into flames. Whilst the aircraft was flying overhead it appeared to be flying normal circuit height.” In its findings the Court of Inquiry stated ; “ The cause of the accident is obscure. The aircraft crashed whilst turning on its circuit prior to landing. A possible cause was that the Pilot with not much night flying experience returned to RAF Bathurst whilst the weather conditions were not ideal, and the aircraft stalled in its turn. It was thought that the pilot was about to make his run up the flare path to set the gyro, as is normal practice, and stalled in the turn.” Crew: RAF FO Finney, J G Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Cuithbert, S B (2nd Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt R G Craig, (Fitter 2B/Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt R D Britton, (Navigator) RAF Sgt G Weston, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 413751 Flt Sgt B S Evans, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 420196 Flt Sgt E C Hobbins, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H Revell, (Fitter Mech/Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt R B Billows, (Air Gunner) FO Finney, Sgt Weston and Flt Sgt Evans are buried in the Fajara War Cemetery, Gambia. All the others on board have no known grave Their names are commemorated on the Malta Memorial, Malta. The Memorial is situated in the area of Floriana and is easily identified by the Golden Eagle which surmounts the column. It stands outside the main entrance to Valetta.
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437854 Flight Sergeant HODGE, Charles John
Source: NAA: A705, 166/18/704 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 177 PM – Z 103 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM 177 of 103 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Elsham Wolds, Barnetby, Lincolnshire, detailed to lay mines in enemy waters in the Aarhus Bay, Denmark. LM 177 took off at the appointed time on the night of 4/5th April 1945 but nothing further was heard and the aircraft did not return to base. Four other 103 Squadron aircraft took part in the mission, and when homeward bound from the Danish coast, members of another crew saw three aircraft shot down behind them but were unable to identify any individual aircraft. Two of the aircraft appeared to crash into the sea and one on the land. In each case the mines would have been already laid. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
414031 FO Hole, L, Captain (Pilot) Sgt Kelly, E (Flight Engineer) 430123 Flt Sgt Jeffrey, S A (Air Bomber) 437854 Flt Sgt Hodge, C J (Navigator) 432969 Flt Sgt Pearce, S D (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 437300 FO Vallentine, V L (Mid Upper Gunner) 435489 Flt Sgt Shannon, E F (Rear Gunner)
In 1949 it was reported that all efforts to find any trace of the aircraft or crew had been unsuccessful and the crew had been recorded as missing lost at sea.
374
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
418039 Flight Sergeant HODGKISON, Owen Douglas
Source: NAA: A705, 166/18/223 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Catalina FP 240 131 Op Trg RAF
Summary: Catalina FP 240 of 131 Operational Training Unit RAF, took off from RAF Station Killades, near Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, on 22 November 1943 for a daylight operational flying exercise. Nothing was heard from FP240 after take off and it did not return to base. There was no evidence to show why the aircraft failed to reach Bowmore, the water field for which it was bound. ASR searches were conducted but no trace was found of the missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
FO Graves, F P (1st Pilot) Sgt Anderson, R M (2nd Pilot) 418039 Flt Sgt Hodgkison, O D (Navigator Bombaimer) Sgt Barnes, A D (Flight Engineer) Sgt Sutherland, A (Fitter Mechanic Engines) Sgt Morrison, F (Wireless Operator Mechanic) Sgt Warder, A G (Wireless Operator) Sgt Williams, J (Wireless Operator) Flt Sgt Whitley, J (Wireless Operator) 426623 Sgt Ley, J G (Fitter Mechanic Airframe)
In 1949 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
375
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
409920 Flight Sergeant HOFFMANN, Owen Ernest Curroll
Source: NAA: A705, 166/18/234
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HF 141 172 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HF 141 of 172 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Chivenor, Barnstaple, North Devon, at 1600 hours on the 5 December 1943, to carry out mine laying operations in the Bay of Biscay area. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
408684 WO A.C.Kidson, Captain (Pilot). Sgt J.B.Croft, 2nd Pilot. 421233 Flt Sgt A.W.B.Barrett, Navigator. 409920 Flt Sgt O.E.C.Hoffman, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt R.J.Veitch, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt J.H.Colley, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
376
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
406977 Flight Sergeant HOLDEN, Edmund Geoffrey
Source: NAA: A705, 163/123/177 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington BK 843 27 Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington BK 843 of No 27 Operational Training RAF, took off from RAF Station Lichfield, Staffordshire, at approx 1.50pm on 14 June 1943 to carry out a non operational flight over the North Sea. The route was Lichfield – Attenborough – 55.00N 00.00E – Drem – Alconbury – Cannock – Return to base. At 4.30pm a 1st class fix of 281 deg was obtained, but thereafter nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
406977 Flt Sgt E.G.Holden. Pilot. 409542 Sgt R.A.Hatfield. Observer. 408382 Flt Sgt T.A.Belot, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 409162 Flt Sgt L.H.Macdonald, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 420141 Sgt P.L.Cashion. Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
377
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
405588 Sergeant HOLGATE, Harold William
Source: NAA: A705, 163/123/332 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 1651 150 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington Z 1651 of 150 Sqn RAF was one of 9 aircraft which took off from RAF Station Snaith, Yorkshire, to attack Bremen, Germany. The weather en route was cloudy, but fine over the target which was obscured by smoke haze. Moderate to heavy flak was encountered over the north west and south east of Bremen. Nothing was heard from Z1651 aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF
404963 Flt Sgt H.F.Grace, Captain (Pilot). Sgt J.C.Chamers, Observer. 405588 Sgt H.W.Holgate, Bombaimer. Sgt C.Mackenzie, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 411265 Sgt T.D.Shepherd, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found, it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew had no known grave.
378
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
418117 Flight Sergeant HOLIAN, Joseph Patrick
Source: NAA : A705, 166/18/616 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson FK 740 521 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hudson FK 740 of 521 Sqn RAF was detailed to carry out a meteorological flight from RAF Station Langham, Norfolk, to the vicinity of the Norwegian coast and return to the Wick airfield in Northern Scotland. Climbs of up to 18,000m feet were to be made during the flight for the purpose of securing weather data. FK 740 took off at 4.15am in fairly good weather. At 6.12am distress signals were received the aircraft and its position was plotted immediately by 2 RAF radio stations. No further signals were received from the aircraft nor was any trace found from comprehensive searches made. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
30029 FO McDermott, R J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 418117 Flt Sgt Holian, J P (Wireless Operator Air) Fl Lt Huntley FO Hinton Flt Sgt Gray Sgt Travitt
In 1948 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
379
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404105 Sergeant HOLLOWAY, Edwin George
Source: NAA: A705, 163/123/208 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Maryland AR 725 203 Sqn RAF
Summary: Maryland AR 725 of 203 Sqn RAF left Landing Ground 39 for Malta at 1032 hours on 15th February, 1942. At 1345 hours Malta gave a 3rd class bearing to the aircraft and a course to steer, but the aircraft failed to reach Malta. A message was received from 201 Group at 0805 hours on 16 February that an aircraft had been shot down and there were no survivors. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
404105 Sgt Holloway, E G (Pilot) 402181 Sgt Handfield, P P (Observer) Sgt Welsh, J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Checkley, J E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
In 1948 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
380
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
403927 Warrant Officer HOLMES, Ernest Douglas
Source: NAA: A705, 166/18/284 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Kittyhawk FR 872 112 Sqn RAF
Summary: Kittyhawk FR 872 of 112 Sqn RAF, Middle East Force, took off at 1015 hours on 12 February 1944 from a Landing Ground in Italy, to test fly the aircraft. The weather was fair at time of take off. At 1100 hours the aircraft was plotted at 10,000 feet over Kotelya. After an hours flying FR 872 contacted ground control from 60 miles away above cloud, and stated that he had no difficulty, but asked for a course to steer back home for practice. This was given and he was brought back over the landing ground. He was advised this and he acknowledged. At the time he was flying at some considerable height above the cloud. He did not speak again on the radio and contact could not be made with FR 872. Extensive searches were made but no trace of the missing aircraft or pilot could be found. Crew: RAAF
403927 WO Holmes, E D (Pilot)
In 1947 it was recorded that WO Holmes had lost his life at sea.
381
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
402354 Sergeant HOLT, Mervyn Harry
Source: NAA : A705, 163/123/209 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hampden AF 240 49 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hampden AF 240 of 49 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Scampton, Lincoln, at 1443 hours on 12 February 1942 to attack enemy battlecruisers “Scharnhorst” and “Gneisenau” in the English Channel. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF
402354 Sgt Holt, M H (Pilot) Sgt Lee, Sgt Tothill, Sgt Way,
It was later recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
382
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
401588 Sergeant HOLTON, Ronald George Lawry
Source: NAA : A705, 163/123/295 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HX 527 148 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HX 527 of 148 Sqn RAF, Middle East Force, took off from its base at 2133 hours on 31 July 1942, for night bombing operations on harbour installations at Tobruk. No further message was received from the aircraft or any information about the crew. It was presumed that the aircraft and crew were lost at sea. Crew: RAAF RCAF RAF RAAF RAF
404679 FO Bohl, W D, Captain (Pilot) PO Vaupel, R E (2nd Pilot) Sgt Southgate, J (Navigator) 401588 Sgt Holton, R G L (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) Sgt Vernor, R (Rear Gunner)
383
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
416338 Flight Sergeant HOMBSCH, Ronald Victor
Source: NAA : A705, 166/18/134 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington MP 627 38 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington MP 627 of 38 Sqn RAF, Middle East Command, took off from Gambut at 0020 hours on 26 July, 1943 on an operational shipping recce in the Aegean Sea. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to Berka 111. Crew: RCAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
FO Taylor, H A (Pilot) PO Stanyon, E M (2nd Pilot) 416338 Flt Sgt Hombsch, R V (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Sgt Carter, A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Stevens, K F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Smith, M A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
384
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404549 Sergeant HONEYMAN, Archibald Cowen
Source: NAA: A705, 163/123/156 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington
215 Sqn RAF
Summary: A Wellington of 215 Sqn RAF on an operational flight on 10 June 1942, was destroyed by an explosion 4 miles south east of Chafaagoan, India. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
402387 Sgt A.M. McLean, Pilot. 404549 Sgt A.C.Honeyman, 2nd Pilot. 400321 PO Gregory, G.R., Observer. 4044428 Sgt L.M.Bensted, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt G.W.Hill, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt G.L.G.Fuller, Air Gunner.
It was reported that the remains of PO Gregory and other crew members were buried with full military honours by local police in three graves, with further remains buried in one grave. All graves were subsequently covered by flood waters and no marking or removal of remains to cemetery was impossible due to remoteness of location. In a 1948 report it was stated that after searching no trace of the graves could be found, and the remains could not be located for transfer to a British Military cemetery. Chafaagoan which is 52 miles north of Dacca, is in a remote locality and subject to flooding from the Brahmaputra river.
385
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
402559 Flight Sergeant HOOD, Donald
Source: NAA : A705, 166/1811/35 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington LA 994 37 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington LA 994 of 37 Sqn RAF Middle East, took off at 1710 hours on 8 February 1943 from Magrum North to attack Palermo. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RNZAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
Sgt Moorin, R (Pilot) Sgt Bailey, I P (Pilot) 402559 Flt Sgt Hood, D (Navigator) Sgt Penrose, T (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Rolfe, E A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Stevenson, H R (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
386
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404280 Warrant Officer HOOPER, Dudley Reed
Source: NAA: A705, 163/123/252 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
84 Sqn RAF
Summary: WO Hooper an Observer, was initially posted on 17 January 1942 from the Middle East to 84 Sqn RAF Far East. He arrived in Java when 84 Sqn was still being reformed in India. He was subsequently captured by the Japanese and became a POW. He was later sent with other POW’s on a transport ship to Japan , and lost his life on the 24th June 1942, when the ship was torpedoed in Nagasaki Bay, Japan.
387
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407363 Flight Sergeant HOPE, Robert Edward Herbert
Source: NAA: A705, 163/123/228 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Marauder FK 150 14 Sqn RAF
Summary: Marauder FK 150 of 14 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Shallufa at 1045 hours on 15 February 1943 together with Marauder FK 142 to carry out an offensive sweep with torpedo’s in the Aegean Sea. No message was received from FK 150 after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RNZAF RAAF RAF RAF
402766 PO Truman, C C, Captain (Pilot) 403437 Flt Sgt Thompson, J I (2nd Pilot) FO Connell, B T (Navigator) 407363 Flt Sgt Hope, R E H (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) Sgt Firth, K (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) Sgt Semple, W J (Air Gunner)
Marauder FK 142 subsequently made a forced landing in Turkey, and the crew were interned in Ankara. They were later released and rejoined the Squadron. In a statement made by this crew they reported that “they last saw FK 150 in the Euboean Sea heading north east about 1600 hours and it did not appear to be in trouble. FK 150 was in W/T/communication with the accompanying aircraft until 1630 hours, and then nothing further was heard.” Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
388
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
416856 Flight Sergeant HORE, Sydney Ross
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/3/166 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Micro Film No463 OAFH
Wellington HF 194 ATTD 179 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington HF 194 of 179 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station North Front, Gibraltar, on the evening of 16 January 1944, to carry out an anti-sub patrol in the vicinity of Cape St Vincent. The aircraft was due back at 8am the next day, but it did not return to base. Extensive searches were carried out but no trace of the missing aircraft or crew were found. This was the first operational trip for the newly formed crew. Crew: RCAF RAAF RCAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
PO McNeil, W Y Captain (Pilot) 420980 Flt Sgt G.A.McGilvray, (Pilot). Flt Sgt P W H Crickmay, (Navigator) 416856 Flt Sgt S.R.Hore, (Wireless Air Gunner). 422529 Flt Sgt R.D.Anthony, (Wireless Air Gunner. 425577 Flt Sgt T.M.Andersen, (Wireless Air Gunner)
All the crew have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Malta Memorial, Malta. The Malta Memorial is situated in an area of Floriana and is easily identified by the Golden Eagle which surmounts the column. .
389
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
413386 Flight Sergeant HOTCHKIS, George Stewart
Source: NAA : A705, 166/18/193 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling EF 495 OJ – R 149 Sqn RAF
Summary: Stirling EF 495 of 149 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk, at 8.05pm on 27 September 1943, to attack Hanover, Germany. At 0057am on the 28th a weak distress signal was received indicating the aircraft was flying very low over the North sea. Nothing further was heard and the aircraft failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RNZAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
413386 Flt Sgt Hotchkis, G S Captain (Pilot) Sgt Crowe, J W (Navigator) Flt Sgt Schollum, B J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) PO Bevan, C J W (Air Bomber) Sgt Tweedie, D F (Flight Engineer) Sgt Lyons, P (Air Gunner) Sgt Clifford, B (Air Gunner)
Sgts Crowe, Tweedie and Lyons all of the RAF became POW’s, and in later statements they reported that when they abandoned the aircraft the skipper was alive and well in the flying aircraft, and he endeavoured to try and fly the aircraft back to the UK. German documents later established that the aircraft crashed near Lingen and all the remaining crew members were killed. Post war searches revealed no trace of the missing four members and it was recorded that they had lost their lives at sea.
390
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
420389 Warrant Officer HOUGH, Gordon Fairfax Source: AWMJ 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/33/253 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Commonwealth War Graves records
Liberator BZ 943 ATTD 86 SQN RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 943 of 86 Sqn RAF took off at night on 18th November 1944 from RAF Station Tain, Scotland, on a non-operational training flight using the Leigh Light. The aircraft crashed in the sea about 11 miles north east of Banff, Scotland. Continuous searches for any survivors were made by aircraft and rescue launches. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RNZAF
414079 PO Pordage, H (Navigator) 420389 WO Hough, G F (Navigator Bombaimer) 422349 WO Noble, I R S (Wireless Operator Air) 420786 WO Peck, R J (Wireless Operator Air) 421360 WO Mellon, J (Wireless Operator Air) 411302 FO Easterbrook, S D (Navigator Bombaimer) Flt Lt Gates Flt Sgt McCabe PO Humphreys, J A (Wireless Operator Air) FO Norrie
The remains of FO Easterbrook (RAAF) and Flt Sgt Humphreys (RAF) were recovered, but the remaining crew members were listed as having lost their lives at sea. FO Easterbrook is buried in the Bellie Burial Ground, Moray shire, Scotland. PO Humphries is buried in the Livgerpool (Anfield) Cemetery, Lancashire, UK. The other missing crew members have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
391
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
424634 Flight Sergeant HOUSEMAN, John William
Source: NAA: A705, 166/18/414 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 633 UM – T2 626 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM 633 of 626 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Wickenby, Lincolnshire, on the night of 20/21st July 1944, to attack Coutrai, Belgium. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF
414332 FO Bowen, J Captain (Pilot) 418252 Flt Sgt Clarke, R C (Navigator) 423234 Flt Sgt Ferguson, R D (Air Bomber) 422810 Flt Sgt Purnell, W A (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Fyfe, J S (Flight Engineer) 428899 Flt Sgt Beattie, G M (Mid Upper Gunner) 424634 Flt Sgt Houseman, J W (Rear Gunner)
Both FO Bowen (RAAF) and Flt Sgt Purnell (RAAF) were captured and became POW’s, whilst the others with the exception of Flt Sgt Houseman evaded capture and returned safely to UK. In later statements from the survivors it was reported that LM 633 was attacked by a JU 88 causing fires in the fuselage and starboard engines. The abandon aircraft order was given, and the aircraft crashed at Zietenacy ou Zoetenasie, approx 8kms north west of Diksmuide on 21 July 1944. FO Bowen stated that the Germans had assumed that Flt Sgt Beattie and Flt Sgt Houseman were buried under the wreckage and both were listed as dead in German documents. Beattie however evaded capture and was safe. Members of the crew also thought that with the inter communication useless that Flt Sgt Houseman may have baled out in the confusion. In 1949 it was recorded that with the aircraft buried deep in the ground, it was impossible to locate any other remains, and Flt Sgt Houseman the only missing member of the crew was listed as having no known grave.
392
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
412332 Leading Aircraftman HOWARTH, Frank Simpson
Source: NAA : A705, 163/123/212 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Harvard 2616 1 Service Flg Trg School, RCAF
Summary: Harvard 2616 of No. 1 Service Flying Training School, RCAF, at Borden, Lake Simcoe, Ontario, was flying at 15,000 feet in a formation of three on a training exercise on 14 February, 1942. The formation encountered a heavy snow storm towards the end of the exercise in the vicinity of Lake Simcoe. Harvard 2616 went out of control and dived into the sea crashing through the ice and disappearing. The position was about 6 miles off shore, and some 7.5 miles north east of Big Bay Point, Lake Simcoe Ontario. The pilots of the other aircraft flew over the crash scene, but no sign was seen of the aircraft or crew. Crew: RCAF RAAF
PO Martin, J T B (Pilot) 412332 LAC Howarth, F S (Pupil Pilot)
393
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
429244 Warrant Officer HOWE, Alfred William
Source: NAA : A705, 166/18/697 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator KK 345 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator KK 345 of 104 Sqn RAF, Central Mediterranean Forces, took off from Foggia main aerodrome, Italy, at 1819 hours on 3 April 1945, to attack the marshalling yards at Novska, Yugoslavia, 58 miles south east of Zagreb. KK 345 contacted base after leaving the target and gave an ETA. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft and KK 345 did not return to base. Other crews reported seeing and aircraft catch fire in the air, explode and fall into the sea off the Yugoslavia coast. ASR Searches the next day found no trace of the aircraft or crew. Later post war searches along the Yugoslavia coast and islands were unsuccessful. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Sgt Ackroyd, T G Captain (Pilot) Sgt Hollick, J D (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt Edmondson, R (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 429244 WO Howe, A W (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt Croley, A J (Air Bomber) Flt Sgt Ayres, F O G (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Lewis, A (Air Gunner)
It was later recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
394
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
400348 Flight Sergeant HOWLETT, Thomas Henry
Source: NAA : A705, 163/123/357 AWM 65 (2732) Wellington Aircraft Type: Z 8522 Serial number: Radio call sign: 104 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: Wellington Z 8522 of 104 Sqn RAF took off on 9 October 1942 to attack Landing Grounds Nos 17 and 18 on night operations in Libya. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
402632 Flt Sgt E.L.Anderson, Captain (Pilot). FO Newman, A.J., 2nd Pilot. 401347 Flt Sgt L.J.R.Govett, Observer. 400355 Flt Sgt A.A.C.Peters, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 400348 Flt Sgt T.H.Howlett, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt M.A.Ball, Wireless Operator/Air.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had no known grave.
395
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. 413771 Flight Sergeant HUGGETT, Norman Grenfell Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/19/46 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 149, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LL 861 SR – H ATTD 101 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LL 861 of 101 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Ludlow Magna, Market Raisen, Lincolnshire, at 2211 hours on the night of 30/31st March 1944 to carry out a bombing operation against Nurnberg. The aircraft was due back at Base at 0545 hours on 31 March, but nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RCAF
420950 PO Irving, D J, Captain, (Pilot) Sgt Phillips, F (Flight Engineer) 412542 WO King, S G R (Navigator) 427016 Flt Sgt Noske, J A (Air Bomber) 413771 Flt Sgt Huggett, N G (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 426999 Flt Sgt Newman, J B (Mid Upper Gunner) 410934 Flt Sgt Adam, W J (Rear Gunner) FO Litchfield, R F (Special Duties, Air Bomber)
In 1949 it was established from an examination of German documents that the aircraft crashed at Lauterbach, 11 kms north north east of Eisenach, Germany, in the province of Thuringe, and that Flt Sgt Noske and two unknown crew members were buried at Eisenach Town Cemetery. As Eisenach was in the Russian Zone of Occupation it was not possible for investigating teams to visit the area to visit the site of the crash and locate any of the graves of the crew. At the time the names of the 8 crew members were registered as missing with no known grave. Commonwealth War Graves record that Flt Sgt’s Noske and Newman are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. The remainder of the crew have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
396
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
410670 Warrant Officer HUGHES, Clifton Lawrence
Source: NAA : A705, 166/18/444 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HZ 883 221 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HZ 883 of 221 Sqn RAF, Central Mediterranean Forces, took off at 0031 hours on 24 August 1944, together with another squadron aircraft, to carry out a night offensive shipping reconnaissance mission in the North Adriatic or attack an alternative target of Parenzo. No wireless messages were received from the aircraft and it did not respond to WT from base. HZ 883 failed to return from the mission. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
WO Bray, F R W Captain (Pilot) Sgt Sutcliffe, J (2nd Pilot) 410670 WO Hughes, C L (Navigator) Sgt Cotteridge, R J (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Rudd, L (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt Dowsom, R (Wireless Operator Air)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded that the missing crew were lost at sea.
397
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
433107 Flight Sergeant HUGHES, John Childe Source: NAA: A705, 166/18/701 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax NA 193 1652 Conversion RAF
Summary: Halifax NA 193 of 1652 Conversion Unit RAF, took off from RAF Station Marston Moor, Yorkshire, at 2225 hours on 4 April 1945, on a non-operational night training exercise “Bullseye” to Scapa Flow. The aircraft was due back at 0305 hours on 5 April, but it did not return to base. Air sea rescue launches located large amounts of small pieces of wreckage on the surface of the water and it was assumed that the aircraft crashed at high speed out of control, and struck the water with considerable force. It was impossible to ascertain the cause. Two bodies were recovered and parts of NA 193, but the main portion of the aircraft was on the sea bottom. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
432034 PO Tanner, N W N, Captain (Pilot) 433107 Flt Sgt Hughes, J C (Navigator) 434967 Flt Sgt Donald, J N (Bombaimer) 432779 Flt Sgt Ford, C F (Wireless Operator) 439842 Flt Sgt Faulks, R W (Gunner) Sgt Cooke, L A (Flight Engineer) Sgt Semple, W J R (Rear Gunner) Sgt Card, A
The bodies of Flt Sgt Faulks (RAAF) and Sgt Cooke (RAF) were recovered with Flt Sgt Faulks being buried in Wick Cemetery, Scotland. In 1949 it was recorded that the remainder of the crew had lost their lives at sea.
398
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
432551 Flight Sergeant HULMES, James Maxwell
Source: NAA : A705, 166/18/442 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax JN 896 624 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax JN 896 of 624 Sqn RAF, British North African Force, took off at 2302 hours to carry out a supply drop mission in Southern France. A wireless message was received from JN 896 at 0220 hours on 14th August 1944, but nothing further was heard and the aircraft failed to return from the mission. On 15 August a signal was received from Gibraltar, that an unidentified aircraft was seen to explode and dive into the sea between Palamos and San Filiu de Guixols on the north east coast of Spain, with the plane crashing about 6 miles off shore. This area was close to the calculated position of JN 896. Crew: RAF RNZAF RAF RCAF RAF RAAF RAF RCAF RAF
FO Driscoll, W G Captain (Pilot) FO Neale, L W (Navigator) Flt Sgt Lambert, E C (Air Bomber) WO Proctor, N W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Hurst, E (Flight Engineer) 432551 Flt Sgt Hulmes, J M (Air Gunner) Sgt Sousby, N (Air Gunner) WO Laing,, F D (Air Gunner) FO Luxon, C N (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
399
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
406217 Flight Sergeant HUMPHRIES, Keith Eric
Source: AWM 237 ( 65) NAA: A705, 163/28/111 Commonwealth War Graves records
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Baltimore AG 737 223 Sqn RAF
Summary: Baltimore AG 737 of 223 Sqn RAF, operating as part of 1437 Strategic Recce Flight, RAF Middle East, took off at 1000 hours on 10 August 1942 to carry out a reconnaissance patrol over enemy positions in the Western Desert and Libya. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
407615 FO Dumas, C J (Pilot) 400525 Sgt Carter, H M (Observer) 406217 Sgt Humphries, K E (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) Sgt Millar, F J (Air Gunner)
It was later reported by the Fighting French that the wreck of the aircraft was found east of Lake Margh-Ra in the Middle East, and that there were no survivors. In 1949, No 1 War Graves Commission reported that they had no burial information of the above members and the case was closed with the missing crew having no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.
400
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
423125 Warrant Officer HUNT, Donald Eric
Source: NAA : A9301, Barcode 5537408 No RAAF Casualty file is held by Archives. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
4 (C) Officers Training RAF
Summary: WO Hunt, D E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) was reported missing from a nonoperational flight on 14 March 1945 The last known position of the aircraft was 75 miles south east of Sumburgh Head, Shetland Islands. No other information is recorded on the above file. Crew:
401
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
400621 Flight Sergeant HUNT, Harry Chapman
Source: NAA: A705, 163/124/198 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8514 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington Z 8514 took off at 2115 hours on 30 September 1942 to bomb Tobruk, Libya. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RCAF RAAF RAF RAF
400621 Sgt H.C.Hunt, Captain (Pilot). PO Ramage, W.N., 2nd Pilot. Sgt R.Sillis, Observer. 406283 Flt Sgt T.L.F.Bailey, 1st Wireless Operator. Sgt J.W.Flint, 2nd Wireless Operator. Sgt J.J.Bowles, Air Gunner.
Following post war searches and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew was located, the search was abandoned in 1948.
402
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
433038 Warrant Officer HUNT, John Penboss
Source: NAA: A705, 166/18/624 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Boston BZ 590 18 Sqn RAF
Summary: Boston BZ 590 of No 18 (Burma) Sqn RAF, Central Mediterranean Force, took off from Forli drome at 2054 hours on 21 April 1945 to attack a river crossing target at Taglia Di Po followed by an armed reconnaissance of the Po Valley, Italy. The aircraft failed to return from this mission. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF
Sgt Raikes, D K (Pilot) Flt Sgt Perkins, D M (Navigator Bombaimer) Flt Sgt Bostock, A T (Wireless Operator Air) 433038 WO Hunt, J P (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
403
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404144 Sergeant HYATT, Joseph Montague
Source: NAA: A705, 163/124/117 163/46/56 (Enclosure 5b) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim 9726 84 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim 9726 of No 84 Sqn RAF took off on 12 February 1942 from Palembang, Java, to carry out a night raid. The aircraft got off the ground did a half circuit to come in to land, attempted to turn around the flare path and passed right through the orderly room. The aircraft was wrecked but did not catch fire. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
404144 Sgt Hyatt, J M (Pilot) 406030 Sgt Mutton, GT (Observer) Sgt Irvine (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Sgt Irvine was injured, but he rejoined the Squadron after treatment. Both Sgt’s Hyatt and Mutton were killed instantly and were buried on the drome at Palembang 11, with Chaplain McWilliams conducting the burial service. Following post war searches the graves of Sgt’s Hyatt and Sgt Mutton could not be located as the area was overgrown with tropical vegetation. In 1951 it was recorded that they have no known grave.
404
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
401380 Sergeant IRVINE, Frederick Jack
Source: NAA: A705, 163/125/47 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson AM 794 1 (C) Op Training RAF
Summary: Hudson AM 794 of No 1 Conversion Operational Training Unit RAF, took off on an operational navigation exercise training flight on 24 May 1942. The last radio contact with AM 794 was at 1320 hours. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after that and it did not return to base from the exercise. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF
401130 Sgt Laurie, R M (Pilot) Sgt King, G T (Observer) 403018 PO Rollason, R W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 401380 Sgt Irvine, F J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
AM 794 was last seen by the 2nd Officer of SS Hythe to spin into the Irish Sea whilst turning at a height of 500 feet and burst into flames. A search boat from the SS Hythe failed to recover three bodies which were seen. The remains of PO Rollason were recovered from the Irish Sea near Millon Cumberland, on 24 June 1942. The other three missing crew members were recorded as having lost their lives at sea.
405
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
409550 Flight Sergeant ISAACS, Gerald Henry
Source: NAA: A705, 166/19/19 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4363 PM – U 103 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster W 4363 of 1103 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Elsham Wolds, near Barnetby, Lincolnshire, at 2228 hours on the night of 6/7th July 1943 to lay mines in the Gironde River, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
409649 Flt Sgt Barr, D.L.S., Captain (Pilot). Sgt R.F.Garside, Navigator. Sgt N.Gardner, Air Bomber. 409550 Flt Sgt G.H.Isaacs, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt P.Maynard, Flight Engineer. Sgt D.F.O.Turner, Air Gunner. Sgt N.Hollas, Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
406
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407076 Warrant Officer ISING, Geoffrey Ernest
Source: NAA: A705, 166/19/15 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington LA 908 215 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington LA 908 of 215 Sqn RAF India, took off at 2004 hours on 18 May 1943 from Jessore, on night operations to bomb military objectives in Burma. Crews of other aircraft on the mission saw flares dropped in the Praee-Baungua road area at 0036 hours on the 19 May, which was assumed to come from LA 908. Nothing was heard from LA 908 after take off and it did not return to base from the mission. A Japanese broadcast claimed to have shot down a Wellington in the area in question on that night but no mention was made of the crew. Crew: RNZAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
WO Clarke, R J Captain (Pilot) 411543 Flt Sgt Stanford, B J (2nd Pilot) 407076 WO Ising, G E (Navigator Bombaimer) Sgt Murray, J A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Smithson, H T (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Nice, B R (Air Gunner.
Following post war investigations and enquiries the search was abandoned for the missing crew in 1946.
407
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
22929 Flight Sergeant IVORY, James Richard
Source: NAA : A705, 166/19/23 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HF 535 150 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HF 535 of 150 Sqn RAF took off at 0116 hours on 7 August 1943 being one of a number of aircraft detailed to attack the beaches between Cape Pelere and Messina. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RCAF RAF RAF RAF
22929 Flt Sgt Ivory, J R Captain (Pilot) PO Darling, G C (Navigator) Sgt Knight, S W (Air Bomber) Sgt Binnie, J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Dewar, A (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded that the missing crew had no known grave.
408
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404248 Sergeant JACK, Douglas Gordon
Source: NAA : A705, 163/126/73 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Whitley Z 6973 DY 102 Sqn RAF
Summary: Whitley Z 6973 of No 102 (Ceylon) Sqn RAF took off at 1643 hours on 16 December 1941 from RAF Station Dalton, to attack docks and shipping at Dunkirk, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RCAF RAF RAF RCAF
404248 Sgt Jack, D G (Pilot) Sgt Caldwell, W G Sgt Baldock, T E Sgt Thompson, G E Sgt Evans, W A
It was presumed that the aircraft was hit by flak and had crashed into the sea. Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew could be found, it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
409
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404853 Sergeant JACKLIN, John Francis
Source: NAA: BA705, 166/20/11 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
HQ Royal Air Force Malta ATTD RAF
Summary: Sgt Jacklin was reported missing on air operations in the Central Mediterranean area on 9 May 1942. It was presumed that the aircraft had been shot down into the sea, and that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea. Crew: RAAF 404853 Sgt Jacklin, J F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) No other crew details are available on the above RAAF Casualty file.
410
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
434791 Flight Sergeant JACKSON, Allen Stewart
Source: NAA : A705, 166/20/165 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster HK 556 A4 – F 115 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster HK 556 of 115 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Witchford at 2019 hours on the night of 26/27 August 1944 to attack Kiel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
FO Holder, D F Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt Hartley, (Navigator) Flt Sgt Swannell, J N (Air Bomber) Sgt Clatworth, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Pearson (Flight Engineer) 434791 Flt Sgt Jackson, A S (Air Gunner) 432605 Flt Sgt Webber, A G (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
411
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
409923 Flight Sergeant JAGER, William Russell
Source: NAA : A705, 166/20/97 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4852 LS – B 15 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster W 4852 of 15 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Mildenhall at 2020 hours on 21 January 1944 to attack Magdeberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RNZAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Sgt Butler, R J Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt Bergin, J S (Navigator) 409923 Flt Sgt Jager, W R (Air Bomber) Flt Sgt Holborow, R F (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Summers, A B (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt Proteious, A (Rear Gu7nner) Sgt Smith, C E (Flight Engineer)
German documents revealed that the aircraft had crashed near the village of Wormlitz in the Jericho district at 1150 hours on the 21 January, and that the bodies of Flt Sgt Jager (RAAF), Flt Sgt Butler (RAF), Flt Sgt Proteious (RAF) and Sgt Summers (RAF) together with 3 who could not be identified were killed. The records did not indicate the place of burial. A thorough search of the Jericho district was made but the graves of the crew could not be found. It was subsequently recorded that they had no known grave.
412
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
406319 Warrant Officer JAMES, Beverley Galbraith
Source: NAA : A705, 163/126/76 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufighter V 8322 603 Sqn RAF
Summary: Beaufighter V 8322 of No 603 (City of Edinburgh) Sqn RAF, took off at 1835 hours on 2 May 1943 to carry out a convoy patrol in the Mediterranean until dark. The aircraft was seen at 1915 hours in position 32.41N, 15.39E (approximately 30 miles north east of Misurata). The aircraft was not seen again and it failed to return to base. There were enemy aircraft in the vicinity of the convoy at 1915 hours approx, and V 8322 may have been shot down. Crew: RAF RAAF
FO Scantlebury, M F (Pilot) 406319 WO James, B G (Observer)
It was later recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
413
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
421302 Sergeant JAMES, Walter Thomas David
Source: NAA : A705, 166/20/52 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Mitchell FR 383 111 Op Training RCAF
Summary: Mitchell FR 383 of No 111 Operational Training Unit RCAF, took off at 1200 hours on 13 July 1943 on a 5 hour naval patrol. Communications with the aircraft ceased at 1545 hours, and FR 383 did not return to base. Search aircraft located a sea oil patch and wreckage 5 miles south west of Clifton Point, Nassau. There were no survivors. Crew: RCAF RCAF RAAF RCAF RCAF RCAF
PO Johnson. Captain (Pupil) PO McArthur, (2nd Pilot – Pupil) 421302 Sgt James, W T D (Navigator – Pupil) Sgt Meehan, R P (Wireless Operator Air Gunner – Pupil) Sgt Daschuk, B (Wireless Operator Air Gunner – Pupil) Sgt Koeefe, B Wireless Operator Air Gunner – Pupil)
It was later recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
414
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
36474 Sergeant JAMIESON, Stewart Hugh
Source: NAA: A705, 166/20/188
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator 42 – 110120 530 Sqn USAAF
Summary: On the night of 28 October 1944 Liberator 42-110120 of 530 Sqn, 380 Bomb Group USAAF, 5th Air Force, failed to return from a mission to Macassar, NEI. The aircraft took off from Darwin at 1751 hours, manned by a RAAF crew of eleven. The following sequence of messages was received by Ops room No 380 (B) Group: 281420Z No 3 out, Position 06.25S 120.50E course 120deg true. 281555Z 2 engines out, posn 0800S 123.35E. 281628Z Not likely to reach base. No 4 giving trouble. Preparing to ditch. Darwin obtained a bearing of 340deg at 281604Z. Search ships and 4 B24’s immediately began search, and B24’s, B25’s and Catalinas on subsequent days were unable to locate missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF ARMY
408190 FO Harrison, A L, Captain (Pilot) 413969 WO Davidson, S H (2nd Pilot) 416078 Flt Lt Cropley, A A (Navigator) 408590 FO O’Dea, D J (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 416861 WO Killen, K L J (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 423587 Flt Sgt Barber, W R (Navigator/Bombaimer) 408448 Flt Sgt Wilken, C L (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 36474 Sgt Jamieson, S H (Armament/Gunner) 429432 Sgt Cook, J E (Air Gunner) 62526 Sgt Bird, W J (Fitter 11A/Gunner) 116993 LAC (Agt Flt Sgt) Anstey, F W (Flight Engineer) VX21828 Major Latrelle, H R, AIF, Intel. Officer (Observer)
In 1949 it was recorded that the aircraft and crew were lost at sea.
415
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
413603 Flight Sergeant JAMISON, Clement John
Source: NAA : A705, 166/20/62 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Whitley T 4339 42 Op Training RAF
Summary: Whitley T 4339 of No 42 Operational Training RAF took off from RAF Station Ashbourne, Derbyshire, at 2030 hours on 28 August 1943, to carry out a night cross country training flight. The proposed route was RAF Ashbourne - Andover – Castle Cary – Lundy Isle – Shaftesbury – return to Ashbourne. The aircraft failed to return to base from the exercise. Crew: RCAF RAAF RCAF RCAF
FO Conway, R W (Pilot) 413603 Flt Sgt Jamison, C J (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt Ward, R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Smith, R M (Air Gunner)
The wreck of the aircraft was located in the River Severn between Charleston Light and Dun Sands, about 15 miles east of Newport. The remains of the three RCAF members of the crew were recovered, whilst Flt Sgt Jamison is listed as having no known grave.
416
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
406396 Sergeant JANNEY, Harold
Source: NAA : A705, 163/123/93 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim
ATTD Royal Air Force Hq Royal Air Force (Mid East)
Summary: A Blenheim aircraft in transit from the UK to the Middle East took off from RAF Luqa, Malta at 0110 hours on 30 March 1942, but failed to arrive at its destination in the Middle East. It was presumed that the aircraft was lost at sea. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
406396 Sgt Janney, H (Pilot) 406412 Sgt Shiner, J M (Observer) 406301 Sgt Johnson, C E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
417
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
430123 Flight Sergeant JEFFREY, Sidney Alexander
Source: NAA: A705, 166/20/254 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 177 PM – Z 103 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM 177 of 103 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Elsham Wolds, Barnetby, Lincolnshire, was detailed to lay mines in enemy waters in the Aarhus Bay, Denmark. LM 177 took off at the appointed on the night of 4/5th April 1945 but nothing further was heard and the aircraft did not return to base. Four other 103 Squadron aircraft took part in the mission, and when homeward bound from the Danish coast, members of another crew saw three aircraft shot down behind them but were unable to identify any individual aircraft. Two of the aircraft appeared to crash into the sea and one on the land. In each case the mines would have been already laid. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
414031 FO Hole, L, Captain (Pilot) Sgt Kelly, E (Flight Engineer) 430123 Flt Sgt Jeffrey, S A (Air Bomber) 437854 Flt Sgt Hodge, C J (Navigator) 432969 Flt Sgt Pearce, S D (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 437300 FO Vallentine, V L (Mid Upper Gunner) 435489 Flt Sgt Shannon, E F (Rear Gunner)
In 1949 it was reported that all efforts to find any trace of the aircraft or crew had been unsuccessful and the crew had been recorded as missing lost at sea.
418
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
403209 Sergeant JENKINS, Charles Peter
Source: NAA : A705, 163/127/63 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson AM 805 206 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hudson AM 805 of 206 Sqn RAF took off from Benbecula at 0500 hours on 28 July 1942, to take part in an anti submarine sweep with two other aircraft from Tiree. The two other aircraft returned from the mission, but AM 805 failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RCAF RAAF RAF
Flt Sgt Ireland, W A L (Pilot) Sgt Edgar, R J (Observer) 403209 Sgt Jenkins, C P (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt North, R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
As the cloud was very low at one point of the sweep, it was thought that AM 805 may have been too low to recover height when some mishap occurred. It was later recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
419
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
416122 Flight Sergeant JENKINS, Ronald Frank Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/20/49 166/24/43 Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Catalina
ATTD 262 SQN RAF
Summary: On 25th June 1943, a Catalina aircraft of 262 Sqn RAF from RAF Station Congella, near Durban, South Africa, crashed into the sea at 7.10pm in St Lucia Bay, South Africa. Crew : RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
416122 Flt Sgt Jenkins, R F (Pilot) 401331 FO White, F N C (Pilot) 14635 Sgt Soady, A F (Flight Engineer) 408285 Sgt Lane, T H T (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Sgt R P Kay, (FM Air/Air Gunner) Sgt A J Mills, ( Sgt R T Cork, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt Barrington (
The bodies of all the crew were recovered from the sea, with the exception of Flt Sgt Jenkins (RAAF) who lost his life at sea. His name is commemorated on the Alamaein Memorial, Egypt. All the others are buried in the Durban (Stellawood) Cemetery, South Africa.
420
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
423132 Flight Sergeant JENNER, John Desmond
Source: NAA : A705, 166/20/194 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson FK 752 251 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hudson FK 752 of 251 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Reykjavik, Iceland, at 1230 hours on 9 November 1944, to carry out a normal meteorological flight. Clear icing conditions were encountered on the outward leg. The return journey was carried out under similar conditions, until an SOS was received at 2057 hours when the aircraft was approx 75 miles south west of Reykjavik. The trouble being encountered was not stated. At 2105 hours the aircraft key was held down enabling the D/F station to get a bearing. After that there was no further contact with the aircraft which did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Lambert, B F Captain (Pilot) 423365 Flt Sgt Smith, R A (Wireless Operator Air) 423132 Flt Sgt Jenner, J D, (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt Syms, H J E LAC Martin, I B
Considerable air and sea searches were carried out but no trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found. It was believed that the aircraft had become loaded with ice to such an extent that it was forced down into the sea.
421
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. 425311 Flight Sergeant JOHNSON, Alan Francis Source : AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/35/272
Commonwealth War Graves records
Liberator BZ 873 ATTD 53 SQN RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ873 took off from St Eval near Wadebridge, Cornwall at 2050 hours on the night of 20/21st May 1944 to carry out a Leigh Light anti sub patrol over the Atlantic. At 0120 hours on 21st May a signal was received from the aircraft ‘investigating possible U boat’. The signal was cancelled a few minutes later and since then nothing further was heard. The aircraft failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Bowman, G A Captain (Pilot) 8934 Flt Sgt J K Richards, (2nd Pilot) Flt Sgt R D Christie, (1st Navigator) 423171 Flt Sgt W W Moore, (2nd Navigator) Sgt G Harrison, (Wireless Operator Air) 420313 FO Watkins, H W (Wireless Air Gunner) 425024 Flt Sgt J T Kerr, (Wireless Air Gunner) 425311 Flt Sgt A F Johnson, (Wireless Air Gunner) WO F W Atherton (Wireless Air Gunner) FO McTaggart, W (Flight Engineer)
The patrol was down the French coast then out to sea down the Spanish coast to Gibraltra and back. The aircraft was expected back about 8am 21st May. It left base at 6pm the day before. Sgt Harrison body was washed ashore on the north coast of Spain. Atherton’s body was found floating at sea by a fisherman who established the identity but did not recover the body. Sgt Harrison is buried in the Bilbao British Cemetery, Spain. Bilbao is a seaport in the north of Spain. All the remaining nine crew members have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
422
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
406301 Sergeant JOHNSON, Conrad Ervin
Source: NAA : A9301, Bar Code 5529133 No RAAF Casualty file held by Archives But see A705, 163/123/93. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim
ATTD Royal Air Force Hq Royal Air Force (Mid East)
Summary: A Blenheim aircraft in transit from the UK to the Middle East took off from RAF Luqa, Malta at 0110 hours on 30 March 1942, but failed to arrive at its destination in the Middle East. It was presumed that the aircraft was lost at sea. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
406396 Sgt Janney, H (Pilot) 406412 Sgt Shiner, J M (Observer) 406301 Sgt Johnson, C E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
423
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
426605 Flight Sergeant JOHNSTON, Leslie Robert
Source: NAA : A705, 166/21/207 Aircraft Type:
Wellington
Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
LP 464 40 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington LP 464 of 40 Sqn RAF Central Mediterranean Force, was detailed on 11 October 1944 to attack an enemy target at Verona, Italy. LP 464 was one of three aircraft that failed to return from the mission. One aircraft was seen to go down on fire and successfully ditch, as a green light was seen floating intermittently. Two other aircraft were seen shot down over the target and a Rear gunner saw five parachutes bale out from one of these aircraft. Crew: RAF WO Bodley, R W F (Pilot) RAAF 426605 Flt Sgt Johnston, L R (Navigator) RAF Sgt Butcher, A G (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Coyle, G (Air Bomber) RAAF 436403 Flt Sgt Fitzgerald, E C (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries and investigations, 6 graves were exhumed in the Verona cemetery but it was not possible to identify the remains. The missing crew were recorded as having no known grave.
424
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404049 Sergeant JOHNSTON, William Leo Newton
Source: NAA : A705, 163/129/133 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8419 LQ - V 405 (RCAF) Sqn
Summary: Wellington Z 8419 of No 405 (Vancouver) Sqn RCAF, took off from RAF Pocklington, Yorkshire, at 1815 hours on 22 October 1941 to attack Le Havre. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RCAF RCAF RAAF RCAF RCAF RAF
Sgt Hall, C P Sgt Wewalker, P T 404049 Sgt Johnston, W L N (Observer) Sgt Dodge, L E Flt Sgt Jackson, L H Flt Sgt Mark, G F
The body of Flt Sgt Jackson (RCAF) was washed ashore at Fecamp, on the northwest coast of France, 22 miles from Le Havre, and is buried in the Fecamp New Cemetery. It was later recorded that the remaining missing crew members had lost their lives at sea.
425
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
427280 Flight Sergeant JOHNSTONE, William Vernon
Source: NAA : A705, 166/21/218 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator EW 312 224 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator EW 312 of 224 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Milltown, near Elgin, Morayshire, at 1125 hours on 11 November 1944, to carry out an anti-sub patrol in the North Sea. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RNZAF RNZAF RAF RNZAF RAF RAF
Flt Lt Hill, F M Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt Bowley, E A (2nd Pilot) WO Saywell, K (1st Navigator) 427280 Flt Sgt Johnstone, W V (Navigator Bomb Aimer) WO Smolenski, H (Wireless Operator Air) WO Beck, R W (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt Frayne, T R (Wireless Operator Air) WO Phillips, T R (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Irvine, W (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Ashworth, P (Flight Engineer)
Following post ware enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
426
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
423786 Flight Sergeant JONES, Edgar Frederick
Source: NAA : A705, 166/21/183 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax LW 546 MH – R 51 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax LW 546 of 51 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Snaith, near Goole, Yorkshire, at 1920 hours on 6 August, 1944 to attack the railway centre at Hazebrouck, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to nbase. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Lt Brown, G Captain (Pilot) FO Coleman, S H (Navigator) PO Cowling, A F (Air Bomber) 423786 Flt Sgt Jones, E F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Healey, W E (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt Donkinen (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Baptist R (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
427
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
404635 Flight Sergeant JONES, Edward Austin Source: NAA : A705, 163/129/224 Wellington Aircraft Type: HX 364 Serial number: Radio call sign: 70 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: Wellington HX 364 of 70 Sqn RAF failed to return from an operational mission in the Middle East on the night of 27/28th July 1942. Crew: RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
Sgt Osborne, H S Captain (Pilot) 400709 Sgt Hearn, R M (2nd Pilot) 404511 WO Osborn, R E S (Observer) 400351 Sgt McDonald, K S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 404635 Flt Sgt Jones, E A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Hatch, B K (Air Gunner)
In a later statement by WO Osborn (RAAF) who survived and became a POW he reported “The aircraft was shot down on the night of 27/28th July 1942 by flak over Tobruk and crashed about 50 miles south of Tobruk. No member of the crew was injured, and it was attempted to make our way back. We had covered about 100 miles, and were forced to give up through lack of food and water. We were picked up and taken to Mersa Matruh and interrogated. Then transported to Benghazi arriving at a POW camp on 8 August 1942. We left Benghazi on 15 August 1942, and five members were placed on an Italian vessel Lionbixo, with Sgt Hearn being on another vessel. Three of us were placed in the bottom of the front hold, and the other two in middle section of the same hold. The vessel was sunk by a British submarine off an island south of Greece when it was hit by two torpedoes about 4pm on the 17 August 1942. One torpedo entered the bottom section of the hold and the other hit the engine room. The front half filled with water. The ship was towed to port on the east coast of Greece. WO Osborn (RAAF) was injured but he stated that Sgt Hatch (RAF) had lost his life in the explosion. Also he had not seen or heard of Sgt McDonald (RAAF) or Flt Sgt Jones (RAAF) since the explosion and he assumed they were drowned or had lost their lives in the explosion. Sgt Osborne (RAF) was also injured in the explosion.
428
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
413775 Flight Sergeant JONES, Howell Idris
Source: NAA : A705, 166/21/90 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling LK 380 90 Sqn RAF
Summary: Stirling LK 380 of 90 Sqn RAF was detailed to carry a fighter affiliation with a Hurricane aircraft on 9 November 1943. At 1135 am near Shippea Hill Station near Mildenhall, about 20 miles north east of Cambridge, the Hurricane KW 800 came in too close during an attack and collided with the Stirling. The Stirling crashed and was buried in boggy ground. The Hurricane managed to return safely to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF RAAF RAF
Flt Lt Rogers, R Y Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt Smith, L (2nd Pilot) FO Mitchell, C (Navigator) Sgt Wilson, R (Air Bomber) Sgt Griffiths, L M (Wireless Operator) Sgt Batten, G G (Air Gunner) Sgt Loyst, M P (Air Gunner) 413775 Flt Sgt Jones, H I (Air Gunner) Sgt Davany, E F (Flight Engineer)
All the crew on board the Stirling were killed and the unidentified remains of only four members were recovered. The name of Flt Sgt Jones (RAAF) is included on the Cross of Sacrifice erected in Beck Row Cemetery, Mildenhall, Suffolk.
429
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
425683 Flight Sergeant JONES, Thomas Stephen
Source: NAA : A705, 166/21/157 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 940 224 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 940 of 224 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station St Eval, Cornwall, on 12 June 1944 to carry out an anti sub patrol west of the English Channel. The last message from the aircraft was at 3am when it reported from position 48.20N, 05.54W that it was over 2 U boats in the English Channel and attacking. Nothing further was heard from BZ 940, and the aircraft did not return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAF RNZAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Lt Jenkinson, J E Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt Graves, K G E (2nd Pilot) Flt Lt McLeod, A M (Navigator) 425683 Flt Sgt Jones, T S (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt Dixon, L (Wireless Operator Mechanic, Air Gunner) PO Chitty, C C (Wireless Operator Air) WO Reid, F J (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt Starr, L A (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Jenkins, A (Wireless operator Air) Flt Sgt Green, R T (Flight Engineer)
The body of Flt Sgt Dixon (RAF) was recovered from the sea off Molene Island off the French coast 24 miles west of Brest. He is interred in the British Military Cemetery Parnic, on the French coast 8 miles north of the mouth of the Loire river. No trace of the other missing crew membgers was found, and they are recorded as having lost their lives at sea.
430
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
407867 Flight Sergeant JONES, Trevor William Robert
Source: NAA : A705, 166/21/40 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington W 5564 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington W5564 of 104 Sqn RAF took off on 8 June 1943 on an operational flight in the Middle East. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RCAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
PO McLaren F.E., Captain (Pilot). 413161 Flt Sgt L.R.Brennan, Pilot. Sgt F.E.Bobby, Navigator. Sgt R.O.C.Harris, Wireless Operator Air Gunner. Sgt D.J.A. Robson, Front Gunner. 407867 Flt Sgt T.W.R. Jones, Rear Gunner.
In a later statement by PO McLaren (RCAF), the sole survivor, he reported “the aircraft received a direct hit amidships by heavy flak from a flak ship whilst approaching the target from the sea. I immediately jettisoned the bombs, and set course for Base. Sgt Robson was wounded. Although both engines were going the aircraft was unable to maintain height. The inter-com was useless and I decided to ditch. We were about 10 miles from the coast at the time. The aircraft sank in about 20 seconds, but all the crew got out. There was no dinghy. I last saw Sgt Harris swimming strongly for the coast.” PO McLaren was picked up by the Royal Navy at approx 1400 hours on 8 June, but no other survivors were found. Sgt Harris (RAF) remains were subsequently located in Enfidaville War Cemetery, and in 1948 it was recorded Flt Sgt Brennan and Flt Sgt Jones (RAAF), and Sgt Bobby and Sgt Robson (RAF) had lost their lives at sea.
431
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
402999 Sergeant JONES, Winston Trevor
Source: NAA: A705, 163/129/168 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson AM 796 59 Sqn RAF
Summary: Hudson AM796 of 59 Sqn RAF took off on a Reefer patrol over the North Sea from its base at North Coates, Lincolnshire, UK, at 0855hrs on 2 March 1942. Since then nothing further heard of either the aircraft or any member of the crew. Missing lost over the North Sea. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
402510 Sgt Lauder, K J (Pilot) 404203 Sgt Rutherford, D R (Air Observer) 404638 FO Bain, D H (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 402999 Sgt Jones, W T (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
432
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
411788 Flight Sergeant JOWERS, Albert Source: NAA : A705, 166/21/9, A705, 166/20/14 (Digitised), Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington DF 691 ATTD142 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington DF 691 of 142 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Blida at 0230 hours on 23 February 1943, to attack the docks at Bizerta, Tunisia. The ETA to the target was 0515 hours. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Several crews saw an aircraft crash into the sea north of Bizerta, but they could not identify the aircraft. The route recommended was as follows : Base – Cape Bengut – La Galite – Bizerta – La Galite – 37.30N, 0500-E – Base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
406567 PO Jensen, A M Captain (Pilot) 412655 PO Peterson, R F (Navigator) 411788 Flt Sgt Jowers, A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Marples, F R (Bomb Aimer) Sgt Hill, E (Air Gunner)
All the crew lost their lives at sea and have no known graves. Their names are commemorated on the Malta Memorial, Malta. The Memorial is situated in the area of Floriana and is easily identified by the Golden Eagle which surmounts the column.
433
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
417848 Flight Sergeant JOYCE, Alan Francis
Source: NAA : A705, 166/21/180 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax JP 239 148 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax JP 239 of 148 Sqn RAF, Central Mediterranean Forces, took off from Brindisi Airfield at 1750 hours on 30 July 1944 to carry out a special operation in North West Italy. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Another aircraft reported seeing an aircraft going down in flames in approx position 43.39N, 04.42E. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF
FO Clifford, P W Captain (Pilot) 417848 Flt Sgt Joyce, A F (Navigator Bomb Aimer) FO Mackney, J R (Navigator) Sgt MacCormick, R W (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt Humphrey, J B (Flight Engineer) Sgt Pocock, R J (Air Gunner) Sgt Humble, J A (Air Gunner)
In a later report by Sgt Humble he stated “On the return journey, the starboard inner engine caught fire and thick smoke filled the aircraft. He baled out through the parachute hatch and saw the aircraft continue to fly level for a few seconds, turn steeply to starboard and then dive into the sea. He saw no other crew members leave the aircraft. He was picked up by ASR vessel and taken to Corsica.” It was later recorded that the remaining missing crew members had lost their lives at sea.
434
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
420621 Flight Sergeant JUDD, Trevor Macleay
Source: NAA : A705, 166/21/79 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HE 611 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HE 611 of 104 Sqn RAF, British North African Forces, took off from Hani West Landing Ground at 1620 hours on 30 October 1943, to attack Perugia Landing Ground, Italy. Perugia is located approx 84 miles north of Rome. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
420621 Flt Sgt Judd, T M (Pilot) FO Robson, J E (Navigator) 415536 Flt Sgt Knight, F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Domenech, F P (Air Bomber) Sgt Arnold, V (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded that the missing crew had no known grave. It was considered that as the aircraft had to fly over many miles of sea on the journey from North Africa to Perugia, that it was probable that the aircraft had crashed into the sea.
435
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
429286 Warrant Officer JUDD, William Bruce
Source: NAA : A705, 166/21/283 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PA 196 EM – D 207 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster PA 196 of 207 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Spilsby, Lincolnshire, at 2343 hours on 20 March 1945 to bomb the synthetic oil plant at Bohlen, Germany. It was armed with 1 x 4000 lb bomb HC, and 14 x 500 lb ARM bombs. The aircraft failed to return to base after the mission. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
19892 FO Lewis, R A, Captain (Pilot) Sgt Dewdney, C J (Flight Engineer) FO Smith, J D (Navigator) Flt Sgt Matsumoto, G (Air Bomber) 429286 WO Judd, W B (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) Sgt Collin, H O (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Lawton, T A (Rear Gunner)
In 1950 it was recorded that the crew were missing with no known grave.
436
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
36087 Warrant Officer KANE, Vincent Gregory
Source: NAA : A705, 166/22/259 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington JA 410 244 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington JA 410 of 244 Sqn RAF took off at 0900 hours on 31 May 1944 on an anti submarine patrol in the Arabian Sea. At 1027 hours a message was received from the aircraft advising WDM 1 – one engine. At 1029 hours an SOS was received giving position 18.33N, 60.29E, which placed the aircraft about 150 miles east of Masirah Island. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft and it did not return to base. Extensive ASR searches failed to locate the missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
Sgt Presland, G C Captain (Pilot) Sgt Fairweather, P F (2nd Pilot) 36087 WO Kane, V G (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Sgt Leach, W H V (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Reynolds, E H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Lewis, A W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
437
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
415995 Flight Sergeant KEALY, John William
Source: NAA : A705, 166/22/165 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling BK 723 WP – D 90 Sqn RAF
Summary: Stirling BK 723 took off from RAF Station Wratting Common Cambridgeshire at 1840 hours on 3 October 1943, to attack Kassel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft until 2030 hours when the aircraft reported that an engine was unserviceable and it was ditching in the North Sea. The message was brief and it was not possible to get a fix. ASR searches were carried out but no trace of the missing aircraft or crew could be found. Crew: RAF RAF RCAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF
Sgt De Meillac, Y Captain (Pilot) Sgt Taylor, K G (Navigator) Sgt McKitterick, D K (Air Bomber) Sgt Bell, W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 415995 Flt Sgt Kealy, J W (Upper Gunner) 417364 Flt Sgt Guy, W T (Rear Gunner) Sgt Leeves, B K (Flight Engineer)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
438
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
405808 Sergeant KEARNEY, Francis Charles
Source: NAA : A705, 163/132/283 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8708 3 (C) Op Training RAF
Summary: Wellington Z 8708 of No 3 (C) Operational Training RAF crashed in the sea off Skegness at 2325 hours on 19 December 1942. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RCAF RAF RNZAF
412357 Sgt Barling, S R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 405770 Sgt Reardon, S C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 405808 Sgt Kearney, F C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Bedell, R W Sgt Giles, A S FO Angell, F H
The body of Sgt Barling was recovered from the sea at Skegness on 22 December 1942, and that of Sgt Reardon recovered on 2 January 1943. They are buried at St Clement’s Churchyard, Skegness, Lincoln, England. The remaining four missing crew members including Sgt Kearney are recorded as having lost their lives at sea.
439
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
436038 Flight Sergeant KEAST, Dixon Ross
Source: NAA : A705, 166/22/429 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 440 1654 Conversion RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME 440 of 1654 Conversion Unit RAF took off from RAF Station Wigsley, near Newark, Nottinghamshire, at 1326 hours on 5 December 1945 to carry out a nonoperational cross country flight. The route was RAF Wigsley – Reading – Bodwin – The Skerries – Wigsley. The crew was briefed to fly at a height between 18000/20000 feet and an air speed of 160 knots. At 1643 hours the aircraft was given a diversion, and this was acknowledged. At 1658 hours the presumed position of ME 440 was in the vicinity of Tudwells, approx 6 miles south of Pwllheli, Wales. A further message was sent to the aircraft at 1706 hours but this was not acknowledged. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
436038 Flt Sgt Keast, D R Captain (Pilot) Sgt Burns, W (Flight Engineer) Sgt Moore, M (Navigator) Sgt Shaboe, F G VA (Air Bomber) Sgt Glatt, C (Wireless Operator) Sgt Clark, W A (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Bulger, A P (Rear Gunner) Flt Sgt Byrne, F (Wireless Operator, Staff)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea
440
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
421283 Sergeant KEAYES, James Brian
Source: NAA : A705, 166/22/91 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Mitchell CFR 382 111 Op Training RCAF
Summary: Mitchell CFR 382 of No 111 Operational Training Unit, RCAF, took off at 1445 hours on 28 June 1943, to carry out an operational air exercise at sea in the vicinity of Nassau, Bahamas. Wireless communication ceased at 1515 hours and the aircraft failed to return to base from the exercise. In later searches an empty dinghy and an oleo leg from the aircraft were recovered from the sea in position 25.09N, 77.53W, but no trace of any survivors was found. Crew: RCAF RAAF RAAF RCAF RCAF RCAF RAF
PO Stinson, W L Captain (Pilot) 413287 Sgt Torrens, A W (2nd Pilot) 421283 Sgt Keayes, J B (Navigator – Pupil) Sgt Wallace, T (Wireless Operator Air Gunner – Pupil) Sgt Orgen, C E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner – Pupil) Sgt Beaultie, A J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner – Pupil) Sgt Smart, C L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner – Pupil)
It was later recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
441
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
413208 Flight Sergeant KEEFFE, Norbert Clement
Source: NAA : A705, 166/22/54 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ED 326 PH – K 12 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster ED 326 of 12 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Wickenby, at 2141 hours on 20 April 1943 to bomb Stettin, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
413208 Flt Sgt Keeffe, N C Captain (Pilot) Sgt Goulding, J (Navigator) Sgt Bone, A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Eagland, K C (Air Bomber) Sgt Dadd, R E (Flight Engineer) Sgt Brady, G (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt McPhillips, F (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1950 that the missing crew had no known grave.
442
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
419721 Flight Sergeant KEMPSON, Keith Knowles
Source: NAA: A705, 166/22/307 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax LW 538 MH – N 51 Sqn RAF
Summary: Halifax LW 538 of 51 Sqn RAF took off on 19 August 1944 from RAF Station, Snaith, near Goole, Yorkshire, to attack a target at Sterkrade, Germany. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
429347 FO Quan, W P, Captain (Pilot) Sgt Franklin, P F J (Navigator) 423579 Flt Sgt Anderson, E J (Air Bomber) 419721 Flt Sgt Kempson, K K (Wireless Operator) Sgt McLaren, E L (Flight Engineer) Sgt Cartwright, J E (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Adams, K E C (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found, it was recorded in 1950 that the crew had no known grave.
443
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
418506 Flight Sergeant KENNEDY, Albert Alexander
Source: NAA: A705, 166/22/263 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator BZ 915 224 Sqn RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ 915 of 224 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station St.Eval, Cornwall, in the early hours of 7 June 1944. The aircraft was detailed to patrol the coast of Ushant, France but failed to return to base. The last signal received from the aircraft at 0207 hours stated that they were attacking the enemy, the position of the aircraft then was off the French coast near Ushant. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
414988 FO Buchan-Hepburn, R H, Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt Fairs, G H J (2nd Pilot) 420386 PO Hogan, P W (Navigator Bombaimer) 422822 Flt Sgt Whitby, J D (Navigator) 422512 Flt Sgt Hands, B A (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 408388 Flt Sgt Dickenson, M E (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 422464 Flt Sgt Earl, H J (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 418506 Flt Sgt Kennedy, A A (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Barnes, L J (Wireless Operator Mechanic/Air Gunner) Sgt Collins, A (Flight Engineer)
In a 1949 report it was stated that all efforts to find any trace of the aircraft or crew were unsuccessful, and the crew had been recorded as missing lost at sea.
444
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
420012 Warrant Officer KENNEDY, Eric David
Source: NAA : A705, 166/22/271 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Spitfire JG 865 615 Sqn RAF
Summary: Spitfire JG 865 of 615 (County of Surrey) Sqn RAF India, was one of ten aircraft detailed on 15 June 1944 to escort D C’s to the Indawgyi Lake area, Central Burma. On returning from the target area, JG 865 became separated from the formation in thick cloud and all communication with the aircraft was lost. Other sections of the formation succeeded in making for a gap in the clouds, and came out north of the Imphal valley. JG 865 did not return to base. Crew: RAAF
420012 WO Kennedy, E D (Pilot)
No trace of the missing aircraft or pilot was found from subsequent searches and WO Kennedy has no known grave.
445
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. 402363 Flight Sergeant KERMODE, Kenneth William Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/120/451, 163/160/200 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hudson V 9163 ATTD 59 SQN RAF
Summary: Hudson V 9163 of 59 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station North Coates, Lincolnshire at 1145 hours on 11 May 1942 to carry out a strike against enemy shipping off the Dutch coast. V9163 was accompanied by two other squadron aircraft. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
402674 Flt Sgt Scouller, C (Pilot) 6501 Flt Sgt Donaghy, P J (Observer) 402924 Sgt Heggaton, K W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 402363 Sgt Kermode, K W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that Flt Sgt Scouller’s body was washed ashore on the Island of Heligoland, an island in the North Sea off the north west coast of Germany. His remains were buried in the local cemetery and reinterred in the Hamburg (Ohlsdorf) British Military Cemetery. German documents also confirmed that the remains of Flt Sgt Donaghy and Sgt Heggaton were recovered from the sea, but the location of their graves could not be established. Both Flt Sgt Donaghy and Sgt Heggaton together with Sgt Kermode (missing) are recorded as having no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
446
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. 425024 Flight Sergeant KERR, John Thomas Source : AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/35/272
Commonwealth War Graves records
Liberator BZ 873 ATTD 53 SQN RAF
Summary: Liberator BZ873 took off from St Eval near Wadebridge, Cornwall at 2050 hours on the night of 20/21st May 1944 to carry out a Leigh Light anti sub patrol over the Atlantic. At 0120 hours on 21st May a signal was received from the aircraft ‘investigating possible U boat’. The signal was cancelled a few minutes later and since then nothing further was heard. The aircraft failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Bowman, G A Captain (Pilot) 8934 Flt Sgt J K Richards, (2nd Pilot) Flt Sgt R D Christie, (1st Navigator) 423171 Flt Sgt W W Moore, (2nd Navigator) Sgt G Harrison, (Wireless Operator Air) 420313 FO Watkins, H W (Wireless Air Gunner) 425024 Flt Sgt J T Kerr, (Wireless Air Gunner) 425311 Flt Sgt A F Johnson, (Wireless Air Gunner) WO F W Atherton (Wireless Air Gunner) FO McTaggart, W (Flight Engineer)
The patrol was down the French coast then out to sea down the Spanish coast to Gibraltra and back. The aircraft was expected back about 8am 21st May. It left base at 6pm the day before. Sgt Harrison body was washed ashore on the north coast of Spain. Atherton’s body was found floating at sea by a fisherman who established the identity but did not recover the body. Sgt Harrison is buried in the Bilbao British Cemetery, Spain. Bilbao is a seaport in the north of Spain. All the remaining nine crew members have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
447
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
409144 Flight Sergeant KERR, Robert Albert
Source: NAA : A705, 166/22/70 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling BK 659 BU – N 214 Sqn RAF
Summary: Stirling BK 659 of 214 (Federated Malay States) Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Chedburgh, Suffolk at 0004 hours on 26 May 1943 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
409144 Flt Sgt Kerr, R A Captain (Pilot) Sgt Jubb, B M (Navigator) Sgt Pooley, F (Flight Engineer) Sgt Blake, R S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Paisley, R (Air Bomber) Sgt Littlewood, D (Air Gunner) Sgt Davies, G T (Air Gunner)
The body of Sgt Pooley (RAF) was washed ashore on Wangerooge Island, and is buried in Oldenburg (Sage) British Military Cemetery, Germany. No trace of the remaining missing crew member was found, and they are recorded as having lost their lives at sea.
448
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
406040 Flight Sergeant KEVAN, Harold James
Source: NAA : A705, 163/132/179 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim Z 7892 113 Sqn RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z7892 of 113 Sqn RAF took off from Tezpur on 18 June 1942 leading a formation of three aircraft over enemy territory. Z7892 was lost in cloud and not seen again. After the war the wreckage of the aircraft was found near the village of Ninglaw, which is north of Myitkina in north-east Burma. Local villagers who saw the aircraft crash state it exploded on impact and all occupants killed. No one had baled out. A search of the area failed to locate any bodies. Crew: RAF RAAF RAAF
Sqn Ldr Harper, C W (Pilot) 401266 FO Beauchamp, L A L (Observer) 406040 Fl Sgt Kevan, H J (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner)
449
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
414409 Warrant Officer KEWISH, Walter Kenneth
Source: NAA : A705, 166/22/205 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington LN 330 215 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington LN 330 of 215 Sqn RAF took off at night of 3/4th March 1944 to attack the target area at Zyatkwin Drome, north of Rangoon. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RCAF RAF
414409 WO Kewish, W K (Pilot) 410421 FO Serpell, C W (Navigator Bombaimer) FO Bailey (Wireless Operator) FO Ooey, J D H (Air Bomber) Sgt Welch, A N (Air Gunner)
Following post war investigations and enquiries it was established that the aircraft had crashed near the village of Nabebin not far from the target. The aircraft exploded on impact and all the crew were killed instantly. The Japanese buried the remains in a grave not far from the village, but after the lapse of time and the growth of forest vegetation in the tropical country, the grave could not be located. In 1954 it was recorded that the crew had lost their lives and had no known grave.
450
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
426617 Flight Sergeant KEYS, Noel Richard Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/17/717 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 399, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 807 OF – P 97 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND 807 of No. 97 (Straits Settlements) Sqn RAF took off on 27 August 1944, from RAF Station Coningsby, Lincolnshire, for operations against Koningsberg, Germany. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off which did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RCAF RCAF RAAF RAF RAF
410699 FO McCurdy, T N Captain (Pilot) Sgt J Bell, (Flight Engineer) 423287 FO Hawkes, F S (Navigator) PO Stern, M (Air Bomber) WO W S Bryans, (2nd Air Bomber) 426617 Flt Sgt Keys, N R (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt Owen, T R G (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Swolf, R (Rear Gunner)
In a later statement by Sgt Swolf who became a POW and returned safely to the UK on 15 May 45, he reported “Flt Sgt Owen (RAF) baled out before me. The remaining six of the crew were still in the aircraft when I left. The aircraft crashed in the sea 10 miles off the Danish coast. Swolf presumed that the six crew members either blew up with the aircraft or drowned.” The only body recovered was that of Flt Sgt Owen which was washed ashore at Grebbestad, Sweden on 18 October 1944. In a 1946 report it was established that the aircraft crashed into the sea between Sejero and Sjaelland and that only one crew member survived Sgt Swolf. The missing six crew members were recorded as lost at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
451
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
408684 Warrant Officer KIDSON, Albert Colwyne
Source: NAA: A705, 166/22/155 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HF 141 172 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HF 141 of 172 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Chivenor, Barnstaple, North Devon, at 1600 hours on the 5 December 1943, to carry out mine laying operations in the Bay of Biscay area. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
408684 WO A.C.Kidson, Captain (Pilot). Sgt J.B.Croft, 2nd Pilot. 421233 Flt Sgt A.W.B.Barrett, Navigator. 409920 Flt Sgt O.E.C.Hoffman, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt R.J.Veitch, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt J.H.Colley, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had no known grave.
452
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
416861 Warrant Officer KILLEN, Keith Leonard James
Source: NAA: A705, 166/22/344 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Liberator 42 – 110120 530 Sqn USAAF
Summary: On the night of 28 October 1944 Liberator 42-110120 of 530 Sqn, 380 Bomb Group USAAF, 5th Air Force, failed to return from a mission to Macassar, NEI. The aircraft took off from Darwin at 1751 hours, manned by a RAAF crew of eleven. The following sequence of messages was received by Ops room No 380 (B) Group: 281420Z No 3 out, Position 06.25S 120.50E course 120deg true. 281555Z 2 engines out, posn 0800S 123.35E. 281628Z Not likely to reach base. No 4 giving trouble. Preparing to ditch. Darwin obtained a bearing of 340deg at 281604Z. Search ships and 4 B24’s immediately began search, and B24’s, B25’s and Catalinas on subsequent days were unable to locate missing aircraft or crew. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF ARMY
408190 FO Harrison, A L, Captain (Pilot) 413969 WO Davidson, S H (2nd Pilot) 416078 Flt Lt Cropley, A A (Navigator) 408590 FO O’Dea, D J (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 416861 WO Killen, K L J (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 423587 Flt Sgt Barber, W R (Navigator/Bombaimer) 408448 Flt Sgt Wilken, C L (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 36474 Sgt Jamieson, S H (Armament/Gunner) 429432 Sgt Cook, J E (Air Gunner) 62526 Sgt Bird, W J (Fitter 11A/Gunner) 116993 LAC (Agt Flt Sgt) Anstey, F W (Flight Engineer) VX21828 Major Latrelle, H R, AIF, Intel. Officer (Observer)
In 1949 it was recorded that the aircraft and crew were lost at sea.
453
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
402697 Sergeant KING, Ian MacDougall
Source: NAA : A705, 163/133/161 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington DV 505 148 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington DV 505 of 148 Sqn RAF took off at 2110hrs on 11 July 1942 to carry out a night bombing mission on Tobruk Harbour installations. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew : RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
Sgt Kendall, H E Captain (Pilot) Sgt Plum, L P (2nd Pilot) 402697 Sgt King, I MacD (Navigator) Sgt Porter, H F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Miles, S G (Front Gunner) Flt Sgt Baugh, K (Rear Gunner)
Following post war searches and enquiries the search for the missing aircraft and crew was abandoned in 1946.
454
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
410675 Flight Sergeant KING, Sidney James
Source: NAA : A705, 166/22/87 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ED 475 VN 90 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster ED 475 of 90 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Skellingthorpe, Lincoln, at 2240 hours on 9 July 1943 to attack Gelsenkirchen, Germany. ED 475 attacked the target from 18,000 feet, and was then damaged by flak over the target area, and the port and starboard inner engines were hit and the petrol system holed. The engines gave trouble on the way home, and when crossing the French coast the starboard inner engine caught fire. The Captain ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft and Flt Sgt King obeyed, baling out over the coast. The front rescue hatch became jammed and the Captain cancelled the order to abandon the aircraft when the navigator informed him they were over the sea. Although the fire abated, the engines lost power and the aircraft ditched at 0350 hours in the sea. All the remaining crew were picked up 90 minutes later in the dinghy, approx 4 miles off Hastings. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
Sgt Clifford, J Captain (Pilot) Sgt McKenna, T (Flight Engineer) FO Brett, J (Navigator) Sgt Sargent K D (Air Bomber) Sgt Short, J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 410675 Flt Sgt King,S J (Air nGunner) Sgt Batey G (Air Gunner)
It was later recorded that Flt Sgt King had no known grave.
455
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE. 412542 Warrant Officer KING, Stanley George Richard Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/19/46 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 149, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LL 861 SR – H ATTD 101 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LL 861 of 101 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Ludlow Magna, Market Raisen, Lincolnshire, at 2211 hours on the night of 30/31st March 1944 to carry out a bombing operation against Nurnberg. The aircraft was due back at Base at 0545 hours on 31 March, but nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RCAF
420950 PO Irving, D J, Captain, (Pilot) Sgt Phillips, F (Flight Engineer) 412542 WO King, S G R (Navigator) 427016 Flt Sgt Noske, J A (Air Bomber) 413771 Flt Sgt Huggett, N G (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 426999 Flt Sgt Newman, J B (Mid Upper Gunner) 410934 Flt Sgt Adam, W J (Rear Gunner) FO Litchfield, R F (Special Duties, Air Bomber)
In 1949 it was established from an examination of German documents that the aircraft crashed at Lauterbach, 11 kms north north east of Eisenach, Germany, in the province of Thuringe, and that Flt Sgt Noske and two unknown crew members were buried at Eisenach Town Cemetery. As Eisenach was in the Russian Zone of Occupation it was not possible for investigating teams to visit the area to visit the site of the crash and locate any of the graves of the crew. At the time the names of the 8 crew members were registered as missing with no known grave. Commonwealth War Graves record that Flt Sgt’s Noske and Newman are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. The remainder of the crew have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
456
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
419758 Flight Sergeant KINGSLEY, Ronald George
Source: NAQA: A705, 166/22/335 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington MF 698 30 Operational Trg RAF
Summary: Wellington MF 698 of 30 Operational Training Unit RAF took off from RAF Seighfo satellite drome at 0300 hours on 12 October 1944, on a night cross country exercise. Approx 30 minutes after take off the first position report was received from the aircraft, but after that nothing was heard and MF 698 did not return to base. The route of the exercise was over the Cardigan Bay area. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
427966 PO White, D.G., Pilot. 426094 WO J.R.Gibson, Navigator. 419758 Flt Sgt R.G.Kingsley, Air Bomber. 437884 Flt Sgt A.R.Telford, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. 433034 Flt Sgt W.M.Schafer, Air Gunner. Sgt N.Glasper, A/c. FO Woodley, W., Flying Instructor. FO Pegrum, A., Flying Instructor.
In 1949 it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
457
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
417204 Flight Sergeant KINGSMILL, John Allen
Source: NAA : A705, 166/22/104 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Beaufort JM 557 2 Torpedo Training RAF
Summary: Beaufort JM 557 of No 2 Torpedo Training RAF took off from RAF Station Turnberry, Ayrshire, Scotland, at 1220 hours on 23 August 1943, to carry out flying in formation torpedo training. JM 557 was leading the formation, when smoke and small flames were seen coming from the starboard engine. The aircraft went into a steep bank to starboard and then dived nose first into the sea. The accident occurred in the Firth of Clyde, near Culzean Castle, about 12 miles south west of Ayr. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Keevil, (Pilot) 417204 Flt Sgt Kingsmill, J A (Observer) Sgt Duncan, G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Davis-Spiers (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Sgt Davis-Spiers body was recovered from the sea, with the other missing crew members recorded as having lost their lives at sea.
458
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
406332 Flight Sergeant KIRKBY, George Henry
Source: NAA : A705, 163/133/150 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8572 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington Z 8572 of 104 Sqn RAF Middle East, was detailed to carry out two missions on the night of 25/26th June 1942. The first was from Landing Ground 25 which was successfully carried out. On the second mission the aircraft having been refuelled and bombed up at a disused Landing Ground No 106, was ready to take off at 0115 hours on 26 June 1942, when an enemy air raid commenced. Z 8572 was destroyed by a violent explosion and burst into flames. Four crew struggled out of the aircraft, but two were killed viz. Flt Sgt Kirby and PO Smith-Windsor (RAF). Crew: RNZAF RNZAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
Sgt Sharplin, F M Captain (Pilot) PO Tait, R C 2nd Pilot) PO Smith-Windsor, G (Observer) Sgt Yule, J B (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 406332 Flt Sgt Kirkby, G H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Jones, J T (Air Gunner)
Both Flt Sgt Kirby (RAAF) and PO Smith-Windsor (RAF) were buried at Landing Ground 106. Post war searches however failed to find the location of their graves and they were recorded as having no known grave.
459
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
8928 Flight Sergeant KLOSKE, Godfrey Henry
Source: NAA : A705, 166/22/170 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington JA 415 303 Ferry Transport RAF
Summary: Wellington JA 415 of 303 Ferry Transport RAF took off from RAF Station Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, at 2.43am on 6 December 1943 for Rabat Sale, Morocco, North Africa. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not reach its destination. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RCAF RAF
Flt Sgt J.N.Redfern Pilot. Sgt B.R.Finney, Pilot. 8928 Flt Sgt G.H.Kloske, Navigator Bombaimer. 40182 Flt Sgt S.G.Berry, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Flt Sgt G.Finlayson, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Sgt J.T.Walkinshaw, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.
460
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
400146 Sergeant KNAPPETT, Robert Arthur
Source: NAA : A705, 163/133/100 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hurricane Z 2355 ATTD 238 SQN RAF
Summary: Hurricane Z 2355 was one of a formation of 3 aircraft detailed on 26 November 1941 to carry out a Wing sweep in the vicinity of Tobruk, The formation was engaged by enemy aircraft near Fort Maddalena, south of Tobruk, and Z 2355 failed to return to base from the mission. Crew: RAAF
400146 Sgt Knappett, R A (Pilot)
Following post war enquiries and investigations it was recorded in 1949 that Sgt Knappett had no known grave. His name is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.
461
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
403519 Sergeant KNIGHT, Alan
Source: NAA : A705, 166/23/5 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4832 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster W 4832 took off from RAF Station Waddington at 1800 hours on 30/10/1943 to attack Lorient, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
Flt Sgt Skinner, D Captain (Pilot) Sgt Hunter, J (Flight Engineer) 412217 Sgt Waddell, H T (Navigator) Sgt Vincent, G T (Air Bomber) 403519 Sgt Knight, A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Howells, A (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Walton, F (Rear Gunner)
The body of Flt Sgt Skinner (RAF) was washed ashore on the French coast, 7 miles north west of Lorient on the south coast of Brittany Peninsula. He is buried in the Guidel Communal Cemetery. Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the remaining missing crew member had lost their lives at sea.
462
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH NO KNOWN GRAVE.
415536 Flight Sergeant KNIGHT, Frank
Source: NAA : A705, 166/23/48 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HE 611 104 Sqn RAF
Summary: Wellington HE 611 of 104 Sqn RAF, British North African Forces, took off from Hani West Landing Ground at 1620 hours on 30 October 1943, to attack Perugia Landing Ground, Italy. Perugia is located approx 84 miles north of Rome. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
420621 Sgt Judd, T M (Pilot) FO Robson, J E (Navigator) 415536 Flt Sgt Knight, F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt Domenech, F P (Air Bomber) Sgt Arnold, V (Air Gunner)
Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded that the missing crew had no known grave. It was considered that as the aircraft had to fly over many miles of sea on the journey from North Africa to Perugia, that it was probable that the aircraft had crashed into the sea.
463