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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
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 FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UIITS 401791 Flight Sergeant FRASER, Harris Robert Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/14/17
Commonwealth War Graves records.
Typhoon R 8942 ATTD 1 SQN RAF
Summary: Typhoon R 8942 flown by Flt Sgt Fraser was returning on 6 March 1943 from an operational patrol in loose formation as No2, Green Section. The weather at the time was low cloud, drizzle and visibility had closed down to less than 1000 yards. It appears that the Leader Green 1 (Typhoon DN 615) realised that the clouds were right down on the hills, and pulled up into the clouds. G2 probably lost sight of G1 and also climbed up through the clouds independently. Both aircraft collided in the clouds, and both pilots were killed. R8942 crashed at Pedhouse Farm, Benenden, Kent. UK. Crew: RAAF
401791 Flt Sgt H R Fraser, (Pilot)
Flt Sgt Fraser is buried in Orpington (St Mary Cray) Cemetery, Kent, England.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 416612 Warrant Officer PLENTY, Geoffrey William Source: AWM 237 (65)
NAA : A705, 166/32/456
Commonwealth War Graves records
Kittyhawk Aircraft Type: ET 622 Serial number: Radio call sign: ATTD 2 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Kittyhawk ET622 flown by WO Plenty on 4 August 1944 crashed 3 miles north west of RAF Fayid, Egypt, during a non operational training flght. Crew: RAAF 416612 WO G W Plenty, (Pilot) WO Plenty is buried in the Fayid War Cemetery, Egypt. Fayid is a small town 20kms south of Ismailia on the western shore of the Great Bitter Lake. The Cemetery is on the south side of the town about 4kms from its centre. In his evidence at a subsequent Court of Inquiry, No. 424003 Flt Sgt J R Andrews (RAAF) stated : “On 4th August 1944 at approx 1215 hours I was authorised to take off in Spitfire 49 on aerobatics. I taxied out behind Kittyhawk 2 and waited opposite the A.C.P while Kittyhawk 2 took off. As it was on the short runway WO Plenty opened his throttle fairly quickly in order to clear the runway. As soon as WO Plenty had cleared the runway I taxied on to the runway and took off behind him. WO Plenty did a normal take off, retracted his undercarriage and climbed straight ahead to about 600 feet. He then started a gently climbing turn to the left. After 30deg of turn I noticed a small flame coming from WO Plenty’s aircraft. It appeared to be coming from the left hand side of the engine, near the coolant gills. Immediately I saw the flame I reported it over the R/T to Control. The flames spread rapidly and the aircraft went into a dive at about 30deg to the ground, on the crosswind leg of the circuit. I flew towards him and watched the aircraft hit the ground. As it hit the ground it burst into flames and I could not see anything for smoke and dust. He appeared to dive into the ground and did not make any effort to check the dive. In it’s findings the Court recorded among other things “ From the evidence the Court has decided that the primary cause of the accident involving Kittyhawk ET622 was the failure of No1 and 2 main bearings, causing No1 right and left connecting rods to break through the sump and to sever the oil and glycol pipe lines. This hot oil and glycol was ignited causing the fire which resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. The Court found that it had no recommendation to make or blame to allocate.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
403855 Pilot Officer BENJAMIN, Colin George Source: AWM 237 (65) AWM 65 (288) NAA : A705, 166/5/211 Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Typhoon D 589 ATTD 3 SQN RAF
Summary: Typhoon D589 flown by PO Benjamin during an operational flight was lost off the Dutch coast on 1 July 1943. The aircraft which took off from RAF Manston, near Ramsgate, Kent, at 1125 hours was 1 of 24 aircraft detailed to attack enemy shipping in the vicinity of the Dutch Islands. The 3 Sqn aircraft were accompanied by 8 Typhoons from 609 Sqn and 6 Hurricanes from 184 Sqn. An enemy convoy was sighted and attacked about 6 miles east of the Hook. During the engagement some enemy aircraft were encountered. Many hits were observed on the enemy vessels, but 3 aircraft of the force including PO Benjamin’s failed to return from the mission. One pilot was observed in the water inflating his dinghy. Crew: RAAF
403855 PO Benjamin, C G (Pilot)
Post war enquiries by a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit established that PO Benjamin had lost his life and he is buried in the Rotterdam (Crooswijk) General Cemetery, Locality Zuid-Holland, Netherlands. Rotterdam lies 23kms south east of The Hague and 52kms south west of Ultrecht. Crooswijk is a district east of the centre of Rotterdam.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401994 Flight Lieutenant McKENZIE, Bruce Calder Source: AWM 237 (65) AWM 65 (3394) NAA : A705, 166/26/18 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Commonwealth War Graves records
Tempest JA 610 ATTD 3 SQN RAF
Summary: Tempest JA610 flown by Flt Lt McKenzie was detailed on 21 April 1945 to carry out an armed recce in the Hamburg-Lubeck area. JA610 which was leading a formation of 8 aircraft was hit by flak during an attack on MT east of Hamburg and the R/T was presumably rendered useless as McKenzie was not heard over the R/T subsequently. The aircraft was streaming black smoke and climbing slightly to 2000 feet and his No2 was obliged to take avoiding action from the flak and unable to see anything further. A member of the same Squadron stated that the aircraft crashed 10/15 miles east of Hamburg as the formation was attacking transport on the Schwarenbek-Lavenburg road. The crash which was witnessed by a German farmer on whose land the aircraft crashed stated that McKenzie was thrown clear and killed instantly. Crew: RAAF
401994 Flt Lt McKenzie, B C (Pilot)
Flt Lt McKenzie is buried in the Hamburg Cemetery, Germany. The War Cemetery in Hamburg is situated within a large civil cemetery known as the ‘Ohlsdorf Cemetery’.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
422599 Flight Sergeant MACKERRAS, Donald John Source: AWM 237 (65) AWM 65 (3292) NAA : A705. 166/27/28 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Commonwealth War Graves records
Tempest JN 759 ATTD 3 SQN RAF
Summary: Tempest JN759 flown by Flt Sgt Mackerras took off from RAF Folkestone, Kent, on a daytime operational Anti-Diver patrol and crashed at 1336 hours on 6 August 1944 near Minfield, Sussex, about 10 miles north east of Eastbourne, UK. Crew: RAAF
422599 Flt Sgt D J Mackerras, (Pilot)
Flt Sgt Mackerras is buried in the Brookwoo0d Military Cemetery, Surrey, UK which is located 30 miles from London.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
403355 Sergeant MARRE, Rex Joseph Source: AWM 237 (65) Commonwealth War Graves records NAA : A705, 163/142/316 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hurricane Z 3222 ATTD 3 SQN RAF
Summary: Hurricane Z3222 took off from RAF Manston at 2227 hours on 15 March 1942 to carry out a one hour searchlight cooperation exercise. The weather conditions were excellent with 1/10th cloud at 5000 feet, wind 25 mph and visibility 5 miles. From 5 minutes after take off the aircraft was in constant R/T touch on Fixer frequencies channel until 2256 hours when in the vicinity of Hawkinge at 8000 feet. No R/T was received after 2256 hours. The aircraft crashed at approx 2310 hours at Swingfield, 1.5 miles north west of Hawkinge. The aircraft caught fire on impact and the pilot trapped in the cockpit was killed instantly. Crew: RAAF
403355 Sgt R J Marre, (Pilot)
Sgt Marre is buried in the Hawkinge Cemetery, Kent. Hawkinge is 2 miles north of Folkstone, UK.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
405114 Pilot Officer MOORE, William Henry Source: AWM 237 (65) AWM 65 (3692) NAA : A705, 163/145/268 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Commonwealth War Graves records
Typhoon EK 167 ATTD 3 SQN RAF
Summary: Typhoon EK167 flown by PO Moore was detailed along with 2 other aircraft on 18 June 1943 to carry out an intruder patrol in the Furners-Blantanberghe area. Nothing was heard from ER167 after take off and the aircraft did not return to base. At the time the weather was suitable for such operations, but the two accompanying aircraft returned to base without making landfall owing to surface mist and clouds to 11,000 feet. Crew: RAAF
405114 PO Moore, W H (Pilot)
PO Moore is buried in the Pihew-les Guines War Cemetery, Locaility : Pas de Calais, France. Pihew-les Guines is a village 10kms SSW of Calais and about 3kms east of the main road from Calais to Boulogne, France.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 407079 Pilot Officer PHILLIPS, William Rona Source: AWM 237 (65) Commonwealth War Graves records NAA : A705, 163/51/72 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Hurricane
ATTD 3 SQN RAF
Summary: A Hurricane flown by PO Phillips together with another aircraft had been on an operational patrol over the Thames Estuary, and was returning to RAF Marliesham a little after 2pm on the afternoon of 28 May 1941. Both aircraft circled down from a considerable height to about 4000 feet at which Phillip’s aircraft made a short left hand turn. Then instead of following the other aircraft in to land, the nose of the machine turned towards the ground with the engine full on and in an almost perpendicular dive crashed on the north side of Oakwood in the Parish of Little Bealings near Woodbridge, Suffolk. The aircraft was in good order and had been flying for some two hours on the patrol and there had been no contact with the enemy. It was impossible to give any reason for the crash in which the pilot was killed. Crew: RAAF
407079 PO Phillips, W R (Pilot)
PO Phillips is buried in the Ipswich Cemetery, Suffolk, England.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
62186 Flying Officer BACON, Lindsay Page Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/1020 W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 139, Volume 1945 Commonwealth War Graves records . Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PB 667 MG – Q ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster PB667 took off from RAF Oakington at 1031 hours on 20 March 1945 detailed to mark the railway yards at Recklinghausen. On return from the target, the aircraft came down near the Schelde estuary on land owned by Mr Remijn at Nieudorf (Zeeland) on Zuid Beveland. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery, Locality : Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Bergen-op-Zoom is a town in the Dutch Province of Noord-Brabant, 40 kms north-west of Antwerp Belgium. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RNZAF RAF RAF
62186 FO Bacon, L P, Captain (Pilot) Sgt H McClements, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt R R Evans, (Navigator) FO Huttlestone, G H (Bomb Aimer) WO P A Tennant, (Wireless Operator) Sgt J A Cornwall, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt J E Taylor (Rear Gunner)
In a letter dated 27/3/1945 written to Miss Bacon by Sgt E Dovey, RM, Commando Provost, HQ 4 Commando Brigade, West Holland, he wrote “On 20 March I stood watching a large number of British bombers crossing our territory on their homeward journey. Almost the last bomber was flying lower than the others and I noticed it was badly shot up with one engine on fire. It lost height rapidly and the pilot in a gallant effort to avoid a town, accelerated and by doing so blew up the engine that was on fire causing him to lose control of the machine and crash. With the aid of another soldier I managed to get the fire under control and we then extricated the bodies of the crew. All the crew were buried by their machine with full military honours A letter found on one of the men gave the name of FO Bacon, Australian 62186.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
407071 Sergeant BARRETT, Richard Lyndon Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/90/139 W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 77, Volume.1941 Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling N 6001 ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Stirling N6001 took off from RAF Oakington at 2257 hours on the night of 29/30th June 1941 detailed to attack Hamburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Sqn Ldr Seale, W T C Captain (Pilot) 407071 Sgt R L Barrett, (2nd Pilot) Flt Sgt C W D Brown, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt B W Grocock, (Observer) Flt Sgt R E Walls, (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt L Whittle, (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt H T Archer, (Rear Gunner)
All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau, Niedersachsen. Becklingen War Cemetery is13kms south east of Soltau on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hannover, Germany. Following post war enquiries a Missing Research and Enquiry Unit reported that “ On June 30th the aircraft was flying very low and apparently hedgehopping to avoid flak. The engines appeared to be running perfectly. At the approach to the field of Rosebrock the aircraft sank, hit the ground and exploded. The aircraft crashed at Stemmermuhlen bei Beverstedt, which is approximately 25 miles north of Bremen, Germany. All the crew were killed with the remains of Sqn Ldr Seale and Flt Sgt Archer being identified”.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 403088 Sergeant BATES, Albert Henry Charles Source: AWM 237 (65) Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley :RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 163, Volume 1942 (RAF 1-50 B1 D11) Stirling Aircraft Type: W 7565 Serial number: MG – B Radio call sign: ATTD 7 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Stirling W7565 took off from RAF Oakington at 2229 hours on the night of 28/29th July 1942 detailed to attack Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft was hit by flak which wrecked the starboard inner engine and it was later shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Aschmoehor. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
Flt Lt Whiteman, D W Captain (Pilot) Sgt A L Crockford, (2nd Pilot) WO C F Carter, (Flight Engineer) 404931 Sgt J Boyle (Observer) * 403088 Sgt A H C Bates (Wireless Air Gunner) * 401389 Sgt F L McIntyre (Wireless Air Gunner) PO Sidwell, L R (Rear Gunner) * Members of 1651 Conversion Unit Oakington.
PO Sidwell, WO Carter and Sgt Crockford were POW’s, and the remaining four members of the crew were killed. They are buried in the Becklingen War Cemterey, Soltau, Germany, which is located 13kms south east of Soltau on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hannover.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 418333 Pilot Officer BAXTER, William Samuel
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/663 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 396, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PB 180 MG – F ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster PB180 took off from RAF Oakington at 2003 hours on the night of 26/27th August 1944 to bomb Kiel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Lt Smaill, W B DFC, Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt A K Wooliscroft. (Flighty Engineer) 419789 PO Fisher, D R (Navigator) 418333 PO Baxter, W S (Bomb Aimer) PO Butson, J F (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt N Twell, (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt M G Godfray, DFM, (Rear Gunner)
Post war enquiries established that the aircraft crashed in the Baltic sea all the crew were killed. The body of Flt Lt Smaill was washed ashore and he is buried in Malmo Eastern Municipal Cemetery, Sweden. The body of Flt Sgt Wooliscroft was washed ashore and he is buried in the Lydersley Churchyard, Denmark. Lydersley is in Eastern Zealand, 8kms north of Storehedinge. Both PO Baxter and PO Butson are buried in the Kiel war Cemetery, Kiel, Germany. The remaining three crew members including PO Fisher are recorded as missing. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 402217 Sergeant BENNETT, Arthur Charles Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/91/135 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 182, Volume 1941. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling W 7445 MG – V ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Stirling W7445 took off from RAF Oakington on the night of 15/16th November 1941 at 10.30pm to bomb Kiel, Germany. Following take off the aircraft crashed almost immediately into a house. Glazed ice on the windscreen was a contributory factor in this crash. Crew: RNZAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Sgt I H Hunter, Captain (Pilot) 402217 Sgt A C Bennett, (2nd Pilot) Sgt Helliwell, Sgt W D Topping, Injured Sgt A J Hansell, Injured Sgt T Bentham, Injured Sgt Hudson
Sgt Bennett was killed in the crash and he is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. Sgt Hunter who was injured died on 16/11/1944. He also is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery. The other five crew members (of whom three were injured) survived the crash.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
404931 Sergeant BOYLE, John Source: AWM 237 (65) Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley :RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 163, Volume 1942 (RAF 1-50 B1 D11) Stirling Aircraft Type: W 7565 Serial number: MG – B Radio call sign: ATTD 7 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Stirling W7565 took off from RAF Oakington at 2229 hours on the night of 28/29th July 1942 detailed to attack Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft was hit by flak which wrecked the starboard inner engine and it was later shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Aschmoehor. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
Flt Lt Whiteman, D W Captain (Pilot) Sgt A L Crockford, (2nd Pilot) WO C F Carter, (Flight Engineer) 404931 Sgt J Boyle (Observer) * 403088 Sgt A H C Bates (Wireless Air Gunner) * 401389 Sgt F L McIntyre (Wireless Air Gunner) PO Sidwell, L R (Rear Gunner) * Members of 1651 Conversion Unit Oakington.
PO Sidwell, WO Carter and Sgt Crockford were POW’s, and the remaining four members of the crew were killed. They are buried in the Becklingen War Cemterey, Soltau, Germany, which is located 13kms south east of Soltau on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hannover.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
417293 Warrant Officer BURNSIDE, Harold Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/91/135 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losse4s of the Second World War, Page 271, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NE 129 MG – G ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: NE129 took off from RAF Oakington at 2300 hours on the night of 10/11th June 1944 to bomb railway installations at Dreux marshalling yards, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
PO Bonnett, H J Captain (Pilot) Sgt D H Hedley, (Flight Engineer) Sgt R W Athey, (Navigator) PO Edwards, I P (Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt L W Pullee, (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt A L Goulding, (Mid Upper Gunner) 417293 WO H Burnside, (Rear Gunner)
Following post war enquiries including discussions with local French inhabitants, it was reported that the aircraft had been shot down by ack-ack fire at 1pm on 11 June 1944. A Frenchman stated that on the following day he went to the crash and as the bodies of the crew had not been taken by the Germans, he with the aid of the Parish Priest had buried the crew at Dreux. They are buried in the Dreux Communal Cemetery, Locality Eure-etLoir, France. Dreux is a town and sub-Prefecture in the Department of the Eure-et-Loir about 35kms north of Chartres. The cemetery is on the north western side of the town on the east side of Rue de Billy.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 410145 Pilot Officer CARTER, Douglas Alfred Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/442 Commonwealth War Graves records W C Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 111, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 557 MG – F ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND557 took off from RAF Oakington at 1939 hours on the night of 15/16th March 1944 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF 410145 PO Carter, D A Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Hamby, P H (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt H P Riddle, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 422462 FO Dyer, K C (Navigator) RCAF FO Nicholson, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt R G Ryder, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 418535 Flt Sgt G A Johnston, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 417527 Flt Sgt R S Smith, (Rear Gunner) Note : All the RAF and RCAF crew members were members of 218 Sqn RAF. Captured German documents indicated that the aircraft crashed at 11pm on 15 March 1944 at Tannheim near Donaueshingen, Germany, and the aircraft exploded on impact killing all the crew. They are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz and 48kms south of Munich.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
424158 Flight Sergeant DAVIDSON, Archibald Cattanach Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 1166/9/418 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : page 442 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PB 241 MG – X ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster PB241 took off from RAF Oakington at 1502 hours on the 6 October 1944 to the Hydrierwerke at Scholven-Buer. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAF RCAF RCAF RAAF RAF RCAF
FO Beaune, R G Captain (Pilot) Sgt J G Forster, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt F G Etheridge, (Navigator) Flt Lt Milligan, K I R (Bomb Aimer) 424158 Flt Sgt A C Davidson, (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt W H Sweet, (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt W A MacWilliam, (Rear Gunner)
Post war enquiries by a Missing Research & Enquiry unit established that the aircraft crashed at Wissel on 6/10/1944 presumably as a result of enemy activity. Wissel is 3 miles south east of Emmerich, Germany. Both Flt Sgt’s Davidson and MacWilliam were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kelve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is located 5kms south west of Kleve. The remaining five crew members were POW’s. In a POW report it was stated that Flt Sgt MacWilliam was seen to bale out but that the fate of Flt Sgt Davidson was not known.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
417818 Flight Lieutenant DREWER, Clifford Harris Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/260 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 298 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 590 MG – B ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND590 took off from RAF Oakington at 0002 hours on the night of 23/24 June 1944 to bomb a flying bomb site at Courbonne, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
Flt Lt Irwin, W A DFC, Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt R Nixon, (Flight Engineer) Sqn Ldr Brown, R W DFC (Navigator) 417818 Ft Lt Drewer, C H (Bomb Aimer) 410696 PO McCarthy C A, (Wireless Operator) Flt Sgt J T Ward, (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt E Cornish, Rear Gunner)
Post war enquiries by a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit established that the aircraft crashed at approx 1am on 24 June 1944 in a field near Warhem, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Warhem Communal Cemetery, Locality Nord, France. The village of Warhem is 12kms south east of Dunkirk and about 5kms east of Bergues.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
411217 Warrant Officer DUGAN, John Henry Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/99 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bombe Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 267, Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JA 850 MG – M ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JA850 took off from RAF Oakington at 2102 hours on the night of 14/15th August 1943 to bomb Milano, Italy. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RCAF RAF RNZAF RAF RAF RCAF RAAF
Flt Lt Matkin, S G DFC, Captain (Pilot) PO O’Hara, J W (2nd Pilot) Sgt A Whatmore, (Flight Engineer) Flt Lt Taylor, R C C (Navigator) PO Paterson, J B (Bomb Aimer) FO Gough, K A (Wireless Operator) Flt Sgt A A Balcombe, (Mid Upper Gunner) 411217 WO J H Dugan, (Rear Gunner)
Post war enquiries by a Missing Research and Enquiry unit established that the aircraft crashed at Sassenay (Soane-et-Loire), France, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Sassenay Churchyard in eastern France. Sassenay is a village and commune 8kms north east of Chalon and some 57kms north of Macon, France. Flt Lt Matkin DFC was on his 44th sortie.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
422462 Flying Officer DYER, Kenneth Charles Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/442 Commonwealth War Graves records W C Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 111, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 557 MG – F ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND557 took off from RAF Oakington at 1939 hours on the night of 15/16th March 1944 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF 410145 PO Carter, D A Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Hamby, P H (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt H P Riddle, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 422462 FO Dyer, K C (Navigator) RCAF FO Nicholson, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt R G Ryder, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 418535 Flt Sgt G A Johnston, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 417527 Flt Sgt R S Smith, (Rear Gunner) Note : All the RAF and RCAF crew members were members of 218 Sqn RAF. Captured German documents indicated that the aircraft crashed at 11pm on 15 March 1944 at Tannheim near Donaueshingen, Germany, and the aircraft exploded on impact killing all the crew. They are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz and 48kms south of Munich.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
408644 Warrant Officer EDMUNDS, Roy Marmaduke Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/105/145 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 158, Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 347 MG – V ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB347 took off from RAF Oakington at 1749 hours on the night of 18/19th October 1943 to bomb Hannover, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RCAF RAAF
WO A M Marshall, Captain (Pilot) Sgt B F E Lyle, (Flight Engineer) 414625 Flt Sgt J R Penny, (Navigator) 413611 Flt Sgt J G Kernaghan, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt F Cobley, (Wireless Air Gunner) FO David, J M (Mid Upper Gunner) 408644 WO R M Edmunds, (Rear Gunner)
Post war enquiries by a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit established that the aircraft crashed at Rehburg Stadt approx 22 miles north west of Hannover. Flt Sgts Penny and Kernaghan (RAAF) and Sgt Lyle (RAF were POW,s while the other four crew members were killed. They are buried in the Hannover War Cemetery, Locality Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany. In a later statement Flt Sgt Penny reported “Sgt Edmunds was wounded and unconscious and without a harness on. The aircraft was in flames and as attempts to get him out failed, I believe he was killed in the crash.” Flt Sgt Kernaghan reported “I have no knowledge re the fate of Edmunds as I neither saw nor heard him after the order to abandon the aircraft was given.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 419108 Flying Officer EVANS, Harold Thomas Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/12/172 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 152, Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NG 229 MG – S ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster NG229 took off from RAF Oakimgton at 1955 hours on the night of 4/5th May 1945 to mark the Rhenania oil plant at Harburg, Germany. Nothing as heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RCAF RAF
Flt Lt Wadham, B S H DFC Captain (Pilot) FO Haralambides, S C DFC (Flight Engineer) 409694 Flt Lt Halkyard R C DFC (Navigator) Flt Sgt H W Ellis, (Bomb Aimer) 419108 FO Evans, H T (Wireless Air Gunner) PO Coyne, E K DFC (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt H Minns, (Rear Gunner)
Post war enquiries by a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit established that the aircraft crashed after exploding in the air from a direct hit by flak. Wreckage fell over a wide are on the north bank of the Elbe near the main Hamburd-Harburd railway bridge. All the crew were killed. FO Haralambides and Flt Sgt Minns are buried in the Hannover War Cemetery, Germany. The other five crew members are buried in the Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau, Germany. The Cemetery is 13kms south east of Soltau on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hannover, Germany. Flt Lt Wadham DFC (RAF) had flown over 53 sorties.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 420185 Pilot Officer GRANT, Alan Charles William Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/118/552 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 282, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 744 MG – F ATTS 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND744 took from RAF Oakington at 2319 hours on the night of 15/16th June 1944 to bomb the railway yards at Valenciennes, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF RAF RAF
420185 PO Grant, A C W Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt R A Neils, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt S C Masters, (Navigator) PO Martin, R C (Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt S Nathanson, (Wireless Operator) Sgt T Barratt (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt W A E Newton (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near Arras (Pas-de-Calais) France and four of the crew were killed. PO Grant, PO Martin, Sgt Barratt and Sgt Newton are buried in the Arras Communal Cemetery, France. Arras is in the Department Pas-de-Calais and the communal cemetery is in the suburb of St Sauveur on the east side of Arras. The remaining three members of the crew survived the crash and were POW’s.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400707 Pilot Officer GREEN, Mervyn Richards Roberts Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/34/169 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 55 Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling W 7466 MG – B ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Stirling W7466 took off from RAF Oakington at 1940 hours on the night of 28/29th March 1942 to bomb Lubeck, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RCAF RAF RCAF RAF RAF
400707 PO Green, M R R Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt C W Smith (2nd Pilot) Sgt J F Grimmett (Flight Engineer) PO Murdoch, J MacL (Navigator) Sgt E G Tapner, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt D I Dunn, (Air Gunner) Capt J W Wyn Griffith (Royal Artillery Officer attached to 7 Sqn)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Gnutz 12kms north west of Neumunster and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Hamburg War Cemetery which is situated within a large civil cemetery known locally as the “Ohlsdorf Cemetery”, Hamburg, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 409694 Flight Lieutenant HALKYARD, Ralph Callister, DFC Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/12/172 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 152, Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NG 229 MG – S ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster NG229 took off from RAF Oakimgton at 1955 hours on the night of 4/5th May 1945 to mark the Rhenania oil plant at Harburg, Germany. Nothing as heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RCAF RAF
Flt Lt Wadham, B S H DFC Captain (Pilot) FO Haralambides, S C DFC (Flight Engineer) 409694 Flt Lt Halkyard R C DFC (Navigator) Flt Sgt H W Ellis, (Bomb Aimer) 419108 FO Evans, H T (Wireless Air Gunner) PO Coyne, E K DFC (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt H Minns, (Rear Gunner)
Post war enquiries by a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit established that the aircraft crashed after exploding in the air from a direct hit by flak. Wreckage fell over a wide are on the north bank of the Elbe near the main Hamburd-Harburd railway bridge. All the crew were killed. FO Haralambides and Flt Sgt Minns are buried in the Hannover War Cemetery, Germany. The other five crew members are buried in the Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau, Germany. The Cemetery is 13kms south east of Soltau on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hannover, Germany. Flt Lt Wadham DFC (RAF) had flown over 53 sorties.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECONG WORLD WAR AMOMG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 417482 Flight Sergeant HASTINGS, Ian Angus Source: AWM 237 (65)
NAA : A705, 166/17/382
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster EE 119 MG ATTS 7 SQN RAF
Commonwealth War Graves records
Summary: Lancaster EE119 took off from RAF Oakington on the night of 22/23rd November 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF RAF RAAF
PO S G Dorrell, Captain (Pilot) Sgt D Gadsden, (Flight Engineer) Sgt G Hawgood, (Navigator) Flt Sgt C L Hartman, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt F E Deavin, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J W Harvey, (Mid Upper Gunner) 417482 Flt Sgt I A Hastings, (Rear Gunner)
Post war enquiries by a Missing Research and Enquiry Unit established that the aircraft crashed near Rintein, which is approx 30 miles south west of Hannover, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
400708 Flying Officer HEARD, Geoffrey Thomas Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/35/173 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 51, Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling N 3709 MG – K ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Stirling N3709 took off from RAF Oakington at 2017 hours on the night of 26/27th March 1942 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the air craft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
400708 FO Heard, G T Captain (Pilot) Wg Cdr Chapman, J H A (Pilot) Sgt E L Belk, (Flight Engineer) PO Haynes, T K ((Observer) Sgt I B Dopson, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt D E A Rendtorff, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt H Inman, (Air Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 2301 hours at Gendringen (Gelderland), Holland, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Gendringen Roman Catholic Cemetery Gendringen is a village on the Dutch/ German border, 30kms ESE of Arnhem and 15kms SE of Doetinchem. The cemetery is behind the Church of St Martinus.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401217 Sergeant HORE, Samuel Leach Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/123/299 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 175, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling R 9154 MG – F ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Stirling R9154 took off from RAF Oakington at 0100 hours on the night of 6/7th August 1942 to bomb Duisberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
Flt Sgt C G Pullen, Captain (Pilot) Sgt P C J Brain, (Flight Engineer) PO Montgomery, A W C (Navigator)) Sgt E G Kershaw, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt D W Mathieson, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R L Rodwell, (Air Gunner) 401217 Sgt S L Hore, (Air Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Huthum, 3kms north west of Emmerich, Germany, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, which is 5kms south west of Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
404404 Sergeant HYND, Eric Leslie Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/124/156 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 132, Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling N 3754 MG – O ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Stirling N3754 took off from RAF Oakington at 2330 hours on the night of 25/26th June 1942 to bomb Bremen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
402795 Sgt E E Green, Captain (Pilot) Sgt R Ketchell, (Flight Engineer) Sgt T Morris, Sgt J R Mason, 404404 Sgt E L Hynd, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R C Williamson, DFM (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt R E Little, (Air Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and four of the crew were killed. Sgt’s Hynd, Ketchell, Williamson and Flt Sgt Little are buried in the Reischwald Forest War Cemetery located 5kms south west of Kleve, Bordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The other three crew members were POW’s. In a later report the then Flt Lt Green stated “ During night operations on 25/26th June 1942 as a result of enemy action the crew were ordered to abandon the aircraft. Shortly after the aircraft became uncontrollable and lost height quickly. I believe Sgt Hynd was unable to make his escape. The Germans told me that those that did not take to their chutes lost their lives instantly when the aircraft crashed.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNIT 400505 Pilot Officer JOHN, Gordon Lewis Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/39/69 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 205, Year 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling W 7629 MG – Z ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Stirling W7629 took off from RAF Oakington at 0110 hours on the night of 6/7th September 1942 to bomb Duisberg, Germany.. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RNZAF RAF
Flt Lt Bennitt, N A DFC Captain (Pilot) Sgt R Sawyer, (Flight Engineer) 400405 PO John, G L (Observer) PO Aldridge, H W (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt N Spalding, (Front Gunner) Flt Lt Smith, J M B DFM (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt C J Dupreez, DFM (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on the Baaler Bruch, some 6kms SSW of Goch, and all the crew were killed. The crew are buried in the Reischwald Forest War Cemetery, which is located 5kms south west of Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
30
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 418535 Flight Sergeant JOHNSTON, George Alfred Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/442 Commonwealth War Graves records W C Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 111, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 557 MG – F ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND557 took off from RAF Oakington at 1939 hours on the night of 15/16th March 1944 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF 410145 PO Carter, D A Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Hamby, P H (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt H P Riddle, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 422462 FO Dyer, K C (Navigator) RCAF FO Nicholson, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt R G Ryder, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 418535 Flt Sgt G A Johnston, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 417527 Flt Sgt R S Smith, (Rear Gunner) Note : All the RAF and RCAF crew members were members of 218 Sqn RAF. Captured German documents indicated that the aircraft crashed at 11pm on 15 March 1944 at Tannheim near Donaueshingen, Germany, and the aircraft exploded on impact killing all the crew. They are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz and 48kms south of Munich.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNIT 414698 Flying Officer KIDD, Leslie Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/22/303 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 372 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 460 MG – W ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND460 took off from RAF Oakington at 2208 hours on the night of 7/8th August 1944 to bomb enemy strong points in the battle area in support of the British Army in Normandy, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
414698 FO Kidd, L Captain (Pilot) WO D McGrevy, DFM (Flight Engineer) FO Ingrey, P A MID (Navigator) PO McNabney, S (Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt R G Law, (Wireless Air Gunner) WO W Aspey, DFM (Air Gunner) FO Horsburgh, G DFM (Air Gunner) WO J F Forbes (Bomb Aimer)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in flames near Bolbec an industrial town on the north coast of France on the Le Havre to Amiens road. All the crew were killed and they are buried In the Bolbec Communal cemetery, Locality Seine-Maritime, France.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
407077 Flying Officer KINNANE, John Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/41/49 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 79 Volume 1941. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling N 6013 MG ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Stirling N6013 took off from RAF Oakington at 1200 hours on 1 July 1941 to bomb Borkum, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 407077 FO Kinnane, J MID Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt F G Taylor (Flight Engineer) RCAF PO Elliott, J G * RAF PO Bolton, T E * RAF Flt Sgt B Nicholls, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W G Marsh, * RAF Sgt K Huntley, * * Available records do not disclose musters It was later established that the aircraft was last seen north west of Texel circling a dinghy and trying to fight off an attacks by a pair of ME109’s. It was presumed that the aircraft was shot down in this area at approx 1515 hours and all the crew were killed. FO Kinnane, Sgt Taylor and Flt Sgt Nicholls are buried in the Esbjerg (Fourfelt) Cemetery, Denmark. Esbjerg is a major port on the west coast of Jutland. Fo Kinnane’s body was washed ashore at Ribe and he was buried on 11/7/1941. Sgt Taylor’s body was washed ashore at Visby and he was buried on 18/9/1941 Flt Sgt Nicholl’s body was washed ashore at Darum and he was buried on 18/8/1941. It was presumed that the remaining four crew members had lost their lives at sea and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at Runnymede, Surrey, UK. FO Kinnane’s MID was promulgated in the London Gazette on 1/1/1942.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS. 420015 Pilot Officer KYLE, Thomas Edmund Bede Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/23/44 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 128 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 457 MG – O ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND457 took off from RAF Oakington at 1845 hours on the night of 24/25th March 1944 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RNZAF
420015 PO Kyle, T E B Captain (Pilot) Sgt F H Fowler, (Flight Engineer) FO Humphreys D G W (Navigator) 422633 Flt Sgt J H D MacDonnell, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt R A Hide, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt C Butson, (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt C Hughes, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Warder some 17kms south eats of Rendsburg. Two of the crew Sgt Hide and Flt Sgt Hughes were POW’s and the remaining five crew members were killed. Those killed are buried in the Hamburg War Cemetery which is situated within a large civil cemetery known locally as the “Ohlsdorf Cemetery”, Hamburg, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 421229 Flight Sergeant LAMBERT, Jack Source: AWM 237 (65) AWM 54 779/3/129 Parts 15 & 24 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, P 122Vol 1944 Lancaster Aircraft Type: JA 964 Serial number: MG – P Radio call sign: ATTD 7 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster JA964 took off from RAF Oakington at 1858 hours on the night of 22/23rd March 1944 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 413382 FO Hinde, K Captain (Pilot0 RAF Sgt A I Love, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Wyborn, J H (Navigator) RAAF 422659 Flt Sgt H S McMaster, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 421229 Flt Sgt J Lambert, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A E Bullivant, (Mid Upper Gunner) RNZAF Flt Sgt G E Hamilton. (Rear Gunner) Post war enquiries established that four of the crew were killed and three FO Hinde, Flt Sgt McMaster and Sgt Love were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel, Locality : Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. The cemetery is 3kms south of the centre of the town. In a 1945 statement the then Flt Lt Hinde reported “The aircraft was attacked 10 minutes before the target, causing momentary loss of control. I gave the order ‘prepare to abandon’. I then found I could still control the aircraft with the trim control. There was a second attack 2 minutes later which set the port inner on fire and burst and fired the fuel pipes. I ordered abandon the aircraft. There was no verbal response but lots of action To the best of my knowledge everyone left intact with the aircraft completely enveloped in flames and out of control. I left at approx 16,000 feet. The aircraft crashed in a line half way between Frankfurt and Saarbrucken. I was later informed that Love and McMaster were POW’s. but have no information regarding the rest. About half an hour before dusk I left my place of concealment and I thought I recognized the Rear Gunner walking along but a German officer with gun and dog got in the way. Released by the Russians” The then FO McMaster reported “After 1st attack order given to put on chutes. Acknowledge by all. After 2nd attack bale out ordered Not acknowledged. Engineer went out before me I baled out at 19,000 feet. A/c not in control all controls useless plus fire in port engine. Pilot, Nav, WOP and 2 gunners still in A/c when I left. A/c crashed 10 miles east of Jaoberstein and east of Trier. Landed in main street of village and captured immediately. Released by Russians in May 1945.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND UNITS 409060 Flying Officer LEITCH, James Westwood, DFC Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/24/208 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 361, Volume 43 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JA 907 MG – U ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JA907 took off from RAF Oakington at 1739 hours on the night of 20/21st October 1943 to bomb Leipzig, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
409060 FO Leitch, J W DFC Captain (Pilot) Sgt F W Lashford, (Flight Engineer) Flt Lt MacLeod, A G DFC (Navigator) Flt Sgt C B Jolliffe, DFM (Observer) Sgt J Hardy (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt F E Noble, (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt F H P Simmonds, (Air Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Oudleusen (Overijssel), 14kms ENE of Zwolle, Holland. Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Lashford was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Dalfsen General Cemetery, Locailty Overijssel, Netherlands. Dalfsen is a small town 10kms east of Zwolle, In a later report Sgt Lashford stated “the aircraft burst into flames and I baled out at a very low level.” CITATION : The citation for the DFC awarded to FO Leitch reads as follows : “FO :Leitch has attacked a large number of targets in Germany and Italy, His determination to complete the attacks no matter how hazardous or perilous the situations, has caused the aircraft to be subjected to intense ack-ack fire and illumination by numerous searchlights. Although unable entirely to avoid defences, FO Leitch has persisted in his attacks and placed his bombs accurately. This officer has been mainly responsible for the many successes of his crew. He was reported missing as a result of air operations on 20/10/1943.” . London Gazette 12/11/1943 Page 4973.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 402448 Flying Officer LOPEZ, James Albert Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 163/43/44 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 183 Volume 1941 Stirling Aircraft Type: N 6087 Serial number: MG – A Radio call sign: ATTD 7 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Stirling N6087 took off from RAF Oakington at 1458 hours on 18 November 1941 to bomb Brest, France. When the aircraft was returning to base after the mission the port engine caught fire and the pilot decided to make an emergency landing. While doing so the aircraft flew into telephone wires and crashed near West Bluntisham, some 12 miles north west of Cambridge, UK Crew: RAF FO O’Brien, J T Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J E Rose (Pilot) RAF Sgt T Ryder, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 402448 FO Lopez, J A (Navigator) RAF Sgt J Devlin RAF Sgt T J Ryder RCAF Flt Sgt P Comroe, (Air Gunner) RAAF 400359 Sgt M A Sullivan, (Rear Gunner) Two of the crew FO O’Brien and Sgt Rose were killed and FO Lopez died later from his injuries. FO O’Brien and FO Lopez are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery UK. Sgt Rose is buried in the Wandsworth (Putney Vale) Cemetery, London, UK. The remaining members of the although injured survived the crash The Rear Gunner, Sgt Sullivan was awarded the George Medal and the Citation reads as follows. Citation GM : “Sgt M A Sullivan (RAAF) was awarded the George Medal for gallantry of the highest order when the aircraft he was rear gunner in crashed and burst into flames in November 1941. Sgt Sullivan got out of his rear turret and finding no other crew member clear of the crash, he clambered along the blazing wing and despite having a burnt hand, continued into the fuselage to rescue other members of the crew. With the assistance of two soldiers who had since arrived on the scene he was able to remove to safety a member of the crew who had a broken leg. He returned to the crash and again entering the fuselage succeeded, with the assistance of one of the soldiers in removing another member of the crew who also had a broken leg. Despite the growing intensity of the fire he entered the fuselage for a third time to make sure that no other member of the crew was present. He noticed through the tangled wreckage that one of the
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soldiers was working frantically to extricate the navigator who had been trapped in the forward part of the compartment. He therefore ran around to assist him and together they succeeded in removing the navigator who had serious head injuries. He then helped the soldiers remove the remaining three members of the crew and as soon as these had been extricated there was a violent explosion from a bomb. Sergeant Sullivan showed the highest degree of gallantry throughout and his example was undoubtedly a source of inspiration to the other rescuers.” (Promulgated in London Gazette 24 March 1942, Page 1327, and the Citation can be seen in Govt House file (RAAF 1) held at the Australian War Memorial). The George Medal insignia was presented to his father John Henry Sullivan by the then Governor-General at Government House Melbourne, on 20/112/1943. It is possible that Sgt Sullivan was unaware of the high honour to be awarded to him as a result of his gallantry on 18 November 1941. He resumed flying duties and was allocated to another 7 Sqn crew. One month later on 18 December 1941, he was Rear Gunner in Stirling N3680 detailed to attack the same target Brest, and the aircraft failed to return from this mission. The aircraft was last seen over the target, and it was believed that it was shot down by ME109’s over the French coast. It was later concluded that Sgt Sullivan, GM, and his fellow crew members had lost their lives at sea. His brother 409250 Sgt L G Sullivan RAAF, was awarded the DFM on 30 November 1943 (London Gazette Page 5243). At the time he was a pilot attached to 150 Sqn RAF based in North Africa and flying Wellingtons On 10 January 1945 the then Flt Lot L G Sullivan lost his life when flying a Mosquito NS891 from RAF Station Fersfield in Norfolk UK on a low level cross country exercise. His navigator FO D E Ball (RAAF) DFC was also killed in the accident.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 424546 Flying Officer LUTHER, Clive Prosdocimi Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/25/58 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 420 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 656 MG – D ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: JB656 took off form RAF Oakington at 1617 hours on the night of 16/17th December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. JB656 was one of four aircraft from the Squadron that failed to return from the mission. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF
30245 FO Rush, F W Captain (Pilot) Sgt J S Ogg, (Flight Engineer) Sgt K Wightman, (Navigator) 413277 FO Scott, W V (Bomb Aimer) Sgt H B Bushell, (Wireless Air Gunner) 424546 FO Luther, C P (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt W R Buntain, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established by a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit that the aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire and crashed near Alkmaar. Alkmaar is 18 miles north West of Amsterdam, Holland. Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Ogg evaded capture. Those killed are buried in the Oterleek (Stompetoren) Churchyard, Locaility NoordHolland, Netherlands. Stompetoren in the commune of Oterleek, is 5kms east of Alkmaar and 42kms NNW of Amsterdam. In a later report Sgt Ogg stated “the aircraft crashed near Bergen-on Zee, Holland. The aircraft blew up and no trace could be found of the rest of the crew and it is fairly certain that all were killed. Those still in the aircraft when I left were Pilot, Bomb Aimer, WAG and Mid Upper. Rear Gunner unknown.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 410696 Pilot Officer McCARTHY, Charles Adrian Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/260 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 298 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 590 MG – B ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND590 took off from RAF Oakington at 0002 hours on the night of 23/24 June 1944 to bomb a flying bomb site at Courbonne, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
Flt Lt Irwin, W A DFC, Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt R Nixon, (Flight Engineer) Sqn Ldr Brown, R W DFC (Navigator) 417818 Ft Lt Drewer, C H (Bomb Aimer) 410696 PO McCarthy C A, (Wireless Operator) Flt Sgt J T Ward, (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt E Cornish, Rear Gunner)
Post war enquiries by a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit established that the aircraft crashed at approx 1am on 24 June 1944 in a field near Warhem, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Warhem Communal Cemetery, Locality Nord, France. The village of Warhem is 12kms south east of Dunkirk and about 5kms east of Bergues.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
422633 Pilot Officer MAC DONNELL, John Hugh Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/23/44 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 128 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 457 MG – O ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND457 took off from RAF Oakington at 1845 hours on the night of 24/25th March 1944 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RNZAF
420015 PO Kyle, T E B Captain (Pilot) Sgt F H Fowler, (Flight Engineer) FO Humphreys D G W (Navigator) 422633 Flt Sgt J H D MacDonnell, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt R A Hide, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt C Butson, (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt C Hughes, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Warder some 17kms south eats of Rendsburg. Two of the crew Sgt Hide and Flt Sgt Hughes were POW’s and the remaining five crew members were killed. Those killed are buried in the Hamburg War Cemetery which is situated within a large civil cemetery known locally as the “Ohlsdorf Cemetery”, Hamburg, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401389 Sergeant McINTYRE, Frank Letherbridge Source: AWM 237 (65) Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley :RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 163, Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling W 7565 MG – B ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Stirling W7565 took off from RAF Oakington at 2229 hours on the night of 28/29th July 1942 detailed to attack Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft was hit by flak which wrecked the starboard inner engine and it was later shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Aschmoehor. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
Flt Lt Whiteman, D W Captain (Pilot) Sgt A L Crockford, (2nd Pilot) WO C F Carter, (Flight Engineer) 404931 Sgt J Boyle (Observer) * 403088 Sgt A H C Bates (Wireless Air Gunner) * 401389 Sgt F L McIntyre (Wireless Air Gunner) PO Sidwell, L R (Rear Gunner) * Members of 1651 Conversion Unit Oakington.
PO Sidwell, WO Carter and Sgt Crockford were POW’s, and the remaining four members of the crew were killed. They are buried in the Becklingen War Cemterey, Soltau, Germany, which is located 13kms south east of Soltau on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hannover.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECONG WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 425409 Flight Sergeant McMILLAN, Ronald Robert Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/320 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 420 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 543 MG – J ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB543 took off from RAF Oakington at 1621 hours on the night of 16/17th December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. JB543 was one of four aircraft from the Squadron that failed to return from the mission. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
415286 PO Tyler, G Captain (Pilot) Sgt C R Underhill, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt A Smillie, (Navigator) Sgt D Woolford, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt A A Tucker, (Wireless Air Gunner) 425409 Flt Sgt R R McMillan, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt W P Wilson, (Rear Gunner)
It was established post war that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Wilsun a small German town 10kms north west of Neuenhaus and not far from the Dutch border. Five of the crew were killed and two Flt Sgt Smillie and Sgt Woolford were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery which is located 5kms south west of Kleve, Locality Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. In a later report Sgt Woolford stated “I believe Flt Sgt McMillan had been killed as I had identified him in a family photo in which he was wearing the white flash of a cadet.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 414816 Flight Sergeant McWHA, Reginald Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/320 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 420o Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JA 853 MG – L ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JA653 took off from RAF Oakington at 1624 hours on the night of 16/17th 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 RAF RAAF
412327 WO W A Watson, Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt R E Hedges, (Flight Engineer) 415061 WO W M Waterman, (Navigator) 412270 Flt Sgt C L Robinson (Bomb Aimer) 408306 Flt Sgt J Butterworth, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J Hurst, (Mid Upper Gunner) 414816 Flt Sgt R McWha (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 1805 hours on the 16th December 1943 on farmland owned by Mr Bangma at Follega (Friesland), 6kms NNE of Lemmer, Holland. All the crew were killed. Both WO Watson and Flt Sgt Bujtterworth have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at Runnymede, Surrey, UK. The other five crew members are buried at the Lemsterland (Lemmer) General Cemetery, Friesland, Holland. Lemmer in the commune of Lemsterland, is a small port on the southern coast of Friesland. It lies 24kms south of Sneek. The burial ground is on the northern outskirts of Lemmer in Staartweg, the road to Sneek.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400281 Sergeant MORRIS, James William Cooper Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163 145/155 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 174, Volume 1941 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling N 6091 MG – K ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Stirling N6091 took off from RAF Oakington at 1742 hours on the night of 7/8th November 1941 to bomb Berlin. The aircraft failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
400281 Sgt J W C Morris, Captain (Pilot) Sgt M S Jacobs, (Pilot) Sgt C Walton, (Flight Engineer) Sgt B Wallwork, (Observer) Sgt P Johnstone, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt E O Brooks, (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt G H Chesman, (Air Gunner)
P:ost war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by flak and crashed at Hekelingen and Spijkenisse (Zuid Holland), 14kms south west of Rotterdam. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rotterdam (Crooswijk) General Cemetery, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands. Rotterdam lies 23kms south east of the Hague, and 52kms south west of Utrecht. Crooswijk is a district east of the centre of the city.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 415736 Flight Sergeant O’SULLIVAN, Thomas Charles Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/31/110 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Lolsses of the Second World War, Page 352 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JA 706 MG – C ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JA706 took off from RAF Oakington at 2305 hours on the night of 8/9th October 1943 to bomb Hannover. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RCAF
PO Hartstein, P Captain (Pilot) Sgt F E Bryant, (Flight Engineer) Sgt R J Reeves, (Navigator) Sgt E Kempson (Bomb Aimer) Sgt R H Woodward, (Wireless Air Gunner) 415736 Flt Sgt T C O’Sullivan, (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt W B Eaton (Rear Gunner)
A Missing Research & Enquiry unit reported in 1948: “ The Burgomaster of Altenhagen stated that on the night of 8/9th October 1943 at approx 2am a large 4 engine aircraft approached the village of Altenhagen burning in the air. No sound of firing or aerial attack was heard and it was assumed the plane had been damaged over Hannover since it came from an easterly direction. As the plane approached the village it was seen to break up and crash 300 metres south of the village. The Germans arrived the next morning and collected wreckage which was spread over a wide area. Three of the crew baled out before the crash and were handed over to the police and removed to Hamelin”. The aircraft crashed at 0147 hours at Wormstal Baeurnhof, Altenhagen, 8kms south east of Stadthagen. Four of the crew were killed and three Sgt’s Bryant Reeves and Woodward were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Locality Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 420498 Flt Lt ROBERTSON, Ian James Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/185 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 42, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JA 408 MG – A ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JA408 took ff from RAF Oakington at 1952 hours on the night of 21/22nd January 1944 to bomb Magdeburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RNZAF RAF RAF RAF
420498 Flt Lt Robertson, I J Captain (Pilot) Sgt D G J Lucas, (Flight Engineer) FO Glossop, C H (Navigator) Flt Sgt A J Hannah, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt F Hilton, (Wireless Air Gunner) WO B E R Whitehouse, DFC (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt E S Weatherill, (Rear Gunner)
In 1949 a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit reported “Following interrogation of local inhabitants it was established that the aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter at approx 10pm on 21 January 1944 and crashed at Wohnste. 24 miles south west of Hamburg, and all the crew were killed.” Flt Lt Robertson and WO Whitehouse are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany. The other five crew members are buried in the Becklingen War Cemetery which is 15kms south east of Soltau on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hannover.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 412270 Flight Sergeant ROBINSON, Charles Lloyd Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/320 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 420o Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JA 853 MG – L ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JA653 took off from RAF Oakington at 1624 hours on the night of 16/17th 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 RAF RAAF
412327 WO W A Watson, Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt R E Hedges, (Flight Engineer) 415061 WO W M Waterman, (Navigator) 412270 Flt Sgt C L Robinson (Bomb Aimer) 408306 Flt Sgt J Butterworth, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J Hurst, (Mid Upper Gunner) 414816 Flt Sgt R McWha (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 1805 hours on the 16th December 1943 on farmland owned by Mr Bangma at Follega (Friesland), 6kms NNE of Lemmer, Holland. All the crew were killed. Both WO Watson and Flt Sgt Bujtterworth have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at Runnymede, Surrey, UK. The other five crew members are buried at the Lemsterland (Lemmer) General Cemetery, Friesland, Holland. Lemmer in the commune of Lemsterland, is a small port on the southern coast of Friesland. It lies 24kms south of Sneek. The burial ground is on the northern outskirts of Lemmer in Staartweg, the road to Sneek.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 30245 Flying Officer RUSH, Francis William Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/25/58 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 420 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 656 MG – D ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: JB656 took off form RAF Oakington at 1617 hours on the night of 16/17th December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. JB656 was one of four aircraft from the Squadron that failed to return from the mission. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF
30245 FO Rush, F W Captain (Pilot) Sgt J S Ogg, (Flight Engineer) Sgt K Wightman, (Navigator) 413277 FO Scott, W V (Bomb Aimer) Sgt H B Bushell, (Wireless Air Gunner) 424546 FO Luther, C P (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt W R Buntain, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established by a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit that the aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire and crashed near Alkmaar. Alkmaar is 18 miles north West of Amsterdam, Holland. Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Ogg evaded capture. Those killed are buried in the Oterleek (Stompetoren) Churchyard, Locaility NoordHolland, Netherlands. Stompetoren in the commune of Oterleek, is 5kms east of Alkmaar and 42kms NNW of Amsterdam. In a later report Sgt Ogg stated “the aircraft crashed near Bergen-on Zee, Holland. The aircraft blew up and no trace could be found of the rest of the crew and it is fairly certain that all were killed. Those still in the aircraft when I left were Pilot, Bomb Aimer, WAG and Mid Upper. Rear Gunner unknown.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 413277 Flying Officer SCOTT, William Verdun Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/25/58 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 420 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 656 MG – D ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: JB656 took off form RAF Oakington at 1617 hours on the night of 16/17th December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. JB656 was one of four aircraft from the Squadron that failed to return from the mission. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF
30245 FO Rush, F W Captain (Pilot) Sgt J S Ogg, (Flight Engineer) Sgt K Wightman, (Navigator) 413277 FO Scott, W V (Bomb Aimer) Sgt H B Bushell, (Wireless Air Gunner) 424546 FO Luther, C P (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt W R Buntain, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established by a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit that the aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire and crashed near Alkmaar. Alkmaar is 18 miles north West of Amsterdam, Holland. Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Ogg evaded capture. Those killed are buried in the Oterleek (Stompetoren) Churchyard, Locaility NoordHolland, Netherlands. Stompetoren in the commune of Oterleek, is 5kms east of Alkmaar and 42kms NNW of Amsterdam. In a later report Sgt Ogg stated “the aircraft crashed near Bergen-on Zee, Holland. The aircraft blew up and no trace could be found of the rest of the crew and it is fairly certain that all were killed. Those still in the aircraft when I left were Pilot, Bomb Aimer, WAG and Mid Upper. Rear Gunner unknown.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 417527 Flight Sergeant SMITH, Roy Stanley Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/442 Commonwealth War Graves records W C Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 111, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 557 MG – F ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND557 took off from RAF Oakington at 1939 hours on the night of 15/16th March 1944 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF 410145 PO Carter, D A Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Hamby, P H (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt H P Riddle, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 422462 FO Dyer, K C (Navigator) RCAF FO Nicholson, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt R G Ryder, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 418535 Flt Sgt G A Johnston, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 417527 Flt Sgt R S Smith, (Rear Gunner) Note : All the RAF and RCAF crew members were members of 218 Sqn RAF. Captured German documents indicated that the aircraft crashed at 11pm on 15 March 1944 at Tannheim near Donaueshingen, Germany, and the aircraft exploded on impact killing all the crew. They are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz and 48kms south of Munich.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 402263 Pilot Officer TAYLOR, Ronald Wilkins DFM Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/165/98 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, P22 Vol 1942. Stirling Aircraft Type: W 7467 Serial number: MG Radio call sign: ATTD 7 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Stirling W7467 took off from RAF Oakington on 17 January 1942 on a training flight. The aircraft crashed at 1540 hours nearly 2 miles north of Earith, 12 miles north west of Cambridge following an unauthorised attack by a HurricaneV6865 from 56 O.T.U. The Court of Inquiry found that the accident occurred from “an error of judgement on the part of the Hurricane pilot when carrying out an unauthorised practice attack on the Stirling aircraft” All the crew of W7467 were killed as well as PO D M Browne the pilot of V6865. . Crew: RAAF 402263 PO Taylor, R W DFM Captain (Pilot) RAF Sqn Ldr Mahler, J N DFC (2nd Pilot) * RAF Sgt E Blacklaw, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Waddell, J D (Navigator) RAF PO Low, A J (Navigator under training) RAF Sgt J MacCarly, (Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt F J Lloyd, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W J Mankelow, (Air Gunner * Sqn Ldr Mahler was attached from 218 Sqn RAF. PO Taylor, PO Waddell and PO Low are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. Sqn Ldr Mahler was cremated in the Cambridge Crematorium. Sgt Blacklaw is buried in the Dundee Eastern Necropolis, Angus, UK Sgt Lloyd is buried in the Thurrock (Grays) Cemetery, Essex, UK. Both Sgt McCarley and Sgt Mankelow have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK Citation : The citation to PO Taylor’s DFM is a s follows : In December 1941 this airmen was Captain of an aircraft which participated in a daylight attack on the battle cruisers in Brest harbour. Despite intense ack-ack and fighter opposition Flt Sgt Taylor displayed the highest standard of flying skill and air tactics and never lost formation throughout the attack. In November 1941 he was Captain of one of two aircraft to carry out a daylight attack on shipping at Borkum. During the operation the two aircraft were intercepted by enemy aircraft two of which were shot down and one damaged. Flt Sgt Taylor has taken part in many major attacks against important targets in enemy territory. Throughout he has shown the greatest courage and determination.” PO Taylor was granted his commission two days before he died.
52
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 415286 Pilot Officer TYLER, Geoffrey Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/320 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 420 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 543 MG – J ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB543 took off from RAF Oakington at 1621 hours on the night of 16/17th December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. JB543 was one of four aircraft from the Squadron that failed to return from the mission. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
415286 PO Tyler, G Captain (Pilot) Sgt C R Underhill, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt A Smillie, (Navigator) Sgt D Woolford, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt A A Tucker, (Wireless Air Gunner) 425409 Flt Sgt R R McMillan, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt W P Wilson, (Rear Gunner)
It was established post war that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Wilsun a small German town 10kms north west of Neuenhaus and not far from the Dutch border. Five of the crew were killed and two Flt Sgt Smillie and Sgt Woolford were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery which is located 5kms south west of Kleve, Locality Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. In a later report Sgt Woolford stated “I believe Flt Sgt McMillan had been killed as I had identified him in a family photo in which he was wearing the white flash of a cadet.”
53
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 415061 Warrant Officer WATERMAN, William Maitland Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/320 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 420o Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JA 853 MG – L ATTD 7 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JA653 took off from RAF Oakington at 1624 hours on the night of 16/17th 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 RAF RAAF
412327 WO W A Watson, Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt R E Hedges, (Flight Engineer) 415061 WO W M Waterman, (Navigator) 412270 Flt Sgt C L Robinson (Bomb Aimer) 408306 Flt Sgt J Butterworth, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J Hurst, (Mid Upper Gunner) 414816 Flt Sgt R McWha (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 1805 hours on the 16th December 1943 on farmland owned by Mr Bangma at Follega (Friesland), 6kms NNE of Lemmer, Holland. All the crew were killed. Both WO Watson and Flt Sgt Bujtterworth have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at Runnymede, Surrey, UK. The other five crew members are buried at the Lemsterland (Lemmer) General Cemetery, Friesland, Holland. Lemmer in the commune of Lemsterland, is a small port on the southern coast of Friesland. It lies 24kms south of Sneek. The burial ground is on the northern outskirts of Lemmer in Staartweg, the road to Sneek.
54
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 412359 Pilot Officer ALLAN, George Logan Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/3/261
Commonwealth War Graves records
Vengeance FB 956 ATTD 8 SQN RAF
Summary: Vengeance FB956 proceeded to Samungli on the movement of the Squadron and had left Jacobabad on the last stage of the journey. As the aircraft was overdue a search by levies (natives) was ordered by the Civil Magistrate at Mach. The aircraft was discovered on 8th August 1944 on a ledge of a mountain approx 9000 feet high. The aircraft was not visible from the air and a 2 hour journey on horse and a 2 hour climb was necessary. FB956 had crashed in the mountains approximately 6 miles NNW from Hirok, in position 67.13E 30deg.1m.45secs N at about 1500 hours on 5 August 1944 and all the crew were killed. Locals in the neighbourhood heard an aircraft at 1500 hours on 5 August and at the same time there was a loud report. No one paid attention to this report as there was often loud noises due to rocks crashing down. The weather at the time was extremely bad with heavy rain. It was presumed that the crash was due to navigational error. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF
Flt Lt Niven, C H Captain (Pilot) 412359 PO Allan, G L (Wireless Operator Air) LAC E D Willcock, (Wireless Mechanic)
The crew are buried in the Karachi War Cemetery, Pakistan, which is located a few miles from the centre of Karachi to the north east on the National Stadium Road and can be reached by taxi.
55
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 407405 Pilot Officer BRIDGLAND, Maurice Everest Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/24/332
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim BA 322 ATTD 8 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim aircraft BA322 and BA477 were involved in a formation collision at Socotra near the Gulf of Aden on 28 October 1942. BA322 crashed and all the crew were killed Both aircraft took off from Socotra at approx 0715 hours on 28 October, BA322 took off first followed by BA477. BA322 was the formation leader. Both aircraft flew out to sea, made a left hand turn, and flew over the landing ground with BA477 gradually catching up the leading aircraft. Bothb machines performed a shallow dive to approx 150 feet and started to climb away on their course seetling into formation, when the collision took place. The tail unit of the lead aircraft BA322 was sheered, and the aircraft crashed immediately and the crew were killed instantly. The other aircraft BA477 turned again attempting to land but landed short of the landing ground, the Pilot managing to extricate himself and drag his passenger clear. It was considered that BA322 the lead aircraft went into a turn after executing a shallow dive without being assured of the position of the No 2 aircraft. Crew : RAAF RAAF RAAF
407405 PO Bridgland, M E, Captain (Pilot) 400657 Flt Sgt J E Mullard, (Observer) 406288 Sgt R E Broad, (Wireless Air Gunner) Captain Younger, (Passenger)
The RAAF crew members are buried in the Maala Cemetery, Yemen. Maala lies at the southern side of Aden Harbour, halfway between the Steamer Point and Crater on the main road south of Khromasksar. The cemetery is located south of the main road to Crater.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 406288 Flight Sergeant BROAD, Donald Eric Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/24/332
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim BA 322 ATTD 8 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim aircraft BA322 and BA477 were involved in a formation collision at Socotra near the Gulf of Aden on 28 October 1942. BA322 crashed and all the crew were killed Both aircraft took off from Socotra at approx 0715 hours on 28 October, BA322 took off first followed by BA477. BA322 was the formation leader. Both aircraft flew out to sea, made a left hand turn, and flew over the landing ground with BA477 gradually catching up the leading aircraft. Bothb machines performed a shallow dive to approx 150 feet and started to climb away on their course seetling into formation, when the collision took place. The tail unit of the lead aircraft BA322 was sheered, and the aircraft crashed immediately and the crew were killed instantly. The other aircraft BA477 turned again attempting to land but landed short of the landing ground, the Pilot managing to extricate himself and drag his passenger clear. It was considered that BA322 as the lead aircraft went into a turn after executing a shallow dive without assuring himself of the position of his No 2 aircraft. Crew : RAAF RAAF RAAF
407405 PO Bridgland, M E, Captain (Pilot) 400657 Flt Sgt J E Mullard, (Observer) 406288 Sgt R E Broad, (Wireless Air Gunner) Captain Younger, (Passenger)
The RAAF crew members are buried in the Maala Cemetery, Yemen. Maala lies at the southern side of Aden Harbour, halfway between the Steamer Point and Crater on the main road south of Khromasksar. The cemetery is located south of the main road to Crater.
57
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 402030 Flight Sergeant CHANNON, Francis Edward Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/96/151
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 7920 ATTD 8 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z7920 was ordered to proceed to Hargeisha on detachment leaving Kharmaksar at 1230Z on 15 July 1942, and carrying the crew and passengers. En route the aircraft was required to carry out a reconnaissance of Djibouti aerodrome The aircraft took off and received the W/T go. Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to arrive at its destination. Hargeisha reported that the aircraft had not arrived. On 16 July extensive searches were carried out but no trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found On 18 July a report was received that the aircraft had been shot down near Djubiti by ack-ack fire at 1600 hours on 17 July 1942, and had crashed in flames. All those on board were killed. Crew: RCAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
PO Maguire, L R Captain (Pilot) Sgt V P C Sennet, (Observer) 402030 Flt Sgt F E Channon, (Wireless Air Gunner) Cpl H Wray, (Fitter) AC1 H L Sneath (Fitter)
All those killed are buried in the Djibouti New European Cemetery,. The Republic of Djibouti previously known as the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas, is situated on the north-east coast of Africa and is bounded by Ethiopa to the north and west, by Somali Republic to the south and by the Gulf of Aden to the east. The Cemetery is 5kms south of the town on the east of the road leading to airport.
58
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 403220 Sergeant KIRK, Ian Ewing Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/22/68
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim BA 927 ATTD 8 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim BA 927 crashed into the sea at Inner Harbour, Aden at 6pm on 20 May 1943. The pilot Sgt Kirk was the sole occupant of the aircraft and was killed in the crash. Crew: RAAF
403220 Sgt I E Kirk, (Pilot)
A subsequent Court of Inquiry into the accident reported “ In the absence of any signs of mechanical or technical defect, it would appear the pilot allowed the aircraft to get too slow in his final turn into wind and struck the water in the first stages of a spin. The pilot had completed about 20 degrees of the turn when the aircraft appeared to dive straight into shallow water some 3 feet deep from a height of perhaps 700 feet. As the machine struck it exploded and burst into flames and the pilot was killed. The conditions at the time were perfect for night flying with a full moon and no wind. The pilot had already completed one circuit and landing shortly prior to the accident without experiencing any difficulty.” Sgt Kirk is buried in the Maala Cemetery, Yemen. Maala lies at the southern side of Aden Harbour, between the Steamer Point and Crater on the main road to Khromasksar. The Cemetery is located south of the main road to Crater.
59
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400657 Flight Sergeant MULLARD, John Ernest Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/24/332
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim BA 322 ATTD 8 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim aircraft BA322 and BA477 were involved in a formation collision at Socotra near the Gulf of Aden on 28 October 1942. BA322 crashed and all the crew were killed Both aircraft took off from Socotra at approx 0715 hours on 28 October, BA322 took off first followed by BA477. BA322 was the formation leader. Both aircraft flew out to sea, made a left hand turn, and flew over the landing ground with BA477 gradually catching up the leading aircraft. Bothb machines performed a shallow dive to approx 150 feet and started to climb away on their course seetling into formation, when the collision took place. The tail unit of the lead aircraft BA322 was sheered, and the aircraft crashed immediately and the crew were killed instantly. The other aircraft BA477 turned again attempting to land but landed short of the landing ground, the Pilot managing to extricate himself and drag his passenger clear. It was considered that BA322 as the lead aircraft went into a turn after executing a shallow dive without assuring himself of the position of his No 2 aircraft. Crew : RAAF RAAF RAAF
407405 PO Bridgland, M E, Captain (Pilot) 400657 Flt Sgt J E Mullard, (Observer) 406288 Sgt R E Broad, (Wireless Air Gunner) Captain Younger, (Passenger)
The RAAF crew members are buried in the Maala Cemetery, Yemen. Maala lies at the southern side of Aden Harbour, halfway between the Steamer Point and Crater on the main road south of Khromasksar. The cemetery is located south of the main road to Crater.
60
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 422296 Flight Sergeant REID, Ronald Arthur Lloyd Source: NAA : A705, 166/36/295 166/35/301 Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington HZ 703 ATTD 8 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington HZ 703 of 8 Sqn RAF, British Forces Aden, took off at 10.30pm at night on 27 June 1944 on a convoy escort patrol in the vicinity of the Gulf of Aden.. At 0205 hours on 28 June, SS Highland Prince reported that a twin engine aircraft had crashed in the sea, caught fire and exploded. The reported position was 12.20N, 44.03E. The ship and the Navy searched for two hours but no trace of any survivors was found. It was established that no other aircraft apart from HZ 703 was in the vicinity at the time. Crew: RCAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
FO Ferguson, G W (Captain (Pilot) FO Davis, H H G ((2nd Pilot) Flt Lt Moseley, E F (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 422296 Flt Sgt Reid, R A L (Wireless Operator Air) (ASVG) 418486 Flt Sgt Walker, G M (Wireless Operator Air) (ASVG) 425551 Flt Sgt Ryalls, C D (Wireless Operator Air) (ASVG)
It was later concluded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on Alamein Memorial, Egypt. The Memorial forms the entrance to the El Alamein War Cemetery.Alamein is a village by passed by the main road, approx 130 kms west of Alexandria on the road to Mersa Matruh.
61
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 403890 Sergeant ALLEN, Colin Frederick Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/187/309 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 277, Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4155 WS – D ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster W4155 took off from RAF Waddington at 1702 hours on the night of 17/18th December 1942 to bomb Diepholz, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. :L Crew: RAAF 403890 Sgt C F Allen, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt C H Nadin, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Newman, L G (Navigator) RAF Sgt H V Brown, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt C W Dickens, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J M T O’Neill, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Lt Bain, C G S (Rear Gunner). (9 Sqn Gunnery Leader). Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near the Ohrte to Grafeld road. Ohrte is approx 28 miles north west of Osnabruck and Grafeld is 2 miles north of Ohrte. Five of the crew were killed and two Sgt’s Brown and O’Neill were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. Locality Kamp Lintfort, Norfrhein-Westfal, Germany. In a later report Sgt Brown stated “I was first to bale out at 500 feet from the blazing plane which crashed almost immediately. I was captured soon after landing and understood from the Germans that Sgt Allen was still in the aircraft and killed.”
62
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 416819 Flight Sergeant ALTUS, Hector Ferdinand Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/3/141 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 382, Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster DV 284 WS – G ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster DV284 took off from RAF Bardney at 1725 hours on the night of 18/19th November 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
PO Graham, G A Captain (Pilot) PO McComb, J G (2nd Pilot) Sgt W G Statham, (Flight Engineer) FO MacDonald, D (Navigator) Sgt R McK Inness, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt A F Williamson, (Wireless Air Gunner) 416819 Flt Sgt H F Altus (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt K Mellor, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was hit by flak and crashed at 2153 hours approx 1km west of Burgwerben and 2kms north of Weissenfels, a town 35kms south west of Leipzig, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 24647 Flight Sergeant ANDREW, William Ronald Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/11/168 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 384 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 757 WS – O ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME757 took off from RAF Bardney at 0832 hours on 13th August 1944 on a daylight mission to bomb shipping at Brest, France. ME757 was seen by other 9 Sqn crews on the same mission to be hit by flak over the target, the port wing tip being shot off. The aircraft turned to port and then dived straight to the ground. No crew were seen to leave the aircraft. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
Flt Lt Relton, E H M Captain (Pilot) Sgt F W Johnson, (Flight Engineer) 425626 Flt Sgt C H Edwards, (Navigator) 426166 Flt Sgt J K Scott, (Bomb Aimer) 428799 Flt Sgt C T Scott, (Wireless air Gunner) 424110 Flt Sgt D W McConville, (Mid Upper Gunner) 24647 Flt Sgt W R Andrew, (Rear Gunner
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Plougastel-Daoulas (Finistere), 8kms ESE of Brest. All the crew were killed. Six of those killed are buried in the Plougastel-Daoulas Communal Cemetery. Plougastel-Daoulas is a village and commune 8kms ESE of Brest. Flt Sgt Andrew is buried in the Hottot Les Baques Cemetery. Hottot Les Baques is a village 14kms south east of Bayeux. Locality Calvados, France.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 426426 Flight Sergeant BATES, Dudley Clive Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/.497 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, P172, 1944 Lancaster Aircraft Type: LM 361 Serial number: WS – T Radio call sign: ATTD 9 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster LM361 took off from RAF Bardney at 2111 hours on the night of 18/19th April 1944 to bomb rail facilities at Juvisy, France. The aircraft was last heard on W/T at 2330 hours at which time a plot was taken which fixed the aircraft’s position 18kms south east of Paris. LM361 failed to return from the mission. Crew: RAAF 413909 FO Smith J A Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R Wilson, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt D E Moss, (Navigator) RAF Sgt C H Martin (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt F Heath, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 402447 FO Light K W DFM (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 426426 Flt Sgt D C Bates, (Rear Gunner) FO Smith and Sgt Martin evaded capture and FO Light who was a POW was previously a member of 460 Sqn RAAF. His DFM was published on 29/12/1942. The remaining four members of the crew were killed and they are buried in the Clichy Northern Cemetery. Clichy is a town adjacent to the northern boundary of Paris. The Cemetery lies between the town hall and the River Seine and is entranced from the Rue General Rouget. In a later report FO Smith stated “He had just left the target when a large explosion was heard throughout the aircraft. He called up all the crew on the I/C and received acknowledgements from all except Flt Sgt Bates. Two of the inboard motors were on fire, and could not be extinguished. Bale out was ordered and acknowledged by Nav and B/Aimer before I/C became U/S. He held the aircraft for approx 3 minutes and then abandoned the aircraft at 3000 feet. A/closing height was still under control. He did not see any member of the crew after he landed nor did he hear of their fate.” Flt Sgt Martin reported “We took off from Bardney on 18/4 to bomb Juvisy. Reached target at 7000 feet and dropped our bombs. About 2 seconds later there was a blinding flash under the A/c which I believe was flak, and two engines caught fire. Both wings were on fire and A/c filled with smoke. All crew acknowledged OK except Rear Gunner. I checked bombs gone and Engineer tried to feather the engines. Prepare to abandon order given and put on chute. A third engine caught fire and A/c drifting west and losing height quickly. Bale out ordered. I opened escape hatch and jumped at 4000 feet. A/c crashed in flames ten seconds before I hit the ground I doubt if they all got out.”
65
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 432092 Flight Sergeant BAYLEY, Lindsay Arthur Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/1070 AWM 54 : 779/3/129 Parts ?? Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 156, Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NG 235 WS – H ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster NG235 took off from RAF Bardney at 1826 hours on the night of 8/9th April 1945 to bomb an oil refinery at Lutzkendorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
410826 FO Woolstencroft B S Captain (Pilot) Sgt W C Lewis, (Flight Engineer) 432029 Flt Sgt L A Bayley, (Navigator) FO C P W Warren, (Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt L Robinson, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt G T Greenwood, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt E Williams, (Rear Gunner)
Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Williams was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery. A 1948 Missing Research & Enquiry Unit report stated “the aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire and crashed on 8 April 1945 at Kapellendorf which is approx 6 miles east of Weimar, Germany. In a POW report Sgt Williams stated “ Our aircraft was hit by ack-ack a few minutes after leaving the target, and immediately took fire. I heard the Pilot give the order to jump. I could also hear “help” form the forward part of the aircraft. I did not see any of the others bale out. The Germans did not give me any information re the others. The aircraft crashed approx 10 miles from Lutzkendorf.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 416923 Flight Sergeant BIRRELL, Eric Alfred Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/158 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 111 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster HK 540 WS – H ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster HK540 took off from RAF Bardney at 19118 hours on the night of 15/16th March 1944 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF RAF RAAF
Sqn Ldr Blackwell-Smith, R Captain (Pilot) Sgt N V Sirman, (Flight Engineer) FO Sheasby, H K (Navigator) PO Eley, D R (Bomb Aimer) Sgt R West, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt B Glover, (Mid Upper Gunner) 416923 Flt Sgt E A Birrell, (Rear Gunner)
Five of the crew were killed and two Sqn Ldr Blackwell-Smith and Sgt Sirman were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich. Locality Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 420436 Flight Sergeant BROWN, Donald George Wentworth Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/614 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 326, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 221 WS – K ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM221 took off from RAF Bardney at 2159 hours on the night of12/13th July 1944 to bomb the railway junction at Culmont, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAF RCAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF
FO Hallett, W A M Captain (Pilot) Sgt A F Grieve, (Flight Engineer) FO Armstrong, J F (Navigator) 420436 Flt Sgt D G W Brown, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt F E Shaw, (Wireless Air Gunner) 421769 Flt Sgt A D Tagget, (Air Gunner) 417512 Flt Sgt M H Payne, (Air Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Cour L’Eveque on the east bank of the Aujon. Cour L’Eveque is a village 28kms south of Chaumont, Locality Haute-Maine, France. The average age of the crew was 22 years. A Memorial Stone on the spot where the aircraft crashed was erected by the citizens of Arc-en-Barrois, France in memory of the crew. A Memorial service and unveiling took place on 21 July 1966.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UJNITS 414761 Pilot Officer CAMPBELL, Hugh Donald Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA A705, 166/7/494 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 218 Volume 1944. Lancaster Aircraft Type: LM 528 Serial number: WS – D Radio call sign: ATTD 9 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster LM528 took off from RAF Bardney at 2210 hours on the night of 10/11th May 1944 to attack railway yards at Lille, France. The crew were on their first sortie after arriving from 51 Base on 3 May 1944. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return from the mission. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
414761 PO Campbell, H D Captain (Pilot) Sgt E Fullerton, (Flight Engineer) FO Bennett, A (Navigator) 423359 FO Tyne, A E (Bomb Aimer) Sgt J W L Parker, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J H Butler, (Mid Upper Gunner) FO Botting, H E (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft exploded in flight east of the aiming point and all the crew were killed. PO Campbell, Sgt Fullerton, FO Betting and FO Botting are buried in the HellemmesLille Communal Cemetery. Hellemmes-Lille is a town and commune east of Lille, a major town in the north of France. The Cemetery is on the road to Ascq, Locality Nord, France. FO Tyne and Sgt Butler are buried in the Forest-sur-Marque Communal Cemetery. Forest-sur-Marque is a village about 9lms east of Lille and 6kms south of Roubaix. The Cemetery is at the southern end of the village on the main road to Ascq. Sgt Parker has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 417335 Flight Sergeant CAMPBELL, James John Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/418 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 94/ volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ED 654 WS – N ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ED654 took off from RAF Bardney at 2338 hours on the night of 20/21st February, 1944 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew : RAF RAF RAF USAAF RAF RAF RAAF
PO Chambers, W J Captain (Pilot) Sgt W E Haywood, (Flight Engineer) WO J B Mandall, (Navigator) T/S J J Hannon (Bomb Aimer) Sgt I M Mulcuck, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt A L Steward, (Mid Upper Gunner) 417335 Flt Sgt J J Campbell (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Burgholz some 3kms east of Weizheim, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich. Locality Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 418227 Flying Officer COOK, Kenneth Alan Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/817 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 44 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NN 722 WS – Z ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster NN722 took off from RAF Bardney on the night of 14/15th January 1945 to bomb a synthetic oil plant at Leuna, Germany Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
418227 FO Cook, K A Captain (Pilot) Sgt H Taylor, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt R Watt (Navigator) 428879 Flt Sgt B C MacKnight (Bomb Aimer) 429719 Flt Sgt M J McNamara, (Wireless Operator Air) 434641 Flt Sgt J E B MacLean, (Mid Upper Gunner) 434528 Flt Sgt M J Kerrigan (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Koetschen a little over one mile south of Merseburg., which is located 20 miles north of Leipzig. Six of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Kerrigan became a POW. Those killed are buried in the Choloy War Cemetery, France. Choloy is a village 28kms west of Nancy and 5kms west of Toul, a town on the N4 road from Paris to Nancy Locality Meurthe-et-Moselle, France. Flt Sgt Kerrigan died as a POW on 22 March 1945 He is buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 409385 Pilot Officer CRABTREE, Edward Jeptha Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/239 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 324, Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster R 5700 WS – N ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster R5700 took off from RAF Bardney at 1856 hours on the night of 22/23rd September 1943 to bomb Hannover, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF RCAF RAF
409385 PO Crabtree, E J Captain (Pilot) Sgt M J MacRitchie, (Flight Engineer) Sgt G A Sales, (Navigator/Bomb Aimer) WO11 N A Noble, (Navigator/Bomb Aimer) Sgt V Hirst-Gee (Wireless Operator) Sgt D Everest, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt V J Lander, (Rear Gunner)
A 1947 report by a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit stated “the aircraft crashed 1.5 miles west of Bad Munder presumably as a result of enemy action. Bad Munder is 16 miles south west of Hannover. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich. Locality Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 422148 Flight Lieutenant DUNNE, John Joseph, DFC Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/411 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 76 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NF 937 WS – E ATTD 9SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster NF937 took off from RAF Bardney at 0747 hours for a daylight mission armed with a Tallboy and headed for a railway viaduct east of Paderborn. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF
422148 Flt Lt Dunne, J J DFC Captain (Pilot) Sgt H J Ockerby, (Flight Engineer) PO Thain, M J (Navigator) FO Philpott, C L (Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt J W Knight, (Wireless Air Gunner) PO Rose, J T (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt J F Jordan (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed 200 yards east of Sasserath, a village 11kms SSE of Bad Muenstereifel, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Flt Lt Dunne had flown 26 operational sorties. On 5/12/1944 the then FO Dunne was awarded the DFC. The Citation is as follows : “This Officer is a most capable and conscientious Captain of aircraft. He has completed many sorties during which he has attacked a variety of targets. On one occasion when over an enemy target his aircraft sustained heavy damage. The controls were affected and the bomber went into a steep dive. Much height was lost before FO Dunne succeeded in levelling out. He afterwards flew the badly damaged aircraft to an airfield in this country. On a recent occasion he flew with great distinction in an attack of Flushing. This Officer has displayed considerable courage and devotion to duty.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 425626 Flight Sergeant EDWARDS,Charles Herbert Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/11/168 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 384 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 757 WS – O ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME757 took off from RAF Bardney at 0832 hours on 13th August 1944 on a daylight mission to bomb shipping at Brest, France. ME757 was seen by other 9 Sqn crews on the same mission to be hit by flak over the target, the port wing tip being shot off. The aircraft turned to port and then dived straight to the ground. No crew were seen to leave the aircraft. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
Flt Lt Relton, E H M Captain (Pilot) Sgt F W Johnson, (Flight Engineer) 425626 Flt Sgt C H Edwards, (Navigator) 426166 Flt Sgt J K Scott, (Bomb Aimer) 428799 Flt Sgt C T Scott, (Wireless air Gunner) 424110 Flt Sgt D W McConville, (Mid Upper Gunner) 24647 Flt Sgt W R Andrew, (Rear Gunner
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Plougastel-Daoulas (Finistere), 8kms ESE of Brest. All the crew were killed. Six of those killed are buried in the Plougastel-Daoulas Communal Cemetery. Plougastel-Daoulas is a village and commune 8kms ESE of Brest. Flt Sgt Andrew is buried in the Hottot Les Baques Cemetery. Hottot Les Baques is a village 14kms south east of Bayeux. Locality Calvados, France.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 417198 Flight Sergeant JOHNS, Allan Clyde Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/21/130 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 122, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 422 WS – N ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM422 took off from RAF Bardney at 1913 hours on the night of 22/23rd March 1944 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RCAF RAAF RAF RAF
410241 PO Judd, A J Captain (Pilot) Sgt S L Fereday, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt J N Carter (Navigator) FO Collins, R C (Bomb Aimer) 417198 Flt Sgt A C Johns, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt F Bolton, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt R Whalley, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire and crashed on 22/March at the village of Morscheld, which is 30 miles east of Trier, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. Locality : Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 410241 Pilot Officer JUBB, Angus James Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/21/130 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 122, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 422 WS – N ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM422 took off from RAF Bardney at 1913 hours on the night of 22/23rd March 1944 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RCAF RAAF RAF RAF
410241 PO Judd, A J Captain (Pilot) Sgt S L Fereday, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt J N Carter (Navigator) FO Collins, R C (Bomb Aimer) 417198 Flt Sgt A C Johns, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt F Bolton, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt R Whalley, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire and crashed on 22/March at the village of Morscheld, which is 30 miles east of Trier, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. Locality : Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 434528 Flight Sergeant KERRIGAN, Michael John Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/817 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 44 Volume 1945 ( Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NN 722 WS – Z ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster NN722 took off from RAF Bardney on the night of 14/15th January 1945 to bomb a synthetic oil plant at Leuna. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
418227 FO Cook, K A Captain (Pilot) Sgt H Taylor, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt R Watt (Navigator) 428879 Flt Sgt B C MacKnight (Bomb Aimer) 429719 Flt Sgt M J McNamara, (Wireless Operator Air) 434641 Flt Sgt J E B MacLean, (Mid Upper Gunner) 434528 Flt Sgt M J Kerrigan (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Koetschen a little over one mile south of Merseburg., which is located 20 miles north of Leipzig. Six of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Kerrigan became a POW. Those killed are buried in the Choloy War Cemetery, France. Choloy is a village 28kms west of Nancy and 5kms west of Toul, a town on the N4 road from Paris to Nancy Locality Meurthe-et-Moselle, France. Flt Sgt Kerrigan died as a POW on 22 March 1945 He is buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 424110 Flight Sergeant McCONVILLE, Douglas William Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/11/168 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 384 Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 757 WS – O ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME757 took off from RAF Bardney at 0832 hours on 13th August 1944 on a daylight mission to bomb shipping at Brest, France. ME757 was seen by other 9 Sqn crews on the same mission to be hit by flak over the target, the port wing tip being shot off. The aircraft turned to port and then dived straight to the ground. No crew were seen to leave the aircraft. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
Flt Lt Relton, E H M Captain (Pilot) Sgt F W Johnson, (Flight Engineer) 425626 Flt Sgt C H Edwards, (Navigator) 426166 Flt Sgt J K Scott, (Bomb Aimer) 428799 Flt Sgt C T Scott, (Wireless air Gunner) 424110 Flt Sgt D W McConville, (Mid Upper Gunner) 24647 Flt Sgt W R Andrew, (Rear Gunner
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Plougastel-Daoulas (Finistere), 8kms ESE of Brest. All the crew were killed. Six of those killed are buried in the Plougastel-Daoulas Communal Cemetery. Plougastel-Daoulas is a village and commune 8kms ESE of Brest. Flt Sgt Andrew is buried in the Hottot Les Baques Cemetery. Hottot Les Baques is a village 14kms south east of Bayeux. Locality Calvados, France.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 428879 Flight Sergeant MACKNIGHT, Bruce Cowper Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/817 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 44 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NN 722 WS – Z ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster NN722 took off from RAF Bardney on the night of 14/15th January 1945 to bomb a synthetic oil plant at Leuna. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
418227 FO Cook, K A Captain (Pilot) Sgt H Taylor, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt R Watt (Navigator) 428879 Flt Sgt B C MacKnight (Bomb Aimer) 429719 Flt Sgt M J McNamara, (Wireless Operator Air) 434641 Flt Sgt J E B MacLean, (Mid Upper Gunner) 434528 Flt Sgt M J Kerrigan (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Koetschen a little over one mile south of Merseburg., which is located 20 miles north of Leipzig. Six of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Kerrigan became a POW. Those killed are buried in the Choloy War Cemetery, France. Choloy is a village 28kms west of Nancy and 5kms west of Toul, a town on the N4 road from Paris to Nancy Locality Meurthe-et-Moselle, France. Flt Sgt Kerrigan died as a POW on 22 March 1945 He is buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 436641 Flight Sergeant MACLEAN, John Erskine Brown Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/817 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 44 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NN 722 WS – Z ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster NN722 took off from RAF Bardney on the night of 14/15th January 1945 to bomb a synthetic oil plant at Leuna. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
418227 FO Cook, K A Captain (Pilot) Sgt H Taylor, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt R Watt (Navigator) 428879 Flt Sgt B C MacKnight (Bomb Aimer) 429719 Flt Sgt M J McNamara, (Wireless Operator Air) 434641 Flt Sgt J E B MacLean, (Mid Upper Gunner) 434528 Flt Sgt M J Kerrigan (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Koetschen a little over one mile south of Merseburg., which is located 20 miles north of Leipzig. Six of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Kerrigan became a POW. Those killed are buried in the Choloy War Cemetery, France. Choloy is a village 28kms west of Nancy and 5kms west of Toul, a town on the N4 road from Paris to Nancy Locality Meurthe-et-Moselle, France. Flt Sgt Kerrigan died as a POW on 22 March 1945 He is buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. :
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 429719 Flight Sergeant McNAMARA, John Erskine Brown
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/817 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 44 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NN 722 WS – Z ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster NN722 took off from RAF Bardney on the night of 14/15th January 1945 to bomb a synthetic oil plant at Leuna. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
418227 FO Cook, K A Captain (Pilot) Sgt H Taylor, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt R Watt (Navigator) 428879 Flt Sgt B C MacKnight (Bomb Aimer) 429719 Flt Sgt M J McNamara, (Wireless Operator Air) 434641 Flt Sgt J E B MacLean, (Mid Upper Gunner) 434528 Flt Sgt M J Kerrigan (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Koetschen a little over one mile south of Merseburg., which is located 20 miles north of Leipzig. Six of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Kerrigan became a POW. Those killed are buried in the Choloy War Cemetery, France. Choloy is a village 28kms west of Nancy and 5kms west of Toul, a town on the N4 road from Paris to Nancy Locality Meurthe-et-Moselle, France. Flt Sgt Kerrigan died as a POW on 22 March 1945 He is buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. :
81
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT 421921 Flight Sergeant MERES, Frank Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/27/192 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 259 Volume 1943 Lancaster Aircraft Type: W 4133 Serial number: MS – Z Radio call sign: ATTD 9 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Whiles engaged on a night cross country exercise Lancaster W4133 crashed and burst into flames at 0140 hours on the 7 August 1943, while doing a circuit of the RAF Bardney airfield. The aircraft took off at 1934 hours on 6th August and the ETA was 0134 hours on the 7th August.. All the crew were killed in the accident. Crew: RAF Sgt J B Davis, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J D Lofthouse, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt P C W Wyatt, (Navigator) RAF Sgt S Robertson, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt J H Stevens, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E Taylor, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 421921 Flt Sgt F Meres, (Rear Gunner) At the time of the accident full airfield lighting including the outer circle and the illuminated ‘B’ on the watch office roof was on. W4133 was plotted by the ROC post F2 at Cherry Willingham near Lincoln heading for Bardney. The plot was taken over by Bardney ROC post F1 and the aircraft approached Bardney airfield due north at 3000 feet. It’s navigation lights and tail light were on. The engine note sounded normal to the 2 personnel in the post and nothing unusual was observed. The circuit lighting was on at 0130 hours but there was no canopy lighting except at Woodhall Spa. There were no other aircraft in the circuit Apparently with the same power setting the aircraft passed over the airfield and then gradually losing height did a slow right hand turn from a southerly heading on to a north west heading. It passed over Post F1 south west of Bardney village one mile, at 300 feet slowly losing height in the direction of the village. The engine note did not change nor were the usual throttle back or increased pitch symptoms heard. The aircraft continued its shallow descent and at about 180 miles per hour crashed in a field near Bardney village at 0138 hours and catch fire. All the crew were killed. The Court of Inquiry concluded “evidence as exists suggests the aircraft stalled in a turn while circling the airfield. Error of judgement.” Flt Sgt Meres and Sgt Wyatt are buried in the Lincoln (Newport) Cemetery, UK Sgt Davis is buried in the Plumstead Cemetery, London, UK Sgt Lofthouse is buried in the Preston (New Hall Lane) Cemetery, Lancashire UK. Sgt Robertson is buried in the Warrington Cemetery, Lancashire, UK.
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Sgt Stevens is buried in the City of London & Tower Hamlets Cemetery, UK Sgt Taylor is buried in the Pelton Cemetery, Durham, UK
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 408610 Flight Sergeant MORGAN, Laurence Alfred Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/15 Commonwealth War Graves Records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 31 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ED 477 WS – O ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ED477 took off from RAF Waddington at 2349 hours on the night of 30/31st January 1943 to bomb Hamburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RNZAF RAF RAAF
411563 Flt Sgt J F Thomas, Captain (Pilot) Sgt S F McLean, (Flight Engineer) Sgt J Murtagh (Navigator) Sgt B M Swallow, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt W J Veysey, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt A W Hover, (Mid Upper Gunner) 408610 Flt Sgt L A Morgan, (Rear Gunner)
A Missing research & Enquiry team later established that the aircraft was shot down and crashed near the village of Ristedt. Local eye witnesses stated “at 0300 hours on 31/1/1943 a four engine bomber approached the village from the west, height about 1000 feet. The aircraft was burning in the air. Within a few minutes the aircraft crashed on Ristedt Moor, a pasture land belonging to a farmer by the name of Jacob of Ristedt. No explosion was heard and it was assumed there were no bombs on the aircraft when it crashed.” All the crew were killed. Flt Sgt Thomas is buried in the Sage War Cemetery. Sage is a village 24kms south of Oldenburg, a town 43kms west of Bremen, Locality Oldenburg, Niedersachsen, Germany. The other six crew members are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. Locality Kamp Lintfort, NordrheinWestfal, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400029 Sergeant ORBUCK, Laurence David Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 (65) Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 63 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington X 3702 WS ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington X3702 took off from RAF Honington at 2205 hours on the night of 10/11th April 1942 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
PO MacTaggart A Captain (Pilot) Sgt J Walker (Pilot) 400029 Sgt L D Orbuck, (Observer) Sgt R O Francis, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt S Elmes, (Air Gunner) Sgt H M Tapley, (Air Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down and crashed at Himmelgeist on the east bank of the Rhine, 9kms ESE of Neuss, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany.
85
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 417512 Flight Sergeant PAYNE, Malcolm Henry Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/614 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 326, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 221 WS – K ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM221 took off from RAF Bardney at 2159 hours on the night of12/13th July 1944 to bomb the railway junction at Culmont, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAF RCAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF
FO Hallett, W A M Captain (Pilot) Sgt A F Grieve, (Flight Engineer) FO Armstrong, J F (Navigator) 420436 Flt Sgt D G W Brown, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt F E Shaw, (Wireless Air Gunner) 421769 Flt Sgt A D Tagget, (Air Gunner) 417512 Flt Sgt M H Payne, (Air Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Cour L’Eveque on the east bank of the Aujon. Cour L’Eveque is a village 28kms south of Chaumont, Locality Haute-Maine, France. The average age of the crew was 22 years. A Memorial Stone on the spot where the aircraft crashed was erected by the citizens of Arc-en-Barrois, France in memory of the crew. A Memorial service and unveiling took place on 21 July 1966.
86
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 417110 Pilot Officer PEAK, Colin Albert Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 166/32/351 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 169 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster DV 198 WS – O ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster DV198 took off from RAF Bardney at 2249 hours on the night of 10/11th April 1944to bomb railway yards at Tours, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF USAAF RAF RAF RAF
417110 PO Peak, C A Captain (Pilot) Sgt E W Kindred, (Flight Engineer) Sgt T W Varey, (Navigator) FO Wilkes, J E (Bomb Aimer) Sgt V W G Torbett, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt J Nelson, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt J Hogan (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at St-Pierre-des-Corps a south eastern suburb of Paris when it was hit by ack-ack fire and exploded in the air.
All the crew were killed. Six of the crew are buried in the Nantes (Pont-du-Cens) Loire Communal Cemetery. Nantes is a town on the River Loire about 48kms east of St Nazaire. Locality Loire-Atlantique, France. The Cemetery is on the north western outskirts of the town on the western side of the road to Rennes. FO Wilkes is buried in the US Military Cemetery, Normandy at St Laurent-sur-Mer (Calvados), France.
87
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 428799 Flight Sergeant SCOTT, Cyril Thomas Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/11/168 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 384 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 757 WS – O ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME757 took off from RAF Bardney at 0832 hours on 13th August 1944 on a daylight mission to bomb shipping at Brest, France. ME757 was seen by other 9 Sqn crews on the same mission to be hit by flak over the target, the port wing tip being shot off. The aircraft turned to port and then dived straight to the ground. No crew were seen to leave the aircraft. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
Flt Lt Relton, E H M Captain (Pilot) Sgt F W Johnson, (Flight Engineer) 425626 Flt Sgt C H Edwards, (Navigator) 426166 Flt Sgt J K Scott, (Bomb Aimer) 428799 Flt Sgt C T Scott, (Wireless air Gunner) 424110 Flt Sgt D W McConville, (Mid Upper Gunner) 24647 Flt Sgt W R Andrew, (Rear Gunner
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Plougastel-Daoulas (Finistere), 8kms ESE of Brest. All the crew were killed. Six of those killed are buried in the Plougastel-Daoulas Communal Cemetery. Plougastel-Daoulas is a village and commune 8kms ESE of Brest. Flt Sgt Andrew is buried in the Hottot Les Baques Cemetery. Hottot Les Baques is a village 14kms south east of Bayeux. Locality Calvados, France.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 426166 Flight Sergeant SCOTT, John Keith Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/11/168 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 384 Volume 1944, Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 757 WS – O ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME757 took off from RAF Bardney at 0832 hours on 13th August 1944 on a daylight mission to bomb shipping at Brest, France. ME757 was seen by other 9 Sqn crews on the same mission to be hit by flak over the target, the port wing tip being shot off. The aircraft turned to port and then dived straight to the ground. No crew were seen to leave the aircraft. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
Flt Lt Relton, E H M Captain (Pilot) Sgt F W Johnson, (Flight Engineer) 425626 Flt Sgt C H Edwards, (Navigator) 426166 Flt Sgt J K Scott, (Bomb Aimer) 428799 Flt Sgt C T Scott, (Wireless air Gunner) 424110 Flt Sgt D W McConville, (Mid Upper Gunner) 24647 Flt Sgt W R Andrew, (Rear Gunner
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Plougastel-Daoulas (Finistere), 8kms ESE of Brest. All the crew were killed. Six of those killed are buried in the Plougastel-Daoulas Communal Cemetery. Plougastel-Daoulas is a village and commune 8kms ESE of Brest. Flt Sgt Andrew is buried in the Hottot Les Baques Cemetery. Hottot Les Baques is a village 14kms south east of Bayeux. Locality Calvados, France.
:
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 421769 Flight Sergeant TAGGET, Alan Douglas
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/614 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 326, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 221 WS – K ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM221 took off from RAF Bardney at 2159 hours on the night of12/13th July 1944 to bomb the railway junction at Culmont, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAF RCAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF
FO Hallett, W A M Captain (Pilot) Sgt A F Grieve, (Flight Engineer) FO Armstrong, J F (Navigator) 420436 Flt Sgt D G W Brown, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt F E Shaw, (Wireless Air Gunner) 421769 Flt Sgt A D Tagget, (Air Gunner) 417512 Flt Sgt M H Payne, (Air Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Cour L’Eveque on the east bank of the Aujon. Cour L’Eveque is a village 28kms south of Chaumont, Locality Haute-Maine, France. The average age of the crew was 22 years. A Memorial Stone on the spot where the aircraft crashed was erected by the citizens of Arc-en-Barrois, France in memory of the crew. A Memorial service and unveiling took place on 21 July 1966.
90
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 411563 Flight Sergeant THOMAS, Jack Findley Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/15 Commonwealth War Graves Records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 31 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ED 477 WS – O ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ED477 took off from RAF Waddington at 2349 hours on the night of 30/31st January 1943 to bomb Hamburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RNZAF RAF RAAF
411563 Flt Sgt J F Thomas, Captain (Pilot) Sgt S F McLean, (Flight Engineer) Sgt J Murtagh (Navigator) Sgt B M Swallow, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt W J Veysey, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt A W Hover, (Mid Upper Gunner) 408610 Flt Sgt L A Morgan, (Rear Gunner)
A Missing research & Enquiry team later established that the aircraft was shot down and crashed near the village of Ristedt. Local eye witnesses stated “at 0300 hours on 31/1/1943 a four engine bomber approached the village from the west, height about 1000 feet. The aircraft was burning in the air. Within a few minutes the aircraft crashed on Ristedt Moor, a pasture land belonging to a farmer by the name of Jacob of Ristedt. No explosion was heard and it was assumed there were no bombs on the aircraft when it crashed.” All the crew were killed. Flt Sgt Thomas is buried in the Sage War Cemetery. Sage is a village 24kms south of Oldenburg, a town 43kms west of Bremen, Locality Oldenburg, Niedersachsen, Germany. The other six crew members are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. Locality Kamp Lintfort, NordrheinWestfal, Germany.
91
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 410182 Flight Sergeant TREVENA, Alfred Kenneth Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/40/128 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 30 Volume 1944 Lancaster Aircraft Type: ED 721 Serial number: WS – S Radio call sign: ATTD 9 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster ED721 took off from RAF Bardney on the night of 14/15th January 1944 to bomb Brunswick, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF FO Argent, E J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W Lyons, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Forshew, F E (Navigator) RAF Sgt H T Jolliffe, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt G Fradley (Wireless Air Gunner RAAF 410182 Flt Sgt A K Trevena, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF WO Class 11 D A Powley, (Rear Gunner) Five of the crew were killed and Sgt Jolliffe and Sgt Lyons were POW’s Those killed are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery. Locality Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany. Following post war enquiries by a Missing Research and Enquiry Unit it reported “ The Burgomeister at Bartol stated that an aircraft approached the village from the north or north east when firing was heard. It was assumed that the aircraft was being attacked by a night fighter. By the time the aircraft reached the village it had burst into flames and was in a steep dive and no attempt was made to flatten out before it crashed just outside the village.”. In a later POW report Sgt Joliffe stated “Flt Sgt Trevena was still in the aircraft after I left The Germans told me that all the others were killed except Lyons.” Sgt Lyons stated :”Flt Sgt Trevena was still in the aircraft when I jumped. I heard his voice on the I/C just before jumping. The Germans said one of the bodies recovered was wearing a navy blue jumper which I presume was Trevena as the only Australian in the crew. Also the Germans said they had his burnt identity disc with part of his name legible on it. I was also shown 5 chutes salvaged from the aircraft.”
92
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
423359 Flying Officer TYNE, Albert Edward Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA A705, 166/7/494 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 218 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 528 WS – D ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM528 took off from RAF Bardney at 2210 hours on the night of 10/11th May 1944 to attack railway yards at Lille, France. The crew were on their first sortie after arriving from 51 Base on 3 May 1944. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return from the mission. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
414761 PO Campbell, H D Captain (Pilot) Sgt E Fullerton, (Flight Engineer) FO Bennett, A (Navigator) 423359 FO Tyne, A E (Bomb Aimer) Sgt J W L Parker, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J H Butler, (Mid Upper Gunner) FO Botting, H E (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft exploded in flight east of the aiming point and all the crew were killed. PO Campbell, Sgt Fullerton, FO Betting and FO Botting are buried in the HellemmesLille Communal Cemetery. Hellemmes-Lille is a town and commune east of Lille, a major town in the north of France. The Cemetery is on the road to Ascq, Locality Nord, France. FO Tyne and Sgt Butler are buried in the Forest-sur-Marque Communal Cemetery. Forest-sur-Marque is a village about 9lms east of Lille and 6kms south of Roubaix. The Cemetery is at the southern end of the village on the main road to Ascq. Sgt Parker has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
93
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 425794 Flight Sergeant WHITE, Walter John Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/664 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 218 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 520 WS – X ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM520 took off from RAF Bardney at 2213 hours on the night of 10/11th May 1944 to bomb railway yards at Lille, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
PO Stafford, A G captain (Pilot) Sgt H C Dixey, (Flight Engineer) Sgt E B Hudson (Navigator) Flt Lt Bell, G DFC (Bomb Aimer) Sgt H W Matthews, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt D A Cato, (Mid Upper Gunner) 425794 Flt Sgt W J White, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Forest-sur-Marque (Nord), 9kms east of Lille. All the crew were killed. PO Stafford,Sgt Dixey, Sgt Hudson and Flt Sgt White are buried in the Communal Cemetery at Forest-sur-Marque, which is a village about 9kms east of Lille, a major town in the north of France, and 6kms south of Roubaix. Locality Nord, France. The other crew members Flt Lt Bell, Sgt’s Matthews and Cato have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
94
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 410826 Flying Officer WOOLSTENCROFT, Bernard Selby Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/1070 AWM 54 : 779/3/129 Parts ?? Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 156, Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NG 235 WS – H ATTD 9 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster NG235 took off from RAF Bardney at 1826 hours on the night of 8/9th April 1945 to bomb an oil refinery at Lutzkendorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
410826 FO Woolstencroft B S Captain (Pilot) Sgt W C Lewis, (Flight Engineer) 432029 Flt Sgt L A Bayley, (Navigator) FO C P W Warren, (Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt L Robinson, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt G T Greenwood, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt E Williams, (Rear Gunner)
Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Williams was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery. A 1948 Missing Research & Enquiry Unit report stated “the aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire and crashed on 8 April 1945 at Kapellendorf which is approx 6 miles east of Weimar, Germany. In a POW report Sgt Williams stated “ Our aircraft was hit by ack-ack a few minutes after leaving the target, and immediately took fire. I heard the Pilot give the order to jump. I could also hear “help” form the forward part of the aircraft. I did not see any of the others bale out. The Germans did not give me any information re the others. The aircraft crashed approx 10 miles from Lutzkendorf.”
95
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 38423 Pilot Officer EDWARDS, Peter Colin Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/11/218 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 522, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax NR 246 ZA – Y 10 Sqn RAF
Summary : : On the 26th December 1944, Halifax NR246 took off from RAF Melbourne, Yorkshire, at 1250 hours, detailed to attack enemy troop positions at St Vith, Belgium. The aircraft was presuemed to be over the target at 1535 hours and at 1635 hours a fix was obtained in position 50.57N 15.3E. At 1636 a call sign stating “tail damage” was received from approx over Calais. It was believed the aircraft had plunged into the sea off the Kent resort of Margate at around 1640 hours, having been heard on W/T at 1633 hours and again three minutes later. The crew of seven were killed in the crash. Crew : RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO B Yates, Captain (Pilot) Sgt P J Mansell, (Flight Engineer) PO MacLeod, W R D (Navigator) PO Gower, J G (Air Bomber) 38423 PO Edwards, P C (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt T Murphy, (Air Gunner) PO Addyman, D E (Air Gunner)
Sgt Mnasell is buried in the Gaywood (St Faith) Churchyard, UK. Sgt Murphy is buried min the Liverpool (Ford) Roman Catholic Cemetery, UK. PO Addyman is buried in the Thames Ditton (St Nicholas) Churchyard, UK. The other four crew members have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.
96
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 414001 Pilot Officer COCKREM, Harry William George Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/244 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorlry : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 334, Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax HX 159 ZAZ- L 10 Sqn RAF
Summary: On the night of the 27/28th September 1943, Halifax HX159 took off from RAF Melbourne, Yorkshire, at 1921 hours, detailed to bomb Hanover, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
414001 P O Cockrem, H W G Captain (Pilot) Sgt H A Stanworth, (Flight Engineer) PO E G J Marsh, (Navigator) Sgt P D Craven (Air Bomber) Sgt H W Nash, (Wireless Air Gunner) PO Barker, R F G (Mid Upper Gunner) 425208 Flt Sgt P Panos, (Rear Gunner)
The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter. Five of the crew were killed, and Sgt’s Craven and Nash were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.
97
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 409874 Pilot Officer LINDSEY, Angus McDonald Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/24/232 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 382, Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax HX 190 ZA – E 10 Sqn RAF
Summary: On the night of the 18/19th November 1943, Halifax HX190 took off from RAF Melbourne, Yorkshire, at 1643 hours, detailed to bomb Mannheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
409874 PO Lindsey, A McD, Captain (Pilot) Sgt C Horton, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt H V Mason, (Navigator) Sgt T A Bird, (Air Bomber) Sgt G R Fraser, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt G J Palmer, (Mid Upper Gunner) WO C Chamber, (Rear Gunner)
The aircraft crashed at Rapscourt (Marne), 10kms south west of Ste-Menehould, France. Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Chamber was a POW. Those who died are buried in the Rapscourt Churchyard, France.
98
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
411593 Flight Sergeant MORLEY, Arthur Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9301 Barcode 5528790 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 217, Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax DT 784 ZA – M 10 Sqn RAF
Summary: On the 3/4th July 1943, Halifax DT784 took off from RAF Melbourne, Yorkshire, at 2303 hours, detailed to bomb Cologne, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew : RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
411593 Flt Sgt A Morley, Captain (Pilot) Sgt W R Redhead, (Flight Engineer) Sgt R L Watson, (Navigator) Sgt R J West, (Air Bomber) R C Samways, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt F Sadler, (Air Gunner) Sgt A R Barlow, (Air Gunner)
The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter, and it crashed at 0135 hours on the 4th July 1943, north east of Malmedy (Liege) Belgium. Flt Sgt Morley and Sgt Sadler were killed in the crash, and the others were POW’s. The two killed are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.
99
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 425208 Flight Sergeant PANOS, Peter Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/244 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorlry : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 334, Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax HX 159 ZAZ- L 10 Sqn RAF
Summary: On the night of the 27/28th September 1943, Halifax HX159 took off from RAF Melbourne, Yorkshire, at 1921 hours, detailed to bomb Hanover, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
414001 P O Cockrem, H W G Captain (Pilot) Sgt H A Stanworth, (Flight Engineer) PO E G J Marsh, (Navigator) Sgt P D Craven (Air Bomber) Sgt H W Nash, (Wireless Air Gunner) PO Barker, R F G (Mid Upper Gunner) 425208 Flt Sgt P Panos, (Rear Gunner)
The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter. Five of the crew were killed, and Sgt’s Craven and Nash were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.
100
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
415981 Pilot Officer HENDERSON, Thomas Whyndam Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/17/622 Commonwealth War Graves records Halifax MX 532 10 Sqn RAF
Summary: On the 9/10th January 1944, Halifax MX532 took off from RAF Melbourne, Yorkshire, at 0021 hours, detailed to bomb LavaL France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base. Crew : RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
415981 PO Henderson, T W Captain (Pilot) Sgt S W Pearce, (Flight Engineer) FO Henderson, N R (Navigator) Sgt H Bradbury, (Air Bomber) Sgt P Gaimes, (Wireless Operator) Sgt L A Brothers, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt E C Wicks, (Tail Gunner)
All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Laval (Valfleury) Communal Cemetery, France.
101
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
401819 Sergeant HENRY, Ambrose James Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/121/224 Commonwealth War Graves records Halifax W7767 10 Sqn RAF
Summary: On the 7th September 1942, Halifax W7767 crashed at approx 0115 hours in the target area near Krefeld, Germany, and all the crew were killed. Crew ; RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
PO D W E Morgan, Captain (Pilot) Sgt J Rice, (Flight Engineer) Sgt A M Milne, (Navigator) Sgt L E Billings, (Air Bomber) Sgt A Morris, (1st Wireless Operator) 401819 Sgt A J Henry, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt H J Loveday, (Tail Gunner)
All the crew are buried in the Rheichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
102
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
401939 Pilot Officer GEDDES, Roy Hamilton Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/15/67 Commonwealth War Graves records Halifax HR 697 10 Sqn RAF
Summary: On the 29th June 1943. Halifax HE697 crashed in Holland and six of the crew were killed. Crew : RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
401939 PO Geddes, R H (Pilot) Sgt R S White, (Pilot) Sgt D Brown, (Navigator) PO H E Cross, (Navigator) PO Bradshaw, R E (Air Bomber) Flt Sgt C Entwhistle, ( 411231 Sgt R Shannon, ( Sgt A W Both, (Air Gunner)
Killed Killed Killed Killed Killed Survived Survived Killed
Those who lost their lives are buried in the Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Locality Gelderland, Netherlands.
103
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
415040 Flight Sergeant MILLS, John Franklin Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/27/126
Commonwealth War Graves records
Halifax DT 732 10 Sqn RAF
Summary: On the 14th May 1943, Halifax DT732, crashed in the Zuider Zee, Holland and all the crew were killed. Crew : RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
415040 Flt Sgt J F Mills, Captain (Pilot) Sgt J C Howie, (Flight Engineer) Sgt J S Macadam, (Navigator) Sgt J W Avent, (Air Bomber) Sgt A Jones, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt C Maltby, (Air Gunner) Sgt E J C Howard, (Air Gunner)
Flt Sgt Mills has no known grave. His name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK. Sgt Macadam is buried in the Lemsteland (Lemmer) General Cemetery, Netherlands. The other five crew members are buried in the Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery, Netherlands. .
104
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
417472 Flying Officer FREEMAN, Keith Herbert Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/14/239 Commonwealth War Graves records Halifax LV 912 10 Sqn RAF
Summary On the 21st July 1944, Halifax LV912 crashed at Schoeppingen, Germany, and all the crew were killed Crew : RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
FO Hadley, N Captain (Pilot) 417472 FO Freeman, K H (2nd Pilot) PO Flanagan, M (Flight Engineer) FO Rich, T (Navigator) Flt Sgt P J Mosley-Leigh, (Air Bomber) Sgt W R Tomlinson, (Wireless Air Gunner) PO Brittain, P H (Air Gunner) Sgt A Grant, (Air Gunner)
All the crew are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
105
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 162 Flight Lieutenant BELL, John Napier Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/23/53 Commonwealth War Graves records Walrus Aircraft Type: L 2312 Serial number: Radio call sign: 10 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: On the 18th June 1940, Walrus L2312 crashed at Ploudaniel, France and all on board were killed. They are buried in the Ploudaniel Churchyard, France. Crew : RAAF 162 Flt Lt Bell, J N (Pilot) RAAF 1730 Sgt C W Harris, (Observer) RAF Cpl B F Nowell, (W E Mechanic) UK Army Capt Hope, (PAX) The Admiralty suggested that an arrangement be made for an aircraft to take an Admiralty passenger on a secret mission to the north coast of Brittany. The passenger himself would indicate where he wished to be landed and on instructions from the PM of Great Britain would endeavour to collect certain individuals and bring them back to the aircraft for passage to England. Walrus L2312 was detailed for the task. The time of return depended on whether the people concerned could be found, and also on events on the Brittany coast. The Germans were expected to approach the vicinity about 3pm on the 18th, but the Walrus would quite likely not take off until dark on the 18th.. The aircraft was to be fully armed ready to keep a defensive watch at all times, especially when seaborne. to and from Mount Batten. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base. On the 19th June Motor Transport Boat No 29 after embarking an interpreter and a skiff, was despatched from England to the same locality, to arrive off the main channel to Morlaix at 12.1am on the 20/6. The skiff was to be used to land the interpreter, who was to endeavour to find the individuals previously mentioned and to convey them to the motor boat. The interpreter was also ordered to make enquiries re the crew of the Walrus. The Motor Transport boat returned to say the interpreter had landed but found the area already occupied by the Germans. Although the above arrangements did not succeed, the “party in question” did arrive in England, although by what means is not recorded on the above Archive file. It can only be surmised that the party in question was probably the Duke and Duchess of Windsor who were living in France after the Duke, (formerly Prince Edward, Prince of Wales) had abdicated, and that the Admiralty suggestion (under instructions from the UK PM),was intended to prevent the Duke and Duchess being captured by the Germans... Later it was established that the Walrus crashed in fog at Ploudaniel, France, about 18 miles from Brest and all on board were killed. .
106
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400067 Flying Officer APPLETON, Edward Francis Source : AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/3/38 Commonwealth War Graves records Blenheim Z 7648 11 Sqn RAF
Summary : On the 5th April 1943, Sqn Ldr Mathieson was flying Blenheim Z9667 in No 7 position in a formation of nine Blenheims, detailed to bomb the drome at Meiktila, Burma. The formation was flying at about 15000 feet, and the formation had made two runs over the town which bore some resemblance to Meiktila, and Sqn Ldr Mathieson was moving to starboard for a third run, when his gunner cried out “look out”, and immediately after there was a collision with No 5 aircraft in the formation.(Z7648). Sqn Ldr Mathieson ordered bale out but received no reply. For some time there was a fire in the cockpit, and the aircraft remained locked together. As soon as the planes broke free and the fire subsided, Sqn Ldr Mathieson escaped through the front hatch, the aircraft then being in an inverted spin and minus the rear portion of the fuselage. The bombs blew up when Z0667 hit the ground. The aircraft crashed at approx 1600 hours south of Tarma and 8 miles ESE of Meiktila. Crew : Z7648 RAAF 402942 Flt Sgt H Besley, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 407418 Flt Sgt G A Foster, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 400247 WO D T Andrew, (Wireless Air Gunner) Crew : Z9667 RAAF Sqn Ldr Matheson, W R Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400067 FO Appleton, E S (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 404225 Flt Sgt T J Wixted, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sqn Ldr Mathieson survived the crash, and Flt Sgt Besley was a POW. The other four members of both crews are buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar. The cemetery adjoins the village of Taukkyan, and is about 35kms north of Yangoon (formerly Rangoon). . Flt Sgt Besley survived the war and was discharged FO from the RAAF on the 16/11/1945, He was awarded the Military Medal. WO Besley (POW) reported in 1945 “ I baled out at 10000 feet and saw the aircraft crash and explode. The two aircraft were locked together in flames, spun and fell to pieces. I also saw another chute at about 1000 feet and then it disappeared in cloud. I landed about one mile from the crash and was captured two hours later. Sqn Ldr Matheson a member of the other aircraft was brought in later the same evening. The Japs said that four bodies had been found and buried.”
107
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 404195 Warrant Officer BENNETT, James Frederick Morgan Source: AWM 237 (65)
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/5/809
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim L 1317 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: Both Blenheim L1317 and V5906 carried out a raid on motor transport near Gambut on 28th November 1941. After the raid L1317 went down to rescue the crew of V5096 which had been force landed. After picking up the crew and that of a Hurricane L1317 was shot down by ack-ack fire. Crew: SAAF RAAF RAAF
Lt Patterson, Captain (Pilot) 407284 PO Burgan, G S DFC (Observer) 404195 WO J F M Bennett, (Wireless Air Gunner)
Available records do not reveal the fate of Lt Patterson.. Both PO Burgan and WO Bennett were POW’s. WO Bennett was later killed when a train he was on was strafed by RAF Mustangs on the afternoon of 19 February 1945 at Halberstadt, Thuringia. He is buried in the Berlian 1939-1945 War Cemetery. PO Burgan subsequently escaped from captivity and the circumstances are outlined in the following DFC citation : PO Burgan, G S 407284, RAAF attached to 11 Sqn RAF : “This officer has shown outstanding keenness and ability during the campaign in the Western Desert. On one occasion he was shot down and taken prisoner but, displaying great daring and initiative, he succeeded in escaping and brought back much valuable information.” (AWM 65 (510 refers) The DFC was awarded on 7/4/1942. FO Burgan lost his life on 9/4/1942 on another mission with 11 Sqn RAF and has no known grave.
108
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 404012 Sergeant CARDNO, William Gunyan Source: AWM 237 (65)
NAA : A705, 163/95/313
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Commonwealth War Graves records
Summary: Sgt Cardno (Wireless Air Gunner) died in a ground accident on 28 June 1942. He is buried in the Colombo (Kanatte) General Cemetery, Sri Lanka. The Cemetery is at Borella, an important road junction on the Kanatte road and is known locally as the Borella cemetery.
109
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 408027 Pilot Officer CUBITT, Colin Lloyd Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/8/123
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 7619 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z7619 crashed into the sea in the Bay of Bengal near Cox’s Bazaar due to enemy action at 3am (Z) on 21 May 1943. The crash was in position 021.30N 091.55E some 60 miles south of Chittagong. The aircraft had taken off from Chittagong and was attacked by Japanese fighters and shot down. All on board were killed. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF
406373 PO Stokes, R J Captain (Pilot) PO C Pigdon, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 408027 PO Cubitt, C L (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt C P Hutton (Fitter 11A) 400664 PO Simpson, N F D Pax (a pilot of 79 Sqn RAF)
PO Stokes, Pigdon, Cubitt and Simpson are buried in the Chittagong War Cemetery, Bangladesh. The Cemetery is in the Dampura locality, No 19 Bash Mia road 22kms north of the airport. Sgt Hutton has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial which stands in the Kranji War Cemetery which is 22kms north of the City of Singapore Island overlooking the Straits of Johore..
110
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400426 Flying Officer DEGENHARDT, Charles George Source: AWM 237 (65)
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/27/102
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim V 5644 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: During operations is the Western Desert, Middle East on 22 November 1941, V5644 was damaged in the observers compartment as a result of ack-ack fire, and the observer FO Degenhardt died from his wounds. The other two crew members were unhurt. Crew: SAAF RAAF RAF
2nd Lt Burrage, R J Captain (Pilot) 400426 FO Degenhardt, C G (Observer) Flt Sgt Mapey, (Wireless Air Gunner)
FO Degenharft is buried in the Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt. The cemetery is on the main coast road from Mersa Matruh through to Libya, and is on the east side of Halfaya Sollum, approx 12kms from the Egypt/Libyan border.
111
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400247 Warrant Officer ANDREW, David Thomas Source : AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/3/38 Commonwealth War Graves records Blenheim Z 7648
11 Sqn RAF Summary : On the 5th April 1943, Sqn Ldr Mathieson was flying Blenheim Z9667 in No 7 position in a formation of nine Blenheims, detailed to bomb the drome at Meiktila, Burma. The formation was flying at about 15000 feet, and the formation had made two runs over the town which bore some resemblance to Meiktila, and Sqn Ldr Mathieson was moving to starboard for a third run, when his gunner cried out “look out”, and immediately after there was a collision with No 5 aircraft in the formation.(Z7648). Sqn Ldr Mathieson ordered bale out but received no reply. For some time there was a fire in the cockpit, and the aircraft remained locked together. As soon as the planes broke free and the fire subsided, Sqn Ldr Mathieson escaped through the front hatch, the aircraft then being in an inverted spin and minus the rear portion of the fuselage. The bombs blew up when Z0667 hit the ground. The aircraft crashed at approx 1600 hours south of Tarma and 8 miles ESE of Meiktila. Crew : Z7648 RAAF 402942 Flt Sgt H Besley, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 407418 Flt Sgt G A Foster, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 400247 WO D T Andrew, (Wireless Air Gunner) Crew : Z9667 RAAF Sqn Ldr Matheson, W R Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400067 FO Appleton, E S (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 404225 Flt Sgt T J Wixted, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sqn Ldr Mathieson survived the crash, and Flt Sgt Besley was a POW. The other four members of both crews are buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar. The cemetery adjoins the village of Taukkyan, and is about 35kms north of Yangoon (formerly Rangoon). . Flt Sgt Besley survived the war and was discharged FO from the RAAF on the 16/11/1945, He was awarded the Military Medal. WO Besley (POW) reported in 1945 “ I baled out at 10000 feet and saw the aircraft crash and explode. The two aircraft were locked together in flames, spun and fell to pieces. I also saw another chute at about 1000 feet and then it disappeared in cloud. I landed about one mile from the crash and was captured two hours later. Sqn Ldr Matheson a member of the other aircraft was brought in later the same evening. The Japs said that four bodies had been found and buried.”
112
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400523 Flight Sergeant BIRDSEY, Keith Charles `
Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/66 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Blenheim V 6010 11 Sqn RAF
Summary : At 1230 hours on the 5th March 1943, Blenheim V6010 was returning from a raid on Yegyanbin and was flying as No 6 in a formation of six Blenheims at a height of 2000 feet. When the aircraft were south east of Cox’x Bazaar, Blenheim V6010 swung to port without warning as the port engine had failed. The Pilot decided to crash land in a paddy field when only 100 feet and made a wheels up landing. The aircraft skidded and it struck a raised pathway three feet high. Flt Sgt Birdsey was killed, and the other two crew members were slightly injured, Crew : RAAF RAAF RAAF
406258 Flt Sgt J J O’Donnell, Captain (Pilot) Slightly injured 400523 Flt Sgt K C Birdsey, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 409224 Flt Sgt C A Williams, (Wireless Air Gunner)
Flt Sgt Birdsey is buried in the Chittagong War Cemetery, Bangladesh.
113
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 404927 Flight Sergeant DUNN, Ian Clarke Source: AWM 237 (65)
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/104/133
Commonwealth War Graves records
Wellington Z 8579 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington Z8579 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2333 hours on 2 July 1942 to bomb Bremen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RNZAF RAF RAF RAF
404927 Flt Sgt I C Dunn, Captain (Pilot) Sgt H Butler-Williams, (Observer) Sgt K W Hawkins, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt D Evans, (Front Gunner) Sgt S Morris (Rear Gunner)
A post war report by a Missing Enquiry & Research Unit stated “The aircraft crashed at Exeltor near Lochem, Holland.” Three of the crew were killed and Sgt’s Hawkins & Morris were POW’s Those killed are buried in the Laren (Barchem) General Cemetery, Gelderland, Netherlands. The town of Barchem is situated south-east of Appeldoorn off the N346. From the motorway A1 turn off at Lochem on to the N332. Follow the N332 to the junction with the N346 . Turn left onto the N346 in the direction of Barchem. In a later report Sgt Morris stated “ The aircraft crashed at Lochem, Holland. Sgt Williams, Dunn and Evans were still in the aircraft when I left. Both Willaims and Evans were killed in the engagement with an enemy night fighter when the aircraft exploded Hawkins was a POW.” Sgt Hawkins reported “ Morris baled out before me, and the other three were still in the aircraft. Morris is a POW like myself.”
114
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 406103 Pilot Officer FERGUSON, Bruce McKenzie
Source: AWM 237 (65)
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/13/10
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 9664 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z9664 left Fenni on 17 January 1943 an operational raid on Rathedaung village together with five other aircraft from the Squadron. The target was bombed and the aircraft commenced their return to Fenni. On landing at 1745 hours at Fenni Z9664 exploded when it landed and the aircraft completely disintegrated and burnt. A 250lb bomb had hung up instead of being released. All the crew were killed. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
406103 PO Ferguson, B Mck Captain (Pilot) 406132 Flt Sgt D J Lock, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 402042 WO J H Stevenson, (Wireless Air Gunner)
The three crew members are buried in the Maynamati War Cemetery, Bangladesh. Maynamati is some 7kms from the centre of Comilla, which is on the railway line linking Dhaka to Chittagong.. The cemetery can be reached by train from the Comilla railway station, 9kms from the cemetery.
115
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 402126 Pilot Officer LEA, Reginald John Howard Source: AWM 237 (65)
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/42/53
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 5891 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z5891 during air operations over Beirut in Syria on 13 June 1941 was shot down and destroyed. All the crew were killed in the crash. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF
402126 PO Lea, R J H Captain (Pilot) Sgt A S F Jones, Sgt W C Ferguson
Both PO Lea and Sgt Jones were killed and they are buried in the Beirut War Cemetery, Lebanese Republic. The Cemetery is located on Rye Jalloul, which runs west of Avenue de Novembre in the El Horj district of Beirut to the west of the Forest of Pines. The cemetery is located next to the French Cemetery. Available records do not reveal the fate of Sgt Ferguson, nor the musters of both Jones and Ferguson.
116
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 406132 Flight Sergeant LOCK, Derek John Source: AWM 237 (65)
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/25/11
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 9664 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z9664 left Fenni on 17 January 1943 an operational raid on Rathedaung village together with five other aircraft from the Squadron. The target was bombed and the aircraft commenced their return to Fenni. On landing at 1745 hours at Fenni Z9664 exploded when it landed and the aircraft completely disintegrated and burnt. A 250lb bomb had hung up instead of being released. All the crew were killed. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
406103 PO Ferguson, B Mck Captain (Pilot) 406132 Flt Sgt D J Lock, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 402042 WO J H Stevenson, (Wireless Air Gunner)
The three crew members are buried in the Maynamati War Cemetery, Bangladesh. Maynamati is some 7kms from the centre of Comilla, which is on the railway line linking Dhaka to Chittagong.. The cemetery can be reached by train from the Comilla railway station, 9kms from the cemetery.
117
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 407718 Flight Sergeant MALCOLM, Robert Haydon Source: AWM 237 (65)
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/27/108
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 5980 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: Flt Sgt Malcolm was killed accidentally on 18 April 1943 at Fenni when hit by a propeller when alighting from an aircraft. Blenheim Z5980 of which Flt Sgt Malcolm was the navigator bomb aimer had landed and was signalled into its dispersal bay by LAC Overton a Fitter 11A. Malcolm was seen to leave the cockpit and walk down the catwalk, evidently with the intention of assisting to signal the pilot into the entrance to the pen. On leaving the aircraft Malcolm attempted to walk underneath the mainplane and although the aircraft was stationery walked into the propeller from the rear. He was unlucky to be hit as he had almost cleared the propeller. The engines were immediately switched off and the ambulance called, but Malcolm was found to be dead. An Inquiry found that the deceased had accidentally walked into the airscrew. Flt Sgt Malcolm is buried in the Maynamati War Cemetery, Bangladesh. Maynamati is 7kms from the centre of Comilla, which is on the railway line linking Dhaka to Chittagong. It can be reached by train from Comilla railway station, 9kms from the cemetery.
118
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 407522 Pilot Officer MORPHETT, Philip Harold Source: AWM 237 (65)
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/28/122
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 7977 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z7977 crashed at 0648Z on 5 August 1943 during a ferry trip to Nagpur. The aircraft dived into the ground at high speed and exploded on impact and all the crew were killed. There was heavy rain and low cloud at the time. The aircraft crashed 6 miles south of Barabhum, Bengal, India. Barabhum is approx 70 miles ESE of Ranchi and 140 miles WNW of Calcutta. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF
PO Beresford, A Captain (Pilot) 407522 PO Morphett, P H (2nd Pilot) WO L Davies, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Cpl E W Gillingwater, (Quartermaster) PAX.
The crew of four are buried in the Ranchi War Cemetery, Bengal, India. Ranchi is a town in the State of Jharkhand, some 419kms NW of Calcutta, India.
119
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 406256 Sergeant NICHOLS, Albert Mervyn Source: AWM 237 (65)
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/147/221
Commonwealth war Graves records
Blenheim Z 7640 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: At approx 1135 hours on 5 May 1942 Z7640 flying low level along the coast of Ceylon north of Hambantota when approx 400 yards from the shore, the port engine failed, causing the port wing to drop and strike the water. The aircraft swung violently and dived into the sea to sink immediately in 5 fathoms of water. Two of the crew were injured but they succeeded in extracting Sgt Nichols from the plane and bring him to shore. Artificial respiration however failed to revive him. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
406256 Sgt A M Nichols Captain (Pilot) 406193 Sgt H J Cargill, (Observer) 400256 Sgt K M Jones, (Wireless Air Gunner)
Sgt Nichols is buried in the Colombo (Kanatte) General Cemetery in Sri Lanka.. The Cemetery is a large general cemetery at Borella, an important road junction on the Kanetta Road, and is known locally as the Borella Cemetery.
120
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 403006 Squadron Leader PROUDFOOT, Samuel George Source: AWM 237 (65) No Casualty file is held by Archives. NAA : A9300 Barcode 5261962 WW2 Nominal Roll Commonwealth War Graves records.
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: Sqn Ldr Proudfoot (Pilot) lost his life on 13 September 1943 in an aircraft accident at Hindiganal, India. Available records do not provide any information as to the circumstances of the accident. Sqn Ldr Proudfoot had previously trained on Blenheim aircraft. He is buried at Madras War Cemetery, Chennai, India. The cemetery is about 5kms from the airport and 14kms from the central station.
121
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 402042 Warrant Officer STEVENSON, John Hunter Source: AWM 237 (65)
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/25/11
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 9664 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z9664 left Fenni on 17 January 1943 an operational raid on Rathedaung village together with five other aircraft from the Squadron. The target was bombed and the aircraft commenced their return to Fenni. On landing at 1745 hours at Fenni Z9664 exploded when it landed and the aircraft completely disintegrated and burnt. A 250lb bomb had hung up instead of being released. All the crew were killed. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
406103 PO Ferguson, B Mck Captain (Pilot) 406132 Flt Sgt D J Lock, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 402042 WO J H Stevenson, (Wireless Air Gunner)
The three crew members are buried in the Maynamati War Cemetery, Bangladesh. Maynamati is some 7kms from the centre of Comilla, which is on the railway line linking Dhaka to Chittagong.. The cemetery can be reached by train from the Comilla railway station, 9kms from the cemetery.
122
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 406373 Pilot Officer STOKES, Reginald James Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/8/123
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 7619 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z7619 crashed into the sea in the Bay of Bengal near Cox’s Bazaar due to enemy action at 3AM (Z) on 21 May 1943. The crash was in position 021.30N 091.55E some 60 miles south of Chittagong. All the crew were killed. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF
406373 PO Stokes, R J Captain (Pilot) PO C Pigden, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 408027 PO Cubitt, C L (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt C P Hutton (Fitter 11A) 400664 PO Simnpson, N F D PAX (a pilot of 79Sqn RAF)
PO’s Stokes, Pigden, and Cubitt, and Sgt Hutton are buried in the Chittagong War Cemetery, Bangladesh. The Cemetery is in the Dampura locality, No 19 Bash Mia road 22kms north of the airport. PO Simpson has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial which stands in the Kranji War Cemetery which is 22kms north of the City of Singapore Island overlooking the Straits of Johore..
123
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 404223 Sgt WATT, Noel Alexander Source: AWM 237 (65)
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : 705, 163/177/248
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 7968 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z7968 took off on an operational flight on 15 March 1942 from the adjoining aerodrome at Satmalana near Colombo, India, and crashed at 2.15pm as a result of engine failure on take off. Along with other Squadron aircraft Z7968 had been detailed to find and attack 50 seaborne enemy aircraft which had been reported on the north west coast of Ceylon. About half way along the runway the pilot cut in plus boost and the aircraft became airborne. At about 50 feet the starboard engine failed and in spite of efforts by the pilot to maintain control, the aircraft swung to the right and spun into coconut trees. The aircraft carried 4 x 250lb bombs. The Pilot was killed, and the Air Gunner was dangerously injured and died of his injuries on the same day. The Observer was also badly injured in the accident. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
404191 Sgt S W White, Captain (Pilot) 400196 Sgt R D Stair (Observer) 404223 Sgt N A Watt, (Air Gunner)
Both Sgt White and Sgt Watt are buried in the Colombo (Kanatte) War Cemetery, Sri Lanka. The Cemetery is at Borella, an important road junction on the Kanatte road and is known locally as the Borella cemetery.
124
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 404191 Sergeant WHITE, Sydney Walter Source: AWM 237 (65)
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : 705, 163/177/248
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 7968 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z7968 took off on an operational flight on 15 March 1942 from the adjoining aerodrome at Satmalana near Colombo, India, and crashed at 2.15pm as a result of engine failure on take off. Along with other Squadron aircraft Z7968 had been detailed to find and attack 50 seaborne enemy aircraft which had been reported on the north west coast of Ceylon. About half way along the runway the pilot cut in plus boost and the aircraft became airborne. At about 50 feet the starboard engine failed and in spite of efforts by the pilot to maintain control, the aircraft swung to the right and spun into coconut trees. The aircraft carried 4 x 250lb bombs. The Pilot was killed, and the Air Gunner was dangerously injured and died of his injuries on the same day. The Observer was also badly injured in the accident. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
404191 Sgt S W White, Captain (Pilot) 400196 Sgt R D Stair (Observer) 404223 Sgt N A Watt, (Air Gunner)
Both Sgt White and Sgt Watt are buried in the Colombo (Kanatte) War Cemetery, Sri Lanka. The Cemetery is at Borella, an important road junction on the Kanatte road and is known locally as the Borella cemetery.
125
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401018 Flight Lieutenant WILLIAMS, Malcolm Gordon Source: AWM 237 (65)
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/43/114
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 7927 ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenhiem Z7927 was attacking enemy positions on 14 March 1943 when it was attacked by enemy fighters. Z7927 broke formation with the starboard engine smoking and crashed at 0620Z hours in position 20.41N 92.34E, Burma. The Pilot and Wireless Air Gunner died in the crash and Flt Lt Williams was admitted to Rathedaung Hospital, Arakan, Burma, only to die of his injuries on 16th March 1943. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
406409 PO Richardson, F Captain (Pilot) 401018 Flt Lt Williams, M G (Pilot acting as Navigator on this mission) 497374 Flt Sgt S A Osborn, (Wireless Air Gunner)
Flt Lt Williams is buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery, Sri Lanka. The Cemetery is outside Yangon (formerly Rangoon) airport and immediately adjoining the village of Taukkyan. Both PO Richardson and Flt Sgt Osborn have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Singapore. The Memorial stands in Kranji War Cemetery which is 22kms north of the city of Singapore, on the north side of the island overlooking the Straits of Johore.
126
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 407418 Flying Officer FOSTER, George Atkinson Source : AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/3/38 Commonwealth War Graves records Blenheim Z 7648
11 Sqn RAF Summary : On the 5th April 1943, Sqn Ldr Mathieson was flying Blenheim Z9667 in No 7 position in a formation of nine Blenheims, detailed to bomb the drome at Meiktila, Burma. The formation was flying at about 15000 feet, and the formation had made two runs over the town which bore some resemblance to Meiktila, and Sqn Ldr Mathieson was moving to starboard for a third run, when his gunner cried out “look out”, and immediately after there was a collision with No 5 aircraft in the formation.(Z7648). Sqn Ldr Mathieson ordered bale out but received no reply. For some time there was a fire in the cockpit, and the aircraft remained locked together. As soon as the planes broke free and the fire subsided, Sqn Ldr Mathieson escaped through the front hatch, the aircraft then being in an inverted spin and minus the rear portion of the fuselage. The bombs blew up when Z0667 hit the ground. The aircraft crashed at approx 1600 hours south of Tarma and 8 miles ESE of Meiktila. Crew : Z7648 RAAF 402942 Flt Sgt H Besley, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 407418 Flt Sgt G A Foster, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 400247 WO D T Andrew, (Wireless Air Gunner) Crew : Z9667 RAAF Sqn Ldr Matheson, W R Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400067 FO Appleton, E S (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 404225 Flt Sgt T J Wixted, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sqn Ldr Mathieson survived the crash, and Flt Sgt Besley was a POW. The other four members of both crews are buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar. The cemetery adjoins the village of Taukkyan, and is about 35kms north of Yangoon (formerly Rangoon). . Flt Sgt Besley survived the war and was discharged FO from the RAAF on the 16/11/1945, He was awarded the Military Medal. WO Besley (POW) reported in 1945 “ I baled out at 10000 feet and saw the aircraft crash and explode. The two aircraft were locked together in flames, spun and fell to pieces. I also saw another chute at about 1000 feet and then it disappeared in cloud. I landed about one mile from the crash and was captured two hours later. Sqn Ldr Matheson a member of the other aircraft was brought in later the same evening. The Japs said that four bodies had been found and buried.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 404225 Flight Sergeant WIXTED, Thomas Joseph Source : AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/3/38 Commonwealth War Graves records Blenheim Z 7648
11 Sqn RAF Summary : On the 5th April 1943, Sqn Ldr Mathieson was flying Blenheim Z9667 in No 7 position in a formation of nine Blenheims, detailed to bomb the drome at Meiktila, Burma. The formation was flying at about 15000 feet, and the formation had made two runs over the town which bore some resemblance to Meiktila, and Sqn Ldr Mathieson was moving to starboard for a third run, when his gunner cried out “look out”, and immediately after there was a collision with No 5 aircraft in the formation.(Z7648). Sqn Ldr Mathieson ordered bale out but received no reply. For some time there was a fire in the cockpit, and the aircraft remained locked together. As soon as the planes broke free and the fire subsided, Sqn Ldr Mathieson escaped through the front hatch, the aircraft then being in an inverted spin and minus the rear portion of the fuselage. The bombs blew up when Z0667 hit the ground. The aircraft crashed at approx 1600 hours south of Tarma and 8 miles ESE of Meiktila. Crew : Z7648 RAAF 402942 Flt Sgt H Besley, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 407418 Flt Sgt G A Foster, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 400247 WO D T Andrew, (Wireless Air Gunner) Crew : Z9667 RAAF Sqn Ldr Matheson, W R Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400067 FO Appleton, E S (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 404225 Flt Sgt T J Wixted, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sqn Ldr Mathieson survived the crash, and Flt Sgt Besley was a POW. The other four members of both crews are buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar. The cemetery adjoins the village of Taukkyan, and is about 35kms north of Yangoon (formerly Rangoon). . Flt Sgt Besley survived the war and was discharged FO from the RAAF on the 16/11/1945, He was awarded the Military Medal. WO Besley (POW) reported in 1945 “ I baled out at 10000 feet and saw the aircraft crash and explode. The two aircraft were locked together in flames, spun and fell to pieces. I also saw another chute at about 1000 feet and then it disappeared in cloud. I landed about one mile from the crash and was captured two hours later. Sqn Ldr Matheson a member of the other aircraft was brought in later the same evening. The Japs said that four bodies had been found and buried.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 410586 Flight Sergeant ADDINSALL, Geoffrey William Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 1667/3/76 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 225, Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster DV 164 PH – W ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster DV164 took off from RAF Wickenby at 2316 hours on the night of 9/10th July 1943 to bomb Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft t after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RCAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
Sgt L F Jeffries, Captain (Pilot) Sgt J Irwin, (Flight Engineer) Sgt C N Roy, (Navigator) PO Oldham, E B (Bomb Aimer) Sgt L R Vincent (Wireless Air Gunner) 410586 Flt Sgt G W Addinsall, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt C J P Meyer, (Rear Gunner)
All the crew were killed and they are buried at Rheichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery if 5kms south west of Kleve.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 434611 Flight Sergeant ARNOLD, Vincent James Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/13/421 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 132, Volume 1945 Lancaster Aircraft Type: ME 526 Serial number: ME – F Radio call sign: ATTD 12 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster ME526 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1714 hours on the night of 16/17th March 1945 to bomb Nuremburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Five aircraft from the Squadron failed to return from the raid. Crew: RAAF 427079 FO Felgate, I L DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H F Nixon, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 9242 Flt Sgt R F L Barber (Navigator) RAF Sgt J C Devine, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 429570 WO J Hyde, (Wireless Operator Air) RAAF 434611 Flt Sgt V J Arnold (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 425917 Flt Sgt G S Barbeler, (Rear Gunner) Five of the crew were killed and Sgt Nixon and Sgt Devine were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Durnbach War cemetery, Bad Tolz, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich. A Missing Research & Enquiry report stated “ the aircraft crashed on a house in Alberndorf near Ansbach at approx 9pm on 16 March 1945.and exploded on impact.” In a letter to Mrs Barber, Sgt Nixon wrote “ We arrived at the target OK and were on the run up to the town itself when a muffled explosion occurred in the starboard wing. The aircraft took fire almost immediately and the Pilot ordered bale out. The Bomb Aimer went before me. As I floated down there was an explosion on the ground which I suspect was the aircraft blowing up. There was time for the others to get out as I floated down for about 10 minutes which shows how high the plane was when I baled out. The aircraft crashed 10/15 miles south west of Nuremburg. I did not meet up with any crew again because I was picked up about 2kms from the Swiss border.” FO Felgate’s DFC Citation is as follows “FO Felgate as pilot has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.” (Gazette 12/2/1946) Awarded with effect 15/3/1945. (AWM 65 (2067) FO Felgate had flown 34 operations.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHM IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 425917 Flight Sergeant BARBELER, Gerard Sydney Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/13/421 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 132, Volume 1945 Lancaster Aircraft Type: ME 526 Serial number: ME – F Radio call sign: ATTD 12 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster ME526 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1714 hours on the night of 16/17th March 1945 to bomb Nuremburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Five aircraft from the Squadron failed to return from the raid. Crew: RAAF 427079 FO Felgate, I L DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H F Nixon, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 9242 Flt Sgt R F L Barber (Navigator) RAF Sgt J C Devine, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 429570 WO J Hyde, (Wireless Operator Air) RAAF 434611 Flt Sgt V J Arnold (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 425917 Flt Sgt G S Barbeler, (Rear Gunner) Five of the crew were killed and Sgt Nixon and Sgt Devine were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Durnbach War cemetery, Bad Tolz, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich. A Missing Research & Enquiry report stated “ the aircraft crashed on a house in Alberndorf near Ansbach at approx 9pm on 16 March 1945.and exploded on impact.” In a letter to Mrs Barber, Sgt Nixon wrote “ We arrived at the target OK and were on the run up to the town itself when a muffled explosion occurred in the starboard wing. The aircraft took fire almost immediately and the Pilot ordered bale out. The Bomb Aimer went before me. As I floated down there was an explosion on the ground which I suspect was the aircraft blowing up. There was time for the others to get out as I floated down for about 10 minutes which shows how high the plane was when I baled out. The aircraft crashed 10/15 miles south west of Nuremburg. I did not meet up with any crew again because I was picked up about 2kms from the Swiss border.” FO Felgate’s DFC Citation is as follows “FO Felgate as pilot has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.” (Gazette 12/2/1946) Awarded with effect 15/3/1945. (AWM 65 (2067) FO Felgate had flown 34 operations.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHME IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 9242 Flight Sergeant BARBER, Raymond Franklin Lindsay Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/13/421 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 132, Volume 1945 (RAF 1-50 B1 D112) Lancaster Aircraft Type: ME 526 Serial number: ME – F Radio call sign: ATTD 12 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster ME526 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1714 hours on the night of 16/17th March 1945 to bomb Nuremburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Five aircraft from the Squadron failed to return from the raid. Crew: RAAF 427079 FO Felgate, I L DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H F Nixon, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 9242 Flt Sgt R F L Barber (Navigator) RAF Sgt J C Devine, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 429570 WO J Hyde, (Wireless Operator Air) RAAF 434611 Flt Sgt V J Arnold (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 425917 Flt Sgt G S Barbeler, (Rear Gunner) Five of the crew were killed and Sgt Nixon and Sgt Devine were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Durnbach War cemetery, Bad Tolz, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich. A Missing Research & Enquiry report stated “ the aircraft crashed on a house in Alberndorf near Ansbach at approx 9pm on 16 March 1945.and exploded on impact.” In a letter to Mrs Barber, Sgt Nixon wrote “ We arrived at the target OK and were on the run up to the town itself when a muffled explosion occurred in the starboard wing. The aircraft took fire almost immediately and the Pilot ordered bale out. The Bomb Aimer went before me. As I floated down there was an explosion on the ground which I suspect was the aircraft blowing up. There was time for the others to get out as I floated down for about 10 minutes which shows how high the plane was when I baled out. The aircraft crashed 10/15 miles south west of Nuremburg. I did not meet up with any crew again because I was picked up about 2kms from the Swiss border.” FO Felgate’s DFC Citation is as follows “FO Felgate as pilot has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.” (Gazette 12/2/1946) Awarded with effect 15/3/1945. (AWM 65 (2067) FO Felgate had flown 34 operations.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 406341 Flight Sergeant BARKER, John Norman Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 163/90/377 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 206, Volume 1942 Wellington Aircraft Type: BJ 777 Serial number: PH Radio call sign: ATTD 12 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Wellington BJ777 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1920 hours on the night of 7/8th September 1942 to carry out a gardening mission off the French coast in the La Pallice area. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
406341 Flt Sgt J N Barker, Captain (Pilot) PO Hewitt, P V (Navigator) PO Howlett, S (Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt W H McAlwane, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J Coyne (Rear Gunner)
All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Pornic War Cemetery, Locality, LoireAtlantique, France. Pornic is on the north side of Borgneuf Bay 51kms WSW of Nantes and 20kms SSE of St Nazaire via the toll bridge over the River Loire. Flt Sgt Barker’s body was washed ashore on 13 September 1942 near St Rochelle, France.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 33396 Flight Sergeant BERRY, Weston Robert Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/182 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses off the Second World War, Page 174, Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4791 PH – W ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster W44791 took off from RAF Wickenby at 2327 hours on the night of 11/12th June 1943 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF RAAF
Flt Sgt Shepherd, H Captain (Pilot) Sgt F N Pink, (Flight Engineer) Sgt W E Cunliffe, (Navigator) Sgt A A Gill, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt L Stephenson, (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt K B Davidson, (Mid Upper Gunner) 33396 Flt Sgt W R Berry, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by ack-ack fire and crashed on sand dunes known locally as Paasduin at Wijk-aan-Zee (Noord Holland), 5kms west of Beverwijk. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Beverwijk General Cemetery The town of Beverwijk lies 12kms north of Haarlem and 20kms, north west of Amsterdam, Locality Noord- Holland, Netherlands.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 411281 Flight Sergeant BRIEN, Henry Herbert Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/65 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 58 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4855 PH – D ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster W4855 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1858 hours on the night of 3/4th March 1943 to bomb Hamburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF
Sgt K R W Simmonds, Captain (Pilot) Sgt L Burnett, (Flight Engineer) 401646 Flt Sgt D Kerr, (Navigator) 405310 Flt Sgt I V Heatley, (Bomb Aimer) 411281 Flt Sgt H H Brien, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R V M Davenport, (Mid Upper Gunner) 400677 Flt Sgt A J Marfell, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near Rotenburg (Wumme) and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Beccklingen War Cemetery, Locality Soltau, Niedersachsen, Germany. The cemetery is 13kms south east of Soltau on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hannover.
135
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 405997 Pilot Officer BROWN, Seymour Villiers Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/257 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 245 Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ED 972 PH – R ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ED972 took off from RAF Wickenby at 2350 hours on the night of 30/31st August 1943 to bomb Nonchen-Gladbach, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF
Flt Lt Booth, A DFC Captain (Pilot) Wg Cdr Towle, J G (2nd Pilot) Sgt M Stacey (Flight Engineer) 405997 PO Brown, S V (Navigator) 413674 PO Short, J H (Bomb Aimer) Sgt A R Bish, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R Wildbore, (Mid Upper Gunner) 408585 PO Frazer, N R (Rear Gunner)
It was presumed that the aircraft crashed in the target area. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp-Lintfortt, NordrheinWestfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 415508 Flight Sergeant CARRAN, Frederick Sydney Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/406 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 52, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 282 PH – W ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB282 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1727 hours on the night of 27/28th January 1944 to bomb Berlin, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
Sqn Ldr Goule, H W DFC Captain (Pilot) Sgt H S Howie, (Flight Engineer) 404039 Sgt W R W Moller, DFM (Navigator) Sgt D W Price (Bomb Aimer) PO Kelleher, F M (Wireless Air Gunner) 415508 Flt Sgt F S Carran, (Mid Upper Gunner) 410001 Flt Sgt B K Maunsell, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was attacked by a night fighter and exploded in the air. Six were killed and Sgt Moller was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemnetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is a town 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel, Germany. In a later POW report by the then WO Moller he stated “The aircraft crashed between the villages of Ehren and Wind Kum approx 30 miles north west of Osnabruck, Germany. The aircraft was flying at 21,000 feet, and had just crossed the coast on the way in when it was attacked by an unseen night fighter near Osnabruck. There was no time for conversation as the aircraft exploded almost instantly. I was blown through the side with my chute on, but the rest of the crew did not have their chutes on at the time of the explosion and were definitely killed.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 414337 Warrant Officer CLOSE, Douglas Eston Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/491 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 204, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 405 PH – H ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB405 took off from RAF Wickenby at 2148 hours on the night of 3/4th May 1944 to bomb enemy military camps at Mailly-leCamp, France. Northing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
PO Carter, J D Captain (Pilot) 414337 WO D E Close, (2nd Pilot) Sgt T S Mayhurst, (Flight Engineer) FO Ward, R J (Navigator) Sgt K N Read, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt G Long, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt A P Simpson, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt S Johnson, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Beauchery-St-Martin (Seine-etMarne, 10kms north east of Provins. It was believed that the aircraft when homebound had flown north of its intended track and crashed. Seven of the crew were killed and Sgt Johnson (RAF) was a POW. Those killed are buried in the.Beauchery Communal Cemetery. Beauchery is a village 46kms ENE of Melun and 10kms north east of Provins, Locality Seine-et-Marne, France.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 436545 Flight Sergeant CRYER, Alan Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/904 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 101 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 323 PH – P ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME323 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1806 hours on the night of 3/4th March 1945 on a training flight. The aircraft was shot down by an intruder aircraft on 4 March 1945 between Stockwith and Blyton, two villages 3 miles north west and north east respectively from Gainsborough in Lincolnshire, UK. Cannon fire was heard by an eye witness. All the crew were killed. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
PO Thomas, A G Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt T McCaffray, (Flight Engineer) 429960 Flt Sgt R L Horstmann, (Navigator) 429832 Flt Sgt W N Pridmore, (Bomb Aimer) 437781 Flt Sgt G E Davis (Wireless Operator Air) 436545 Flt Sgt A Cryer (Mid Upper Gunner) 419718 Flt Sgt A H Weston, (Rear Gunner)
All 5 RAAF members are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK PO Thomas is buried in the Port Talbot (Holy Cross) Churchyard, Glamorganshire, UK Flt Sgt McCaffray is buried in the Vale of Leven (or Bonhill) Cemetery, Dumbartonshire, UK.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 403848 Sergeant CUMMINS, Francis Rodney Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 163/99/110 Commonwealth War Graces records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 192 Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington X 3988 PH – X ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington X33988 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2018 hours on the night of 227/28th August 1942 to bomb Kassel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF
PO MacNaughton D H Captain (Pilot) Sgt R H Ashwell, (Navigator) 403848 Sgt F R Cummins, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt A Norton (Wireless Air Gunner) 402320 Sgt J E Dalton, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Gladbeck in the north west fringes of the Ruhr. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalo, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 402320 Sergeant DALTON, James Edward Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 163/99/110 Commonwealth War Graces records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 192 Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington X 3988 PH – X ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington X33988 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2018 hours on the night of 227/28th August 1942 to bomb Kassel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF
PO MacNaughton D H Captain (Pilot) Sgt R H Ashwell, (Navigator) 403848 Sgt F R Cummins, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt A Norton (Wireless Air Gunner) 402320 Sgt J E Dalton, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Gladbeck in the north west fringes of the Ruhr. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalo, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 437781 Flight Seargent DAVIS, George Edward Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/904 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 101 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 323 PH – P ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME323 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1806 hours on the night of 3/4th March 1945 on a training flight. The aircraft was shot down by an intruder aircraft on 4 March 1945 between Stockwith and Blyton, two villages 3 miles north west and north east respectively from Gainsborough in Lincolnshire, UK. Cannon fire was heard by an eye witness. All the crew were killed. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
PO Thomas, A G Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt T McCaffray, (Flight Engineer) 429960 Flt Sgt R L Horstmann, (Navigator) 429832 Flt Sgt W N Pridmore, (Bomb Aimer) 437781 Flt Sgt G E Davis (Wireless Operator Air) 436545 Flt Sgt A Cryer (Mid Upper Gunner) 419718 Flt Sgt A H Weston, (Rear Gunner)
All 5 RAAF members are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK PO Thomas is buried in the Port Talbot (Holy Cross) Churchyard, Glamorganshire, UK Flt Sgt McCaffray is buried in the Vale of Leven (or Bonhill) Cemetery, Dumbartonshire, UK.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
404819 Flight Sergeant DIMMOCK, Harold Edgar
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/102/57 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 134 Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8533 PH – V ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington Z8533 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2344 hours on the night of 2/3rd June 1942 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
404819 Flt Sgt H E Dimmock, Captain (Pilot) Sgt R C Cushway, (Observer) Sgt D V Smith (Bomb Aimer) PO King, D W O’D (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R Ferguson (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Molenbeersel (Limburg), 10kms ENE of Bree, Belgium. Three of the crew were killed and Sgt Smith and PO King were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Heverlee War Cemetery. Locality Leuven, VlaamsBrabant, Belgium. The cemetery is located 30kms from Brussels and 3kms south of Leuven.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 405300 Flight Sergeant DIMMOCK, Thomas Frank Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/9/17 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 26 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ED 386 PH – A ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ED386 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1725 hours on the night of 23/24th January 1943 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RCAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
405300 Flt Sgt Dimmock, T F Captain (Pilot) Sgt R Percival, (Flight Engineer) Sgt G E Campbell, (Navigator) Sgt H D Dawes (Bomb Aimer) FO Baxter M W (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J D Perrett, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt A S Blagden (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Bedburd 4kms north west of Grevenbroich. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 424827 Flight Sergeant DONOWA, Rex Valentine Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/221 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 179 Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 715 PH – R ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND715 took off from RAF Wickenby at 2256 hours on the night of 22/23rd April 1944 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF RAF RAAF
Flt Sgt J Harvey, Captain (Pilot) Sgt R S Smith, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt F W Barnett, (Navigator) PO Malyon, D F (Bomb Aimer) Sgt C H Thompson, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt W Harbour, (Mid Upper Gunner) 424827 Flt Sgt R V Donowa (Rear Gunner)
It was established post war that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter in open country some 4kms south of the hamlet of Postel (Antwerpen), 17kms ESE of Turnhout. Wreckage was spread over a wide area indicating the aircraft had exploded in the air. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Schoonselhof Cemetery, Antwerpen, Belgium. Antwerp is 57kms north of Brussels on the E19 and 59kms north east of Gent on the E17 motorway. The cemetery is located in the Wilrijk suburb of Antwerp.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 404876 Sergeant DUE, Einar Ernest Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/104/111 AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 6 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 50 Volume 1942 Lancaster Aircraft Type: W 5578 Serial number: PH Radio call sign: ATTD 12 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster W5578 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1823 hours on the night of 25/26th march 1942 to bomb the French port of St Nazaire. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF` RAF RAAF
404876 Sgt E E Due, Captain (Pilot) 403170 Sgt R E Greeenwell, (2nd Pilot) 402968 Flt Lt Mayo T H (Observer) Flt Sgt G J Sheahan ((Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J H Ives (Front Gunner) 407822 Sgt A McG Currie (Rear Gunner)
Four of the crew were killed and Flt Lt Mayo and Sgt Currie were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Escoublac-La-Baule War Cemetery, Locality LoireAtlantique, France. Escoublac-La-Baule is 12kms west of St Nazaire and the Cemetery is south east of Escoublac and east of La Baule, and is located behind the small aitport. In a later POW report Flt Lt Mayo stated “ A few seconds after releasing the bombs and turning off target, the aircraft burst into flames coming from the bomb bay possibly caused by hung up flares, as flak was not noticed at that stage except light stuff lower down. The flames quickly spread and the abandon order was given. The inter com then packed up and the aircraft seemed to be diving out of control. Except for Currie, I was the first to bale out at approx 15,000 feet and I believe the aircraft blew up almost immediately as I saw no sign of it after the chute opened. Parts of the aircraft were picked up by the Germans the next day in the Bay of La Baule. I joined up with Currie on the following day at a section of the Luftwaffe at St Nazaire. There was no sign of the rest of the crew after leaving the aircraft. Later I heard from the Red Cross that the bodies of the 4 others had been washed up and identified near St Nazaire. I landed in the water after baling out and had to swim ashore. Captured after reaching land. Released by Americans on 7/5/45.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 427079 Flying Officer FELGATE, Ian Lindsay Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/13/421 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 132, Volume 1945 Lancaster Aircraft Type: ME 526 Serial number: ME – F Radio call sign: ATTD 12 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster ME526 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1714 hours on the night of 16/17th March 1945 to bomb Nuremburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Five aircraft from the Squadron failed to return from the raid. Crew: RAAF 427079 FO Felgate, I L DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H F Nixon, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 9242 Flt Sgt R F L Barber (Navigator) RAF Sgt J C Devine, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 429570 WO J Hyde, (Wireless Operator Air) RAAF 434611 Flt Sgt V J Arnold (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 425917 Flt Sgt G S Barbeler, (Rear Gunner) Five of the crew were killed and Sgt Nixon and Sgt Devine were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Durnbach War cemetery, Bad Tolz, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich. A Missing Research & Enquiry report stated “ the aircraft crashed on a house in Alberndorf near Ansbach at approx 9pm on 16 March 1945.and exploded on impact.” In a letter to Mrs Barber, Sgt Nixon wrote “ We arrived at the target OK and were on the run up to the town itself when a muffled explosion occurred in the starboard wing. The aircraft took fire almost immediately and the Pilot ordered bale out. The Bomb Aimer went before me. As I floated down there was an explosion on the ground which I suspect was the aircraft blowing up. There was time for the others to get out as I floated down for about 10 minutes which shows how high the plane was when I baled out. The aircraft crashed 10/15 miles south west of Nuremburg. I did not meet up with any crew again because I was picked up about 2kms from the Swiss border.” FO Felgate’s DFC Citation is as follows “FO Felgate as pilot has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.” (Gazette 12/2/1946) Awarded with effect 15/3/1945. (AWM 65 (2067) FO Felgate had flown 34 operations.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 436537 Flight Sergeant FLEMING, Ian Hunter Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA A705, 166/13/566 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 457 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PD 331 PH – O ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster PD331 took off from RAF at 1608 hours on the night of 23/24th October 1944 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
420354 FO MacLean, D W Captain (Pilot) Sgt F W Niblett, (Flight Engineer) 420045 WO J P Philip, (Navigator) 423544 Flt Sgt A B Llewellyn, (Bomb Aimer) 429341 Flt Sgt J E J Kelly, (Wireless Operator Air) 424838 Flt Sgt K H Rowley, (Mid Upper Gunner) 436537 Flt Sgt I H Fleming, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on the Dutch/German border at Huppel (Gelderland), 6kms north east of Winterswijk. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Winterswijk Cemetery, Gelderland, Netherlands. Winterswijk is 6kms from the Dutch/German border, on the secondary road to Osnabruck and Munster. It is 68kms east of Arnhem and 11kms south east of Groen. The cross on Flt Sgt Fleming’s grave is inscribed with the words “Also known as Flt Sgt Hunter”.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 414132 Flight Lieutenant FORD, Patrick Raymond Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/14/54 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 174, Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4373 PH – F ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster W4373 took off from RAF Wickenby at 2301 hours on the night of 11/12th June 1943 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
414132 Flt Lt Ford, P R Captain (Pilot) Sgt R A C Avery, (Flight Engineer) Sgt J A Osborn, (Navigator) Sgt G W Twitty, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt M Harris, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt F Anderson, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt M W Stone, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down and crashed in the target area. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reischwald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 408585 Pilot Officer FRAZER, Norman Roscoe Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/257 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 245 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ED 972 PH – R ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ED972 took off from RAF Wickenby at 2350 hours on the night of 30/31st August 1943 to bomb Nonchen-Gladbach, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF
Flt Lt Booth, A DFC Captain (Pilot) Wg Cdr Towle, J G (2nd Pilot) Sgt M Stacey (Flight Engineer) 405997 PO Brown, S V (Navigator) 413674 PO Short, J H (Bomb Aimer) Sgt A R Bish, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R Wildbore, (Mid Upper Gunner) 408585 PO Frazer, N R (Rear Gunner)
It was presumed that the aircraft crashed in the target area. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp-Lintfortt, NordrheinWestfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 430279 Flight Sergeant GAWLER, Robert Haynes Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA A705, 166/15/320 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAFBomber Command Losses of the Secod World War, Page 434 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NG 116 PH – O ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: LancasterNG116 took off from RAF Wickenby at 182 hours on 23 September 1944 to bomb Neuss, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Bamberough, R Captain (Pilot) Sgt A Dodd (Flight Engieer) 430279 Flt Sgt R H Gawler, (Navigator) Sgt G Whyles, (Bomb Aimer) 434468 Flt Sgt C E Mengel, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt J W Cox, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt F J Gooch, (Rear Gunner)
A 1947 Missing Research & Enquiry team reported “following interrogations of local residents at Aldekirk, Germany, it was established that the aircraft crashed at 110.30pm on 23/9/1944. It was hit by ack-ack fire and exploded in the air. Wreckage was strewn over a wide area. All the crew are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 409042 Flight Sergeant GILLAN, Frank Bruce Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/15/42 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 129, Volume 1943. Lancaster Aircraft Type: W 4925 Serial number: PH – N Radio call sign: ATTD 12 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster W4925 took off from RAF Wickenby on the night of 30th April/1st May 1943 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF Flt Lt Potts, J W Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409042 Flt Sgt F B Gillan, (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt R Martin, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt D Sheldon (Navigator) RAF Sgt W Woodland (Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt K Hall, DFM (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt L Gill, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J S Harris, (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 0240 hours on 1 May 1943 near Winterswijk (Gelderland), All the crew were killed. Seven of the crew are buried in Winterswijk Cemetery, Gelderland, Netherlands. Winterswijk is 6kms from the Dutch/German border, on the secondary road to Osnabruck and Munster. It lies 68kms east of Arnhem and 11kms south-east of Groen. Flt Sgt Sheldon has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK. A 1946 report by a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit stated “ The Chief Inspector of Police at Winterswijk stated that about 0240 hours on 1 May 1943 a 4 engine English bomber was seen to be attacked by a German night fighter and burst into flames. A few minutes later the aircraft was seen to dive and crash on a farm belonging to J Prangen, Woold, K163, about 3 miles east of Winterswijk. At the time I was in a German concentration camp for anti German activities, but one of my aides stated that the Germans had recovered 7 bodies on the day of the crash.” The M R & E Report went on to say “It may be assumed that Flt Sgt Sheldon was killed by a direct hit by the attacking night fighter and that his body was destroyed when the aircraft disintegrated.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 404333 Flying Officer GILLMAN, Mervyn Durham DFC Source: AWM 2237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/15/179 Commonwealth War Graves records. Oxford Aircraft Type: MP 462 Serial number: Radio call sign: 12 Sqn RAF Unit: Summary: On the 16th January 1944, Oxford MP462 took off from RAF Cudford Magna on a solo non-operational day flight to Sleighford. The weather conditions deteriorated very rapidly, and the Pilot lost himself and called for Darky. Church Lawford answered and although visibility was only 100 yards gave him permission to land, firing rockets, and turning on all necessary lighting for his assistance. Honiley contacted him on the R/T and gave him permission to land, firing rockets and turning on all lights. The Pilot saw the rockets but lost the drome again, and made off in the direction of Church Lawford once again. At 1800 hours the aircraft crashed into a tree, two miles west of Church Lawford The aircraft was a total wreck but did not burn. The Pilot was thrown clear A Court of Inquiry into the accident found that : “The accident was caused by the Pilot attempting ground in the thick fog. It was considered that the Pilot should not have taken off for the flight owing to the adverse weather conditions which rapidly deteriorated. Under the circumstances the accident could only be attributed to his lack of foresight. The flight was authorised to start at 1600 hours, but the Pilot did not take off until 1630 hours. It was considered that both Cudford Magna and Honiley did all in their power to assist.” Crew: RAAF 404333 FO Gillman, M D DFC (Pilot) FO Gillman is buried in the Oxford (Botley) Cemetery, North Hiksey, Berkshire, UK Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to FO Gillman attached to No 12 Sqn RAF is as follows : “ PO Gillman is an exceptionally able captain of aircraft who has consistently completed successful sorties during his operational tour. On a recent raid on Hamburg he displayed outstanding determination to reach and bomb the target. He was compelled to fly through very adverse weather on the outward journey and after reaching the objective he searched for twenty minutes before establishing the target and releasing his bombs. This officer’s skilful handling and splendid records of achievement have been an example to all the Squadron.” (London Gazette 19/10/1943 Page 4619)
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 404865 Flight Sergeant GORDON, Robert George Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/118/334 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 83, Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8342 PH – Z ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington Z8342 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2325 hours on the night of 28/29th April 1942 detailed to bomb Kiel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Sgt N Spray, Captain (Pilot) 404865 Flt Sgt R G Gordon, (2nd Pilot) Sgt A R Holmes, (Observer) Sgt C B Climie, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt W L Munns, ((Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt W L Huxley, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was shot down and crashed in the target area and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Kiel War Cemetery, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Kiel is 83kms north of Hamburg.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 403170 Sergeant GRFEENWELL, Robert Eric Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/104/111 AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 6 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 50 Volume 1942 Lancaster Aircraft Type: W 5578 Serial number: PH Radio call sign: ATTD 12 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster W5578 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1823 hours on the night of 25/26th march 1942 to bomb the French port of St Nazaire. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF` RAF RAAF
404876 Sgt E E Due, Captain (Pilot) 403170 Sgt R E Greeenwell, (2nd Pilot) 402968 Flt Lt Mayo T H (Observer) Flt Sgt G J Sheahan ((Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J H Ives (Front Gunner) 407822 Sgt A McG Currie (Rear Gunner)
Four of the crew were killed and Flt Lt Mayo and Sgt Currie were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Escoublac-La-Baule War Cemetery, Locality LoireAtlantique, France. Escoublac-La-Baule is 12kms west of St Nazaire and the Cemetery is south east of Escoublac and east of La Baule, and is located behind the small aitport. In a later POW report Flt Lt Mayo stated “ A few seconds after releasing the bombs and turning off target, the aircraft burst into flames coming from the bomb bay possibly caused by hung up flares, as flak was not noticed at that stage except light stuff lower down. The flames quickly spread and the abandon order was given. The inter com then packed up and the aircraft seemed to be diving out of control. Except for Currie, I was the first to bale out at approx 15,000 feet and I believe the aircraft blew up almost immediately as I saw no sign of it after the chute opened. Parts of the aircraft were picked up by the Germans the next day in the Bay of La Baule. I joined up with Currie on the following day at a section of the Luftwaffe at St Nazaire. There was no sign of the rest of the crew after leaving the aircraft. Later I heard from the Red Cross that the bodies of the 4 others had been washed up and identified near St Nazaire. I landed in the water after baling out and had to swim ashore. Captured after reaching land. Released by Americans on 7/5/45.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 405310 Flight Sergeant HEATLEY, Ian Victor Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/65 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 58 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4855 PH – D ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster W4855 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1858 hours on the night of 3/4th March 1943 to bomb Hamburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF
Sgt K R W Simmonds, Captain (Pilot) Sgt L Burnett, (Flight Engineer) 401646 Flt Sgt D Kerr, (Navigator) 405310 Flt Sgt I V Heatley, (Bomb Aimer) 411281 Flt Sgt H H Brien, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R V M Davenport, (Mid Upper Gunner) 400677 Flt Sgt A J Marfell, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near Rotenburg (Wumme) and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Beccklingen War Cemetery, Locality Soltau, Niedersachsen, Germany. The cemetery is 13kms south east of Soltau on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hannover.
156
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 404621 Sergeant HOBGEN, John Edward Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/123/249 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 90 Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington W 5574 PH ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington W5574 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2214 hours on the night of 8/9th May 1942 detailed to attack aircraft assembly works east of Warnemunde. A message was received from the aircraft at 0116 hours when over enemy territory stating that the aircraft had developed engine trouble and the Captain was proceeding to the nearest land where he and the crew would bale out. The aircraft’s position had been fixed some 24 minutes previously at 55.30N 08.24E. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft. Crew: RCAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF
Flt Sgt F D Roddy, Captain (Pilot) Sgt A J Millar, (2nd Pilot) 402698 Sgt A Nicholson (Observer) Sgt K E Byrne (Wireless Air Gunner) 404621 Sgt J E Hobgen, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J R Etherington (Rear Gunner)
The bodies of Sgt’s Nicholson and Hobgen were subsequently washed ashore. Flt Sgt Roddy and Sgt’s Nicholson and Byrne are buried in the Kiel War Cemetery, Kiel, Germany. Sgt Hobgen is buried in the Kirkeby Churchyard, Denmark. The island of Roma is situated off the west coast of Jutland just north of the German frontier. Kirkeby is on the east side of the island near its southern end. The island is connected by a causeway to the mainland. The nearest railway station is Steaebaek. Sgt’s Millar and Etherington have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
157
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 403092 Flight Sergeant HOLDEN, Robert Gordon Kenyon Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/123/259 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley ; RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 102, Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8376 PH ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington Z8376 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2340 hours on the night of 30/31st May 1942 to bomb Cologne, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and the aircraft failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RCAF RAF RAF
408133 FO Waddell, A A Captain (Pilot) 403092 Flt Sgt R G K Holden, (2nd Pilot) Flt Sgt A A Seifert, (Observer) Sgt H Bottomley, (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt E S Masson, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed near Dussledorf and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, NordrheinWestfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
158
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 429960 Flight Sergeant HORSTMANN, Ronald Leslie Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/904 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 101 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 323 PH – P ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME323 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1806 hours on the night of 3/4th March 1945 on a training flight. The aircraft was shot down by an intruder aircraft on 4 March 1945 between Stockwith and Blyton, two villages 3 miles north west and north east respectively from Gainsborough in Lincolnshire, UK. Cannon fire was heard by an eye witness. All the crew were killed. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
PO Thomas, A G Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt T McCaffray, (Flight Engineer) 429960 Flt Sgt R L Horstmann, (Navigator) 429832 Flt Sgt W N Pridmore, (Bomb Aimer) 437781 Flt Sgt G E Davis (Wireless Operator Air) 436545 Flt Sgt A Cryer (Mid Upper Gunner) 419718 Flt Sgt A H Weston, (Rear Gunner)
All 5 RAAF members are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK PO Thomas is buried in the Port Talbot (Holy Cross) Churchyard, Glamorganshire, UK Flt Sgt McCaffray is buried in the Vale of Leven (or Bonhill) Cemetery, Dumbartonshire, UK.
159
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 35488 Flight Sergeant HUGGARD, John Stephen Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/18/76 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 126, Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4954 PH – V ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster W4954 took off from RAF Wickenby at 2136 hours on the night of 28/29yh April 1943 for gardening operations in the Spinach region of the Baltic Sea. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
Flt Lt Ashton, R H Captain (Pilot) Sgt A Goodhand, (Flight Engineer) Sgt E G Buscombe, (Navigator) Sgt J Mackintosh, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt M Savage, (Wireless Air Gunner) 35488 Flt Sgt J S Huggard, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt F Lees, (Rear Gunner)
A 1949 report by a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit stated “The aircraft crashed on Wollin Island (Poland) and the remains of all the crew were buried by the Germans in the Swindermunde Cemetery on Usedom Island which is close to Wollin Island”. The remains of the crew were re-interred and are they are buried in the Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery, Poland. The city of Poznan is located in the west of Poland, on the main E30/2 road. The cemetery is situated to the north of the town in the district of Winogrady.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 429570 Warrant Officer HYDE, James Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/13/421 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 132, Volume 1945 Lancaster Aircraft Type: ME 526 Serial number: ME – F Radio call sign: ATTD 12 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster ME526 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1714 hours on the night of 16/17th March 1945 to bomb Nuremburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Five aircraft from the Squadron failed to return from the raid. Crew: RAAF 427079 FO Felgate, I L DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H F Nixon, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 9242 Flt Sgt R F L Barber (Navigator) RAF Sgt J C Devine, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 429570 WO J Hyde, (Wireless Operator Air) RAAF 434611 Flt Sgt V J Arnold (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 425917 Flt Sgt G S Barbeler, (Rear Gunner) Five of the crew were killed and Sgt Nixon and Sgt Devine were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Durnbach War cemetery, Bad Tolz, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich. A Missing Research & Enquiry report stated “ the aircraft crashed on a house in Alberndorf near Ansbach at approx 9pm on 16 March 1945.and exploded on impact.” In a letter to Mrs Barber, Sgt Nixon wrote “ We arrived at the target OK and were on the run up to the town itself when a muffled explosion occurred in the starboard wing. The aircraft took fire almost immediately and the Pilot ordered bale out. The Bomb Aimer went before me. As I floated down there was an explosion on the ground which I suspect was the aircraft blowing up. There was time for the others to get out as I floated down for about 10 minutes which shows how high the plane was when I baled out. The aircraft crashed 10/15 miles south west of Nuremburg. I did not meet up with any crew again because I was picked up about 2kms from the Swiss border.” FO Felgate’s DFC Citation is as follows “FO Felgate as pilot has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.” (Gazette 12/2/1946) Awarded with effect 15/3/1945. (AWM 65 (2067) FO Felgate had flown 34 operations.
161
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 428714 Flight Sergeant IRVING, Colin Howe Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/29/224 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 132 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster RF 1818 PH – G ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster RF1818 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1716 hours on the night 16/17th March 1945, to bomb Nuremburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and ir failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RCAF RAF
FO Dickey, D O R captain (Pilot) Sgt W J Charles, (Flight Engineer) 428714 Flt Sgt C H Irving, (Navigator) Flt Sgt A Henry, (Bomb Aimer) 429615 WO W A Neill, (Wireless Operator Air) PO Brown, W G (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt J T Nicholls, (Rear Gunner)
A Missing Research & Enquiry unit report stated “ The aircraft was flying in a west/east direction on the night of 16/17th March 1945 when it was attacked by a night fighter. The aircraft lost height and exploded the wreckage spreading over a wide area. The bodies of 5 crew members were found hanging in the trees in the crash area, 3 with half opened chutes. It seems almost certain that all had been killed instantly by the explosion in the air and their chutes had been opened by the blast. Main portions of the aircraft were on the east side of Frankenberg and other portions of the wreck confirmed an English aircraft.” Two of the crew FO Dickey and Flt Sgt Henry were POW’s. Dickey stated that the aircraft came down in the Stuttgart area, and Henry stated that the aircraft crashed 40 miles east of Stuttgart. The other five crew members are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Bad Tolz, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich..
162
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 412146 Flying Officer JOHANNESEN, Jack Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/39/76 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 240, Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington BJ 606 PH – S ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington BJ606 took off from RAF Wickenbny at 1842 hours on the night of 15/16th October 1942 to bomb Cologne, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RCAF
Sgt R Bayley, Captain (Pilot) 412146 FO Johannesen, J (2nd Pilot) Sgt G C Willis, (Navigator) Sgt A G Willians (Bomb Aimer) 403060 Flt Sgt J E F Martin, (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt E StA Richardson, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Wintershoven (Limburg), 9kms NNW of Tongereai, Belgium, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Heverlee War Cemetery, Locality Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium. The cemetery is located 30kms from Brussels and 3kms south of Leuven.
163
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 407794 Flight Sergeant KEATS, Gilbert Carrington Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/132/186 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 175, Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8585 PH – W ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington Z8585 took off from RAF Binbrook at 0043 hours on the night of 6/7th August 1942 to bomb Duisberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
407794 Flt Sgt G C Keats, Captain (Pilot) PO Shaw, H (Observer) Sgt P MacD Spence, (Bomb Aimer)) Sgt D E Williams, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt B J Miller, (Rear Gunner)
It was established post war that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 0255 hours on 7 August 1942 near Rosmalen (Noord-Brabant), 5kms north east of ‘sHertogensbosch, Holland. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Uden War Cemetery, Locality NoordBrabant, Netherlands. Uden is a town on the main road between Eindhoven and Nijmegen. The cemetery is near the centre of the town in Burgermeester Buskinstraat at the junction with Herpenstraat..
164
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 429341 Flight Sergeant KELLY, John Edmund Joseph Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA A705, 166/13/566 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 457 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PD 331 PH – O ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster PD331 took off from RAF at 1608 hours on the night of 23/24th October 1944 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
420354 FO MacLean, D W Captain (Pilot) Sgt F W Niblett, (Flight Engineer) 420045 WO J P Philip, (Navigator) 423544 Flt Sgt A B Llewellyn, (Bomb Aimer) 429341 Flt Sgt J E J Kelly, (Wireless Operator Air) 424838 Flt Sgt K H Rowley, (Mid Upper Gunner) 436537 Flt Sgt I H Fleming, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on the Dutch/German border at Huppel (Gelderland), 6kms north east of Winterswijk. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Winterswijk Cemetery, Gelderland, Netherlands. Winterswijk is 6kms from the Dutch/German border, on the secondary road to Osnabruck and Munster. It is 68kms east of Arnhem and 11kms south east of Groen. The cross on Flt Sgt Fleming’s grave is inscribed with the words “Also known as Flt Sgt Hunter”.
165
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHED IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401646 Flight Sergeant KERR, Donald Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/65 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 58 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4855 PH – D ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster W4855 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1858 hours on the night of 3/4th March 1943 to bomb Hamburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF
Sgt K R W Simmonds, Captain (Pilot) Sgt L Burnett, (Flight Engineer) 401646 Flt Sgt D Kerr, (Navigator) 405310 Flt Sgt I V Heatley, (Bomb Aimer) 411281 Flt Sgt H H Brien, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R V M Davenport, (Mid Upper Gunner) 400677 Flt Sgt A J Marfell, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near Rotenburg (Wumme) and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Beccklingen War Cemetery, Locality Soltau, Niedersachsen, Germany. The cemetery is 13kms south east of Soltau on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hannover.
166
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 15471 Flight Lieutenant KING, Frederick John Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/22/215 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 128, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 359 PH – Q ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB359 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1835 hours on the night of 24/25th March 1944 to bomb Berlin, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF Flt Lt Bracewell, J H DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 15471 Flt Lt King, F J (Flight Engineer) * RAF FO Colombo, D A DFC (Navigator) RAF FO Hunter, A B (Bomb Aimer) RAF FO Stevens, R H (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H N Norton (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt C W Hicks, (Rear Gunner) * King a Regular Officer was flying as Flight Engineer Following post war enquiries it was believed the aircraft crashed when homebound coming down some 3kms north of Herzgerode. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Berlin, Germany.
167
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 432823 Pilot Officer LANGHAM, Keith Oswald Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/24/685 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 65, Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 316 PH – V ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME316 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1641 on the night of 2/4th February 1945 to bomb the Prosper benzol plant at Bottrop, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew : RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
426931 FO Walters, J L Captain (Pilot) Sgt J M Gibbs, (Flight Engineer) Sgt S R Harris, (Navigator) Flt Sgt W Blyth, (Observer) 432823 PO Langham, K O (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt C Butler (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt H Boulding, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed on the Krefeld racecourse, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
168
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400592 Flight Lieutenant LEEK, William Douglas Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/42/128 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 17 Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4369 PH – Z ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster W4369 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1702 hours on the night of 11/12th January 1943 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Sgt F W Baker, Captain (Pilot) Sgt P J H Hogg, (Flight Engineer) 400592 Flt Lt Leek, W D (Navigator) PO Rasmussen, E C C (Bomb Aimer) Sgt L W Keating, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J V Richards, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt C Herbert, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Duisberg. Five of the crew were killed and Sgt’s Keating and Richards were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, NordrheinWestfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
169
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS. 672 Flying Officer RYAN, Kevin Francis Source : AWM Roll of Honour, NAA : A705, 163/55/90 Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type : Serial number : Radio Call Sign : Unit :
Hudson A16-49 8 SQN (FAR EAST)
Summary : Hudson A16-49 left Kota Bharu, Malaya, about 1415 hours on the 14th February 1941, for instrument flying training. The aircraft was last seen over Kualasemarnk at 0720 hours flying north. The flight was scheduled to finish at 1530 hours. The aircraft was reported overdue and extensive but unsuccessful searches were carried out. The aircraft crashed between the Islands of Perhentian and Great Redang, Malaya, on 14th February 1941.Four Malayans said an aircraft had crashed into the sea on the afternoon of 14th February. Certain portions of the aircraft were retrieved and returned to Kota Bharu A Court of Inquiry found that the cause of the accident was due to the aircraft stalling and subsequently spinning into the sea and that the occupants were missing and were presumed lost. The aircraft had crashed into the sea approx 3 miles north west of Pulau Redang off the North East coast of Malaya into 20 fathams of water. The recovery of the anti-icing tank from the Hudson was consistent with the aircraft striking the water with considerable force. . Crew : RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
1466 Flt Lt Barnes, P R B Captain (Pilot) 672 FO Ryan K F (Pilot) 406380 Sgt A J A Butler, (Air Gunner) 3650 Cpl A R Campbell, ( 3658 Cpl R S Rose (
All the missing crew have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Singapore.
170
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 423544 Flight Sergeant LLEWELLYN, Arthur Bevan Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA A705, 166/13/566 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 457 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PD 331 PH – O ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster PD331 took off from RAF at 1608 hours on the night of 23/24th October 1944 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
420354 FO MacLean, D W Captain (Pilot) Sgt F W Niblett, (Flight Engineer) 420045 WO J P Philip, (Navigator) 423544 Flt Sgt A B Llewellyn, (Bomb Aimer) 429341 Flt Sgt J E J Kelly, (Wireless Operator Air) 424838 Flt Sgt K H Rowley, (Mid Upper Gunner) 436537 Flt Sgt I H Fleming, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on the Dutch/German border at Huppel (Gelderland), 6kms north east of Winterswijk. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Winterswijk Cemetery, Gelderland, Netherlands. Winterswijk is 6kms from the Dutch/German border, on the secondary road to Osnabruck and Munster. It is 68kms east of Arnhem and 11kms south east of Groen. The cross on Flt Sgt Fleming’s grave is inscribed with the words “Also known as Flt Sgt Hunter”.
171
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 402293 Sergeant LONG-INNES, George Selwyn Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9301 Barcode 5522832 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 36 Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington W 5440 PH ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington W5440 took off from RAF Binbrook on the night of 25/26th February 1942 to bomb Kiel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
PO Bairstow, E A Captain (Pilot) Sgt G E Fox (2nd Pilot) PO Tunnington, E (Observer) Sgt R V P Ennor, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt F J Wakefield, (Wireless Air Gunner) 402293 Sgt G S Long-Innes, (Air Gunner)
It was presumed that the aircraft had crashed in the target area. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Kiel War Cemetery, Kiel, Germany.
172
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 428252 Flight Sergeant McCAUGHEY, Peter Francis Source: AWM 237 (65) Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 97 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 540 PH – L ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB540 took off from RAF Wickenby, at 2013 hours on the night of 24/25th February 1944 to bomb Schweinfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF USAAF RCAF RAF RAF RAAF
Flt Sgt W A Lampkin, Captain (Pilot) Sgt K Allen (Flight Engineer) 1st Lt Penner S W (Navigator) PO Alder, W L (Bomb Aimer) Sgt S T Wright (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt W E Allen (Mid Upper Gunner) 428252 Flt Sgt P F McCaughey (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that all the crew were killed in the crash. The records do not reveal where Lt Fenner (USAAF) is buried, but the other six crew members are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Locality Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich.
173
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 405452 Flight Sergeant McCAULEY, Ronald Gerard Source: AWM 237 (65)
NAA : A705, 163/141/712
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8644 PH – A ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Commonwealth War Graves records
Summary: Wellington Z8644 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2031 hours on the night of 8/9th September 1942 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF
406574 FO Moseley, C H D Captain (Pilot) 401470 FO Thomson, H J (Navigator) Sgt W C Budd, (Bomb Aimer) 405452 Flt Sgt R G McCauley, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt H Flavell, (Air Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed at Nackenheim on the east bank of the Rhine, 11kms SSE of Mainz, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. The cemetery is 3kms south of the centre of the town on the road to Kamp Lintfort.
174
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 421664 Flight Sergeant McDOWELL, Harold Russell Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/316 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 420 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 715 PH – U ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB715 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1614 hours on the night of 16/17th December 1943 to bomb Berlin, Germany. On returning from the mission the aircraft flew into trees in low cloud and crashed at 2345 hours on 16/12/1943 at Hainton, 9 miles WSW of Louth, Lincolshire. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
408339 Flt Sgt H R H Ross, Captain (Pilot) Sgt F G Clark, (Flight Engineer) Flt Lt Walker, A (Navigator) Sgt H D G Aldiss, (Bomb Aimer) 421664 Flt Sgt H R McDowell, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt A T Broome, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt R A Whitley, (Rear Gunner)
Six of the crew were killed in the crash and Sgt Whitley who was seriously injured died later on 17/12/1943 in Louth Hospital. Both Flt Sgt Ross and Flt Sgt McDowell are buried in Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road cemetery. Sgt Clark is buried in the Sunningdale (Holy Trinity) Churchyard, Berkshire, UK. Flt Lt Walker is buried in the Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumberland, UK Sgt Aldiss is buried in the East Dereham Cemetery, Norfolk, UK. Sgt Broome, is buried in the Bishop’s Castle (St John the Baptist) Churchyard, Shropshire, UK. Sgt Whitley is buried in the Throup United Reformed Church, Hampshire, UK.
175
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 407178 Sergeant MACGREGOR-KING, Thomas Freer Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/55/163 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 87 Volume 1942 Wellington Aircraft Type: Z 8495 Serial number: PH Radio call sign: ATTD 12 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Wellington Z8495 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2204 hours in the night of 5/6th May 1942 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 404522 FO Richardson, N W DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Hersey, A G (Observer) RAF Sgt H J Ody, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 407178 Sgt T F MacGregor-King, ((Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E F Webb, (Air Gunner) A 1948 report by a Missing Research & Enquiry team stated “The aircraft crashed near Reuth presumably as a result of enemy aircraft. Olzheimj and Reuth are situated 5 and 6 miles respectively north east of Prum, which is approx 53 miles south west of Koblenz. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery Locality Kamp-Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. The cemetery is 3kms south of the centre of the town of Rheinberg on the road to Kamp Lintfort. Citation : FO Richardson’s citation for the award of DFC is as follows : On 12 February 1942 PO Richardson was detailed to participate in an attack on the German battle cruisers passing through the Straits of Dover. In spite of extremely adverse weather conditions PO Richardson displaying great perseverance, finally located the objective off the Belgian coast.. Whilst manoeuvring to attack the Gneisnau in the face of a terrific barrage, PO Richardson was wounded in the arm by a fragment of shell. In spite of this he continued to press home his attack and diving to 400 feet, released his bombs which were observed to fall just in front of the cruiser. Although the aircraft was again hit by ack-ack fire, PO Richardson flew his aircraft safely back to base. (London Gazette 3/3/1942, P1012) He was killed in action on 6 May 1942.
176
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 420354 Flying Officer MACLEAN, Douglas Wallace Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA A705, 166/13/566 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 457 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PD 331 PH – O ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster PD331 took off from RAF at 1608 hours on the night of 23/24th October 1944 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
420354 FO MacLean, D W Captain (Pilot) Sgt F W Niblett, (Flight Engineer) 420045 WO J P Philip, (Navigator) 423544 Flt Sgt A B Llewellyn, (Bomb Aimer) 429341 Flt Sgt J E J Kelly, (Wireless Operator Air) 424838 Flt Sgt K H Rowley, (Mid Upper Gunner) 436537 Flt Sgt I H Fleming, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on the Dutch/German border at Huppel (Gelderland), 6kms north east of Winterswijk. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Winterswijk Cemetery, Gelderland, Netherlands. Winterswijk is 6kms from the Dutch/German border, on the secondary road to Osnabruck and Munster. It is 68kms east of Arnhem and 11kms south east of Groen. The cross on Flt Sgt Fleming’s grave is inscribed with the words “Also known as Flt Sgt Hunter”.
177
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 403431 Sergeant McLEOD, Finlay Donald Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/141/502 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 52 Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington W 5372 PH – D ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington W5372 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2011 hours on the night of 26/27th March 1942 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RCAF RCAF RAF RAF
Wg Cdr Golding, A DFC and Bar Captain (Pilot) 403431 Sgt F D McLeod, (2nd Pilot) Flt Sgt B A Doe, (Observer) Flt Sgt M Duncan, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt W S Makin, (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt P G Thorpe, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter at 2358 hours and crashed between Novenkarspel and Enkhuizen (Noord-Holland), 16kms ENE of Hoorn. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Bergen General Cemetery, NoordHolland, Netherlands. Bergen is on the coast 6kms north west of Alkmaar and 43kms NNW of Amsterdam, lying 3kms west of the main Alkmaar-Den Helder road. The cemetery is on the north-eastern outskirts of Bergen, in the road known as Kerkedijk.
178
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400667 Flight Sergeant MARFELL, Archibald John Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/65 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 58 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4855 PH – D ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster W4855 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1858 hours on the night of 3/4th March 1943 to bomb Hamburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF
Sgt K R W Simmonds, Captain (Pilot) Sgt L Burnett, (Flight Engineer) 401646 Flt Sgt D Kerr, (Navigator) 405310 Flt Sgt I V Heatley, (Bomb Aimer) 411281 Flt Sgt H H Brien, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R V M Davenport, (Mid Upper Gunner) 400677 Flt Sgt A J Marfell, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near Rotenburg (Wumme) and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Beccklingen War Cemetery, Locality Soltau, Niedersachsen, Germany. The cemetery is 13kms south east of Soltau on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hannover.
179
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 403060 Flight Sergeant MARTIN, John Edward Freese Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/39/76 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 240, Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington BJ 606 PH – S ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington BJ606 took off from RAF Wickenbny at 1842 hours on the night of 15/16th October 1942 to bomb Cologne, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RCAF
Sgt R Bayley, Captain (Pilot) 412146 FO Johannesen, J (2nd Pilot) Sgt G C Willis, (Navigator) Sgt A G Willians (Bomb Aimer) 403060 Flt Sgt J E F Martin, (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt E StA Richardson, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Wintershoven (Limburg), 9kms NNW of Tongereai, Belgium, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Heverlee War Cemetery, Locality Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium. The cemetery is located 30kms from Brussels and 3kms south of Leuven.
180
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 410001 Flight Sergeant MAUNSELL, Bernard Kingston Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/406 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 52, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 282 PH – W ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB282 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1727 hours on the night of 27/28th January 1944 to bomb Berlin, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
Sqn Ldr Goule, H W DFC Captain (Pilot) Sgt H S Howie, (Flight Engineer) 404039 Sgt W R W Moller, DFM (Navigator) Sgt D W Price (Bomb Aimer) PO Kelleher, F M (Wireless Air Gunner) 415508 Flt Sgt F S Carran, (Mid Upper Gunner) 410001 Flt Sgt B K Maunsell, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was attacked by a night fighter and exploded in the air. Six were killed and Sgt Moller was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemnetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is a town 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel, Germany. In a later POW report by the then WO Moller he stated “The aircraft crashed between the villages of Ehren and Wind Kum approx 30 miles north west of Osnabruck, Germany. The aircraft was flying at 21,000 feet, and had just crossed the coast on the way in when it was attacked by an unseen night fighter near Osnabruck. There was no time for conversation as the aircraft exploded almost instantly. I was blown through the side with my chute on, but the rest of the crew did not have their chutes on at the time of the explosion and were definitely killed.”
181
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 434468 Flight Sergeant MENGEL, Colin Eric Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA A705, 166/15/320 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAFBomber Command Losses of the Secod World War, Page 434 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NG 116 PH – O ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: LancasterNG116 took off from RAF Wickenby at 182 hours on 23 September 1944 to bomb Neuss, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Bamberough, R Captain (Pilot) Sgt A Dodd (Flight Engieer) 430279 Flt Sgt R H Gawler, (Navigator) Sgt G Whyles, (Bomb Aimer) 434468 Flt Sgt C E Mengel, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt J W Cox, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt F J Gooch, (Rear Gunner)
A 1947 Missing Research & Enquiry team reported “following interrogations of local residents at Aldekirk, Germany, it was established that the aircraft crashed at 110.30pm on 23/9/1944. It was hit by ack-ack fire and exploded in the air. Wreckage was strewn over a wide area. All the crew are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
182
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401709 Flight Sergeant MILLIS, Allan Squires Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/144/209 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 205, Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8517 PH – C ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington Z8517 took off from RAF Binbrook at 0053 hours on the night of 6/7th September 1942 to bomb Duisberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
Flt Sgt J M Dunlop, Captain (Pilot) PO Ainslie, R A (Navigator) PO Elby, W G (Bomb Aimer) 401709 Flt Sgt A S Millis, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt M E Wheatcroft, (Rear Gunner)
All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
183
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 403197 Flight Sergeant MONCKTON, Francis Edward Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/145/286 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 202, Volume 1942 Wellington Aircraft Type: Z 8529 Serial number: PH – U Radio call sign: ATTD 12 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Wellington Z8529 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2252 hours on the night of 2/3rd September 1942 to bomb Karlsruhe, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base Crew: RAAF RAF RAF * RAAF RAF
403299 Flt Sgt C A Alt, Captain (Pilot) Sgt W B Holland, (Navigator) Sgt J I M Logan, (Bomb Aimer) 403197 Flt Sgt F E Monckton, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J J Foley, (Rear Gunner) * Rhodesian Air Force
Flt Sgt Monckton and Sgt Logan were killed in the crash and the other three crew members were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Marissel French National Cemetery, Locality Oise, France. Marissel is in the eastern suburb of Beauvais, a cathedral town between Rouen and Compiegne. The Cemetery known locally as the “Cimetiere Militaire National de Beauvais-Marissel’, is not actually in Marissel. It is located approx 1km north of Beauvais town centre on the Rue d’Amiens (N1). In a POW report Flt Sgt Alt stated “The aircraft was returning from Karlsruhe, height 9000 feet, 10 miles from the French coast, when it was attacked by a JU88 Effective evasion action was taken during which the height was reduced to 5000 feet. An enemy aircraft was sighted on the starboard side and slightly above, so the height was dropped to 500 feet. The port propeller hit a tree and the port motor became U/S. The propeller was feathered and an attempt made to climb on one engine. This failed owing to an increase in the height of the ground and we crashed into the brow of a hill. Both Monckton and Logan were killed by the impact, and Holland suffered a fractured collar bone. Both Foley and self were uninjured. The aircraft crashed in the vicinity of St Juste, France. I was picked up 6 days later by the Germans.”
184
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 412618 Flight Sergeant MORGAN, Frederick William Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/70 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 145 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4366 PH – R ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster W4366 took off from RAF Wickenby at 2329 hours on the night of 13/14th May 1943 to bomb Bochum, Germany. Nothing was hard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF RCAF
412618 Flt Sgt F W Morgan Captain (Pilot) Sgt K Foster, (Flight Engineer) Sgt G L Fountain (Navigator) Sgt K J G Walker (Bomb Aimer) Sgt R Maginnis (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt J R Richmond, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt G T Spiece, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed at Scherlebeck near Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Flt Sgt’s Morgan and Richmond and Sgt Foster lost their lives and the remaining four crew members were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Reichswald Forest War cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve. Sgt Maginnis later reported that ‘he had left the aircraft before Morgan and he believed that Morgan was killed in the crash’. .
185
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 406574 Flying Officer MOSELEY, Charles Henry Doyle Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/141/712 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War , Page 206, Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8644 PH – A ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington Z8644 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2031 hours on the night of 8/9th September 1942 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF
406574 FO Moseley, C H D Captain (Pilot) 401470 FO Thomson, H J (Navigator) Sgt W C Budd, (Bomb Aimer) 405452 Flt Sgt R G McCauley, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt H Flavell, (Air Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed at Nackenheim on the east bank of the Rhine, 11kms SSE of Mainz, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. The cemetery is 3kms south of the centre of the town on the road to Kamp Lintfort.
186
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 429615 Warrant Officer NEILL, William Arthur Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/29/224 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 132 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster RF 1818 PH – G ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster RF1818 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1716 hours on the night 16/17th March 1945, to bomb Nuremburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and ir failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RCAF RAF
FO Dickey, D O R captain (Pilot) Sgt W J Charles, (Flight Engineer) 428714 Flt Sgt C H Irving, (Navigator) Flt Sgt A Henry, (Bomb Aimer) 429615 WO W A Neill, (Wireless Operator Air) PO Brown, W G (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt J T Nicholls, (Rear Gunner)
A Missing Research & Enquiry unit report stated “ The aircraft was flying in a west/east direction on the night of 16/17th March 1945 when it was attacked by a night fighter. The aircraft lost height and exploded the wreckage spreading over a wide area. The bodies of 5 crew members were found hanging in the trees in the crash area, 3 with half opened chutes. It seems almost certain that all had been killed instantly by the explosion in the air and their chutes had been opened by the blast. Main portions of the aircraft were on the east side of Frankenberg and other portions of the wreck confirmed an English aircraft.” Two of the crew FO Dickey and Flt Sgt Henry were POW’s. Dickey stated that the aircraft came down in the Stuttgart area, and Henry stated that the aircraft crashed 40 miles east of Stuttgart. The other five crew members are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Bad Tolz, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich..
187
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 402698 Sergeant NICHOLSON, Allan Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/123/249 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 90 Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington W 5574 PH ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington W5574 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2214 hours on the night of 8/9th May 1942 detailed to attack aircraft assembly works east of Warnemunde. A message was received from the aircraft at 0116 hours when over enemy territory stating that the aircraft had developed engine trouble and the Captain was proceeding to the nearest land where he and the crew would bale out. The aircraft’s position had been fixed some 24 minutes previously at 55.30N 08.24E. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft. Crew: RCAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF
Flt Sgt F D Roddy, Captain (Pilot) Sgt A J Millar, (2nd Pilot) 402698 Sgt A Nicholson (Observer) Sgt K E Byrne (Wireless Air Gunner) 404621 Sgt J E Hobgen, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J R Etherington (Rear Gunner)
The bodies of Sgt’s Nicholson and Hobgen were subsequently washed ashore. Flt Sgt Roddy and Sgt’s Nicholson and Byrne are buried in the Kiel War Cemetery, Kiel, Germany. Sgt Hobgen is buried in the Kirkeby Churchyard, Denmark. The island of Roma is situated off the west coast of Jutland just north of the German frontier. Kirkeby is on the east side of the island near its southern end. The island is connected by a causeway to the mainland. The nearest railway station is Steaebaek. Sgt’s Millar and Etherington have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
188
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 403117 Sergeant PARSONS, Thomas Edward Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/149/167 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Pagte 52 Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington W 5371 PH ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington W5371 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2026 hours on the night of 26/27th March 1942 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Sgt F J Lowe, Captain (Pilot) 403117 Sgt T E Parsons, (2nd Pilot) 400420 Sgt C W L Pooley, (Observer) Sgt B J Dove, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt W R Lea ( Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt L C Stanley, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 2315 hours at Monnickendam (Noord-Holland) on the west coast of the Zuider Zee, Holland. All the crew were killed. Flt Sgt Lowe, and Sgt’s Parsons, Lea and Stanley are buried Bergen General Cemetery, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. Bergen is on the coast 6kms north west of Alkmaar and 43kms NNW of Amsterdam, lying 3kms west of the main Alkmaar-Den Helder road. The cemetery is on the north-eastern outskirts of Bergen in the road known as Kerkedijk. Sgt’s Pooley and Dove are buried in the Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery, NoordHolland, Netherlands. The cemetery is in the south-eastern district of Amsterdam in Kruislaan, a road in the Watergraafsmeer area of the city.
189
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 420045 Warrant Officer PHILIP, John Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA A705, 166/13/566 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 457 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PD 331 PH – O ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster PD331 took off from RAF at 1608 hours on the night of 23/24th October 1944 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
420354 FO MacLean, D W Captain (Pilot) Sgt F W Niblett, (Flight Engineer) 420045 WO J P Philip, (Navigator) 423544 Flt Sgt A B Llewellyn, (Bomb Aimer) 429341 Flt Sgt J E J Kelly, (Wireless Operator Air) 424838 Flt Sgt K H Rowley, (Mid Upper Gunner) 436537 Flt Sgt I H Fleming, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on the Dutch/German border at Huppel (Gelderland), 6kms north east of Winterswijk. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Winterswijk Cemetery, Gelderland, Netherlands. Winterswijk is 6kms from the Dutch/German border, on the secondary road to Osnabruck and Munster. It is 68kms east of Arnhem and 11kms south east of Groen. The cross on Flt Sgt Fleming’s grave is inscribed with the words “Also known as Flt Sgt Hunter”.
190
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 402538 Sergeant PODMORE, Charles Robert Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/152 /215 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 1191, Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington X 3802 PH – J ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington X3802 took off from RAF Binbroook at 2016 hours on the night of 27/28th August 1942 to bomb Kassel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RCAF
Sgt D S McNeill, Captain (Pilot) Sgt A Mills, (Navigator) Sgt F G E Pierson, (Bomb Aimer) 402538 Sgt C R Podmore, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt E Gershater, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter at 0205 hours on 28th August 1942 and crashed in the garden of Mr Giezman-Nieuwenweg, 58 of Poeldijk on the south west outskirts of Den Haag, (Zuid-Holland). Four of the crew were killed and Sgt Gershater was a POW. Those killed are buried in The Hague (Westduin) General Cemetery, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands. Westduin is a suburb on the south-western district of The Hague. The cemetery is situated in Ockenburghstraat in Loosduinen.
191
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400420 Sergeant POOLEY, Charles William Lawrence Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/149/167 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Pagte 52 Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington W 5371 PH ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington W5371 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2026 hours on the night of 26/27th March 1942 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Sgt F J Lowe, Captain (Pilot) 403117 Sgt T E Parsons, (2nd Pilot) 400420 Sgt C W L Pooley, (Observer) Sgt B J Dove, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt W R Lea ( Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt L C Stanley, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 2315 hours at Monnickendam (Noord-Holland) on the west coast of the Zuider Zee, Holland. All the crew were killed. Flt Sgt Lowe, and Sgt’s Parsons, Lea and Stanley are buried Bergen General Cemetery, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. Bergen is on the coast 6kms north west of Alkmaar and 43kms NNW of Amsterdam, lying 3kms west of the main Alkmaar-Den Helder road. The cemetery is on the north-eastern outskirts of Bergen in the road known as Kerkedijk. Sgt’s Pooley and Dove are buried in the Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery, NoordHolland, Netherlands. The cemetery is in the south-eastern district of Amsterdam in Kruislaan, a road in the Watergraafsmeer area of the city.
192
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400761 Sergeant PRAAGST, Geoffrey Clement Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/1522/185 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 160 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 5361 PH – C ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington W5361 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2242 hours on the night of 30/31st may 1942 to bomb Cologne, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
Flt Lt Payne, A B DFC Captain (Pilot) Sgt B Sigler, (2nd Pilot) Sgt J Wise, (Observer) 400761 Sgt G C Praagst, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J Brown, (Air Gunner) Sgt W J Callaghan, (Air Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was shot down by flak and crashed at 0026 hours at Badhoevedorp (Noord-Holland), close to Schiphol airport, south west Amsterdam. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. The cemetery is in the south-eastern district of Amsterdam in Kruislaan, a road in the Watergraafsmeer area of the city.
193
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 429832 Flight Sergeant PRIDMORE, Walter Noel Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/904 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 101 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 323 PH – P ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME323 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1806 hours on the night of 3/4th March 1945 on a training flight. The aircraft was shot down by an intruder aircraft on 4 March 1945 between Stockwith and Blyton, two villages 3 miles north west and north east respectively from Gainsborough in Lincolnshire, UK. Cannon fire was heard by an eye witness. All the crew were killed. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
PO Thomas, A G Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt T McCaffray, (Flight Engineer) 429960 Flt Sgt R L Horstmann, (Navigator) 429832 Flt Sgt W N Pridmore, (Bomb Aimer) 437781 Flt Sgt G E Davis (Wireless Operator Air) 436545 Flt Sgt A Cryer (Mid Upper Gunner) 419718 Flt Sgt A H Weston, (Rear Gunner)
All 5 RAAF members are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK PO Thomas is buried in the Port Talbot (Holy Cross) Churchyard, Glamorganshire, UK Flt Sgt McCaffray is buried in the Vale of Leven (or Bonhill) Cemetery, Dumbartonshire, UK.
194
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 21144 Sergeant PROWSE, Alexander Alwyn Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/33/42 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 160 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ED 967 PH – F ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ED967 took off from RAF Wickenby at 0037 hours on the night of 25/26th May 1943 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Sgt R J Steele, Captain (Pilot) 21144 Sgt A A Prowse, (Flight Engineer) FO Hooper, C B (Navigator) Sgt D W Creevy, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt E T Powell, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt S A Bailey, (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt L C Schroeder, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed at Ratingen, Germany, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery,Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
195
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 404522 Flying Officer RICHARDSON, Norman Worsley Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/55/163 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 87 Volume 1942 Wellington Aircraft Type: Z 8495 Serial number: PH Radio call sign: ATTD 12 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Wellington Z8495 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2204 hours in the night of 5/6th May 1942 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 404522 FO Richardson, N W DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Hersey, A G (Observer) RAF Sgt H J Ody, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 407178 Sgt T F MacGregor-King, ((Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E F Webb, (Air Gunner) A 1948 report by a Missing Research & Enquiry team stated “The aircraft crashed near Reuth presumably as a result of enemy aircraft. Olzheimj and Reuth are situated 5 and 6 miles respectively north east of Prum, which is approx 53 miles south west of Koblenz. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery Locality Kamp-Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. The cemetery is 3kms south of the centre of the town of Rheinberg on the road to Kamp Lintfort. Citation : FO Richardson’s citation for the award of DFC is as follows : On 12 February 1942 PO Richardson was detailed to participate in an attack on the German battle cruisers passing through the Straits of Dover. In spite of extremely adverse weather conditions PO Richardson displaying great perseverance, finally located the objective off the Belgian coast.. Whilst manoeuvring to attack the Gneisnau in the face of a terrific barrage, PO Richardson was wounded in the arm by a fragment of shell. In spite of this he continued to press home his attack and diving to 400 feet, released his bombs which were observed to fall just in front of the cruiser. Although the aircraft was again hit by ack-ack fire, PO Richardson flew his aircraft safely back to base. (London Gazette 3/3/1942, P1012) He was killed in action on 6 May 1942.
196
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 408339 Flight Sergeant ROSS, Hugh Robert Hector Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/316 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 420 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 715 PH – U ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB715 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1614 hours on the night of 16/17th December 1943 to bomb Berlin, Germany. On returning from the mission the aircraft flew into trees in low cloud and crashed at 2345 hours on 16/12/1943 at Hainton, 9 miles WSW of Louth, Lincolshire. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
408339 Flt Sgt H R H Ross, Captain (Pilot) Sgt F G Clark, (Flight Engineer) Flt Lt Walker, A (Navigator) Sgt H D G Aldiss, (Bomb Aimer) 421664 Flt Sgt H R McDowell, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt A T Broome, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt R A Whitley, (Rear Gunner)
Six of the crew were killed in the crash and Sgt Whitley who was seriously injured died later on 17/12/1943 in Louth Hospital. Both Flt Sgt Ross and Flt Sgt McDowell are buried in Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road cemetery. Sgt Clark is buried in the Sunningdale (Holy Trinity) Churchyard, Berkshire, UK. Flt Lt Walker is buried in the Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumberland, UK Sgt Aldiss is buried in the East Dereham Cemetery, Norfolk, UK. Sgt Broome, is buried in the Bishop’s Castle (St John the Baptist) Churchyard, Shropshire, UK. Sgt Whitley is buried in the Throup United Reformed Church, Hampshire, UK.
197
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 424838 Flight Sergeant ROWLEY, Kenneth Harold Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA A705, 166/13/566 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 457 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PD 331 PH – O ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster PD331 took off from RAF at 1608 hours on the night of 23/24th October 1944 to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
420354 FO MacLean, D W Captain (Pilot) Sgt F W Niblett, (Flight Engineer) 420045 WO J P Philip, (Navigator) 423544 Flt Sgt A B Llewellyn, (Bomb Aimer) 429341 Flt Sgt J E J Kelly, (Wireless Operator Air) 424838 Flt Sgt K H Rowley, (Mid Upper Gunner) 436537 Flt Sgt I H Fleming, (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on the Dutch/German border at Huppel (Gelderland), 6kms north east of Winterswijk. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Winterswijk Cemetery, Gelderland, Netherlands. Winterswijk is 6kms from the Dutch/German border, on the secondary road to Osnabruck and Munster. It is 68kms east of Arnhem and 11kms south east of Groen. The cross on Flt Sgt Fleming’s grave is inscribed with the words “Also known as Flt Sgt Hunter”.
198
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 404994 Flying Officer SHEARER, William Bruce Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Pagve 103 Volume 1942 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8643 PH ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington Z8643 took off from Binbrook at 2336 hours on the night of 30/31sr May 1942 to bomb Cologne, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RNZAF RAAF RNZAF RNZAF
404994 FO Shearer, W B Captain (Pilot) Sgt E D Ansford, (Observer) 403496 Sgt B O Brown, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt C F McKenna, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt G A Game, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that FO Shearer was killed and the other four crew members were POW’s. In a 1945 POW report the then WO Brown stated “Soon after crossing the coast of Holland the starboard engine began smoking badly. I was instructed by the pilot to pump oil, which I did. Shortly after the whole engine nacelle got red hot then burst into flames. The pilot used the fire extinguisher to no effect, and the flames spread to the wing and fuselage. The bale out order was given, and I baled out at about 12,000 feet. The aircraft was still under control. I believe it crashed in the region of Dussleldorf. I landed on Woods near Dorsten. I was captured by the next day by a German sentry from a flak battery.” FO Shearer is buried in the Reischwald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, NordrheinWestfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
199
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 413764 Pilot Officer SHORT, Joseph Henry Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/257 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 245 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ED 972 PH – R ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ED972 took off from RAF Wickenby at 2350 hours on the night of 30/31st August 1943 to bomb Nonchen-Gladbach, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF
Flt Lt Booth, A DFC Captain (Pilot) Wg Cdr Towle, J G (2nd Pilot) Sgt M Stacey (Flight Engineer) 405997 PO Brown, S V (Navigator) 413674 PO Short, J H (Bomb Aimer) Sgt A R Bish, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R Wildbore, (Mid Upper Gunner) 408585 PO Frazer, N R (Rear Gunner)
It was presumed that the aircraft crashed in the target area. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp-Lintfortt, NordrheinWestfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.
200
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 409256 Flight Sergeant THOMSON, Daniel McNicol Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/87 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 174 Volume 1943. : Lancaster Aircraft Type: ED 357 Serial number: PH – S Radio call sign: ATTD 12 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster ED357 took off from RAF Wickenby at 2240 hours on the night of 11/12th June 1943 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF RCAF
409256 Flt Sgt D McN Thomson, Captain (Pilot) Sgt J L Osborne, (Flight Engineer) Sgt K Bowes, (Navigator) Sgt W M Ward, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt D N Campbell; (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt W T Pingle, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt C W A Sparling (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed into the Ijsselmeer in an area known as the Oosteelijk-Flevoland polder, near Dronten, Netherlands. Five of the crew were killed and Sgt Pingle and Sparling were POW’s. Sgt Sparling later stated “ The aircraft was shot down over the Zuyder Zee and the crew baled out into the water. I heard the crew calling for help during the night and when I was picked up the next morning there was no trace of the others. As far as I can ascertain Thompson must have been drowned. A 3 hours search found no trace.” Flt Sgt Thomson and Sgt’s Osborne, Ward and Campbell are buried in the Amsterdam Bew Eastern cemetery, Locality Noordr-Holland, Netherlands. The cemetery is in the south-eastern district of Amsterdam in Kruislaan, a road in the Wsatergraafsmeer area of the city. Sgt Bowes has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK A propeller from the aircraft now stands in front of the town hall at Dronten, where an Air Gunners parade is held each year.
201
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401470 Flying Officer THOMSON, Herbert James Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/141/712 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 206, Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8644 PH – A ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington Z8644 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2031 hours on the night of 8/9th September 1942 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF
406574 FO Moseley, C H D Captain (Pilot) 401470 FO Thomson, H J (Navigator) Sgt W C Budd, (Bomb Aimer) 405452 Flt Sgt R G McCauley, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt H Flavell, (Air Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed at Nackenheim on the east bank of the Rhine, 11kms SSE of Mainz, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. The cemetery is 3kms south of the centre of the town on the road to Kamp Lintfort.
202
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 428373 Pilot Officer TINSLEY, John Herbert Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/106 Commonwealth war Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 116 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster MN 741 PH – O ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster MN741 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1648 hours on the night of 7/8th March 1945 to bomb Dessau, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
Flt Lt Belot, D DFC Captain (Pilot) Sgt E C M Trott, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt C Daintith, DFM (Navigator) Flt Sgt P Cotton, (Bomb Aimer) 428373 PO Tinsley, J H (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt W L Burbridge (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt L H Shiel-Goshing (Rear Gunner)
Post war a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit reported “ the Burgomeister of Nuertingen stated that a four engine bomber was hit by ack-ack over the village on the night of 7/8th March 1945 The aircraft rapidly lost height and crashed 2kms east of the village, exploded on impact and caught fire.” The village of Nuertingen is approx 14 miles south east of Stuttgart, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Durnbach War cemetery, Bad Tolz, Bayern,Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich.
203
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 416633 Flight Sergeant TUCKER, William John Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/40/46 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 185 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster W 4992 GZ – a ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster W4992 took off from RAF Wickenby at 2313 hours on the night of 14/15th June 1943 to bomb Oberhausen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RNZAF RAF
416633 Flt Sgt W J Tucker, Captain (Pilot) Sgt R Fletcher (Flight Engineer) PO Truelove, K (Navigator) Sgt J J Simpson, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt B O Davies (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt F G McKay, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt T Carter (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was hit by flak on its run in towards the target and it exploded and crashed near Monchengladbach, Germany. Six of the crew were killed and PO Truelove was a POW. PO Truelove late stated “ The aircraft received a direct hit by flak approaching the target. It went into a dive and the Pilot ordered bale out. Almost immediately the plane blew up. I had just grasped my chute so that when I was blown clear I was able to adjust it and land safely. It is very unlikely that the rest of the crew were as lucky as I was. I believe they were killed.” Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality : Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.
204
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 408133 Flying Officer WADDELL, Alan Albert Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/123/259 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley ; RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 102, Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Wellington Z 8376 PH ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Wellington Z8376 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2340 hours on the night of 30/31st May 1942 to bomb Cologne, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and the aircraft failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAAF RCAF RAF RAF
408133 FO Waddell, A A Captain (Pilot) 403092 Flt Sgt R G K Holden, (2nd Pilot) Flt Sgt A A Seifert, (Observer) Sgt H Bottomley, (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt E S Masson, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed near Dussledorf and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, NordrheinWestfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
205
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 426931 Flying Officer WALTERS, John Llewellyn Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/24/685 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 65, Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 316 PH – V ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME316 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1641 on the night of 2/4th February 1945 to bomb the Prosper benzol plant at Bottrop, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew : RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
426931 FO Walters, J L Captain (Pilot) Sgt J M Gibbs, (Flight Engineer) Sgt S R Harris, (Navigator) Flt Sgt W Blyth, (Observer) 432823 PO Langham, K O (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt C Butler (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt H Boulding, (Rear Gunner)
All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
:
206
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 419718 Flight Sergeant WESTON, Alexander Harold
Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/904 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 101 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 323 PH – P ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME323 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1806 hours on the night of 3/4th March 1945 on a training flight. The aircraft was shot down by an intruder aircraft on 4 March 1945 between Stockwith and Blyton, two villages 3 miles north west and north east respectively from Gainsborough in Lincolnshire, UK. Cannon fire was heard by an eye witness. All the crew were killed. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
PO Thomas, A G Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt T McCaffray, (Flight Engineer) 429960 Flt Sgt R L Horstmann, (Navigator) 429832 Flt Sgt W N Pridmore, (Bomb Aimer) 437781 Flt Sgt G E Davis (Wireless Operator Air) 436545 Flt Sgt A Cryer (Mid Upper Gunner) 419718 Flt Sgt A H Weston, (Rear Gunner)
All 5 RAAF members are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK PO Thomas is buried in the Port Talbot (Holy Cross) Churchyard, Glamorganshire, UK Flt Sgt McCaffray is buried in the Vale of Leven (or Bonhill) Cemetery, Dumbartonshire, UK.
207
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 420369 Flight Sergeant WICKS, William Ross DFM Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 166/43/362 AWM 65 (5364) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Commonwealth War Graves records
Lancaster DV 171 ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster DV171 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1500 hours on 27 September 1943 to bomb Hanover, Germany. At 2145 hours when the aircraft was on the return journey at a height of 12,000 feet, the aircraft was subject to heavy axk-ack fire over the Dutch coast in the vicinity of the southern end of Texel Island. The top half of the mid upper turret was shot away and Flt Sgt Wicks the Mid Upper Gunner was killed instantly. The starboard wing was also holed and the No2 starboard petrol tank damaged. There were no casualties among the other crew and the aircraft landed at RAF Wickenby at 0050 hours on 28 September 1943. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RNZAF
404333 PO Gillman, M D DFC Captain (Pilot) PO Pearson, (Navigator) Flt Sgt R W Bell, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt G A Anderson, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt L V Smith (Flight Engineer) 420369 Flt Sgt W R Wicks, (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt A C Miller, (Rear Gunner)
Flt Sgt Wicks is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. Citation : Flt Sgt Wicks Citation for the award of DFM is as follows Flt Sgt Wicks has completed many successful operations against the enemy in which he has displayed high courage, fortitude and devotion to duty. (London gazette 12/11/1943) PO Gillman later lost his life on 16/1/1944.
208
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 413471 Flying Officer YELL, Robert Spencer, DFC Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/45/37 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 30 Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster JB 542 PH – M ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster JB542 took off from RAF Wickenby ay 1621 hours on the night of 14/15th January 1944 to bomb Braunschweig, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RCAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
413471 FO Yell, R S DFC Captain (Pilot0 Sgt W J C MacDonald, (Flight Engineer) PO Middlemiss, K R DFC (Navigator) Sgt T A Finch, (Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt J H Nutt, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J B Reeves, DFM (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt S Bates, (Rear Gunner)
Post war a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit reported : “ the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed about 2 miles south east of Burgdorf. The village of Burgdorf is approx 12 miles north east of Hanover. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Niedersachsen, Germany. Citation : FO Yell’s citation for the award of DFC is as follows : PO Yell has shown a high degree of determination and fortitude during his operations. He has completed eight sorties to Berlin and four to Hamburg. On one occasion while attacking Berlin the whole electrial system of the aircraft failed causing complete breakdown of wireless transmission, Inter Com apparatus in addition to bomb release gear and instruments. Despite the various obstacles PO Yell continued to the target, releasing his bombs by hand and flying the aircraft safely back to base. On many other occasions he has displayed outstanding gallantry and determination (London Gazette 15/2/44 page 794)
209
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 409268 Flight Sergeant YEO, Howard Garfield Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/45/17 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 208 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ED 968 PH – P Bar ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ED968 took off from RAF Wickenby on the night of 25 June 1943 on a non operational training flight during which the aircraft was witnessed by an Observer Post to shed a port aileron and port outer wing independently when in flight. The aircraft disintegrated and crashed approx 10 miles from the drome, at Stenigot, which is 5 miles south west of Louth, Lincolnshire, UK. All the crew were killed in the crash. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF RCAF
409268 Flt Sgt H G Yeo, Captain (Pilot) Sgt C W Robinson, (Flight Engineer) Sgt M R Aston, (Navigator) Sgt G A Hiddleston, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt R Sneesby, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt J S Rennick, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt P Soluk, (Rear Gunner)
Flt Sgt Yeo is buried in the Watford Cemetery, Hertfordshire, UK Sgt Robinson is buried in the Thorne Cemetery, Yorkshire, UK. Sgt’s Aston, Soluk and Rennick are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK Sgt Hiddleston is buried in the Renfrew (Arkleston) Cemetery, Renfrewshire, UK. Sgt Sneesby is buried in the Selby Cemetery, Yorkshire, UK
210
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401392 Sergeant NEVILLE, Henry George Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/147/273 Commonwealth War Graves records Blenheim V 5380 ATTD 13 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim V5380 was detailed with other aircraft from the Squadron on 19 August 1942 to carry out a smoke laying mission at Dieppe, France. The aircraft were instructed to fly in formation of threes via Boscombe Down. The No 13 Sqn aircraft were accompanied by Blenheims from 614 Sqn and Bostons from 226 Sqn. The leader (Flt Lt Beverley) of the V5380 formation took off punctually from Boscombe Down, followed by the No 2 aircraft flown by PO Rogan who failed to put on that aircraft’s navigation lights. PO Woodland the pilot of V5380 (No 3) then took off but was unable to find the No 2 aircraft. PO Rogan later reported that he believed he heard PO Woodland call him by R/T and report that he was going to turn back to orbit Boscombe Down in an endeavour to find the lead aircraft. Since then nothing further was heard from V5380 The weather at the time of take off was fine. Crew: RAF PO Woodland, C L Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A S Boyd (Observer) RAAF 401392 Sgt H G Neville, (Wireless Air Gunner) It was later established that all the crew were killed and they are buried in the Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery, Hautot-sur-Mer, Locality Seine-Maritime, France.
211
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 405987 Warrant Officer WEST, Frank Wallace Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/43/787
Commonwealth War Graves records
Baltimore FW 317 ATTD 13 SQN RAF
Summary: Baltimore FW317 took off from Cessina airfield at 2215 hours on 26 July 1944 to carry out an armed recce in the Florence/Bologna area. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Two other aircraft from the Squadron on the same mission reported seeing an aircraft crash at 2318 hours on 26/7/44 in the Pontassieve area. The weather was fine with a moonlight night, no cloud and good visibility. Crew: RCAF RAF RNZAF RAAF
Flt Lt Laird, D D Captain (Pilot) FO McCarter, J P (Navigator Bomb Aimer) WO J Finlow, (Wireless Operator Air) 405987 WO F W West, (Wireless Operator Air)
No 5 Missing Research & Enquiry Unit reported in 1947 that “the wreck of FW317 was located near Firenzuola, and according to a farmer on whose land the aircraft crashed the crew of four were killed.” They are buried in the Beachhead War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy. Anzio is a coastal town 70kms south of Rome.
212
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401292 Flying Officer ANNELLS, Robert Harvey 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 th4e 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..
213
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401094 Pilot Officer ARMSTRONG, Basil Kemp Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/24/273
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim V 6021 ATTD 14SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim V6021 took off in the dark at 2200 hours on 9th July 1942 and crashed on take off. The Pilot was killed in the crash and the Observer who suffered severe burns was placed on the dangerously ill list but died on 10th July 1942. The WAG who survived the crash and the war suffered slight shock and was admitted to Station sick quarters. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
401094 PO Armstrong, B K Captain (Pilot) 401295 FO Maurin-Bonnemain, J (Observer) 405358 PO McCauley, R M (Wireless Air Gunner)
PO Armstrong and FO Maurin-Bonnemain are buried in the Tel El Kebir War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Tel-el-Kebir is 110kms NNW of Cairo and 75kms south of Port Said. The Cemetery is situated about 175 metres east of the railway station and the Ismailia (Sweet Water) Canal.
214
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 407612 Flight Sergeant BARTON, Raymond Allan 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 th4e 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..
215
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401294 Flying Officer BERTUCH, Ernest James Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/217 Commonwealth War Graves records Marauder Aircraft Type: FK 152 Serial number: Radio call sign: ATTD 14 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Marauder FK152 crashed on 10th July 1943 at Bou Bicha between the sea and the 69kms stone on the main Tunis Course road. Owing to engine failure t he aircraft force landed and crashed between the sea and the 69kms stone on the Tunis Course main road. Crew: RAF FO Phillips C P M Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt Mason, (2nd Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt J T Collyer, (Pilot) Flying as Pax in Bomb Aimers seat RAAF 401294 FO Bertuch, E J (Observer) RAAF 401629 WO F V Parker, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 412728 PO Smith, A F (Pilot) RAF Sgt D M M Rice, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E T E Jones (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Collyer who survived the crash later made this statement at RAF Station Protville, “On the morning of 10/7/43 when flying as a Pax in the Bomb Aimers position FK152 captained by FO Phillips crashed at Bou Bicha at approx. 10.30am. We were flying at about 50 feet in an easterly direction about 12 miles off the coast from when the aircraft swung violently to starboard upon failure of the starboard engine. At the time Phillips was in the 2nd pilot’s seat and Mason at the controls as 1st pilot. Mason tried the fuel booster pumps without result. After trimming the A/c for level flight, the pilot turned the A/c round to port and headed back to the coast at a speed of 170mph height approx 50ft. After crossing the coast Phillips told the crew to hold on. We crossed a ridge of sand dunes running parallel to the coast very low down, but did not feel the A/c hit them. Immediately after the port wing dropped and touched the ground.when the pilot throttled back the port engine in preparation for a belly landing.. The A/c then straightened up and slid forward on its belly. I was thrown forward through the nose prior to the A/c coming to rest. The inner port wing petrol tank exploded and the A/c burst into flames.” FO Phillips died on 10/7/1943. FO Bertuch and WO Parker died on 16/7/1943. These three crew members are buried in the Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery,Tunisia. Medjez-El-Bab is 60kms west of Tunis. Sgt Rice died on 10/7/43 and Sgt Jones on 16/7/43. They are buried in the Enfidaville War Cemetery.Tunisia. Enfidaville is 100kms south of Tunis. The records do not reveal the fate of Flt Sgt Mason. PO Smith survived the crash but was killed on 21/10/1943 in another accident.
216
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 406433 Sergeant CLAUSON, Peter Douglas Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/97/134
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 9722 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Blaenheim Z9722 when returning from an operational mission on 10th April 1942, crashed on landing at landing ground 116, Middle East. The cause of the accident was obscure. It was unknown whether engine failure had occurred. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF
406433 Sgt P D Clauson, Captain (Pilot) 407305 Sgt C O Thorne, (Observer) Sgt C R Grandfield, (Wireless Air Gunner)
Sgt Clauson was killed in the accident, Sgt Thorne who was dangerously injured survived the crash and the war, and Sgt Grandfield was seriously injured. Sgt Clauson is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. Alamein is a village, bypassed by the main coast road, approx 130kms west of Alexandria on the road to Mersa Matruh.
217
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 416042 Flying Officer COWAN, Colin Robert Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/26/216
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 9656 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z9656 when attempting to land at 0255 hours on the night of 9th June 1942, crashed. At the time the night was dark and the pilot was unable to see the flare path because of mist. The aircraft was returning from a bombing raid on Crete after a five hours flight at night. When the aircraft passed over the drome at 1000 feet the flare path was covered with mist. The chance light was switched on and the pilot attempted to make a landing, but misjudged his height owing to fatigue from flying on instruments for five hours, and the aircraft hit the ground and burst into flames. Crew: RAF RAAF RAAF
FO Brooks, D R W Captain (Pilot) 416042 FO Cowan, C R (Observer) 416060 PO Kickman, W E (Wireless Air Gunner)
FO Cowan was killed in the accident and the other two were injured. PO Kickman survived the crash and was discharged from the RAAF on 10/8/1943. FO Cowan is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egyot. Alamein is a village, bypassed by the main coast road, approx 130kms west of Alexandria on the road to Mersa Matruh
218
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401632 Sergeant FORD, Herbert Frank Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/113/303
Commonwealth War Graves records
Marauder FK 366 ATTD 14 SQNH RAF
Summary: Marauder FK366 took off from Benghazi at 5pm local time on 15th December 1943 detailed to carry out a mine laying operation in Tunis Harbour. It was last seen an hour later by the crew of another aircraft on the same mission. It was then on the correct course and appeared to be in no difficulty. FK366 failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RNZAF RAF RAAF RAF
PO Willis, J T DFM Captain (Pilot) Sgt S H Porteous, (2nd Pilot) FO Barr, E W (Observer) FO Martell, P B (Wireless Air Gunner) 401632 Sgt H F Ford, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt F Barratt, (Air Gunner)
It was later established that five the crew had lost their lives, and PO Willis was a POW. FO Martell has no know grave and his name is 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. The other four crew members are buried at the Enfidaville War Cemetery. Tunisia. The town of Enfidaville is 100kms south of Tunis on the main coast road. The War Cemetery is 1km west of the town centre on the road to Zaghovan. It is immediately south of the small civil cemetery. Commonwealth War Graves records record the Date of Death of Sgt Porteous as 14/12/1942 and of other four members of the crew as 19/12/1942
219
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400175 Sergeant GODLY, William Burnley Tilley Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/118/302 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim T 2124 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim T2124 took off from the landing ground at Bir-El-Baheira, Middle East, on 17th March 1942 on a daytime operational flight. The aircraft crashed after colliding with Blenheim Z7991 and T2124 crashed and burst into flames. It was thought that the attention of the pilot of T2124 was focused on the Leader of his formation to whom he was endeavouring to draw near, and that he failed to observe the other aircraft which was circuiting the landing ground with its undercarriage half retracted. The crews of both aircraft were killed. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF
407073 Sgt R J Good, Captain (Pilot) Sgt J S Windmill, (Observer) 400175 Sgt W B T Godly, (Wireless Air Gunner)
The crew of T2124 are buried in the Tobruk War Cemetery, Libya. Tobruk is a seaport on the Mediterranean coast. Leaving the port of Tobruk on the main road to Alexandria, the cemetery is located about 7kms inland, set back about 100 meters along an access track branching from the left side of the road, and clearly visible from the road.
220
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 407073 Sergeant GOOD, Robert James Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/118/302 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim T 2124 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim T2124 took off from the landing ground at Bir-El-Baheira, Middle East, on 17th March 1942 on a daytime operational flight. The aircraft crashed after colliding with Blenheim Z7991 and T2124 crashed and burst into flames. It was thought that the attention of the pilot of T2124 was focused on the Leader of his formation to whom he was endeavouring to draw near, and that he failed to observe the other aircraft which was circuiting the landing ground with its undercarriage half retracted. The crews of both aircraft were killed. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF
407073 Sgt R J Good, Captain (Pilot) Sgt J S Windmill, (Observer) 400175 Sgt W B T Godly, (Wireless Air Gunner)
The crew of T2124 are buried in the Tobruk War Cemetery, Libya. Tobruk is a seaport on the Mediterranean coast. Leaving the port of Tobruk on the main road to Alexandria, the cemetery is located about 7kms inland, set back about 100 meters along an access track branching from the left side of the road, and clearly visible from the road.
221
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 407672 Flying Officer HARVIE, John Alfred
Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A9300 Barcode 5246472
Commonwealth war Graves records
ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: 407672 FO Harvie, J H, Pilot was killed on 4th March 1942 in a flying accident at Maaten Bagush, Middle East. He is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.. Alamein is a village, bypassed by the main coast road, approx 130kms west of Alexandria on the road to Mersa Matruh. National Archives do not hold a RAAF Casualty file and no information is available as to the circumstances surrounding the accident.
222
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 407351 Sergeant HUMPHRIES, Albert James Birrell Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/124/122 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 7991 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z7991 took off from the landing ground at Bir-El-Baheira, Middle East, on 17th March 1942 on a daytime operational flight. The aircraft crashed after colliding with Blenheim T2124 and Z7991 was completely destroyed by the explosion of bombs on board. Z7991 was circuiting the landing ground with its undercarriage half retracted when it collided with the other aircraft which was endeavouring to catch the leader of the formation. It was assumed that neither of the pilots saw each other. The crews of both aircraft were killed. Crew: RAF RAAF RAAF
Sgt R S Linley, Captain (Pilot) 407351 Sgt A J B Humphries, (Observer) 400184 Sgt T G Smail, (Wireless Air Gunner)
The crew of Z7991 are buried in the Tobruk Was Cemetery, Libya. Tobruk is a seaport on the Mediterranean coast. Leaving the port of Tobruk on the main road to Alexandria, the cemetery is located about 7kms inland, set back about 100 meters along an access track branching from the left side of the road, and clearly visible from the road.
223
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 421990 Flight Sergeant LANHAM, Ronald Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/24/411
Commonwealth War Graves records
Marauder 117780 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Marauder 117780 was detailed to carry out a low level recce between 0750-1450 hours on 29th March 1944 of enemy shipping along the Spanish and French coasts between Barcelona and Marseilles. The crew were briefed to break radio silence if sighting an enemy or neutral vessel, and to transmit an ETA at approx 1300 hours on the homebound course. The aircraft took off on the recce at 0750 hours No messages were received from the aircraft which failed to return to base. At 1330 hours, 63rd Fighter Wing was requested to make contact with the aircraft. The signal was transmitted and repeated by Malta and Algiers repeatedly to 1500 hours but no reply was received. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
4505 FO MacDonald, W C Captain (Pilot) 417089 FO Lewis, J W (2nd Pilot) 421620 Flt Sgt C M Peedom, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 421990 Flt Sgt R Lanham, (Wireless Operator Air) 421840 Flt Sgt M T Woods, (Wireless Operator Air) 410349 Flt Sgt F R Lamond, (Wireless Air Gunner)
All the crew lost their lives. Flt Sgt Lamond has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Malta Memorial. The memorial is situated in the Floriana area, and stands outside the main entrance to Valletta, Malta. The other five crew members are buried in the Mataro Roman Catholic Cemetery, Spain. Mataro is a town and port on the north-eastern coast of Spain some 25kms north east of Barcelona on the Barcelona-Perpignan (France) road and railway..
224
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 417080 Flying Officer LEWIS, John Walsh Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/24/411
Commonwealth War Graves records
Marauder 117780 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Marauder 117780 was detailed to carry out a low level recce between 0750-1450 hours on 29th March 1944 of enemy shipping along the Spanish and French coasts between Barcelona and Marseilles. The crew were briefed to break radio silence if sighting an enemy or neutral vessel, and to transmit an ETA at approx 1300 hours on the homebound course. The aircraft took off on the recce at 0750 hours No messages were received from the aircraft which failed to return to base. At 1330 hours, 63rd Fighter Wing was requested to make contact with the aircraft. The signal was transmitted and repeated by Malta and Algiers repeatedly to 1500 hours but no reply was received. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
4505 FO MacDonald, W C Captain (Pilot) 417089 FO Lewis, J W (2nd Pilot) 421620 Flt Sgt C M Peedom, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 421990 Flt Sgt R Lanham, (Wireless Operator Air) 421840 Flt Sgt M T Woods, (Wireless Operator Air) 410349 Flt Sgt F R Lamond, (Wireless Air Gunner)
All the crew lost their lives. Flt Sgt Lamond has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Malta Memorial. The memorial is situated in the Floriana area, and stands outside the main entrance to Valletta, Malta. The other five crew members are buried in the Mataro Roman Catholic Cemetery, Spain. Mataro is a town and port on the north-eastern coast of Spain some 25kms north east of Barcelona on the Barcelona-Perpignan (France) road and railway..
225
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 420694 Flight Sergeant MACKRELL, Trevor Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/26/453
Commonwealth War Graves records
Marauder FK 110 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Marauder FK 110 of 14 Sqn RAF, British North African Forces, was detailed to carry out on 9 May 1944, a low level reconnaissance of enemy shipping in the vicinity of the Ionian Island off the coast of Greece in the South Adriatic Sea. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return from the mission. Subsequent ASR searches failed to find the aircraft or any survivors. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF
Flt Sgt Ross, J (Captain) Pilot Sgt Green, W N (2nd Pilot) 420511 Flt Sgt Woods, A (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 420601 Flt Sgt Ryan, E J (Wireless Operator Air) 420694 Flt Sgt Mackrell, T (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt Andrews, H G (Wireless Operator Air)
All the members of the crew have no known grave and their names are 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, Malta.
226
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 408118 Sergeant MACMICHAEL, Walter John Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/146/113
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 5893 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z5893 took off from landing ground 116 at 0415Z on the night of 20th March 1942 on an operational flight and crashed soon after take off and caught fire. The aircraft climbed too steeply when taking off and was seen to go into a dive and crash. It was moonless throughout the night. The Pilot who survived the crash later stated that he realised he was climbing too steeply, throttled back, and the aircraft then became out of control and crashed. It was later found that the pilot had no difficulty in night flying in brilliant moonlight conditions, when the ground can be clearly seen, but was not adequately trained at O T U to rely solely on instruments just prior to and immediately on becoming airborne. His night flying experience had been in perfect weather and bright moonlit nights. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
408128 Sgt C H Bowling, Captain (Pilot) 408118 Sgt W J MacMichael, (Observer) 406307 Sgt P Munyard, (Wireless Air Gunner)
Sgt Munyard was killed in the crash and Sgt MacMichael died of his injuries later the same day.. Sgt Bowling suffered a fractured leg but survived the crash and the war. Those who died are buried in 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.
227
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401295 Flying Officer MAURIN-BONNEMAIN, Jean Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/24/273
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim V 6021 ATTD 14SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim V6021 took off in the dark at 2200 hours on 9th July 1942 and crashed on take off. The Pilot was killed in the crash and the Observer who suffered severe burns was placed on the dangerously ill list but died on 10th July 1942. The WAG who survived the crash and the war suffered slight shock and was admitted to Station sick quarters. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
401094 PO Armstrong, B K Captain (Pilot) 401295 FO Maurin-Bonnemain, J (Observer) 405358 PO McCauley, R M (Wireless Air Gunner)
PO Armstrong and FO Maurin-Bonnemain are buried in the Tel El Kebir War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Tel-el-Kebir is 110kms NNW of Cairo and 75kms south of Port Said. The Cemetery is situated about 175 metres east of the railway station and the Ismailia (Sweet Water) Canal.
228
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401013 Sergeant MCCONVILLE, Douglas Willey Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/157/147
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 7963 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z7963 crashed tat 1300 hours on 18th April 1942, one mile east of Sidi Barrani, Middle East, on the north side of the main road. All the crew were killed. Crew: SAAF RAAF RAAF
2nd Lieutnant Chapman, P J Captain (Pilot) 401013 Sgt D W McConville, (Observer) 406160 Sgt R R Richardson, (Wireless Air Gunner)
The crew are buried in the Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt. The cemetery is on the main coast road from Mersa Matruh through to Libya, and is on the east side of Halfaya Sollum, approx 12kms from the Egypt/Libya border.
229
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 4505 Flying Officer MCDONALD, William Cameron Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/24/411
Commonwealth War Graves records
Marauder 117780 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Marauder 117780 was detailed to carry out a low level recce between 0750-1450 hours on 29th March 1944 of enemy shipping along the Spanish and French coasts between Barcelona and Marseilles. The crew were briefed to break radio silence if sighting an enemy or neutral vessel, and to transmit an ETA at approx 1300 hours on the homebound course. The aircraft took off on the recce at 0750 hours No messages were received from the aircraft which failed to return to base. At 1330 hours, 63rd Fighter Wing was requested to make contact with the aircraft. The signal was transmitted and repeated by Malta and Algiers repeatedly to 1500 hours but no reply was received. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
4505 FO MacDonald, W C Captain (Pilot) 417089 FO Lewis, J W (2nd Pilot) 421620 Flt Sgt C M Peedom, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 421990 Flt Sgt R Lanham, (Wireless Operator Air) 421840 Flt Sgt M T Woods, (Wireless Operator Air) 410349 Flt Sgt F R Lamond, (Wireless Air Gunner)
All the crew lost their lives. Flt Sgt Lamond has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Malta Memorial. The memorial is situated in the Floriana area, and stands outside the main entrance to Valletta, Malta. The other five crew members are buried in the Mataro Roman Catholic Cemetery, Spain. Mataro is a town and port on the north-eastern coast of Spain some 25kms north east of Barcelona on the Barcelona-Perpignan (France) road and railway..
230
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 406307 Sergeant MUNYARD, Peto Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/146/113
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 5893 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z5893 took off from landing ground 116 at 0415Z on the night of 20th March 1942 on an operational flight and crashed soon after take off and caught fire. The aircraft climbed too steeply when taking off and was seen to go into a dive and crash. It was moonless throughout the night. The Pilot who survived the crash later stated that he realised he was climbing too steeply, throttled back, and the aircraft then became out of control and crashed. It was later found that the pilot had no difficulty in night flying in brilliant moonlight conditions, when the ground can be clearly seen, but was not adequately trained at O T U to rely solely on instruments just prior to and immediately on becoming airborne. His night flying experience had been in perfect weather and bright moonlit nights. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF
408128 Sgt C H Bowling, Captain (Pilot) 408118 Sgt W J MacMichael, (Observer) 406307 Sgt P Munyard, (Wireless Air Gunner)
Sgt Munyard was killed in the crash and Sgt MacMichael died of his injuries later the same day.. Sgt Bowling suffered a fractured leg but survived the crash and the war. Those who died are buried in 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.
231
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 401629 Warrant Officer PARKER, Frederick Vincent Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/217 Commonwealth War Graves records Marauder Aircraft Type: FK 152 Serial number: Radio call sign: ATTD 14 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Marauder FK152 crashed on 10th July 1943 at Bou Bicha between the sea and the 69kms stone on the main Tunis Course road. Owing to engine failure t he aircraft force landed and crashed between the sea and the 69kms stone on the Tunis Course main road. Crew: RAF FO Phillips C P M Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt Mason, (2nd Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt J T Collyer, (Pilot) Flying as Pax in Bomb Aimers seat RAAF 401294 FO Bertuch, E J (Observer) RAAF 401629 WO F V Parker, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 412728 PO Smith, A F (Pilot) RAF Sgt D M M Rice, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E T E Jones (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Collyer who survived the crash later made this statement at RAF Station Protville, “On the morning of 10/7/43 when flying as a Pax in the Bomb Aimers position FK152 captained by FO Phillips crashed at Bou Bicha at approx. 10.30am. We were flying at about 50 feet in an easterly direction about 12 miles off the coast from when the aircraft swung violently to starboard upon failure of the starboard engine. At the time Phillips was in the 2nd pilot’s seat and Mason at the controls as 1st pilot. Mason tried the fuel booster pumps without result. After trimming the A/c for level flight, the pilot turned the A/c round to port and headed back to the coast at a speed of 170mph height approx 50ft. After crossing the coast Phillips told the crew to hold on. We crossed a ridge of sand dunes running parallel to the coast very low down, but did not feel the A/c hit them. Immediately after the port wing dropped and touched the ground.when the pilot throttled back the port engine in preparation for a belly landing.. The A/c then straightened up and slid forward on its belly. I was thrown forward through the nose prior to the A/c coming to rest. The inner port wing petrol tank exploded and the A/c burst into flames.” FO Phillips died on 10/7/1943. FO Bertuch and WO Parker died on 16/7/1943. These three crew members are buried in the Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery,Tunisia. Medjez-El-Bab is 60kms west of Tunis. Sgt Rice died on 10/7/43 and Sgt Jones on 16/7/43. They are buried in the Enfidaville War Cemetery.Tunisia. Enfidaville is 100kms south of Tunis. The records do not reveal the fate of Flt Sgt Mason. PO Smith survived the crash but was killed on 21/10/1943 in another accident.
232
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 421620 Flight Sergeant PEEDOM, Charles Manning Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/24/411
Commonwealth War Graves records
Marauder 117780 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Marauder 117780 was detailed to carry out a low level recce between 0750-1450 hours on 29th March 1944 of enemy shipping along the Spanish and French coasts between Barcelona and Marseilles. The crew were briefed to break radio silence if sighting an enemy or neutral vessel, and to transmit an ETA at approx 1300 hours on the homebound course. The aircraft took off on the recce at 0750 hours No messages were received from the aircraft which failed to return to base. At 1330 hours, 63rd Fighter Wing was requested to make contact with the aircraft. The signal was transmitted and repeated by Malta and Algiers repeatedly to 1500 hours but no reply was received. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
4505 FO MacDonald, W C Captain (Pilot) 417089 FO Lewis, J W (2nd Pilot) 421620 Flt Sgt C M Peedom, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 421990 Flt Sgt R Lanham, (Wireless Operator Air) 421840 Flt Sgt M T Woods, (Wireless Operator Air) 410349 Flt Sgt F R Lamond, (Wireless Air Gunner)
All the crew lost their lives. Flt Sgt Lamond has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Malta Memorial. The memorial is situated in the Floriana area, and stands outside the main entrance to Valletta, Malta. The other five crew members are buried in the Mataro Roman Catholic Cemetery, Spain. Mataro is a town and port on the north-eastern coast of Spain some 25kms north east of Barcelona on the Barcelona-Perpignan (France) road and railway..
233
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 406160 Sergeant RICHARDSON, Raymond Rawlings Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/157/147
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 7963 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z7963 crashed tat 1300 hours on 18th April 1942, one mile east of Sidi Barrani, Middle East, on the north side of the main road. All the crew were killed. Crew: SAAF RAAF RAAF
2nd Lieutnant Chapman, P J Captain (Pilot) 401013 Sgt D W McConville, (Observer) 406160 Sgt R R Richardson, (Wireless Air Gunner)
The crew are buried in the Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt. The cemetery is on the main coast road from Mersa Matruh through to Libya, and is on the east side of Halfaya Sollum, approx 12kms from the Egypt/Libya border.
234
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400184 Sergeant SMAIL, Thomas Giles Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/124/122 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 7991 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z7991 took off from the landing ground at Bir-El-Baheira, Middle East, on 17th March 1942 on a daytime operational flight. The aircraft crashed after colliding with Blenheim T2124 and Z7991 was completely destroyed by the explosion of bombs on board. Z7991 was circuiting the landing ground with its undercarriage half retracted when it collided with the other aircraft which was endeavouring to catch the leader of the formation. It was assumed that neither of the pilots saw each other. The crews of both aircraft were killed. Crew: RAF RAAF RAAF
Sgt R S Linley, Captain (Pilot) 407351 Sgt A J B Humphries, (Observer) 400184 Sgt T G Smail, (Wireless Air Gunner)
The crew of Z7991 are buried in the Tobruk Was Cemetery, Libya. Tobruk is a seaport on the Mediterranean coast. Leaving the port of Tobruk on the main road to Alexandria, the cemetery is located about 7kms inland, set back about 100 meters along an access track branching from the left side of the road, and clearly visible from the road.
235
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 407142 Sergeant SWANN, Robert Keith Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/164/93
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 9729 ATTD 14SQN RAF
Summary: On 24th February 1942 Blenheim Z9729 was returning from Bir El Babeira to landing ground 116 when it was attacked by four ME110’s near Buq Buq. The pilot took evasive action but the aircraft received direct hits from cannon shells in both engines and Z9729 was shot down in flames. One of the crew Sgt Swann was killed and the others survived the crash. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAAF
400406 Sgt J K Bosworth, Captain (Pilot) 407142 Sgt R K Swann, (Observer) Sgt A W Boyle, (Wireless Air Gunner) 408002 Sgt R J Curtis, (Observer) Pax
Sgt Swann is buried in the Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt. The cemetery is on the main coast road from Mersa Matruh through to Libya, and is on the east side of Halfaya Sollum, approx 12kms from the Egypt/Libya border.
236
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 421840 Flight Sergeant WOODS, Michael Thomas Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/24/411
Commonwealth War Graves records
Marauder 117780 ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary: Marauder 117780 was detailed to carry out a low level recce between 0750-1450 hours on 29th March 1944 of enemy shipping along the Spanish and French coasts between Barcelona and Marseilles. The crew were briefed to break radio silence if sighting an enemy or neutral vessel, and to transmit an ETA at approx 1300 hours on the homebound course. The aircraft took off on the recce at 0750 hours No messages were received from the aircraft which failed to return to base. At 1330 hours, 63rd Fighter Wing was requested to make contact with the aircraft. The signal was transmitted and repeated by Malta and Algiers repeatedly to 1500 hours but no reply was received. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAAF
4505 FO MacDonald, W C Captain (Pilot) 417089 FO Lewis, J W (2nd Pilot) 421620 Flt Sgt C M Peedom, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 421990 Flt Sgt R Lanham, (Wireless Operator Air) 421840 Flt Sgt M T Woods, (Wireless Operator Air) 410349 Flt Sgt F R Lamond, (Wireless Air Gunner)
All the crew lost their lives. Flt Sgt Lamond has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Malta Memorial. The memorial is situated in the Floriana area, and stands outside the main entrance to Valletta, Malta. The other five crew members are buried in the Mataro Roman Catholic Cemetery, Spain. Mataro is a town and port on the north-eastern coast of Spain some 25kms north east of Barcelona on the Barcelona-Perpignan (France) road and railway..
237
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 413065 Sergeant WOOTTEN, George Bisgood Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/44/29 Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A9301 Barcode 5528543
Marauder FK 376 ATTD 5 METS RAF
Summary: Marauder FK376 took off on a non operational day training flight on 10th May 1943 and crashed at 0930 hours. The aircraft was circling the drome at a height of 1,800 feet preparatory to carrying out a fighter affiliation exercise when the tail plane fell off..The aircraft went into a slow spin and crashed 2 miles south west of Abu-Sueir drome. Crew : RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
PO McClelland, W Captain (Pilot) 413065 Sgt G B Wootten, (2nd Pilot) Sgt A Williams, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Sgt L C Finlayson, (Air Gunner) Sgt R C Quinney, ( Air Gunner) Sgt E E Blumfield, (Air Gunner) Cpl W F Cooke (Aircraft Hand) Pax
All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Moascar War Cemetery, Egypt. The cemetery is situated just off the main Ismailia-Cairo road, 10kms by road from Ismailia. The cemetery is contained within an Army camp, 3kms along Treaty road. Sgt Wootten was the son of Major General G F Wootten who was at the time Commanding Officer, 9th Australian Division. Commonwealth War Graves record that all the RAF personnel on the aircraft belonged to No 221 Sqn RAF. AWM Roll of Honour and AWM 237 (65 ) records Wootten’s unit as ATTD 14 SQN RAF. However his RAAF Service Record file records him posted to 5 METS on 4/4/43 and that he was still with that unit when he lost his life.
238
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 404393 Sergeant AKES, Vernon Charles Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/55/149 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling N 6066 ATTD 15 Sqn RAF
Summary: On the 24th December 1941, Stirling N6066 from RAF Station Waterbeach, crashed at 1445 hours at West End Farm, Kimpston, near Bedford. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
404263 PO Rowland, H B (Observer) Captain Sgt E R Bowman, (Pilot) 404393 Sgt V C Akes, (Pilot) Sgt G H Savoy, (Flight Engineer) Sgt E C Welsh, (Air Gunner) Sgt Clarke, ( Cpl J Dawson, ( Cpl J Mainwaring, ( Cpl Atkinson, (
Killed Died of Injuries Died of injuries Killed Killed Died of injuries Seriously Injured Slight Injuries Slight Injuries
PO Rowland is buried in the Sunfold (St Peter) Churchyard, UK. Sgt Bowman is buried in the Bangor Cemetery, UK. Sgt Akes is buried in the Wyton (St Margaret and Al,l saints) Churchyard, UK. Sgt Savoy is buried in the Waterbeach Cemetery, UK.
239
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 423610 Flight Sergeant ARMSTRONG, James Edward Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/4/127 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 265 Volume 1944 . Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 534 LS – A ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM534 Took off from RAF Mildenhall ata 0049 hours on the night of 7/8th June 1944 to bomb rail facilities at Massy-Palaiseau, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Woodley, C D Captain (Pilot) Sgt G W Haswell, (Flight Engineer) 410017 Flt Sgt J J J Turner, (Navigator) 425082 Flt Sgt C J Watson, (Bomb Aimer) 423610 Flt Sgt J E Armstrong, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt A F Lilley, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt R D Hales (Rear Gunner)
Post war a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit reported “ the aircraft crashed at Bonnelles, France at 2.30am on 8/6/44, and the aircraft exploded when it hit the ground.” All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Viroflay New Communal Cemetery, Yvelines, France. Viroflay is a small town 4kms east of Versailles.
240
RAAF (FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 406769 Sergeant BORRETT, Arnold Harvey Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/68 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 45 Volume 1943 . Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling BF 378 LS – T 15 Sqn RAF
Summary: Stirling BF378 of 15 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Bourn, Cambridgeshire, at 1753 hours on 19 February 1943 to bomb Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RNZAF RCAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF
FO Crawford, B V Captain (Pilot) FO Long, C R (Navigator) FO Howson, P T (Air Bomber) Sgt Keeble, K S (1st Wireless Operator Air Gunner) 405370 Flt Sgt Wellesley, C J J (Mid Upper Gunner) 406769 Sgt Borrett, A H (Rear Gunner) Sgt Macklin, W H (Flight Engineer)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed in the Waddenzee and all the crew were killed. FO Crawford is buried in the Ameland (Nes) General cemetery., Friesland, Netherlands. Ameland one of the frisian Islands off the north coast of the Netherlands, is some 15kms from the mainland. Nes is the largest of four villages on Ameland. FO Long and Sgt Keeble are buried in the Westdongeradeel (Wierum) Protestant Churchyard, Friesland, Netherlands. The village of Wierum on the north Friesland coast is 40kms NNE of Leeuwarden. Sgt Borrett is buried in Vredenhof Cemetery on Schiermonnikoog, Locality Friesland, Netherlands. The small island of Schiermonnikoog is the most northerly of the Friesland Islands lying about 11kms north of the Dutch mainland. FO Howson, Flt Sgt Wellesley and Sgt Macklin have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
241
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 402585 Flight Sergeant BRANDT, Augustinus Ludwig Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/93/479 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Commanbd Losses of the Second World War, page 61, volume 1942. 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)
It was later established that the aircraft was lost over the North Sea. Sgt Brandt’s (RAAF) body is interred in the Kiel War cemetery. Locality Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Kiel lies 83kms north of Hamburg. The remaining crew are missing and have no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
242
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 421563 Flight Sergeant BROOK, Philip Munro Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/262 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 299 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling EE 912 LS – U ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster EE912 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 2011 hours on the night of 31st August/1st Sept 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF RAAF RAAF
Sgt J L Milner, Captain (Pilot) Sgt R C Haigh, (Flight Engineer) Sgt J M Stringfellow, (Navigator) Flt Sgt T J Ryan, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt E J Wright, (Wireless Air Gunner) 421563 Flt Sgt Brook, P M (Mid Upper Gunner) 420753 Flt Sgt A Hooker, (Rear Gunner)
It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at Roskow, 13kms north east of Brandenburg, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.
243
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 424147 Flight Lieutenant CATO, Hugh Orme Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/691 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 478 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NF 916 LS – Z ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster NF916 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 0955 hours on 5th November 1944 on a day mission to bomb Solingen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
424147 Fl.t Lt Cato, H O Captain (Pilot) WO H Hounsome, (Flight Engineer) 419688 PO Lee, D T (Navigator) Flt Sgt T J Priddle, (Bomb Aimer) 424409 Flt Sgt J D Hance, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt K F Knox, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt W Henderson, (Rear Gunner)
Other crews on the same mission reported seeing the aircraft disintegrate in mid air and that no chutes were seen to open A later report from a Missing Research & Enquiry Team stated “the aircraft crashed in the afternoon of 5/11/1944 at Halfershof in Kreis Solingen, Germany.” All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Locality : Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krfefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.
244
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 408476 Flight Sergeant CHANDLER, William Charles Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/505 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 240, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 955 LS – W ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND955 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 0003 hours on the night of 24/25th May 1944 to bomb Aachen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RCAF
422255 FO McKay, W D Captain (Pilot) Sgt D F A Peach (Flight Engineer) FO Turner, J (Navigator) 408476 Flt Sgt W C Chandler, (Bomb Aimer) FO Goddard, K D (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R J Hughes, (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt F D Maddock, (Rear Gunner)
A Missing Research & Enquiry Team later established that the aircraft was shot down by night fighters and crashed approx 2kms north of the village of Someren, which is 12 miles east of Eindhoven, Holland. All the crew were killed. Six of the crew are buried in the Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Eindhoven is 31kms south east of s’Hertogenbosch and 14kms south west of Helmond. Flt Sgt Maddock is buried in the Groesbeek Canadiam War Cemetery, Gelderland, Netherlands. Groesbeek is 10kms south east of the town of Nijmegen and close to the German border.
245
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 419521 Flying Officer CRONE, John Henry Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/828 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 53 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PB 802 LS – F ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster PB803 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1603 hours on 17th January 1945 on a cross country/ bombing training exercise. The Pilot had been ordered to do practice bombing on the range on return from the cross country flight. The weather conditions were favourable. PB802 was last heard from at 2129 hours when it requested a QDM. The aircraft crashed at 2133 hours near the Rushford bombing range at Harling, when it dived into the ground vertically and burst into flames. Harling is about 8 miles ENE of Thetford, Norfolk, UK. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
419521 FO Crone, J H Captain (Pilot) Sgt R Devlin, (Flight Engineer) Sgt G R Lake, (Navigator) Flt Sgt L R Wilkins, (Bomb Aimer) 426468 PO Riordan, L M (Wireless Air Gunner) FO Freedman, H H (Mid Upper Gunner) FO Fuller, W E (Rear Gunner)
All the crew were killed in the crash. FO Crone, PO Riordan, Flt Sgt Wilkins and Sgts Devlin and Lake are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. FO Freedman is buried in the East Ham (Marlow Road) Jewish Cemetery, Essex, UK. FO Fuller is buried in the Sketty (St Paul) Churchyard, Glamorganshire, UK.
246
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 429452 Flying Officer DAVIS, Vincent Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/9/469 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 499 Volume 1944 . Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster HK 626 LS – W ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster HK626 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1151 hours on 4th December 1944 on a day mission to bomb Oberhausen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
429452 FO Davis, V Captain (Pilot) Sgt J G Shewan, (Flight Engineer) 429111 PO Furness, J H (Navigator) 427002 PO Lowe, J T (Bomb Aimer) 430063 PO Skilbeck, R W (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt S W J Taylor, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt P B Wilson, (Rear Gunner)
HK626 was seen by other crews from the Squadron on the same mission, to explode in the air and crash at Oberhausen on 4 December 1944. It was believed it was hit by flak. Oberhausen is 8 miles north east of Duisberg Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve. W R Chorley records that the average age of the crew was 20 years.
247
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 38380 Flight Lieutenant DOBSON, William Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA :A705, 166/10/250 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 271 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 468 LS – F ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM468 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 2300 hours on the night of 10/11th June 1944 to bomb rail installations at Dreux, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
38380 Flt Lt Dobson, W Captain (Pilot) Sgt T B Rees, (Flight Engineer) FO Hills, M (Navigator) Flt Sgt J W Robinson, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt N Davis, (Wireless Operator Air) WO G Radcliffe, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt J P O Hall, (Rear Gunner)
A post war report by a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit stated “ the aircraft crashed at St Denis de Moronval at approx 1am on the night of 10/11th June 1944.The aircraft jettisoned its bombs and tried to make a forced landing but crashed and all the crew were killed.” Those killed are buried in the St Gemme-Moronval Churchyard. Locality : Eure-et-Loir, France. The village of St Gemme and the hamlet of Moronval form a commune which lies 2 miles east of Dreux.
248
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 410150 Pilot Officer DOMBRAIN, Peter Charles Lewis Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/244 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 249 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 121 LS – C ATTD 12 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM121 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 2357 hours on the night of 31st May/1st June 1944 to bomb railway yards at Trappes, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RNZAF RAF RAAF RAAF
410150 PO Dombrain, P C L Captain (Pilot) Sgt L T Gearing (Flight Engineer) 425328 Flt Sgt A S Long, (Navigator) Flt Sgt L S Jamieson, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt R G Norris, (Wireless Operator Air) 425199 Flt Sgt S A Nystrom, (Mid Upper Gunner) 429738 Flt Sgt F B Reid, (Rear Gunner)
Post war a Missing Research & Enquiry team reported that “ the aircraft was shot down by night fighters and crashed in a field near the village Lormaison on 1/6/1944 shortly after midnight.” Lormaison is about 30 miles NNW of Paris. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Marissel French National Cemetery, Locality Oise, France. Marissel is an eastern suburb of Beauvais, a cathedral town between Rouen and Compeigne. The cemetery, known locally as the ‘Cimitiere Militaire National de Beauvais-Marissel, is not actually in Marissel. It is located approx 1km north of Beauvais town centre on the Rue d’Amiens (N1).
249
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 429111 Pilot Officer FURNESS, John Howell Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/9/469 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 499 Volume 1944 . Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster HK 626 LS – W ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster HK626 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1151 hours on 4th December 1944 on a day mission to bomb Oberhausen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
429452 FO Davis, V Captain (Pilot) Sgt J G Shewan, (Flight Engineer) 429111 PO Furness, J H (Navigator) 427002 PO Lowe, J T (Bomb Aimer) 430063 PO Skilbeck, R W (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt S W J Taylor, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt P B Wilson, (Rear Gunner)
HK626 was seen by other crews from the Squadron on the same mission, to explode in the air and crash at Oberhausen on 4 December 1944. It was believed it was hit by flak. Oberhausen is 8 miles north east of Duisberg Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve. W R Chorley records that the average age of the crew was 20 years.
250
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 430026 Flight Sergeant GLANFIELD, John Leonard Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/15/269 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 274, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 156 LS – R ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM156 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 2312 hours on the night of 12/13th June 1944 to bomb Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
FO Phillips, S Captain (Pilot) Sgt P F G Pearsall, (Flight Engineer) PO Simcox, J A (Navigator) FO Wilton, R H (Bomb Aimer) Sgt H D Scott, (Wireless Air Gunner) 430026 Flt Sgt J L Glanfield, (Mid Upper Gunner) 423712 FO Gough,. S E (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Buer Hasbel on 13 June 1944. Buer Hasbel is approx 5 miles north of Gelsenkirchen. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
251
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 410839 Pilot Officer GOODRIDGE, Noel Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/33/180 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 281 Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LL 889 LS – B 15 Sqn RAF
Summary: Lancaster LL 889 of 15 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Mildenhall, Suffolk at 2331 hours on 14 June 1944 to bomb Le Havre, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
425099 Flt Lt Purry, R L, Captain (Pilot) FO Weir, J K (Navigator) 410839 PO Goodridge, N (Wireless Operator/Air) Flt Sgt Gilleade, R H (Air Bomber) Flt Sgt Nixon, T L (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt Cantwell, C F (Rear Gunner) Sgt Rolfe, R J (Flight Engineer)
A Missing Research & Enquiry Unit later established that the aircraft crashed 25 yards from the sea at Fecamp on 15th June 1944, which is on the north west coast of France about 22 miles north east of Le Havre. Flt Sgt Gilleade (RAF) who survived the crash and evaded capture stated “the aircraft was hit apparently by a rocket, when crossing the coast on the return journey from Le Havre at 7000 feet. The pilot advised the controls were unserviceable, the aircraft was on fire and he immediately instructed the crew to abandon the aircraft. Gillespie remembers nothing further until he landed on the ground and had no details on the fate of any other member of the crew.” It was later established that PO Goodridge ans Sgt Rolfe are buried in Fecamp (Leval Aux Clercs) Communal Cemetery, France. Fecamp is a coastal town and port 41kms north-east of Le Havre and Rouen. The other four crew members have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
252
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 423712 Flying Officer GOUGH, Sydney Ernest Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/15/269 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 274, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 156 LS – R ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM156 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 2312 hours on the night of 12/13th June 1944 to bomb Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
FO Phillips, S Captain (Pilot) Sgt P F G Pearsall, (Flight Engineer) PO Simcox, J A (Navigator) FO Wilton, R H (Bomb Aimer) Sgt H D Scott, (Wireless Air Gunner) 430026 Flt Sgt J L Glanfield, (Mid Upper Gunner) 423712 FO Gough,. S E (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Buer Hasbel on 13 June 1944. Buer Hasbel is approx 5 miles north of Gelsenkirchen. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
253
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 424409 Flight Sergeant HANCE, John Donald Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/691 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 478 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NF 916 LS – Z ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster NF916 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 0955 hours on 5th November 1944 on a day mission to bomb Solingen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
424147 Fl.t Lt Cato, H O Captain (Pilot) WO H Hounsome, (Flight Engineer) 419688 PO Lee, D T (Navigator) Flt Sgt T J Priddle, (Bomb Aimer) 424409 Flt Sgt J D Hance, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt K F Knox, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt W Henderson, (Rear Gunner)
Other crews on the same mission reported seeing the aircraft disintegrate in mid air and that no chutes were seen to open A later report from a Missing Research & Enquiry Team stated “the aircraft crashed in the afternoon of 5/11/1944 at Halfershof in Kreis Solingen, Germany.” All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Locality : Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krfefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.
254
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 32782 Flight Sergeant HIGHLAND, William Thomas Emmerick Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/331 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 344 Volume 43. Lancaster Aircraft Type: BF 470 Serial number: LS – G Radio call sign: ATTD 15 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster BF470 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1857 hours on the night of 3/4th October 1943 to bomb Kassel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF Flt Sgt A V Wood, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt L T Graham, (Flight Engineer) RNZAF Flt Sgt J S Curtis, (Navigator) RCAF Flt Sgt G G Wright, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt J R Arrowsmith, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R Blanchard, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 32782 Flt Sgt W T E Highland, (Rear Gunner) Post war a missing Research & Enquiry unit established that a heavy bomber which was on fire approached the village of Haste from the north at approx 2200 hours on 3/10/1943. It circled the village and finally crashed into a house. Three of the crew Flt Sgt Highland and Sgt’s Graham and Blanchard were killed in the crash and the other four were POW’s. Flt Sgt Wood later reported “Nothing is known re Highland. When I gave the abandon aircraft order, Highland was in possession of his chute, but know nothing further of his whereabouts. Flt Sgt Wright stated “When we were attacked I was injured to such an extent that I suffered a loss of memory for 5 days. As a result I know nothing of the Rear Gunner. He had his chute with him and was perfectly OK up to the moment we were hit.” Flt Sgt Highland and Sgt Blanchard 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 Graham has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
255
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 414238 Flight Sergeant HILL, Eric Allan Source: AWM 237 (65 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/17/245
Commonwealth War Graves records
Stirling BK 774 LS – K ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Stirling BK774 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 2017 hours on the night of 3/4th September 1943 detailed to carry out a gardening mine laying operation in the Kattegat. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF RAF RAF
414238 Flt Sgt E A Hill, Captain (Pilot) Sgt V J Caselton, (Flight Engineer) Sgt R O Lander, (Navigator) Flt Sgt H Perry, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt R :Lawson (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R E Belton, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt W J Price (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed in the North Sea off the west coast of Denmark and all the crew lost their lives at sea. Flt Sgt Hills body was washed ashore at Klitmoller south of Hansted on the west coast of Denmark on 11/9/43. Sgt Landers body was washed ashore at the same place on 13/9/43. Sgt Beltons body was washed ashore at Hansted on 19/9/43. The above three together with Flt Sgt Perry are buried in the Frederikshavn Cemetery, Denmark. Frederikshavn is a major port in northern Jutland, about 32kms from the northern most point of Denmark. The remaining three crew members have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK. Commonwealth Graves records show the Date of Death of all the crew as 4th September 1943 except Flt Sgt Perry which is recorded as 14th September 1943.
256
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 423735 Flying Officer HOGGARD, Robert John Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/18/511 Commonwealth War Graves records Lancaster Aircraft Type: PB 115 Serial number: LS – W Radio call sign: ATTD 15 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster PB115 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1100 hours on 2nd November 1944 to bomb Homberg., Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 423735 FO Hoggard, R J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W Hunter (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Law, I (Navigator) RCAF WO2 D Garber, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 422609 PO Meredith, O F (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt J C Millar, (mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt L Jeffrey, (Rear Gunner) Later it was established that PB115 collided as a result of enemy action with Lancaster HK612 (Flt Lt Earley, DFM, MID RAF) also of 15 Sqn and both aircraft crashed at approx 1415 hours at position 51.25N 05.28E Five of the crew in PB115 were killed and WO2 Garber and Flt Sgt Jeffrey survived and were safe. Flt Sgt Jeffrey later reported “The aircraft survived several hits presumably from flak seven minutes after leaving the target at approx 15,000 feet, which put the aircraft temporarily out of control and caused it to dive. I attempted unsuccessfully to contact other crew members on the I/C and abandoned the aircraft at about 13,000 feet. As I was about to bale out I saw PO Meredith behind me at the rear door, and I consider that he too could have successfully baled out at that time. I became unconscious during the descent and later taken to hospital at Eindhoven where he saw Garber who had also baled out but his chute had not opened successfully and he sustained severe injuries. I presume that the aircraft went into a violent dive after I baled out and it could account for the others losing their lives.” FO Hoggard, PO Meredith and FO Law are buried in the Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Eindhoven is located 31kms south-east of s’Hertogenbosch and 14kms south-west of Helmond. Sgt Hunter is buried in the Erp Roman Catholic Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Erp is a village 8kms north-west of Gemert and approx 5kms south-west of Veghel. Sgt Millar has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
257
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 420753 Flight Sergeant HOOKER, Allan Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/262 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 299 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling EE 912 LS – U ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster EE912 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 2011 hours on the night of 31st August/1st Sept 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF RAAF RAAF
Sgt J L Milner, Captain (Pilot) Sgt R C Haigh, (Flight Engineer) Sgt J M Stringfellow, (Navigator) Flt Sgt T J Ryan, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt E J Wright, (Wireless Air Gunner) 421563 Flt Sgt Brook, P M (Mid Upper Gunner) 420753 Flt Sgt A Hooker, (Rear Gunner)
It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at Roskow, 13kms north east of Brandenburg, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.
258
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 420755 Pilot Officer HURLEY, Max James Source: AWM 237 (65)
NAA : A705, 166/18/292
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster R 5739 LS – K ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Commonwealth War Graves records
Summary: Lancaster R5739 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 0006 hours on the night of 19/20th February, 1944 to bomb Leipzig, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RNZAF RAF RAF RCAF ]RAAF RAF RAAF
420755 PO Hurley, M J Captain (Pilot) PO Benson, C S (2nd Pilot) Sgt D F Frame, (Flight Engineer) FO Fenley, J (Navigator) FO Chalmers, F L (Bomb Aimer) 410778 Flt Sgt A M Woodford, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt H F Moroni, (Mid Upper Gunner) 423845 Flt Sgt G McMaster, (Rear Gunner)
Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Frame was a POW. In a later report Sgt Frame stated “ The aircraft was shot down south west of the target after the bombs were dropped. Hurley was still alive when the aircraft was going down and exploded and must have been killed. I did not bale out but was thrown 30 yards from the machine and lost consciousness. When he came to he noticed the nose of the aircraft buried in the ground but not burnt in any way. The Germans removed me to hospital and two weeks later they told me that Hurley and the other 6 were killed. A 1948 report by a Missing Research & Enquiry team stated “ the aircraft was shot down and crashed near Goeritzberg on 20/2/44. The village of Goeritzberg is approx 36 miles south west of Leipzig and Jenna is about 10 miles west of Goeritzberg. Those killed are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany..
259
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 419688 Pilot Officer LEE, David Thomas Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/691 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 478 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster NF 916 LS – Z ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster NF916 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 0955 hours on 5th November 1944 on a day mission to bomb Solingen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
424147 Fl.t Lt Cato, H O Captain (Pilot) WO H Hounsome, (Flight Engineer) 419688 PO Lee, D T (Navigator) Flt Sgt T J Priddle, (Bomb Aimer) 424409 Flt Sgt J D Hance, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt K F Knox, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt W Henderson, (Rear Gunner)
Other crews on the same mission reported seeing the aircraft disintegrate in mid air and that no chutes were seen to open A later report from a Missing Research & Enquiry Team stated “the aircraft crashed in the afternoon of 5/11/1944 at Halfershof in Kreis Solingen, Germany.” All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Locality : Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krfefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.
260
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 425328 Flight Sergeant LONG, Arthur Stephen Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/244 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 249 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 121 LS – C ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM121 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 2357 hours on the night of 31st May/1st June 1944 to bomb railway yards at Trappes, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RNZAF RAF RAAF RAAF
410150 PO Dombrain, P C L Captain (Pilot) Sgt L T Gearing (Flight Engineer) 425328 Flt Sgt A S Long, (Navigator) Flt Sgt L S Jamieson, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt R G Norris, (Wireless Operator Air) 425199 Flt Sgt S A Nystrom, (Mid Upper Gunner) 429738 Flt Sgt F B Reid, (Rear Gunner)
Post war a Missing Research & Enquiry team reported that “ the aircraft was shot down by night fighters and crashed in a field near the village Lormaison on 1/6/1944 shortly after midnight.” Lormaison is about 30 miles NNW of Paris. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Marissel French National Cemetery, Locality Oise, France. Marissel is an eastern suburb of Beauvais, a cathedral town between Rouen and Compeigne. The cemetery, known locally as the ‘Cimitiere Militaire National de Beauvais-Marissel, is not actually in Marissel. It is located approx 1km north of Beauvais town centre on the Rue d’Amiens (N1).
261
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 427002 Pilot Officer LOWE, James Thomas Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/9/469 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 499 Volume 1944 . Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster HK 626 LS – W ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster HK626 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1151 hours on 4th December 1944 on a day mission to bomb Oberhausen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
429452 FO Davis, V Captain (Pilot) Sgt J G Shewan, (Flight Engineer) 429111 PO Furness, J H (Navigator) 427002 PO Lowe, J T (Bomb Aimer) 430063 PO Skilbeck, R W (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt S W J Taylor, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt P B Wilson, (Rear Gunner)
HK626 was seen by other crews from the Squadron on the same mission, to explode in the air and crash at Oberhausen on 4 December 1944. It was believed it was hit by flak. Oberhausen is 8 miles north east of Duisberg Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve. W R Chorley records that the average age of the crew was 20 years.
262
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 405955 Pilot Officer MACDOUGALL, Allan Douglas Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/582 Commonwealth War Graves records W RF Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 418 Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 110 LS – G ATD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM110 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1833 hours on the night of 12/13th September 1944 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
405955 PO MacDougall, A D Captain (Pilot) Sgt K M McKie, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt R T Keen, (Navigator) Sgt I Howitt, (Bomb Aimer) WO Moore, D C (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt J McNee, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt T K Hunter, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established by a Missing Research & Enquiry team that the aircraft was hit by ack-ack and crashed near Oppau which is approx 2 miles north of Ludwigshafen, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in tbe Durnbach War Cemetery, Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich.
263
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 422255 Flying Officer MCKAY, William Dennett Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/505 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 240, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 955 LS – W ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND955 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 0003 hours on the night of 24/25th May 1944 to bomb Aachen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RCAF
422255 FO McKay, W D Captain (Pilot) Sgt D F A Peach (Flight Engineer) FO Turner, J (Navigator) 408476 Flt Sgt W C Chandler, (Bomb Aimer) FO Goddard, K D (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R J Hughes, (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt F D Maddock, (Rear Gunner)
A Missing Research & Enquiry Team later established that the aircraft was shot down by night fighters and crashed approx 2kms north of the village of Someren, which is 12 miles east of Eindhoven, Holland. All the crew were killed. Six of the crew are buried in the Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Eindhoven is 31kms south east of s’Hertogenbosch and 14kms south west of Helmond. Flt Sgt Maddock is buried in the Groesbeek Canadiam War Cemetery, Gelderland, Netherlands. Groesbeek is 10kms south east of the town of Nijmegen and close to the German border.
264
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 423845 Flight Sergeant MCMASTER, Gordon Source: AWM 237 (65)
NAA : A705, 166/18/292
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster R 5739 LS – K ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Commonwealth War Graves records
Summary: Lancaster R5739 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 0006 hours on the night of 19/20th February, 1944 to bomb Leipzig, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RNZAF RAF RAF RCAF ]RAAF RAF RAAF
420755 PO Hurley, M J Captain (Pilot) PO Benson, C S (2nd Pilot) Sgt D F Frame, (Flight Engineer) FO Fenley, J (Navigator) FO Chalmers, F L (Bomb Aimer) 410778 Flt Sgt A M Woodford, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt H F Moroni, (Mid Upper Gunner) 423845 Flt Sgt G McMaster, (Rear Gunner)
Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Frame was a POW. In a later report Sgt Frame stated “ The aircraft was shot down south west of the target after the bombs were dropped. Hurley was still alive when the aircraft was going down and exploded and must have been killed. I did not bale out but was thrown 30 yards from the machine and lost consciousness. When he came to he noticed the nose of the aircraft buried in the ground but not burnt in any way. The Germans removed me to hospital and two weeks later they told me that Hurley and the other 6 were killed. A 1948 report by a Missing Research & Enquiry team stated “ the aircraft was shot down and crashed near Goeritzberg on 20/2/44. The village of Goeritzberg is approx 36 miles south west of Leipzig and Jenna is about 10 miles west of Goeritzberg. Those killed are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany..
265
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400637 Pilot Officer MELVILLE, Robert Lorraine Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/143/91
Commonwealth War Graves records
Stirling W 7524 ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Stirling W7524 took off from RAF Wyton at 1840 hours on 16 July 1942 in an attempt to reach Lubeck, Germany, using cloud cover and the approaching dusk. The aircraft was shot down by ack-ack fire at 2130 hours on 16 July 1942 and crashed in the tidal area of the River Sneum, 8kms south-east of Esbjerg. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
400637 PO Melville, R L Captain (Pilot) Sgt D R Barrett, (2nd Pilot)) Sgt R Nicholls, (Flight Engineer) PO Arnott, K (Navigator) Sgt H J I Lockhart (1st Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt G A Donovan, (Front Gunner) Sgt J E F Waylan, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt L C Masfen (Rear Gunner)
Six of the crew were killed in the crash and Sgt’s Donovan and Masfen were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Esbjerg (Fourfelt) Cemetery, Denmark. Esbjerg is a major port on the west coast of Jutland.
266
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 422609 Pilot Officer MEREDITH, Owen Frederick Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/18/511 Commonwealth War Graves records Lancaster Aircraft Type: PB 115 Serial number: LS – W Radio call sign: ATTD 15 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster PB115 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1100 hours on 2nd November 1944 to bomb Homberg., Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 423735 FO Hoggard, R J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W Hunter (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Law, I (Navigator) RCAF WO2 D Garber, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 422609 PO Meredith, O F (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt J C Millar, (mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt L Jeffrey, (Rear Gunner) Later it was established that PB115 collided as a result of enemy action with Lancaster HK612 (Flt Lt Earley, DFM, MID RAF) also of 15 Sqn and both aircraft crashed at approx 1415 hours at position 51.25N 05.28E Five of the crew in PB115 were killed and WO2 Garber and Flt Sgt Jeffrey survived and were safe. Flt Sgt Jeffrey later reported “The aircraft survived several hits presumably from flak seven minutes after leaving the target at approx 15,000 feet, which put the aircraft temporarily out of control and caused it to dive. I attempted unsuccessfully to contact other crew members on the I/C and abandoned the aircraft at about 13,000 feet. As I was about to bale out I saw PO Meredith behind me at the rear door, and I consider that he too could have successfully baled out at that time. I became unconscious during the descent and later taken to hospital at Eindhoven where he saw Garber who had also baled out but his chute had not opened successfully and he sustained severe injuries. I presume that the aircraft went into a violent dive after I baled out and it could account for the others losing their lives.” FO Hoggard, PO Meredith and FO Law are buried in the Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Eindhoven is located 31kms south-east of s’Hertogenbosch and 14kms south-west of Helmond. Sgt Hunter is buried in the Erp Roman Catholic Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Erp is a village 8kms north-west of Gemert and approx 5kms south-west of Veghel. Sgt Millar has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK
267
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 436058 Pilot Officer NEWTON, Frederick John Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/29/231 Commonwealth War Graves records W RF Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 144 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster HK 773 LS – W ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster HK773 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1055 hours on the 23 March 1945 to attack Bocholt by GH bombing methods. The aircraft was seen at approx 1100 hours flying in a north-westerly direction at 150 feet w2ith the port outer engine feathered and apparently on fire. The aircraft gradually lost height finally striking the ground in dense wood and the 4000 lb bomb on board exploded. The aircraft crashed in between Brandon and Munford, Norfolk, UK. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
436058 PO Newton, F J Captain (Pilot) Sgt W J Dee, (Flight Engineer) Sgt C A J Church, (Navigator) Sgt M F Matthews, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt G A Cope, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt P Cooley (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt T E Jenkins, (Rear Gunner)
All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. The above fatalities were the last fatalities of 15 Sqn in WW2.
268
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 425199 Flight Sergeant NYSTROM, Stanley Arthur Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/244 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 249 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 121 LS – C ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM121 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 2357 hours on the night of 31st May/1st June 1944 to bomb railway yards at Trappes, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RNZAF RAF RAAF RAAF
410150 PO Dombrain, P C L Captain (Pilot) Sgt L T Gearing (Flight Engineer) 425328 Flt Sgt A S Long, (Navigator) Flt Sgt L S Jamieson, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt R G Norris, (Wireless Operator Air) 425199 Flt Sgt S A Nystrom, (Mid Upper Gunner) 429738 Flt Sgt F B Reid, (Rear Gunner)
Post war a Missing Research & Enquiry team reported that “ the aircraft was shot down by night fighters and crashed in a field near the village Lormaison on 1/6/1944 shortly after midnight.” Lormaison is about 30 miles NNW of Paris. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Marissel French National Cemetery, Locality Oise, France. Marissel is an eastern suburb of Beauvais, a cathedral town between Rouen and Compeigne. The cemetery, known locally as the ‘Cimitiere Militaire National de Beauvais-Marissel, is not actually in Marissel. It is located approx 1km north of Beauvais town centre on the Rue d’Amiens (N1).
269
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 429738 Flight Sergeant REID, Frank Bruce Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/244 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 249 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 121 LS – C ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM121 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 2357 hours on the night of 31st May/1st June 1944 to bomb railway yards at Trappes, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RNZAF RAF RAAF RAAF
410150 PO Dombrain, P C L Captain (Pilot) Sgt L T Gearing (Flight Engineer) 425328 Flt Sgt A S Long, (Navigator) Flt Sgt L S Jamieson, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt R G Norris, (Wireless Operator Air) 425199 Flt Sgt S A Nystrom, (Mid Upper Gunner) 429738 Flt Sgt F B Reid, (Rear Gunner)
Post war a Missing Research & Enquiry team reported that “ the aircraft was shot down by night fighters and crashed in a field near the village Lormaison on 1/6/1944 shortly after midnight.” Lormaison is about 30 miles NNW of Paris. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Marissel French National Cemetery, Locality Oise, France. Marissel is an eastern suburb of Beauvais, a cathedral town between Rouen and Compeigne. The cemetery, known locally as the ‘Cimitiere Militaire National de Beauvais-Marissel, is not actually in Marissel. It is located approx 1km north of Beauvais town centre on the Rue d’Amiens (N1).
270
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 426468 Pilot Officer RIORDAN, Lex Maitland Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/828 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 53 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PB 802 LS – F ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster PB803 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1603 hours on 17th January 1945 on a cross country/ bombing training exercise. The Pilot had been ordered to do practice bombing on the range on return from the cross country flight. The weather conditions were favourable. PB802 was last heard from at 2129 hours when it requested a QDM. The aircraft crashed at 2133 hours near the Rushford bombing range at Harling, when it dived into the ground vertically and burst into flames. Harling is about 8 miles ENE of Thetford, Norfolk, UK. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
419521 FO Crone, J H Captain (Pilot) Sgt R Devlin, (Flight Engineer) Sgt G R Lake, (Navigator) Flt Sgt L R Wilkins, (Bomb Aimer) 426468 PO Riordan, L M (Wireless Air Gunner) FO Freedman, H H (Mid Upper Gunner) FO Fuller, W E (Rear Gunner)
All the crew were killed in the crash. FO Crone, PO Riordan, Flt Sgt Wilkins and Sgts Devlin and Lake are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. FO Freedman is buried in the East Ham (Marlow Road) Jewish Cemetery, Essex, UK. FO Fuller is buried in the Sketty (St Paul) Churchyard, Glamorganshire, UK.
271
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
404263 Flying Officer ROWLAND, Henry Barrymore Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/55/149 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling N 6066 ATTD 15 Sqn RAF
Summary: On the 25th December 1941, Stirling N6066 took off from RAF Station Waterbeach, and crashed at 1445 hours at West End Farm, Kimpston, near Bedfrord, UK. Four of rhe crew were killed in the crash and Sgt Akes died of his injuries. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
404263 FO Rowland H B Captain (Observer) 404393 Sgt V C Akes, (Pilot) Sgt G H Savoy, (Flight Engineer) Sgt E C Welsh, (Air Gunner) `Sgt H Bowman, ( Cpl J Dawson, ( Seriously injured Cpl J Mainwaring, ( Slightly injured Cpl Atkinson, ( Slightly injured
FO Rowland is buried in the Slinfold (St Peter) Churchyard, UK. Sgt’s Akes and Welsh are buried in the Wyton (St Margaret & All Saints) Churchyard, UK. Sgt Savoy is buried in the Waterbeach Cemetery, UK.
272
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 417519 Flight Sergeant RUGLESS, George Ifould Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/435 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 30 Volume 1945. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LL 923 LS – G ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LL923 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1129 hours on 5th January 1945 to bomb the railway yards at Ludwigshafen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
Flt Sgt D H Williams, Captain (Pilot) Sgt S J Dolan, (Flight Engineer) FO Young, W (Navigator) Flt Sgt A B Nicklin, (Bomb Aimer) 417519 Flt Sgt G I Rugless, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt E E Parkhouse, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt D T Darby (Rear Gunner)
A post war report by a Missing Research & Enquiry Team established that the aircraft was shot down and exploded on impact at 1440 hours on 5/1/45 at Beidesheim, approx 18 miles north of Mannheim, Germany. Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Darby was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality : Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.
273
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 430063 Pilot Officer SKILBECK, Robert Wesley Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/9/469 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 499 Volume 1944 . Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster HK 626 LS – W ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster HK626 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1151 hours on 4th December 1944 on a day mission to bomb Oberhausen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
429452 FO Davis, V Captain (Pilot) Sgt J G Shewan, (Flight Engineer) 429111 PO Furness, J H (Navigator) 427002 PO Lowe, J T (Bomb Aimer) 430063 PO Skilbeck, R W (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt S W J Taylor, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt P B Wilson, (Rear Gunner)
HK626 was seen by other crews from the Squadron on the same mission, to explode in the air and crash at Oberhausen on 4 December 1944. It was believed it was hit by flak. Oberhausen is 8 miles north east of Duisberg Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve. W R Chorley records that the average age of the crew was 20 years.
274
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
429001 Pilot Officer STUCKEY, Victor Source: AWM 237 (65)
NAA : A705, 166/38/835
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster HK 627 LS – F ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Commonwealth War Graves records
Summary: Lancaster HK627 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1114 hours on 12th December 1944 to bomb Witten, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. The aircraft was seen by crews of other aircraft to disintegrate in the target area. It crashed at Stockum some 4 miles NNE of Witten, and all the crew were killed.. Crew: RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
Flt Lt Marsh, A F Captain (Pilot) Sgt J Swainston, (Flight Engineer) 429001 PO Stuckey, V (Navigator) FO Lee S T (Bomb Aimer) 424817 PO Murray R M, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt L Garratt, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt J D Wade, (Rear Gunner)
Flt Sgt Murray and FO Lee have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey< UK. The five other crew members are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve..
275
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 410017 Flight Sergeant TURNER, John James Joseph Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/4/127 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 265 Volume 1944 . Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 534 LS – A ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM534 Took off from RAF Mildenhall ata 0049 hours on the night of 7/8th June 1944 to bomb rail facilities at Massy-Palaiseau, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Woodley, C D Captain (Pilot) Sgt G W Haswell, (Flight Engineer) 410017 Flt Sgt J J J Turner, (Navigator) 425082 Flt Sgt C J Watson, (Bomb Aimer) 423610 Flt Sgt J E Armstrong, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt A F Lilley, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt R D Hales (Rear Gunner)
Post war a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit reported “ the aircraft crashed at Bonnelles, France at 2.30am on 8/6/44, and the aircraft exploded when it hit the ground.” All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Viroflay New Communal Cemetery, Yvelines, France. Viroflay is a small town 4kms east of Versailles.
276
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
410203 Warrant Officer UPTON, James Alphonsus Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/41/17
Commonwealth War Graves records.
Lancaster LL 827 LS – Q ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LL827 took ff from RAF Mildenhall at 2141 hours on the night of 15/16th July 1944 to bomb Chalons sur Marne. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF RAF RAF
410203 WO J A Upton, Captain (Pilot) Sgt D G Tarbin, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt F R Ashcroft, (Navigator) WO2 J A MacLean, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt E Attenborrow, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt E D Carmichael, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt C Sykes, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was shot down and crashed at St Gibrien, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the St Gibrien Churchyard, Localty Marne, France. St Gibrien is a village and commune some 5kms north west of Chalonsen-Champagne, France.
277
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 425082 Flight Sergeant WATSON, Cecil John Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/4/127 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 265 Volume 1944 . Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster LM 534 LS – A ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LM534 Took off from RAF Mildenhall ata 0049 hours on the night of 7/8th June 1944 to bomb rail facilities at Massy-Palaiseau, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
FO Woodley, C D Captain (Pilot) Sgt G W Haswell, (Flight Engineer) 410017 Flt Sgt J J J Turner, (Navigator) 425082 Flt Sgt C J Watson, (Bomb Aimer) 423610 Flt Sgt J E Armstrong, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt A F Lilley, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt R D Hales (Rear Gunner)
Post war a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit reported “ the aircraft crashed at Bonnelles, France at 2.30am on 8/6/44, and the aircraft exploded when it hit the ground.” All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Viroflay New Communal Cemetery, Yvelines, France. Viroflay is a small town 4kms east of Versailles.
278
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
426245 Flight Sergeant WATSON, Reginald Kenneth
Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/43/667
Commonwealth War Graves records
Lancaster LL 752 LS – A ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster LL752 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 2336 hours on the night of 11/12th May 1944 to bomb Louvain, Belgium. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RCAF RAF RCAF RAF
Flt Lt Amies, A Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt R T Jones, (2nd Pilot) Sgt D J Wilson, (Flight Engineer) 426245 Flt Sgt R K Watson, (Navigator) Flt Sgt J G Crook, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt H H Baker, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt J Whittaker, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt J D Cairns, (Rear Gunner)
It was later reported that the aircraft had been shot down and crashed at Louvain and all the crew had been killed. They are buried in the Leuven Communal Cemetery, Locality Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.The cemetery is located in the town of Leuven which is 30kms east of Brussels on the N2 Brusselsesteenweg.
279
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 413324 Flight Sergeant WILSON, Jack Oliphant Source: AWM 237 (65) Commonwealth War Graves records W R C horley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 160, Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Stirling BK 611 LS – U ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Summary: Stirling BK611 took off From RAF Mildenhall at 2356 hours on the night of 25/26th May 1943 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF RAF
413324 Flt Sgt J O Wilson, Captain (Pilot) Sgt R W Pittard, (Flight Engineer) PO Cooper, B E (Navigator) Sgt P Arnott, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt S J Maxted, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt E I Seabolt, (Air Gunner) Sgt A W Edgeley, (Air Gunner)
The aircraft was hit by flak at 0132 hours when south west of the target and the bombs were jettisoned two minutes later. In the confusion Sgt Seabolt baled out. Course for base was set but at 0215 hours the Stirling crash landed some 8kms north west of Venlo, Holland. Flt Sgt Wilson, Sgt Pittard and Sgt Arnott were killed in the crash and the others were POW’s. Both Sgt Maxted and Sgt Edgeley evaded capture for six weeks before being picked up in Paris on 9/7/43. The three killed are buried in the Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Locality Gelderland Netherlands. The town of Nijmeegen is located south of Arnhem and Jonkerbos cemetery is situated in the south west part of the town.
280
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 410778 Flight Sergeant WOODFORD, Alan Mackintosh Source: AWM 237 (65)
NAA : A705, 166/18/292
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster R 5739 LS – K ATTD 15 SQN RAF
Commonwealth War Graves records
Summary: Lancaster R5739 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 0006 hours on the night of 19/20th February, 1944 to bomb Leipzig, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RNZAF RAF RAF RCAF ]RAAF RAF RAAF
420755 PO Hurley, M J Captain (Pilot) PO Benson, C S (2nd Pilot) Sgt D F Frame, (Flight Engineer) FO Fenley, J (Navigator) FO Chalmers, F L (Bomb Aimer) 410778 Flt Sgt A M Woodford, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt H F Moroni, (Mid Upper Gunner) 423845 Flt Sgt G McMaster, (Rear Gunner)
Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Frame was a POW. In a later report Sgt Frame stated “ The aircraft was shot down south west of the target after the bombs were dropped. Hurley was still alive when the aircraft was going down and exploded and must have been killed. I did not bale out but was thrown 30 yards from the machine and lost consciousness. When he came to he noticed the nose of the aircraft buried in the ground but not burnt in any way. The Germans removed me to hospital and two weeks later they told me that Hurley and the other 6 were killed. A 1948 report by a Missing Research & Enquiry team stated “ the aircraft was shot down and crashed near Goeritzberg on 20/2/44. The village of Goeritzberg is approx 36 miles south west of Leipzig and Jenna is about 10 miles west of Goeritzberg. Those killed are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany..
281
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
400963 Flight Lieutenant CARRUTHERS, John David Rupert Bernard Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/7/582
Commonwealth War Graves records
Boston HK 971 ATTD 18 SQN RAF
Summary: Boston HK971 a reconnaissance of shipping off the east coast of Italy and the PO Valley on the 2nd August 1944. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF
400963 Flt Lt Carruthers, J D R B Captain (Pilot) PO Harrison, A (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt W Brady, (Wireless Operator Air) WO A Dyer, (Air Gunner)
A post war report by a Missing Research and Enquiry team stated “The aircraft crashed at Pollesella, Italy, on the night of 2nd August and exploded on impact.”. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Padua War Cemetery, Italy.
282
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
415176 Flight Sergeant O’HARA, Bernard Aloysius Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/31/85
Commonwealth War Graves records
Boston AL 747 ATTD 18 SQN RAF
Summary: Boston AL747 took off at 0215 hours on the 18 July 1943 to carry out an armed reconnaissance over Sicily. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RCAF RAF RCAF
415176 Flt Sgt B A O’Hara, Captain (Pilot) Sgt R H Halliday, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Sgt C Kincaid, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt G E Rozell, (Air Gunner)
The aircraft was seen to fall in flames and allo the crew were killed. Flt Sgt O’Hara and Sgt Kincaid are buried in the Catania War Cemetery, Sicily, Italy. Sgt Halliday and Sgt Rozell are buried in the Agira Canadian War Cemetery, Sicily Italy. The cemetery is in the commune of Agira, Province of Enna, in the centre of Sicily.
283
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
408517 Flight Sergeant POUND, Robert Tasman Source: AWM 237 (650 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/33/90
Commonwealth War Graves records
Boston W 8327 ATTD 18 SQN RAF
Summary: Boston W8327 took off at 1945 hours on 13th October 1943 to carry out a recce flight of road between Rome and the bomb line. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF
408517 Flt Sgt R T Pound, Captain (Pilot) Sgt E W Coates, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Sgt D N Carter, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt W H Adams, (Air Gunner)
A report by a Captain N L Lucas, Hdqrts 152 Infantry Brigade stated “ On 15/10/1943 when passing through Campo Di Giovi near Sulmona, I heard from a native that a British plane had crashed on the top of a mountain a few miles back. I asked for a guide and arranged to go to the sight the next morning. I was told that one occupant had been saved and was being looked after in a hut. At 4am on 16/10 I left with a party to climb the mountain known locally as Fermina Morte and was part of the Monte Amaro roughly north east of Campo Di Giovi. It took 4 hours to reach the plane 500 feet from the top of the 7000 feet mountain. The plane (?Blenheim) was a complete wreck as far as the gunners seat. Three bodies were found and buried – Flt Sgt Coates, Sgt Coates and Sgt Carter. A diary also named Adams and it was assumed that Adams was the one who survived. On return to the Campo Di Giovi I tried to visit Adams but the Huns had surrounded the village and were doing a house search. I was told he was still safe the next day- he was fit enough to take to the mountains when the search started.” Sgt Adams became a POW and the other three are buried in the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, Italy. The cemetery lies in the locality of San Donato in the Commune of Ortona, Province of Chieti, and is sighted on high ground near the sea just east of the main Adriatic coast road (SS16).
284
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
402170 Sergeant ROST, Ronald James Brownee Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/158/153 Commonwealth War Graves records Blenheim Z 7496 WV – W ATTD 18 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z7496 took off from Horsham St Faith at 1517 hours on 16 July 1941 to bomb Rotterdam Holland. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF`
402170 Sgt R J B Rost, Captain (Pilot) Sgt J Hughes, (Observer) Sgt S W Winter (Wireless Air Gunner)
The aircraft crashed at 1706 hours near Ypenburg airfield (Zuid Holland) between Delft and Den Haag. Two of the crew were killed and Sgt Rost lived for a few hours but died in hospital at Delft. All the crew were buried in the The Hague (Westduin) General Cemetery, Locality ZuidHolland, Netherlands. Westduin is a suburb in the south western district of the Hague (Den Haag).
285
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
402208 Flying Officer SEYMOUR, Lawrence Alfred DFC Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9300 Barcode 5258844 Commonwealth War Graves records AWM 65 (4624) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Boston
ATTD 18 SQN RAF
Summary: FO Seymour lost his life in Italy on 16 May 1944. He is buried in the Cassino War Cemetery, Italy. The cemetery is in the Commune of Cassino, Province of Frosinone, 139kms south east of Rome. Note : No other details are available as Archives do not hold a RAAF casualty file. Citation : The citation for DFC awarded to FO L A Seymour, 402208, 18 Sqn RAF, is as follows : “Now in his second tour of operations, FO Seymour has participated in numerous day and night operations. As Gunnery Leader he has materially contributed to the success of many operations.” (London Gazette 8/1/1945, P 2897)
286
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
406965 Flying Officer TRUSCOTT, Eric Leonard Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/40/161
Commonwealth War Graves records
Boston BZ 375 ATTD 18 SQN RAF
Summary: Boston BZ2375 took off from Marcionise airfield, Italy, at 2045 hours on 16 March 1944 and crashed soon after take off about 1.5 miles north of the airfield. It passed through two lots of trees which line the roadway Naples-Caserta (Highway 87), and crashed in a field to the west of the road. The Aerodrome Control pilot who watched the aircraft take off stated that the engine noise faded and then came back on again full power. Other could not confirm this. The position of the crash indicates that the aircraft turned to port shortly after take off and not having sufficient height hit the trees lining Highway 87.. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RAF
Flt Lt Carter, G W Captain (Pilot) 406965 FO Truscott, E L (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt W Gittins, (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt J P Hutcheson, (Air Gunner)
All the crew were killed in the crash and they are buried in the Caserta War Cemetery, Italy.
287
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 414694 Warrant Officer KAIRTON, Donald Bertram Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/22/269
Commonwealth War Graves records
Mustang
ATTD 19 SQN RAF
Summary: A Mustang flown by WO Kairton at about 0630 hours on 14th June 1944 and flying as white No2 dive bombed at a very low altitude and then staffed an enemy armoured vehicle convoy. Almost immediately glycol was seen to come from the aircraft and it flew straight and level at approx 500 feet until it caught fire and dived into the ground just north of the road and exploded. Crew: RAAF
414694 WO D B Kairton, (Pilot)
WO Kairton was killed in the crash and he is buried in the Le Gue-de-la Chaine Communal Cemetery, Locality Orme, France. Le Gue-de-la-Chaine is a village and commune 36kms ESE of Alencon on the D955 road to Nogent-le-Rotrou and Chateaudun.
288
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
404892 Pilot Officer THIELE, Herbert John Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/58/49
Commonwealth War Graves records
Spitfire A 8384 ATTD 19 SQN RAF
Summary: Spitfire A8394 became lost in clouds on 2nd November 1941. The pilot baled out at a low height of 200 feet and the chute had nor fully opened when he hit the ground and was killed. The aircraft crashed at Manor Farm, 1 mile south of Woodnorton, 6 miles due north of RAF Swanton Morley. Crew: RAAF
404892 PO Thiele, H J (Pilot)
PO Thiele is buried in Swanton Morley (All Saints) Churchyard, Norfolk, UK.
289
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
401161 Flight Lieutenant THOMSON, John Pender Deany Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/39/236 Commonwealth War Graves records Hurricane KW871 20 Sqn RAF
Summary: On the 18th February 1944, Hurricane KW871 took off together with another aircraft, to carry out an offensive recce over enemy held territory. Both aircraft failed to return from the mission. The wreck of KW871 was later found near the village of Taung-U, Burma. Natives said that the pilot was killed when the aircraft crashed. The remains of the missing pilot was not found. Crew: RAAF
401161 Flt Lt Thomson, J P D (Pilot)
Flt Lt Thomson has no known grave. His name is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Singapore. The Memorial stands in the Kranji War Cemetery, 22kms north of the City of Singapore, on the north side of Singapore Island overlooking the Straits of Johore.
290
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
425589 Flying Officer BLACKFORD, Walter Frederick Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/1006 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Marauder HD477 21 Sqn SAAF
Summary: On the 8th March 1945, Marauder HD477 crashed in Dignano, approx seven miles north of Pola in north eastern Italy. Two of the crew were killed and the others survived the crash. Crew: RAAF RAAF SAAF RAF RAF SAAF
425589 FO Blackford, W F Captain (Pilot) 419589 WO W H Richardson, (Co-Pilot) Lt Snit (Observer) Sgt E M Arthur, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt D S Smith, (Air Gunner) WO11 N H Nel, (Air Gunner)
FO Blackford and Sgt Smith are buried in the Belgrade War Cemetery, Serbia and Montenegro In a later statement WO Richardson reported : “ Prior to my leaving the aircraft I was sitting next to Blackford who was at the controls holding the aircraft steady. Blackford was wearing his harness and chute. Shortly after Richardson left the aircraft the starboard wing broke off near the engine, This was also seen by Smit and Arthur. The aircraft then went into a spin. The first three baled out at about 7000 feet. In my case I baled out at about 4000 feet. Lt Smit stated : “I landed one mile west of Marzana, and made to a spot where Richardson and Arthur had landed. The aircraft was completely destroyed. After about 15 minutes a farmer came up and took me to a bunker in the hills, gave me food, and told me to stay in the bunker.”
291
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
401030 Flight Sergeant DICKSON, Robert Walker Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/102/86
Commonwealth War Graves records
Ventura AE 759 YH – H ATTD 21 SQN RAF
Summary: Ventura AE759 took off at 1100 hours on 10th December 1942 to carry out a ferry flight The aircraft crashed at Methwold Hyde, 12 miles north west of Thetford, Norfolk, UK Crew: RCAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAF
WO11 G H Turcotte, Captain (Pilot) Sgt J R D Jones, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) 401030 Flt Sgt R W Dickson, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt G W Hatton, (Air Gunner) Sgt O W Woodhead Pax LAC T Rutherford, Pax
In a later Court of Inquiry an eye witness stated that “the aircraft completed its circuit and set course over one of the hangars. It was travelling at high speed at approx 300 feet and it appeared to go into a shallow dive. He saw a sheet of flame from the ground and two seconds later he lost the view of the plane behind the hangar.” All on board were killed in the crash. WO11 Turcotte, Sgt Jones and Flt Sgt Dickson are buried in the Feltwell (St Nicholas) Churchyard, Norfolk. Feltwell is a village and parish in the west of Norfolk, 55 miles north west of Brandon, UK. Sgt Hatton is buried in the Glazebury (All Saints) Churchyard, Lancashire, UK. Sgt Woodhead is buried in the Edwinstowe (St Mary) Churchyard, Nottinghamshire,UK. LAC Rutherford is buried in the Orwell cemetery, Kinross-Shire, UK
292
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 404461 Pilot Officer GRANT, Frederic Norman Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/34/129
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim V 5463 VH ATTD 21 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim V5463 took off from RAF Watton at 1108 hours on 13th September 1941, but the aircraft stalled, crashed into a hangar and burst into flames. It was considered that the aircraft climbed at too steep an angle. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
404461 PO Grant, F N Captain (Pilot) Sgt P E Ritter, (Observer) PO Tuckey, E J (Observer) Flt Sgt R E Hall ( Sgt T J W Thomas, (Wireless Air Gunner) Cpl E Clayton (
Cpl Clayton was injured in the crash and the five other crew were killed. PO Grant and Sgt Ritter are buried in the Watton (St Mary) Churchyard, Norfolk, UK Flt St Hall is buried in the Hitchin Cemetery, Hertfordshire, UK Sgt Thomas is buried in the Willisden New Cemetery, Middlesex, UK. Sgt Tuckey is buried in the Hornchurch Cemetery, Essex, UK.
293
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 402450 Flight Lieutenant MARTIN, Wallace, DFC Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/44/181 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second Wprld War, Page 269 Volume 1942 Ventura Aircraft Type: AE 940 Serial number: YH – T Radio call sign: ATTD 21 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Ventura AE940 took off from Methwold at 1127 hours on the 6th December 1942 to bomb the Phillips Wireless factory at Eindhoven, Holland. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF Flt Lt Smith, K S Captain (Pilot) RAAF 402450 Flt Lt Martin, W DFC (Navigator) RAF Sgt W P Gregory, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A T Milton, (Wireless Air Gunner) It was later established that the aircraft was seen to be hit by flak and crashed at 1232 hours on 6th December 1942 in the target area All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Locality Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Eindhoven is 31kms south-east of s’Hertogenbosch and 14kmks south-west of Helmond. The cemetery is in the suburb of Woensel in the northern part of the town. Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to the then PO W Martin, 402450 of 107 Sqn RAF is as follows : In September 1942, this officer navigated the leading aircraft of a section which attacked a whale oil ship off Cherbourg. Although the attack was executed in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, the ship received severe damage and was later seen to be partially submerged. PO Martin’s accurate bombing contributed in a large measure to the success obtained. Some days later, he participated in a successful low level bombing attack on a factory. This officer’s skilful navigation has resulted in locating 2 dinghies on the sea; in consequence 7 lives were saved. PO Martin has displayed skill and determination of a high order. (London Gazette 13/11/1942 P 4927)
294
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
406374 Sergeant STUBBS, John Henry Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/163/306 Commonwealth War Graves records Blenheim Z9823 21 Sqn RAF
Summary: On the 11th February 1942, Blenheim Z9823 was one of four aircraft which took off from RAF Station Luqa, Malta, to carry out a shipping sweep of Kerkenna Islands, Tunisia. On returning to base, the gunner of the leading aircraft received by W/T the stand off signal “Air Raid in progress”. The formation circled a point 50 miles south of Malta for 15 minutes, during which no more stand off signals were received. The Gunner then wirelessed for instructions. The reply was in the form of a QDM, when the formation was attacked by enemy fighters, and Z9823 shot down into the sea. A search was later conducted but no survivors were found. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF
406374 Sgt J H Stubbs, Captain (Pilot) Sgt P Tyas, (Observer) Sgt J S Grabham, (Wireless Air Gunner)
The missing crew 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 seen by the Golden Eagle which surmounts the column. It stands outside the entrance to Valletta.
295
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
406378 Pilot Officer WORKMAN, Frederick John Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/64/134
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim DZ 9812 ATTD 21 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim DZ9812 crashed in Palermo Harbour, Sicily, at approx 1115 hours on 4thFebruary 1942. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF
406378 PO Workman, F J Captain (Pilot) PO Smethurst, K J E (Observer) Sgt V T Lewis, (Wireless Air Gunner)
Both PO Smethurst and Sgt Lewis were killed in the crash and PO Workman died after capture on 6 February 1942. All the crew are buried in the Catania War Cemetery, Sicily, Italy. The cemetery is 7kms south-west of Catania.
296
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 411921 Warrant Officer McCOUAT, John Battison Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/26/530
Commonwealth War Graves records
Beaufighter NE 478 ATTD 22 SQN RAF
Summary: Beaufighter NE478 took off from RASF Station Vavuniya, Ceylon at 1530 hours on 1st November 1944 on a non operational transit flight to RAF Station Ratmalana. The aircraft swung on take off and collided with a Spitfire in a dispersal bay and a W/T Trailer. Crew: RAAF RAAF SAAF
408958 PO Boyd-Gerney, V G Captain (Pilot) 411921 WO J B McCouat, (Navigator B/W) Major Strever, W T DFC Pax
WO McCouat was killed in the crash and is buried in the Colombo (Liveramentu) Cemetery, Sri Lanka. Both PO Boyd-Gerney and Major Strever suffering severe burns were extricated from the burning aircraft. PO Boyd-Gerney survived the war. LAC Riley (WOP) and Cpl Edwards (W/Mech) of 17 Sqn RAF were working in the W/T trailer. LAC Riley was killed in the crash and is buried in the Colombo (Liveramentu) Cemetery Sri Lanka. Cpl Edwards also suffered severe burns.
297
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 400153 Flying Officer MUTIMER, Stanley Charles Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/28/53
Commonwealth War Graves records
Beaufort W 6543 ATTD 22 SQN RAF
Summary: Beaufort W6543 took off from RAF Colombo at approx 0610 hours on 13th February 1943. The aircraft struck the roof of a house approx 400 yards from the west end on the runway, and crashed. Crew: RAAF RNZAF RAF RAF RNZAF
400153 FO Mutimer, S C Captain (Pilot) Flt Lt Leahy, J S (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Sgt J H Sheriston, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R Simons, (Wireless Air Gunner) FO Smith, Le B (Pilot) (Pax – 30 Sqn RAF)
FO Mutimer and Flt Lt Leahy were killed in the crash and FO Smith died shortly after. They are buried in the Colombo (Kanatte) General Cemetery, Sri Lanka. The cemetery is known locally as the Borella cemetery. Sgt’s Sheriston and Simons were seriously injured in the crash.
298
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
69541 Flying Officer CALLAS, Manoel Source: AZWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/7/892 Commonwealth War Graves records Mosquito PZ 436 ATTD 23 SQN RAF
Summary: Mosquito PZ436 took of from RAF Little Snoring at 1858 hours on the night of `13th March 1945 to carry out an intruder patrol of Handorf and Munster airfields, Germany. At 2052 hours Flt Lt Thomas patrolling as ‘O’ received a message from PZ436 saying they were going to drop their target indicators, and they actually saw the T/I’s burning. Since then nothing has been heard from PZ436 and the aircraft failed to return to base. Crew: Free French RAAF
Lt Lignon, E Captain (Pilot) 69541 FO Callas, M (Navigator/Radio)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed at Handorf aerodrome and both the crew were killed. They are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.
299
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS.
403055 Flying Officer KEARNEY, Neville Patrick Peter Aircraft Type : Serial Number : Radio Call Sign : Unit :
Hudson N 7253 24 SQN RAF
Summary : Hudson N7253 of No 24 Sqn RAF on 17th July 1942 was proceeding from Belfast, Northern Ireland to Hendon, when it encountered heavy rain and low cloud and crashed at Tyn-Bryn Farm, near Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd in North Wales near the town of Ruthin. All the crew of four and nine service and civilian passengers were killed. The passengers included FO Kearney (RAAF) pilot, who was attached to an RAF Communication Unit in Northern Ireland, and was proceeding on leave. It was later established that the cause of the accident was structural failure involving the port wing of the aircraft. The reason for the failure was unknown, but it was considered possible that the aircraft was struck by lightning. Crew : RAF RAF RAF RAF
Flt Lt Rogers J B D Captain (Pilot) WO T D Butcher (Observer) Sgt C R Bell, (Wireless Operator) AC1 K M Tucker, (Fitter 11E)
All the crew were members of No 24 Sqn RAF. FO Kearney is buried in the Hawarden Cemetery, Flintshire, UK. Flt Lt Rogers is buried in the Kilbelan (St Conleth’s) Cemetery, County Kildare, Ireland. WO Butcher is buried in the Luton General Cemetery, Bedfordshire, UK Sgt Bell is buried in the Middlesbrough (Ackland) Cemetery, Yorkshire, UK AC1 Tucker was cremated in the West Norwood Crematorium, Lambeth, London, UK.
300
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
425391 Flight Lietenant THOMSON, James Ba Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/39/530
Commonwealth War Graves records
Beaufighter NR 710 ATTD 27 SQN RAF
Summary: Beaufighter NR710 on 1st April 1945 crashed at 0545Z hours approx 1 mile south of the runway at St Thomas Mount, India, which is about 10 miles south of Madras.. The aircraft spun when attempting to land in adverse weather conditions. Both the crew were killed. Crew: RAAF RAF
425391 Flt Lt Thomson, J B Captain (Pilot) FO O’Brien, D (Navigator/Wireless)
The crew are buried in the Madras War Cemetery, Chennai, India. The cemetery is about 5kms from the airport and 14kms from the central railway station.
301
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
412808 Flight Lieutenant EVATT, George Ashmore Leeton Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/12/141
Commonwealth War Graves records
Hurricane KZ 647 ATTD 28 SQN RAF
Summary: Hurricane KZ647 crashed at 1545 hours on 1st January 1945 when taking off from Tamu airstrip near Manipur, India, when detailed to drop messages to forward troops. The pilot was killed in the crash. Crew: RAAF
412808 Flt Lt Evatt, G A L (Pilot)
Flt Lt Evatt is buried in the Imphal War Cemetery, India. Impal the capital of Manipur State, is in north east India and borders on Upper Burma. The cemetery is 10kms from the airport.
302
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
400923 Pilot Officer GRAY, Andrew Robert Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/16/180
Commonwealth War Graves records
Hurricane HW 265 ATTD 28 SQN RAF
Summary: Hurricane HW265 when returning from an operational sortie over the Arakan, crashed near Cox’s Bazaar, India, at 0430 hours local time on 19th September 1943. When the aircraft was landing one of the landing wheels burst and the aircraft overturned. The pilot was admitted to hospital but he died later on the same day. Crew: RAAF
400923 PO Gray, A R (Pilot0
PO Gray is buried in the Chittagong War Cemetery, Bangladesh. The cemetery is in the Dampara locality, No 19 Basha Mia road, 22kms north of the airport.
303
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
400516 Sergeant BROWNE, Allan John Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/93/477
Commonwealth War Graves records
Hurricane 25447 ATTD 30 SQN RAF
Summary: Hurricane 25447 flown by Sgt Browne, took off on 5th April 1942 to engage Japanese fighters attacking Colombo. He succeeded in shooting down one enemy fighter, but was then attacked from behind and was shot down 8 miles north east of Ratmalana. The aircraft crashed and burst into flames and the pilot was killed. The engagement was seen by members of the Ceylon Light Infantry, who rushed to the crash and extricated the pilot from the burning wreck but he was dead. Crew: RAAF
400516 Sgt A J Browne, (Pilot)
Sgt Browne is buried in the Colombo (Kanatte) General Cemetery Sri Lanka. The cemetery is at Borella, an important road junction on the Kanatte Road, and is known locally as the Borella Cemetery.
304
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
420880 Warrant Officer HARDY, Ian Griffiths Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705 166/17/845
Commonwealth War Graves records
Thunderbolt HD 298 ATTD 30 SQN RAF
Summary: Thunderbolt HD298 flown by WO Hardy, on 17th November 1944, was returning to Chittagong from a long range sweep when he asked for permission to land from flying control to make a priority landing. He was apparently having some trouble with the aircraft on the way back. Flt Lt Carson who had permission to land called Hardy and told him to land in front of him and HD298 made a short touch down and proceeded to roll slowly down the runway with Carson landing behind. Carson in HD294 had one external tank hung up and made a very poor approach. His landing was further up the runway than normal and his aircraft struck Hardy’s causing the accident. When the aircraft settled down Hardy was taken from the cockpit and on the way to hospital following blood transfusions, he died. The other pilot suffered shock. Crew: RAAF
420880 WO Hardy, (Pilot)
WO Hardy is buried in the Chittagong War Cemetery, Bangladesh. The cemetery is in the Dampara locality, No 19 Bash Mia road, 22kms north of the airport.
305
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
420211 Warrant Officer KNODLER, Keith Jack Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/23/74
Commonwealth War Graves records
Thunderbolt HB 995 ATTD 30 SQN RAF
Summary: WO Knodler was authorised to carry out individual height climb to 37,000 feet on 14th August 1944, in Thunderbolt HB995. The aircraft took off at 1630 hours, and nothing more was heard from the aircraft until a crash at Bidake near Yelahanka was reported at approx 1715 hours The Pilot was instructed to do a straight climb to 30000 feet, cool the engine if necessary, and then continue to 37,000 feet. He was to stay there for five minutes, and then come down again. He was instructed not to fool around. At about 1700 hours the aircraft was seen by various Indians at Bidake at a great height. There was suddenly a big ‘noise’, and the aircraft was seen to fall to the ground, shedding pieces of the fuselage as it did so. It was later established that the port wing, both elevators, tail plane and fin came off the plane in mid air Crew: RAAF
420211 WO K J Knodler, (Pilot)
WO Knodler was killed in the crash and he is buried in the Madras War Cemetery, Chennai, India. The cemetery is about 5kms from the airport and 14kms from the central railway station.
306
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
408209 Flight Sergeant HUTCHISON, Ross Orlando Source: AWM 237 (65)
NAA : A705, 166/18/146
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
ATTD 31 SQN RAF
Commonwealth War Graves records
Summary: Flt Sgt Hutchison (Pilot) died as a result of malaria in the No 92 IGH, Comilla, on 31st July 1943. Comilla ia about 200 miles north east from Calcutta. Flt Sgt Hutchison is buried in the Maynamati War Cemetery, Bangladesh. . Maynamati is some 7kms from the centre of Comilla, which is on the railway line linking Dhaka and Chittagong.
307
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
401387 Sergeant MURPHY, Francis Edward Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/146/105
Commonwealth War Graves records
Hurricane Z 3518 ATTD 32 SQN RAF
Summary: Hurricane Z3518 flown by Sgt Murphy on 20th June 1942 along with other aircraft from the Squadron were carrying out a practice attack in sections of four on Ford aerodrome at nought feet. The pilots were instructed before the flight not to get too low and be careful. Z3518 crashed during the practice and Sgt Murphy was killed. Marks on the ground showed the aircraft hit the drome several hundred yards inside the perimeter track where the drome was perfectly level. Crew: RAAF
401387 Sgt F E Murphy, (Pilot)
Sgt Murphy is buried in the Littlehampton Cemetery, Sussex, UK.
308
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 408066 Flying Officer HAY, John Douglas Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 163/35/229
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim Z 7705 ATTD 34 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim Z 7705 of 34 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Baigachi on 10 November 1942, to participate in operations against the enemy. The aircraft which was shot down by enemy fighters was last seen lying in the sea approx 8 miles North West of Akyab, Burma, with all members of the crew swimming nearby. On 18 November 1942, information was received from the NOIC Calcutta, that an RAF dinghy had been picked up containing the body of FO Hay and two life belts, but that no trace of the other two members of the crew were found. The position of the dinghy was 2107N, 9011E. The body of FO Hay was buried at sea. Crew: RAAF RAAF RAF
406249 FO Howe, A M (Pilot) 408066 PO Hay, J D (Observer) Flt Sgt Lishman, T G (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner)
FO Howe has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial which is located in the Kranji War Cemetery which lies 22kms north of the city of Singapore overlooking the Straits of Johore.
309
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
37259 Warrant Officer HOPPER, Joseph Albert Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/18/437
Commonwealth War Graves records
Hurricane
ATTD 34 SQN RAF
Summary: WO Hopper was carrying a test flight at RAF Palel, India, on a new Hurricane aircraft at approx 1050z hours on 17th August, 1944, when the aircraft spun after a steep turn, the spin was corrected and it then spun again, crashed into the ground and burst into flames. WO Hopper was killed in the crash. Crew: RAAF
37259 WO J A Hopper, (Pilot)
WO Hopper is buried in the Imphal War Cemetery, India. Imphal the capital of the Manipur State, is in the north east of India, and borders on Upper Burma.
310
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
406358 Warrant Officer JEFFREYS, Gordon Roger Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/20/19
Commonwealth War Graves records
Blenheim BA 617 ATTD 34 SQN RAF
Summary: Blenheim BA617 took off at 1500 hours on 15th March 1943 from Silchar drome en route for Khumbirgram drome. At 1530 hours the aircraft crashed 2.5 miles east of the Khumbirgram drome and was completely burnt out. All the crew were killed in the crash. From eye witness reports it appeared the aircraft stalled while carrying out a turn with undercarriage and flaps down. It was considered that the crash was caused by a stall off a turn at too low a speed with the undercarriage and flaps down. No bombs were carried. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF
406358 WO G R Jeffreys, Captain (Pilot) Sgt J Hearne, (Navigator) Sgt R E Skinner, (Wireless Air Gunner)
All the crew are buried in the Gauhati War Cemetery, Assam, India. Gauhati is the capital of the State of Assam in north east India and is on the eastern side of the Brahmaputra river some 600kms east of Calcutta.
311
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
404512 Warrant Officer McLEOD, Roderick Scott Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/26/647
Commonwealth War Graves records
ATTD 34 SQN RAF
Summary: WO McLeod (Pilot) transferred from the Middle East to the Far East and was interned as a POW in Java. He died on 24th September 1943 of malaria and dysentery in a Thai POW camp at Tarsao. He is buried at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand. The town of Kanchanaburi is 129kms north west of Bangkok and is best reached by road along the National Highway which runs north from the capital.
312
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
420063 Pilot Officer SAISELL, James Colin Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/37/959
Commonwealth War Graves records
Hurricane LE 643 ATTD 34 SQN RAF
Summary: Hurricane LE643 on 20th February 1945 was engaged in the day bombing of enemy targets at Nyaunglebin, Burma. The aircraft failed to pull out of dive and was seen to hit the ground and burst into flames, position 21.50N 95.35E. The Pilot was not seen to bale out. LE643 was detailed to fly White No 1 in a formation of six aircraft. At the briefing instruction were given that should the Flight Commander (Red 1) for any reason be unable to continue to lead the formation, PO Saisell in White No 1 was to take over. Over the target Red 1 developed R/T trouble and ordered Saisell to take over. Consequently PO Saisell in LE643 was the first to bomb the target. The aircraft made its bombing run from 3000 feet and after dropping its bombs made an attempt to pull out of the dive somewhere between 100 and 200 feet. The aircraft failed to do so and crashed approx 600 yards from the target. Crew: RAAF
420063 PO Saisell, J C (Pilot)
PO Saisell is buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar. The cemetery adjoins the village of Taukkyan which is about 35kms north of Yangoon (formerly Rangoon , Burma).
313
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
411063 Sergeant ALLSOP, William Arthur Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/87/240 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 291, Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax W 1147 TL – J ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax W1147 took off from Linton-0n-Oose at 0003 hours on the night of 25/26th July 1942 to bomb Duisberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RCAF RCAF RCAF RAAF RCAF
PO Maple, J E Captain (Pilot) Sgt J T Bennett, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt C E Evans, (Observer) PO Day, J F (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt D M Ross (Wireless Air Gunner) 411063 Sgt W A Allsop, (Wireless Air Gunner) PO Bruce, H E V (Air Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was shot down by flak and crashed at 0230 hours near s’Hertogenbosch (Noord-Brabant), Holland. Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Bennett evaded capture. Sgt Bennett later reported that “he had parachuted to the north of the town.” PO Maple, Sgt Allsop and PO Day are buried in the Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Locality Gelderland, Netherlands. The town of Nijmegen is located south of Arnhem and the cemetery is situated in the south west part of the town. Flt Sgt Evans, Sgt Ross and PO Bruce are buried in the Uden War Cemetery, Locality Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Uden is a town on the main road between Eindhoven and Nijmegen.
314
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 411116 Pilot Officer BLUNDELL, Colin Fraser Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/437 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley, RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 75, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax LV 861 TL – O ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax LV861 took off from RAF Graveley at 1736 hours on the night of 15/16th February 1944 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
411116 PO Blundell, C F captain (Pilot) Sgt L A Hazell, (Flight Engineer) Flt Lt Ranslow, P B O (Navigator) WO A W Bennet, DFC (Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt R Moreton, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt R V M Daniells, (Air Gunner) 418011 Flt Sgt J E Pogonowski, (Air Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed at 2300 hours on 15th February 1944 at Tjoene in the Dutch province of Overijssel., 4kms NNW of Deventer. Four of the crew were killed and Flt Lt Ranslow, WO Bennett and Flt Sgt Moreton evaded capture. FO Blundell, Sgt Hazel and Flt Sgt Pogonowski are buried in the Diepenveen General Cemetery, Overijssel, Netherlands. Diepenveen is a large village 4kms north of Deventer and about 2kms east of the Deventer-Zwolle road. The Commonwealth War Graves records do not reveal where Sgt Daniells is buried. WO Bennett who was assisted by the Dutch Underground forces to evade capture stated “the aircraft was hit on the return journey and set on fire. The order to jump was given The aircraft must have crashed and probably exploded in mid-air.”
315
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
411478 Flight Sergeant BRADFORD, Michael Albert Edward Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/105 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 106, volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax HR 678 TL – N ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax HR678 took off from RAF Graveley at 2128 hours on the night of 14/15th April 1943 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF
PO Wilkes, R E DFM Captain (Pilot) Sgt T L Brown, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt T G O’Shaughnessy, (Navigator) 412053 PO Wheatley, R (Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt F Hay, (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt F W Vincent, (Air Gunner) 411478 Flt Sgt M A E Bradford, (Air Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was shot down from 18,00 feet by a night fighter. It was seen approaching the village of Germershein and after circling the village it crashed and exploded on impact. Four of the crew were killed and three Sgt Brown, Flt Sgt O’Shaughnessy and Flt Sgt Vincent were POW’s. Flt Sgt O’Shaughnessy later reported “ I regret I have no real information re Bradford. I do not know if he was able to leave the aircraft . I do however, and this is only my opinion, believe him to be killed.” Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp-Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.
316
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
411478 Flight Sergeant BRAYBROOK, Bertram Stanley Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : 163/93/549 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 171 Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax W 1100 TL – G ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax W1100 took off from RAF Linton-0n-Ouse at 2345 Hours on the night of 31st July/1st August 1942 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
PO Spencer C C Captain (Pilot) Sgt C C Pithers, PO Casey, R Sgt W A Elliot, Sgt H Clarke, 411478 Flt Sgt Braybrook, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R T Morris,
It was later established that the aircraft was shot down by flak and crashed at 0345 hours near Serooskerke (Zeeland) on Schouwen, Holland. Five of the crew were POW’s and 2 were killed. The two killed Flt Sgt Braybrook and Sgt Morris are buried in the Flushing (Vlissingen) Northern Cemetery, Locality Zeeland, Netherlands.
317
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 405673 Warrant Officer BREWINGTON, Robert Alexander Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/460 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 129, volume 1944 .Aircraft Type: Lancaster ND 597 Serial number: TL _ A Radio call sign: ATTD 35 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster ND597 took off form RAF Graveley at 1844 hours on the night of 24/25th March 1944 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
295242 Sqn Ldr Fitzgerald, R T DFC Captain (Pilot) FO Dineen, C J (Flight Engineer) 426690 FO Savage, J F (Navigator) Flt Sgt W S Muego (Bomb Aimer) 405673 WO R A Brewington, (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt S H Boulton, (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt F K Smith (Air Gunner)
It was later established that ND597 when homeward bound was attacked by a night fighter and exploded in the air. The aircraft crashed at 11pm on 24 March 1944 at Welsleben, which is approx 10 miles south of Magdeburg, Germany. Five of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt’s Muego and Boulton were POW’s. These two survivors were ejected from the plane by the blast of the explosion. Those killed are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to the then Flt Lt Fitzgerald reads as follows : “ Flt Lt Fitzgerald of 77 Sqn RAF has completed very many sorties during which he has bombed such targets as Berlin, Cologne, Mannheim and Hanover. He has displayed great skill and enterprise setting an example which has won the confidence of his crew. On one occasion when attacking Cologne, his aircraft was badly damaged by ack-ack fire. Coolly and skilfully Flt Lt Fitzgerald flew clear of the defences went on to execute his attack and afterwards flew safely back to base. His superb effort was worthy of the highest praise. (London Gazette 16/11/43 Page 5023)
318
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 414768 Flying Officer BROWN, Robert William DFC Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/750 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 456, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 755 TL – J 35 Sqn RAF
Summary: On the night of 19/20th October 1944, Lancaster ND755 took off from RAF Graveley, Huntingdonshire, UK, at 1756 hours, detailed to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
414768 FO Brown, R W DFC Captain (Pilot) Sgt C Johnon, (Flight Engineer) FO Clarke, J A C DFC (Navigator) Flt Sgt R F J Bright, (Air Bomber) WO D Thpmpson, DFC (2nd Air Bomber) PO Linton, A DFC (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt F D T Phillips, (Mid Upper Gunner) Flt Sgt E J Kiely, (Rear Gunner)
The aircraft crashed at Wintzenbach (Bas-Rhin), 5kms north of Seltz., and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Wintzenbach Protestant Churchyard, France. Winzenbach is a village, 48kms NNE of Strasbourg. The above eight fatalities are the only WW2 fatalities in the Churchyard. Citation : The citation for the DFC awarded to FO Brown is as follows ; “ FO Brown was awarded a General Citation promulgated in London Gazette 12/2/1946, Page 904.
319
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 295249 Squadron Leader FITZGERALD, Richard Thomas DFC Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/460 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 129, volume 1944 .Aircraft Type: Lancaster ND 597 Serial number: TL _ A Radio call sign: ATTD 35 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster ND597 took off form RAF Graveley at 1844 hopurs on the night of 24/25th March 1944 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
295242 Sqn Ldr Fitzgerald, R T DFC Captain (Pilot) FO Dineen, C J (Flight Engineer) 426690 FO Savage, J F (Navigator) Flt Sgt W S Muego (Bomb Aimer) 405673 WO R A Brewington, (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt S H Boulton, (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt F K Smith (Air Gunner)
It was later established that ND597 when homeward bound was attacked by a night fighter and exploded in the air. The aircraft crashed at 11pm on 24 March 1944 at Welsleben, which is approx 10 miles south of Magdeburg, Germany. Five of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt’s Muego and Boulton were POW’s. These two survivors were ejected from the plane by the blast of the explosion. Those killed are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to the then Flt Lt Fitzgerald reads as follows : “ Flt Lt Fitzgerald of 77 Sqn RAF has completed very many sorties during which he has bombed such targets as Berlin, Cologne, Mannheim and Hanover. He has displayed great skill and enterprise setting an example which has won the confidence of his crew. On one occasion when attacking Cologne, his aircraft was badly damaged by ack-ack fire. Coolly and skilfully Flt Lt Fitzgerald flew clear of the defences went on to execute his attack and afterwards flew safely back to base. His superb effort was worthy of the highest praise. (London Gazette 16/11/43 Page 5023)
320
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 420381 Pilot Officer FOULKES, Geoffrey Grant Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/14/196 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 196 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 759 TL – R ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND759 took off from RAF Graveley at 2221 hours on the night of 27/28th April 1944 to bomb Friedrichshafen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and I failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RAF RAF
415272 WO R G Peter, DFC (Captain (Pilot) Sgt A S Brereton, (Flight Engineer) 420831 PO Foulkes, G G (Navigator) 413835 Flt Sgt N C W Davis (Bomb Aimer) 415753 Flt Sgt M T Bartle, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Sgt I Graham (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt D P Balmer, (Air Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was hit by either flak or cannon fire from a night fighter and ditched at 0230 hours on the 28th April 1944 in the Bodensee. Both Sgt Brereton and PO Foulkes baled out, but the rest of the crew were unable to follow due to their chutes being damaged. Sgt Brereton became a POW and FO Foulkes was killed He is buried in the Vevey (St Martin’s) Cemetery, Sweitzerland. Vevey is a town on the northern shore of Lake Geneva (also known as Lake Leman). The cemetery is located above the main railway station. WO Peter evaded capture and Flt Sgt’s Davis and Bartle, and Sgt’s Graham and Balmer were interned in Switzerland. Those interned later crossed from Switzerland into France.
321
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 420662 Pilot Officer GRAY, Harry Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/304 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 122, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 645 TL – O ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND645 took off from RAF Graveley at 1846 hours on the night of 22/23rd March 1944 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
Sqn Ldr Rowe, T Captain (Pilot) Sgt A Simpson (Flight Engineer) PO Williams, E H (Navigator) Flt Lt Grant, A (Bomb Aimer) Flt Lt Haigh, H DFM (Wireless Air Gunner) 421982 PO Hunter, M R (Air Gunner) 420662 PO Gray, H (Air Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft exploded in the air throwing clear the two survivors Sqn Ldr Rowe and Flt Lt Grant who were POW’s. The other five crew members were killed. The aircraft crashed at Schiffenburg in the Giessen area approx 35 miles north of Frankfurt. PO’s Gray, Hunter and Williams and Sgt Simpson are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Locality, Niedersachsen, Germany. Flt Lt Haigh has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK
322
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
416571 Flying Officer HARVEY, Alain Morrison Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/155 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 154, Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax DT 488 TL – Q ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax DT488 took off from RAF Graveley at 2306 hours on the night of 23/24th May 1943 to bomb Dortmund, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
416571 FO Harvey, A M Captain (Pilot) Sgt C R Shields, (Flight Engineer) PO Evans, D A N (Navigator) Sgt S Groom, (Bomb Aimer) Sgt J R Johnson, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R G Pritchard, (Air Gunner) Sgt W R Fairey, (Air Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed near Wanne, Eickel, Germany. Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Fairey was a POW. Sgt Fairey later reported “I’m sorry I do not know what happened to the Captain. The aircraft crashed I believe with the crew on board. Myself I was trapped in the aircraft and was just able to free myself, and was then caught by the Germans.” Those killed are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, NordrheinWestfalen, Germany. The cemetery is located 5kms south west of Kleve.
323
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
400504 Sergeant HUNTER, Frederick D’Orsa Source: AWM 237 (65)
NAA : A705, 163/124/142
Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax W 1101 TL – S ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Commonwealth War Graves records
Summary: Halifax W1101 took off from RAF Linton-on-Ouse at 2200 hours on the night of 119/20th May 1942 to bomb Mannheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return. Crew: RNZAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RNZAF
Flt Sgt D H Reed, Captain (Pilot) Sgt E J Morris, (Flight Engineer) 400504 Sgt F D’O Hunter, (Observer) Sgt F E Flint, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt R L Prosser, (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt L P Russell, (Air Gunner)
All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Locality Bad-Tolz, Bayern, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich.
324
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 421982 Pilot Officer HUNTER, Malcolm Ross Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/304 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 122, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 645 TL – O ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND645 took off from RAF Graveley at 1846 hours on the night of 22/23rd March 1944 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF
Sqn Ldr Rowe, T Captain (Pilot) Sgt A Simpson (Flight Engineer) PO Williams, E H (Navigator) Flt Lt Grant, A (Bomb Aimer) Flt Lt Haigh, H DFM (Wireless Air Gunner) 421982 PO Hunter, M R (Air Gunner) 420662 PO Gray, H (Air Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft exploded in the air throwing clear the two survivors Sqn Ldr Rowe and Flt Lt Grant who were POW’s. The other five crew members were killed. The aircraft crashed at Schiffenburg in the Giessen area approx 35 miles north of Frankfurt. PO’s Gray, Hunter and Williams and Sgt Simpson are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Locality, Niedersachsen, Germany. Flt Lt Haigh has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK
325
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 410674 Flight Sergeant KIFT, Robert Stanley Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/22/133
Commonwealth War Graves records
Halifax HR 926 TL – Z ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifaz HR926 took off from RAF Graveley at 1817 hours on the night of 22/23rd October 1943 to bomb Kassel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
PO Durrant, S A Captain (Pilot) Sgt W G Kingham, (Flight Engineer) Sgt A R Jordan (Navigator) Sgt C P Packham (Bomb Aimer) Sgt W G Hart (Wireless Air Gunner) 410674 Flt Sgt R S Kift, (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt A R Brace, (Air Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed on 22nd October 1943 near Welda, which is approx 18 miles north west of Kassel. Five of the crew were POW’s and Flt Sgt’s Kift and Brace lost their lives. Those killed are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Locality Niedersachsen, Hannover, Germany.
326
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 34017 Flight Sergeant KROHN, Henry John Source: AWM 237 (65)
NAA : A705, 166/23/16
Commonwealth War Graves records
Halifax Aircraft Type: HR 799 Serial number: TL – R Radio call sign: ATTD 35 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Halifax HR799 took off form RAF Graveley at 2312 hours on the night of 21/22nd June 1943 to bomb Krefeld, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base. Crew: RNZAF FO Hickson, W H Captain (Pilot) RAAF 34017 Flt Sgt H J Krohn, (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt F S Maltas, (Flight Engineer) RCAF Flt Sgt H D Hutchinson, (Navigator) RAF Sgt P N Croft, (Bomb Aimer) RCAF Sgt J H Graham, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO W G L Brown, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J F Dowling, (Air Gunner) It was later established that the aircraft was shot down bhy a night fighter and crashed at 0134 hours at the hamlet of Valkenberg (Limburg) near Klein-Oirlo, 7kms south east of Venray, Holland. Flt Sgt Krone and PO Brown were killed and the remaining crew were POW’s. FO Hickson later reported “I was Captain of an aircraft on the night of 21/22 June 1943 and the aircraft encountered enemy opposition and was set on fire over enemy territory. I ordered abandon A/c and saw Flt Sgt Krohn go past me to bale out. I was later informed by civilians that his body was found on the ground.” Flt Sgt Hutchison stated “Krohn the 2nd pilot was seen out of the A/c by the bomb aimer immediately after my own exit while the aircraft was on fire and more or less under control. According to information from farmers who claimed to have witnessed the landing of an Australian airman in the vicinity of the crash and where I and Croft landed,. Krohn’s chute was open but he had been shot dead through the head and I presumed this to be Krohn as the only Australian member in the crew.” The two killed are buried in the Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Locality Gelderland, Netherlands. The town of Nijmegen is located south of Arnhem and the cemetery is in the south west part of the town.
327
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
412623 Pilot Officer McALPINE, Keith Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/26/149
Commonwealth War Graves records
Halifax LV 864 TL – O ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax LV864 took off from RAF Graveley at 0005 hours on the night of 19/20th February 1944 to Bomb Leipzig, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RCAF
412623 PO McAlpine, K Captain (Pilot) Sgt R J Twine, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt G W Traylor, (Navigator) Flt Sgt L Chant, (Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt A A J Meyers, (Wireless Air Gunner) PO McCulloch, A G S (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt D Sinclair, (Air Gunner)
A post war report by a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit stated “ The aircraft was attacked by a night fighter and shot down in flames crashing near Buckow, approx 17 miles east of Stendal, Germany. PO McAlpine, and Flt Sgt’s Taylor and Sinclair lost their lives and the other crew members were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.
328
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
7122 Pilot Officer MUNRO, Kelvin Gordon Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/547 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 116 Volume 1945 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ME 361 TL – H ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ME 361 took off from RAF Graveley at 1853 hours on the night of 7/8th March 1945 as Master Bomber for the raid on the Deutsche Erdoel oil refinery at Hemmingstedt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAAF RAF RCAF RAF RAF RAF RAF
Sqn Ldr Everett, D B DFC & two Bars Captain (Pilot) 7122 PO Munro, K G (Flight Engineer) FO Aylieff, DFC (Navigator) Flt Lt Mitchell, C G DFC (Bomb Aimer) Flt Lt Russell, C O DFC (2nd Bomb Aimer) Flt Lt Chapman, R C (Wireless Operator Air) FO Weller, R M DFC (Mid Upper Gunner) FO Pidgeon, A H J (Rear Gunner))
The aircraft was shot down at 2200 hours by a night fighter in the target area and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Hamburg Cemetery, Germany. The cemetery is known locally as ‘Ohlsdorf Cemetery.’ Sqn Ldr Everett, age 24 years, was a PFF Captain with 89 sorties to his credit. His operational service commenced in April 1943 with 148 Sqn RAF based at Lissett. After completing 8 sorties he was posted to 35 Sqn RAF for PFF duties PO Munro was also a member of the Path Finder Force.
329
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
432451 Flying Officer O’CONNELL Francis Emanuel Source: AWM 237 (65) NASA : 166/31/217 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 305, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster ND 731 TL – A ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster ND731 took off from RAF Graveley at 2314 hours on the night of 4/5th July 1944 to attack the railway yards at Villeneuve-St-Georges, France.. Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
Sqn Ldr Lambert, G F DFC Captain (Pilot) WO R J Goode, (Flight Engineer) FO Salt, F (Navigator) Flt Lt Hall, D R (Bomb Aimer) FO Moorhead, P (2nd Bomb Aimer) Flt Lt Round F D DFM (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Lt Cooke, J G (Mid Upper Gunner) 432451 FO O’Connell, F E (Rear Gunner)
The aircraft crashed at 0131 hours on 5th July 1944 between St-Hilarion (Yvelines) and Emance, France. Sqn Ldr Lambert, Flt Round, Flt Lt Cooke and FO O’Connell were killed in the crash. Three of the crew were POW’s and FO Moorhead evaded capture. Those killed are buried in the Emance Communal Cemetery, Yvelines, France. Emance is a village and commune 38kms south west of Versailles and some 9kms south west of Rambouillet. FO Moorhead later reported “I baled out and landed south west of Rambouillet, but I do not know the location of the crash as I was unconscious. The aircraft was heading due west when I abandoned it.”
330
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
404983 Warrant Officer PERRETT, Rex Gordon Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/44 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 248 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax HR 906, TL – L ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax HR906 took off from RAF Graveley at 2158 hours on the night of 29/30th July 1943 to bomb Hamburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF
Flt Sgt R Spooner, Captain (Pilot) Sgt E C Fox, (Flight Engineer) Flt Lt Breckell, W L (Navigator) FO Anderson, D J (Bomb Aimer) Sgt W J Spence, (Wireless Air Gunner) 404983 WO R G Perrett, (Mid Upper Gunner) Sgt R Webb, (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that six of the crew were killed and Flt Lt Breckell was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Becklingen War Cemetery, Locality Soltau, Niedersachsen, Germany. The cemetery if 13kms south east of Soltau on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hannover. In a later report Flt Lt Breckell stated “The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter near Hamburg and the aircraft went out of control. The Germans later informed him that six of the crew were killed in the crash”
331
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
418011 Flight Sergeant POGONOWSKI, Jeffrey Eugene Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/437 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley, RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 75, Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax LV 861 TL – O ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax LV861 took off from RAF Graveley at 1736 hours on the night of 15/16th February 1944 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF
411116 PO Blundell, C F captain (Pilot) Sgt L A Hazell, (Flight Engineer) Flt Lt Ranslow, P B O (Navigator) WO A W Bennet, DFC (Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt R Moreton, (Wireless Operator Air) Sgt R V M Daniells, (Air Gunner) 418011 Flt Sgt J E Pogonowski, (Air Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed at 2300 hours on 15th February 1944 at Tjoene in the Dutch province of Overijssel., 4kms NNW of Deventer. Four of the crew were killed and Flt Lt Ranslow, WO Bennett and Flt Sgt Moreton evaded capture. FO Blundell, Sgt Hazel and Flt Sgt Pogonowski are buried in the Diepenveen General Cemetery, Overijssel, Netherlands. Diepenveen is a large village 4kms north of Deventer and about 2kms east of the Deventer-Zwolle road. The Commonwealth War Graves records do not reveal where Sgt Daniells is buried. WO Bennett who was assisted by the Dutch Underground forces to evade capture stated “the aircraft was hit on the return journey and set on fire. The order to jump was given The aircraft must have crashed and probably exploded in mid-air.”
332
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 405233 Flight Sergeant ROSS, Herbert John Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/69 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 169 Volume 1943 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax HR 833 TL – F ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax HR833 took off from RAF Graveley at 2227 hours on the night of 29/30th May 1943 to bomb Wuppertal, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
WO1 J L Lee, Captain (Pilot) FO Goodson, J C (Flight Engineer) Sgt G A Jones, (Navigator) Flt Lt Tetley, W A DFC (Bomb Aimer) 405233 Flt Sgt H J Ross (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt V S Platt, (Mid Gunner) Sgt F M Traynor, (Tail Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and exploded crashing at Hoogstraten (Antwerpen), 15kms north west from Turnhout. Five of the crew were killed and two FO Goodson and Sgt Jones were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Schoonselhof Cemetery, Locality Antwerpen, Belgium. Antwerp lies 57kms north of Brussels on the E19 and 59kms north east of Gent on the E17 motorway.
333
RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 426690 Flying Officer SAVAGE, John Francis Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/460 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 129, volume 1944 .Aircraft Type: Lancaster ND 597 Serial number: TL _ A Radio call sign: ATTD 35 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster ND597 took off form RAF Graveley at 1844 hopurs on the night of 24/25th March 1944 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
295242 Sqn Ldr Fitzgerald, R T DFC Captain (Pilot) FO Dineen, C J (Flight Engineer) 426690 FO Savage, J F (Navigator) Flt Sgt W S Muego (Bomb Aimer) 405673 WO R A Brewington, (Wireless Operator Air) Flt Sgt S H Boulton, (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt F K Smith (Air Gunner)
It was later established that ND597 when homeward bound was attacked by a night fighter and exploded in the air. The aircraft crashed at 11pm on 24 March 1944 at Welsleben, which is approx 10 miles south of Magdeburg, Germany. Five of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt’s Muego and Boulton were POW’s. These two survivors were ejected from the plane by the blast of the explosion. Those killed are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to the then Flt Lt Fitzgerald reads as follows : “ Flt Lt Fitzgerald of 77 Sqn RAF has completed very many sorties during which he has bombed such targets as Berlin, Cologne, Mannheim and Hanover. He has displayed great skill and enterprise setting an example which has won the confidence of his crew. On one occasion when attacking Cologne, his aircraft was badly damaged by ack-ack fire. Coolly and skilfully Flt Lt Fitzgerald flew clear of the defences went on to execute his attack and afterwards flew safely back to base. His superb effort was worthy of the highest praise. (London Gazette 16/11/43 Page 5023)
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
403036 Flight Sergeant SLOMAN, George Sarsfield Source: AWM 237 (65) Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
NAA : A705, 166/10/18
Commonwealth War Graves records
Halifax W7877 TL – G ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax W7877 took off from RAF Graveley at 1824 hours on the night of 1/2nd March 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF
Sqn Ldr Elliott, P C DFC Captain (Pilot) Flt Sgt S L C Watts, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt G C H Chandler, (Navigator) Sgt R F V Ledger, (2nd Navigator) 403036 Flt Sgt G S Sloman, (Wireless Air Gunner) Sgt D Kelly, (Mid Gunner) Flt Sgt T S Sankey, DFM (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 0037 hours on 2nd March 1943 at Oost-Stokkum (Overijssel), 6kms south west of Goor, Holland. Six of the crew lost their lives and Flt Sgt Chandler became a POW. Sgt Ledger has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK. The other five crew members who lost their lives are buried in the Markelo General Cemetery. Locality Overijssel, Netherlands. Markelo is a village and commune 23kms south west of Hengelo, on the Hengelo-Deventer road.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 413453 Flight Lieutenant TROPMAN, Francis Gordon William DFC Source: AWM 237 (65) AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 26 NAA A705, 166/40/353 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page , Volume 1945 Lancaster Aircraft Type: ME 367 Serial number: TL – R Radio call sign: ATTD 35 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Lancaster ME367 took off from RAF Graveley at 2023 hours on the night of 21/22nd February, 1945 to bomb Duisberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAAF RAF
413453 Flt Lt Tropman, F G W DFC Captain (Pilot) PO R M Hallett, (Flight Engineer) FO Johns R T (Navigator) Flt Lt Mitchell, H D (Bomb Aimer) 413745 PO Curtis, N W DFC (Wireless Operator Air) 425884 PO McVey, M H DFC (Mid Upper Gunner) PO North, G J (Rear Gunner)
Six of the crew were POW’s and Flt Lt Tropman was killed. Flt Lt Tropman was a veteran PFF pilot with at least 62 operational sorties to his credit. He is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve. The award of DFC to the then FO Tropman was promulgated as a General Citation (London Gazette 12/12/1944 P5692) In a post war report PO McVey stated “I was mid upper gunner on Lancaster fired on by JU88 on 21 February 1945. The aircraft was set on fire. Captain ordered prepare to abandon and later abandon aircraft which was acknowledged. All crew uninjured and I baled out from the hatch and all members forward of the mid upper turret had gone. I left the aircraft approx 15,000 feet. The aircraft was diving to starboard and on fire in fuselage. None of the crew were seen until I arrived Dulag Luft where I met all except the pilot who was killed. Captured at 2330 hours on 21/2/45. Released 29/4/45 Stalag V11A.”
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 411060 Flying Officer TUCK, Albert Thomas DFC Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/40/91 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 334, Volume 1943 Halifax Aircraft Type: HR 907 Serial number: TL – P Radio call sign: ATTD 35 SQN RAF Unit: Summary: Halifax HR907 took off from RAF Graveley at 1939 hours on the night of 27/28th September 1943 to bomb Hannover, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RNZAF PO Matich N J DFM Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R A MacI Mather, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Lt Hewlett C A, (Navigator) RCAF PO Tully, R W (Bomb Aimer) RAF PO Dolling, F R DFM (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 411060 FO Tuck, DFC (Mid Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt A V Forsyth, DFM (Rear Gunner) It was later established that the aircraft was shot down from 17,000 feet by a night fighter crashed onto a house and exploded. Both the Air gunners were killed and the others were POW’s. FO Tuck and Flt Sgt Forsyth are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany. PO Matich later stated “ After leaving the target and on the return journey the aircraft was attacked by a night fighter. As a result three of the engines were damaged and at a height of 12,000 feet I ordered abandon. At the time FO Tuck had been wounded in the leg in the Mid Upper Gunner position, and he advised by I/C that he could not get out of the turret without assistance. I ordered Sgt Mather to assist Tuck. Mather reappeared shortly after to say that Tuck had left the aircraft from the rear escape hatch. I did not make any contact with the crew after landing nor was I aware of the extent of Tuck’s injuries. At the time Tuck baled out we were 20 miles west of Hannover, and the land was low lying with enormous canals and some timber.” Citation : FO Tuck’s citation for the award of DFC is as follows : FO Tuck has given evidence of his sound knowledge of his duties as Wireless Operator/Air Gunner in many successful sorties. Many of these have been attacks on strongly fortified objectives in enemy territory. This officer’s coolness and fearlessness have been the source of great confidence to his crew. (London Gazette 19/10/1943. Page 4620) FO Tuck was also a member of the Path Finder Force.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
422774 Pilot Officer WEBB,Joseph William Source: AWM 237 (62) NAA : A705, 166/43/1051 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 518 Volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Lancaster PB 678 TL – F ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Lancaster PB678 took off from RAF Graveley at 1040 hours on a day mission to bomb Cologne, Germany. When outbound at 10,000 feet and passing over the South Foreland coast on the Kent coast at 1133 hours, PB678 collided with Lancaster PB683 also of No 35 Sqn. Both aircraft fell into the sea and all the crew in both aircraft were killed. Crew: RAF RAF RCAF RAAF RAAF RAAF RCAF
PO Clarke, R J Captain (Pilot) Sgt J C Mays, (Flight Engineer) PO Currie, D R (Navigator) 422774 WO W J Webb, (Bomb Aimer) 417875 PO Norseworthy, R K (Wireless Air Gunner) 411869 PO Craddock, T E (Mid Upper Gunner) PO J McGee (Rear Gunner)
Of the crew in PB678, PO Currie, and WO Webb are buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, UK. Sgt Mays is buried at Harrow (Harrow Weald) Cemetery, Middlesex, UK The other four members of PB678 have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK All the crew aboard PB683 were members of the RAF.
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RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
412053 Flying Officer WHEATLEY, Ronald Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/105 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 106, volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit:
Halifax HR 678 TL – N ATTD 35 SQN RAF
Summary: Halifax HR678 took off from RAF Graveley at 2128 hours on the night of 14/15th April 1943 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF RAF RAF RAAF RAF RAF RAAF
PO Wilkes, R E DFM Captain (Pilot) Sgt T L Brown, (Flight Engineer) Flt Sgt T G O’Shaughnessy, (Navigator) 412053 PO Wheatley, R (Bomb Aimer) Flt Sgt F Hay, (Wireless Air Gunner) Flt Sgt F W Vincent, (Air Gunner) 411478 Flt Sgt M A E Bradford, (Air Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft was shot down from 18,00 feet by a night fighter. It was seen approaching the village of Germershein and after circling the village it crashed and exploded on impact. Four of the crew were killed and three Sgt Brown, Flt Sgt O’Shaughnessy and Flt Sgt Vincent were POW’s. Flt Sgt O’Shaughnessy later reported “ I regret I have no real information re Bradford. I do not know if he was able to leave the aircraft . I do however, and this is only my opinion, believe him to be killed.” Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp-Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.
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