Raaf Personnel Serving on Attachment in Royal Air Force Squadrons and Support Units

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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 UNITS

33250 Sergeant MILLS, George Arthur

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705,166/27/131 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 11 Pers Despatch & Rec Centre ATTD RAF

Summary: On 23rd May 1943, while off duty and walking through a park at Bournemouth during Sunday lunch hour, Sgt Mills (Pilot) was struck by canon shell and killed. He is buried in the Bournemouth North Cemetery, UK.

Two other RAAF Pilots while off duty and from the same Unit were also killed in the above enemy air raid.

1 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416993 Flight Sergeant POPE, Vivian Lewis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/33/41 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 11 PERS Disposal & Recpt Centre ATTD RAF

Summary: Flt Sgt Pope (Pilot) was killed at 0050 hours on 23rd May1943, while off duty, when ten enemy aircraft attacked Bournemouth UK, with bombs and machine gun fire, scoring direct hits on a number of buildings.

Flt Sgt Pope is buried in the Bournemouth North Cemetery, UK

Two other RAAF Pilots from the same unit and also off duty were also killed during the same raid by enemy aircraft.

2 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

23310 Corporal CLARK, Ashton Alfred

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 1166/7/1059 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 11 Personnel Depot & Recept Centre ATTD RAF

Summary: Cpl Clark, a DMT (Driver Motor Transport), was transferred to Gorgas Hospital, Ancon, Canal, Zone, from a troopship in Colon on 27th February 1945, for treatment for tuberculosis. At 0900 hours on the 3rd July 1945 he was placed on the ‘danger list’, and died later that day. He enlisted in the RAAF on 12th August 1940.

Cpl Clark is buried in the Corozal American Military Cemetery, Panama.

3 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416835 Flying Officer DeGARIS, Alfred Keith

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9300 barcode 5074292 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 11 PD & Rec Centre

Summary: On the 31st March1943, FO DeGaris an Observer, was killed in an aircraft accident at Donibustle, Fife, Scotland. He is buried in the Dunfermline (Douglas Bank) Cemetery, UK

No other detail is available as Archives do not hold a RAAF Casualty file.

4 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409848 Flight Sergeant McMAHON, John Francis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705,166/26/145 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 11 Personnel DISP & RECP Depot

Summary: On the 23rd May 1943, while off duty, Flt Sgt McMahon (Pilot), was in a building in Bournemouth which sustained a direct hit by a bomb during an enemy air raid

Flt Sgt McMahon was killed and he is buried in the Bournemouth North Cemetery, UK.

Two other RAAF Pilots from the same unit and also off duty were also killed in the above enemy air raid

5 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420681 Flight Sergeant KERRIGAN, Allan John

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/29/74 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 11 Personnel Disp & Recpn Centre

Summary: Flt Sg Kerrigan a Pilot was killed on 23rd May 1943, when off duty at Bournemouth, UK. Approx 10 FW 190’s attacked Bournemouth at 1250 hours on the 23rd May with bombs and machine gun fire Direct hits were obtained on a number of buildings Six RAAF pilots all off duty, were killed in the raid One was shot when walking in a park, and the other five, including Kerrigan, were killed when a building was demolished by a direct hit from a bomb.

Flt Sgt Kerrigan is buried in the Bournemouth North Cemetery, UK.

6 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

74446 Leading Aircraftsman GLENN, Raymond Colin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA :166/15/253 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 120 Sqn (NEI Sqn ATTD RAAF)

Summary: On the 18th May 1944, LAC Gken, an Armourer Assistant, was accidently shot when servicing a gun on a P40 aircraft at Merauke, Papua New Guinea.

He is buried in the Townsville War Cemetery, Queensland, Australia.

7 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

157457 Leading Aircraftsman LYNCH, Alfred Harry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/25/347 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 120 Sqn (NEI Sqn ATTD RAAF)

Summary: LAC Lynch lost his life on 12th May 1945, as a result of a ground accident. He is buried in the Lae War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea.

8 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: Marauder Serial number: HD 477 Radio call sign: Unit: 21 Sqn SAAF

Summary: On the 8th March 1945, Marauder HD477 took off at 1445 hours, one of a formation of eight aircraft detailed to attack the jetty and wharf in the ARSA Channel. HD477 was hit on the starboard engine by intense ack-ack fire but remained in its position until its bombs were dropped. The aircraft then broke away from the formation and went into a shallow dive. The starboard wing or a portion thereof fell off, and the aircraft went into a steep dive and crashed at 1645 hours, approx 12 miles north of Pola, Italy. Fighter cover reported that the aircraft had crashed, but that four were seen to bale out from about 7000 feet and their chutes open.

Crew: RAAF 425589 FO Blackford, W F Captain (Pilot) Killed RAAF 419589 WO W H Richardson, (Co Pilot) Safe SAAF Lt D Smit, (Observer) Safe RAF Sgt E McArthur, (Wireless Air Gunner) Safe RAF Sgt D S Smith, (Air Gunner) Killed SAAF WO11 N H Nel, (Air Gunner) Safe

Both FO Blackford and Sgt Smith are buried in the Belgrade War Cemetery, Serbia and Montenegro.

9 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403708 Flight Sergeant BARKER, Norman

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/91 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Blenheim Serial number: Z 7631 Radio call sign: Unit: 22 Personnel Transit Centre, Attd RAF

Summary: On the 24th March 1943, Blenheim Z7631 failed to return from a raid on Sollum, Middle East.

Crew: RAAF 403708 Flt Sgt N Barker, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G F Rawson, (Navigator) RAF Sgt F G Last, (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.

A Cpl Jetson of the C M Police reported that : “ At Sollum on the 24th March 1943, I was the visiting NCO and Motor Cyclepatrol on Sollum Pass. At about 1140 hours, I was at Sollum Bottom where I noticed a plane flying low in the direction of Capuzzo. The engine was making a spluttering sound and the plane was gradually coming lower and disappeared over the top of Sollum . While on the way to Sollum Top, I noticed clouds of black smoke abouttwo miles away in the direction of Capuzzo. At about 1210 hours Sgt Tulman and I proceeded to the spot in a jeep and fount the Blenheim enveloped in flames.”

A Court of Inquiry in to the accident stated that in its opinion : “ the accident was due to a possible failure of one engine. It appears that the Pilot stalled the aircraft at a low altitude when attempting to overfly the escarpment and land on the Sollum landing ground.”

10 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406108 Flight Seargant KELLY,Robert Henry

Source: AWM 237(65) NAA : A705, 163/132/193 digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Boston Serial number: Z 2163 Radio call sign: Unit: 24 SQN SAAF

Summary: On 31st July1942, Boston Z2163 crashed approx 40 miles from Alexandria, in a south- easterly direction and off the side of the Alexandria-Cairo road, about 20 miles from Alexandria. All the crew were killed.

The aircraft took off at 2340 hours on 30th July, and crashed at 0048 hours approx on its way back to base, owing to damage received by ack-ack when attacking dispersed enemy aircraft on Landing Ground 13. A search party proceeded to the scene of the crash and found the burnt out wreck of the aircraft.

Crew: SAAF Lt Corbey, A E Captain (Pilot) RAAF 406108 Flt Sgt R H Kelly (Observer) SAAF Sgt A Hutchison, (Gunner) SAAF Sgt J Forsyth, (Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.

11 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

12130 Aircraftsman Class 2 SAUNDERS, Guy Edward

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA :A705, 166/37/49 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 3093 Serv Echelon ATTD RAF

Summary: AC2 Saunders a Fitter 11A died of an illness on the 9th March 1943. He is buried in the Market Harborough (Northampton Road) Cemetery, UK. He was first admitted to hospital on the 22nd January 1943.

12 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400512 Flying Officer PATON, Alan Franklin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/22/426 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: EW 104 Radio call sign: Unit: 31 Sqn SAAF

Summary: Liberator EW104 took off from the Celone Landing Grouind during the evening of the 28th June1944, together with 10 other aircraft from the Squadron, to bomb Girugui, Rouimania. Over the target heavy but inaccurate ack-ack was encountered, together with air to air rockets from unidentified aircraft. EW104 failed to return from the mission.

Members of another aircraft were attacked by a night fighter and baled out. They were captured but were eventually returned safe to their unit. Two of the crew stated that after their capture they were taken to the scene of a crash in the vicinity and identified the wing of EW104. They were told by the Bulgarians that all the crew of seven had been killed in the crash.

Crew: SAAF Lt Haggie, D J G Captain (Pilot) SAAF 2nd Lt Southey, R G (2nd Pilot) SAAF Lt Lindley, D (Observer) RAF Sgt B O Brazier (Bomb Aimer) SAAF WO11 W S Barrett, (Wireless Operator) SAAF WO11 D T Flynn, (Sig/Air Gunner) RAAF 400512 FO Paton, A F (Sig/Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Sofia War Cemetery, Bulgaria.

13 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424243 Flight Sergeant WATSON, Desmond Vincent

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/911 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: KH 154 Radio call sign: Unit: 31 Sqn SAAF

Summary: On the night of 12/13th October 1944, Liberator KH154 together with 16 aircraft from the Squadron were detailed to drop supplies to Italian partisans in the foothills of the Alps three miles north of Bra, Italy. The aircraft took off at 1606 hours. The night was dark with the cloud building up north from the Appenines with the tops of clouds 8/10,000 feet Nothing was heard from KH154 and it failed to return to base. All the other aircraft returned safely.

Crew: RAAF 424243 Flt Sgt D V Watson, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W R Young, Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt D C R Shearer (Navigator) RAF Sgt A R Best, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt W H Bawden, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Houghton, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A D Griffin, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S S De Lisle, (Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Milan War Cemetery, Italy.

14 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403252 Pilot Officer BEEBAR, John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/695 166/5/646 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: FZ 587 Radio call sign: Unit: 353 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 4th August 1944, Dakota FZ587 dived into the ground during a heavy storm and all on board were killed. The aircraft crashed in position 26.15 North, 83.44 East in India.

Crew: RAAF 400366 FO Forman, D C Captain (Pilot) RAAF 401375 WO F W Handley, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 403252 PO Beebar, J (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt K N Secton, (Flight Engineer) 10 Passengers RAF Sgt C E Church, (Flight Engineer) 159 Sqn RAF RCAF Flt Lt Jackson, G P 159 Sqn RAF RAF AC1 W J Lewis, (FMA) 273 Sqn RAF Lt Col Dawson, F R, 292 ASR Sqn Lt Col Weallens, Mountain Regiment Lt Col Petit, 14th Army Major E Hicks, Deputy Director, Vehicles, Calcutta Major Kewn, PR Film Unit Major D S Walton, Nurse ANS Mr S Drucquer, Bengal Government.

The three RAAF crew members are buried in the Ranchi War Cemetery, India Ranchi is a town in the State of Jhaarkhand, some 419kms north west of Calcutta.

15 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400366 Flying Officer FORMAN, David Crawford

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/695 166/5/646 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: FZ 587 Radio call sign: Unit: 353 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 4th August 1944, Dakota FZ587 dived into the ground during a heavy storm and all on board were killed. The aircraft crashed in position 26.15 North, 83.44 East in India.

The three RAAF crew members are buried in the Ranchi War Cemetery, India Ranchi is a town in the State of Jhaarkhand, some 419kms north west of Calcutta.

16 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401375 Warrant Officer HANDLEY, Frederick Walter

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/695 166/5/646 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: FZ 587 Radio call sign: Unit: 353 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 4th August 1944, Dakota FZ587 dived into the ground during a heavy storm and all on board were killed. The aircraft crashed in position 26.15 North, 83.44 East in India.

The three RAAF crew members are buried in the Ranchi War Cemetery, India Ranchi is a town in the State of Jhaarkhand, some 419kms north west of Calcutta.

17 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418186 Warrant Officer SHANAHAN, Joseph Patrick

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/37/1215 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: FL 603 Radio call sign: Unit: 353 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 17th May 1945, Dakota FL603 was engaged on a routine transport flight, being airborne at Santa Cruz/Bombay at 0725 hours en route for Mauripur (Karachi), when it appears that after being airborne for half an hours the port wing became detached in flight followed by the loss of the port engine and nacelle. The aircraft crashed near the village of Dahanu Jawhar, Bombay. The crew of three and six passengers were killed in the accident.

Crew: RCAF FO Woodman, S D Captain (Pilot) RAAF 418186 WO J P Shanahan, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF WO Williams, P W (Wireless Air Gunner) Plus six passengers

All the crew are buried in the Kirkee War Cemetery, India. Kirkee is a Military Cantonment adjoining a large University town of Poona on the plateau above Bombay.

18 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402027 Pilot Officer BLUMER, Paul John Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 32/4/145 Digitised 166/5/521 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: 62 Radio call sign: Unit: 355 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 4th May 1944, Liberator 62 an American Liberator loaned to the AFT Unit and in the act of being delivered, crashed at RAF Station Amarda Road, India, when it collided in the air with a Harvard and crashed in flames. The Liberator was in the air about 80 feet from the ground and was landing. The Harvard was slightly damaged in the collision and nobody was injured. The Liberator was totally destroyed and four were killed and two seriously injured. Crew: Liberator 62 RAAF 416704 WO R Mitchell. Captain (Pilot) Slightly injured RAF Flt Sgt L E C Simmons, (Navigator)) Killed RAF Sgt F Williams, (Flight Engineer) Seriously Injured) RAAF 402027 PO Blumer, P J (Wireless Air Gunner) Killed USAAF Cpl E C Jasiekie PAX Killed USAAF M/Sgt R V Moseley, PAX Killed Crew : Harvard FE667 RAF FO Fox C L (1st Pilot) Nil injuries SAAF Lt J R Fisher, (Pupil Pilot) Nil injuries

PO Blumer and Flt Sgt Simmons are buried in the Madras War Cemetery, Chennai, India. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where the two USAAF personnel are buried. A report into the accident he Group Commander AOC Hdqrts 231 Group RAF S E Asia stated : “ FO Fox cannot be excused from all blame for this accident. I consider he was to some extent careless and made his approach in a somewhat unorthodox manner. I have ordered that his log book be marked in red “careless”.. WO Mitchell : I do not consider that any disciplinary action be taken against WO Mitchell. Sgt Evans the Flying Controller : I consider Evans to blame in that he did not keep a close watch on the Harvard after giving it the Red Light.. I consider he was largely to blame for the accident, and that be brought before his CO, and be warned very seriously as to his duties while acting as Flying Controller in the future.”

WO Mitchell survived the crash and the war and was discharged from the RAAF on the 29/8/1945.

19 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410876 Warrant Officer CROCKETT, Murray Bernard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 166/9/417 Digitised, 166/35/412 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: EV 940 Radio call sign: Unit: 355 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 6th October 1944, Liberator EV940 crashed at 0905Z hours approx 4 miles north of Uttaradit, Thailand, during a low bombing attack on two locomotives in the station at Uttaradit on the Bankok-Lampang railway line. All on board EV940 were killed.

The formation attacked in line astern, diving down from 1500 feet to300 feet. One of the aircraft in the formation reported seeing tracers from a MG Nest going into No 2 aircraft EV940,and that aircraft steepened its climbing turn to 90 degrees and slipped inwards out of control, crashing in position 17.42 north, 100.08 east.

The Sqn Ldr CO of 355 Sqn reported :”Harrison’s aircraft was in my own formation when we made the low level attack on the railway station in Thailand and he went in to attack just before I made my second run. After bombing, I did not see that aircraft but the ground defences must have hit the machine because they crashed just after passing over the target. The aircraft blew up on impact and must have killed all on board instantly.”

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt H N Harrison, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 410876 WO M B Crockett (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt R Page, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt C Nunn, (Navigator) RAF Sgt H Law (Air Bomber) RAAF 421713 WO A M H Davidson,(1st Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 421757 WO J K S Radnidge, (2nd Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H C Martin (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G A Thompson, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt T Aisbitt, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt N H Knight, (Air Gunner) All the crew are buried in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand. The town of Kanchanaburi is 129kms north west of Bangkok.

20 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421713 Warrant Officer DAVIDSON, Alfred Milne Hunter

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 166/9/417 Digitised, 166/35/412 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: EV 940 Radio call sign: Unit: 355 Sqn RAF

21 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

297176 Flight Lieutenant GRAY, Ernest Philip Jeffrey

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/439 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: EV 902 Radio call sign: Unit: 355 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 16th September 1944, Liberator EV902 in a day bombing attack in North Borneo, and when flying at 11,000 feet in formation, collided with Liberator H114 of 356 Sqn and spun out of control, and all the crew were killed. EV902 crashed at 0323Z hours in position 23.34 north, 95.09 east.

The collision occurred in a formation of six aircraft when outward bound to bomb the Maymto railway station. EV 902 was observed to be flying in the wrong position and was ordered to correct its position. at 0323Z hours. The Rear Gunner of the Leaders aircraft reported that EV902 had collided with EW114 cutting off the tail of EW114. EV902 then turned on its back and dived to the ground. Other gunners in the formation reported seeing two chutes open from EV902 but none from EW114 which dived vertically, crashed, and all on board were killed.

Crew: RAAF 297176 Flt Lt Gray, E P J Captain (Pilot) RAF WO A Green, (2nd Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt L J Lewis, (Flight Engineer) RAF WO R W Stephens, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RCAF FO Blackman, F E (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF WO Bailey, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF FO Fitzgerald, J B (Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt P H Dexter,(Air Gunner) RAF Sgt D J Drake,(Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R Kelsall, (Air Gunner)

WO Bailey and WO Stephens baled out of the aircraft and survived the collision. The remaining eight crew members are buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar (formerly Burma)

22 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421757 Warrant Officer RADNIDGE, John Knox Stewart

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 166/9/417 Digitised, 166/35/412 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: EV 940 Radio call sign: Unit: 355 Sqn RAF

23 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420481 Flight Lieutenant McCORMICK, Felix Andrew

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/126/633 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: EW 155 Radio call sign: Unit: 356 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 28th October 1944, Liberator EW155 took off at approx 1735 hours detailed to carry out a night operational sortie. The aircraft on take off sounded like a Harvard indicating a runaway propeller. The aircraft released its bombs shortly after take off, and then started to turn to port towards the drome at an altitude of approx 150 feet. In this turn the port wing appeared to stall and the wings became vertical. The aircraft dropped below the skyline and burst into flames on impact.

The aircraft crashed near Salbani, approx 14 miles north of Midnapur, Bengal, India, and all the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF 420481 Flt Lt McCormick, F A Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G L Steele, (Pilot) RAF Sgt W E Wilson,(Flight Engineer) RAF WO J Fowler, (Navigator) RAF FO Burton, J H (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt W H Patten, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Lt Pierce, A A (Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt C F Evans, (Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Ranchi War Cemetery, India. Ranchi is a town in the State of Jharkhand some 419kms north west of Calcutta.

24 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412390 Flight Lieutenant CARLTON, Albert George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/690 166/33/240 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: BZ 956 Radio call sign: Unit: 357 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 1st November 1944, Liberator BZ956 took off at 12 noon detailed to carry out a special operation. The aircraft crashed near Manpang Central Burma, in position 99.21 east, 22.05 north, on the top most slopes of Loi Anglawng at a height of 8537 feet.

In a report by a Recovery Party to the Burma-China border, eyewitnesses stated that “ the aircraft was to have dropped supplies for their party of Lahoo natives ex-Levie guides on a nearby spot and flares had been lit to guide the aircraft.”

Crew: RAAF 408527 Flt Lt Shave, O S DFC, Captain (Pilot) RAF WO D L Francis, (Pilot) RAAF 411553 Flt Lt Titterington, S D DFC (Navigator) RAAF 412179 FO Powell, R C J (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 412390 Flt Lt Catlton, A G (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF WO1 E J L Bollingbroke, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt P G Masters, (Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand. The town of Kanchanaburi is 129kms north west of Bangkok.

25 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400527 Flight Lieutenant CORBETT, William James

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/448 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: BZ 923 Radio call sign: Unit: 357 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 6/7th May 1944, Liberator BZ923 took off from Digri on a special operation with Flt Lt Jones as Captain of the aircraft. He was properly briefed with the Captains of three other aircraft engaged on the same mission. Information came through the next morning of 7th May 1944 that the aircraft had crashed 20 minutes away from base, half a mile west of Burdwan railway station at 23.26 north 87.50 east.

The other Captains reported that very bad weather had been encountered which was not anticipated by the Met service. The pilot Jones is a experienced and done a considerable amount of flying. It was however his first operation on this type of aircraft and was in all probability over territory he had never before experienced.

It was later established that BZ923 was returning from the special mission and crashed at 0530 hours on the 7th May 1944, and that the reason for the crash was lack of fuel.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Jones K P Captain (Pilot) Injured RAF FO Gardner, J W (Pilot) Injured RAAF 400527 Flt Lt Corbett, W J (Navigator) Killed RAF FO Gradiner, J W (Navigator) Injured RCAF WO J D Spencer, (Wireless Air Gunner) Killed RCAF WO N R Carlson, (Wireless Air Gunner) Injured RCAF WO O H Duyvejonck, Wireless Air Gunner) Injured RCAF PO Van Platter, G D (Air Gunner) Died of his injuries 9th May 44

Flt Lt Corbett, and FO Gardiner ar buried in the Delhi War Cemetery, India. Commonwealth war graves records do not show where PO Van Platten is buried.

26 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412179 Flight Lieutenant POWELL, Reginald Charles Joffre

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/690 166/33/240 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: BZ 956 Radio call sign: Unit: 357 Sqn RAF

All the crew are buried in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand. The town of Kanchanaburi is 129kms north west of Bangkok.

27 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408527 Flight Lieutenant SHAVE, Osborne Sydney DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/690 166/33/240 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: BZ 956 Radio call sign: Unit: 357 Sqn RAF

All the crew are buried in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand. The town of Kanchanaburi is 129kms north west of Bangkok.

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to Flt Lt Shave is as follows : “ Flt Lt Shave as pilot has taken part in many operational sorties, the majority of which have necessitated flying low over mountainous country often in adverse weather. In June 1944, he completed seven operational sorties in eleven days. At all times, Flt Lt Shave has displayed outstanding skill, determination and devotion to duty.” (London Gazette 12/2/1946 Page 903)

28 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

411593 FlightLieytenant TITTERINGTON, Sydney Desmond DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/690 166/33/240 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: BZ 956 Radio call sign: Unit: 357 Sqn RAF

All the crew are buried in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand. The town of Kanchanaburi is 129kms north west of Bangkok.

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to Flt Lt Titterington is as follows : “ Flt Lt Titterington as navigator has taken part in many operational sorties, the majority of which have necessitated flying low over mountainous country often in adverse weather. In June 1944, he completed seven operational sorties in eleven days. At all times, Flt Lt Titterington has displayed outstanding skill, determination and devotion to duty, (London Gazette 12/2/1946, page 903)

29 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

28286 Flying Officer CARTER, Rothney Alex

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/976 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: KH 312 Radio call sign: Unit: 358 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 2nd May 1945, Liberator KH312 crashed into the sea in the approx position of 18.38 North, 93,30 East, and all the crew were killed.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Robinson, R W (1st Pilot) Missing RAA 28286 FO Carter, E A (2nd Pilot) Killed RAF FO Bull,W H (Navigator) Missing RAF Sgt A J Sherwood, (Air Bomber) Slightly Injured RAF FO Bartlett, L C (1st Wireless Operator) Slightly Injured RAF Sgt E H A Andrews, (2nd Wireless Operator) Slightly Injured RAF Sgt R Bell, (Air Gunner) Slightly Injured RAF Sgt A Burling, (Air Gunner) Killed. RAF Sgt T F Clark, (Air Gunner) Missing

FO Carter and Sgt Burling are buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar. The cemetery adjoins the village of Taukkyan which is about 35kms north of Yangon (formerly Rangoon). Flt Lt Robinson, FO Bull and Sgt Clark have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.

In a Court of Inquiry into the accident set up by RAF Station Jessore, the Court found that “The cause of the accident was threefold : - Failure of the No 1 engine for causes unknown. - Failure of the No 4 engine apparently from bearing failure. - The fact that the crew were not aware of the night landing facilities at Kyan and the fact that K type dinghies were not carried on the aircraft. This was considered to be responsible for one if not three deaths. No blame can be attributed to any person for the engines failures.”

30 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425353 Flight Sergeant PORTER, Forbes

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 32/4/235 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: EV 846 Radio call sign: Unit: 358 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 23rd November 1944, Liberator EV846 crashed at No 6 HCU Kolar and all on board were killed.

Crew: RAAF 425353 Flt Sgt F Porter, (1st Pilot) RAAF 430197 Flt Sgt J W White, (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt C V Garside, (Navigator) RAF FO McHardy, J (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt M T Jones, (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Madras War Cemetery, Chennai, India.

Brigadier General J P McConnell,USAAF, Senior Air Staff Officer, Air Command SE Asia, later reported : “ Both these accidents involve Liberators KG883 on 30/11/1944 and EV846 on 23/11/1944. Both the Pilots involved had little flying experience between arriving at this Command and commencing their courses at No 6 HCU.

The accident to KG883 indicates a lack of discipline and supervision at the HCU. The accident to EV846 indicates insufficient care in instruction at the HCU. In spite of this no action was taken by either Hdqrs 225 Group, or Hdqrs Base Air Forces SE Asia, to follow up these accidents with suitable action to prevent such accidents occurring again in the future.

I therefore request you both inquire into the discipline at No 6 HCU Kolar and take action to improve the standard of instruction and tighten up the general discipline at Units. Also that you will arrange adequate flying practice to be carried on Oxfords before starting a Liberator course.”

31 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

437058 Flight Sergeant PRYOR, Robert George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/1188 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: EW 188 Radio call sign: Unit: 358 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 25th February 1945, Liberator EW188 was reported missing on a special operation into Indo-China. The aircraft took off at 1044Z hours and was last seen at base 23.11 north, 89.11 east when setting course. Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return from the mission.

Crew: RCAF FO Cloutier, L P Captain (Pilot) RAAF 437058 Flt Sgt R G Pryor, (2nd Pilot) RAF WO G E Foster, (Navigator) RAF FO Boston, D J (Air Bomber) RAAF 430230 Flt Sgt M R Vagg, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 419146 Flt Sgt E F Warmer, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G W Mount, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J P J Power, (Air Gunner)

Later No 8 searcher team under the command of the US Army HQ China Theatre located the crashed aircraft at 40kms west of the village of Phu-Loc which is 25kms south of Hue.

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Sai Wan War Cemetery, Hong Kong. The Cemetery is on the north eastern end of the Island of Hong Kong in the Chai Wan area about 11kms from the centre of Victoria.

32 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

430230 Flight Sergeant VAGG, Mervyn Rex

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/1188 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: EW 188 Radio call sign: Unit: 358 Sqn RAF

Later No 8 searcher team under the command of the US Army HQ China Theatre located the crashed aircraft at 40kms west of the village of Phu-Loc which is 25kms south of Hue.

33 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419146 Flight Sergeant WARMER, Eric Francis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/1188 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: EW 188 Radio call sign: Unit: 358 Sqn RAF

Later No 8 searcher team under the command of the US Army HQ China Theatre located the crashed aircraft at 40kms west of the village of Phu-Loc which is 25kms south of Hue.

34 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

430197 Flight Sergeant WHITE, John William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 32/4/235 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: EV 846 Radio call sign: Unit: 358 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 23rd November 1944, Liberator EV846 crashed at No 6 HCU Kolar and all on board were killed.

Crew: RAAF 425353 Flt Sgt F Porter, (1st Pilot) RAAF 430197 Flt Sgt J W White, (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt C V Garside, (Navigator) RAF FO McHardy, J (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt M T Jones, (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Madras War Cemetery, Chennai, India.

35 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404529 Sergeant GARROW, James David

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/115/73 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 15, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: W 5589 Radio call sign: Unit: 405 Sqn Air Force Royal Canadian

Summary: On the 5th January 1942, Wellington W5589 developed engine trouble while carrying out an Air Test, and crashed at 1015 hours, while trying to force land near an artillery range at Strenshall, five miles north of York, UK. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RCAF Flt Sgt O B Le Furgey, Captain (Pilot) RCAF Flt Sgt P Wityck, (Pilot) RAAF 404529 Sgt J D Garrow, (Observer) RCAF Sgt W A Robertson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt J R Gayfer, (Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Barmby-on-the-Moor (St Catherine) Churchyard, Barmby Moor.UK.

36 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403183 Flight Sergeant BURKE, Mervyn Kevin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/94/288 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 227, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: W 1274 Radio call sign: LQ – R Unit: 405 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 23/24th September 1942, Halifax W1274 took off from RAF Topcliffe at 0019 hours detailed to bomb Flensburg, Germany. The aircraft crashed at Elso Moor some 6kms north east of Padborg, a Danish frontier town with Germany. All the crew on board were killed in the crash.

Crew: RCAF PO McWebb, W Captain (Pilot) RCAF Sgt J M Rankin, (Flight Engineer) RCAF PO Gervais, E E (Navigator) RAF Sgt J H Kaufman, (Air Bomber) RAAF 403183 Flt Sgt M K Burke, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt W Sheldon, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt J Ott, (Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Aabenraa Cemetery, Denmark. Aabenraa is a town on the south east coast of Jutland, about 25kms north of the German border.

37 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409894 Flight Lieutenant CHASE, William McLaurin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/492 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 215, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 587 Radio call sign: LQ – P Unit: 405 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of the 8/9th May 1944, Lancaster ND587 took off at 0200 hours from RAF Gransden Lodge, detailed to bomb the railway yards at Haine-St-Pierre. On the return trip from the target the aircraft was shot down by an enemy night fighter, and crashed at 0345 hours near Gallaix (Hainaut), 12kms east of Tournai. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF 409894 Flt Lt Chase, W McL Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt J M Buckley, (Flight Engineer) RCAF Flt Lt Knupp, G W (Navigator) RAF Flt Lt Sinclair, W (Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt J T Gill, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF PO Sylvah, C M (Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt R D Daniels, (Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Chievres Communal Cemetery, Belgium. The cemetery is located 15kms north west of Mons on the N25.

38 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402223 Pilot Officer ECHIN, Henry Adolphous

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9300 Barcode 5375462 Digitised Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 144, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: W 1113 Radio call sign: LQ – G Unit: 405 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the 29/30th June 1942, Halifax W1113 took off from RAF Pocklington at 2301 hours, detailed to bomb Bremen, Germany. The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 0148 hours at Noordwolde (Friesland) 16kms south east of Heervenveen, Holland. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF 402223 PO Echin, H A Captain (Pilot) RCAF Sgt W J Harrell, (Pilot) RAF Sgt A Simpson, (Flight Engineer) RCAF Flt Sgt J W Bell, (Observer) RCAF Sgt W P Beare (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt P R A Oneson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt W J Dickinson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R T Adams, (Air Gunner)

The crew are buried in the Westellingwerf (Nordwolde) Protestant Churchyard, Netherlands. The village of Nordwolde is about 56kms SSE of Leewarden and 19kms north east of the Leewarden/Moppel road.

NOTE : On the above A9300 RAAF Service record file held by Archives, in a letter dated 3rd August 1959, the brother of H A Echin (Mr R A Echin) advised the RAAF records branch that the brothers had served in World War 2 using the name of Chinn which they believed at the time was their correct surname. In 1947 the surviving brother found out that their correct surname was Echin as shown on the records of the Registrar- General’s Department NSW. Statutory Declarations to that effect were submitted to the RAAF Records Branch, in order that the correct surname appeared on the AWM Roll of Honour then being produced. The brother requested that the RAAF records be altered to the correct surname and this was done

39 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410475 Pilot Officer FITZHENRY, Stanley Herbert

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/13/376 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses, of the Second World War, Page 29, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 477 Radio call sign: LQ – B Unit: 405 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the 2nd January 1945, Lancaster PB477 took off from RAF Gransden Lodge at 1558 hours on the afternoon of 2nd January 1945, detailed to attack Nurnberg, Germany. The aircraft was due back at 2200 hours but nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return.

Crew: RAF Wg Cdr Lawson, K J DSO and Bar, DFC, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 410475 PO Fitzhenry, S H (Navigator) RCAF Sqn Ldr Crawford, N DFC (Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Lt Duke, E C DFM (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF FO Geeves, G E (Air Gunner) RCAF WO1 D G Plyley, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S Rhodes, (Air Gunner)

A Missing Research and Enquiry team reported : “ Eyewitness at Rohrau reported that about 1900 hours they saw a Lancaster on 2nd January 1945 fly in from the west and crashed and burnt near the village The aircraft crashed at Rohrau, 16 miles south west of Stuttgart, Germany.”

Five of the crew were killed, and WO1 Plyley and Sgt Rhodes were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich.

Wg Cdr Lawson had completed at least 92 operational sorties, and PO Fitzharding had completed 30 operational trips.

40 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404247 Flight Sergeant HOWSAN, Moheddeen Abdull Ghias

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/123/230 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Grave records W E Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 60, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 8527 Radio call sign: LQ – L Unit: 405 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the 1st April 1942, Wellington Z8527 took off from RAF Pocklington at 0107 hours detailed to attack Poissy, France, some 40 miles north east of Paris. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 404247 Flt Sgt M A G Howsan, Captain (Pilot) RCAF Flt Sgt M C Howe, (Pilot) RCAF PO Burgoyne, L G (Observer) RCAF Flt Sgt R O J Page, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W P Ashun, Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO MacKinnon, J G (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed near Versailles (Seine-et-Oise), France. Five of the crew were killed and PO Burgoyne was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Les Gonards Cemetery, Versailles, France.

41 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407695 Flight Sergeant KLEISDORFF, Murray Ralph

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/132/155 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War Page 142, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: W 1175 Radio call sign: LQ – Q Unit: 405 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the 27th June 1942, Halifax W1175 took off from RAF Pocklington at 2332 hours detailed to bomb Bremen, Germany. The aircraft failed to return and it was presumed that the aircraft was lost over the sea.

Crew: RCAF Flt Sgt W E N Field, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R F Ansell, (Flight Engineer) RCAF WO11 R C Fitzgerald, (Navigator) RAAF 407695 Flt Sgt M R Kleisdorff, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt E O Smith, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt J D Ailey, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A Danby (Air Gunner)

Flt Sgt Kleisdorff os buried in the Harlingen General Cemketery, Netherlands. Harlingen is a town on the seaboard of the Wadenzee, 38kms west of Leewarden. All the other members have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

42 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402798 Flight Sergeant LLOYD, David Kilgour Source: AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705, 163/138/82 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: W 5531 Radio call sign: Unit: 405 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: Wellington W5531 took off on the night of 12th April1942 detailed to bomb Essen, Germany. Shortly after 11.45pm trouble was experienced in the port motor and the aircraft which was flying at 11,000 feet, went into a dive. By a great effort the 2nd Pilot succeeded in steadying the aircraft at approx 8000 feet, but a few seconds later it dived a further1000 feet. Flt Sgt Lloyd then took over the controls, holding the aircraft level with much difficulty. Lloyd ordered the crew to bale out but he remained in the aircraft and lost his life. By his self sacrifice Lloyd saved the lives of four members of the crew. He was highly commended by his CO for his courage and devotion to duty. In a Court of Inquiry the 2nd Pilot stated : “ At approx 2345 hours, the aircraft was flying at approx 11000 feet, when the port motor began to surge and the port revs fluctuated from 300 to 400 revs. The port engine then began to labour and burst into flames, causing the boost to drop off. The aircraft went into very steep dive and it took a great effort to pull out at approx 8000 feet. I held it level for a short time when it went into a dive again and was pulled out at approx 7000 feet. I shut the port cock off as soon as the fire started and the fire extinguisher was used. This caused the fire to momentarily subside but did not have a great effect. The Captain then took over and held the aircraft as level as possible but with apparent difficulty. The aircraft was still losing height, and was on fire and was now spreading towards the fuselage. The order to bale out was given by the Captain.”

The aircraft crashed near Stowmarket, Suffolk UK. Crew: RAAF 402798 Flt Sgt DK Lloyd, Captain (Pilot) Killed RCAF Sgt W R Ferrier, (2nd Pilot) Injured RCAF Flt Sgt G M Phillips, (Observer) Injured RCAF Flt Sgt R A Gardiner,(1st Wireless Operator) Injured RCAF WO11 G R Graves, (2nd Wireless Operator) Killed RAF Flt Sgt H J Thomas, (Air Gunner) Uninjured

Both Flt Sgt Lloyd and WO11 Graves are buried in the Ringshaw (St Catherine) Churchyard, Suffolk.

43 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425183 Flight Sergeant MIENERT, Victor

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/271/304 Micro Film No 463. Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 427, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 481 Radio call sign: LQ – R Unit: 405 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 16/17th December 1943, Lancaster JB481 took off from RAF Gransden Lodge at 1637 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. The aircraft crashed at 0130 hours near Marham airfield, Norfolk, UK. Five of the crew were killed, and FO Drew and Sgt McCrea were injured.

Crew: RCAF FO Drew , E B Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W Corrigan, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 425183 Flt Sgt V Mienert, (Observer) RCAF Flt Sgt H M Saunders, (Air Bomber) RCAF WO2 W L Dobson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt H R Bessent, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Sgt L A McCrea, (Rear Gunner)

Flt Sgt Mienert, Flt Sgt Saunders, WO2 Dobson and Sgt Bessant are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. Sgt Corrigan is buried in the Dundee (Balgay) Cemetery, UK.

A report in the Flying accident stated : “The accident was caused by the inexperience of the Pilot and very poor weather conditions for landing at night. The aircraft flew into the ground after breaking through cloud in the UK after being detailed to carry our operations against the enemy.”

44 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

484654 Sergeant MITCHELL, Frank Howard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/27/31 166/38/29 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: X 9667 Radio call sign: Unit: 405 Sqn RCAF

Summary: On the 27th January 1943, Wellington X9667 crashed in the sea between Den Helder and the Island of Texel, Holland. Flt Sgt Morgan was a POW and the others were missing. The aircraft was detailed for a Bullseye Exercise and took off at 0830 hours. WT silence was ordered, and nothing was heard after take off. The Bullseye route took the aircraft 50 miles out over the North Sea from Clacton, and it was considered possible that the aircraft was destroyed by enemy action. Crew: RAAF 404654 FO Mitchell, F H Captain (Screened Pilot) (405 Sqn RCAF) RAF Sgt G G Ellis, (Pupil Pilot) RAF Sgt G H Tucker, (Navigator) RAF Sgt D Llewyllyn, Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt J N Morgan, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R E Elvin,(Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 414377 Sgt N G Smith. (Air Gunner) (of 21 Operational Training RAF)

The bodies of FO Mitchell and Sgt’s Llewellyn and Elvin were washed ashore on the main land of Holland in the vicinity of Van Helder. FO Mitchell and Sgt Elvin are buried in the Bergen-op-Zoom War cemetery, Netherlands. The town of Bergen-op-Zoom is in the Dutch province of Noorfr-Brabant, some 40kms north west of Antwerp (Belgium).

The bodies of Sgt’s Ellis and Smith were washed ashore on the south side of the Island of Texel. They are buried in the Texel (Den Burg) Cemetery, Netherlands..

Commonwealth War Graves does not record what happened to Sgt’s Llewellyn or Tucker. Flt Sgt Morgan a POW reported : “FO Mitchell our Captain and Pilot remained at the controls, giving myself and others the opportunity of abandoning the aircraft in the nick of time. The suddenness of the attack which ended our ill fated flight, was such that I am unable to give much detail of our last moments together.”

45 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400294 Sergeant SHANNON, George Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/161/288 digitised Micro Film No 463 Commkonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley, RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 233, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: DG 228 Radio call sign: LQ – H Unit: 405 RAF Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 2/3rd October 1942, Halifax DG228 took off from RAF Topcliffe at 1826 hours, detailed to bomb Krefeld, Germany. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed at 2249 hours near Vredebest Farm, near Noordwijkerhout (Zuid Holland) ,16kms SSW of Haarlem. All the crew of seven were killed.

Crew: RCAF WO1 E W Murphy, Captain (Pilot) RCAF Sgt D G Hackett, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 400294 Sgt G H Shannon, (Observer) RCAF `Flt Sgt M Ben-Hertz, (Observer) RAF Sgt S Messham, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt C J Neubert, (Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt L H Williams, (Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Nordwijk General Cemetery, Netherlands. Nordwijk is situated on the coast to the north of Den Haag.

46 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

411977 Flying Officer WOOD, Kemble Russell

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/44/66 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 363, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 348 Radio call sign: LQ – R Unit: 405 RAF Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 20/21st October 1943, Lancaster JB348 took off from RAF Gransden Lodge at 1739 hours, detailed to bomb Leipzig, Germany. The aircraft crashed at Harrenstatte, some 5kms north west of Werite. Six of the crew were killed, and WO1 Johnston was a POW.

Crew: RAAF 411977 FO Wood, K R Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J H Lovelock, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Redpath, J N R (Navigator) RAF Sgt F W Bundy, (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt W Hedley, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF WO1 O O Johnston, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF WO2 E C Brunet, (Rear Gunner)

The six crew members killed are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

47 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407818 Sergeant BENNETT, Alfred Stephenson

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/104/129 and 163/911/231 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: FH 346 Radio call sign: Unit: 407 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: Hudson FH346 of 407 RCAF Sqn together with four other squadron aircraft were detailed to attack enemy shipping off the Dutch coast. The aircraft took off from RAF Station Bircham Newton, at 2335 hours on the night of 19/20th June 1942, and proceeded to datum. They flew singly and not in formation as the night was too dark. Four aircraft returned from the mission, one attacking a ship of 2000 tons, although slightly damaged by flak. Nothing was heard from FH 346 and it did not return to base.

Crew: RCAF PO Little, P C (Pilot) RCAF Sgt Aikenhead, L L (Observer) RAAF 407818 Sgt Bennett, A S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 406438 Sgt Duffy, T M (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)

The bodies of Sgt Bennett (RAAF) and Sgt Aikenhead (RCAF) were washed ashore on the Eastern Freisian Island off the Dutch coast. Sgt Bennet is buried in the Sage War Cemetery, Germany.. Sage is a village 24kms south of Oldenburg. Sgt Aikenhead is buried in the Delfzul General Cemetery, Netherlands.

In 1949 it was recorded that the other two missing crew members PO Little and Sgt Duffy had lost their lives at sea and have no known graves. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

48 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405388 Sergeant BRIGHOUSE, Malcolm Stanley

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 163/93/645 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley, RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 200,Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Hampden Serial number: AT 228 Radio call sign: EQ – U Unit: 408 (RCAF) Sqn

Summary: On the night of 28/29th August 1942, Hampden AT228 took off at 2009 hours from RAF Balderton, detailed to bomb Saarbrucken, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 405315 FO Lyons, L G Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Pellett, K T (Observer) RAAF` 405388 Sgt M S Brighouse, (1st Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt C N Chalken, (2nd Wireless Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed near Liesse (Aisne), 15kms north west of Laon, France, and all the crew were killed. All the crew are buried in the Liesse Communal Cemetery, France.

49 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406544 Flight Sergeant McCOLL, Ian Fowler Stewart

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 163/141/815 Commonwealth War Graves record

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: DG 238 Radio call sign: Unit: 408 (RCAF) Sqn

Summary: On the 9th November 1942, Halifax DG238 was detailed to carry out a non operational fighter a fighter affiliation training exercise. The aircraft crashed at approx 1530 hours at Kirkby Farm near Nortallerton, Yorkshire, and all the crew were killed.

A flying accident report stated : “the aircraft crashed after taking violent evasive action, when it stalled and spun in due to lack of speed in a steep turn. The crash was entirely due to pilot error with the aircraft spinning in from a considerable altitude and the crash showing signs of a partial recovery.”

Crew: RCAF Flt Sgt R G Ball, DFM Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A E F Giles, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt D D Gardner, (Navigator) RAAF 406544 Flt Sgt I F S McColl, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF PO Matthews, P M (Air Gunner)

Flt Sgt McColl and PO Matthews are buried in the Ripon Cemetery, UK. Sgt Giles is buried in the Medstead Cemetery, UK. Sgt Gardner is buried in the Korsham (Hills) Cemetery, UK. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Flt Sgt Ball is buried.

50 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405315 Flying Officer LYON, Leon George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 163/93/645 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley, RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 200,Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Hampden Serial number: AT 228 Radio call sign: EQ – U Unit: 408 (RCAF) Sqn

Crew: RAAF 405315 FO Lyons, L G Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Pellett, K T (Observer) RAAF` 405388 Sgt M S Brighouse, (1st Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt C N Chalken, (2nd Wireless Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed near Liesse (Aisne), 15kms north west of Laon, France, and all the crew were killed. All the crew are buried in the Liesse Communal Cemetery, France.

51 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 402461 Pilot Officer HORNE, Albert Elliott, DFM Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/18/86 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 149, Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: JB 931 Radio call sign: EQ - O Unit: 408 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force Summary: On the night of 13/14th May 1943, Halifax JB931 took off from RAF Leeming, at 2347 hours, detailed to bomb Bochum, Germany. When outbound at 11,300 feet, the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter, and crashed into the sea off the Dutch coast. Four of the crew were killed, and FO Thompson, PO Hammill and Sgt Ross were POW’s. Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Campbell, H R D L DFC, Captain (Pilot) RCAF Sgt J McL Harrison, ( Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt A C Ross, RAF FO Thompson, A W ( RAF PO Hammill, M H J RAAF 403461 PO Horne, A E DFM (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF PO Stinson, L A (Air Gunner) The four crew members who were killed are buried in the Flushing (Vlissingen) Northern Cemetery, Netherlands. The port of Flushing is in the south west of the Island of Walcheren in the Scheldte Estuary. In a joint POW statement FO Thompson and PO Hammill said “Owing to enemy action we were ordered to abandon the aircraft by chute. The following morning I identified Sqn Ldr Campbell’s body found in the water near Flushing. The Germans said that the bodies of both Stinson and Horne were found in the wreck of the aircraft, and that Harrison’s body was found in the water along with Campbell’s body.” Citation : The Citation for the DFM awarded to the then Flt Sgt Horne of 405 (RCAF) Sqn is as follows : “ On the 14th February 1943, Flt Sgt Horne was the mid upper gunner of a Halifax aircraft which was engaged by two enemy JU88’s when carrying out an anti- submarine patrol. Our aircraft had sighted an enemy convoy and was shadowing it when attacked by the two enemy aircraft and in the ensuing action, one of the JU88’s was definitely destroyed while the remaining one was damaged and probably destroyed. Despite the several attacks of the enemy, this gunner coolly put up a stout defence while under fire and by expert gunnery made a valuable contribution to the success of the encounter. This NCO has always displayed untiring devotion to duty in all the operations in which he has participated.” (London Gazette 20th April 1943)

52 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405005 Pilot Officer MacKENZIE, Ian Cumming MID

Source: AWM 237 (65) AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 6, NAA : A705, 166/26/87 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorlet : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 108, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: JB 909 Radio call sign: EQ – G Unit: 408 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force Summary: On the night of 14/15th April 1943, Halifax JB909 took off from RAF Leeming, at 2151 hours, detailed to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. The aircraft was due to return at 0517 hours on the 15th April, but the aircraft failed to return. Crew: RAAF 405005 PO MacKenzie, I C MID Captain (Pilot) RCAF Sgt W L Canter, (Co-Pilot) RCAF Sgt L W McKenzie, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Playfair, A (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt T J Coupland, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 403033 PO O’Connell, C (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO McIlroy, W A (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt J S Murray, (Wireless Air Gunner) The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter, and crashed at 0315 hours at la Neuvillette (Marne), 4kms north west of Rheims, France. PO MacKenzie who sacrificed his life in order to ensure his aircraft did not come down on houses, is buried in the Clichy Northern Cemetery, France. Clichy is a town adjoining the northern boundary of Paris.

Sgt Canter evaded capture, and the other crew members were POW’s. In a POW report the then FO O’Connell stated 4: “ At 0215 hours the aircraft was hit by a night fighter which attacked from underneath. The port inner motor was blown out of the wing, and fires were started behind the bulk head doors and to the rear of the rest position. A shell which exploded in the engineers compartment exploded the oxygen bottles, jammed the rudders and wounded the Mid Upper Gunner. Attempts were made to extinguish the fires but to no avail. PO Mackenzie gave instructions for the crew to bale out as he could not control the aircraft. Three of the crew were injured, Sgt Murray, PO McIlroy and myself (a flesh wound in right leg). The aircraft was under control when I left at 4,000 feet, although it was on fire. PO MacKenzie and Sgt McKenzie were still in the aircraft. All the crew with the exception of PO MacKenzie were alive and accounted for.”

53 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

432398 Pilot Officer MYERSON, Philip

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/507 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 56, Volume 1945

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NP 746 Radio call sign: EQ –E Unit: 408 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 28/29th January 1945, Halifax NP746 took off from Linton-on-Ouse at 1943 hours, detailed to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF FO Wallis, R MacM Captain (Pilot) RCAF PO Collinson, L J (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Little, T B (Navigator) RCAF FO McGovern, H T (Air Bomber) RAAF 432398 PO Myerson, P (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF PO Quinn, T P (Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt R L Stewart,(Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed. Six of the crew were killed and FO McGovern was a POW. Those killed 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.

54 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

411378 Flying Officer QUANCE , Peter Reginald

Source: AWMK 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/34/2 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: JD 107 Radio call sign: - Y Unit: 408 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 19/20th June 1943, Halifax JD107 took off at 2159 hours detailed to carry out bombing operations over Le Creu France. The aircraft was due to return to base at 0527 hours on the 20th June 1943, but nothing was heard from the plane and it failed to return.

Crew: RAF PO Symons, R A BEM Captain (Pilot) Injured RAF PO Denholm, J (Navigator) Killed RCAF Flt Lt Samuels, M (Wireless Air gunner)) Killed RAAF 41378 FO Quance, (Wireless Air Gunner) Killed RCAF Sgt H A Brown, (Air Gunner) POW RCAF PO Horner, D C (Flight Engineer) Killed

At Enclosure 52A of the above RAAF Casualty file A705, 166/34/2, Sgt Brown in a POW report stated : “ The aircraft was shot down by night fighters near Caen, France, on the 20th June 1943. The aircraft crashed with the crew on board. The injured probably went into the Hospital at Caen.”

On the same file, is a copy of a list received by the Air Ministry, UK, from a Mother Superior.in France. The list was kept secret until after the war by the Mother Superior of the Grand Hospital in Caen of the names of four officers buried in Caen. The list included the names of FO Quance (RAAF) and PO Horner (RCAF) both of whom were members of the above crew who were buried in Caen on the 23 June 1943.”

PO Denholm, Flt Samuels, FO Quance and PO Horner are buried in the Breteville-Sur- Laize Canadian War Cemetery, France. The cemetery is 14kms south of Caen.

55 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403981 Sergeant THOMPSON, Charles Herbert

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/166/241 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hampden Serial number: P 1244 Radio call sign: Unit: 408 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 27/28th August 1942, Hampden P1244 took off from RAF Syerston at 2005 hours, detailed to carry our a bombing operation against Kassel, Germany. The aircraft was due to return from the mission at 0230 hours on the 28th August 1942, but the aircraft failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt A H Jennings, Captain (Pilot) RCAF WO Class 11 L G Chaston, (Observer) RAAF 403981 Sgt C H Thompson, (1st Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J W Todd, (2nd Wireless Air Gunner)

A Missing Research and Enquiry team later reported that “the aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire and crashed exploding on impact in the village of Istham, which is 11 miles west of Kassel.

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

56 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402582 Sergeant WARR, Herbert Cheval Archer

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9300 Barcode 5534368 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 172, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Hampden Serial number: AE 244 Radio call sign: EQ – P Unit: 408 Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the 31st July/1st August 1942, Hampden AE244 took off from RAF Balderton, at 2339 hours, detailed to bomb Dusseldorf Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF Sgt O M Nelson, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 402582 Sgt H C A Warr, (Observer) RCAF Flt Sgt C F Lloyd, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H Price, (Wireless Air Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by an enemy night fighter and crashed at 0335 hours, some 2kms south east of Zevendonk (Antwerpen), 4kms south of Turnhout, Belgium.

Three of the crew were killed and Sgt Nelson was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Turnhout (Zevendonk) Churchyard, Belgium.

57 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401004 Flying Officer WATHEN, Keith Cameron

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/197 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hampden Serial number: P 1177 Radio call sign: Unit: 415 Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the 17th May 1943, Hampden P1177 took off from RAF Station Thorney Island, at 1936 hours, detailed to carry out a shipping strike off the Dutch coast. The aircraft reached the point of the strike after midnight local time, but thereafter its movements were unknown, and the aircraft failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 401004 FO Wathen, K C Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Crawford, J M (Navigator) RNZAF Flt Sgt I M Sykes, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J H Steward, (Wireless Air Gunner)

On the 22nd July 1943, the body of FO Wathen was recovered from the sea at St Peter, in the district of Eiderstadt. He is buried in the Kiel War Cemetery, Germany.

The other three crew members have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

58 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413964 Flying Officer COLE, Norman

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 166/8/181 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: HX 808 Radio call sign: Unit: 418 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the 31st July 1943, at 0100 hours took off from RAF Ford on an intruder sortie to Orleans/Chateaulun. France. The aircraft failed to return from the sortie.

Crew: RAAF 413964 FO Cole, N Captain (Pilot) RCAF FO Shepherd, A A (Navigator/Wireless Operator)

All the crew are buried in the Clichy Northern Cemetery, France. Clichy is a town adjoining the northern boundary of Paris.

59 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409786 Pilot Officer ALLAN, Francis Barker

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/3/105 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 315, Volume 1943

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: JD 410 Radio call sign: VR – V Unit: 419 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the 5/6th September 1943, Halifax JD410 took off from RAF Middleton St George, at 1941 hours, detailed to bomb Mannheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. .

Crew: RAAF 409786 PO Allan, F B Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H Nuttall, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Harris, J R (Navigator) RCAF PO Burke, R W (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt A R Slaney, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J H C Kilpatrick, (Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H J Hudson, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was hit by flak and broke up over the target area. Six of the crew were killed in the crash and PO Harris 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.

In a POW Report FO Harris stated : “ On the night of 5/6th September 1943, we were hit as a result of enemy action. I do not know what hit us. We suddenly staggered and quivered as if the aircraft was losing control. Sgt Allan said “bale out”. I clamped on my chute on as the aircraft went into a spin. All this happened within a few moments and I was thrown about in the fuselage. Some time later I could see stars overhead, and I knew I was out of machine. The Germans told me later three had been killed in the crash. I was shown the laundry tag with Allan’s name on it, and a few envelopes with Stanley’s name on it. Did nit see anything of the rest of the crew.”

60 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401213 Sergeant HALL, Hector Victor

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/120/616 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 239, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: DF 664 Radio call sign: VR – E Unit: 419 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 13/14th October 1942, Wellington DF664 took off from RAF Croft, Yorkshire, at 1828 hours, detailed to bomb Kiel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF Flt Sgt W A Wakeman, Captain (Pilot) RCAF FO Bell, C E (Observer) RAAF 401213 Sgt H V Hall, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt E S Green, (2nd Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt J F Streeting, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed into the sea off Brockeswalde, Germany, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany. The cemetery is 13kms south east of Soltau on the west side of the road from Hamburg to Hanover.

61 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416875 Sergerant MACPHERSON, Donald Malcolm

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/210 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: JD 158 Radio call sign: Unit: 419 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the 18th August 1943, Halifax JD158 failed to return from an operational mission. It probably crashed in the Baltic Sea and all the crew were reported missing

Crew: RCAF Flt Lt Heard, S M Captain (Pilot) RAAF 416875 Sgt D M MacPherson, (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt G Blyth, (Flight Engineer) RCAF Sgt G S Walter, (Navigator) RCAF PO McSween, P O (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt J J Newbon, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt J W Dally, (Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt D Thornton, (Air Gunner)

The body of Sgt MacPherson was recovered from the sea near Eicker Hoevt on the31st August 1943. He is buried along with Sgt Walter, PO McSween and Sgt Newbon in the 1939-1945 Berlin War Cemetery, Germany. The other four crew members have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

The Squadron practice of flying as 2nd Pilot, with pilots experienced in operational flying was continued in this crew.

62 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406508 Sergeant NOONAN, Vincent Ormerod

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 160/30/17 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 419 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the 15th October 1942, Sgt Noonan a Wireless Air Gunner lost his life on air operations. No other detail is available on the above RAAF Casualty file held by NAA.

Sgt Noonan is buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

63 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421661 Warrant Officer MINCHIN, George Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9301 Barcode 5529729 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 339, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LK 803 Radio call sign: PT – H Unit: 420 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the 19th July 1944, Halifax LK803 took off from Tholthorpe at 1130 hours, detailed to carry out a fighter affiliation exercise, but the aircraft spun and crashed within three minutes of take off. All the crew of five were killed.

Crew: RCAF FO Joplin, S J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt N J Shand, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 421661 WO G H Minchin, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF PO Barnard, W S (Air Gunner) RCAF PO Kent, G A (Air Gunner)

Sgt Shand is buried in the Inverurie Cemetery, UK. The other four crew members are buried in the Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, Yorkshire, UK.

64 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402699 Flying Officer WADDELL, Hilton Graham

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : 163/176/294 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 129, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Hampden Serial number: AT 185 Radio call sign: PT – A Unit: 420 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the 20/21st June 1942, Hampden AT185 took off from RAF Waddington detailed to attack Emden, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF Flt Sgt G H Ellis, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 402699 FO Waddell, H G (Navigator) RCAF Sgt B D Nidelman, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S G Still, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter, and crashed at 0059 hours to the north of the Dutch island of Ameland, and all the crew were killed.

Flt Sgt Ellis is buried in the Ameland (Nes)General Cemetery, Netherlands. Ameland is one of the Frisian Islands off the north coast of the Netherlands, and is some 15kms from the mainland. Nes is the largest of four villages on the Island..

FO Waddell is buried in the Sage War Cemetery, Germany. Sage is a village 24kms south of Oldenburg, a town 43kms west of Bremen.

The other two crew members have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

65 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421686 Flying Officer MOSS, Frank

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/204 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Sunderland Serial number: W 6013 Radio call sign: Unit: 423 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the 5th December 1943, Sunderland W6013 was detailed to carry out a non- operational transit flight. The aircraft crashed at 1307 hours when it hit the side of Knocklaid, a mountain approx 3 miles south of Ballycastle, while doing a let down through cloud at a height of 1200 feet. The aircraft was in transit from Castle Archdale to Stranraer and was flying the 2nd leg of the trip from Lough Foyle to Rathlin Island.

In a Flying accident report, it was stated that “The Captain and the Navigator were flying by DR Navigation alone and they were assuming to be crossing the coast line and on track from Limavady to Rathlin island. The DR navigation was inaccurate and no use was made by the crew of the ASR nor was any use made of other WT aids to establish the correct position of the aircraft.

The aircraft hit bottom first as the Pilot attempted to pull up at the last moment, The bottom disintegrated and the engines followed, before the top part of the aircraft came to rest upside down and the aircraft caught fire about 100 yards from the first point of impact.”

The Captain of the aircraft FO Russell (RCAF) was in hospital, seriously injured in the accident. It was intended to take disciplinary action against him if the Court of Inquiry findings into the accident confirm the above.

Of the 16 on board, nine were killed and seven were injured.

FO Moss, a Navigator Bomb Aimer, was a passenger in transit, and he lost his life in the crash. He is buried in the Irvinestown Church of Ireland, County Fermanagh, Ireland.

66 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420435 Flight Sergeant BOWKER, Stanley Charles

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 1166/6/225 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 967 Radio call sign: Unit: 424 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the morning of 2nd August 1943, Wellington HE967 took off at 0035 hours to carry out a bombing operation over Randazzo, Italy. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 420435 Flt Sgt S C Bowker, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt T A Hallam, (Navigator) RAF Sgt R C Dixon, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt F C Daniels, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H G Shoobert, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed and exploded on impact in the vicinity of Mt Etna, Sicily, presumably as a result of enemy aircraft. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Catania War Cemetery, Sicily, Italy.

67 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415224 Pilot Officer FISHER, John William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/14/161 Micro Film No 463. Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 79, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 311 Radio call sign: QB – A Unit: 424 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of the 15/16th February 1944, Halifax HX311 took off from Skipton-onj- Swale at 1721 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF Sqn Ldr Reilander, A V Captain (Pilot) RCAF Flt Llt Penalagan, R H (2nd Pilot) RAF PO A F Dowding, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 413755 FO Foskett, B W (Navigator) RAAF 415224 PO Fisher, J W (Air Bomber) RAF PO Janes, F W (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S Lucas, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt F W Bartley, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down at Falkenberg on the 15th February 1944, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

68 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413755 Flying Officer FOSKETT, Bruce William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/14/161 Micro Film No 463. Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 79, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 311 Radio call sign: QB – A Unit: 424 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

The aircraft was shot down at Falkenberg on the 15th February 1944, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

69 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421364 Pilot Officer MALONEY, Patrick Murray

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/286 Micro Film No 463. Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 188, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LV 962 Radio call sign: QB – X Unit: 424 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 24/25th April 1944, Halifax LV962 took off from Skipton-on-Swale at 2141 hours, detailed to bomb Karlsruhe, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF FO Crosbie, D A Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt C M A Phyell,(Flight Engineer) RAAF 421364 PO Maloney, PM (Navigator) RCF FO Tinline, J E (Air Bomber) RCAF FO Brown, R W (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF PO Trudeau, Z R (Air Gunner) RCAF PO Boudreau L J H (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed in Holland near Werkendan (Nord-Brabant)., 4kms south erst of the town of Gorinches. Five of the crew were killed and Sgt Rhyell and Flt Sgt Brown were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Werkendan Protestant Cemetery, Netherlands. The cemetery is nine miles west of Dordrecht, Netherlands. The cemetery is located in the Heusden-en-Altena region which is bordered by the Brabant bulrush wood. . Throughout the German occupation, particularly in the winter of 1944, this wood was a favourite “hideout” for airmen and soldiers, trying to escape capture from the enemy.

70 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420319 Flight Sergeant WESTERBERG, Bruce Wilfred

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA :A705, 166/43/275 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 253, Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: EB 242 Radio call sign: ZL - Unit: 427 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force Summary: On the night of 30/31st July 1943, Halifax EB 242 took off from RAF Leeming at 2220 hours, detailed to bomb Remscheld, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 420319 Flt Sgt B W Westerberg, Captain (Pilot0 RAF Sgt L C Gross, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt R A Marriott, (Navigator) RAF Sgt R T A Marshall, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt R S Bodycote, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 417292 Sgt W R Black, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 410829 Sgt T K Boord, (Rear Gunner) Sgt Westerberg was killed in the crash and all the other crew members were POW’s. Sgt Westerberg is buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Linrfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms from Krefeld, and 13kms south of Wesel. In a POW report, the then WO Boord stated : “The aircraft was hit by ack-ack just prior to the target, and by two attacks by enemy night fighters. In the first attack by enemy fighters broke the rear turret and the port tail fin. The second attack set fire to the starboard wing and the rest position, and shot away the petrol cocks. The fire became worse and the Captain ordered bale out. I baled out from the rear turret at a height of 19,000 feet, and didn’t see the others leave. The aircraft seemed to be in control but the fire was out of control, and the petrol pipes were broken and flaming The aircraft crashed near Dusseldorf. The remainder of the crew were captured except the Captain.”

In his POW report, the then WO Black stated : “After being hit by ack-ack and attacked by night fighters, the starboard inner was on fire. A portion of the port fin was damaged. Also the rear turret The Captain ordered bale out. Am not sure who was in the aircraft when I baled out, but know the pilot was still at the controls. No injuries to any of the crew. The aircraft seemed to be in a dive but otherwise under control. All members were POW’s except the pilot. The pilot crash landed the aircraft and was killed.” Sgt Black survived the war and was discharged WO on 28/11/1945. Sgt Boord survived the war and was discharged WO on 29/10/1945.

71 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414333 Pilot Officer ARMOUR, William John DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A795, 166/4/83 Commonwealth War Graves Records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 435, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: EB 252 Radio call sign: NA – P Unit: 428 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 20/21st December 1943, Halifax EB252 took off from RAF Middleton St George at 1600 hours, detailed to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heared from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 414133 PO Armour, W J DFC Captain (Pilot) RCAF FO Sandes, C R (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt S Page, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Elliott, J D (Navigator) RAF Sgt L P Coupe, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt H C Dumbrill, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 416932 PO Clucas, F C MID (Air Gunner) RAAF 410908 F O Moon, J J (Rear Gunner) A Missing Research & Enquiry team reported ; “ The Burgomeister of the village of Naunheim stated that two airmen tried to bale out but were killed in the attempt. The aircraft was only 75/100 feet high at the time. Five others were still in the aircraft, and Clucas and Moon had been identified.“ Seven of the crew were killed and FO Elliott was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality, Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhain-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

In a POW Report Elliott stated “ As the intercom was rendered inactive I was unable to state whether Clucas was alive when I abandoned the aircraft by chute. The Germans told me he had been killed and identified. The aircraft crashed 20 miles south of Koblenz, and the Germans told me that all the others had been killed.”

Citation : PO Armour was awarded the DFC by a General Citation promulgated in London Gazette of 8/5/1945, Page 2417

72 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416932 Pilot Officer CLUCAS, Frank Cottier

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A795, 166/4/83 Commonwealth War Graves Records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 435, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: EB 252 Radio call sign: NA – P Unit: 428 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Citation : PO Armour was awarded the DFC by a General Citation promulgated in London Gazette of 8/5/1945, Page 2417

73 `` RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

`420761 Flight Sergeant LISTER, Herbert Sutton

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9301 barcode 5329441 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 90, Volume 1944..

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: JD 271 Radio call sign: NA – M Unit: 428 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 19/20th February 1944, Halifax JD271 took off from Middleton St George at 2356 hours, detailed to bomb Leipzig, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF FO Woolverton, A W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A W Gotham, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 420761 Flt Sgt H S Lister, (Navigator) RCAF FO Smith, G A (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt C W Sherratt, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt E C Webb, (Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt N M Stewart, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed in the Ljsselmeer off Andjik, Netherlands, and all the crew were killed. FO Woolverton body came ashore, and he is buried in the Enkhuizen General Cemetery, Netherlands.

Flt Sgt Lister’s body was taken from the water in 1984 and he is buried in the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, Netherlands. Groesbeek is10kms south east of the town of Nijmegen and close to the German frontier.

Flt Sgt Stewart’s body was found near Andijk on the 29th April 1944 and he is buried in the Andijk Easter General Cemetery, Netherlands.

All the other crew members have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

74 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410908 Pilot Officer MOON, James Joseph

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A795, 166/4/83 Commonwealth War Graves Records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 435, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: EB 252 Radio call sign: NA – P Unit: 428 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Citation : PO Armour was awarded the DFC by a General Citation promulgated in London Gazette of 8/5/1945, Page 2417

75 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420740 Pilot Officer GILES, Edgar Albert James

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/15/209 Micro Film No 463. Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 135, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LW 688 Radio call sign: AL – J Unit: 429 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 24/25th March 1944, Halifax LW688 took off from RAF Leeming at 1903 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: EAAF 4220740 PO Giles, E A J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R M Byrne, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt H Nicholls, (Navigator) RAF FO Rousseau, F C (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt W T G Peckham, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF PO Hampton, W G (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt A W Larochelle, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at 2130 hours between Sieseby and Thumby, two small villages some 8kms SSE of Kappeln. Five of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt’s Nicholls and Larochelle were POW’s.

Those who lost their lives are buried in the Kiel War cemetery, Germany. Kiel lies 83kms north of Hamburg.

In a POW report Flt Sgt Larochelle stated “I last saw Giles .prior to my own departure from the aircraft. I had received no information from the Captain.”

76 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413820 Flight Sergeant BURGE, Walter Francis

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA 166/6/329 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 386, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LK 632 Radio call sign: SE – M 431 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the 18/19th November 1943, Halifax LK632 took off from RAF Tholthorpe at 1640 hours detailed to bomb Mannheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 413820 Flt Sgt W F Burge, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt T G Roberts, (Flight Engineer) RCAF WO11 W J Nickerson, (Navigator) RAF PO Potts, J W (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt B C Paul, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt W C Gilchrist, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Sgt D G Addison, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Hohen-Sulzen, some 10kms WSW of Worms, 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.

77 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425128 Pilot Officer CROSTHWAITE, Douglas Charles

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/446 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 215, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LK 884 Radio call sign: SE – X Unit: 431 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 8/9th May 1944, Halifax LK884 took off from RAF Croft at 0107 hours, detailed to bomb railway yards at Haine-St-Pierrre, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF Flt Lt Mead, R F Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt D V Guttridge, (Fight Engineer) RAAF 425128 PO Crosthwaite, D C (Navigator) RCAF PO Webley, L C E (Air Bomber) RCAF FO Girolami, A R (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt J A B Ouimet, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Sgt J V J Gravel, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 0330 hours at Rance (Hainaut), 26kms SE of Mons. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Gosselies Communal Cemetery, Belgium. The Cemetery is located 5kms from Charleroi.

78 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420906 Pilot Officer O’DONNELL, William John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/31/142 Digitised Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 49, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DS 843 Radio call sign: QO – O Unit: 432 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 21/23rd January 1944, Lancaster DS843 took off from RAF East Moor at 2023 hours, detailed to bomb Magdeburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt J S Poole, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J H Williams, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt W M Thompson, (Navigator) RAF PO Bailhache, M P (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt E M Myer, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt D L Pocock, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 420906 PO O’Donnell, W J (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down over the target area by a night fighter, and crashed near Breitenhagen. The village of Brietenhagen is approx 20 miles south east of Magdeburg. Four oif the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Thompson, PO Bailhache and Sgt Williams were POW’s.

Flt Sgt Myer, Sgt Pocock and Flt Sgt O’Donnell are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. Flt Sgt Poole is buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

79 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426915 Flight Sergeant RICHMOND, Bruce Stanley

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/35/273 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 239.Volme 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NZ 506 Radio call sign: QO – X Unit: 432 RAF Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 22/23rd May 1944, Halifax NZ506 took off from East Moor at 0010 hours detailed to attack the marshalling yards at le Mans, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF PO Kuleski, S Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt E D Horton, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Matthews, W H (Navigator) RAAF 426915 Flt Sgt B S Richmond, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RCAF PO Desmarais, J E G (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF PO Boutilier, E P (Air Gunner) RCAF PO Wiwsianski, M (Air Gunner) RCAF PO Crum, W W (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed south of the Le Mans airfield. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Le Mans West Cemetery, France.

80 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406814 Warrant Officer SAUNDERS, Raymond Kenneth

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/275 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley, RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 428, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DS 831 Radio call sign: QO – N Unit: 432 (RCAF) Sqn

Summary: On the night of 16/17th December 1943, Lancaster DS831 took off from East Moor at 1629 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: USAAF FO Fisher, W C Captain (Pilot) RCAF Sgt O D Lewis, (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt R Hughes, (Flight Engineer) RCAF Flt Sgt J S Briegel, )Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt T W Pragnell, (Air Bomber) RAAF 413340 Flt Sgt M A T Brudell,(Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 406814 WO R K Saunders, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt H A Turner, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by an enemy night fighter, and crashed at 1841 hours between Wijlgaard and Wekdum (Friesland), 7kms south of Leewarden, Holland.

Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Lewis and Flt Sgt Brudell were POW’s. While the Commonwealth War Graves records do not reveal where FO Fisher is buried, W R Chorley states is buried in the Neuvelle-en-Condroz, Belgium. The other five crew members are buried in the Leewarden (Huizum) Protestant Churchyard, Netherlands.

In a POW report Flt Sgt Brudell stated “ I contacted the 2nd Pilot after touching the ground. He had a broken leg. I obtained assistance to move him to a farmhouse. Our clothes were soaked and we were freezing. We were forced to remain in the farmhouse and the Germans picked us up the next morning.”

81 “ The Rear Gunner said ‘fighter due port’, and the pilot answered by diving port, the aircraft heeled to port and shells from the fighter raked the fuselage and port wing and set the port inner on fire. The Captain and the Flight Engineer also reported that port outer and main plane were on fire. The Captain said “Better get out quick boys”, then “Abandon aircraft”, then “Jump Jump.” “Nothing was heard from the Rear Gunner or the Mid Upper after the first report. The orders to abandon were acknowledged by the Bomb Aimer, Engineer, Navigator and the 2nd Pilot. The aircraft then exploded. The Captain plus the Navigator were still in the aircraft. To my knowledge no one baled out The two mentioned as still in the aircraft had no time to get out and the Captain did not have his chute on. The height at which the aircraft exploded is not known for certain. The aircraft crashed some 4kms from Leewarden, Holland.” “When the aircraft exploded, I was blown through the fuselage. I saw one chute in the air and contacted the 2nd Pilot. A letter from UK said the Mid Upper, Saunders, was buried in Hurzon Cemetery, Friesland. I believe all the others would have been killed in the explosion or subsequently when the aircraft crashed.”

82 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420164 Flight Sergeant DUNLOP, Edward Anzac

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/10134 Micro Film No 463. Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 375, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: EB 257 Radio call sign: IP – E Unit: 434 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 3/4th November 1943, Halifax EB257 took off from Tholthorpe, Yorkshire, at 1630 hours, detailed to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 420164 Flt Sgt E A Dunlop, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt L F Shirley, (Flight Engineer) RCAF Sgt J E James, (Navigator) RCAF Sgt R H Vance, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt J E Owen (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt N McBride, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt C R M Edgar, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed near Cologne, Germany. Four of the crew were killed in the crash and Sgt’s James, Vance and McBride were POW’s.

Those who lost their lives are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality KampLintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rhsinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

83 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414558 Flight Sergeant HALLAS, John William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/17/323 Digitised Micro Film No 463. Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chprley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 339, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LK 648 Radio call sign: IP – F Unit: 434 Sqn Royal Canadian Air Force

Summary: On the night of 27/28th September 1943, Halifax LK648 took off from RAF Tholthorpe 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: RCAF Flt Lt Lord, F C Captain (Pilot) RAAF 414558 Flt Sgt J W Hallas, (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt S A Walter (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Jones, B S (Navigator) RCAF FO Sinclair, D J (Air Bomber) RCAF Flt Sgt B M O’Hara, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt R N Wallace, (Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt J G de Sieyes, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed into the North Sea off the Island of Fano, and all on board lost their lives. Both Flt Sgt Hallas and Sgt Wallace are buried in the Esbjerg (Fourfeldt) Cemetery, Denmark. Esbjerg is a major port on the west coast of Jutland. FO Sinclair is buried in the Farsund Cemetery, Norway. Farsund is a village in the province of Vest Agder and is situated on the south west coast of Norway. The others have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

84 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400404 Flying Officer ABBOTT, Sydney Charles Bertram

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/3/89 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Ventura Serial number: AJ 454 Radio call sign: Unit: 487 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 9th August 1943, Ventura AJ454 on a non operational flight, crashed at 1330 hours at Larchwood, Norfolk, 11.5 miles north east of Beechanwell, Norfolk, UK. The three on board were killed. . Crew: RAAF 400404 FO Abbott, S C B (Pilot) RAF Sqn Ldr Costello-Bowen, E A Chief Flying Instructor, (Pilot0 PAX RAF Cpl E R Magson, PAX All three on board are buried in the Marham Cemetery, UK. Marham is a parish and village, 7 miles NNW of Swaffham.

In a Report into the Flying Accident, the Court found that : “ FO Abbott had recently completed an operational tour on Venturas, and he wished to fly one again. He obtained verbally what he considered to be permission to do so The following day without further permission or written authority, he flew AJ454 with Sqn Ldr Costello-Brown as a passenger. After doing two wide circuits at normal height, the aircraft was seen to slow up with the engines or at least one engine not under power. The aircraft lost height and one wing dropped, then the other. The aircraft completely stalled, and out of control hit the ground. The aircraft was completely destroyed.”

The Court found that the Primary cause of the accident was either ” (a) mishandling of one or more of the controls or (b) technical failure in that the aircraft did not complete a normal circuit and landing. No evidence is sufficiently strong to prove (a) and the wreck was burnt out and (b) cannot be conclusively proved.” The Secondary cause was “an error of judgement on the part of the Pilot while executing a forced landing. If blame is to be apportioned it must be attached to FO Abbott for flying the Ventura without authority from those in a position to give it and to see it was correctly carried out.” The Group Captain stated “While he agreed with the findings of the Court he considered the circumstances under which the flight was made, made it unlikely the Pilot would confine it to two low circuits before coming in to land. The possibility of a technical failure as opposed to mishandling of controls is given greater weight because of this.

85 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404480 Flight Sergeant DEIGNAN, Eric Alan Mervyn

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/32/91 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: AM 564 Radio call sign: Unit: 500 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the evening of the 26th April1943, Hudson AM 564 was detailed to carry out a anti- submarine patrol over the Mediterranean in the vicinity of Cape Terres, Algeria. On the evening of the 26th April 1943, AM564 at approx 6.30pm, during a heavy rainstorm, an explosion was observed from the shore to take place in the aircraft, following which the aircraft crashed in the sea, eight miles north of Cape Terriss, Algeria.

Crew: RAAF 404968 PO Phillips, G A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404480 Fli Sgt E A M Deignan, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 411634 Sgt D S Lister, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W F Swift, (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew were killed in the crash. PO Phillips, Flt Sgt Deignan and Sgt Swift are buried in the El Alia Cemetery, Algeria. The cemetery lles that 13kms south east of Algiers, on the road to El Harrash.

Sgt Lister has no known grave. His name is commemorated on the Malta Memorial, Malta. The Memorial is in the district of Floriana, and can be easily identified by the Golden Eagle which surmounts the column.

86 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401977 Flying Officer LINDSAY, Logan Kenyon

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/37/167 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: AM 532 Radio call sign: Unit: 500 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 2nd August 1943, Hudson AM532 took off from the Tafori drome near Oran. It was detailed to carry out low level bombing with practice bombs, at the edge of the Salt Lake, three miles west of Taparaoui, Algeria. At 2pm on the 2nd August, the Pilot had completed one run and had climbed on a right hand circuit to commence another run when the aircraft went into a dive from which it did not recover. The Pilot was a most experienced officer and the cause of the accident was not known.

Crew: RAAF 401977 FO Lindsay, L K Captain (Pilot) RAAF 405885 Flt Sgt I H Shields, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RCAF Sgt R C Sullivan,

Both FO Lindsay and Flt Sgt Shields were killed in the accident, and Sgt Sullivan was slightly injured.

Both FO Lindsay and Flt Sgt Shields are buried in the Le Petit Lac Cemetery, Algeria. The cemetery is located in the south-eastern outskirts of Oran, about 4 miles from the Place Foch in the centre of the town. Oran is situated on the coast of Algeria.

87 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

22201 AC1 LONERGAN, Hilton Arthur

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 163/139/89 digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: AM 718 Radio call sign: Unit: 500 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 1st December 1941, Hudson AM718 took from RAF Bircham Newton, Norfolk , and crashed near Choseley Farm-on-Docking at 1600 hours on the 1st December. All on board were killed.

Crew: RAF PO Ladefoged, Captain (Pilot0 RCAF Sgt Mackey ( Pilot) RAF Sgt Morgan, (Wireless Air Gunner) EAAF 22201 AC1 H A Lonergan, (Fitter 11A) RAF AC1 H Sutcliffe, RAF AC1 R Chadwick

FO Ladefoged, AC1 lonergan and AC1 Sutcliffe are buried in the Great Bircham (St Mary) Churchyard, Norfolk, UK. Bircham is a parish and village in the north west of Norfolk. Sgt Mackey is buried in the Eltham Cemetery, London, UK. AC1 Sutcliffe is buried in the Mossley Cemetery, UK Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Sgt Morgan is buried.

88 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404968 Pilot Officer PHILLIPS, Gordon Alexander

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/32/91 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: AM 564 Radio call sign: Unit: 500 Sqn RAF

Crew: RAAF 404968 PO Phillips, G A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404480 Fli Sgt E A M Deignan, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 411634 Sgt D S Lister, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W F Swift, (Wireless Air Gunner)

89 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405885 Flight Sergeant SHIELDS, Ivan Harley

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/37/167 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: AM 532 Radio call sign: Unit: 500 Sqn RAF

Crew: RAAF 401977 FO Lindsay, L K Captain (Pilot) RAAF 405885 Flt Sgt I H Shields, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RCAF Sgt R C Sullivan, (

Both FO Lindsay and Flt Sgt Shields were killed in the accident, and Sgt Sullivan was slightly injured.

90 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420393 Flying Officer LESLIE, Ernest Thorburn

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/24/528 Micro Film No 463. Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: JP 164 Radio call sign: Unit: 503 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 29/30th August 1944, Halifax JP164 took off at 1923 hours, detailed to carry out an anti-sub U boat patrol. At 0014 hours on the 30th August a faint SOS signal was heard by RAF Station Bealieu. The call sign was partially received, the figures 59 being heard. This was the only aircraft of Headquarters No 19 Group airborne that night and the sortie had been authorised by the Group. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Eccles, G B Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Lt Lawson, H (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt K Kay, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 420393 FO Leslie, E T (Navigator) RCAF Flt Lt Motz, R B (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF WO D A Denton, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF WO J R Hill, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt R F Wardle, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO Robertson, V R (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed into the sea off St Nazaire, France, and all the crew were killed. Flt Lt Lawson and WO Denton are buried in the Dornic War Cemetery, France. FO Leslie and Flt Lt Motz are buried in the Escoublac-la-Baule War Cemetery, France. Escoublac-la-Baule is 13kms west of St Nazaire and the cemetery is west of Escoublac and east of la Baule. FO Robertson is buried in the La Bernerie-en-Retz Communal Cemetery, France.

The other four have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing Runnymede, UK.

91 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

411427 Flying Officer BRENNAN, William Stanley

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/8/497 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: KG 307 Radio call sign: Unit: 512 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 6/7th June 1944, Dakota KG307 took off from RAF Station Broadwell, near Shilton, at 2235 hours, detailed to carry out a pannier dropping operation over Caen, France. The aircraft was carrying 16 panniers on the mission. No contact was made with the aircraft after take off, W/T silence being observed.

The formation of aircraft was intact until five minutes off the French coast. An aircraft captained by Flt Lt Gough on return stated that he had seen an aircraft burning on the beach at about .2359 hours, on the 6th June. The specialist equipment carried was Gee and Rebecca.

Crew: RAAF 411427 FO Brennan, W S Captain (Pilot) EAAF 416829 Flt Sgt K A Coombe, (Nav/Co Pilot) RAF Sgt E C Seager, (Navigator) RAAF 425075 PO Toyne, W H S (Wireless Air Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported that the aircraft had crashed at the mouth of the Orne river, and all the crew were killed.

They are buried in the Hermanville Beach Cemetery, France. Hemanville-sur-Mer lies 13kms north of Caen, on the road to Lion-sur-Mer (the D60).

92 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416829 Flight Sergeant COOMBE, Keith Anzac

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/8/497 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: KG 307 Radio call sign: Unit: 512 Sqn RAF

Crew: RAAF 411427 FO Brennan, W S Captain (Pilot) EAAF 416829 Flt Sgt K A Coombe, (Nav/Co Pilot) RAF Sgt E C Seager, (Navigator) RAAF 425075 PO Toyne, W H S (Wireless Air Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported that the aircraft had crashed at the mouth of the Orne river, and all the crew were killed.

They are buried in the Hermanville Beach Cemetery, France. Hemanville-sur-Mer lies 13kms north of Caen, on the road to Lion-sur-Mer (the D60).

93 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412408 Flight Segeant DENNIS, Henry Edgar

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/1/188 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: FD 899 Radio call sign: Unit: 512 Sqn RAF

Summary: In the afternoon of the 6th October 1943, Dakota FD899 was detailed to carry out an air test after a minor inspection. Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Robertson, J A (1st Pilot) RCAF PO Hawrycuk,T M (2nd Pilot) RAAF 412408 Flt Sgt H E Dennis, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF AC1 R E Penn (FME) RAF AC1 H N Phillips, (FME) RAF AC2 K T Ding, (FRE) RAF AC2 DAWestcott, (F2A) RAF AC2 D R Brown, (F2A) RAF LAC F H Houghton, (FMA)

The aircraft had crashed at Bernard Baron Pavillion, Regents Park, London, at 1453 hours on the 6th October, and all on board were killed. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the impact and it caught fire. FO Robertson is buried in the Bo’ness Cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt Dennis is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles from London. Commonwealth War Graves records do not reveal where PO Hawrycuk is buried. The others on board are buried in various home cemeteries throughout the UK.

In a flying accident report it found that the cause of the crash was : “the aircraft collided with balloon cables. Fifteen feet of the port extension main plane was completely severed by the first balloon cable, and the aircraft was struck by a second balloon cable further in board. No technical defect was suspected after checking with eye witnesses to the accident.”

94 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406423 Flying Officer LEVINGS, Colin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/24/407 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: DG 366 Radio call sign: Unit: 512 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 21st March 1944, Dakota DG366 took off from RAF Broadwell, near Shilton, Oxfordshire, detailed to carry out a non-operational daytime ferry trip. The aircraft crashed at Model Farm, North End, near Watlington, Osfordshire, at approx 1130 hours when it hit trees on high ground at 750 feet. Cloud cover at the time was 4to 6 tenths, down to 600 feet. All on board were killed in the crash.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Mountford, R H J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 406423 FO Levings, C (Navigator) RAF FO Beck, J G (Wireless Air Gunner) * RAF FO Robertson, C E (Air Gunner) PAX RCAF FO Fallson, C J PAX  FO Beck was seriously injured in the crash but died on 22/3/1944.

FO Levings and FO Robertson are buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles from London. Flt Lt Mountford is buried in the Streatham Park Cemetery, UK. FO Beck is buried in the Dumphries (St Andrews) Roman Catholic Cemetery, UK. Commonwealth War Graves records do not show where FO Fallsom is buried.

95 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425075 Pilot Officer TOYNE, William Henry Stacey

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/8/497 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: KG 307 Radio call sign: Unit: 512 Sqn RAF

Crew: RAAF 411427 FO Brennan, W S Captain (Pilot) EAAF 416829 Flt Sgt K A Coombe, (Nav/Co Pilot) RAF Sgt E C Seager, (Navigator) RAAF 425075 PO Toyne, W H S (Wireless Air Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported that the aircraft had crashed at the mouth of the Orne river, and all the crew were killed.

They are buried in the Hermanville Beach Cemetery, France. Hemanville-sur-Mer lies 13kms north of Caen, on the road to Lion-sur-Mer (the D60).

96 ` RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424363 Flight Sergeant BROMLEY, Reginald Ernest

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705,166/17/532 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 171, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 639 Radio call sign: JI – R Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 11/12th April1944, Lancaster LL639 took off from RAF Waterbeach, at 2101 hours, detailed to attack Aachen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 409973 PO Thackray, N W F Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt C W Banfield, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt E L Humes, (Navigator) RAAF 415482 Flt Sgt J R Moulsdale, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt P Hughes, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 424001 Flt Sgt C H Henn, Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 424363 Flt Sgt R E Bromley, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft crashed at Molensbeersal, 9kms north west of Merseyck, Belgium.” Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Humes was a POW.

Those killed are buried in the Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium. The cemetery is 30kms from Brussels and 3kms south of Leuven.

In a POW report Sgt Humes stated : “the aircraft crashed near Hasselt in the district of Heverlee, Belgium.”

97 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410529 Pilot Officer BRYAN, Kenneth Edward

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A 705, 166/6/563 Micro Film No 463. Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chprley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 265, Volume 1944

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DS 822 Radio call sign: JI – T Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 7/8rg June 1944, Lancaster DS822 took off from RAF Waterbeach at 0037 hours, detailed 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: RAF PO McGown, W L Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J Clarke, (Flight Engineer) RAAF WO A N Durham, (Navigator) RAF PO Lewis, L W C (Air Bomber) RAAF 410529 PO Bryan, K E (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J G S Boanson, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt R C Guy, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at la Celle-les-Bordes (Yvelines, 11kms ESE from Ramboullet, France. Three of the crew were killed and the others were POW’s or evaded capture.

PO Bryan, and Flt Sgt’s Bounson and Guy are buried in the Celle-les-Bordes Communal Cemetery, France. La Celle-Les Bo0rdes I a village and commune 23kms south west of Verdailles, and 11kms ESE of Rambouillet. The three airmen are the only WW2 airmen to be buried in the cemetery.

98 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417157 Flight Sergeant CHAPMAN. Wilfred Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/395 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 50, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DS 824 Radio call sign: JI – K Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 21/22nd January 1944, Lancaster DS824 took off from RAF Waterbeach at 1956 hours, detailed to bomb Magdeburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Williams, J K Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt JR Keenan, (Flight Engineer) RAF Ft Sgt L N Millis, (Navigator) RAF FO Henshaw, D F (Air Bomber) RAAF 417157 Flt Sgt W H Chapman, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A Pratt, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt E A Lane, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed in the Ijsselmeer (Zuider Zee) Netherlands, and all lost their lives.

PO Williams is buried in the Stavern General Cemetery, Netherlands. Stavern is 45kms south of Harlingen. PO Williams was flying his second tour of operations. Flt Sgt’s Millis and Lane are buried in the Wonseradeeel (Makkum) Protestant Churchyard, Netherlands. Flt Sgt Chapman is buried in the Hindesloopen Protestant Churchyard, Netherlands. Hindesloopen is a coastal village on the Ijsselmeer (Zuider Zee) 35kms north of Harlingen.

FO Henshaw, and Sgt’s Pratt and Keenan have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

99 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425136 Pilot Officer DELACOUR, Herbert Samuel

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/9/328 Digitised. Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bombe Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 276, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 678 Radio call sign: JI –L2 Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 12/13th January 1944, Lancaster LL678 took off from RAF Waterbeach at 2312 hours, detailed to bomb Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 425136 PO Delacour, H S Captain (Pilot) RCAF FO Phillips, S A (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt G E Martin, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Picton, T G (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt G Palamountain (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt A C Benham, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt F S Williams, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt G D Savage, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 0124 hours on the 13th June 1944, at Zuid Loo (Overijssel), a small hamlet, 3kms south east of Bathmen, Five of the crew were killed, and Sgt Martin, Flt Sgt Palamountain and Sgt Williams evaded capture. Those killed are buried min the Bathmen General Cemetery, Netherlands. Bathmen is a small village in the province of Overijssel, 9kms east of the town of Deventer and 1.5kms south of the main road to Almelo.

Sgt Martin later reported : “The aircraft was attacked by a fighter on the way back from the target and the port wing caught fire and it spread rapidly. The aircraft crashed within a few minutes, and there were 4 or 5 members in the wreck. One was Phillips.” PO Williams said “ I saw the Flt Engineer, bale out and the Bomb Aimer probably baled out. I was informed by the underground that four were dead in the aircraft and I thought one would by the 2nd Pilot who had ripped his chute, and would probably not get out”.

100 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421267 Warrant Officer GODDARD, Osmond John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/307 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 156, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 738 Radio call sign: JI – D Unit: 514 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of 30/31st March 1944, Lancaster LL738 took of from RAF Waterbeach at 2225 hours, detailed to bomb Nuremberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 413614 PO Hughes, G S DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H West, (Flight Engineer) RNZAF PO Smith, L S (Navigator) RNZAF Flt Sgt A D Hall, (Air Bomber) RAAF 421267 WO O J Goddard (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt L J H Whitbread, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt G H Thornton, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft when outbound, was shot down by a JU88, which came upon LL738 as it held course at 21,000 feet. Out of control, the aircraft exploded in the air, and crashed into the southern outskirts of Sinzig at Westun. Sinzig is situated on the Rhine, 31 miles south east of Cologne, Germany.

Six of the crew lost their lives, and Flt Sgt Hall was a POW. PO Hughes, PO Smith and WO Goddard are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Weatfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel,

Sgt West, Flt Sgt Whitbread and Sgt Thornton have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

In a POW report Flt Sgt Hall stated : “ Our aircraft was attacked and set on fire. I was the first to leave the aircraft I regret being unable to give any information on the fate of the other six crew members.”

101 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424799 Flight Sergeant HARDY, Ronald

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/983 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 67, Volume 45.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM- 685 Radio call sign: JI – B2 Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 3/4th February, 1945, Lancaster LM685 took off from RAF Waterbeach, at 1619 hours, detailed to bomb the Hansa Benzol works at Dortmund, Germany. The aircraft was carrying 1 x 4000MC bomb, 10 x 500 ANM, 58 OR 64, 2 x 500 GP bombs long delay, 3 x 250lb bombs. 1675 gallons of petrol sufficient for 7.5 hours of flying, Approximate duration of mission 5 hours. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF FO Fisher, W J K Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt W B Warr, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Downward, A Q (Navigator) RCAF FO Stephens, D E (Air Bomber) RAAF 429799 Flt Sgt R Hardy, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt A R McWhinney, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF PO Morrison, A H (Rear Gunner)

All the crew lost their lives, and they 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

424001 Flight Sergeant HENN, Clement Herbert

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705,166/17/532 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 171, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 639 Radio call sign: JI – R Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft crashed at Molensbeersal, 9kms north west of Merseyck, Belgium.” Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Humes was a POW.

Those killed are buried in the Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium. The cemetery is 30kms from Brussels and 3kms south of Leuven.

In a POW report Sgt Humes stated : “the aircraft crashed near Hasselt in the district of Heverlee, Belgium.”

103 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413614 Pilot Officer HUGHES, Garth Stewart DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/307 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 156, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 738 Radio call sign: JI – D Unit: 514 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of 30/31st March 1944, Lancaster LL738 took of from RAF Waterbeach at 2225 hours, detailed to bomb Nuremberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 413614 PO Hughes, G S DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H West, (Flight Engineer) RNZAF PO Smith, L S (Navigator) RNZAF Flt Sgt A D Hall, (Air Bomber) RAAF 421267 WO O J Goddard (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt L J H Whitbread, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt G H Thornton, (Rear Gunner) The aircraft when outbound, was shot down by a JU88, which came upon LL738 as it held course at 21,000 feet. Out of control, the aircraft exploded in the air, and crashed into the southern outskirts of Sinzig at Westun. Sinzig is situated on the Rhine, 31 miles south east of Cologne, Germany. Six of the crew lost their lives, and Flt Sgt Hall was a POW. PO Hughes, PO Smith and WO Goddard are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Weatfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel, Sgt West, Flt Sgt Whitbread and Sgt Thornton have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK. In a POW report Flt Sgt Hall stated : “ Our aircraft was attacked and set on fire. I was the first to leave the aircraft I regret being unable to give any information on the fate of the other six crew members.”

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to PO Hughes is as follows : “ One night in October 1943, this officer piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Berlin. Just as the bombing run was completed, his aircraft was attacked by a fighter. PO Hughes succeeded in evading the attacker but his aircraft had been repeatedly hit by bullets from the enemy aircraft. The Rear Gunner was killed, The mid upper turret was rendered

104 unserviceable, while the fuselage became filled with smoke which prevented PO Hughes from seeing his instruments. The smoke cleared, however, when several small fires in the fuselage were extinguished. Almost immediately, another fighter took up the attack, but PO Hughes was able to evade it and a course was set for base. Soon afterwards, one of the damaged engines became useless. Although the aircraft became difficult to control, PO Hughes succeeded in reaching base. This officer, who has attacked Berlin on five previous occasions, displayed a high degree of skill, courage and determination.” (London Gazette 24/12/1943, Page 5587)

105 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406753 Flight Sergeant LEE, Beverley Gordon Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/24/490 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bombe Command Losses of the Second World, Page 310, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 178 Radio call sign: JX – P Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 30th July 1944, Lancaster PB178 took off from Waterbeach detailed to bomb a key road junction at Villers-Bocage, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF PO Hannesson, J E K Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt L E A Fox, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 406753 Flt Sgt B G Lee, (Navigator) RCAF Sgt T S Colbeck, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt B A Brown, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H J Morgan, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF PO George, A L (Rear Gunner)

At 1925 hours PB178 collided in the air with ME695 a 15 Sqn Lancaster. PB178 dived away a few thousand feet and exploded in the air, and crashed at Pittsham Farm, near Midhurst in Sussex, UK. Five of the crew in PB178 were killed and Sgt’s Colbeck and Brown were injured. The other aircraft landed safely and continued in service.

PO Hannesson, Flt Sgt Lee, Sgt Colbeck and PO George are buried in the Brookwood Military cemetery, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles from London. Sgt Morgan is buried in the West Alvington (All Saints) Churchyard, UK.

A flying accident report stated that “ PO Hannesson was briefed to fly in No 2 position in the leading Vic of the 514 Sqn formation. The Sqn was leading the attack . Due to a late change in bomb load, PB178, Hannesson was detailed to take off at 1800 hours, but did not take off until 1818 hours. Due to the late take off Hannesson could not join his formation in the joining up area. Hannessonn therefore decided to fly above his briefed air speed in order to make up for loss of time At Luton the rendezvous point he circled but did not see his formation. However he saw a formation ahead and decided might be his. On catching up he found they were Halifax aircraft of an earlier attack.”

106 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

428331 Pilot Officer LUPTON, James Samuel

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/25/199 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley :RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 419, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 731 Radio call sign: JI – U Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 12/13th September 1944, Lancaster LL731 took off from RAF Mildenhall, detailed to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Brickwood, W D Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Turner, C O (Flight Engineer) RNZAF Flt Sgt K V Stafford,(Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt T J Rigden, (Air Bomber) RNZAF Flt Sgt R G Collender, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W P Blake, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 428331 PO Lupton, J S (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “ The aircraft crashed at 2330 hours at Kordel a small town in the Ehranger Wald, and approx 8kms north west of Trier. Five of the crew were killed, and PO Turner and Flt Sgt Rigden were POW’s.

Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 34kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

107 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419844 Flight Sergeant McLEAN, Stanley

Source AWM 237 (65) Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley, RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 445, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 735 Radio call sign: JI – G2 Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 7th October 1944, Lancaster LM735 took off from RAF Waterbeach at 1225 hours detailed to bomb Emmerich, Germany. Nothing was hard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt T Gilchrist, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H R Knight, (Flight Engineer) RAF WO G J Manlow, (Navigator) RAF Sgt T Fenwick, (Air Bomber) RAAF 419844 Flt Sgt S McLean, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt B L Roberts, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt P J Sheehy, (Rear Gunner)

All the crew were killed. Six of the crew are buried in the Rheichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve. Sgt Sheehy has no known grave, and his name commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

108 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415482 Flight Sergeant MOULSDALE, John Russell

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705,166/17/532 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 171, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 639 Radio call sign: JI – R Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft crashed at Molensbeersal, 9kms north west of Merseyck, Belgium.” Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Humes was a POW.

Those killed are buried in the Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium. The cemetery is 30kms from Brussels and 3kms south of Leuven.

In a POW report Sgt Humes stated : “the aircraft crashed near Hasselt in the district of Heverlee, Belgium.”

109 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

422083 Pilot Officer NEWMAN, Stanley William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/29/123 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 245, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 652 Radio call sign: JI – C Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 27/28th May 1944, Lancaster LL652 took off from RAF RAF Waterbeach at 0031 hours, detailed to attack Aachen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after taker off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 425812 Flt Lt Taylor, L C A Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A Roderick, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt J F Vincent, (Navigator) RAAF 426706 Flt Sgt C K Thomas, (Air Bomber) RAAF 422083 PO Newman, S W (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF FO Hill, F B (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R Gill,(Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported “ The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Schendelbeke, which is 21 miles south west of Brussels, Belgium.” All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Geraardsbergen Communal Cemetery, Belgium. The town of Geraardsbergen is located south of the town of Aalst on the N42. .

110 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425740 Flight Sergeant O’BRIEN, John Leo

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : 166/31/145 Micro Films No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 69, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DS 735 Radio call sign: JI – A Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 30/31st January 1944, Lancaster DS735 took off from RAF Waterbneach at 1722 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. The aircraft carried 1 x 4000lbs bomb, 4 x 150 x 4kbs, 4 x 8 x 30lbs, 1 x 90 x 4lbs incendiaries, and 9000 rounds of ammunition., 1850 gallons of petrol for approx 8 hours flying with the trip anticipated to take 6.5 hours. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF Flt Lt Chequer, G J Captain (Pilot RAF Flt Sgt R L Gulliford, (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt J Carey, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt R Mortimer< (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt E J Wellington, (Air Bombe) RAF Sgt R Montgomery, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 425740 Flt Sgt J L O’Brien, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 418509 Flt Sgt A J Robertson, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed one mile south of the village of Muetzlitz, which is approx `10 miles north of Brandenberg, Germany. The of the crew were killed and five were POW’s.

Flt Lt Chequer, Sgt Montgomery and Sgt O’Brien are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. .

Flt Sgt Robertson survived the war and was discharged a WO from the RAAF on 30/2/1946.

111 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418558 Flight Sergeant O’DEA, Walter David Barry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : 705, 166/31/130 Micro Film No 463. Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 436, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DS 817 Radio call sign: JI – P Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 20/21st December 1943, Lancaster DS817 took off from RAF Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, at 1732 hours, detailed to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. The aircraft carried 1400 lbs B4, 8 x 30lbs, 16 x 30 lbs 7, 150 x 4 lbs incendiaries, 9000 rounds of ammunition, 1500 gallons of petrol enough for six hours flying time. The flight was anticipated to take 5 hours. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt G J Davis, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J Smethurst, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt E J Roberts, (Navigator) RAF Sgt R D Seddon, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt H Morris, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A R Bird, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 418558 Flt Sgt W D B O’Dea, (Rear Gunner)

A report by a Missing Research & Enquiry team stated : “The aircraft exploded in mid air after a night fighter attack and crashed at Rettert at approx 2000 hours on the 20th December 1943 All the crew were killed except Flt Sgt Davis who 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.

112 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426796 Flight Sergeant O’DONOHUE, Patrick Fancis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/31/334 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth ar Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 115, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 365 Radio call sign: JI – T Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 6th March 1945, Lancaster ME365 took off from RAF Waterbeach at 0819 hours, detailed to bomb the Wintershall oil plant at Salzbergen, Germany, using G-H Methods. Nothing was hard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF FO Flack, L Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W J Watson, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Young R A (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt F A Wall, (Air Bomber) RAAF 426796 Flt Sgt P F O’Donohue (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A Reilly, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt D Heeley, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “ the aircraft crashed at Steide which is approx 30 miles south west of Oznabruck, Germany. The village of Steide is a short distance south of Salzbergen.

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality : Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Kleve, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

113 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

434001 Flight Sergeant OLSEN, Allan

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/31/335 digitised Micro Films No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 107, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NN 775 Radio call sign: JI – F2 Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 5th March 1945, Lancaster NN775 took off from RAF Waterbeach at 1035 hours, detailed for a G-H attack on the Consolidation benzol plant at Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The aircraft took off carrying 1 x 4000lb HG, and 12 x 500 ANG4, plus 1700 gallons of petrol sufficient for 8 hours flying, with the trip anticipated to take five and a quarter hours. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Kerr, H G S Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W Marsden, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt G Smith, (Navigator) RAF Sgt F Clarke, (Air Bomber) RAAF 434001 Flt Sgt A Olsen, Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt C G Hogg, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H P Thomas, (Rear Gunner)

All the crew lost their lives and are buried in the Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium. Heverlee War Cemetery is located 30kms fro Brussels and is 3kms south of Louven.

114 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

434016 Pilot Officer ROOME, Henry Frederick

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/337 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 383, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 265 Radio call sign: JX – E Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 12/13th August 1944, Lancaster LM265 took off from RAF Waterbeach at 2345 hours, detailed to bomb Russelsheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Richardson, E Captain (Pilot) RAAF 434016 PO Roome, H F (2nd Pilot0 RAF Sgt G M Holt, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt W J McIntosh, (Navigator) RAF Sgt G H Trigwell, (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt C B Robertshaw, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt B R Vince, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt P R Smith, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at 12.30pm on the 13rg August, in the village of Engegstadt, about 10 miles south west of Mainz, Germany. Seven of the crew were killed and Sgt Holt was a POW.

Those killed are buried in the Rheichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality :Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

115 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405771 Flight Sergeant SPENCER, Ronald Bernard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/564 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 283, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DS 816 Radio call sign: JI – O Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 15/16th June 1944, Lancaster took off from RAF Waterbeach at 2308 hours, detailed to bomb railway yards at Valenciennes, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Prowles, C F Captain (Pilot0 RAF Sgt H A Osborn, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 411168 FO Morrison, A H DFC (Navigator) RAAF 405771 Flt Sgt R B Spencer, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt R Surtees, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Porrelli, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt AA Holmes, (Rear Gunner)

Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Morrison evaded capture and returned safe to the UK. Those killed are burred in the Croiselles British Cemetery, France. Croiselles is a village about 13kms south east of Arras. In a later report, Sgt Morrison stated : “ About eight minutes after bombing the target, we were attacked presumably by a night fighter. Cannon shell raked the port side and the port wing was set on fire. The aircraft was losing height rapidly and at about 8000 feet, the Captain ordered the crew to “prepare to abandon”. By 2000 feet , the Air Bomber had not been able to remove the front escape hatch I am, not certain whether the Rear Gunner, Mid Upper Gunner or the WOP had baled out through the rear escape hatch. But the remainder stayed in the aircraft. The pilot landed the aircraft on a fairly flat field and the aircraft disintegrated and was set on fire. I was unconscious for a while, and while still in a dazed condition looked without result to the numerous small fires for the remainder of the crew. I was informed by the Germans that their bodies were in the wreck and buried in the cemetery at Croissant, France. The funeral was attended by about 2800.” Morrison was discharged a Flt Lt on the 30/5/1945.

116 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425812 Flight Lieutenant TAYLOR, Lloyd Charles Alexander

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/29/123 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 245, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 652 Radio call sign: JI – C Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported “The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Schendelbeke, which is 21 miles south west of Brussels, Belgium.” All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Geraardsbergen Communal Cemetery, Belgium. The town of Geraardsbergen is located south of the town of Aalst on the N42.

117 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409973 Pilot Officer THACKRAY, Noel William Faulkner

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705,166/17/532 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 171, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 639 Radio call sign: JI – R Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft crashed at Molensbeersal, 9kms north west of Merseyck, Belgium.” Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Humes was a POW.

Those killed are buried in the Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium. The cemetery is 30kms from Brussels and 3kms south of Leuven.

In a POW report Sgt Humes stated : “the aircraft crashed near Hasselt in the district of Heverlee, Belgium.”

118 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426706 Pilot Officer THOMAS,Cecil Keith

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/29/123 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 245, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 652 Radio call sign: JI – C Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

119 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413058 Pilot Officer WHITTING, Kenneth George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/411 Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 438, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 671 Radio call sign: A2 – B Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 23/24th December 1943, Lancaster LL671 took off from RAF Waterbeach at 0037 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin The aircraft carried 1 x 4000lb bomb, 8 x 50lbs 30 secs, 6400 rounds of ammunition, 1900 gallons of petrol sufficient for 8 hours flying time, with the trip estimated to take 7 hours. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 413058 PO Whitting, K G Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt L F Bostock, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt D Edwards, (Navigator) RAF Sgt R W Basey, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt W A Casey, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt P A R Nelson, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 413365 Flt Sgt J E Maloney, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt P A T Nelson, (Rear Gunner)

A report by a Missing Research & Enquiry team stated :” The aircraft crashed at Catheim in the district of Frieberg, Germany, presumably as a result of enemy action. “ Catheim is approx 10 miles north of Frankfurt. Seven of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Maloney was a POW.

Those killed 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.

In a POW report Flt Sgt Maloney stated : “PO Whitting was believed killed during an attack on the aircraft.”

120 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420731 Flying Officer WOODS, Douglas Austin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/44/150 Micro Film No 463 OAFH. Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 310, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 620 Radio call sign: JI- T Unit: 514 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 30th July 1944, :Lancaster LL620 took off from RAF Waterbeach, at1819 hours, detailed to bomb a key road junction at Villers- Bocage, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base..

Crew: RAAF 420731 FO Woods, D A Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt E C Coles, (Flight Engineer) RF FO Longson, F (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt E T Shanks, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt K R Heron, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt W C Udell, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF PO Doherty,H L (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Coulvain (Calvados), some 5kms south west of Villers-Bocage. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Coulvain Churchyard, France. Coulvain is a village 32kms south west of Caen on the main Caen to Vare road. The seven are the onlyWW2 Commonwealth airmen buried in the cemetery.

121 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 421205 Warrant Officer GRAHAM, William Arthur

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/467 Digitised Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LL 186 Radio call sign: - M Unit: 518 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 16th August 1944, Halifax LL186 was detailed to carry out a non-operational air test. The aircraft collided with another Halifax LL296 and both aircraft crashed at 1325 hours, and all on board both aircraft were killed. Crew: LL186 RAF FO Organ, F W Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Smith, B W (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt A Marshall, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Oates, K (Navigator) RAAF 421385 FO Peterson, J A (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt P V Cresswell, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 421205 WO W A Graham, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt P G Smith (Met Officer)

FO Organ is buried in the Ecclesall (All Saints) Churchyard, UK. PO Smith is buried in the Soroby Burial Ground, UK. Sgt Marshall is buried in the Toomorden (Christ Church) Churchyard, UK. FO Oates is buried in the Forest Town (St Alban) Churchyard, UK. FO Peterson is buried in the Soroby Burial Ground, UK. Flt Sgt Cresswell is buried in the Plumstead Cemetery, UK. WO Graham is buried in the Dalton-in-Furness Cemetery, UK. Sgt Smith is buried in the South Ealing Cemetery, UK.

An inquiry into the accident by the Flt Commander, Flight ‘A’ stated that :“ It would appear that Halifax LL296 “S” having been given permission by R/T to land, was flying in an upwind direction above the runway in use in order to set the directional Gyro. Having reached a point approx 1000 yards from the end of the runway, LL186 “M” broke cloud dead ahead, and then banked violently to starboard but the starboard wing of “”S” collided with the port wing pf “M”. Both aircraft burst into flames on impact, the fragment falling to the north and south of the island of Loch. The weather conditions at the time were 5/10ths cloud at 300 feet. Visibility was 7 miles with a cloud base of 10/10ths at 1000 feet.”

122 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421385 Flying Officer PETERSON, John Alexander Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/467 Digitised Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LL 186 Radio call sign: - M Unit: 518 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 16th August 1944, Halifax LL186 was detailed to carry out a non-operational air test. The aircraft collided with another Halifax LL296 and both aircraft crashed at 1325 hours, and all on board both aircraft were killed. Crew: LL186 RAF FO Organ, F W Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Smith, B W (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt A Marshall, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Oates, K (Navigator) RAAF 421385 FO Peterson, J A (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt P V Cresswell, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 421205 WO W A Graham, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt P G Smith (Met Officer) FO Organ is buried in the Ecclesall (All Saints) Churchyard, UK. PO Smith is buried in the Soroby Burial Ground, UK. Sgt Marshall is buried in the Toomorden (Christ Church) Churchyard, UK. FO Oates is buried in the Forest Town (St Alban) Churchyard, UK. FO Peterson is buried in the Soroby Burial Ground, UK. Flt Sgt Cresswell is buried in the Plumstead Cemetery, UK. WO Graham is buried in the Dalton-in-Furness Cemetery, UK. Sgt Smith is buried in the South Ealing Cemetery, UK.

An inquiry into the accident by the Flt Commander, Flight ‘A’ stated that :“ It would appear that Halifax LL296 “S” having been given permission by R/T to land, was flying in an upwind direction above the runway in use in order to set the directional Gyro. Having reached a point approx 1000 yards from the end of the runway, LL186 “M” broke cloud dead ahead, and then banked violently to starboard but the starboard wing of “S” collided with the port wing pf “M”. Both aircraft burst into flames on impact, the fragment falling to the north and south of the island of Loch. The weather conditions at the time were 5/10ths cloud at 300 feet. Visibility was 7 miles with a cloud base of 10/10ths at 1000 feet.

123 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418036 Flying Officer STEPHENS, Thomas Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/652 Digitised Micro Film No 463 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LL 296 Radio call sign: - S Unit: 518 Sqn RAF Summary: On 16th August 1944, Halifax LL295 crashed at Tiree Argyllshire, Scotland. The Isle of Tiree is on the west coast of Scotland, and is about 2 miles west of Scarinish. All on board the aircraft were killed. Crew: LL296 RAF PO Turner Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Revillord, L (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt K Willams, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 418036 FO Stephens, T (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt R Stevenson, (Met Officer) RAF WO A Milne (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF PO Bradley, F (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF PO Regenstreif, M (Wireless Air Gunner) PO Turner is buried in the Troon Cemetery, Ayrshire, Scotland. FO Stephens, Sgt Srevenson, PO Bradley and PO Regenstreif are buried in the Soroby Burial Ground, UK. WO Milne is buried in the Sunderland (Bishopwearmouth) Cemetery, UK. Sgt Williams is buried in the Beringston (Plymyard) Cemetery, UK. Commonwealth War Graves do not show where FO Revillord is buried.

In a report on the accident, the Wg Cdr CO of 518 Sqn reported : “Assuming that the R/T in aircraft “M” was serviceable, Flying Control had been in contact with the aircraft 10 minutes before, and it seems that FO Organ the Pilot of “M” was nearer the drome than he thought as he had not called up for permission to join the circuit. . Due to the patches of cloud, his aircraft came in contact with aircraft “S” piloted by FO Turner.” An inquiry into the accident by the Flt Commander, Flight ‘A’ stated that :“ It would appear that Halifax LL296 “S” having been given permission by R/T to land, was flying in an upwind direction above the runway in use in order to set the directional Gyro. Having reached a point approx 1000 yards from the end of the runway, LL186 “M” broke cloud dead ahead, and then banked violently to starboard but the starboard wing of “”S” collided with the port wing pf “M”. Both aircraft burst into flames on impact, the fragment falling to the north and south of the island of Loch. The weather conditions at the time were 5/10ths cloud at 300 feet. Visibility was 7 miles with a cloud base of 10/10ths at 1000 feet.

124 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410479 Flight Sergeant GALE, Alan Rutherford

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA “: A705, 166/15/124 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: MF 616 Radio call sign: Unit: 524 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 8th June 1944, Wellington MF616 was detailed to carry out an anti E-Boat patrol at dawn. The aircraft returned from the mission and crashed near Davidstow Moor airfield, Cornwall, about 12 miles WNW Of Launceston, UK. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RAF FO Young, T D Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt A D Gardner, (2nd Pilot) RAAF 410479 Flt Sgt A R Gale, (Observer) RAF WO J E Davies, (Wireless Air Gunner)

In a Court of Inquiry into the accident, the report stated : “ The aircraft approached to land at Davidson Moor airfield, on the SE/NW runway, in conditions of bad visibility, and struck a bank in a field some 500 yards from touch down point. The aircraft immediately fire and all the crew were killed. The crash tender was sent to the scene and began to fight the fire. A Reserve tender had then arrived and began to run out the hoses. An explosion occurred in the aircraft 14 minutes after the fire started, and the crash tender was still at the scene fighting the fire. As a result of the explosion, eight persons on the ground were injured.

The report concluded that “The cause of the accident resulted from the Captains decision to land in unfit conditions, and against the instructions of Flying Control. FO Young was completely to blame for the accident.”

“Cpl Lambert was over zealous in fighting the fire longer than four minutes, and Sgt Phillips on arrival should have ordered everyone to safety. Both did not comply with Station Fire Orders, and because of their disobedience, are held responsible for the injuries to those on the ground.”

125 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410234 Flying Officer HOLLAND, Keith Ross, DFC

Source: AWM 237 (64) NAA : A705, 166/18/501 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: NS 654 Radio call sign: Unit: 540 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 27th October 1944, Mosquito NS654 took off from RAF Station Benson, Oxfordshire, UK, at 1045 hours, detailed to carry out an photo recce in the Stettin and Berlin area. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 410234 FO Holland, K R DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Bloomfield, G J (Navigator/Wireless)

The aircraft was shot down and crashed at Steinfeld, near Warnemuende, and the crew were killed. Warnemuende Island is situated on the Baltic coast, and Stettin is approx 11kms south east of Warnemuende.

The crew are buried in the Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium. The cemetery is located 39kms from Brussels, and 3kms south of Leuven

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to FO Holland is as follows : “This officer has completed numerous sorties and has displayed courage and determination of a high order. “. (London Gazette 7//3/1944, Page 1119)

126 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409709 Flying Officer IRWIN, Jack Hector

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9300 Barcode 5250159 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 540 Sqn RAF

Summary: FO Irwin, a Pilot, lost his life on the 10th May 1944. No other information is available as Archives do not hold a RAAF Casualty file.

He is buried in the Klagenfurt War Cemetery, Austria. Klagenfurt is the capital of the Austrian province of Carinthia.

127 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403640 Pilot Officer MOYLAN, Hilary Patrick

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/401 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: LR 406 Radio call sign: Unit: 540 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 14th September 1944, Mosquito LR406 took off from RAF Benson, Oxfordshire at 1000 hours, detailed to carry out photo recce over Leipzig, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 403640 PO Moylan, H P Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt W R Morrell,(Navigator)

The aircraft crashed on to a mountain near Badgfund in the Hartz mountains, about 48 miles north east of Kassel, Germany. The crew were killed and they are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

128 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

21614 Flying Officer CLARK, Neville Roy Mablin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 : 166/7/509 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: PA 885 Radio call sign: Unit: 542 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 28th May 1944, Spitfire PA885 took off from RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, detailed to carry out a photo recce of Dortmund and Bochum .airfields in the area. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 21614 FO Clark, N R M (Pilot)

The aircraft cashed at Meerle, Holland at 8.15pm on he 28th March, presumably as a result of enemy action. Meerle is a village located 28 miles north west of Venlo.

FO Clark is buried in the Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Locality Gelderland, Netherlands. The town of Nizmegen is located south of Arnhem and the Jonkerbos cemetery is situated in the south west part of the town.

129 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410690 Flying Officer MORTON, James William Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/156 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HZ 408 Radio call sign: - L Unit: 547 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 8th October 1943, Wellington HZ408 was detailed to carry out a non operational ferry flight from Davidston Moor to Dunkerwell, Devonshire, and return, and in accordance with Coastal Command signal T172, the aircraft was to be used for straight and level flying only. The aircraft took off from Davidston Moor carrying Sqn Ldr Lawman as Passenger. On taking off, Lt Reville, then proceeded to do a “mild shoot up” over Flying Control. He put the aircraft into a power dive and on pulling out at about 100 feet and a speed approx 200mph, the starboard wing broke off at the wing root, the aircraft rolled twice, crashed on the drome and caught fire. All on board were killed. Crew: USAAF 1st Lt Reville, G H Captain (Pilot) RAAF 4110690 FO Morton, J W (Navigator) RAF Sgt P J Walsh, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W B Regent, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J L Silver, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sqn Ldr Lawman. T J R PAX FO Morton is buried in the Bath (Haycombe) Cemetery, Somerset, UK. Sgt Walsh is buried in the Conwyn Cemetery, UK. Sgt Silver is buried in the Aboyne Parish Churchyard, UK. Sgt Lawman is buried in the St Albans Cemetery, UK. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Lt Reville and Sgt Regent are buried.

A report into the flying accident found that :”The Primary cause of the accident was he failure of the bottom rear boom of the inner plane spar in the vicinity of Station 41. Contributory causes were : - Lt Reville disobeyed verbal instructions to fly the aircraft straight and level only. - Culpable negligence on he part of Sgt Mattewman who had signed the F700 stating he had carried out the special inspection in accordance with RDA 792 and found it correct. - FO Staples guilty of culpable negligence, who had also signed the F700 - Four others were also guilty of culpable negligence. The CO of RAF Davidson Moor stated : “ The primary cause of the accident was the fact that the inspection of the spar boom in the aircraft in accordance with RDA 792, had never is fact been carried out, although the form had been signed on nine separate occasions as having been carried out. There is also criminal negligence on the part of

130 those NCO’s and aircraftsmen required to carry out the inspection, and lack of supervision on the part of Engineer Officers. “ The C-in-C of Coastal Command stated : “I take a most serious view of the causes of the accident, and summaries of evidence are to be taken in order that those concerned may be brought to trial by Court Martial.”

131 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

130506 Leading Aircraftsman HOPE, Colin Strvan

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/18/306 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 548 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 18th March 1944, LAC Hope was killed in a ground accident at Strathpine, Queensland, at approx 1720 hours. He was accidentally shot while practising unarmed combat with LAC McKerle an RAF member of the Squadron. He is buried in the Brisbane (Lutwyche) Cemetery, Australia.

132 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426486 Flight Sergeant ATHERTON, John Carmen

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/4/85 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 439, Volume 1943

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 730 Radio call sign: BQ – G2 Unit: 550 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 23/24th December 1943, Lancaster ED730 took off from RAF Grimsby, at 0007 hours detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: ED730 RAF Sgt H F J Woods, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt D G Davies, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt M Giles, (Navigator) RAF Sgt L F Wright, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt J McConnell, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 426486 Flt Sgt J C Atherton (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt J R E Legere (Rear Gunner)

ED730 collided with another Lancaster of 100 Sqn RAF at approx 12,000 feet on a clear and starlit night .Both aircraft crashed at 0040 hours near Fulstow, six miles north of Louth, Lincolnshire. The crews in both aircraft were killed.

Sgt Woods is buried in the Bristol (Arnos Vale) Cemetery, UK. Sgt Davies is buried in the Neath (Llantwit) Cemetery, UK. Sgt Giles is buried in the Gloucester Old Cemetery, UK. Sgt Wright is buried in the Hereford Cemetery, UK. Sgt McConnell is buried in the Dalziel (Airbles) Cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt’s Atherton and Legere are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery.

133 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

422381 Flight Sergeant BECKINGHAM, Clarence Walter

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/740 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley ? RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 450, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PD 319 Radio call sign: BQ – G Unit: 550 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 14th October 1944, Lancaster PD319 took off from RAF North Killingholme at 0647 hours, detailed to bomb Duisberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Dodds, H Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Brown, A R (Flight Engineer) RAF FO White, D J K (Navigator) RAF FO Black, H (Air Bomber) RAAF 422381 Flt Sgt C W Beckingham, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H Lewis, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt A Laidlaw, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed to the north east of Duisberg, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Venray War Cemetery, Netherlands. Venray is 40kms east of Eindhoven, in the south east province of Limburg on the N270.

134 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414446 Pilot Officer COLLIER, Albert Thomas Stanley

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/317 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 413, Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 301 Radio call sign: BQ – V Bar Unit: 550 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of 2/3rd December 1943, Lancaster LM301 took off from RAF Grimsby, at 1653 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Twelve other aircraft from the Squadron were on the mission, and all returned safely. Other crews stated that there was considerable fighter opposition en route and that heavy flak was encountered at times. Crew: RAAF 414446 PO Collier, A T S Captain (Pilot) EAF Sgt F Turner, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Lee, P A (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt H S Bennett, (Air Bomber) RAAF 410633 Flt Sgt J A Cromie, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W Dowson, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt E A Topham, (Rear Gunner) Lancaster LM301 crashed at Wasbuttel, 2kms south west of Calberlah. Six of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Cromie was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany. In a POW Report the then WO Cromie said : ”I was standing near the astro dome and had just reported some route markers to the Navigator. I was knocked down by violent shaking of the aircraft, and believe w\we were hit by flak. On standing up with difficulty the aircraft appear5ed out f control in a weaving dive. I saw through the astro dome all the starboard main plane and fuselage to the rear of me to be one mass of flame. My I/C was dead, so as the Navigator was carrying out jump procedure, I took off my helmet and put on my chute, and made my way forward, only to lose my senses just before reaching the Engineer. I woke up on the ground. I presume I was blown out at about 20,000 feet when hit. The aircraft was badly on fire and out of control. I presume the others were killed. The Germans told me all but the Engineer were dead and they told me they knew nothing of him. I saw personal effects of the other five I think Sgt Turner was blown out of the aircraft with me as we were next to each other, but do not know if he had his chute on or not. I was led to believe by the Germans that he was dead. I believe that PO Collier lost his life, I was shown personal articles of his. Released by the Russians on 23/4/45.”

135 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413156 Flying Officer HODDLE, Gordon Bruce

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : 705, 166/18/298 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 105, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 942 Radio call sign: BQ – Q Unit: 550 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 25/26th February 1944, Lancaster HD942 took off from RAF North Killingholme at 1816 hours, detailed to bomb Augsburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return base.

Crew: RAAF 413156 FO Hoddle, G B Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt D P Dingle, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Bryan, J W (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt K McL Fairbairn, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt S G Hubbard, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J K Boothroyd, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt T P Quine, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed near Turkheim, a largish town on the Wertach. . Six of the crew were killed, and Sgt Dingle was a POW.

Those killed 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.

136 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424904 Flight Sergeant LAKE, James Byrne

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA A705, 166/24/518 Digitised Commonwaelth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 385, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PD 208 Radio call sign: BQ – V Unit: 550 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 14th August 1944, Lancaster PD308 took off from RAF North Killingholme at 1332 hours, detailed to bomb Fountain-le-Pin, a strong point in the Normandy battle area. The aircraft was returning from the sortie, when it dived into the ground and burst into flames. All on board were killed.

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt J Hough, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H Hindle, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt A W Tucker, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt E Moody, (Air Bomber) RAAF 424904 Flt Sgt J B Lake, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E Walsh, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt G A Thomson, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed from about 4000 feet at 1702 hours on the 14th August near Wansford, some 7 miles west of Peterborough, Northamptonshire, UK.

A report into the flying accident stated : “The Captain did not report that they were in trouble in any way, and he had an opportunity of landing at any available airfield between the south coast and Lincolnshire, UK. “

Flt Sgt Hough is buried in the Burnley Cemetery, UK. Sgt Hindle is buried in the Accrington Cemetery, UK. Sgt Tucker is buried in the Woolwich Cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt Moody is buried in the Ashton-under-Lyne and Dukinfield Joint cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt Lake and Sgt Thomson are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket road cemetery. Flt Sgt Walsh is buried in the Marton (St Paul) Church Burial Ground, UK.

137 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423829 Flight Sergeant MUDFORD, Alan James Wesley

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/354 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chyorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page328, Volume 1944

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 796 Radio call sign: BQ – O Unit: 550 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 12/13th July 1944, Lancaster LL796 rook off from RAF Killingholme, near Grimsby, Lincolnshire, at 2137 hours, detailed to destroy rail facilities at Revigny, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RNZAF FO Boocock, W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G T Sutherland, (Flight Engineer) RNZAF FO Eckhold, M C (Navigator) RAAF 423829 Flt Sgt A J W Mudford, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt L E Dagless, (Wireless Air Gunner) EAF Sgt M Muir, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt T Setchfield, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was homebound with its bomb load intact when it was intercepted by a night fighter and crashed near Faines-les-Sources (Meuse) . All the crew were killed. and they are buried in the grounds of the Chateau of Perreuse, Franco British National Cemetery, in the village of Signey-Signets, which is 7kms south west of the town of :a Fete Sous-Jourre, and 60kms east of Paris.

138 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

2678 Pilot Officer NIELSON, Seam Wrist

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 166/29/222 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 121, Volume 1945. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 503 Radio call sign: BQ – R Unit: 550 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of 7/8th March 1945, Lancaster ME503 took off from RAF North Killingholme, at 1708 hours, detailed to bomb Dessau, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 2678 PO Nielson, S W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A Finnigan, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 433793 Flt Sgt B M Trowbridge, (Navigator) RAF Sgt R Kerr, (Air |Bomber) RAF Sgt J K Stuart-Ritson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt C A Delaveleye, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R F Stevens, (Rear Gunner) A Missing Research & Enquiry team stated : “ Thr aircraft was attacked by an enemy night fighter and crashed in a wood one mile east of Sollnits on the 7th March 1945. Sollnits is approx five miles south of Dessau.” Five of the crew were killed and Sgt’s Finnegan and Stevens were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery. After the cessation of hostilities, the body of Belgian born Sgt Delaveleye was re-interred in the Uccle (Drieweg) Communal Cemetery, in the southern outskirts of Brussels.

A POW report by Sgt Finnigan stated : “ The outward trip was normal and the target successfully bombed. On the camera run immediately after the bombing, the aircraft was attacked from below believed to be flying on a reciprocal course, The port inner was hit with cannon shell and burst into flames which reached the Rear turret and fuselage probably from burning petrol, and smoke filled the central fuselage. The Captain ordered “prepare to bale out” and instructed the Flight Engineer to feather the port inner. This was not possible owing to the failure of all pressure. The Captain said “bale out chaps, I can’t hold her” No drill acknowledgement was heard by either the Fli Eng or the Rear Gunner A violent explosion then occurred, and both the Rear Gunner, who had reached the draft proof doors on his way to the rear escape hatch, and the Flt Engineer who was in the Bomb Aimers compartment were blown out. of the aircraft. and felt themselves falling. Both rip cords pulled satisfactorily. Prior to the bale out, the Flt Engineer saw the Bomb

139 Aimer in the nose of the aircraft in front of him, and he believed that the bomb aimer was not wearing his chute. The aircraft was seen to crash and burn. Both landed about 10kms south of Dessau. The Flt Eng hid his mae west and chute in some bushes, walked about 60 yards and due probably to shock remained there til dawn. Hr then consulted his escape map and used his compass. He decided to get out of the wood, but he only proceeded for a short distance when he was accosted by a forester who took him into custody and led him to the Burgomaster of the village nearby. There he met the Rear Gunner.”

A POW report by the Rear Gunner stated “ I lost my flying boots when I descended and landed in the branches of a tree, injuring two ribs and muscles in the leg. At dawn I examined my escape maps and compass, and proceeded out of the wood and walked eastward. I was accosted by a Polish land worker, who by signs escorted me to some German foresters. The Pole was not going to give any assistance. The foresters took me into custody, and escorted me to the local village, where I met the Flight Engineer.”

140 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424266 Flight Sergeant PARSONS, Albert Stuart

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/488 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 408, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NF 962 Radio call sign: BQ – V Unit: 550 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 31st August 1944, Lancaster NF962 took from RAF North Killingholm at 1307 hours, detailed to bomb a V2 rocket store at Agenville, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Wg Cdr Sisley, A F M Captain (Pilot) RNZAF PO Siddall, P C (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt R McLeod, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt H H M Connolly, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt H G Thomas (Air Bomber) RAAF 424266 Flt Sgt A S Parsons, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt D P Gates, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt T Hamilton, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at l-Etoile (Pas-de-Calais) , on the north side of the Somme, 12kms north west of Picquigay, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, France. The town of Abbeville is on the main road between Paris and Boulogne (N1), some 30kms south of Boulogne.

Wg Cdr Sisley was an Australian who joined the RAF in the mid-1930’s.

141 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

433793 Flight Sergeant TROWBRIDGE, Bruce Milton Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 166/29/222 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 121, Volume 1945. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 503 Radio call sign: BQ – R Unit: 550 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of 7/8th March 1945, Lancaster ME503 took off from RAF North Killingholme, at 1708 hours, detailed to bomb Dessau, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 2678 PO Nielson, S W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A Finnigan, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 433793 Flt Sgt B M Trowbridge, (Navigator) RAF Sgt R Kerr, (Air |Bomber) RAF Sgt J K Stuart-Ritson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt C A Delaveleye, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R F Stevens, (Rear Gunner) A Missing Research & Enquiry team stated : “ Thr aircraft was attacked by an enemy night fighter and crashed in a wood one mile east of Sollnits on the 7th March 1945. Sollnits is approx five miles south of Dessau.” Five of the crew were killed and Sgt’s Finnegan and Stevens were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery. After the cessation of hostilities, the body of Belgian born Sgt Delaveleye was re-interred in the Uccle (Drieweg) Communal Cemetery, in the southern outskirts of Brussels.

A violent explosion then occurred, and both the Rear Gunner, who had reached the draft proof doors on his way to the rear escape hatch, and the Flt Engineer who was in the Bomb Aimers compartment were blown out. of the aircraft. and felt themselves falling. Both rip cords pulled satisfactorily. Prior to the bale out, the Flt Engineer saw the Bomb

142 Aimer in the nose of the aircraft in front of him, and he believed that the bomb aimer was not wearing his chute. The aircraft was seen to crash and burn. Both landed about 10kms south of Dessau. The Flt Eng hid his mae west and chute in some bushes, walked about 60 yards and due probably to shock remained there til dawn. Hr then consulted his escape map and used his compass. He decided to get out of the wood, but he only proceeded for a short distance when he was accosted by a forester who took him into custody and led him to the Burgomaster of the village nearby. There he met the Rear Gunner.”

143 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

9844 Flight Sergeant DANIEL, William Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : 166/9/462 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: LF 537 Radio call sign: Unit: 567 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 23 November 1944, Hurricane LF567 took off from RAF Hornchurch, Essex, detailed to carry out an ack-ack cooperation flight.. The aircraft crashed at 1130am in Squirrel Wood, Stockbury, UK, and the pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 9844 Flt Sgt W H Daniel, (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Daniel is buried in the Maidstone Cemetery, Kent, UK.

A report into the accident stated : “ The aircraft was engaged in an ack-ack cooperation flight, and it can only be surmised that the cause of the accident was loss of control in cloud, resulting in the aircraft striking the ground at Headton at high velocity.

The wreckage shows signs of a high speed high angle crash. The weather conditions at the time were poor. The aircraft had flown over the drome at 500 feet immediately prior to the accident and it appeared normal. The Pilot had called for a ’homing” and reported that he was in cloud. Bad weather appears to be the most contributory factor to the accident.”

144 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423437 Flight Sergeant WILLIAMS, Milton Lloyd

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/1005 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: LF 584 Radio call sign: Unit: 567 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 1st December 1944, Hurricane LF584 took off from RAF Station Hornchurch detailed to carry out an ack-ack cooperation non-operational exercise..The aircraft was airborne approx 35 to 40 minutes when it crashed at 1206 hours at Marley Farm, and the pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 423437 Flt Sgt M L Williams, (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Williams is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles from London.

In a report into the accident, the CO of 567 Sqn stated : “The aircraft was airborne approx 35 to 40 minutes when it struck the top of a 600 foot hill at a flat angle, and in such a manner as to cause it to break up and be almost completely destroyed in the ensuing fire. The visibility at the time was poor. The aircraft should have reached the cooperation course after flying for a period of about 15 minutes, but the machine was not sighted by the cooperation unit, so that there is a discrepancy of some 20/25 minutes flying time, although the aircraft crashed on a direct line from the point of take off to the cooperation course.”

145 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412361 Pilot Officer BELL, George Samuel Crawford,

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/706 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: LK 121 Radio call sign: Unit: 570 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 18th September 1944, Stirling LK121 took off about mid-day towing a Horsa glider to a point west of Arnhem, Holland. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Culling, C W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt V Williams, (Flight Engineer) RCAF PO Baker, J D (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt P H E Browne, (Air Bomber) RAAF 412361 PO Bell, G S C (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt E P Pope, (Air Gunner) RCAF Cpl J R Coleman, (R/M) PAX

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire and crashed at approx 3pm on the 18th September 1944, near Lakemond, which is about 10 miles south west of Arnhem, Holland. Several aircraft towing gliders containing military personnel, crashed in the vicinity at the time.”

Those on board LK121 were all killed and they are buried in the Heteren General Cemetery, Netherlands. Heteren is a small village 12kms south west of Arnhem.

146 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

434731 Pilot Officer MIROW, Ronald Joseph

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/27/886 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 162,Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: RV 357 Radio call sign: BK - Unit: 571 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 13th April 1945, the pilot of Mosquito RV357 had been authorised to carry out a night flying test. The aircraft crashed at RAF Oakington airfield, Cambridgeshire, at 1540 hours and the crew of two were killed.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Cane, M J T, DFM Captain (Pilot) RAAF 434731 PO Mirow, R J (Navigator Bomb Aimer)

Flt Lt Cane is buried in the Bromley Hill Cemetery, Lewisham, UK. PO Mirow is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery.

A report into the flying accident stated : “ The aircraft was seen to be flying low, and also in a shallow dive and apparently under complete control, towards a dispersal hut on the drome. It passed directly over the top of the hut at a very low height (under 200 feet), and was travelling very fast also. After passing over the hut, the aircraft pulled up to avoid some trees close to the hut, but it struck the trees with its port wing. The aircraft then executed two complete rolls to port before diving into the ground completely out of control.

The CO of 571 Sqn in his remarks on the accident stated : “ The Pilot was authorised to do a night flying test, but apparently disobeyed instructions and carried out unauthorised low flying. It was a gross breach of discipline.”

The Group Commander stated : “The greatest breach of flying discipline I have ever seen. I am at a loss to explain why such an experienced and reliable Captain should make such a fatal error.”

147 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

434121 Flight Sergeant BARSBY, Edgar Alan

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/31/321 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: KG 630 Radio call sign: Unit: 575 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 6th February 1945, Dakota KG630 took off from RAF Breadwell, near Shilton, Oxon, on an operational flight. The aircraft crashed at 1100 hours, near Folkington, Sussex, UK, while flying in low cloud, and all on board were killed.

Crew: RAAF 425544 PO Oleinikoff, P M Captain (Pilot) RAAF 434121 Flt Sgt E A Barsby, (Pilot) RCAF FO Forseth, K G (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt R A Brock, (Wireless Air Gunner) Plus 19 passengers

The four crew members are buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles from London.

148 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425544 Pilot Officer OLEINIKOFF, Peter Matthew

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/31/321 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: KG 630 Radio call sign: Unit: 575 Sqn RAF

Crew: RAAF 425544 PO Oleinikoff, P M Captain (Pilot) RAAF 434121 Flt Sgt E A Barsby, (Pilot) RCAF FO Forseth, K G (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt R A Brock, (Wireless Air Gunner) Plus 19 passengers

The four crew members are buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles from London.

149 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414192 Warrant Officer BILTOFT, Arthur Henry

Source AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/454 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 212, Volume1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 783 Radio call sign: UL – C2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 6/7th May 1944, Lancaster ND783 took off from Welsham Wolds at 0015 hours, detailed to destroy an ammunition dump at Aubigne, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RNZAF Flt Lt Shearer, J M Captain (Pilot) RAF Air Cdr Ivelaw-Chapman, R (Pilot) RAF Sgt C N G Drew, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 414192 WO A H Biltoft, ((Navigator) RAAF 410968 Sgt J A Ford, (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt C V Fox, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 418296 Sgt J W McLeod, (Air Gunner) RAAF 429953 Sgt A R Jackson, (Air Gunner)

Air Cdr Ivelaw-Chapman was a POW, and the most senior RAF Officer to be taken prisoner while in Bomber Command service. He had recently taken up a Staff Officer post in No 1 Group. Sgt Ford (RAAF) evaded capture, and was discharged as an FO from the RAAF on 4th January 1946.

All the others in the crew were killed, and they are buried in the Bayeux War Cemetery, France. The town of Bayeux is in Normandy, 24kms north west of Caen. .

150 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420334 Flight Sergeant BOOTH, John Milton

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA :A705, 166/21/101 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 413, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4337 Radio call sign: UL – B2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 2/3rd December 1943, Lancaster W4337 took off from Elsham Wolds at 1705 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 420334 Flt Sgt J M Booth, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G H Kaye, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 413254 Flt Sgt R E D Richards, (Navigator) RAAF 418387 Flt Sgt L W L Godfrey, ( Bomb Aimer) RAAF 420836 Flt Sgt M N Jennings, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 417959 FO M W Jones, (Air Gunner) RAAF 418584 Flt Sgt D R G Taskis (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed in the vicinity olf Monchengladbach, and all the crew were killed. Five of the crew are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp-Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. Both Flt Sgt ‘s Richards and Godfrey have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

151 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417454 Flying Officer BROWN, Ronald William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA :A705, 166/6/632 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 363, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 799 Radio call sign: UL - N2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 28/29th July 1944, Lancaster LL799 took off from RAF Elsham Wolds, Barnetby, Lincolnshire, at 2135 hours, detailed to carry out a bombing attack on Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 417454 FO Brown, R W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt D R Northcote, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt S W Barrows, (Navigator) RCAF FO McGibbon, R S (Air Bomber) RAAF 42661 Flt Sgt R J L McStay, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 35590 Flt Sgt S A Smith, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 437606 Flt Sgt R Weekes, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft crashed near the village of Weyersheim at about 0230 hours on the 29th July 1944, after an attack by a night fighter.” Weyersheim is approx 15kms NNE from the centre of Strasbourg, France.

Five of the crew were killed, and Sgt Barrows and Flt Sgt McStay were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Cronenbourg French National Cemetery, France. Cronenbourg is a western suburb in the town of Strasbourg.

152 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421244 Warrant Officer CASEY,James Nelson

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/688 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 472, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NE 115 Radio call sign: UL – B2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 2/3rd November 1944, Lancaster NE115 took off from RAF Fiskerton at 1600 hours, detailed to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Mulrooney, J J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J Beeson, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 13084 WO F K L Paton, (Navigator) RAAF 414315 FO Mortal, C W P (Air Bomber) RAAF 421244 WO J N Casey, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO Parker, E DFM (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt C R Anthony,(Rear Gunner)

A report by a Missing Research & Enquiry team stated : “The aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire and crashed and exploded on impact at Langenfeld on the 2nd November 1944. Langenfeld is approx 10 miles south east of Dusseldorf. “

Six of the crew were killed and FO Mulrooney 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.

153 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417464 Flight Sergeant GILES, Arthur Ronald

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/13/313 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 420, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 854 Radio call sign: UL – D2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 12/13th September 1944, Lancaster ME854 took off from Elsham Wolds at 1834 hours, detailed to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Aldridge, A J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A R Lewendon, (Flight Engineer) RCAF WO11 R B Rennie. (Navigator) RAAF 417464 Flt Sgt A R Giles, (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt S Ormondroyd, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Wilkinson, (Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt M F Nelson, (Air Gunner)

ME854 collided with another Lancaster NF911 of 218 Sqn RAF at approx 2350 hours on the 12th September 1944, with both aircraft crashing in the vicinity of Nastatten. All the crews in both aircraft were killed.

The crew of NE854 are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nirdrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

154 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413194 Pilot Officer HENNINGHAM, John Romer

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/121/151 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 28, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 416 Radio call sign: UL – G2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 5/6th January 1944, Lancaster ND416 took off from Elsham Wolds detailed to bomb Stettin, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 413194 PO Henningham, J R Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A S Baker, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt A S Davis, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt K F F Barton, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt F J Wright, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J L Cobourne, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J E Kennison, (Air Gunner)

ND416 was believed to have crashed at Pasewalk, a large town 36kms WNW of Stettin, All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

155 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

429953 Flight Sergeant JACKSON, Arthur Reginald

Source AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/454 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 212, Volume1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 783 Radio call sign: UL – C2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

All the others in the crew were killed, and they are buried in the Bayeux War Cemetery, France. The town of Bayeux is in Normandy, 24kms north west of Caen.

156 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420836 Flight Sergeant JENNINGS, Murray Noel

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA :A705, 166/21/101 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 413, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4337 Radio call sign: UL – B2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

The aircraft crashed in the vicinity olf Monchengladbach, and all the crew were killed. Five of the crew are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp-Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.. Both Flt Sgt ‘s Richards and Godfrey have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

157 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417959 Flying Officer JONES, Maurice William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA :A705, 166/21/101 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 413, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4337 Radio call sign: UL – B2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

The aircraft crashed in the vicinity olf Monchengladbach, and all the crew were killed. Five of the crew are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp-Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.. Both Flt Sgt ‘s Richards and Godfrey have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

158 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426653 Flight Sergeant McINTYRE, James Robert

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/1156 Commonwealth ar Graves records W R Chorley, RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 435, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NM 711 Radio call sign: UL – L2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 23/24th September 1944, Lancaster NM711 took off from RAF Elsham Wolds at 1851 hours, detailed to bomb Neuss, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after takeoff and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Durrant, S F Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R E Pearce, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO J Johnstone, (Navigator) RCAF Sgt C J Brady, (Air Bomber) RAAF 426653 Flt Sgt J R McIntyre, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt J G Mackey,(Air Gunner) RAF Sgt D Spowart, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at 2020 hour about 1km south east of Kapellen on the southern outskirts of Moers, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

159 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418296 Flight Sergeant McLEOD, John Wilbert

Source AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/454 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 212, Volume1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 783 Radio call sign: UL – C2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

All the others in the crew were killed, and they are buried in the Bayeux War Cemetery, France. The town of Bayeux is in Normandy, 24kms north west of Caen.

160 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414315 Flying Officer MORTAL, Clive Warson Peter

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/688 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 472, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NE 115 Radio call sign: UL – B2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

161 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

427535 Flight Sergeant MUTTON, Leslie

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/367 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 363, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 905 Radio call sign: UL – B2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 28/29th July 1944, Lancaster LL903 took off from RAF Elsham Wolds, at 2110 hours, detailed to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF FO Mann, E J DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R A W Roberts, (Flight Engineer) RCAF PO Novak, A (Navigator) RAF Sgt W T Dodge, (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt F T McCann, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 427535 Flt Sgt L McCann, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF D I MacVicar, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at around 0140 hours on the 29th July 1944, with its starboard wing on fire, and crashed between Sarrewerden (Bas-Rhin) and Rimsdorf, some 2kms SSW and south east respectively of Sarre-Union. Four of the crew were killed and PO Novak, Sgt Dodge and Flt Sgt McCann were POW’s.

Flt Sgt Mutton is buried in the Rimsdorf New Communal Cemetery, France. Rimsdorf is a small village 60kms north west of Strasbourg,. The other three who lost their lives are buried in the Sarrewerden Communal Cemetery, France. Sarrewerden is a very small village 4ikms north west of Strasbourg.

162 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

13084 Warrant Officer PATON, Frederick James Lincoln

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/688 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 472, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NE 115 Radio call sign: UL – B2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

163 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

427484 Flight Sergeant ROBINSON, Cavan Beadon

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/480 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chotley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 91, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: RA 516 Radio call sign: UL- O2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 21/22nd Februart 1945, Lancaster RA516 took off from RAF Fiskerton, at 1939 hours, detailed to bomb Duisburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF Flt Lt Thieme, C D Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt K Wallis, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt H W Vine, (Navigator) RAAF 422596 WO J H Lowing. (Air Bomber) RAAF 427484 Flt Sgt C B Robinson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt C N Crouch, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt L Hull,(Rear Gunner) The aircraft is believed to have crashed in the vicinity of Roermond (Limbuirg). Flt Sgt Vine, Flt Sgt Robinson and Sgt Hull were killed and the others survived the crash but were injured. Those who died are buried in the Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Netherlands. The aircraft was returning from Duisberg which is had attacked successfully at 1108 hours. At about 1125 hours when in the vicinity of Weert, Holland, the aircraft received a direct hit under the port wing when at 18,000 feet. The Captain ordered the Flight Engineer to feather the port inner. The pilot gave the order to prepare to abandon, as both he and the Flt Eng considered the starboard tanks may have been holed , although the aircraft was not seriously damaged. The aircraft then burst into flames aft of the trailing edge, and the whole tail was also on fire. Finding the aircraft uncontrollable the Captain gave the immediate order to bale out. Nothing was heard from the Navigator or Wireless Operator whom may have been killed. by night fighters The Captain asked if everyone was out and got no reply He had great difficulty in getting out as the aircraft was spinning violently. He tripped over the under release handle and was thrown about in the aircraft and had his clothes torn, He injured his leg in the aircraft and not when landing. WO Lowing who strained his shoulder when landing, survived the crash, and was discharged as an FO from the RAAF on 22/2/1946.

164 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419142 Flight Sergeant RYAN. John Francis

`Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/511 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 135, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PA 265 Radio call sign: UL- O2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 16/17th March 1945, Lancaster PA265 took off from RAF Fiskerton, Lincoln, at 1725 hours detailed to bomb Nuremberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 419143 Flt Sgt J F Ryan, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J E Taylor, (Flight Engineer) RCAF Sgt A W Garnet, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt K L Challis, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt D W E Swift, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Symonds,(Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H A Hall, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft exploded in a wood a short distance from the village of Wisseth on the 17th March 1945. Wisseth is approx 32 miles south west of Nuremberg.

Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Hall was a POW. Those killed 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.

In a POW report Sgt hall stated : “The aircraft crashed about 50kms south west of Wisseth. I baled out and landed about 200 yards away from the burning aircraft. The Germans would not allow me to approach it. I can give no information about the fate of my six comrades.”

165 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413903 Flight Sergeant SCOTT, Frederick Roy

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/450 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 429, Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 322 Radio call sign: UL – B2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of 16/17th December 1943, Lancaster LM322 took off from RAF Elsham Wolds, Barnetby, Linconshire, detailed to bomb Berlin. Just after take off an accident occurred when LM322 collided with a Lancaster from 103 Sqn RAF. The crews in both aircraft were killed in the accident.

Crew: RAAF 413903 Flt Sgt F R Scott, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt S V Cull, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt G G Critchley, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt P M C Ellis, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt J H Caldwell, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 416815 Flt Sgt B P Wicks, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J W Ross, (Rear Gunner) All the crew in LM322 are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. A report into the Flying accident stated :: “ The accident occurred at dusk just after take off about 5 miles north east of Elsham Wolds The two aircraft followed each other off with an interval of one minute between. Visibility was moderate, with cloud base at 1000 feet., and thickness about 1000 feet. Some three minutes after the aircraft had taken off they collided, the collision occurred at a distance of 4 to 5 miles bearing 080 degrees to the take off runway, either at the base of, or in low cloud. Pilots were instructed to climb through the cloud in the direction of take off, before circling the drome. Why these two aircraft did not do so is not known.” The Gr Capt RAF Station Elsham Wolds stated : “It is considered that this accident was due to the disobeying of instructions and should never have occurred. All Captains were briefed that under no circumstances were they to circle below or in cloud but to climb straight ahead after take off. The cloud base was at 100ofeet and the depth of cloud was not more that 1300 feet. Both these aircraft were seen to circle about 4 miles from the drome immediately after take off, and immediately after take off start to climb through cloud on roughly the reciprocal of their take off Owing to the fact that there are no survivors, it is impossible to state which aircraft actually caused the collision.”

166 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

35590 Flight Sergeant SMITH, Srephen Allen

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA :A705, 166/6/632 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 363, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 799 Radio call sign: UL - N2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

167 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418584 Flight Sergeant TASKIS, Douglas Richard Gordon

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA :A705, 166/21/101 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 413, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4337 Radio call sign: UL – B2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

The aircraft crashed in the vicinity olf Monchengladbach, and all the crew were killed. Five of the crew are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp-Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.. Both Flt Sgt ‘s Richards and Godfrey have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

168 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421420 Flight Sergeant UNWIN, Alfred Edmond

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/41/9 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 35, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 381 Radio call sign: UL – E2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 14/15th January 1944, Lancaster LM381 took off from RAF Elsham Wolds, Barnetby, Lincolnshire, detailed to bomb Braunschweig, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Morren, T W G Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G Boothman, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt F C Hickling, (Navigator) RAF Sgt A C Jackson, (Air Bomber) RAAF 421420 Flt Sgt A E Unwin, (Wireless Air Gunner) RA^F Sgt A Barclay, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt B E Clarke, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft exploded after being hit by flak, and it was believed to have crashed at Kollerbeck, 4kms south east of Schwalenberg. Five of the crew were killed and the two survivors Flt Lt Morren and Sgt Boothman , who were blown clear by the explosion, were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

In a POW report Flt Lt Morren stated : “ The aircraft exploded and shortly afterwards caught fire. Flt Sgt Unwin acknowledged the order to abandon. The Germans told me that some bodies were found in the aircraft and am uncertain if one of these was Unwin, and don’t know where he was buried.” Sgt Boothman in his report said “ I believe Unwin lost his life.”

169

RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

437606 Flight Sergeant WEEKES, Richard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA :A705, 166/6/632 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 363, Volume 1944

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 799 Radio call sign: UL - N2 Unit: 576 Sqn RAF

170 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416815 Flight Sergeant WICKS, Brian Price Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/450 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 429, Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 322 Radio call sign: UL – B2 Unit: 578 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of 16/17th December 1943, Lancaster LM322 took off from RAF Elsham Wolds, Barnetby, Linconshire, detailed to bomb Berlin. Just after take off an accident occurred when LM322 collided with a Lancaster from 103 Sqn RAF. The crews in both aircraft were killed in the accident. Crew: RAAF 413903 Flt Sgt F R Scott, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt S V Cull, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt G G Critchley, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt P M C Ellis, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt J H Caldwell, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 416815 Flt Sgt B P Wicks, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J W Ross, (Rear Gunner) All the crew in LM322 are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. A report into the Flying accident stated :: “ The accident occurred at dusk just after take off about 5 miles north east of Elsham Wolds The two aircraft followed each other off with an interval of one minute between. Visibility was moderate, with cloud base at 1000 feet., and thickness about 1000 feet. Some three minutes after the aircraft had taken off they collided, the collision occurred at a distance of 4 to 5 miles bearing 080 degrees to the take off runway, either at the base of, or in low cloud. Pilots were instructed to climb through the cloud in the direction of take off, before circling the drome. Why these two aircraft did not do so is not known.” The Gr Capt RAF Station Elsham Wolds stated : “It is considered that this accident was due to the disobeying of instructions and should never have occurred. All Captains were briefed that under no circumstances were they to circle below or in cloud but to climb straight ahead after take off. The cloud base was at 100ofeet and the depth of cloud was not more that 1300 feet. Both these aircraft were seen to circle about 4 miles from the drome immediately after take off, and immediately after take off start to climb through cloud on roughly the reciprocal of their take off Owing to the fact that there are no survivors, it is impossible to state which aircraft actually caused the collision.”

171 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 406703 Warrant Officer HORGAN, John Byrne Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/18/288 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 80, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LW 557 Radio call sign: LK – Q Unit: 578 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of 15/16th February 1944, Halifax LW557 took off from RAF Burn, near Selby, Yorkshire, at 1749 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 406703 WO J B Horgan Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt M K Piper, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Lt Linbridge, (Navigator) RCAF FO Kerr J K (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt F W Hayman, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E B Blair, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 426952 Sgt W J Leiper,(Rear Gunner) It was believed that the aircraft crashed due to engine failure, near Tribohm, 6kms NNE of Marlow. WO Horgan, Sgt Piper and Sgt Blair lost their lives, and the other four were POW’s. WO Horgan is buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. Both Sgt Hayman and Sgt Blair have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing Runnymede, UK.

In a POW report FO Kerr stated : “ Due to technical reasons our aircraft got out of control and the Captain ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft at a low altitude. WO Horgan was endeavouring to keep the aircraft steady when I left. It was diving practically vertically at the time. The Germans said their were three bodies in the aircraft . It was due to the prompt action by the Captain that he saved the lives of four members of his crew.”

In his POW report Flt Lt Linbridge said : “ On the night of 15th February flying over enemy territory we were attacked and forced to abandon the aircraft. The Pilor (WO Horgan gave the “prepare to abandon” order which was acknowledged by all except the Mid Upper Gunner Blair. The aircraft was in a spiral dive, losing height rapidly and after trying to regain control the Pilot gave the “abandon” order. The Rear Gunner was the first to acknowledge this and left immediately. The Pilot told us all to “get out quickly” as the aircraft was liable to spin in any minute. The Navigator, WOP and Air Bomber left by the front escape hatch At Dulag Luft I was told by the Germans that there were 3 bodied in the aircraft ands I think they would be the Pilot, Mid Upper and Flt Engineer.

172 The WOP said that when he passed , the Pilot was at the controls struggling to prevent the aircraft from spinning and that the Flt Engineer had gone through the rear escape hatch. I would like to point out that it was due to the magnificent effort of the Pilot, that any of the crew were saved. Had he relaxed efforts to put on his chute, the aircraft would have spun in.”

173 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415339 Flight Lieutenant LOVE, William John Hamilton

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/25/120 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 101, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LW 586 Radio call sign: LK – P Unit: 578 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of 24/25th February 1944, Halifax LW586 took off from RAF Burn at 1839 hours, detailed to bomb Schweinfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 415339 Flt Lt Love, W J H Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt S Hayes, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Rolfe, J W (Navigator) RAF FO Coggins, R W W (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt F S Godden, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S H Geake, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt W H Bell, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was attacked from astern at 12,000 feet by a night fighter whose fire set light to the starboard engines, and one of the port side motors. As PO Rolfe baled out he was aware that the aircraft was a mass of flames. It was reported that the aircraft crashed at Unter Alterheim, 16kms south west of Wurzburg. Six of the crew were killed and FO Rolfe was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Durnbacch War Cemetery, Locality Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich.

In a POW Report FO Rolfe stated : “ While flying over enemy territory we were attacked and both starboard engines and the port outer engine were set on fire. The flames were increasing and the bombs could not be jettisoned . In a further attack the Rear Gunner was wounded and I heard nothing more from the Mid Upper Gunner, who until then had been directing the evasive action. The Pilot ordered “abandon” and as I left the aircraft there was another attack. I saw and heard our aircraft go past. After being taken prisoner, I was shown some of the Bomb Aimers belongings, he had been found dead. I have heard nothing more and in my opinion the remainder of the crew were killed.”

174 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423850 Pilot Officer MacPHILLAMY, Owen Scott MID

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9301 Barcode 52524805, Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 282, Volume 1944..

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LM 393 Radio call sign: Lk – K Bar Unit: 578 Sqn RAF

Summary: On rhe night of 12/13th August 1944, Halifax took off from RAF Burn at 2149 hours, detailed to bomb Russelsheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 423850 PO MacPhillamy, O S MID Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt F B Newman, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Humble, J W (Navigator) RAF Sgt N R Beamish, (Air Bomber) RAAF Flt Sgt L R Bodey, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G E Ward, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt L Stafford, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter, and crashed at Chapelle-et-Ois (Hainaut), 8kms WNW of Ath. Four of the crew were killed, Sgt Newman was a POW and Sgt Beamish and Flt Sgt Bodey evaded capture.

Those killed are buried in the Chievres Communal Cemetery, Belgium. The cemetery is 15kms northwest of Mons on the N25.

175 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417657 Flying Officer MALONEY, Robert Lenatd

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9300 Barcode Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 52, Volume 1945. .Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NA 603 Radio call sign: LK – T Unit: 578 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 16/17th January 1945.Halifax NA603 took off from RAF Burn at 1823 hours, detailed to bomb Magdeburg, Germany. The aircraft was last heard on W/T at 1951 hours by Ricall, broadcasting wind speed and direction, but after that nothing further was heard, and the aircraft failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 417657 FO Maloney, R L Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G C Atkins, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Clews, P H ( RAF FO Owen, I G ( RAAF 429471 Flt Sgt T C Moore, ( RAF Sgt H G Skeats, ( RCAF PO Fitzgerald, F J ( RAF Sgt T W Spencer, (

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter at 2110 hours on the 16th January, crashing south of Gross Vahlberg, some 5kms WSW of Schoppenstedt. FO Maloney and FO Owen lost their lives, and all the others were POW.s

FO Maloney is buried in the Venray War Cemetery, Netherlands. Venray is located 40kms east of Eindhovem in the south east province of Limburg on the N270. FO Owen is buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

Flt Sgt Moore survived the war and was discharged a WO on 11th December 1945.

176 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

434808 Pilot Officer SHEPLEY, John Robert

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9300 Barcode 5263165 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 91, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NA 670 Radio call sign: LK – L Unit: 578 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 21/22md February 1945, Halifax NA670 took off from RAF Burn at 11643 hours, detailed to bomb Worms, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Ingham, R J Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt D G Baxter, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 434808 PO Shepley, J R (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF FO McLean, D R (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt S A Wellstead, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt N Watson, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt D G Weaver, (Rear Gunner)

Halifax NA679 while approaching the aiming point came under attack from a JU88, which is believed to have been damaged in the exchange of fire. Both port engines, however, were set ablaze and the order to bale out was given. Before the crew could react, a second attack developed which resulted in the Halifax breaking up. The bulk of the wreckage falling on to the banks of the Isenach at Hardenburg, 3kms from Bad Durkeim.

Six of the crew were killed, and FO McLean 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. .

177 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417794 Flight Sergeant BARNETT, Ross Frederick

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/991 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 114, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 475 Radio call sign: 60 – C Unit: 582 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 5/6th March 1945, Lancaster PB475 took off from RAF Little Staughton at 1733 hours, detailed to bomb Chemnitz, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it m failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Gouild, J C Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A Denbeigh, (Flight Engineer) EAAF 417794 Flt Sgt R F Barnett, (Navigator) RAAF 417533 WO G Torr, (Air Bomber) RAAF 423730 WO E W Hemsworth, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G J P Ralph, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt W Hart, (Rear Gunner)

When homebound, the aircraft crashed at 0100 hours on the 6th March 1945, near Bellingdon, some two miles north west from Chesham, Buckinghamshire, UK. Six of the crew were killed, and Sgt Hart managed to parachute to safety. Those who died are buried in the Oxford (Botley) Cemetery, at North Hinksey, UK.

A report into the flying accident stated : “ The cause of the accident was due to a target indicator that had failed to release, exploded in the bomb bay when the aircraft was in flight.”

178 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413849 Flight Lieutenant BROWN, Stephen Watson

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/1488 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 248, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 814 Radio call sign: 60 – T Unit: 582 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 27/28th May 1944, Lancaster ND814 took off from RAF Little Staughton at 2325 hours, detailed too mark the target, the airfield at St-Jacques, Rennes, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RNZAF Sqn Ldr Heney, H W DSO (Formation Leader) RNZAF Flt Lt Lamb, R D (Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt L W Cudlipp (Flight Engineer) RAAF 413849 Flt Lt Brown, S W (Navigator 1) RAF Flt Sgt F S Webb, (Navigator 2) RNZAF PO Ross, F R (Wireless Air Gunner) RNZAF PO Harrington, A G (Mid Upper Gunner)

The aircraft crashed on the western side of the target area and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Rennes Eastern Communal Cemetery, France.

Sqn Ldr Heney was a most experienced Path Finder Force pilot, with at least 59 sorties to his credit.

179 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410454 Flight Sergeant CLYNE, Geoffrey Albert

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/490 Commonwealth War Graves records W E Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 2, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JA 968 Radio call sign: 60 – 0 Unit: 582 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 3/4th May 1944, Lancaster JA968 took off from RAF Little Staughton at 2242 hours, detailed to bomb the airfield at Montdidier, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF Flt Lt Bertelsen, F C Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R G Lovegrove, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Ritchie, J L (Navigator) RCAF Flt Sgt G A Schwerdfeger, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt E K Slattery, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R Mansbridge, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 410454 Flt Sgt G A Clyne, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was intercepted by a night fighter, and shortly after exploded, debris falling on the north side of the target area. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Montdidier French National Cemetery, France. Montdidier is a town 35kms south east of Amiens, on he main road (N35) to Compiegne.

180 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423996 Pilot Officer DANIEL, William Neville Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/9/396 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 411, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 123 Radio call sign: 60 – 0 Unit: 582 Sqn RAF Summary: Lancaster PB 123 of 582 Sqn RAF took off at 0630 hours on 8 September 1944,from RAF Station Little Staunton, for air operations against an enemy target at Le Havre, France. The aircraft failed to return to Base. Crew: RAAF 420658 Flt Lt Goddard, J E, DFC, Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Mackenzie, G, DFC (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Lt Baker, H W (Navigator) RAAF 423996 PO Daniel, W N (Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Lt De Beer, A G (Bomb Aimer) RAF WO Lythgoe, G E (Wireless Operator) RAF Flt Sgt Beecroft, J (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF FO Newton, R A (Rear Gunner) Six of the crew were killed, and PO MacKenzie and FO Debeer evaded capture. Flt Lt Baker, PO Daniel and FO Newton are buried in the St Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France. Flt Lt Goddard, WO Lythgoe and Flt Sgt Beecroft have no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

Both PO Mackenzie and Flt Lt De Beer (RAF members) successfully baled out of the aircraft. In his subsequent statement Mackenzie reported: “At 7.15am on 8th September 1944, the plane came in over Le Havre under the cloud with a base of 5000 feet. The Hun opened up with flak hitting us – I was sitting at the side of Johnny (Goddard) in the second pilot’s seat, when there was a crash – the inter-com went dead and fire broke out around the wireless operator There was a second bang right after the first and the whole front cabin filled with smoke and fire. Johnny shouted for full power and then shouted “jump Mac”. I got down and went back to the navigator’s cabin which was full of smoke, and dragged my chute out, then Neville’s, and then shouted into the smoke that we had to get out. A voice shouted OK. I turned back to the front escape hatch with two figures behind me, which might have been Neville and Howard. When I reached the hatch, it was open and Alan Debeer was just jumping. I went straight out over his heels. After my chute opened I could see the plane with all the fuselage on fire flying on, until it disappeared into cloud. I looked below and saw another chute,

181 Alan Debeer. After coming down some distance, I heard a crash which I assumed was the plane hitting the ground, but could not see any more chutes. A 1945 report stated that the aircraft crashed at Les Londes Hau, Rouelles, 2 miles from the centre of Le Havre. French farmers living nearby stated that there was an aircraft explosion and wreckage scattered over a wide area. .

Citation: The Citation for the DFC awarded to Flt Lt Goddard is as follows : “As Captain of the aircraft, Flt Lt Goddard has completed numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty. (London Gazette 18/9/1945 page 4643)

The following is a letter from Group Capt Cribb, Commanding 582 Sqn RAF, Path Finder Force, RAF, dated 8th September 1944, (Enclosure 66B of above NAA File 166/9/396 refers) : “Just before dawn the Squadron took off to attack strong points in the German defences at Le Havre. They were led by Flt Lt Goddard who as Master Bomber was to control the whole weight of the Bomber Command attack. PO Daniel was his Bomb Aimer. On the work of this crew depended the success of the mission. On the success of the mission hung the lives of many Allied soldiers who that day were to assault the garrison for the last time. A crew is selected for a task of this nature only after they have shown in combat, that no effort within the compass of human endeavour, is too much to expect of them. Such a crew was that Captained by Flt Lt Goddard. They were lost in a gallant attempt to complete their task, in defiance of adverse weather and fierce opposition. When they were hit, PO Daniel was directing his Captain to the target, at the head of the attack PO Daniel and thee other members of the crew were known to have left the blazing aircraft, and landed by chute. FO Debeer and PO MacKenzie were captured by the enemy and eventually released when the Le Havre garrison fell. The letter written by Captain Hamilton, RE, tells us of the fate of PO Daniel and Flt LT Baker. Of the rest of the crew we have no news. PO Daniel died as he would have wished, with his comrades, and in a manner which does credit to his Squadron.”

182 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423730 Warrant Officer HEMSWORTH, Ellis Wilby

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/991 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 114, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 475 Radio call sign: 60 – C Unit: 582 Sqn RAF

Crew: RAF FO Gouild, J C Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A Denbigh, (Flight Engineer) EAAF 417794 Flt Sgt R F Barnett, (Navigator) RAAF 417533 WO G Torr, (Air Bomber) RAAF 423730 WO E W Hemsworth, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G J P Ralph, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt W Hart, (Rear Gunner)

A report into the flying accident stated : “ The cause of the accident was due to a target indicator that had failed to release, exploded in the bomb bay when the aircraft was in flight.”

183 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417981 Flight Sergeant MITCHELL, Colin James

Source: AWM 2237 (650 NAA : A705, 166/27/576 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 432, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 512 Radio call sign: 60 - Unit: 582 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 23 September 1944, Lancaster PB512 took off from RAF Little Staughton at 1042 hours, detailed to carry out a non-operational fighter affiliation exercise. The aircraft dived into the ground at 1132 hours, and crashed some four miles east from North Weald airfield. All on board were killed. .

Crew: RNZAF FO Shirley, W L Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt D C Evans, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Hill, F D (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt D L T Smith, (Air Bomber) RAAF 417981 Flt Sgt C J Mitchell, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF FO Burch, J G (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF LAC W A G Alston FME (Ground Crew).

FO Shirley, FO Hill, Flt Sgt Mitchell and LAC Alston are buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles from London. Sgt Evans is buried in the Lantwit Major (Tabernacle) Calvinistic Methodist Churchyard, UK. Sgt Smith is buried in the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium, Manor Park, UK. FO Burch is buried in the Turrock (Chadwell St Mary) Cemetery, UK.

A report into the accident stated ; “ The aircraft was engaged in a fighter affiliation exercise, in which the evasive action becomes progressively more violent. The Pilot called to the fighter on the R/T and stated that he was about to turn into the reciprocal course. The aircraft started a steep turn to starboard at 8000 feet, which turned into a diving turn from which the aircraft only levelled out laterally at about 2000 feet, but it failed to pull out of the dive. It was however still diving and went straight into the ground, blowing up on impact. No chutes were seen to leave the aircraft. It was considered that the Pilot got into a high speed dive and did not allow himself sufficient room to pull out of the dive.”

184 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 424312 Flying Officer TERPENNING, Robert Patrick DFC Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/1334 Digitised. 166/39/552 Commonwealth War Graves records W E Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 171, Volume 1945. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 983 Radio call sign: 60 – A Unit: 582 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 28th April 1945, Lancaster PB983 on a training flight, iced up after flying into a snow cloud and lost power on both port engines. At 100 feet, all control was lost and the aircraft crashed at 1150 hours near Deenethorpe airfield, 5 miles ENE from the centre of Corby, Northamptonshire, UK Two of the crew were killed in the crash, and the other five were injured. Crew: EAAF` FO Terpenning, R P DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Lt Barrett, A R (Navigator 1) RAF PO Newman, R A B (Navigator 2) RAAF 426001 WO A A L Anderson, DFC (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 428885 WO A W McIlrath, DFC (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 424485 PO Watson, J G DFM (Air Gunner) RAF AC2 R G Lloyd, PAX Both FO Terpenning and PO Watson who were killed in the crash are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. WO McIlrath survived the crash and the war, and was discharged an FO on the 14th March 1946. Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to the then FO Terpenning of 582 Sqn is as follows : “ In December 1944, FO Terpenning was detailed to take part in an attack on Cologne in daylight. When approaching the target the aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire. Severe damage was sustained. The port inner engine was set on fire and the propeller had to be feathered; the port outer and the starboard inner engines then began to fail. Despite this, FO Terpenning continued his bombing run. Shells were bursting all around but he pressed home his attack. On turning away from the target the aircraft was attacked by five fighters. Although both gun turrets had been put out of action and all but one gun were unserviceable, FO Terpenning and his crew conducted a gallant fight. The aircraft was repeatedly hit by cannon shell and the situation became extremely serious. Nevertheless, FO Terpenning succeeded in his resolve to reach Allied territory. It became necessary to leave the crippled aircraft by parachute, Even so, this brave Captain ensured that all members of his crew got clear before jumping himself. This officer displayed coolness, courage and captaincy of a high order. “ (London Gazette 2/3/1945 Page 1206)

185 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417533 Warrant Officer TORR, Glen

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/991 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 114, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 475 Radio call sign: 60 – C Unit: 582 Sqn RAF

A report into the flying accident stated : “ The cause of the accident was due to a target indicator that had failed to release, exploded in the bomb bay when the aircraft was in flight.”

186 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424485 Pilot Officer WATSON, John Grylls DFM Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/1334 Digitised. 166/39/552 Commonwealth War Graves records W E Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 171, Volume 1945. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 983 Radio call sign: 60 – A Unit: 582 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 28th April 1945, Lancaster PB983 on a training flight, iced up after flying into a snow cloud and lost power on both port engines. At 100 feet, all control was lost and the aircraft crashed at 1150 hours near Deenethorpe airfield, 5 miles ENE from the centre of Corby, Northamptonshire, UK Two of the crew were killed in the crash, and the other five were injured. Crew: EAAF` FO Terpenning, R P DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Lt Barrett, A R (Navigator 1) RAF PO Newman,R A B (Navigator 2) RAAF 426001 WO A A L Anderson, DFC (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 428985 WO A W McIlrath, DFC (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 424485 PO Watson, J G DFM (Air Gunner) RAF AC2 R G Lloyd, PAX Both FO Terpenning and PO Watson who were killed in the crash are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. Citation : The Citation for the DFM awarded to the then Flt Sg Watson is as follows : “ Whilst acting as Rear Gunner in a daylight raid on Cologne on the 23rd December 1944, Flt Sgt’s Watson turret was rendered exceptionally sluggish by sever flak damage the aircraft received on the run into the target. On leaving the target area, the aircraft was set upon by fighters which constantly attacked scoring many hits. Flt Sgt Watson continued to fire at the enemy and directed evasive action despite the fact that the turret had to be rotated by hand and stoppages prevented him from using two of his guns. One fighter pressing home his attack scored a direct hit on the rear turret with cannon fire mashing the perspex, intercom, and jamming the turret doors. Despite the fact that he was trapped in his turret, Flt Sgt Watson remained calm and continued to return fire as best he could whilst the fighters attacked, until he was eventually released from outside. By his courage and devotion to duty, Flt Sgt Watson undoubtedly prevented the fighters from closing min and destroying the aircraft and so aided the safe return of the whole crew. He is strongly recommended for the immediate award of the DFM.

187 In his remarks the Station Commander said : “A courageous and cool action. This NCO fought with complete disregard for his own personal safety and I strongly recommend him for the immediate award of the DFM.” (London Gazette 23/2/1945)

In the above action set out in the DFM Citation awarded to Flt Sgt Watson, another RAAF member of the crew, WO Anderson , the Wireless Air Gunner, was awarded the DFC for his part in the action. Realising that his comrade Flt Sgt Watson was trapped in the rear turret, Anderson went to render assistance. It was a dangerous task as the Pilot was taking violent evasive action, and the fuselage had suffered considerable damage. Nevertheless he negotiated a safe passage to the rear turret and extricated his comrade, after forcing the turret open with an axe. Anderson was also in the crew and was injured in the crash on the 28th April 1945. He survived the war and was discharged from the RAAF as a WO, on the 24th June 1946

188 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421127 Flying Officer ROULSTON, Alexander Somerville

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/268 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Martinet Serial number: EE 968 Radio call sign: Unit: 587 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 11th May 1944, Martinet EE968 took off on a daytime non-operational flight of silent cooperation with an Army Practice Camp. Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 421127 FO Roulston, A S (Pilot)

The aircraft crashed at 0930m hours at West Quarterhead, Somerset, UK, and the pilot was killed He is buried in the Bath (Haycombe) Cemetery, UK.

A report into the accident stated : “ The aircraft was seen by two independent witnesses to circle in the vicinity of a Practice camp occupied by No 206 Regiment at Watchet at 600/700 feet . The aircraft then straightened out and then went into a steep dive, hit the ground and burst into flames. The aircraft was totally burnt out and technical examination of the wreck was impossible

The aircraft had completed one run and was circling over West Quarterhead prior to making another run. Independent witnesses say that the engine stopped, and the aircraft dived, hit the ground and burst into flames. The height at which the aircraft was circling was uncertain but the ground here was about 500 feet higher than the Army camp and the pilot probably did not have adequate height to recover control after the engine stopped. All pilots were instructed to make their run in a direction which does not take them over this high ground behind the Army camp, so that they are over suitable ground for a forced landing in the event of an engine failure.”

189 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

17641 Flight Sergeant RASTON, Piers Oscar George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/35/245 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Beaufighter Serial number: MX 1550 Radio call sign: Unit: 600 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 2nd April 1944, Beaufighter MX1550 crashed on take off at 1500 hours, from Marfianise Landing Ground, in the Mediterranean area. Both the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF 17541 Sgt P O G Raston, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W J Weston, (Navigator Bomb Aimer)

The crew are buried in the Caserta War Cemetery, Italy.

190 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419269 Warrant Officer HYNES, Aether Joseph

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/18/524 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: PT 648 Radio call sign: Unit: 601 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 10th November 1944, Spitfire took off from Fano airfield, Italy, at 1015 hours detailed to hit three Field Guns in the Forlie/Faenza area, Italy. Each aircraft in the formation carried one 500lb bomb.

The formation arrived over the target area at approx 1045 hours and formed up to attack. Moderate to light ack-ack came up from the area. The Formation Leader led the formation down into a bomb dive with WO Hynes being No 6. As the Leader was pulling out of his dive he noticed that No 6 was streaming white smoke and was flying at 300 feet never having pulled out of his bomb dive. The aircraft continued to dive, exploded on impact with the ground and burst into flames. It was considered that PT 648 had been hit by ack-ack fire. No parachute was seen to leave the aircraft.

Crew: RAAF 419269 WO A J Hynes, (Pilot)

WO Hynes is buried in the Faenza War Cemetery, Italy.

191 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403113 Sergeant SAWYER, Roy Ernest Frederick

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/160/140 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Aircobra Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 601 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 13th December 1941, an Aircobra of 601 Sqn RAF, flown by Sgt Sawyer, crashed at 1030am, 100 yards from the perimeter wire at RAF Station, Debden, Essex, UK. The accident was attributed to an error of judgement by the pilot, when making an approach to landing.

Sgt Sawyer was killed in the accident, and he is buried in the Saffron Walden Cemetery, Essex, UK. Saffron Walden is a municipal borough, market town and parish in the East Anglian Heights, 12 miles north of Bishops Stortford, and about 50 miles by rail north east of London.

192 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408883 Flight Lieutenant SMITH, Thomas Harold

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/676 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: MH 778 Radio call sign: Unit: 601 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 6th September 1944, Spitfire MH778 was detailed to bomb and strafe road movements north of Coriano, Italy. The aircraft was seen to catch fire and crash.

Crew: RAAF 408883 Flt Lt Smith, T H (Pilot)

Flt Lt Smith is buried in the Gradara War Cemetery, Italy. The cemetery is situated in the commune of Gradara in the province of Pesaro.

On the 11/9/44 information was received from Army sources that a burnt out wreck of a Spitfire had been found 3 miles north east of Coriano on the road to Musano, the position just having been taken by the Allies. Squadron personnel proceeded to the site and found the wreck of Spitfire MH778. The pilots body was still in the aircraft.

193 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419408 Warrant Officer GREEN, Jack Dawson

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/593 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: SM 473 Radio call sign: Unit: 603 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 17th March 1945, Spitfire SM473 took off at 1455 hours to carry out an armed reconnaissance on a junction north east of Ulrecht, Holland. The aircraft was hit by ground fire and crashed, and the pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 419408 WO J D Green, (Pilot)

The pilot is buried in the Barendrecht General Cemetery, Netherlands. Barendrecht is a village and commune, 11kms SSE of Rottredam.

The CO of 603 Sqn who was leading the formation on this operation, later reported : “ At 1410 hours on 17th March 1945, I was leading the formation attack a junction north east of Ultrecht. The Squadron attacked and reformed successfully. At 1435 White 2 (Green) reported that a three ton truck was behind the formation and I ordered Blue Section to attack, but as the truck entered the Dutch village before this was possible, Blue Leader refrained from doing so owing to the possibility of civilian casualties. On seeing Blue section was not attacking, I set course for elsewhere, and did not notice the absence of White 2 until the Squadron reformed into battle formation. White 4 reported on landing that he saw White 2 attack the vehicle in the face of intense light flak. About this time I heard someone call on the R/T that they had been hit, but as their were several sections engaged on dive bombing and using the same R/T frequency, I did not attribute this call too our Squadron as no call sign had been given.”

194 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403642 Flight Lieutenant BECKETT John Rogers

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/476 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: HX 823 Radio call sign: Unit: 605 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 23 March 1944, Mosquito HX823 took off RAF Bradwell Bay, near Southminster, UK, at 2000 hours, detailed to carry out an intruder operation Ranger patrol on Gardelegen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 403642 Flt Lt Beckett, J R Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Topping, F D (Navigator Bomb Aimer)

The crew lost their lives and they are buried in the Amersfoort (Oud Leusden) General Cemetery, Netherlands. Amersfoort is a town 50kms south east of Amsterdam

The crew were on their 13th trip of their second tour.

195 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418831 Flying Officer GIBSON, Colin Cuthill

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/25/255 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: PZ 390 Radio call sign: Unit: 605 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 18th January 1945, Mosquito PZ390 took off from RAF Station Blackbushe (Hartford Bridge) near Camberley, Sussex, UK, at 0517 hours. It’s primary target was to carry out an intruder mission and attack transport in the Erkelenz/Heinsberg area. A secondary target was to attack railways in the Wesel/Munster/Osnabruck area. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 414806 FO Lumsden, G M Captain (Pilot) RAAF 418831 FO Gibson, C C (Navigator)

Both the crew lost their lives and they are buried in the Rheinber War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. The crew were very experienced on intruder patrols having done 21 sorties as a crew.

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “ Witnesses stated that in January 1945, the inhabitants of the area suffered from constant strafing and low level bombing attacks. As from 1800 hours every enemy plane which were thought to be based in the Geilenkirchen area, constantly harassed the place. At dawn on the 18th January 1945, there was a half hour silence until the day shift went into action. Some Germans had just left the shelter when an aircraft appeared from the west with motors shut off at about a height of 100 feet. Shortly after it crossed the railway line near Terheeg, and there was a strong flash and the aircraft exploded and disintegrated. It was thought that the aircraft had nit a high tension cable, and .pieces of wreckage were spread over a wide are. The aircraft was identified as Mosquito PZ390.”

196 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414806 Flying Officer LUMSDEN, Graham Murray

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/25/255 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: PZ 390 Radio call sign: Unit: 605 Sqn RAF

Crew: RAAF 414806 FO Lumsden, G M Captain (Pilot) RAAF 418831 FO Gibson, C C (Navigator)

197 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405614 Flying Officer BOHANE, Brian Joseph

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9300 Barcode 5372704 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 607 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 17th July 1945, FO Bohane (a Pilot), was killed in a motor accident at Mingaladon in the Indian area. He is buried in the Rangoon War Cemetery, Myanmar.

198 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404687 Flying Officer MACDONALD, Peter

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/49 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: HV 781 Radio call sign: Unit: 607 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 11th March 1943, Hurricane HV781 flown by FO Macdonald, with Sgt Peters as his No 2, took off at 0603 hours from Mittagong on a Rhubarb operation to the Yenangyat/Singhy area. The target was reached and oil derricks, a launch and jetties were attacked.

A20 foot chimney was noticed and the aircraft attacked this, flying in line astern. After one of his attacks, the No 2 noticed that HV781 had disappeared from view. No 2orbitted the area from zero to 12,000 feet for some 10 minutes, but failed to see anything of his No 1, and he then returned to Base, arriving at 0920 hours. No flak or enemy opposition was encountered on the mission.

Crew: RAAF 404687 FO Macdonald, P (Pilot)

FO Macdonald is buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar. The cemetery adjoins the village of Taukkyan, which is about 35kms north of Yangon, (formerly Rangoon)

199 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

6951 Flight Sergeant BEITZ, Cecil Francis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705,1166/9/116 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: FE 535 Radio call sign: Unit: 608 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 26th June 1943, Hudson FE535 was detailed to carry out a day non-operational training flight. The aircraft crashed at 2.30pm on the 26th June at La Chiffa, North African Air Force, five miles west of Blida, Algeria, and all the crew were killed.

Crew: RCAF FO Drysdale, A Captain (Pilot) RCAF FO Gularaahall, H (Observer) RAAF 412409 Flt Sgt E A K Dettman, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 6951 Flt Sgt C F Beitz, (Wireless Air Gunner)

The only undisputed evidence into the accident is that an engine (or engines) was heard to splutter when the aircraft was at 3000 feet and five mile from the aerodrome. It then descended in a spin to 200 feet from the ground., when the pilot pulled out but immediately after the wing dropped and the aircraft flew into the ground at a steep angle.

Those killed are buried in the El Alai Cemetery, Algeria. The Cemetery is 13kms south east of Algiers on the road to El Harrash.

200 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

442325 Flight Sergeant BOLTON, Robert John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/740) Commonwealth War Graves Records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 447, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: KB 348 Radio call sign: 6T - Unit: 608 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 11/12th October 1944, Mosquito KB348 took off from RAF Downham Market at 0136 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Reeder, S W Captain (Pilot) RAAF 442325 Flt Sgt R J Bolton, (Navigator Bomb Aimer)

Both the crew lost their lives and they are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

201 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412409 Flight Sergeant DETTMANN, Ronald Alexander Kennedy

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705,1166/9/116 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: FE 535 Radio call sign: Unit: 608 Sqn RAF

Crew: RCAF FO Drysdale, A Captain (Pilot) RCAF FO Gularaahall, H (Observer) RAAF 412409 Flt Sgt E A K Dettman, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 6951 Flt Sgt C F Beitz, (Wireless Air Gunner)

Those killed are buried in the El Alai Cemetery, Algeria. The Cemetery is 13kms south east of Algiers on the road to El Harrash.

202 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414311 Flight Lieutenant MACLEAN, Malcolm Hamilton Murray, DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/837 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 114, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: KB 197 Radio call sign: 60 – C Unit: 608 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 5/6th March 1945, Mosquito KB197 took off from RAF Downham Martket, detailed to attack Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 414311 Flt Lt MacLean, M H M DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Todd, (Navigator)

The aircraft crashed near Braine-le-Comte (Hainaut), a small town on the Halle to Soignies road and about 6kms north east from the latter. Both the crew were killed and they are buried in the Leopoldsburg War Cemetery, Belgium. Leopoldsburg is 56kms north east of Leuven on the N73.

Citation. The Citation for the DFC awarded to Flt Lt MacLean is as follows : “This officer was the pilot of an aircraft detailed to attack Hanover one night in November 1944. At one stage on the outward flight, Flt Lt MacLean temporarily lost consciousness. The aircraft went into a steep dive. Flt Lt MacLean quickly recovered and, although the aircraft had lost much height, he succeeded in levelling out. A little later a fighter was encountered. The attacker opened fire several times but due skilful manouvering, Flt Lt MacLean prevented his aircraft from being hit. The enemy aircraft was eventually evaded and Flt Lt MacLean continued to the target, which he attacked at a height much lower than originally planned. He afterwards flew safely back to base. This officer has completed many sorties and has invariably displayed commendable skill, courage and devotion to duty,” (London Gazette 19/1/1945 Page 468)

203 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404676 Flying Officer WECKER, Alan Rodney

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/143 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: FK 626 Radio call sign: Unit: 608 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 5th April 1943, Hudson FK626 took off from a drome in North Africa, to carry out an operational night anti-submarine patrol. The weather was clear with good visibility at take off with a standard electric flare path with a double row of lights. The aircraft struck the ground approx 900 yards beyond the perimeter fence and in a straight line with the flare path. It then ran forward along the ground some 100 yards leaving pieces of debris on the ground. .

The accident was witnessed by the OIC Flying who was a mile and a half away from the point of impact and by two ack-ack gunners who were on duty very near the scene of the crash. The aircraft made a normal take off, and when it was at approx 50 feet, the starboard engine burst into flames, and when at a height of 80 feet the flames enveloped the whole of the engine nacelle. The aircraft then lost height rapidly, hit the ground and ran along about 100 yards towards a row of trees, then turned over and burnt. All the depth charges and bombs were later recovered intact.”

Crew: RAF PO Watson, E P O Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404676 FO Wecker, A R (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt J F Garbutt, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO Sherriff, N (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew were killed in the crash and they are buried in the El Alia Cemetery, Algeria. The cemetery is 13kms south east of Algiers on the road to El Harrash.

204 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414482 Flight Lieutenant GIBSON, Raymond Kennedy DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/15/415 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Typhoon Serial number: RB 311 Radio call sign: Unit: 609 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 14th February 1945, Typhoon RB311 crashed at Pfalzdorf, five miles north east of Goch, Germany, and the pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 414482 Flt Lt Gibson, RK DFC (Pilot)

A report on the accident is as follows : “ On the 14th February 1945, I was flying as Red 3 in Flt Lt Gibson’s section. We were orbiting the north east of Goch at 3000 feet, when he was suddenly hit in the starboard tank by flak which appeared to be of 40mm calibre. The tank caught fire and I saw him pull up to starboard approx 200 feet. He then turned over on his port side and then dived vertically to the ground covered in flames. A pin-point of us was 10 miles north east of Goch. I did not see anything leave the aircraft and believe he was not able to leave the aircraft right from the time it was hit until it hit the ground and exploded.”

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to Flt Lt Gibson is as follows : “ Flt Lt Gibson has taken part in a large number of varied operations which have included attacks on canals, headquarters and dumps, gun positions and bridges. Immediately prior to D Day, Flt Lt Gibson took part in a number of successful attacks on heavily defended installations and throughout the campaign destroyed and damaged enemy transports and tanks. In September 1944, he took part in operations against gun positions in the Calais area, inflicting severe damage in the face of heavy opposition. Flt Lt Gibson has proved to be a fearless pilot and flight commander.” (London Gazette 12/2/1946, P903)

205 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421689 Flying Officer RENDALL,Malcolm Henry Gallion

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/35/526 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Typhoon Serial number: MW 434 Radio call sign: Unit: 609 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 13th April 1945, Typhoon MW434 was detailed to carry out an operational RP attack Winkle Operation near Arnhem, Holland. The aircraft crashed near Graves Bridge, Holland, and the pilot was killed.

In a report into the accident it stated : “ MW434 was involved in a collision in mid air with Typhoon RB250 and both pilots were killed. The collision occurred when the aircraft were forming up after take off. An error of judgement on the part of the pilot of RB250 would appear to have resulted in the mid air collision, causing the deaths of both pilots.”

Crew: RAAF 421689 FO Rendall, M H G (Pilot)

FO Rendall is buried in the Uden War Cemetery, Netherlands. Uden is situated north of Brabant and about 16 miles north of Eindhoven.

206 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417018 Warrant Officer SMITH, Stanley Edgar

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/1042 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Typhoon Serial number: PD 572 Radio call sign: Unit: 609 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 23 April 1945, Typhoon PD572 was part of a Squadron formation, detailed to carry out RP and cannon attacks on shipping and barges in the Frisian Islands and in Emden Harbour. The aircraft was hit by flak, and crashed near Funten at 1545 hours. WO Smith was seen attempting to bale out as the aircraft hit the ground, but the chute did not open fully.

Crew: RAAF 417018 WO S E Smith, (Pilot)

WO Smith is buried in the Nieuw-Scheemda Protestant Churchyard, Netherlands. Niew- Scheemda is about 6kms NNW of and administered by the Scheemda, is 31kms east of Gtoningen on the motor road to Termunen. WO Smith is the only 1939-1945 was fatality to be buried there.

207 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407941 Sergeant CROCKER, Henry Bert

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/98,507 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: AD 912 Radio call sign: Unit: 610 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 19th May 1942, Spitfire AD912 took off from RAF Coltishall, detailed to carry out a non-operational daytime air firing exercise. It collided in flight with Spitfire BL267, and due to loss of the port aileron and other unknown causes, it crashed at 1645 hours into the ground and caught fire. The aircraft went into a flat spin and hits high tension cables. The Pilot of AD612 was killed.

Crew: RAAF 407941 Sgt H B Crocker, (Pilot)

Sgt Crocker is buried in the Scottow Cemetery, Norwich, Norfolk, UK.

The Pilot of the other aircraft, PO M Rousselot, who was uninjured, was a member of the FAFL (Free French). This aircraft struck Spitfire AD912 in the rear of the fuselage and the tops of the port main plane. The Pilot of BL267 carried out a successful forced landing on the drome at Ludham, Norfolk, with the wheels down.

The Group Captain of RAF Coltishall in his remarks on the accident stated : “ I interviewed Rousselot after the crash. From his statement, I consider him the most responsible for the accident. Rousselot was leading Red Section which was detailed for air to sea firing, with Sgt Crocker as Red 2. He changed position in the formation without telling Red 2 on the R/T, and I think that in the final change over from the starboard to the port side of Red 2, he lost sight of the aircraft underneath him.”

208 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412611 Sergeant GILBERT, John Richard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/27/32 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: BL 691 Radio call sign: Unit: 611 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 27th January 1943, Spitfire BL691 took off at 1055 hours detailed to carry out cine gun training exercise with Sgt Gilbert in EN822. The take off was normal. At 1105 hours information was received that both aircraft had crashed at Westerham Water works, UK..

BL691 had crashed at Westerham Water Works soon after take off with EN822 which had also crashed, BL691 apparently stalled and spun in from approx 5/700 feet, and Sgt Mackay was killed. An enquiry into the accident stated : “ There was no technical failure BL691 stalled and spun in while searching for EN822” The Gr Capt RAF Station, Biggin Hill said : “It would seem that both aircraft may have hit each other in mid air.”

EN822 crashed near Hawley Farm, Westerham soon after take off for cine gun practice with BL691. Witnesses state that EN822 came out of clouds and was on fire before impact with the ground. Gr Capt Malan of Biggin Hill remarked : “The investigating officer believes that EN822 was on fire before impact.”

Crew : BL691 RAAF 409163 Sgt A R Mackay, (Pilot)

Crew : EN822 RAAF 412611 Sgt J R Gilbert, (Pilot)

Both pilots are buried in the Orpington (St Mary Cray) Cemetery, UK.

209 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409163 Sergeant MACKAY, Alton Ronald

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/27/32 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: BL 691 Radio call sign: Unit: 611 Sqn RAF

Crew : BL691 RAAF 409163 Sgt A R Mackay, (Pilot)

Crew : EN822 RAAF 412611 Sgt J R Gilbert, (Pilot)

Both pilots are buried in the Orpington (St Mary Cray) Cemetery, UK.

210 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401995 Flight Sergeant MCLAY, Robert Maxwell

Source: AWM 237(65) NAA : A705, 166/26/54 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: BS 510 Radio call sign: Unit: 611 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 14th March 1943, Spitfire BS510 took off from RAF Biggin Hill at 1700 hours, with eleven other aircraft from the Squadron, detailed to carry out an offensive sweep over northern France. At 1745 hours action was joined with enemy fighters, in the vicinity of Berck Bay, France. In the ensuing encounter others saw BS510 diving steeply with two enemy aircraft behind him. Nothing was seen or heard from BS510 after that and the aircraft failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 401995 Flt Sgt R M McLay, (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Mclay is buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery, France. Etaples is a town about 27kms south of Boulogne, France.

211 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414872 Flight Sergeant WILSON, Maurice Keith Hazard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/717 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: R 6888 Radio call sign: Unit: 611 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 14th June 1944, Spitfire R6888 was one of a formation of aircraft from the Squadron that took off from ALG Beasland, Sussex, to carry out a routine patrol over the assault area at Normandy, France, and provide fighter cover for other aircraft. R6888 was seen to be shot down in flames south of Caen in the Bougy area.

Crew: RAAF 414872 Flt Sgt M K H Wilson,(Pilot)

Flt Sgt Wilson is buried in the Culey-Le-Patry Communal Cemetery, France. Culey-Le- Patry is a village and commune 26kms SSW of Caen, France.

In a letter to Flt Sgt Wilons mother the CO of 611 Sqn wrote : “When some 25 miles south west of Caen the squadron ran into a formation of German fighters who slightly out numbered us. A general dog fight ensued and your son called on the radio to say his aircraft had been hit. Two members of the Squadron saw his aircraft being attacked by an ME109, but they were heavily engaged at the time and unable to go to his assistance, nor did they see what happened to him subsequently.”

212 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405519 Flight Sergeant GARRETT, George Edwin

Source AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/15/63 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: MP 656 Radio call sign: Unit: 612 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 5th June 1943, Wellington MP656,when on a day non-operational training flight, crashed at 1357 hours, approx one mile south of RAF Chivenor, Barnstaple, North Devon, UK. Four of those on board were killed and two seriously injured.

Crew: RAF Wg Cdr Kendrick, J S (1st Pilot) Killed RAAF 405519 Flt Sgt G E Garrett, (2nd Pilot) Killed RAF FO Millington, P (Pilot) Killed RCAF WO2 D Turnbull,(Navigator Bomb Aimer) Killed RAF Fl Lt Neale, R (Wireless Air Gunner) Seriously Injured RAF Sgt H B Trethewey, (Wireless Air Gunner) Seriously Injured

Wg Cdr Kendrick, Flt Sgt Garrett and WO2 Turnbull are buried in the Heaton (Puncharden) St Augustine Churchyard, Devonshire, UK FO Millington was cremated in the Manchester Crematorium.

A report on the accident stated : “ The aircraft was seen on the downwind leg of the circuit with its wheels down, the nose of the aircraft went down, the wheels were retracted, and the aircraft continued in a downward spiral to port . The port wing hit a tree and then passed over a small ship about 60 feet high, and crashed on sands on the estuary of the River Taw about 60 yards from the ship, and caught fire on impact.. The aircraft broke at the ASV station and one member of the crew was thrown clear, while another extricated himself when under water.The survivors had no knowledge that anything was wrong with the aircraft, but another Pilot saw some puffs of smoke from the port engine some minutes before.”

In his remarks on the accident the Group Captain RAF Chivenor said : “The accident appears to be primarily caused through failure of the engine of the aircraft.”

213 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406510 Sergeant TURNER, Geoffrey Philip

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9301 Barcode 5531932 digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 612 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 9th November 1942, Sgt Turner (Navigator Bomb Aimer) when on air operations, lost his life at the Faroe Islands, UK. He is buried in the Midvaag Military Cemetery, Faroe Islands, UK. Midvaag is on the south coast of Vaago one of the western islands of the group. The cemetery is to the west of Midvaag Harbour on the road to Sorvaag.

No other detail is available as Archives do not hold a RAAF Casualty file.

214 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419765 Flying Officer DORRINGTON, Ronald Kingston

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/43 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: LR 47 Radio call sign: Unit: 614 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 16th March 1945, MosquitoLR47 crashed between Mofetta and Biscegue, Italy, at approx mid day when on a training flight. The crew of two were killed.

Crew: RAAF 419765 FO Dorrington, R K Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Boston, C H (Navigator)

They are buried in the Bari War Cemetery, Italy.

FO Dorrington had completed 29 operational sorties when with 40 Sqn RAF in the Central Medit Force.

215 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414681 Flight Sergeant HIBBINS, Leonard Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/545 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: P108 Radio call sign: Unit: 614 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 29th April 1944, Halifax P108 took off at 2010 hours detailed to bomb the Mestre Marshalling Yards. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 411673 WO G J Atwell, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W C McKay, (Flight Engineer) RNZAF Flt Sgt J M MacLeod, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt J J Jones, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 414681 Flt Sgt L H Hibbins, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt V B Prime, (Air Gunner)

An RAF signal was sent out to all aircraft at 2108 hours to abandon the task owing to a deterioration in the weather. This signal was not acknowledged by P108.

The body of Flt Sgt MacLeod was washed ashore at Rodi on the 30th April 1944. He is buried in the Sangro War Cemetery, Italy. The body of Flt Sgt Hibbins was found washed ashore east of Rodi on the 1st May 1944. He is buried in the Bari War Cemetery, Italy. Sgt McKay is also buried in the Bari War Cemetery, Italy.

All the others have no known grave and their names arte commemorated on the Malta Memorial, Malta. The Memorial is in the Floiriana area, and can be easily recognized by the Golden Eagle which surmounts the column.

216 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421820 Flight Lieutanant NEUBECK, William Francis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/29/211 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: KH 231 Radio call sign: Unit: 614 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 21 February 1945, Liberator KH231, took off at 1409 hours, along with other aircraft from the Squadron, detailed to bomb Pola, North Eastern Italy. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 421820 Flt Lt Neubeck, W F Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W J Sugden (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt H G Lawley, (Air Bomber) RAF FO Gladstone, D S J (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt A E Tyreman, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt C Wilkins, (Air Gunner) RAF PO Gibbs, W J (Air Gunner)

An evacuation aircraft, Liberator KH231 was seen hit by flak on the bombing run over the target, prior to the release of bombs, The aircraft then broke into pieces emitting smoke. Five parachutes were seen, one of which only partly opened.

Five of the crew were killed and Sgt Sugden and FO Gladstone were survived the crash.

Those killed are buried in the Udine War Cemetery, Italy. Udine is approx 101kms north east of Venice.

217 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415679 Warrant Officer PRYOR, Arthur William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : 705, 166/42/75 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: JP 287 Radio call sign: Unit: 614 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 6th July 1944, Halifax JP287 took off at 2115 hours, detailed to bomb Feuersbrunn drome near Vienna, Austria. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Harrison, M G Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Rees, G D (Navigator) RAF Sgt W H Hodson, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt P C Dolman, (Air Bomber) RAF Sqn Ldr A Sudden, (Visual Air Bomber) RAAF 417537 Flt Sgt W R Vokes. (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 415679 WO A W Pryor, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Innerhalbach on the 6th July after being attacked by enemy night fighters. Innerhalbach is situated approx 32 miles south west of Vienna Austria.

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Klagenfurt War Cemetery, Austria. Klagenfurt is the capital of the Austrian province of Carinthia.

218 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417537 Flight Sergeant VOKES, Walter Richard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : 705, 166/42/75 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: JP 287 Radio call sign: Unit: 614 Sqn RAF

The aircraft crashed at Innerhalbach on the 6th July after being attacked by enemy night fighters. Innerhalbach is situated approx 32 miles south west of Vienna Austria.

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Klagenfurt War Cemetery, Austria. Klagenfurt is the capital of the Austrian province of Carinthia.

219 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413737 Warrant Officer CHAPPELL, Alan Lancaster

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/592 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: MD 373 Radio call sign: Unit: 615 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 10th August 1944, Spitfire MD373 crashed when flying on a non-operational flight, and the pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 413737 WO A L Chappell, (Pilot)

WO Chappell is buried in the Myanamati War Cemetery, Comilla, Bangladesh. Myanamati is 7kms from the centre of Comilla, which is on the railway line linking Dhaka to Chittagong.

In a statement on the accident, Flt Lt Gannan said : “Chappell was flying No 2 in a formation of 16 aircraft from the Squadron travelling from Patel to Baigachi. When slightly south west of Jessore, bad weather was noticed and the Squadron climbed to avoid it. At a height of 6/7000 feet the Squadron entered this grey wispy cloud which developed suddenly into dark grey to black monsoon cloud. The entire Sqn split up due to the extreme bumpy condition and I had no opportunity to observe WO Chappell. Nothing was heard from him over the wireless, and in my opinion Chappell lost control of his aircraft and was unable to regain it again in rime to prevent it crashing. The accident occurred at Attarai in position 22.40N, 89.18E on the morning of the 10th August. Later the Police informed RASU that an aircraft had crashed in a lake under 14 feet of water. The aircraft was not visible, but the police handed over a waterproof coat with Chappell’s name on it which was found nearby at the crash site.”

220 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

1086 Wing Commander HOLMWOOD, Raymond Arthur

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9300 Barcode 5246866 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 615 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 26th February 1941, a Hurricane aircraft flown by Wg Cdr Holmwood, a flying Instructor, was shot down by an enemy fighter, and was killed.

Crew: RAAF 1086 Wg Cdr Holmwood, R A (Pilot)

Wg Cdr Holmwod is buried in the Whyteleafe (St Luke) Churchyard, UK. An airmen’s corner is set aside in the cemetery, for the burial of airmen from RAF Kenley, Whyteleafe Station at Croydon.

221 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400232 Squadron Leader McCORMACK, David William DFC and Bar MID

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/722 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: LV 742 Radio call sign: Unit: 615 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 10th August 1944, Sqn Ldr McCormack CO Of 615 Sqn RAF was leading a formation of sixteen Sqn aircraft from Palel to Baigachi., India. but LV742 failed to reach its destination. In a statement by Sqn Ldr Gannon of 615 Sqn he said : ‘Slightly south east of Johore, bad weather was seen, and Sqn Ldr McCormack climbed the Squadron. At about6000 to7000 feet the Squadron flew into grey whispy cloud, which later developed into a severe monsoon cloud. The entire squadron were split up and the last heard of Sqn Ldr McCormack was when he gave a pilot instructions to turn on 180 degrees. The cloud was extra bumpy and the conditions were so severe that I think it most probable that Sqn Ldr McCormack DFC lost control of his aircraft and was unable to regain it in time to prevent a crash. The aircraft and bosy were located at Jalapore on 12/8/1944.” Crew: RAAF 400232 Sqn Ldr McCormack,D W DFC and Bar, MID (Pilot) Sqn Ldr McCormack is buried in the Calcutta (Bhowanipore) Cemetery, India. Citations : The Citation for the DFC awarded to the then Flt Lt McCormack of 615 Sqn RAF is as follows: “ This officer has carried out a large number of operational sorties, many of which have been low level attacks on objectives in Belgium and Northern France. He has at all times displayed greatest determination in the face of enemy fire, pressing home his attacks to the utmost. On one occasion, although wounded by enemy fire, Flt Lt McCormack descended to almost ground level to achieve success. He has set an inspiring example to all” (London Gazette 6/2/1942,Page 610)

The Citation for the Bar to the DFC awarded to Flt Lt McCormack of615 Sqn RAF, is as follows “ Flt Lt MccOtmack has been actively engaged on operations in India since October 1942. He has achieved excellent results on long distance sorties over difficult country. As a pilot and Flight Commander, his cool courage and skill have been invaluable to his Squadron. In attacks on Mandalay and Akyab, despite considerable opposition, he allowed no obstacle to deter him from completing his tasks successfully. (London Gazette 18/6/1943,Page 2769). : Sqn Ldr McCormack was Mentioned in Despatches in the 1945 New Years Honours list.

222 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420253 Flying Officer PAIN, Malcolm Turner Wellesley

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/461 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: MD 292 Radio call sign: Unit: 615 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 10th August 1944, Spitfire MD292 flown by FO Pain, was flying No 2 to Sqn Ldr McCormack DFC, leader of a formation of 16 aircraft from the Squadron flying from Patel to Baigichi. MD292 did not arrive at its destination and FO Pain was reported missing.

I was leading the Section on the starboard of the CO and noticed that Patel was flying rather unsteadily in cloud. The entire Squadron split up due to the bumpy conditions, and in my opinion Patel lost control of his aircraft and was unable to control it in time to prevent a crash. Nothing was heard on the R/T. The accident occurred at Jalapore in position 22.22 long, 89.15.5 east. On the 10th August 1944. The wreck of the aircraft was discovered on the 12th August and the aircraft was identified along with personal effects of Pain.”

Crew: RAAF 4220253 PO Pain, M T W (Pilot)

PO Pain is buried in the Chittagong War Cemetery, Bangladesh.

223 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412550 Fligtht Sergeant JOHNSTON, Donald Edward

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705,166/21/141 Commonwealth War Grave records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: ND 136 Radio call sign: Unit: 616 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 1st April 1944, Spitfire ND136 was returning from a day operational patrol, when it crashed at 1346 hours, about 18 miles north west of Brighton at Wiggin Holt, Sussex, UK. The aircraft disintegrated in the air and wreckage was spread over a wide area. The Pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 412550 Flt Sg D E Johnston, (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Johnston is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles from London.

224 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412728 Pilot Officer SMITH, Alan Finlay

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/312 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Tiger Moth Serial number: DE 481 Radio call sign: Unit: 616 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 21st October 1943, Tiger Moth DE481 from RAF Station Fairwood Common, crashed at the Fairlie Estate, Ringwood, Hants. UK, and the two on board were killed.

Crew: RAAF 412728 PO Smith, A F (Pilot0 RAF Flt Sgt E R Cole, (Pilot) PAX

PO Smith is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles from London. Flt Sgt Cole is buried ion the Edmonton Cemetery, Middlesex, UK

An enquiry into the accident reported that : “ The Pilot PO Smith while engaged in unauthorised low flying over the London Tavern Hotel, Ringwood, which is 10miles south of Bournemouth, misjudges his height after doing a stall turn to the right over the hotel, at approx 100 feet. While pulling up out of the resultant dive, the aircraft lost flying speed, stalled and crashed 600 feet from the hotel. Both occupants were killed and the aircraft was a write off. The occupants of the aircraft both knew the proprietor of the hotel, and carried out two circuits of the hotel at 100 feet waving at the proprietor before doing a stall turn and crashing. All flying controls were in order as far as we are able to ascertain, and the engine was running normally at the time of the impact, but this cannot be substantiated until the engine is pulled down and examined.”

225 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401899 Flight Lieutenant BARLOW, Robert Norman George DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/162 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 152, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 927 Radio call sign: AJ – E Unit: 617 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 16/17th May 1943, Lancaster ED927 took off from RAF Scampton, at 2128 hours, detailed to carryout operation Chastise and attack the Scorpe Dam in Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 401899 Flt Lt Barlow, R N G DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Willis, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Burgess, P S (Navigator) RAF PO Gillespie, A DFM (Air Bomber) RAAF PO Williams, C R DFC (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF FO Glinz, H S (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J R G Liddell, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at 2350 hours after colliding with high tension cables at Haldern, 4kms ESE of Rees. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality : Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 15kms south west of Kleve.

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to Flt Lt Barlow is as follows : “Throughout his many operational sorties, this officer has displayed the highest courage and devotion to duty. He has participated many attacks on Essen, Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne, and on two occasions he has flown his aircraft safely back to base on three engines. During periods of the most extensive operations`, Flt Lt Barlow has set a magnificent example of courage and determination, (London Gazette 14/5/1943,P2155)

Sgt Liddell was 18 years of age when he died, and must have concealed his true age when he enlisted on 30th May 1941. He was the youngest fatality from this operation.

226 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412218 Flying Officer HALL, John Irvine, DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/480 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 74, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 382 Radio call sign: KC – J Unit: 617 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 13th February 1944,Lancaster DV382 took off from RAF Ford at 0830 hours detailed to carry out an attack on the Antheor Viaduct, Sardinia, Italy. The aircraft was returning to base after refuelling, when it crashed 10 miles north east of Chichester. Seven on board were killed and Sqn Ldr Suggitt was injured, but died of his injuries on 15th February 1944. . Crew: RCAF Sqn Ldr Suggitt, WR DFC Captain (Pilot) RCAF Flt Sgt J Pulford, DFM (Flight Engineer) RAAF 41218 PO Gordon, J I DFC (Navigator) RCAF FO Davidson, N J (Navigator) RAAF 411775 FO Hall, S G DFC (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J P Riches, (Air Gunner) RCAF FO J McB Dempster, DFM (Air Gunner) RAF Sqn Ldr Lloyd, T W DSO (Squadron Intelligence Officer) Sqn Ldr Suggitt is buried in the Chichester Cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt Pulford is buried in the Hull Northern Cemetery. PO Gordon, PO Davidson and FO Dempster are buried in the Conningsby Cemetery, UK. Conningsby is 7 miles south west of Horncastle. FO Hall is buried in the Wickham Market Cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt Riches is buried in the Lingfield (SS Peter and Paul) Churchyard Extension, UK. Sqn Ldr Lloyd was cremated in the Cheltenham Crematorium, UK At 52 years of age, he was the oldest officer killed in Bomber Command in 1944..

WO Gordon when a member of 467Sqn RAAF, was awarded the DFC in a General Citation promulgated in London Gazette 10/12/1943 P5381.

227 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

411775 Flying Officer HALL, Stanleuy George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/480 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 74, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 382 Radio call sign: KC – J Unit: 617 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 13th February 1944,Lancaster DV382 took off from RAF Ford at 0830 hours detailed to carry out an attack on the Antheor Viaduct, Sardinia, Italy. Having completed its mission, the aircraft was returning to base after refuelling, when it crashed 10 miles north east of Chichester. Seven on board were killed and Sqn Ldr Suggitt was injured, but died of his injuries on 15th February 1944. .

Crew: RCAF Sqn Ldr Suggitt, WR DFC Captain (Pilot) RCAF Flt Sgt J Pulford, DFM (Flight Engineer) RAAF 41218 PO Gordon, J I DFC (Navigator) RCAF FO Davidson, N J (Navigator) RAAF 411775 FO Hall, S G (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J P Riches, (Air Gunner) RCAF FO J McB Dempster, DFM (Air Gunner) RAF Sqn Ldr Lloyd, T W DSO (Squadron Intelligence Officer)

Sqn Ldr Suggitt is buried in the Chichester Cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt Pulford is buried in the Hull Northern Cemetery. PO Gordon, PO Davidson and FO Dempster are buried in the Conningsby Cemetery, UK. Conningsby is 7 miles south west of Horncastle. FO Hall is buried in the Wickham Market Cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt Riches is buried in the Lingfield (SS Peter and Paul) Churchyard Extension, UK. Sqn Ldr Lloyd was cremated in the Cheltenham Crematorium, UK At 52 years of age, he was the oldest officer killed in Bomber Command in 1944.

228 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407074 Flight Lieutenant HAY, Robert Claude, DFC and Bar Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/481 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 402 Radio call sign: Unit: 617 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 13th February 1944, Lancaster DV402 took off from an airfield in England at 2312 hours on the 12th February 1994, detailed to carry out an attack against the Antheor Viaduct, Sardiniia, Italy. As the aircraft was making its bombing run, it was attacked by enemy fighters, and a shell hit the nose of the aircraft. Flt Lt Hay was killed, and fragments of the shell injured Flt Lt Whittaker in the legs. The others in the crew were uninjured, and Sqn Ldr Martin, the Captain, landed the aircraft safely at Sardinia. One other aircraft from 617 Sqn was lost on the same mission (see page 74, volume 1944 W R Chorley)

Crew: RAF` Sqn Ldr Martin, K M Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Lt Whittaker, (Flight Engineer) RAAF FO Scott, (Navigator) RAAF 407074 Flt Lt Hay, E C DFC and Bar, (Air Bomber) RAF FO Gordon, L T (Wireless Operator) RAAF Sgt Fowler, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 408076 FO Simpson, T D DFC, DFM (Rear Gunner) Note : The circumstantial report on the above mission is set out at Enclosure 22A of above RAAF Casualty file 166/17/481.held at archives. The copy of the report is almost unreadable so that there is uncertainty as to the correct names of the crew. Flt Lt Hay is buried in the Cagliari (St Michelle) Communal Cemetery, Italy. Cagliari is the chief town on the Isle of Sardinia, and the cemetery is 3.5kms north of the town centre. Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to Flt Lt Hay is as follows “ Joint Citation for the Dam Busters raid on the Moehne, Eder and Scorpe Dams in Germany. on the night of 16th May 1943, with the award of the DSO to Acting Flt Lt D J Shannon RAAF, and PO L G Knight RAAF, a bar to the DFC of Acting Flt Lt J F Leggo (see page 408), the DFC to Pilot Officers C L Howard (see page 180) and FM Spafford, DFM, RAAF (see Page 338) and the DFM to Flt Sgt T D Simpson, RAAF.

On the night of 16th May 1943, a force of Lancaster bombers was detailed to attack the Moehne, Eder and Scorpe dams in Germany. The operation was one of great difficulty and hazard, demanding a great degree of skill and courage and close cooperation between

229 the crews of the aircraft engaged. Nevertheless a telling blow was struck at the enemy by the successful breaching of the Moehne and Eder dams. This outstanding success reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of the following personnel who participated in the operation in various capacities as members of aircraft crews. (London Gazette 28/5/1943 P2361)

Citation : To FO R C Hay, 407074, of 50 Sqn RAF, a Joint Citation with the award of a Bar to the DFC to Act Sqn Ldr G H Everitt, RAFVR.

One night in August 1942, these Officers as Captain and Navigator (Hay) of aircraft respectively, were detailed to execute a special bombing sortie. In spite of difficulties, they accomplished their task successfully:, and brought back excellent photographs. Sqn Ldr Everitt and FO Hay have completed many sorties and they have always displayed great skill and determination to make every mission a success. Their outstanding operational efficiency and devotion to duty have set a fine example. (London Gazette 20/201942, P4541)

FO Hay was awarded a Bar to his DFC in 1943 (see Page 405) and was killed in action on 13th February 1944.

230 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401449 Flight Lieutenant KNIGHT, Leslie Gordon, DSO MID Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/23/21 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 322, Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 144 Radio call sign: KC – N Unit: 617 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of 15/16th September 1943, Lancaster JB144 took off from RAF Coningsby at 2358 hours, detailed to bomb the Dortmund-Ems Kanal near Ladbergen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 401449 Flt Lt Knight, L G DSO MID Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Grayson, R E (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Hobday, H S DFC (Navigator) RAAF FO Johnson, E C DFC (Air Bomber RAAF 411453 FO Kellow, RG DFM (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt F E Sutherland, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt L C Woollard, (Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt H E O’Brien, (Air Gunner) The aircraft flew into trees in the target area and later seven of the crew baled out in the vicinity of Amelo, Holland. Flt Lt Knight then attempted a forced landing at 0346 hours near Den Ham, but crashed into a bank, whereupon the aircraft exploded. Flt Lt Knight was killed and he is buried in the Den Ham General Cemetery, Netherlands. Den Ham is a large village 16kms north west of Amelo, on the road to Meppel and the north. Three Commonwealth airmen are buried in the Cemetery. The rest of the crew were POW’s or evaded capture. Apart from Sgt Woollard, this was the crew who made the final breach in the Mohne Dam.

In a later report by FO Kellow, who evaded capture, he said : “ We were number six in the order to bomb the target, and whilst waiting our turn were flying on the outskirts of the target at a height of 50 to 100 feet. We had completed two circuits when I felt a violent bump, which appeared to me to come from almost underneath the aircraft. The pilot started at once to climb and when he reached a height of about 500 feet he sought permission from the leader of the formation to jettison his bombs. Our aircraft for this operation was fitted with R/T for inter-com purposes. The Leader of the formation gave permission to Flt Lt Knight to jettison, which he did immediately. Flt Lt Knight then stated over the R/T that he had jettisoned his bombs and would endeavour to make base.

231 The Pilot continued to climb, but as the two port engines showed signs of catching fire they were feathered. After reaching a height of approx 1,500 feet the starboard inner showed signs of catching fire, and was also feathered. The starboard rudder also appeared to be damaged. The aircraft then started to lose height gradually, and at about 1,200 feet, the Captain gave the order to ”abandon aircraft.” Before I left the aircraft, the Bomb Aimer and the Rear Gunner left by the front escape hatch and were followed by the Flight Engineer and Navigator. I signalled to the Pilot to ask him if he was alright, and he gave me a sign indicating that he was alright. Before leaving the aircraft I did hear messages received from two of the aircraft wishing us good luck, that was immediately after Flt Lt Knight stated he was going to endeavour to return to base. For the purpose of the operation R/T was used by the Leader of the formation to call in the aircraft in their order to bomb. While we were waiting for our turn to bomb the target we were flying through patchy fog. The weather up to within twenty minutes flying from the target was clear with bright moonlight, but ground fog developed within the vicinity of the target. The fog did not appear to extend above 200 feet. “. (Enclosures 14a and 14b of above file 166/23/21 held by Archives refer) FO Kellow survived the war and was discharged Flt Lt from the RAAF on 23/4/1946. Citations: The Citation fro the DSO awarded to the then PO Knight is as follows : On the night of 16th May 1943, a force of Lancaster bombers was detailed to attack the Moehne, Eder and Scorpe dams in Germany. The operation was one of great difficulty and hazard, demanding a great degree of skill and courage and close cooperation between the crews of the aircraft engaged. Nevertheless a telling blow was struck at the enemy by the successful breaching of the Moehne and Eder dams. This outstanding success reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of the following personnel who participated in the operation in various capacities as members of aircraft crews.

The Citation for the Mention in Despatches to Flt Lt Knight, is as follows “In recognition of distinguished service.”

232 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

`407380 Flying Officer SPAFFORD, Frederick Michael DFC DFM

Source: AWM 237(65) NAA : A705, 166/38/279 Digitised Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 321, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: EE 144 Radio call sign: AJ – S Unit: 617 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 15/16th September 1943, Lancaster EE144 took off from RAF Coninsby at 2356 hours, tasked to bomb the Dortmund-Ems Kanal near Ladbergen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Holden, G W DSO, DFC and Bar, MID Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt D J D Powell, MID (Flight Engineer) RCAF Flt Lt Taerum, T H DFC (Navigator) RAAF 407380 FO Spafford, DFC DFM (Air Bomber) RCAF FO Deering, G A FC (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Lt Hutchison, R E C DFC and Bar (Air Gunner) RAF FO Pringle, H J DFC (Air Gunner) RAF PO Meikle, T A DFM (Air Gunner) EE144 when over Holland, was struck by light flak. The aircraft was at the time the leading aircraft in the formation and was flying at a height of approx 200 feet. The aircraft was on fire after it was hit, and it swerved violently to port and then came down at an angle of 35 degrees to crash at Altendorf, Germany. All on board were killed and they are buried in the Rheichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to Flt Lt Spafford is as follows “ Joint Citation for the Dam Busters raid on the Moehne, Eder and Scorp Dams in Germany on the night of 16 May 1943, with the award of DFC to the then PO Spafford, the award of DSO to Flt Lt D J Shannon, (RAAF) and to PO L G Knight (RAAF), a bar to DFC’s to Flt Lt R C Hay (see Page 405) and Flt Lt J F Leggo (RAAF) (see Page 408), the DFC to PO C L Howard, RAAF (see Page 108), and the DFM to Flt Sgt T D Simpson, RAAF.

On the night of 16th May 1943, a force of Lancaster bombers was detailed to attack the Moehne, Eder and Scorp dams in Germany. The operation was one of great difficulty and

233 hazard, demanding a high degree of skill and courage and close cooperation between the crews of the aircraft engaged. Nevertheless, a telling blow was struck at the enemy by the successful breaching of the Moehne and Eder dams. This outstanding success reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of the above personnel who participated in the operation in the various capacities as members of aircraft crews.(London Gazette 28/5/1943 P2361)

Citation: The Citation for the DFM awarded to the then Flt Sgt Spafford of No 50 Sqn RAF, is as follows : “Sgt Spafford was posted to no 50 Sqn with effect from 24th April 1942. This Air Gunner re-mustered on the Squadron to Air Bomber, and he has consistently justified his selection for the position. He has now completed 15 operational sorties and on all these operations, this Sergeant has by his keenness, efficiency and enthusiasm, has materially assisted in the successful conclusion of their task. He has directed his pilot onto the target so successfully that at Saarbrucken, Bremen, Frankfurt and Munich, his photographs have proved the success of the attacks. Sgt Spafford is always cheerfully efficient and has set a very firn example to all the other Air Bombers in the Squadron and it is considered that he is well worthy of immediate recognition. I strongly recommend that he is granted an immediate award of the DFM. “

The remarks by the Station Commander were : “This recommendation is strongly recommended. As the outstanding results achieved by FO Calvert’s crew, of which he is a member, are undoubtedly largely due to the skill and determination of Sgt Spafford as Bomb Aimer.”

234 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405224 Flying Officer WILLIAMS, Charles Roland Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/195, 166/5/162 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 152, Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 927 Radio call sign: AJ – E Unit: 617 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of 16/17th May 1943, Lancaster ED927 took off from RAF Scampton, at 2128 hours, detailed to carryout operation Chastise and attack the Scorpe Dam in Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 401899 Flt Lt Barlow, R N G DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Willis, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Burgess, P S (Navigator) RAF PO Gillespie, A DFM (Air Bomber) RAAF PO Williams, C R DFC (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF FO Glinz, H S (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J R G Liddell, (Rear Gunner)

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to FO Williams when he was attached to 61 Sqn RAF, is as follows : “FO Williams has taken part in many numerous successful sorties including two attacks on Berlin and others on Cologne, Essen, Hamburg, Munich and Bremen. He has also participated as Wireless Operator/Air Gunner in a daylight raid on le Creusot. His technical ability in the air has been of the highest order and his example of quiet efficiency ahs greatly influenced his crew. FO Williams has done fine work and his devotion to duty in the face of enemy opposition has been most commendable.” (London Gazette 20/7/1945, P3784)

Sgt Liddell was 18 year of age when he died on the 16th May1943, and he must have concealed his true age when he enlisted on 30th May 1941.He was the youngest killed on this particular mission.

235 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404846 Squadron Leader McGOLDRICK, James Stewart

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : :A705, 166/26/1028 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: HR 614 Radio call sign: Unit: 618 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 27th July 1945, Mosquito, HR614 took off on a non-operational training flight. The aircraft crashed and caught fire one mile east of the Narromine Camp, NSW, at approx 1530 hours, and both the crew were killed. .

Crew: RAAF 404846 Sqn Ldr McGoldrick, J S Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Lt French, F J (Navigator)

Both the crew are buried in the Narromine War Cemetery, NSW, Australia.

236 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

23484 Pilot Officer CRAWFORD, Kent Elliott

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/514 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 295, Volume1944

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 986 Radio call sign: PG – S Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 21/22nd June 1944, Lancaster ND986 took off from RAF Dunholme Lodge at 2324 hours, detailed to bomb Wesseling, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 23484 PO Crawford, K R Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W A Loose, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt G N Rakley, (Navigator) RNZAF FO Galloway, K A (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt A R Ward, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF PO Howe, T E G (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J Cutting, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed into the Rhine between a road bridge ands a rail bridge at Duisberg. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve. PO Crawford’s body was washed ashore on the 28th June at Rhein near Krefeld.

237 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403012 Flight Lieutenant DAMPIER-CROSSLEY, Edward, DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : 705, 166/9/301 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 265, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: EE 112 Radio call sign: PG – T Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 10/11th August 1943, Lancaster EE112 took off from RAF Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, UK, at 2146 hours detailed to bomb Nuremberg, Germany. Nothing was heard fro0m the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base. .

Crew: RAAF 403012 Flt Lt Dampier-Crossley, E DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Patterson, G B P (Flight Engineer) RAAF 404519 FO McLean, J MacA DFC (Navigator) RAF FO Blazer, A H (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt F Dawson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF FO Moxham, P C (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J Wardle, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft exploded in mid air and crashed at Moosbach on the 11th August 1943, Moosbach is nine miles south east of Nuremberg. 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.

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to the then PO Dampier-Crossley of 50 Sqn RAF,is as follows: “This officer has always displayed outstanding qualities as captain of aircraft ,pressing home his attacks with determination, resolution and courage. He has taken part in attacks on many of the enemy’s most heavily defended areas and has obtained some excellent photographs. His outstanding devotion to duty is worthy of the highest praise.” (London Gazette 29/12/1942 Page 5638)

238 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

428679 Flying Officer FLOCKHART, Colin Kelvin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/13/381 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 40, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 975 Radio call sign: PG – M Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 7/8th January 1945, Lancaster ND975 took off from RAF Strubby, Alford, Lincolnshire, detailed to bomb Munich, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 428679 FO Flockhart, C K Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt P D Graves, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt R W Price, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt R W Keightley, (Air Bomber) RAAF 429268 Flt Sgt E A Smith, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt T L Letchford, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt A F Murdoch, (Rear Gunner)

When homebound, the aircraft disintegrated over St-Pierre, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Villeneuve-St-Georges Old Communal Cemetery, France. Villeneuve-St-Georges is a town 13kms south east of the centre of Paris and on the Paris to Melun road.

The average age of the crew was 21 years of age. Both Flockhart and Smith were 20 years old when they died.

239 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425640 Flight Sergeant GLAZEBROOK, James George Leslie

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/15/196 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 101, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 419 Radio call sign: PG –N Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 24/25th February 1944, Lancaster LM419 took off from RAF Coningsby Lincolnshire, at 2008 hours, detailed to attack Schweinfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF FO Williams, E K Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J R Trail, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Knight, A G (Navigator) RAF FO Clarke, C H (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt P B Smith, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 425640 Flt Sgt J G L Glazebrook, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt W Walch, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter, whose fire is believed to have caused the port wing to break off. It crashed between Oberkillwangen and Schmien, six miles south west of Calw, Germany. FO Williams, Flt Sgt Glazebrook and Sgt Walch were killed, and the others were POW’s. Those who lost their lives 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.

A Missing Research & Enquiry team were told that FO Williams had baled out but too late, and his body was found in a tree not fat from where the aircraft crashed.

240 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

5105 Pilot Officer GOLDSMITH, Peter Mylrea

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/152 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 276, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: EE 117 Radio call sign: PG – L Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 17/18th August 1943, Lancaster EE117 took off from RAF Woodhall Spa at 2151 hours, detailed to attack Peenemunde. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Wg Cdr McGrie, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 413037 Flt Sgt V G Stabell, (2nd Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt P J Horsham (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Prest, E G (Navigator) RAAF 5105 PO Goldsmith, P M (Air Bomber) RCAF Sgt F A Thompson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W A Mitchell, Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt A C R Chapman, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Ustrup, and all the crew were killed.

They are buried in the Aabenraa Cemetery, Denmark. Aabenraa is a town on the south east coast of Jutland, about 25kms from the German border.

241 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426589 Flight Sergeant HAY, James

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705,166/17/516 Commonwealth war Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 137, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 328 Radio call sign: PG – L Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 24/25th May 1944, Lancaster DV328 took off from RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, at 1853 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RNZAF PO Thompson, P Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt B F Gratwicke, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt J G Campbell, Navigator) RAF FO Leyland, J V (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt J D Pedley, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt L Minshull, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 426589 Flt Sgt J Hay, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft was attacked by a night fighter, it exploded in the air and crashed at Gueterfelde on the southern outskirts of Berlin.”

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Berlin1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

242 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417195 Flying Officer JACKSON, Frank Martin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/20/258 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 160, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: SW 254 Radio call sign: PG – S Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 10/11th April 1945, Lancaster SW254 took off from RAF Strubby at 1841 hours, as part of a Squadron formation, detailed to attack the Wahren railway yards at Leipzig, Germany. A message was received from the aircraft 13 minutes before the time of the attack that they had no information to pass, as the aircraft was detailed for wind finding, and would normally pass back wind strength and direction about that time. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF Flt Lt McMorran, A E Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Lt Jackson, F (Flight Engineer) RCAF Flt Lt B A Williamson, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt H J Burke, (Air Bomber) RAAF 417195 FO Jackson, F M (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO Chalmers, J W (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF PO Perring, C T W (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft was shot down by ack- ack fire, and crashed at Loeberitz on the 10th April 1945, which is 15 miles north east of Halle. Six of the crew were killed in the crash and Flt Sgt Burke was a POW.

Those killed are buried in the Berlin1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

243 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

30159 Flight Sergeant KNIGHTS, Walter William Nelson

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/23/26 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 406, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 336 Radio call sign: PG – U Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 26/27th November 1943, Lancaster DV336 took off from RAF Woodhall Spa at 1722 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. The aircraft was returning from the mission and it was diverted to RAF Elvington because of bad weather at base. It crashed when attempting to land and the aircraft completely disintegrated. All on board were killed.

Crew: RAF PO Mears, K J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt L Pearse, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt D W Blundell,(Navigator) RAF PO Salt, G G (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt A R Wilcher, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 30159 Flt Sgt W W N Knights, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt H V Birch (Rear Gunner)

PO Mears is buried in the Teddington Cemetery,UK. Sgt Pearse, PO Salt and Flt Sgt Knights are buried in the Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, Yorkshire, UK. Flt Sgt Birch is buried in the Brompton Cemetery, UK. Sgt’s Blundell and Wilcher have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

244 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426124 Pilot Officer MACDONALD, Keith Mitchell

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/332 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Seconds World War, Page 25, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 123 Radio call sign: PG – D Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 2/3rd January 1944, Lancaster JB123 took off from RAF Woodhall Spa, at 2326 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF PO Heffernan, J A F Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt K W Cheshire, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Keeling, L C (Navigator) RAF FO Bearcroft, A B (Air Bomber) RAF FO Lord, W C J (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 426124 PO MacDonald, K M (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF WO E S I Evans,. DFM (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft exploded in mid air at 0210 hours on the 3rd January, and crashed at Wense, approx five miles south of Soltau, Germany.

All the crew were killed. Six have been buried in the Hamburg Cemetery, Germany. WO Evans is buried in the Celle War Cemetery, Germany.

245 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404519 Flying Officer McLEAN, John McArthur, DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : 705, 166/9/301 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 265, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: EE 112 Radio call sign: PG – T Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft exploded in mid air and crashed at Moosbach on the 11th August 1943, Moosbach is nine miles south east of Nuremberg.

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.

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to the then PO McLean of 50 Sqn RAF is as follows : “ PO McLean’s navigation has been of the highest order and has in a large measure contributed to the successes achieved by his pilot and crew. On a night in August 1942, at Osnabruck, and again in September 1942, at Wilhelmshaven, he obtained some excellent photographs. This officer’s devotion to duty, keenness and operational efficiency have been an inspiration to his fellow navigators.” (London Gazette 29/12/1942, P5638)

246 ` RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425454 Flying Officer MOLINAS, Frank Francis DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/358 digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 338, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 378 Radio call sign: PG – J Unit: 619 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of 18/19th July 1944, Lancaster LM378 took off from RAF Dunhome Lodge at 2302 hours, detailed to attack the railway junction at Revigny, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 422545 FO Molinas, F F DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J A Nealey, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt A W Hebergham, Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt L Morgan (Air Bomber (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt A E Curtis, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R B Cox, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt M Loosli, (Rear Gunner) A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “When outbound, the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter, and crashed at Montreuil-Aux-Lions (Aisne), France, some16kmsWSW of Chateau-Thierry “ Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Nealey evaded capture. Those killed are buried in the Montreuil-Aux-Lions British cemetery, France.

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to FO Molinas is as follows : “ This officer was the Pilot of an aircraft detailed to attack a target in Northern France one night in July 1944. In the bombing run, the aircraft was attacked by a fighter and sustained much damage. The port engine was put out of action, several large holes were torn in one of the wings and the ailerons were damaged. Some of the pilot’s instruments were shattered, whilst FO Molinas was slightly wounded. In spite of this, he manoeuvred to a good position from which his gunners were able to engage the enemy aircraft effectively. Following their good shooting the attacker was seen to turn on its back and then dive steeply apparently out of control. FO Molinjas then executed a successful bombing attack and afterwards flew the damaged aircraft back to base. This officer set an example of skill, courage and resolution. (London Gazette 29/8/1944,Page 4014).

247 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419608 Flight Sergeant ROTHWELL, Len

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA 1666/327 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley, RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World, Page 354, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 484 Radio call sign: PG – H Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 26/27th July 1944, Lancaster LM484 took off from RAF Dunholme Lodge at 2126 hours, detailed to bomb rail communications at Givors, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 421645 FO Turvey, R G Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt E Graham, (Flight Engineer) RCAF WO2 T F Galbraith, (Navigator) RAF Sgt J H Gilliver, (Air Bomber) RAAF 419608 Flt Sgt L Rothwell, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt J G Pearce, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R K Thair, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “ The aircraft crashed at La Taconniere which is near Maisontiers, which is approx nine miles north of Oarthenay, France.” All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Pornic War Cemetery, France. Pornic is on the north side of Bourgneuf Bay and is 5kms WSW of Nantes, and 20kms SSE of St Nazaire, via the bridge over the River Loire.

248 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

429268 Flight Sergeant SMITH, Eric Alfred

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/13/381 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 40, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 975 Radio call sign: PG – M Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

249 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413037 Pilot Officer STABELL, Victor Goerge

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/152 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 276, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: EE 117 Radio call sign: PG – L Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

The aircraft crashed at Ustrup, and all the crew were killed.

They are buried in the Aabenraa Cemetery, Denmark. Aabenraa is a town on the south east coast of Jutland, about 25kms from the German border.

250 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419440 Flight Sergeant STUART, Mark

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/389 Commonwealth War Graves records W T Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 28, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 977 Radio call sign: PG – A Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 5/6th January 1944, Lancaster ED977 took off from RAF Woodhall Spa at 0018 hours, detailed to bomb Stettin, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Day, A G Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W D Holliday, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt T Bell, (Navigator) RAF Flt Lt Wesson, T R AFM (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt R W Carpenter, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E E Watson, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 419440 Flt Sgt M Stuart, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed in the target area, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery, Poland. The City of Poznan is in the west of Poland on the main E30/2 road.

251 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

428079 Flight Sergeant TEMPLETON Rex Bernard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/388 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 480, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 742 Radio call sign: PG – S Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 6/7th November 1944, Lancaster LM742 took off from RAF Strubby at 1629 hours, detailed to attack the Dortmund-Ems Canal and Mitteland Kanal systems near Gravenhorst, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Hookings, E W Captain (Pilot0 RAF Sgt H J H Tait, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Lt Croney, L (Navigator) RAF Sgt R G Walters. (Air Bomber) RAAF 428079 Flt Sgt R B Templeton, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A C Norris, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt E P Wood, (Rear Gunner)

Flt Sgt Templeton, and Sgt’s Norris and Wood were killed in the crash, and the other four were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Reichswald Forest War cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

252 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421645 Flying Officer TURVEY, Ronald George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA 1666/327 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley, RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World, Page 354, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 484 Radio call sign: PG – H Unit: 619 Sqn RAF

253 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425093 Flight Sergeant BURNS, Huia Nelson

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/502 digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: LJ 475 Radio call sign: Unit: 620 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 13th April 1944, Stirling LJ475 from RAF Statiion Fairford, crashed at 0104 hours at Kemsford, Gloucester. Five of the crew were killed and PO Halliday was injured.

Crew: RAAF 425093 Flt Sgt H N Burns, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Wislard, ( RAF FO ? RAF Sgt Lewis, RAF Sgt E W Tootill, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO Halliday, (

Five of the crew were killed and PO Halliday was injured.. Flt Sgt Burns is buried in the Haycombe Cemetery, Bath, Somerset, UK. Sgt Tootill is buried in the Birch-in-Hopwood (St Mary) Churchyard, UK. There is insufficient information on the above RAAF Casualty file to provide any further details re the crew.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident found that : “At 0055 hours on the 12/13th April LJ475 called flying control at RAF Faiirford, seeking permission to release glider. Permission was given, but on the first circuit the Glider Pilot did not consider his position relative to the airfield satisfactory, and so he asked the Tug Pilot to do another circuit. This was done and the glider was released at not less than 1000 feet. The Stirling then lost height rapidly in order to drop his rope at 400 feet on the tope dropping area. The rope was dropped probably at about the right height, but the aircraft continued to descend and a few seconds later at a shallow angle and at high speed, crashed and burst into flames. The weather was excellent for flying. There was no evidence to suggest any technical failure. The evidence positively is that this pilot lost his rope by throttling back his motors, and was losing height rapidly after the rope drop but was too late to avoid the crash. It was an error of judgement by the Pilot.”

254 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420454 Flying Officer CAMPBELL, Macquarie James

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/188 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 306, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EH 946 Radio call sign: QS – P Unit: 620 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 31 Aug/1st Sept 1943, Stirling EH946 took off from RAF Chedburgh, Suffolk, at 2012 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 420454 FO Campbell, M J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W D Whitfield, (Flight Engineer) RNZAF FO Cox, H G F (Navigator) RNZAF Flt Sgt A H Smith, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt S E Birkett,(Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A E Taylor, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt T H Loke, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed Looberghe (Nord), 12kms SSW west of Dunkirk, France. Five of the crew were killed and FO Cox and Flt Sgt Smith were POW’s. FO Campbell, and Sgt’s Birkett and Loke are buried in the Dunkirk Town Cemetery, France. Sgt’s Whitfield and Taylor have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

In a POW report, FO Cox stated : “ At approx 3am as a result of damage caused by flak and enemy fighters, our aircraft was losing height rapidly and became out of control. At a height of less than 2000 feet, the Captain ordered Bale out. I left from the forward hatch with the Captain still at the controls. On reaching the ground, I saw a fire about one mile to the north, which I assumed was our aircraft. The Germans said all were killed except myself and Smith.”

255 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418112 Flight Sergeant HAYNES, Arthur Bruce

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/591 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EF 244 Radio call sign: Unit: 620 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 19th May 1944, Stirling EF244, took off from RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, detailed to carry out a non-operational glider drop day exercise. The aircraft crashed and the crew of six were killed.

Crew : RAAF 41812 Flt Sgt A B Haynes, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J W Taylor, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt G Powell, (Navigator) RAF Sgt R M Cotterell, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt A T Franks, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W P Jones,(Air Gunner)

Flt Sgt Haynes and Sgt Cotterell are buried in the Bath (Haycombe) Cemetery, Somerset, UK. Sgt Powell is buried in the Coedpoeth Cemetery & Memorial Garden, UK. Sgt Taylor is buried in the Kingsdown (St Edmund) Cemetery, UK. Sgt Franks, is buried in the Abney Park Cemetery, UK Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Sgt Jones is buried.

A later report into the accident stated: “ After the glider exercise was completed, twenty four aircraft were returning to the rope drop area in a stream in line astern. Stirling EF244 got off track about a mile to starboard. The crew realized this when about two miles short of the drop area, and altered course to port to pass over it. This they did, but Stirling EF244 struck another aircraft in the stream which was on the correct course. Both aircraft collided at about 400 feet, speed about 135mph, and both broke up on impact.”

256 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425312 Warrant Officer JONES, David Wise

Source: AWM237 (65) NA : A705, 166/26/733 Commonwealth War Graves Records

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: LJ 970 Radio call sign: Unit: 620 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 28th December 1944, Stirling took off from RAF Great Dunmow, Essex, detailed to carry out special operations against the enemy. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 420704 FO McNamara, J H (Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R Poole, (2nd Pilot) A member of a Glider Pilot Regiment) RAF Sgt G L Mitchell, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Lt Harries, K J (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt S W G Rodman, (Air Bomber) RAAF 425312 WO D W Jones, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt W Hughes, (Air Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry Team later reported : “ At 2330 hours a heavy attack on Horten took place, and the aircraft was shot down by a German fighter near Sande railway station in Vestfold, Norway. All on board were killed “

They are buried in the Sande in Vestfold Cemetery, Norway.. Sande is a town on the north west coast of the Oslo Fiord, south of Drammen.

257 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417496 Flight Sergeant LANGLEY, Keith Albert

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/24/198 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: FH 814 Radio call sign: Unit: 620 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 4rh October 1943, Stirling FH814 took off from RAF Chedburgh, Suffolk, detailed to attack the target at Frankfurt, Germany. The aircraft was hit by flak and attacked by an enemy night fighter, but did not crash and returned safely to land at 2335 hours at West Malling airfield. However the Rear Gunner Flt Sgt Langley was killed in the attack, while the others survived. The crew claimed to have shot down an ME116.

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt A P Clarke, Captain (Pilot) RCAF Sgt H M Butcher, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt A E Watkins, (Navigator) RAF Sgt G A Kirby, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt R C Rigg, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A W Dowsett, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 4117896 Flt Sgt K A Langley, (Rear Gunner)

Flt Sgt Langley is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles from London.

258 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412632 Warrant Officer McGILVRAY, Edward Joseph

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/141/745 Commonwealth war Graves records

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: LK 127 Radio call sign: Unit: 620 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 20th September 1944, Stirling LK127 took off from RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK, detailed to carry out airborne operations in Holland. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 403535 FO Scanlon, A R Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Dance, E B ( RAF Flt Sgt R J Lamont, ( RAF Flt Sgt W J Murray, ( RAAF 412632 WO E J McGilvray (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J W Marshall, (Ait Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “ The aircraft crashed at Heteren, which is five miles south west of Arnhem, Holland.” All the crew were reported missing. FO Scanlon, WO McGilvray and Sgt Marshall are buried in the Heteren General Cemetery, Netherlands. Heteren is a small village 12kms south west of Arnhem, on the south bank of the Neder (Lower) Rhine. Flt Sgt Lamont has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK. Commonwealth War Graves do not record the burial place of FO Dance and Flt Sgt Murray.

259 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS 410858 Pilot Officer McHUGH, Maurice Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/594 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Stirling, Serial number: LK548 Radio call sign: Unit: 620 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 20th September 1944, Stirling LK548 took off from RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, at 1451 hours, detailed to operate in conjunction with the Army in the field in northern Holland. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after takeoff, and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 410858 PO McHugh,M Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt D P Evans, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt J G Hume, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt N Gasgoyne, (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt E A Bradshaw, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt T Vickers, (Air Gunner) A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported :: “ The aircraft crashed at Vorstenbosch, 1.5kms east of Uden.” Three of the crew were killed, and Sgt Evans, and Flt Sgt’s Hume and Gargoyne evaded capture. Those killed are buried in the Groesbeck Canadian War Cemetery, Netherlands In a report Flt Sgt Hume stated : “I was the first to bale out at approx 1000 feet. My chute opened and I saw the aircraft strike the ground at a 45 degree angle. I saw two other chutes in the air, and Dutch eye witnesses said only three chutes were seen. McHugh refused a chute which was offered to him.” Flt Sgt Evans in his report stated: “I was the Flight Engineer on Lancaster LK548 on an operational flight to Arnhem. On the appropriate drop zone intense ack-ack was encountered at a height of about 1500 feet. The starboard aileron was set alight, but PO McHugh kept a straight course and did his utmost to drop the supplies in the correct area and was successful. During the whole time there was intense flak. After dropping the supplies, the Captain put the aircraft into a climb turning back at the same time. The aileron was still burning, and as soon as the aircraft had turned around, the petrol tank immediately forward of the aileron received a direct hit, and the whole wing tip burst into flames. I advised McHugh as to the condition of the aircraft, and he gave the abandon order. I put on a chute and took off my helmet. By now the whole starboard wing was alight, also the centre section, and the Captain was struggling hard to maintain height which was impossible. I was the second to leave the aircraft, and I I jumped I hard several explosions. The Nav was first out and I followed, then the Air Bomber. I was knocked unconscious by the opening of the chute, and did not see the aircraft crash. I landed about 3 miles north of Uden, and met the other two.I believe the other three were in the aircraft when it crashed.”

260 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420704 Flying Officer McNAMARA, John Henry

Source: AWM237 (65) NA : A705, 166/26/733 Commonwealth War Graves Records

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: LJ 970 Radio call sign: Unit: 620 Sqn RAF

They are buried in the Sande in Vestfold Cemetery, Norway.. Sande is a town on the north west coast of the Oslo Fiord, south of Drammen.

FO McNamara had among his possessions, a Croix de Guerre medal and ribbon.

261 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403535 Flying Officer SCANLON, Athol Richard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/141/745 Commonwealth war Graves records

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: LK 127 Radio call sign: Unit: 620 Sqn RAF

262 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

427035 Warrant Officer STURGES, Peter

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/641 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: LJ 920 Radio call sign: Unit: 620 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 4th August 1944, Stirling LJ920 took off from RAF Great Dunmow, Essex, detailed to carry out special operations over enemy occupied territory. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RNZAF PO Robinson, E G Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R G Glanville, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt J F Lewis, (Navigator) RNZAF WO I W Trainor, (Air Bomber) RCAF FO Habkirk, R McK (2nd Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt K J Johnson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 427035 WO P Sturges, (Air Gunner) RASC Cpl J Smith, (Despatcher) RASC Driver R Wright, (Depatcher)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “ The aircraft was shot down by ack- ack, and crashed near Notre Dame de Livaye, Calvados.France.

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Tilley-Sur-Seulles War Cemetery, France. From Bayeux, take the D6 south eastwards to Tilley-Sur-Seulles.

263 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415880 Flying Officer SWAN, Archie Campbell

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/517 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: LJ 886 Radio call sign: Unit: 620 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 7/8th May 1944, Lancaster LJ886 took off from RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, at 2231 hours, detailed to attack an enemy target on a special mission. The name of the target could was not divulged. Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 415880 FO Swan, A C Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A L A Ash-Smith, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Lister, J H B (Navigator) RAF FO Tay, W J (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt D Jones, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E G Swallow, (Air Gunner)

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Lyon (La Doua) French National Cemetery, France. La Doua is a suburb a Lyon on the north east side of the town.

264 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

37691 Flight Sergreant ALEXANDER, Edward David

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/3/277 Commonwealth War Graves records/ W R Chorley RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 420, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 291 Radio call sign: GI – F Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 12/13th September 1944, Lancaster LM291 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1820 hours¸ detailed to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 37691 Flt Sgt E D Alexander, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H Grice, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 434739 Flt Sgt I F MacGuigan, (Navigator) RAAF 415658 WO E A Hogan, (Air Bomber) RAAF 422301 Flt Sgt K W Rust, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W C Thorogood, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt E A Weatherhead, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “ The aircraft was shot done by a night fighter and crashed in the Forest of Potaschplatz, six miles north west of Wilgartswiesen, some 15kms ENE of Pirmasens.

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.

265 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416824 Pilot Officer BURROWS, Frank Reginald

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6 /483 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley, RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 167, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 808 Radio call sign: GI – U Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 10/11th April1944, Lancaster E D 808 took off from RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, at 0125 hours, detailed to bomb railway yards at Laon, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 416824 PO Burrows, F R Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt T J Stanley, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt N Butcher, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt A Wragg, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt J J King, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J M Allan, Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H McGiffen, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed some 25kms to 30kms north of Le Havre and all the crew were killed,

PO Burrows, Sgt Stanley, Flt Sgt Burcher and Flt Sgt Wragg are buried in the Ste Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France. Sgt’s Allan and McGiffen are buried in the St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France. Sgt King has no known grave, and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK

266 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418795 Flying Officer BUSBY, John Harold

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/651 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 383, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 466 Radio call sign: GI – P Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 12/13th August,1944, Lancaster LM466 took off from RAF Waterbeach, at 2145 hours, detailed to bomb Russelsheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 418795 FO Busby, J H Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt D J C Cosgrove, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt J J W Foster, Navigator) RAF Sgt J P C Cowan, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt H C Gsrdner, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R H C Troake, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt G W Wilson, (Rear 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 Bas Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich.

267 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

28155 Flight Sergeant CHIGWIDDEN, John Jospeh

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/571 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 344, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 859 Radio call sign: GI – Q Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 20/21st July 1944, Lancaster LL859 took off from RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, at 2310 hours, detailed to bomb Homberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Smith, A L Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R I Lewis, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 28155 Flt Sgt J J Chidwidden, (Navigator) RCAF FO Montgomery, F C (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt F D Brandon< (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E A O’Connor, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J Spencer, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at 0140 hours on the 21st July 1944, near the Canal Gates at Dongen, (Noord-Brabant) , 11kms north west from the centre of Tilberg,, and all the crew were killed. Five of the crew are buried in the Tilburg (Gilzerbaan) General Cemetery, Netherlands. FO Montgomery is buried in the Bergen-op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery, Netherlands. Sgt Spencer is buried in the Dongen Roman Catholic Cemetery, Netherlands.

268 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

432486 Flight Sergeant CONLEY, Graham Richard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/892 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 100, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: HK 769 Radio call sign: GI – D Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 2nd March 1945, Lancaster HK769 took off from RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, at 1301 hours, detailed to bomb Cologne, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Ray, H B M Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W J Ormshaw, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Boyle, C P (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt D G Lewis, (Air Bomber) RAAF 432486 Flt Sgt G R Conley, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt P S Armitage, (Air Gunner) RCAF PO Boyce, E B (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W F Heywood, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was flying in formation and was seen to receive a direct hit by flak, and crashed at Pulheim, Germany. All on board were killed and they are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium. Hotton is located south of Liege on the N86.

269 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426317 Flight Sergeant CONROY, Reginald Matthew

Crew: Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/190 digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 386, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EF 128 Radio call sign: GI – D Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 18/19th November 1943, Stirling EF128 took off from RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, at 1710 hours, detailed to bomb Mannheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft, and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 415264 PO Morcombe, J Captain (Pilot) RNZAF Flt Sgt H L R Richards, (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt A E Sly, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt D S Smith, (Navigator) RAF Sgt R Harper, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt S A Thomas, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 426317 Flt Sgt R M Conroy, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A A Ough, (Air Gunner)

A missing Research & Enquiry team later reported :: “ The aircraft was shot down by a German night fighter near Lachalade, at approx 8pm. Lachalade is 18.5 miles west of Verdun, France. Seven of the crew were killed in the crash, and Sgt Harper was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Lachalade Churchyard France. Lachalade is a village and commune, 44kms NNW of Bar-le-Duc and 30kms west of Verdun. These seven are the only WW2 airmen buried in the Churchyard.

270 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415247 Flight Lieutenant GODFREY, Richard Gerard

Source: AWM 237, (65) NAA : A705, Commonwealth War Graves records, W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 265, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 765 Radio call sign: GI –C Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night f 7/8th June 1944, Lancaster ND765 tooko ff from RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, detailed 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: RAAF 415247 Flt Lt Godfrey, R G Captain (Pilot0 RAF Sgt A W Ryder, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Stewart, A H (Navigator) RAF FO Chirighin, C D (Air Bomber) RNZAF PO Sewell, F S (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt W Ross, (Mid Upper Gunner) RNZAF Flt Sgt G E J Gardner, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Montigny-le-Bretonneux, (Yvelines), some 3kms east of Trappes. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Viroflay New Communal Cemetery, France.

271 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413375 Flight Lieutenant GRIFFITHS, Trevor Llewellyn

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/275 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 80, Volume 1944

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4272 Radio call sign: GI – C Unit: 622 Sqn RF

Summary: On the night of 15/16th February 1944, Lancaster W4272 took off from RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, at 1740 hours detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 413375 Flt Lt Grtiffiths, T L Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt H Morral, (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt F E W Chapman, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Taylor,R C (Navigator) RAF Sgt B J Allen, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt J W Griffiths, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Agt P W Wright, Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt C A Brown, (Rear Gunner)

When homebound, the aircraft was shot down by an enemy night fighter, crashing at 2333 hours on the 15th February 1944 in the Ijsselmeet off Andijk,(Noord-Brabant), 8kms north west of Enkheizen, All the crew wer3e killed.

The bodies of Flt Lt Griffiths Flt Sgt Morral and Sgt Chapman, were washed ashore. They are buried in the Andijk General Cemetery, Netherlands. Andijk is a village 65kms NNE of Amsterdam and 55kms ENE of Alkmaat. These three are the only WW2 airmen buried in the cemetery.. Sgt Brown is buried in the Groessbeek Canadian War Cemetery, Netherlands. The other three crew members have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

272 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415658 Warrant Officer HOGAN, Edwin Albert

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/3/277 Commonwealth War Graves records/ W R Chorley RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 420, Volume 1944. :

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 291 Radio call sign: GI – F Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

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.

273 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

429323 Flight Sergeant HOLDEN, Richard Paul Percival

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/293 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 276, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 812 Radio call sign: GI – Z Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 12/13th June 1944, Lancaster LL812 took off from RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, at 2300 hours, detailed to bomb Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 423256 FO Rattle, W F H Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt F M Leaney, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 423433 Flt Sgt R J W Moore, (Navigator) RAAF 424230 FO Tanner, W R (Air Bomber) RAAF 429323 Flt Sgt R P P Holden, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt M Dea, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R Bramley, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and exploded in the west of Oirschot (Noord-Brabant), some 13kms south west from the centre of Eindhoven. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Netherlands. .

274 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409971 Pilot Officer HUGHES, Peter Francis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/21/94 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley :RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 388 Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EF 123 Radio call sign: GI – A Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 19/20th November 1943, Stirling EF123 took off from RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, detailed to bomb Leverkusen, Germany. On return to base from the mission, the crew were instructed to divert to Bradwell Bay airfield in Essex. However thie order was rescinded, and course for Mildenhall was set. On nearing the airfield and letting down in poor visibility, the aircraft flew into trees during fog, and crashed at Flint Farm, Isleham, seven miles south east of Ely, Cambridgeshire. Six of the crew were killed, and Sgt McSpadyen was injured.

Crew: RAAF 409971 PO Hughes, P F Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A Taylor, (Flight Engineer) RNZAF Flt Sgt C W Hannah, (Navigator) RAAF 423325 Flt Sgt P J Ratcliffe, (Air Bomber) RAAF 420816 Flt Sgt L Joyce, (Wireless Air Gunner) RNZAF Sgt C F Thomas, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J McSpadyen (Air Gunner)

Five of the crew are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. Sg Taylor is buried in the Blackpool (Carleton) Cemetery, UK. `

275 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409837 Pilot Officer JAMES, Stanley Ernest

Source: AWM 237(65) NAA : A705, 166/20/99 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: R 5483 Radio call sign: GI – D Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 20/21st January 1944, Lancaster R5483 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1630 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF Flt Lt Claydon, D A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409837 PO James, S E (2nd Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt H Graham, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Davies, W H (Navigator) RAF Sgt D F Bache, (Air Bomber) RAF PO Shields, W G J (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt F Moseley, Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt P J Maher, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Berlin, at 1945 hours on the 20th January 1944, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

276 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424417 Flying Officer JAMIESON, John Robert Umphelby

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/42/85 digitised Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley, RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 420, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NF 965 Radio call sign: GI – S Unit: 622 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of 12/13th September 1944, Lancaster NF965 took off from RAF Mildenhall, at 1827 hours, detailed to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: NF965 of 622 Sqn RAF RAF FO Owen, G W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W A Drewett, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 424417 FO Jamieson, J R U (Navigator) RAF FO Tofield, O J (Air Bomber) RAAF 434128 Flt Sgt C A Vieritz, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S Minnis, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt D T Forest, (Rear Gunner)

Crew : LM 512 of 625 Sqn RAF RAAF 417807 FO Cornish, H N Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Tointon, D S (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt C H Rose, (Flight Engineer) RAF Fkt Sgt R E L Askie, (Navigator) RAF Sgt R E Evans, (Air Bomber) RAAF 424566 Flt Sgt J W Douglas, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R G Barker, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt A B O’Connor, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research and Enquiry team later reported : “ NF965 was presumably hit by flak, and collided in the air with LM512 at 2250 hours. Both aircraft exploded in the air, and crashed on the west bank of the Rhine near the village of Stattmatten, 4kms south west of Roschwog, (Alsace). Both crews of 14 members were killed.

Thirteen of the crew are buried in the Sessenheim Communal Cemetery, France. FO Tofield is buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

277 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420816 Flight Sergeant JOYCE, Leslie

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/21/94 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley :RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 388 Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EF 123 Radio call sign: GI – A Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Five of the crew are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. Sg Taylor is buried in the Blackpool (Carleton) Cemetery, UK.

278 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410498 Flight Sergeant KEARNEY, Augustine Michael

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/172 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 387, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EJ 113 Radio call sign: GI – Q Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 18/19th November 1943, Stirling EJ113 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 1710 hours, detailed to bomb Mannheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt S Owen, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409862 Flt R J Thomson, (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt L Pezaro (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Willetts, S (Navigator) RAF Sgt D R Comber, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt G H Austin, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt M L Nesvold, (Air Gunner) RAAF 410498 Flt Sgt A M Kearney, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed Bussy-le-Chateau (Marne), 18kms north east of Chalons-sur-Marne, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried min the Bussy-le-Chateau Churchyard, France. Bussy-le-Chateau is a village 18kns north east of Chalons-sur- Marne, which is on the main railway lines from Paris. The above eight crew members are the only WW2 servicemen buried in the Churchyard.

279 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424422 Pilot Officer LEAKE, Roslyn Downs

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/24/584 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 481, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: HK-644 Radio call sign: GI – D Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 6/7th November 1944, Lancaster HK644 took off from RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, at 1655 hours, detailed to bomb Koblenz, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 424422 PO Leake, R D Captain (Pilot0 RAF Sgt T B O’Donnell,(Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt P E Bell, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt J D Robertson, (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt A Hoy, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R Hunter, (Air Gunner) RAF FO Jones, H F (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R G Hawkes, (Air Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft crashed at Coblenz on the 6th November 1944.” 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 og Wesel.

280 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

434739 Flight Sergeant MACGUiGAN, Ian Fairlie

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/3/277 Commonwealth War Graves records/ W R Chorley RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 420, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 291 Radio call sign: GI – F Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

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.

281 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424532 Flight Sergeant MARSH, Norman Edward

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/27/522 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 350, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 477 Radio call sign: GI – L Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 24/25th July 1944, Lancaster LM477 took off from RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, at 2155 hours, detailed to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard form the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RNZAF Flt Sgt P N Vercoe, (Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt T J Simpson,(Flight Engineer) RNZAF Flt Sgt D R Pepper, (Navigator) RAF Sgt J H Jeary, (Air Bomber) RAAF 424532 Flt Sgt N E Marsh, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt R A Duffield, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt K E Gronow, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft exploded about 2.30am on the 25th July 1944, over the village of Essey-Les-Nancy , which is in the Meurthe-Et- Moselle department in the Lorraine, France.

Six ofl the crew were killed and Sgt Jeary was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Essey-Les-Nancy Churchyard, France. The six are the only WW2 Commonwealth airmen to be buried in the Churchyard

282 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

428011 Pilot Officer MAYHEAD, Jack Maxwell

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/27/456 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bombe Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 265, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 491 Radio call sign: GI – E Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 7/8th June 1944, Lancaster LM491 took off from RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, detailed 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: RAF PO Hall, J E Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt B W Jarvis, (Flight Engineer) RCAF PO Smith, R M (Navigator) RCAF PO M orris, D M (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt A E Till, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Cunningham, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 4228011 PO Mayhead, J M (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft was attacked by a night fighter, blew up in the air and crashed at approx 0200 hours on the 8th June 1944, near the village of Tacoignieres, (Yvelineis) the district of Seine et Oire.

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Tacoignieres Churchyard, France. The village of Tacoignieres is 33kms from Versailles and 18kms south of Nantes. The above seven are the only WW2 Commonwealth airmen buried in the Churchyard.

283 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423433 Flight Sergeant MOORE, Richard John William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/293 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 276, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 812 Radio call sign: GI – Z Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

284 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415264 Pilot Officer MORCOMBE. James

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/190 digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 386, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EF 128 Radio call sign: GI – D Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

285 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423325 Flight Sergeant RATCLIFFE, Peter John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/21/94 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley :RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 388 Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EF 123 Radio call sign: GI – A Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Five of the crew are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. Sg Taylor is buried in the Blackpool (Carleton) Cemetery, UK.

286 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423256 Flying Officer RATTLE, William Frederick Harvey

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/293 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 276, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 812 Radio call sign: GI – Z Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

287 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

422301 Flight Sergeant RUST, Kenneth William

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/3/277 Commonwealth War Graves records/ W R Chorley RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 420, Volume 1944. :

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 291 Radio call sign: GI – F Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

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.

288 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425061 Flight Sergeant SCHMIDT, Cleveland John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/470 digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 158, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 767 Radio call sign: GI – D Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 30/31at March, 1944, Lancaster ND767 took off from RAF Mildenhall, at 2230 hours, detailed to bomb Nuremburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Pickin, E Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H F Page, (Flight Engineer) RCAF PO Merritt, J F (Navigator) RAAF 425061 Flt Sgt C J Schmidt, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt R J Asplen (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G R Collins, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J Coup, (Rear Gunner)

When homebound, Lancaster ND767 collided with a 427 Sqn Halifax, which had drifted north of its track, both aircraft plunging into the ground near Rachecourt, (Luxembourg)13kms south west of Arlon, Belgium. All the crew on board Lancaster ND767 were killed in the crash. They are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium. Hotton is located south of Liege on the N86.

289 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424230 Flying Officer TANNER, Walter Richard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/293 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 276, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 812 Radio call sign: GI – Z Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

290 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419237 Flying Officer THOMAS, Maxwell Trevethan

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/321 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley, RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 350, Volume 1844.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NE 146 Radio call sign: GI – F Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 24/25th July 1944, Lancaster NE146 took off from RAF Mildenhall at 2150 hours, detailed to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base..

Crew: RAAF 419237 FO Thomas, M T Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt F H Whittington, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Schute, M R (Navigator) RAF PO Harris, R B V (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt G W Dalton, (Wireless Air Gunner) RNZAF Flt Sgt G A Sinclair., (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt D C Broome, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “ The aircraft crashed at Avrainville (Meurthe-et-Moselle), some 12kms NNE of Toul, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Choloy War Cemetery, France.

291 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409862 Flight Sergeant THOMSON, Russell James

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/172 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 387, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EJ 113 Radio call sign: GI – Q Unit: 622 Sqn RAF

292 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

434128 Flight Sergeant VIERITZ, Clifford Alexander

Thirteen of the crew are buried in the Sessenheim Communal Cemetery, France. FO Tofield is buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

293 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420900 Pilot Officer MOORE, William Gordon

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/191 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 387, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EF 155 Radio call sign: IC – O Unit: 623 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 18/19th November 1943, Stirling EF155 took off from RAF Downham market, at 1720 hours, detailed to bomb Mannheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 413464 Flt Lt Wallacs, J P H Captain (Pilot) RCAF FO Petch, D H (Pilot) RAF Sgt J W Windle, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Lampard, N (Navigator) RAF Sgt R L Gill, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt T V Lewis, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 420900 PO Moore, W G (Air Gunner) RAF FO Markham, F (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed ar Edenkoben, 9kms north of Landau in der Platz. Five of the crew were killed and FO Lampard,, Sgt’s Windle and Lewis were POW’s.

Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Linrtfort, Nordrhein- Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

294 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414170 Flight Sergeant TANNER, Oliver James

AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/125 digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 306, Volume 1943

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EE 949 Radio call sign: IC – G Unit: 623 Sqn RAF.

Summary: Stirling EE 949 of 623 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Downham Market, Norfolk, at 2230 hours on 31 August 1943 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Wg Cdr Little, E.J., DFC, Captain (Pilot). RAAF 414170 Flt Sgt O.J.Tanner, 2nd Pilot. RAF FO Huxter, E., Navigator. RAF Sgt A.C.Brooksbank, Air Bomber. RAF Sgt A.J.Millin, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. RAAF 425149 Flt Sgt E.R.Galligan, Air Gunner. RAF Sgt C.W.Sweeting, Air Gunner. RAF Sgt W.Lowe, Flight Engineer.

Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the aircraft crashed at Werbig, 9 kms north west of Belzig. The aircraft exploded on striking the ground and all crew were killed instantly. Flt Sgt Tanner and Sgt Millin are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. The other six crew members have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

295 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413464 Flight Lieutenant WALLACE, John Phillip Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/191 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 387, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EF 155 Radio call sign: IC – O Unit: 623 Sqn RAF

The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed ar Edenkoben, 9kms north of Landau in der Platz. Five of the crew were killed and FO Lampard,, Sgt’s Windle and Lewis were POW’s.

Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Linrtfort, Nordrhein- Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

296 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

427021 Flight Sergeant POTTER, Dennis Hilton

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : 705, 166/39/223 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: BB 444 Radio call sign: Unit: 624 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 1st February 1944, Halifax BB444 took off at Brindisi, Italy, at 1705 hours, detailed to carry out a special operation. in Albania. Nothing was hard from the aircraft after takeoff and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 410105 Flt Sgt E D S Tennant, Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Stanley, R E (Pilot) RAF Sgt J L Devine, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 427021 Flt Sgt D H Potter, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt F C R Burlefinger, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G Gardner, Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S D Baker, (Air Gunner)

Due to engine failure, the aircraft crashed in a valley near the pinpoints on its third circuit of the dropping zone. Six of the crew were killed, and Sgt Baker was slightly injured.

Those killed are buried in the Tirana Park Memorial Cemetery, Albania.

297 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410105 Flight Sergeant TENNANT, Edward Drake Steele

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : 705, 166/39/223 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: BB 444 Radio call sign: Unit: 624 Sqn RAF

Due to engine failure, the aircraft crashed in a valley near the pinpoints on its third circuit of the dropping zone. Six of the crew were killed, and Sgt Baker was slightly injured.

Those killed are buried in the Tirana Park Memorial Cemetery, Albania.

298 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

434217 Flight Sergeant ADAMS, Frank Percy

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/3/232 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 995 Radio call sign: Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 11th June, 1944, Lancaster ND995 took off at 2312 hours detailed to carry out a night operational bombing of Acheres. On its return from the mission, Flt Sgt Adams was injured and died later of his injuries. The rest of the crew were uninjured. .

Crew : RAF Flt Lt Baxter, J C Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J Blakey, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 417084 WO W J E King, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt A J Foley, (Air Bomber) RAAF 417950 Flt Sgt F O Evans, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 426856 Flt Sgt W T Adcock, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 434217 Flt Sgt F P Adams, (Rear Gunner)

In a Flying accident report it stated : ‘The aircraft returned from its mission, and on landing at 0405 hours, it was damaged on landing due to the failure of the Tail Oleo strut immediately above the tail wheel fork. The rear turret and the underside of the rear portion of the fuselage was damaged from formers 36 and 41.

No blame was attributed to the Pilot who made a good landing, who landed at 0405 hours on Runwas 24. The Pilot later said : “The landing was a normal one and the aircraft completed its run without the use of brakes. When I had slowed down to about 20 miles per hour, I opened the outer engines to clear the runway without delay. Almost at once there was a starboard tail shimmy and then a jar. The aircraft swung slightly to port and thinking the port main wheel had burst I opened up the throttles to take the aircraft off the runway. The Mid Upper Gunner then said the rear turret was damaged. I switched off the ignition and called for an ambulance.”

299 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423314 Flight Sergeant BOCK, Eric Alan

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/1490 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 381, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 733 Radio call sign: CF – Z Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 12/13th August 1944, Lancaster ME733 took off from RAF Kelstern, at 2125 hours, detailed to bomb Braunschweig, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off, and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 423313 WO F McL Percy, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt S J Spooner, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 423314 Flt Sgt E A Bock, (Navigator) RAF Sgt W E Lynch, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt F Howard, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 430256 Flt Sgt N W Gadsden, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 411099 Flt Sgt M D Moffatt, (Rear Gunner)

All the crew were killed . Five of them are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

Both Flt’s Gadsden and Moffatt are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Wesrfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

300 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423280 Flying Officer BRADY, John William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/751 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 459, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 691 Radio call sign: CP – O Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 23rd October 1944, Lancaster LM691 took off from RAF Kelstern, at 1631 hours, detailed to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard form the aircraft after take of and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Hamilton C W C Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt V Stringer, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Laing, G (Navigator) RAAF 423280 FO Brady, J W (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt H Martin, DFM (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt I L Murdoch, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J G Durham, (Rear Gunner)

While returning t base after the mission Lancaster LM691 was involved in a mid air collision with a 462 Sqn Halifax and both machines exploded, and crashed scattering wreckage over field south east of Aachen. Six of the crew were killed, and Sqn Ldr Hamilton parachuted to safety. PO Laing and Flt Sgt Martin are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany. The other four are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

301 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426035 Flying Officer BROWN, Geoffrey William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/778 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 477, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 154 Radio call sign: CF – Y Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 4/5th November 1944, Lancaster PB154 took off from RAF Kelstern, at 1715 hours, detailed to bomb Bochum, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 422065 FO Twynam E P, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt B H Petch, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt D J Lincoln, (Navigator) RAAF 426035 FO Brown, G W (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt D Bousfield, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A West, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J Jones, (Rear Gunner)

All he crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

302 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

428620 Flight Sergeant BROWN, Kenneth Thomas

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/983 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 101, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 158 Radio call sign: CF – G2 Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 2nd March 1945, Lancaster PB158 took off from RAF Kelstern, Lincolnshire, at 0730 hours to bomb Cologne, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 434453 FO Downes, T N Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Blackley, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 428162 FO Murray, L E (Navigator) RAAF FO Bloy, A J (Air Bomber) RAAF 428620 Flt Sgt K T Brown, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A J Sayers, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 29904 Flt Sgt W W Foy,(Air Bomber)

The aircraft exploded in the air. Six of the crew were killed and FO Bloy was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

In a POW Report FO Bloy stated : “ The aircraft was hit by ack-ack over the target and put the two port engines out. The Pilot said “stand by”. The Rear Gunner remained in the rear turret for a while to ascertain whether approaching fighters were friendly or otherwise. No one was injured. The others five were still in the aircraft when I and PO Blackley baled out. at 4000 feet. The aircraft was under control falling rapidly and a fire broke out in the wing. The bale out order was given immediately the fire was seen. The wing eventually blew off and the aircraft spun in and crashed near Stotzheim, south west of Cologne. Only two escaped the crash and the others in the aircraft were killed.”

303 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

427847 Flight Sergeant COLLARD, Gaetan Gerard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/607 166/13/291 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 387, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 674 Radio call sign: CF – U Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

Summary: Lancaster IM 674 of 625 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Kelstern, near Louth, Lincolnshire, UK, on 16 August 1944 to carry out a bombing attack on Stettin, Germany. Nothing further was heard of the aircraft or crew after take off, and it did not return to base.

Crew: RAAF 417050 PO Charlick, D G (Pilot) RAF Sgt Slade, J A (Flight Engineer) RAAF 417824 Flt Sgt Farrer, A W (Air Bomber) RAAF 426336 Flt Sgt Geddes, F J (Wireless Operator/Air) RAAF 409004 WO Moore, J F (Navigator) RAF Sgt Cletheroe (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 427847 Flt Sgt Collard, G G (Rear Gunner)

In a 1948/49 report on investigations carried out in an area surrounding Ueckermunde, it was established that the aircraft was lost on 16 August 1944 presumably as a result of enemy action. Ueckermunde is located on the coast of Stettiner Haff, 23 miles North West of Stettin.

The bodies of Collard, Geddes, Moore and Farrer were washed ashore and are interred in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. PO Charlick and the two remaining RAF members of the crew. have no known grave and their names are commemorated n the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

304 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417807 Flying Officer CORNISH, Howard Norman

Thirteen of the crew are buried in the Sessenheim Communal Cemetery, France. FO Tofield is buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

305 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424566 Flight Sergeant DOUGLAS James Watkins

Thirteen of the crew are buried in the Sessenheim Communal Cemetery, France. FO Tofield is buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

306 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

434453 Flying Officer DOWNES, Thomas Neville

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/983 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 101, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 158 Radio call sign: CF – G2 Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

The aircraft exploded in the air. Six of the crew were killed and FO Bloy was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

307 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417824 Flight Sergeant FARRER, Albrt Wilson

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/607 166/13/291 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 387, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 674 Radio call sign: CF – U Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

The bodies of Collard, Geddes, Moore and Farrer were washed ashore and are interred in 8the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. PO Charlick and the two remaining RAF members of the crew. have no known grave and their names are commemorated n the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

308 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

29904 Flight Sergeant FOY, Walter William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/983 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 101, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 158 Radio call sign: CF – G2 Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

The aircraft exploded in the air. Six of the crew were killed and FO Bloy was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

309 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

430256 Flight Sergeant GADSDEN, Noel Wilkinson

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/1490 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 381, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 733 Radio call sign: CF – Z Unit: 615 Sqn RAF

All the crew were killed . Five of them are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

Both Flt’s Gadsden and Moffatt are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Wesrfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

310 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426336 Flight Sergeant GEDDES, Frncis John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/607 166/13/291 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 387, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 674 Radio call sign: CF – U Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

311 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415944 Pilot Officer HALE, Harry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/658 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 312, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 743 Radio call sign: CF - C Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 30 June/1st July 1944, Lancaster JB743 took off from RAF Kelstern, at 2221 hours near Louth, Lincolnshire, UK detailed to bomb railway yards and with ABC responsibility at Vierson, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 415944 PO Hale, H Captain (Pilot0 RAF Sgt F N Allen, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO McHutchion, J A (Navigator) RCAF Flt Sgt C O McMillan, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt F Dickinson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF PO Stecyk, J M (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt J M Fraser, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Sr-Pierre-de-Jards (Indre) 14kms ENE of Vatan. All the crew were killed, and they are buried in the St-Pierre-de-Jards Communal Cemetery, France. St-Pierre-de-Jards is a village and commune, some 23 miles north east of Chateauroux and 10 miles north of the town of Issoudon. The seven members of the crew are the only WW2 Commonwealth airmen buried in the cemetery.

312 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

25514 Flight Sergeant LANE, Jeffrey Gordon

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9301 Barcode 4567595 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 276, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 938 Radio call sign: CF – C Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

Summary On the night of 12/13th June 1944, Lancaster ED938 took off from RAF Kelstern at 2243 hours, detailed to bomb Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. :

Crew: RAF PO Scott, A G Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A G Williams, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 25514 Flt Sgt J G Lane, Navigator) RAAF 418513 Flt Sgt C S D Tainsh, (Air Bomber) RAAF 417891 Flt Sgt R F Ridge, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt L T V Suffield, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 419074 Flt Sgt J D Lindsay, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed near Spanbroek in Noord-Brabant. some 9kms north west of Hoorn.

Five of the crew were killed and Flt’s Ridge and Lindsay were POW’s Those killed are buried in the Spanbroek Churchyard, Netherlands. Spanbroek is a village 11kms north west of Hoorn.

313 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

411099 Flight Sergeant MOFFATT, Malcolm Douglas

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/1490 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 381, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 733 Radio call sign: CF – Z Unit: 615 Sqn RAF

All the crew were killed . Five of them are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

Both Flt’s Gadsden and Moffatt are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Wesrfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

314 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409004 Warrant Officer MOORE, Jack Finlay

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/607 166/13/291 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 387, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 674 Radio call sign: CF – U Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

315 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420478 Flight Sergeant MOYLAN, Patrick

Source: AWM 237 ()65) NAA : A(301 Barcode 5528138 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomb2er Command Losses of the Second World War Page 70, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 122 Radio call sign: CF – H Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 30/31st January 1944, Lancaster JB122 too off from RAF Kelstern ar 1652 hours, derailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Gallop,R Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt S J Harrison, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt G A J Prigg, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt P Rawlings, (Air Bomber) RAAF 420478 Flt Sgt P Moylan, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF FO Normandin, A J (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF WO D W T Johnson, DFC (Rear Gunner)

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 Was Cemetery, Germany.

316 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

428162 Flying Officer MURRAY, Lawrie Edmund

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/983 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 101, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 158 Radio call sign: CF – G2 Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

The aircraft exploded in the air. Six of the crew were killed and FO Bloy was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

317 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

429491 Flight Sergeant PARKER, Neil Earl

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/372 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 210, Volume 11944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 317 Radio call sign: CF – U Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 3/4th May 1944, Lancaster LM317 took off from RAF Kelstern, Lincolnshire, detailed to attack the military camp at Mailly-le-Camp, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after rake off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF WO C D A Short, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J A Williams, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Haddock, R E (Navigator) RCAF Flt Sgt J A Reynolds., (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt J Moran, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R H Martin, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 429491 Flt Sgt N E Parker, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down on its bombing run, and crashed at Poivres (Aube), 20kkms NNE of Arcis-sur-Aube. France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Poivres Churchyard France.

318 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423313 Warrant Officer PERCY, Francis McLeod

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/1490 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 381, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 733 Radio call sign: CF – Z Unit: 615 Sqn RAF

All the crew were killed . Five of them are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

Both Flt’s Gadsden and Moffatt are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Wesrfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

319 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418583 Flight Sergeanr TAINSH, Charles Stirling Dundas

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9301 Barcode 4567595 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 276, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 938 Radio call sign: CF – C Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

Crew: RAF PO Scott, A G Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A G Williams, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 25514 Flt Sgt J G Lane, Navigator) RAAF 418583 Flt Sgt C S D Tainsh, (Air Bomber) RAAF 417891 Flt Sgt R F Ridge, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt L T V Suffield, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 419074 Flt Sgt J D Lindsay, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed near Spanbroek in Noord-Brabant. some 9kms north west of Hoorn.

Five of the crew were killed and Flt’s Ridge and Lindsay were POW’s Those killed are buried in the Spanbroek Churchyard, Netherlands. Spanbroek is a village 11kms north west of Hoorn.

320 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

422065 Flying Officer TWYAM, Edward Phipps

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/778 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 477, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 154 Radio call sign: CF – Y Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

All he crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

321 ` RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419560 Flight Sergeant WHITE, Thomas Charles

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/645 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 210, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 515 Radio call sign: CF – W Unit: 625 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 3/4th May 1944, Lancaster LM515 took off from RAF Kelstern ar 2158 hours, to attack the military camp at Mailly-le-Camp, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO McGaw, N McA Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt K Garner, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt F C Clarke, (Navigator) RCAF FO Moriarty, D (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt R J Tailby, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R W Andrews, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 419560 Flt Sgt R C Whire, (Rear Gunner)

Within a few minutes of completing its attack, the aircraft was shot down at Trouan-le- Petit (Aube), 40kms NNE of Troyes, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Trouan-le-Petit Churchyard, France. Trouan-le-Petit is a village 40kms NNE of Troyes and 6kms south east of Mailly-Le- Camp, France.

322 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413945 Flight Lieutenant BELFORD, William Noel

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/91/155 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page57, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 380 Radio call sign: UM – S2 Unit: 626 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 27/28th January 1944, Lancaster LM380 took off from RAF Wickenby, at 1728 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 413945 Flt Lt Belford, W N Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H Hill,(Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt A J P Lee, (Navigator) RAF Sgt J C Lee, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt T S Trinder, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H H Mewburn, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 427116 Flt Sgt R Gould, (Rear Gunner)

Homebound, he aircraft was shot down by a night fighter, and crashed at Katzenelnbogen, 8kms south west of Galnstatten, Germany. Six of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt A P J Lee was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinbetg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. Flt Lt Belford had ditched earlier in the month when returning from Stettin.

323 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424862 Flight Sergeant DRUMMOND, Augustine Francis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/202 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 143, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 839 Radio call sign: UM –X2 Unit: 626 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 26/27th March 1944, Lancaster LL839 took off from RAF Wickenby at 19100 hours, detailed to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt D B Laidlaw, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt D S Lockett, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Gordon, K W (Navigator) RAF Sgt C Banks, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt G Burrows, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H W Parsons, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 424862 Flt Sgt A F Drummond, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Bousignies-sur-Roc (Nord) 25kms north east of Avesnes-sur- Helpe, and practically on the French/Belgium border. Five of the crew were killed in the crash and FO Gordon was a POW, while Sgt Burrows evaded capture. Those killed are buried in the Maubeuge-Centre Cemetery, France. Maubeuge is a large town in the Department of the Nord.

324 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

427116 Flight Sergeant GOULD, Robert

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/91/155 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page57, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 380 Radio call sign: UM – S2 Unit: 626 Sqn RAF

325 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416501 Flying Officer HUTCHINSON, Jack Pierce DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/18/173 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 101, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 797 Radio call sign: UM – B2 Unit: 626 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of 24/25th February 1944, Lancaster LL797 took off from RAF Wickenby, at 1810 hours, detailed to bomb Schweinfurt, Germany. This mission was the crew’s final sortie of their operational tour. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 416501 FO Hutchinson, J P DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt B R Bowditch, (2nd Pilot)) RAF Sgt A Hodgson, (Flight Engineer) RCAF PO Goodkey, L E (Navigator) RAF FO Young, P H W (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt R Edgeworth, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF WO2 H F Binder, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt K J Macey, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Marsal (Moselle), 10kms south east of Chateau-Salins, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Marsal (Moselle) Churchyard, France. Marsal is a village and commune 50kms south east of Metz. Those killed are the only WW2 Commonwealth airmen buried in the Churchyard.

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to the then PO Hutchinson is as follows : “ PO Hutchinson has attacked such important targets as Berlin, Milan, Peenemunde and Munich. While on the way to attack Munich, an engine caught fire and the aircraft had to be brought down onto the sea. As a result he and his crew had to spend some eighteen hours in the dinghy. On another mission, damage was sustained over Frankfurt and only by splendid airmanship did this officer succeed in flying the aircraft back to base. This officer’s determination, skill and endurance have set a fine example to his crew,” London gazette 15/2/1944, Page 794).

326 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426789 Flight Sergeant JONES, Stanley William

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/21/137 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 137, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: HK 539 Radio call sign: UM – A2 Unit: 626 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 242/25th March 1944, Lancaster HK539 took off from RAF Wickenby, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Wg Cdr Ross, Q W A Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H Watt, (Flight Engineer) RCAF PO Gibson, J (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt C Nathanson, (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt C C Christie, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt T W Bint, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 426789 Flt Sgt S W Jones, (Rear Gunner)

When homebound, the aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Neuwarendorf, 4kms west of Warebdorf, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany. The cemetery id 5kms south west of Kleve.

327 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410357 Flight Sergeant MACFARLANE, Murray Armstrong

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 407, Volume 1943

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 295 Radio call sign: UM – M2 Unit: 626 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 26/27th November 1943, Lancaster DV295 took off from RAF Wickenby at 1715 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. On return the aircraft overshot and crashed at 0113 hours at Barton Bendish, while trying to land at Marham airfield, Norfolk. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF 420419 Flt Sgt K N Windus, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R Lloyd, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt C F Martin, (Navigator) RAF Sgt F W Thompson, (Air Bomber) RAAF 4110357 Flt Sgt M A Macfarlane, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Welsh, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R G May, (Rear Gunner)

Five of the crew are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. Sgt Thompson is buried in the Portsmouth (Kingston) Cemetery, UK. Sgt Welsh is buried in the Jarrow Cemetery, UK.

328 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

428608 Flight Sergeant ROBERTSON, Frank Lorne

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/5/621 166/36/318 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 136 Radio call sign: UM – D2 Unit: 626 Sqn RAF

Summary: Lancaster LM 136 of 626 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Wickenby, Lincolnshire, UK, at 2355 hours on 20 July 1944 to bomb Courtrai,West Belgium. The aircraft crashed in the North Sea, and all the crew were killed.

Crew: RAF FO Wilson, W D, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Stevens, H L (Navigator) RAAF 432602 FO Binnie, K C (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt Meaney, J (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Clark, D J S (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 428608 Flt Sgt Robertson, F L (Mid upper Gunner) . RAF Sgt Woodhouse, W T (Rear Gunner)

Flt Sgt Robertson body was washed ashore and he is buried in the Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France. St Omer is a large town 45kms south east of Calais. Sgt Clarke is buried in the Middlekerke Communal Cemetery, Belgium. The cemetery is 9kms south west of Ostend. .

All lthe others have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

329 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420419 Flight Sergant WINDUS, Keith Neville

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 407, Volume 1943

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 295 Radio call sign: UM – M2 Unit: 626 Sqn RAF

330 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406352 Flying Officer FAHEY, Francis Felix, AFM

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/435 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bombe Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 28, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: DZ 616 Radio call sign: AZ – G Unit: 627 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 5/6th January 1944, Mosquito DZ616 took off from RAF Oakington at 0123 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. The aircraft crashed two minutes later at Dry Drayton, six miles north west of Cambridge, UK.

Crew: RAAF 406352 FO Fahey, F F AFM, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400322 FO Hicks, S C (Navigator)

Both the crew were killed and they are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, UK. The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road, Cemetery.

331 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414015 Flying Officer FITZPATRICK, Allan Thomas, DFM

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/13/314 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 325, Volume 1944

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: DZ 521 Radio call sign: AZ – M Unit: 627 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 26/27th September 1944, Mosquito DZ521 took off from RAF Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, UK, detailed to bomb Karlsruhe, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Matheson, A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 414015 FO Fitzpatrick, A T DFM (Navigator Bomb Aimer)

At about 0232 hours a member of the Royal Observation Corps heard and saw an explosion coming from the aircraft which then dived vertically into the ground. FO Matheson is buried in tne Coningsby Cemetery, UK. Coningsby is 7 miles south west of Horncastle. FO Fitzpatrick is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery.

Citation: The Citation for the DFM awarded to the then Flt Sgt Fitzpatrick is as follows : “Flt Sgt Fitzaptrick, an Australian Air Bomber, has completed 25 operational sorties as a member of a fine operational crew. It is considered that the damage inflicted on the Ruhr by this crew alone in the course of the 17 attacks made in this area is considerable and it is felt that Flt Sgt Fitzpatrick as Bomb Aimer has played a most important part in achieving this success. This NCO has taken partr in the Battle of Hamburg with equal success and it is felt that his devotion to duty and contribution to the war effort merits the award of the DFM.” Remarks by the Station Commander : “ This Bomb Aimer has completed 25 sorties, 17 of which have been over the Ruhr. He is a Bomb Aimer possessed with a strong sense of purpose and crew spirit. He shows disregard for danger in the face of the enemy and I strongly recommend him for the award of the DFM.”

332 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404241 Flying Officer GALE, Kenneth William, DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/15/263 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 268, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: DZ 353 Radio call sign: AZ – B Unit: 627 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 8/9th June 1944, Mosquito DZ353 took off from RAF Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, UK, detailed to bomb rail facilities at Rennes, France. The aircraft sent a message which was picked up by another aircraft from the Squadron, which said the aircraft had been hit and was on fire. DZ353 failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Steere, H DFC DFM Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404241 FO Gale, K W DFC, (Navigator Bomb aimer)

The aircraft crashed between Orgeres (Ille-et-Vilaine) and St-Erblon, two village approx 7kms and 8kms respectively south of Rennes. Both the crew were killed and they are buried in the St-Erblon Communal Cemetery, France. St-Erblon is a village and commune 7kms south of Rennes on the road to Le Sel (D82) .These two Commonwealth airmen are the only two WW2 fatalities to be buried there.

Flt Lt Steere was and ex Battle of Britain pilot who flew Spitfires with No 19 Sqn.

Citation : The Citation fro the DFC awarded to FO Gale then of 617 Sqn is as follows : “FO Gale has accomplished numerous operations, the majority of which have been accomplished in the Middle East and the remainder from Great Britain. Throughout his operational career, this officer has maintained a fine reputation for determination in the face of the enemy. The aircraft in which he was navigator has, on several occasions been damaged by the enemy and shas subsequently been forced to make crash landings, but these incidents have not arrested this officer’s determination to bring every operational flight to a successful conclusion. (London Gazette 21/4/1944 P1838)

333 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

6025 Flying Officer HEATH, Geoffrey Ernest DFC DFM

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/206 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 310, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: DZ 516 Radio call sign: AZ – O Unit: 627 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 29th June 1944, Mosquito DZ516 took off from RAF Woodhall Spa , Lincolnshire, detailed to mark a flying bomb site at Beauvoir, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 403380 F O Saint-Smith, J A DFC DFM Captain (Pilot) RAAF 6025 FO Heath, G E DFC DFM (Navigator)

The aircraft was shot down and crashed in the Commune of Vaulx, France. Both the crew were killed and they are buried in the Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, France. The town of Abbeville is on the main road from Paris to Boulogne (N1) about 80kms south of Boulogne. Citations : The Citation for the DFC awarded to FO Heath is as follows : “ As Navigator, FO Heath has flown on many long distance sorties. The targets have been many and varied, and in many cases, difficult to locate but for his navigational skill together with his great determination have invariably located the exact position. The success of many of these initiatives can largely be attributed to this officer’s initiative and co-operation.” (London Gazette 15/8/1944, P3774) The Citation for the DFM awarded to Flt Sgt G E Heath, then of 460 Sqn RAAF, is as follows : ‘This airman has taken part in many successful sorties, including a raid on Milan, and three on Berlin. His ;last sorties against the last named city on the night of 1st March, 1943, Flt Sgt Heath has displayed great skill, often in difficult circumstances , playing a large part in the successes obtained. Cool and resourceful in emergency, this airman has proved himself to be a valuable member of aircrew. Remarks by Station Commander : “Flt Sgt Heath’ s coolness and devotion to duty contributed in a large measure to the successful completion by his pilot of a tour of operations. He has always displayed great presence of mind in an emergency, and I recommend that his efforts always to do his best merits the award of the DFM.”

334 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400322 Flying Officer HICKS, Stanley Charles

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/435 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bombe Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 28, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: DZ 616 Radio call sign: AZ – G Unit: 627 Sqn RAF

Crew: RAAF 406352 FO Fahey, F F AFM, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400322 FO Hicks, S C (Navigator)

Both the crew were killed and they are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, UK. The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road, Cemetery.

335 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403380 Flying Officer SAINT-SMITH, James Alexander DFC DFM

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/206 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 310, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: DZ 516 Radio call sign: AZ – O Unit: 627 Sqn RAF

Crew: RAAF 403380 F O Saint-Smith, J A DFC DFM Captain (Pilot) RAAF 6025 FO Heath, G E DFC DFM (Navigator)

Citations : The Citation for the DFC awarded to FO Saint-Smith is as follows : “ FO Saint-Smith has taken part in a number of major attacks on Germany and enemy occupied territory. He has taken an important part in attacking an aircraft factory at Oslo and in several other operations against targets in Germany and France, exerting himself to the utmost to ensure their complete and final success. All these operations have had to be accomplished from a low level and have owed much of the effectiveness to his conspicuous gallantry and determination.” (Landon Gazette 15/8/1944, Page3774)

The Citation fro the DFM awarded to the then Flt Sgt Saint-Smith of 460 Sqn RAAF is as follows : “ This airman has displayed outstanding determination in pressing home his attacks on enemy targets during numerous operational sorties. Early in March 1943, he participated in a raid on Berlin, and obtained an excellent photograph after the bombs had been released. He has at all times taken great care to identify the target and has, as pilot, done all in his powers to ensure accurate bombing. His high courage, skill and initiative,

336 has set a magnificent example to his crew. I most strongly recommend this Captain of aircraft for an award of the DFM. Remarks by Station Commander : “ Flt Sgt Saint-Smith has completed a most successful tour of operations. He has always shown a high degree of courage, skill and initiative, setting a magnificent example to his crew. I recommend that his splendid record be rewarded by the award of the DFM. “ (London Gazette 14/5/1943, Air2/8950) .

337 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408924 Flying Officer TURNOR, Percy Keith

Source: AWM 237(65) NAA : A705, 166/40/188 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 214, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: DZ 478 Radio call sign: AZ – R Unit: 627 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 7/8th May 1944, Mosquito DZ478 took off from RAF Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, at 0109 hours, detailed to bomb he airfield at Tours, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to bases.

Crew: RAAF 408924 FO Turnor, P K Captain (Pilot) RAF WO J F Hewson, (Navigator/Bomber)

The aircraft was shot down and crashed at Mont Couvern, south of the East flying field at Tours, France. Both the crew were killed and they are buried in the Nantes (Pont-Du-Cens) Communal Cemetery, France. Nantes is a town on the River Loire, some 45kms east of St Nazaire.

338 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424354 Flight Sergeant BECKHOUSE, Gordon Edwin

Source: AWM 237(65) NAA : A705, 166/5/615 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 338, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 117 Radio call sign: LE – J Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 18/19th July 1944, LancasterLM117 took off from RAF East Kirkby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, at 2250 hours, detailed to destroy a railway junction at Revigny, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 414756 FO Brittain, B W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R F Gannon, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt F R Ashton, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt E Couchman, (Air Bomber) RAAF 424354 Flt Sgt G E Beckhouse, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt D A Grant, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt E H Wells, (Rear Gunner)

All the crew baled out, but Flt Sgt Beckhouse lost his life, and the other six were either POW’s or evaded capture. Flt Sgt Beckhouse is buried in the Togny-Aux-Bouefs Communal Cemetery, France. Togny-Aux-Bouefs is a village and commune 13kms south east of Chalons-en- Champagne, France. Flt Sgt Beckhouse is the only WW2 airman fatality to be buried there He was 20 years of age..

A later Missing Research & Enquiry team report stated ; “ The Mayor of Togny-Aux- Bouefs stated that he had bought in the body of a dead British airman who had baled out and landed just outside the village. This airman according to the Mayor had been shot by the Germans after landing. The investigating Officer was shown a life saving jacket and on the interior saw the name Beckhouse.

A report by FO Brittain who evaded capture stated : “ On our return from the target the aircraft was hit by flak at approx 8,500 feet, and the rear fuselage was set on fire. With the aircraft out of control. I gave the order ‘abandon’. The Bomb Aimer, Engineer and Navigator left by the front escape hatch, followed by me also by Beckhouse “

339 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

435772 Flight Sergeant BOWMAN, Anthony Ellis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/35/521 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 158, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 949 Radio call sign: LE – Z Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 8/9th April 1945, Lancaster ND949 took off from RAF East Kirkby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, detailed to bomb as oil refining facility at Lutzkendorf, Germany. On returning from the mission, ND949 called on the R/T for landing permission at 0242 hours, and was given diversion instructions. He accepted these instructions and did not appear to be in any form of distress at the time. The aircraft crashed at Foxton near Market Harborough, Leicestershire UK, and all the crew were killed in the crash.

Crew: RAAF 412697 FO Richardson, C R M Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt B Gibbons, (a qualified Pilot flying as Flight Engineer) RAAF 439540 Flt Sgt H E Burton, (Navigator) RAAF 424640 FO Martin, R (Air Bomber) RAAF 430653 FO Forrester W (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 435772 Flt Sgt A E Bowman, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 436918 Flt Sgt F J Howlett, (Rear Gunner)

Four of the crew are buried in the Oxford (Botley) Cemetery, at North Hinksey, UK. Sgt Gubbons is buried in the Norton (St Nicholas) Churchyard, Letchworth, UK. FO Martin is buried in the Sunderland (Southwick) Cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt Howlett is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, UK. The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery.

340 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

439540 Flight Sergeant BURTON, Herbert Eric

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/35/521 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 158, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 949 Radio call sign: LE – Z Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

341 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423625 Flying Officer BUSH, John Francis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/27/512 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 338, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 796 Radio call sign: LE – S Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 18/19th July 1944, Lancaster ME796 took off from RAF East Kirkby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, detailed to destroy a railway junction at Revigny, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 425331 FO Maxwell, G E Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J N Howie, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 423625 FO Bush, J F (Navigator) RAF Sgt W E Griffiths, (Air Bomber) RAAF 418663 Flt Sgt S A Hawken (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A E De Bruin, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt W Leary, (Rear Gunner)

While orbiting and awaiting instructions to bomb the aircraft was set on fire by a night fighter and almost immediately hit by flak. The aircraft crashed about 0130 hours at Villers-le-Sec (Marne) 40kms south east of Chalons-sur-Marne, France.

Four of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Hawken, Sgt De Bruin and Flt Sgt Leary evaded capture Those killed are buried in the Villers-le-Sec Churchyard, France.

Flt Sgt Hawken later reported : “ While over the target area the aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter and the abandon order was given by FO Maxwell. I left the aircraft by the rear escape hatch at a height of 7000 feet followed by the Mid Upper. The aircraft was under control but in a shallow dive with the two inboard engines and the starboard wing on fire. Made no contact with any other member of the crew.”

342 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425598 Warrant Officer CARRIER, William John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/616 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 399, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 650 Radio call sign: LE – B Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 26/27th August 1944, Lancaster ME650 took off from RAF East Kirkby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, at 1958 hours, detailed to bomb Konigsburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Bowers, E G W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G R Stott, (Flight Engineer) RCAF PO Fingland, W J (Navigator) RCAF PO Mclauchlin, B (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt L Thompson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 425598 WO W J Carrier, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt A A M Langridge, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Skarrild, some 8kms north east of Sonder Felding. Denmark, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Skarrild Churchyard, Denmark. Skarrild is a small village of Jutland, about 26kms NNE of Esbjerg. The crew are the only WW2 Commonwealth airman buried in the Churchyard.

343 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421858 Pilot Officer CHAMPNESS, Edward Frank

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/441 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War Page 236, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 546 Radio call sign: LE – A Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 22/23rd May 1944, Lancaster JB546 took off from RAF East Kirkby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, at 2240 hours, detailed to bomb Braunschweig, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 421858 PO Champness, E F Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J P C Johnstone, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 420792 Flt Sgt V S J Zusker, (Navigator) RCAF Flt Sgt G M Naugler, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt E Adair, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt L Jones, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt A L Pickering, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed near Quakenbruck, Germany. Five of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Zusker, and Sgt’s Adair and Jones were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany.

344 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408328 Pilot Officer CLARK, Ronald Leslie

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/312 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 15 8, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 337 Radio call sign: LE – S Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 30/31st March 1944, Lancaster ND337 took off from RAF East Kirlby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, UK, at 2209 hours, detailed to bomb Nuremberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 408328 PO Clark, R L Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W D Jones, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 18111 Flt Sgt K C Green, (Navigator) RAF Sgt R I Smith, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt W Worboys, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt T Hughes, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt D V Menell, (Rear Gunner)

When outbound, the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Bickenbach, 4kms south west of Emmelshausen, Germany. Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Smith was a POW Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp-Lintfort, Noidrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kmns south of Wesel.

In a POW Report Sgt Smith stated ; “The aircraft was on fire and the Captain ordered “abandon”. I was first out from my end but lost conscious immediately when leaving and did not see anyone else bale out. When I regained consciousness I did not see the aircraft in the air but there were fires on the ground below which may have been our aircraft. I landed in hilly country and out of sight of fires and unable to investigate. I have no information re Green.”

345 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418927 Flying Officer DENNETT, Peter Buck

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/9/359 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 338, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 537 Radio call sign: LE – X Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 18/19th July 1944, Lancaster LM537 took off from RAF East Kirkby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, at 2250 hours, detailed to destroy a railway junction at Revigny, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 418927 FO Dennett, P R Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G A Alexander, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt G R Jerwood, (Navigator) RCAF Sgt R F Ritchie, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt W J Jarman, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R A Hilborne, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J Stones, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed around 0200 hours at Chassericourt in the Department of the Aube, 16kms NNE of Brienne-le-Chateau. France. FO Dennet, Flt Sgt Jerwood and Sgt Jarman were killed, Sgt Alexander was a POW, and the other three evaded capture. Those killed are buried in the Chassericourt Churchyard, France. Chassericourt ia a village and commune, 45kms north east of Troyes and some 16kms north of Brieenne-le- Chateau.

In his evader report Sgt Ritchie stated : “when approx eight minutes after leaving the target, the aircraft was attacked by flak. The Captain ordered the crew to prepare to abandon, but I heard no acknowledgement by the others and I assumed the I/Com was U/S. I removed the escape hatch and at the same moment a fire broke out in the bomb bay and the cockpit filled with smoke. I was forced to abandon the aircraft at about 10000 feet. While descending I saw the aircraft with the starboard motors on fire and turning into a dive from which it did not recover. The aircraft crashed and burst into s mass of sparks.”

346 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424162 Flight Segeant DUNBAR, Maxwell

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/224 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 190, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: `ME 717 Radio call sign: LE – G Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 24/25th April 1944, Lancaster ME717 took off from RAF East Kirkby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, at 2061 hours, detailed to bomb Munich, Germany. The aircraft was badly shot about by a night fighter whose fire wrecked the port inner engine. Subsequently the aircraft was crash landed at 0525 hours ay the Borgo airfield, Corsica. However the aircraft’s tail plane hit a parked aircraft killing Flt Sgt Dunbar. The rest of the crew were uninjured,

Crew: RAAF 414828 PO Rackley, L N DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt S Jones, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Gow, I (Navigator) RAAF Flt Sgt D Morgan, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt J Watt, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J Jones, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 424162 Flt Sgt M Dunbar, (Rear Gunner)

Flt Sgt Dunbar is buried in the Biguglia War Cemetery, Island of Corsica, France.

347 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

430653 Flying Officer FORRESTER, William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/35/521 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 158, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 949 Radio call sign: LE – Z Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

348 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410885 Flight Sergant GEOGHEGAN, John Thomas

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/15/212 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Summary: Flt Sgt Geoghegan. a Wireless Air Gunner of RAF Station East Kirkby, was admitted dangerously ill to RAF Station Hospital, Winslow UK, on 2nd April 1944. He died on 4th April 1944.

Flt Sgt Geoghegan is buried in the Chester (Blacon) Cemetery, Chester, UK.

349 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

18111 Flight Sergeant GREEN, Kelvin Carlyle

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/312 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 15 8, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 337 Radio call sign: LE – S Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

350 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

436918 Flight Sergeant HOWLETT, Frederick James

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/35/521 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 158, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 949 Radio call sign: LE – Z Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

351 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414052 Pilot Officer MACKINGTOSH, Harold Charles Leeton

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/433 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 96, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND338 Radio call sign: LE – Q Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 20/21st February 1944, Lancaster BD338 took off from RAF East Kirkby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, at 2351 hours, detained to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 414052 PO MacIntosh, H C L Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt E R Hughes, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt g Slater, (Navigator) RAAF 423344 Flt Sgt O W Smith, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt A Newson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt S Totai, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt B D Howard, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “the aircraft crashed on the banks of the Rhine near Pittersdorf, some 3 miles south east of Bonn. “ Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Newson was a POW.

352 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424640 Flying Officer MARTIN, Robert

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/35/521 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 158, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 949 Radio call sign: LE – Z Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

353 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425331 Flying Officer MAXWELL, Gordon Edward

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/27/512 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 338, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 796 Radio call sign: LE – S Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Four of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Hawken, Sgt De Bruin and Flt Sgt Leary evaded capture Those killed are buried in the Villers-le-Sec Churchyard, France.

354 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417092 Flight Sergeant MCLAREN, Clarence Ray

Source: AWM 237 (650 NAA : A705, 166/26/307 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 414, Volume 1943

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 777 Radio call sign: LE – Q Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 1/3rd December 1943, Lancaster ED777took off from East Kirby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, at 1630 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Clark, W A Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G A Crowe, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt R H Banks, (Navigator) RCAF FO Rinn, L R (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt J Ford, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R Hughes, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 417092 Flt Sgt C R Mclaren, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “ The aircraft was shot down by a fighter fighter and crashed on Ridge near Grtoss Schulzendorf, approx 17 miles south of Berlin. All the cre were killed and they are buried in the Berlin 19239-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

355 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418299 Flight Sergeant PHILIPSON, Ernest John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/327 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 117, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 583 Radio call sign: LE – V Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 15/16th March 1944, Lancaster ND583 took off from RAF East Kirkby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, at 1857 hours, detailed to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Rodburn, K Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R J H Easter, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt a H Wilkinson, (Navigator) RCAF WO2 A McC Freeman, (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt F J Hobbs, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt L Hall,(Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 418299 Flt Sgt E J Philipson, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed and exploded near Bourguignon-sous-Coucy in the Department of the Aisne, 23kms north west of Soissons, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Bourguignon-sous-Coucy Churchyard, France.

356 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412697 Flying Officer RICHARDSON, Colin Robert Moore

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/35/521 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 158, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 949 Radio call sign: LE – Z Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Crew: RAAF 412697 FO Richardson, C R M Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt B Gibbons, (a qualified Pilot flying Flight Engineer) RAAF 439540 Flt Sgt H E Burton, (Navigator) RAAF 424640 FO Martin, R (Air Bomber) RAAF 430653 FO Forrester W (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 435772 Flt Sgt A E Bowman, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 436918 Flt Sgt F J Howlett, (Rear Gunner)

357 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426616 Flight Sergeant ROCHE, William Joseph

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/199 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 22, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB532 Radio call sign: LE – X Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 1/2ndJanuary1944, Lancaster JB532 took off from RAF East Kirkby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, at 2355 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF Flt Lt Macdonald, D A DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sqn Ldr Vare AFC ((Pilot) RAF Sgt R F Smale, MID (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Westergaard, N E DFC (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt J M Turnbull, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt W R Tyrie, DFM (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt W F Jenkins, (Mir Upper Gunner) RAAF 426616 Flt Sgt W J Roche, (Rear Gunner)

When the aircraft was homebound , it was hit by ack-ack which shot one engine from its frame. The aircraft dived steeply and crashed at Grossbeuthen, 15 miles south of Berlin. All the crew were killed in the crash, and they are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

358 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410729 Flight Sergeant ROSSITER, James Louis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/155 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 630 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 4th December 1943, a Lancaster of 630 Sqn RAF took off at 1225 hours, detailed to bomb Leipzig, Germany. While en route to the target at 1325 hours, the Mid Upper Gunner and Rear Gunner (Flt Sgt Rossiter) observed an ME210 appear astern and slightly above the Lancaster at a range of 300 yards. Instructions were given to corkscrew to port, and both gunners opened fire. At rhe same time the enemy opened fire with cannon and machine gun and the return fire from the Rear Gunner ceased.

The Rear Gunner was heard on the Inter Com to explain something but almost immediately the inter-com was rendered U/S. The fighter broke away to starboard and attacked the Lancaster from dead astern at a range of 200 yards, again firing cannon & machine gun fire. Corkscrew manoeuvring was maintained and the Mid Upper Gunner continued firing until the enemy aircraft broke away and under the Lancaster.

The starboard outer engine was damaged and on fire and had to be feathered. The Bomb Aimer then observed a twin engine aircraft believed to be the same ME210 appear from the port bow down firing cannon and machine guns. The Bomb Aimer fired a second burst at the fighter and the Mid Upper operating his guns and turret manually, also fired a short burst, and the enemy aircraft broke away. The ME210 then appeared dead astern and opened fire. The Mid Upper returned fire working his guns manually, and he observed a bright flash of flame appear on the enemy fighter which disappeared from sight and was not seen again.

The Inter Com being U/S, the Flight Engineer went aft to the Rear Turret, but thinking the Rear Gunner was alright he, seeing the turret appear to move, returned to his position. Upon landing the Rear Gunner was found to have lost his life with multiple injuries caused by the cannon and machine gunfire. Extensive damage was caused to the Lancaster with two front tyres punctured and the fuselage damaged with shell and bullet holes.

Flt Sgt Rossiter is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. No other detail is available re the other members of the crew.

359 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423344 Flight Sergeant SMITH, Owen Preston

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/433 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 96, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND338 Radio call sign: LE – Q Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “the aircraft crashed on the banks of the Rhine near Pittersdorf, some 3 miles south east of Bonn.” Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Newson was a POW.

Those killed 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.

360 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410510 Pilot Officer WILSON, Alan Willam

Source: AWM 37 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/700 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 685 Radio call sign: Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 6/7th June 1944, Lancaster ND6285 took off to bomb Caen, Normandy France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 410510 PO Wilson, A W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Bellam, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 422627 FO Morschel J R G (Navigator) RAAF 423897 Flt Sgt E J Roche, (Air Bomber) RAF PO Wakeley, R C H (Wireless Air Gunner)) RAF Flt Sgt A M Henderson, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J Hanna, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Franquerville and four of the crew were killed with Sgt Bellam being a POW and FO Morschel and Flt Sgt Roche evading capture.

Those killed are buried in the Bayeux War Cemetery, France. The town of Baueaux is 24kms north west of Caen.

Both FO Morschel and Flt Sgt Roche survived the war.

361 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421154 Flight Sergeant BIRTLES, Ronald Joseph

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/564 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Commande Losses of the Second World War, Page 273, Volume1844.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 239 Radio call sign: F2 – A Unit: 635 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 11/12tth June 1944, Lancaster JB239 took off from RAF Downham Market, Norfolk, at 2340 hours, detailed to mark rail facilities at Nantes France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base..

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Ash, C J K Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Hope T W (Flight Engineer) RAAF 421154 Flt Sgt R J Birtles, (Navigator 1) RAF FO Purkis, C S (Navigator 2) RAAF 424759 Flt Sgt S L Edwards, Navigator 3) RAF Sgt W C Vessey, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J J Leishman, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt W S Chapman, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported ; “ The aircraft crashed at 0300 at Vertou (Loire-Atlantique), 8kms south east from the centre of Nantes. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Nantes (Pont-Du-Cens) Communal Cemetery, France. Nantes is a town on the River Lois, about 48kms east of St Nazaire.

362

RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417049 Flight Lieutenant CAWTHORNE, Philip Edward DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705,166/7/844 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley :RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Seconjd World War, Page 155, Volume 1945. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 949 Radio call sign: F2 – T Unit: 635 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of the 4/5th April 1945, Lancaster PB949 took off from RAF Downham Market, Norfolk, at 2204 hours, detailed to mark the Rhenania Oil Plant at Harburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to return to base. Crew: RAAF 417049 Flt Lt Cawthorne, DFC Captain (Pilot0 RAF Flt Sgt B R McMaster, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Wilson, G (Navigator) RAF PO Roberts, B G (Navigator) RAF FO Williams, F M (Visual) RAAF 429266 WO T Reid, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt R V Moore, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF WO 2 I J Kinney, (Rear Gunner) A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported ; “The aircraft crashed and became submerged in Peak Bog.” Four of the crew lost their lives and Flt Sgt McMaster, PO Roberts and FO Williams were POW.s while PO Wilson evaded capture. Those killed are buried in the Becklingen War Cemetery, Locality Soltau, Niedersachsen, Germany. The cemetery is 13kms south east of Soltau on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hanover. At the age of 18, WO2 Kinney was among the youngest of Canadians to be killed on Pathfinder duties in 1945.

Citations : A General Citation for the DFC awarded to Flt Lt Cawthorne was published in the London Gazette 22/5/1945, Page 2625

363 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

437046 Flight Sergeant CHENOWETH, Eric

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/932 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 150, Volume 1945

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 958 Radio call sign: F2 – P Unit: 635 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 31st March 1945, Lancaster PB958 took off from RAF Downham Market, Norfolk, at 0649 hours, detailed to mark the Blohm and Voss ship yards at Hamburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base..

Crew: RAAF 422590 FO Lewis, A Captain Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt A P Weir, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 435185 Flt Sgt K G Clark, (Navigator) RAAF 437046 Flt Sgt E Chenoweth, (2nd Navigator) RAAF 432545 Flt Sgt C Delaney, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 431320 FO Kennelly J J (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 433167 Flt Sgt N E Peters, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft crashed into the garden of a house at Steincamp 23 Hamburg-Billstedt. “ Six of the crew were killed in the crash and FO Kennelly was a POW.

Those killed are buried in the Hamburg Cemetery, Germany. The Cemetery is situated within a large civil cemetery known locally as “Ohlsdorf Cemetery”.

FO Kennelly later reported : “The aircraft was hit by flak and set on fire. It was finished off by an ME262. I reported an ME262 on the starboard fine quarter an ordered corkscrew but go no reply from the Pilot. The controls were shot away, and a few seconds later the Pilot screamed “get out” I was the only one to acknowledge. I saw their bodies on the ground, but they were unable to bale out as their chutes were not pulled.”

364 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

435185 Flight Sergeant CLARK, Kevin George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/932 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 150, Volume 1945

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 958 Radio call sign: F2 – P Unit: 635 Sqn RAF

Those killed are buried in the Hamburg Cemetery, Germany. The Cemetery is situated within a large civil cemetery known locally as “Ohlsdorf Cemetery”.

365 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

432545 Flight Sergeant DELANEY, Colin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/932 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 150, Volume 1945

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 958 Radio call sign: F2 – P Unit: 635 Sqn RAF

A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “The aircraft crashed into the garden of a house at Steincamp 23 Hamburg-Billstedt.” Six of the crew were killed in the crash and FO Kennelly was a POW.

Those killed are buried in the Hamburg Cemetery, Germany. The Cemetery is situated within a large civil cemetery known locally as “Ohlsdorf Cemetery”.

366 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415625 Pilot Officer DEVESON, Edward Oliver

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/9/280 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 138, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 704, Radio call sign: F2 – L Unit: 635 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 24/25th March 1944, Lancaster ND704 took off from RAF Downham Market, Norfolk, at 1847 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Still, W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt C Talby, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt J L Tillam, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt A A Stanbridge, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt W J Sander, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF WO J N Holmwood, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 415625 PO Devenson, E O (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed near Hollandscheveld, (Drenthe) , 4kms south east of Hoogeveen, Holland. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Hoogeveen 9Hollandscheveld0 General Cemetery, Netherlands.

367 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423676 Flying Officer DONALD, James Richard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/381 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 38, Volume 1945. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 228 Radio call sign: F2 – N Unit: 635 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of the 6/7th January 1945, Lancaster PB228 took off from RAF Downham Market, Norfolk, at 1550 hours, detailed to bomb Hanau, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 422909 Flt Lt Rowland, J A Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt W R Hill, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Mackenzie, P D (Navigator Plotter) RAF Flt Lt Sindall, H R (Air Bomber) RNZAF Flt Lt Yanovich, I T (Visual Air Bomber) RAAF 423676 FO Donald, J R (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF FO Jelley, C F DFC (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R Whybrow, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Research & Enquiry team reported later : “ The aircraft crashed 1.5 miles north east of Grossaauhein, whish is about two miles south east of Hanau. Seven of the crew were killed and Flt Lt Rowland was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Locality Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany.

In a POW Report Flt Lt Rowland stated : “After bombing I was about to turn onto a new course, when almost immediately a vision of a four engine aircraft appeared head on and slightly on the port bow and there was a tremendous crash. On looking round the port wing was observed torn off, likewise the rear half fuselage including the empennage. The collision height was 17,000 feet. I gave the order abandon, but the Inter-com was dead. Likewise the call light did not function and hence there was no acknowledgement. I think the two gunners were killed by the collision and that the others escaped unhurt. The Flight Engineer went forward to the escape hatch followed by the Navigator 1 and Nav 11, Flt Lt Sindall and PO Donald I am pretty sure the five left the aircraft. I left through the roof. I did not see the others on the ground. I evaded searches and walked through a forest for Trier, but was captured the next day.”

368 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424759 Flight Sergeant EDWARDS, Stuart Lacey

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/564 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Commande Losses of the Second World War, Page 273, Volume1844.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 239 Radio call sign: F2 – A Unit: 635 Sqn RAF

369 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416967 Warrant Officer JOLLEY, Kenrey Alfred DFC

Source: AWM 237 65) NAA : A705, 166/21/136 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 159, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 706 Radio call sign: F2 – T Unit: 635 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 30/31st March 1944, Lancaster JB706 took off from RAF Downham Market, Norfolk, at 2219 hours, detailed to bomb Nuremberg, Germany Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base..

Crew: RAAF 403147 Flt Lt Nicholls, J H DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A C Smith (Flight Engineer) RAAF 420166 FO Easson, R DFC (Navigator) RAAF 416967 WO K A Jolley, DFC (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt J Gardner, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt W D Ogilvie, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt A Whitehead, )Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed and two of the crew WO Jolley and Flt Sgt Whitehead were killed. The other five were POW’s. WO Jolley is buried in the Rheinberg Ware Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. . Flt Sgt Whitehead is buried in the Hanover War Cemetety, Germany

In a POW Report Flt lt Nicholls stated ; “An explosion in the fuselage set fire to the airvraft and amaged the elevator control and trim controls as well as loss of power in three engines. The aircraft was out of control and had commenced a stall spin with smoke issuing ffrom the centre of the aircraft inside the fuselage. I gave the order to abandon but this was not acknowledged because the I/C was U/S. I baled out at approx 17,000 feet. There was no crew member injured and no crew member still in the aircraft as far as I know. The aircraft landed in a field 20 miles north east of Coblenz. I was captured 24 hours later by German farmers. I have no information re Jolley or Whitehead.” Citration : The Citation for the DFC awarded to WO Jolley then attached to 97 Sqn RAF ,was that of a General Citation promulgated in London Gazette 2/56/1944, Page 2537.

370 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419272 Flight Sergeant LEEDER, Vernon Victor Russell Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/24/511 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 369, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 811 Radio call sign: F2 – T Unit: 635 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 4th August 1944, Lancaster ND811 took off from RAF Downham Market, Norfolk, at 1115 hours, detailed to mark a flying bomb storage depot at at Trossy, France. Nothing was hard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.. Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Bazalgette I W VC DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G R Turner (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Lt Goddard, D (Navigator) RAF Flt Lt Hibbert, I A DFC, (Air Bomber) RAF FO Go0dfrey, C R DFC (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 419272 Flt Sgt V V R Leeder, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF FO Cameron, D DFM (Rear Gunner) The aircraft was hit by flak which knocked out both starboard engines and mortally wounded Flt Lt Hibbert. Partially abandoned, after which Sqn Ldr Bazalgette tried to crash land the aircraft. This feat he accomplished, but as the aircraft touched down near Senantes (Eure-et-Loir), 2kms ENE of Nogent-le-Roi, it exploded. Sqn Ldr Bazalgette, Flt Lt Hibbert and Flt Sgt Leeder were killed and the other four crew members evaded capture. Sqn Ldr Bazalgette is buried in the Senantes Churchyard, France. Senantes is a village 20kms WNW of Beauvais and 8kms east of Gournay-en-Bray, France. He is the only Commonwealth airman buried there. His VC was published on 17th August 1945. Both Flt Hibbert and Flt Sgt Leeder are buried in the Marissel French National Cemetery, Marissel is an eastern suburb of Beauvais. France. FO Cameron was a member of Flt Sgt’s Middleton’s crew, when this gallant Australian won his posthumous Victoria Cross..

In a letter dated 24/10/1944 from Mrs Bazalgette to Mr & Mrs Leeder, she told of the survivors story as follows : “The target was a flying bomb depot and rocket firing base. The plane was hit over the target by intense ack-ack fire and was set on fire. After bombs away they had difficulty in closing the bomb doors and the plane ;lost height rapidly. Some of the crew succeeded in closing the doors and others believed they had got the fires extinguished. All believed they could get back to England. Apparently by closing the bomb doors it caused the fire not to go out, but to spreads inside the wings. My son

371 quickly realized this and he gave the order to bale out. Unfortunately Hibbert was badly wounded and unable to bale out and Leeder had been overcome by the fumes. My son got the Flight Engineer to tie the crash landing belt on him in a desperate hope of crash landing the plane and save the lives of the two who could not bale out. The aircraft crashed and the bombs exploded.” .

372 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

422590 Flying Officer LEWIS, Arthur

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/932 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 150, Volume 1945

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 958 Radio call sign: F2 – P Unit: 635 Sqn RAF

Those killed are buried in the Hamburg Cemetery, Germany. The Cemetery is situated within a large civil cemetery known locally as “Ohlsdorf Cemetery”.

373 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423824 Pilot Officer MORRISON, Alexander Donald DFC Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA:A705, 166/28/487 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bombe Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 520, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 524 Radio call sign: F2 – F Unit: 635 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 24th December 1944, :Lancaster ND524 took off from RAF Downham Market, Norfolk, at 1231 hours, detailed to attack the airfield at Lohausen, which was believed to be a key supply point for the offensive in the Ardennes. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Walker A W Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Everett, A C DFM (Flight Engineer) RAAF PO Patterson, D R DFC (Navigator 1) RAAF 423824 PO Morrison, A D DFC (Navigator 11) RAF fO Davis, H S (Navigator Visual) RAF FO Hebblethwaite, A H (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt C Shaw, DFM (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt E Womble, (Rear Gunner)

A Missing Rsearch & Enquiry team later reported : ‘The aircraft was seen approaching the village of Zons from Dusseldorf, it was losing height and after circling Zons three times it crashed about 300 yards from the village. The aircraft exploded on impact.”

Six of the crew were killed and Flt Lt Hebblethwaite and Flt Sgt Womble were POW”s. Thos killed are buried in the Rheinberg Ware Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort Nordrhein Westfal, Germany.

In a POW report Flt Sgt Womble stated : “ `The aircraft was hit in the front following concentrated fire and another hit pit the Inter Com U/S. We did a second run over the target but the aircraft was out of control from repeated hits. I baled out at 1500 feet.”

Citation : The citation for the DFC awarded to PO Morrison is as follows : “He was awarded a General Citation promulgated in London Gazette 1`2/2/1945, Page 904

374 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

427537 Flight Sergeant NALLEN, Charles Patrick

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/29/125 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 254, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 841 Radio call sign: F2 – D Unit: 635 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 3/4th June 1944, Lancaster ND841 took off from RAF Downham Market, Norfolk, at 0028 hours, detailed to mark a coastal defence battery at Calais. On take off a swing developed in the aircraft and it crashed into a hangar exploding soon afterwards. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RAF FO Young G A Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt T Snowball, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt H Pritchard, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt W T Olyott, (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt R Sadler, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt S Wharton, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 427537 Flt Sgt C P Nallen (Rear Gunner)

FO Young is buried in the Southampton (Holbrook) Cemetery, UK. Sgt Snowball is buried in the Twinemouth (Preston) Cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt Pritchard is buried in the Tottenham Regis (St Michael) Churchyard, UK. Sgt Olyott and Flt Sgt’s Sadler and Wharton are buried in the Downham Market Cemetery, Norfolk, UK. Flt Sgt Nallen is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery. The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery.

375 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421932 Pilot Officer PATTERSON, Donald Richard DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA:A705, 166/28/487 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bombe Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 520, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 524 Radio call sign: F2 – F Unit: 635 Sqn RAF Summary: On the 24th December 1944, :Lancaster ND524 took off from RAF Downham Market, Norfolk, at 1231 hours, detailed to attack the airfield at Lohausen, which was believed to be a key supply point for the offensive in the Ardennes. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Walker A W Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Everett, A C DFM (Flight Engineer) RAAF 421932 PO Patterson, D R DFC (Navigator 1) RAAF 423824 PO Morrison, A D DFC (Navigator 11) RAF fO Davis, H S (Navigator Visual) RAF FO Hebblethwaite, A H (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt C Shaw, DFM (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt E Womble, (Rear Gunner)

Six of the crew were killed and Flt Lt Hebblethwaite and Flt Sgt Womble were POW”s. Thos killed are buried in the Rheinberg Ware Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort Nordrhein Westfal, Germany.

Citation : The citation for the DFC awarded to PO Patterson is as follows : “He was awarded a General Citation promulgated in London Gazette 12/2/1946, Page 904)

376 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

433167 Flight Sergeant PETERS, Neville Edward

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/932 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 150, Volume 1945

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 958 Radio call sign: F2 – P Unit: 635 Sqn RAF

Those killed are buried in the Hamburg Cemetery, Germany. The Cemetery is situated within a large civil cemetery known locally as “Ohlsdorf Cemetery”.

377 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

429266 Warrant Officer REID, Thomas

Citations : A General Citation for the DFC awarded to Flt Lt Cawthorne was published in the London Gazette 22/5/1945, Page 2625

378 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410756 Warrant Officer TILL, Alwyn Terence

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/336 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 383, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 694 Radio call sign: F2 – R Unit: 635 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 12/13th Lancaster ND694 took off from RAF Downham Market, Norfolk, at 2142 hours detailed to bomb Russelsheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Henderson, G S Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A V Urquart, (Flight Engineer) RAF WO R Pedrazzini, (Navigator) RAAF 410756 WO A T Till, (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt J H C Ross, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J H Morgan, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt F R Holledge, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Werbomont (Liege), 18kms WSW of Stavelot., Belgium. Six of the crew were killed and WO Till evaded capture. Those killed are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

According to information received from FO Ezra RAF, Till was the only survivor of his crew, he had evaded capture for 4/5 days when he was picked up by the Macquis with whom Ezra had already identified himself. Soon after his arrival Till volunteered to take part in a sabotage expedition with FO Ezra and nine members of the underground movement. The expedition was surprised by the Germans and all except Till retreated. Till stayed to fight it out and according to information from the Macquis was killed by the Germans in the fight. His body was handed over to the nuns in Dinant for burial.

A letter to Mrs Till from the Macquis dated 7/11/1946 at Encl 61B on above NAA File, stated : “I was Camp Commandant of about 100 men. Till arrived about the 15/8, and we had about 6 or 7 British airmen with us. Till arrived one day having been brought by one

379 of our men who found him walking along a main road that was under Allied lines. His plane was shot down over Belgium and I think he was the only survivor. He landed at Troispont which is situated towards the German frontier. A day or two later I with a group of men were about to ambush the Germans along a road. Till and another Englishman joined us, The fight began with the Germans of about 35 men. The Germans began to encircle us. So I gave three whistle blasts to signal retreat. Only the next day when I got back to camp that I heard that Till had not got back and we feared the worst. Later a scout reported that Till had been killed. He fought until a direct hit his head and he was killed instantly. He died a man’s death to the credit of his family. He died on 20/8 I think. (Sgd) Bn J Van Der Staten Maillet. .

Till a member of the Caterpillar Club, is buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium with his comrades. Hotton is located south of Liege on the N86.

380 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414745 Pilot Officer ANDREWS, Reginald Thomas

Source: AWM `247 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/215 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorlwey : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 70, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LM 513 Radio call sign: CB – W Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 30/31st January 1944, Halifax LM513 took off from RAF Leconfield, East Yorkshire, at 1730 hours detailed to bomb Berlin. On return from the mission, the Pilot signalled that he only had three engines working and that he had difficulty in controlling thee aircraft. The aircraft crashed at 2230 hours 1.5 miles from Catfoss drome, East Yorkshire, and all the crew were killed. The aircraft struck the ground at a fairly steep angle of approx 30 degrees on an even keel but in a down position..

Crew: RA F PO Affleck, D Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Cutler, J F (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt S B Bennett, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt D M Price, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt W G Milne, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 414745 PO Andrews, R T (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 428810 Flt Sgt C Tate, (Rear Gunner)

PO Affleck is buried in the Kinross North Burial Ground, UK. PO Cutler is buried in the Ashton-Under-Lyne (Hurst) Cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt Bennett is buried in the Dancaster (Rosehill) Cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt Price is buried in the Brynmawe Cemetery, UK. Sgt Milne is buried in the Aberdeen (Allenvale) Cemetery, UK. PO Andrews and Flt Sgt Tate are buried in the Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, Yorkshire. UK.

381 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414769 Flying Officer CORCORAN, Martin Michael

Source: AWSM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/415 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 159, Volume 1944

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LW 549 Radio call sign: C8 – B Unit: 640 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of the 30/31st March 1944, Halifax LW549 took off from RAF Leconfield, East Yorkshire, at 2211 hours, detailed to bomb Nuremberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RCAF FO Laidlaw, J D Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt D G Cutler, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Shuttle, F W (Navigator) RAAF 414769 FO Corcoran, M M (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt J Henderson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF FO Austen, J (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF 410590 Flt Sgt K A Bush, (Rear Gunner)

When outbound the aircraft was shot down by an ME110 and it crashed at Wolferbutt, a village on the west bank of the Ochse, 6kms SSE of Vache. Four of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Henderson, FO Austen and Flt Sgt Bush were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

In a POW report Flt Sgt Bush stated : “ The aircraft was attacked by night fighters. I gave the Pilot the correct evasive action to take and opened fire on the nearest fighter. My guns went out of action. After about ten minutes the Flt Engineer reported that the two starboard motors were hit and on fire. The Captain ordered chutes on and then bale out. This was acknowledged by all except the Navigator who was wounded in the back and unable to bale out. All were still in the aircraft when I left at about 12,000 feet. The aircraft was out of control I came down in a field with only one boot on. I walked over a hill and was taken prisoner by farmers. Also Henderson and Austen.. I landed near a village called Vache ”

FO Austen stated that : “PO Corocran was in the aircraft before I abandoned and he was slightly wounded. The Germans said that he had been killed in the crash.”

382 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

427450 Flight Sergeant DRAFFIN, Ronald John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/201 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 138, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: MZ – 510 Radio call sign: C8 – Q Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 24/25thMarch 1944, Halifax MZ510 took off from RAF Leconfield, East Yorkshire, at 1922 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Hodgson, R Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Hursey, F G (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt S C Rayner, (Navigator) RAF FO Bunster, A H (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt R C Thorpe, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 427450 Flt Sgt R J Draffin, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt A Ayres, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Dinslaken Six of the crew were killed and FO Bunster was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

383 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

429235 Flight Sergeant LOCK, Robert Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/25/267 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 80, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NP 953 Radio call sign: C8 – G Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 14/15yh February 1945, Halifax NP953 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1702 hours, detailed to bomb Chemnitz, Germany. Northing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 424929 FO Weber, K Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt W S H Strong, DFM (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt R S Hall, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt G D Stean, (Air Bomber) RAAF 429235 Flt Sgt R H Lock, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF PO Lamphear, N R (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt S J Price, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Pockhau, 24kms south west of Chemnitz, Saxony, Germany. Six of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Hall was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Berlin1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

In a POW report Flt Sgt Hall stated : “ After three fighter attacks the aircraft spun into the ground and crashed. I blacked out and must have been blown through the emergency hatch. None had left before me. I don’t think they would have had time as the aircraft developed a spin after the abandon order was given.” Those killed are buried in the Berlin1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

384 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

432335 Pilot Officer MANTON, Paul Blake

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/27/809 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 106, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NP 931 Radio call sign: C8 – J Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 3/4th March 1945, Halifax NP931 took off from RAF Leconfield, East Yorkshire, at 1812 hours, detailed to bomb Kamen, Germany. On return from the mission, the aircraft tried to land at the airfield at Woodbridge, Suffolk. It had port engine failure and the aircraft was trying to land on three engines, but while approaching the runway it crashed about 0020 hours into the woods known as the Thicks, near Butley Village located just north east of the airfield. The motors were opened too quickly causing a swing to starboard and loss of control. It was also known that night intruders were operating in the area and it was considered possible that this may have caused the accident. Five of the crew were killed and two were injured in the accident.

Crew: RAAF 432335 PO Manton, P B Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt C E Cox, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flgt Sgt K R Stocker, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt E R Knowles, (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt J H Law, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J B Pridding, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt E J V Thompson, (Rear Gunner)

PO Manton is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. Flt Sgt Cox is buried in the Tarrant Hinton (St Mary and St John) Churchyard UK. Flt Sgt Stocker is in the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium, UK. Flt Sgt Knowles is buried in the Cardiff (Cathay) Cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt Law is buried in the Ashford (Baybrook) Cemetery, UK. W R Chorley states that Sgt Pridding died of his injuries on 6th March 1945.

385 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424271 Flight Sergeant MONTGOMERY, John William Arthur

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/318 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 253, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: MZ 541 Radio call sign: C8 – U Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 2/3rd June 1944, Halifax MZ541 took off from RAF Leconfield, Norfolk, at 2223 hours, detailed to bomb rail yards at Trappe, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Burwood, G H S Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A Friesner, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt J W Eastman, (Navigator) RAAF 424271 Flt Sgt J W A Montgomery, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt V L Bennett, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R Morris, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt P R Smith, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 0100 hours 1km south east of Epernon (Eure-et-Loir). All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Epernon Communal Cemetery, France. Epernon is a town some 20kms north of Chartres on the D906 road from Versailles to Rambouillet and Maintenon. The average age of the crew was 20 years, and they are the only WW2 Commonwealth airmen to be buried in the cemetery.

386 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

427394 Flight Sergeant MURPHY, John Anthony

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/292 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 201, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LW 506 Radio call sign: C8 – X Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 27/28th April 1944, Halifax LW506 took off from RAF Leconfield, East Yorkshire, at 2343 hours detailed to attack the railway yards at Montzen, Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Earnshaw, R Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt C A Hensey, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt R J Sampson, (Navigator) RAF PO Riordan, J E (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt W Mabon, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 427394 Flt Sgt J A Murphy, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt W A Pullen, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Dinteloord in the Dutch Province of Noord-Brabant, 6kms NNE of Steenbergen. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Bergen-Op-Zoom War Cemetery, Locality Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.

387 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

434406 Flying Officer MURRAY, William Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/249 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 94, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LW 422 Radio call sign: C8 – R Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 19/20th February 1944, Halifax LW422 took off from RAF Driffield, East Yorkshire, at 0022 hours, detailed to bomb Leipzig, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Waugh, W R Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Cant J S (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt C A Hilton, (Flight Engineer)) RAF Sgt I D J May, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt J Briggs, (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt C Morrice, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 434406 FO Murray, W H (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF PO Barclay, A S (Rear Gunner) A Missing Research & Enquiry team later reported : “Halifax LW422 was one of seven aircraft shot down on 20th February 1944 at Gohre, some 31 miles north east of Magdeburg, Germany. All the crew were killed.”

Those killed are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

388 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425048 Flying Officer O’NEILL, Benjamin Francis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/1192 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page `101, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NP 965 Radio call sign: C8 – Y Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 2nd March 1945, Halifax NP965 took off from RAF Leconfield East Yorkshire, at 0740 hours, detailed to bomb Cologne, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Robinson, K DFM Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt D H G Tiley, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 418895 FO Watkin, F E (Navigator) RAAF 425048 FO O’Neill, R F (Air Bomber) RAAF 424253 PO Wolfson, H H (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J H W Turner, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt C H Fielder, (Rear Gunner)

On the return journey, the aircraft crashed while trying to make an emergency landing behind our lines in France, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Hevelee War Cemetery, Belgium. The cemetery is 30kms from Brussels and 3kms south of Leuven.

389 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

437319 Flight Sergeant ROSE, George Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/266 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 224, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LW 499 Radio call sign: C8 – G Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 12/13th May 1944, Halifax LW499 took off from RAF Leconfield, Norfolk at 2201 hours, detailed to bomb the railway yards at Hesselt, Belgium. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF PO Thomas, D O Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt C G Lee, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Atkins, J I (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt D S Campbell, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt J S Scott, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 437319 Flt Sgt G H Rose, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt L R Gee, (Rear Gunner)

It was believed that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter an crashed near Genk (Limburg) Belgium. Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Scott was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Schoonselhof Cemetery, Belgium.

390 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425979 Pilot Officer SISLEY, Noel Henry Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : Ay705, 166/37/727 Commonwealth Ware Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 65, Volume 1945. Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: MZ 492 Radio call sign: C8 – X Unit: 640 Sqn RAF Summary: On the night of the 2/3rd February 1945, Halifax MZ492 took off from RAF Leconfield, East Yorkshire, at 2036 hours, detailed to attack an oil refining plant at Wanne-Eickel,. At 500 feet after take off the Pilot reduced power, and, at the same time commenced banking steeply to port, Moments later at approx 2048 hours, the Halifax crashed into Lakes Wood at Lockington, six miles NNW of Beverley Yorkshire. Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Whitman escaped practically unscathed. Crew: RAAF 425979 PO Sisley, N H Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt P R Jeffries, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt T A Gibson, (Navigator) RAF Sgt A Gray, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt M Delahunty, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt B W O Dockerty, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Whitman, (Rear Gunner) A later Court of Inquiry into the accident stated : “The aircraft Halifax MZ492 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2036 hours, The aircraft climbed normally to about 500 feet, and the Pilot reduced the engine settings and gave the Navigator permission to come forward from the rest position. The aircraft then lost height while it banked fairly steeply to port and finally struck a tree with the port wing and port outer engine. The port pouter wing then became detached and the aircraft crashed over an area some 300/400 yards and some 2 minutes after take off. The Primary cause of the accident was engine failure and bad Instrument flying was considered the next most likely cause of the accident. The Pilot was inexperienced making only his 2nd operational flight by night with a full bomb load. He did not appear to realize that anything was amiss otherwise he would not have ordered lower engine settings and allowing the Navigator to come forward. Sgt Whitman the Rear Gunner who escaped with minor injuries, appeared to realize that the aircraft was in a steep bank to port and was losing height before the crash occurred.

PO Sisley is buried in the Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, Yorkshire, UK

391 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

428810 Flight Sergeant TATE, Colin

Source: AWM `247 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/215 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorlwey : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 70, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LM 513 Radio call sign: CB – W Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

392 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418895 Flying Officer WATKIN, Frank Edwin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/1192 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page `101, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NP 965 Radio call sign: C8 – Y Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

393 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424929 Flying Officer WEBER, Keith

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/25/267 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 80, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NP 953 Radio call sign: C8 – G Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

394 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408380 Warrant Officer WILLIAMSON, James Esca

Source: AM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/690 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 243, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LM 573 Radio call sign: C8 – V Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 24/25th May 1944, Halifax LM573 took off from RAF Leconfield, East Yorkshire at 2259 hours, detailed to bomb Aachen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt D Marriott Captain (Pilot) \ RAF Flt Sgt E C Coldicutt, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt J Law, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt J H Ross, (Air Bomber) RAAF 403380 WO J E Williamson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt T Alldritt, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H W Smart, (Rear Gunner)

A later report by a Missing Research & Enquiry team stated ; “ the aircraft crashed near Weisweiler after it collided with another British aircraft at approx 1230 hours on the 25th May.1944, and the crews of both aircraft wee killed except Sgt Smart.” W R Chorley states the aircraft was hit by flak and plunged into the Johannestrasse at Weisweiler, 17kms ENE of Aachen.

Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Smart was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Gemany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

395 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424253 Flying Officer WOLFSON, Harold Harry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/1192 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page `101, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NP 965 Radio call sign: C8 – Y Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

396 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

422502 Pilot Officer GREY, Frederick Gwilym

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/574 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NA 127 Radio call sign: Unit: 644 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 2nd March 1945, Halifax NA127 took off from RAF Tarrant Rushton, near Blandford, Dorset, detailed to carry out a Special No 34 Group operation over Europe. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Wells S T Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt J R Weaver, (Flight Engineer) RCAF Flt Lt Miller, J A (Navigator) RAAF 422502 PO Grey, F G (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt R H Brown, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF WO2 J Corman, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft came down in the sea when returning from operations, and all the crew lost their lives, and have no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

397 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

437491 Warrant Officer BUTCHART, Bruce Ferguson

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA :A705, 166/6/1221 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 667 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 5th July 1945, WO Butchart , a Pilot, drowned when swimming in the sea at night at Haslar, UK, He is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles from London.

398 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410081 Flight Sergeant McGOWAN, Rex John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/377 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Defiant Serial number: DR 878 Radio call sign: Unit: 667 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 17th February 1944, Defiant DR878 took off from RAF Gosport, Hants, detailed to carry out an Army ack-ack cooperation exercise in the grounds of the Eastney ack-ack range The aircraft took off at 1310 hours. and was sent aback by the range at 1430 hours after completing an exercise. The range requested the aircraft again and it took off at 1450 hours. An accident occurred about 100 yards slightly to the rear of the range when the aircraft did a right hand circuit of the range doing steep turns at 100 to 150 feet height. During the second circuit at a height of approx 150 feet in a very steep turn the aircraft stalled, and all efforts by the pilot to rectify the position failed. The aircraft hit the ground at a very small angle at 1455 hours, and the crew of two were killed..

Crew: RAAF 410081 Flt Sgt R J McGowan, Captain (Pilot0 RAF LAC W H Shadbolt,

Flt Sgt McGowan is buried in he Brookwood Military Cemetery. The Cemetery is 30 miles from London. LAC Shadbolt is buried in the Lane End (Holy Trinity0 Churchyard, UK.

399 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404617 Pilot Officer HAY, George Leslie Lachlan

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/351 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: BR 414 Radio call sign: Unit: 680 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 24th October 1943, Spitfire BR414 took off from a PR detachment at Nicosia Cyprus, at 0700 hours, detailed to carry out a photo recce of the Dodecanese Islands in the Middle East. The estimated time of arrival of the aircraft back at base was 1200 hours and when the aircraft was overdue, an Air Sea Rescue search was carried out.. The aircraft crashed into a hill near Bodrum, Turkey, and the Pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 404617 PO Hay, G L L (Pilot)

PO Hay is buried in the Haidar Pasha Cemetery, Turkey. Haidar Pasha is a suburb in Instanbul, Turkey.

400 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402724 Flying Officer BROWN, Edwin Hanlon DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA ; A705, 166/6/153 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: AA 803 Radio call sign: Unit: 682 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 5th May 1943, Spitfire AA803 was detailed to carry out a photo reconnaissance operational mission. At some stage Brown called to say he was about 4 miles north of Algiers, and this was immediately followed by a “May Day I am baling out” message. It would appear that he baled out from a low altitude as the chute did not have time to open fully. His body was picked up from the sea by an ASR launch after it had been spotted by a Walrus.

Crew: RAAF 402724 FO Brown, E H DFC (Pilot)

FO Brown is buried in the El Alia Cemetery, Algeria. The Cemetery is 13kms south east of Algiers on the road to El Harrash.

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to FO Brown is as follows : “ This officer has completed 62 sorties and has invariably displayed great skill and determination. This was amply demonstrated one day in April 1943, when he successfully accomplished a reconnaissance flight over Naples and adjacent area in the face of heavy and accurate fire from the ground defences. His keenness and devotion to duty have been worthy of high praise.” (London Gazette 21/5/1943, Page 2347)

401 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

433081 Flight Sergeant AYRE, George Francis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/4/188 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 47, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: MM 128 Radio call sign: P3 - Unit: 692 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 14/15th January 1945, Mosquito MM128 took off from RAF Graveley, Huntingdonshire, UK, at 2106 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Chaundy, G R F DFM Captain (Pilot) RAAF 433081 Flt Sgt G F Ayre, (Navigator Bomb aimer)

The aircraft crashed and hit the ground almost vertically, the engines cockpit and the majority of the aircraft was buried. Both the crew were killed and they are buried in the Schoonselhof Cemetery, Belgium. Antwerp lies 57kms north of Brussels on the E19 and 59kms north east of Ghent on the E17.

402 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405291 Flying Officer BOLGER, Thomas John

Source: AWM 1237 (65) NA :A705, 166/6/719 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 437, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: PF 393 Radio call sign: P3 - Unit: 692 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of 25/26th September 1944, Mosquito PF393 took off from RAF Gransden Lodge, at 1906 hours, detailed to bomb Mannheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RNZAF FO Brennan, L J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 405291 FO Bolger, T J (Navigator)

The aircraft crashed at Mignault, (Hainaut) Belgium, 18kms ENE of Mons, and both the crew were killed. They are buried in the Mignault Communal Cemetery, Belgium.

403 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413460 Flight Lieutenant WAUGH, Alexander William

Source: AWM 237 (45) NAA : A705, 166/43/1211 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War. Page 124, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: PP 450 Radio call sign: P3 - Unit: 692 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the night of the 11/12th March 1945, Mosquito PP450 took off from RAF Graveley, Huntingdonshire, UK, took off at 1828 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Soon after take off, the aircraft lost power on one engine and it headed back towards the airfield.. The approach was made at 1852 hours, but the aircraft overshot the runway, crashed into a hedge and caught fire. The Pilot died of his injuries and the Navigator was injured in the crash.

Crew: RAAF 413460 Flt Lt Waugh, A W Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Corrigan, F L (Navigator)

Flt Lt Waugh is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, UK The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery.

A report into the accident stated : “ The starboard engine failed approx 10 minutes after take off. On attempting a single engine landing, the Pilot approached too fast with no flaps and ran off the runway, crashed through a hedge and came to rest in flames at the south west end of the runway. The Pilot died of his injuries. The Pilot made an error of judgement by cutting his approach too short, coming in to land too fast and failing to put his flaps down. A Secondary error of judgement was by not aligning himself correctly on the runway.”

404 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

437027 Warrant Officer UNDERWOOD, Haron Patrick

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 1166/41/31 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Martinet Serial number: NR 610 Radio call sign: Unit: 695 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 20th May 1945. Martinet NR610 took off at 1520 hours, detailed to carry out an Army ack-ack co-operation day exercise. The aircraft crashed at 1700 hours at Burnham Market, Norfolk, and the crew of two were killed.

Crew: RAAF 437027 WO H P Underwood, Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt R A Adams, (Air Gunner)

Those killed are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, UK The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery.

A Flying Accident report later stated : “ It appears that during a return flight from an authorised ack-ack coop exercise, the target broke away. It appears from the evidence that this fact having been brought to the notice of the Pilot, he made a circuit presumably to ascertain the position of the drogue. Almost immediately after and for no known reason, the aircraft went on to its back and either spun or spiralled straight down into the ground, burst into flame and was completely destroyed. The weather was not a cause, visibility was good, and the cloud base was higher than 1500 feet

The CO Of the Squadron stated ; “ Presumably after the drogue became adrift, the Pilot circled it to see where it would fall. During this process it seems that the Pilot allowed the aircraft to stall. The resulting “flick over” could appear to an eye witness as if the aircraft had turned on its back.”

405 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412938 Flight Sergeant FENTON, Ronald Franklin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/13/54 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTO Royal Air Force 20 (P) AFU

Summary: As a result of an enemy air raid, Flt Sgt Fenton a Pilot was killed on the ground at 1110 hours on the 23rd May 1943, when off duty at Bournemouth UK. He was one of five RAAF pilots who were off duty and were killed in the same air raid.

Flt Sgt Fenton is buried in the Bournemouth North Cemetery, UK.

406 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

8594 Aircraftman Class 1 BUCHHORN, Maxwell Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/94/213 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: AHq Far East ATTD RAF

Summary: On the 24th June 1944, AC1 Buchhorn, (Radar),.was a POW on board a Japanese transport from Singapore bound for Japan. He died on the 24th June 1944, when approx 20 miles off the coast of Japan, the ship was torpedoed and sank within two minutes of being torpedoed. There were 772 POW’s on board and of these 212 survived the sinking. . AC1 Buchhorn has no known grave, and his name is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, which is located in the Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore.

407 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403272 Flght Sergeant LAMBERT, Rex Clifton

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/136/225 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Blenheim Serial number: BA 162 Radio call sign: Unit: Air Defence Unit ATTD RAF

Summary: On the 20th October 1942 Blenheim BA162 on a non-operational daytime flight, was detailed to carry out authorised low flying and a ‘shoot up’ of ground troops. During the flight the aircraft hit a tree, control of the aircraft was lost and it crashed. The Pilot was sent at the request of No 216 Group to take Control Officers over the route He was not a very experienced Pilot and had no training in this sort of work. The aircraft crashed at Kemo-Peura road, Kano, Nigeria, North Africa. All on board the aircraft were killed.

Crew: RNZAF Sgt E Neve, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 403272 Flt Sgt R E Lambet, (Wireless Air Gunner) British Army : Lt Waddington, A H (PAX) 13th Brigade Recce Sqn, Hampshire Regiment.

Those killed are buried in the Kano Township Christian Cemetery, Nigeria. Kano is an administrative centre of Kano Province and is about 100kms from the northern border of Nigeria.

408 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

433543 Flight Sergeant HOLDEN, Ashley Roy Thomas

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/18/883 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 14 ACHU RAF

Summary: On the 14th September 1945, Flt Sgt Holden (a Pilot) was at the Preston railway station in the UK, travelling on leave. He complained of pains in his neck and a headache, and was found in a lavatory dead. A post mortem found that the cause of death was a rupture aneurysm of the Cerebral artery.

Flt Sgt Holden is buried in the Chester (Blacon) Cemetery, UK.

409 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

33516 Pilot Officer MILNE, Francis Debenham

Source: AM 237 (65) NAA : 163/45/208 digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Douglas Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 6 Troop Carrier Sqn 1 Administrative wing USAAF

Summary: On the 26th November 1942, a Douglas transport aircraft departed from Port Moresby for Dobadura at approx 0630 hours. After landing at Dobadura and unloading freight the aircraft took off for Port Moresby at approx 1000 hours. Shortly after take off the aircraft was attacked by two Zeros and shot down. The aircraft burst into flames before hitting the ground four miles south of Poppindetta. All the crew were killed. .

Crew: USAAF Lt Lattier E S Captain (Pilot) RAAF 33516 PO Milne, F D (Co-Pilot) USAAF T/Sgt J E Paul (Engineer) Mr A Believe, (Radio Operator)

PO Milne is buried in the Arlington National Cemetery, USA.

410 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400141 Flying Officer COX, Keith Kipling

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/351 166/8/9 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: AR 448 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 610 Sqn RAF/Aircraft Development Unit

Summary: On the 23rd January 1944, Spitfire AR448 crashed at 1115 hours at RAF Station Croydon, UK, during a non operational day flight, and the Pilot was killed. Crew : RAAF 400141 FO Cox K K (Pilot)

FO Cox is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, UK Brookwood is 30 miles from London.. A later Court of Inquiry into the accident stated : “ The pilot stalled the aircraft when doing a slow roll at about 1000 feet and flicked on his back. He tried to half roll and pull out from this position, but did not quite clear the ground at the edge of the drome. The Plot had been engaged on frying duties for a long time, and obviously his aerobatics were bad. The accidence was a clear case of disobedience of orders in the Pilot attempted aerobatics in the drome circuit area over a built up area at 1000 feet, without authority.

411 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408352 Warrant Officer MOFFATT, Albert John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/45/58 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Ventura Serial number: FP 673 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Hq Royal Air Force (ME))

Summary: On the 28th June 1944, Ventura FP673 had returned from a night navigation exercise to RAF Station Gianaclis in the Middle East, and was carrying out a final turn on his approach to land when the ac accident occurred. A standard double flare path was in use. The Pilot of another aircraft in the air at the same time reported that his windscreen misted up at the time of the accident, and it was considered possible the Pilot of Ventura FP673 was watching the flare path, and not his instruments. From witnesses on the ground it appeared that the aircraft had spun in. The aircraft crashed at 2355 hours two miles south of the Gianaclis drome, and the crew of four were killed. .

Crew: RAAF 422791 FO Yeomans, A (Pupil Pilot) RAAF 421322 Flt Sgt Fosbery (Pupil Navigator) RAAF 410566 Flt Sgt L K Scott, (Pupil Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 408352 WO A J Moffatt, (Pupil Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

412 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

422791 Flying Officer YEOMANS, Allan

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/45/58 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Ventura Serial number: FP 673 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Hq Royal Air Force (ME))

All the crew are buried in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

413 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

411641 Flying Officer POLSON, Brian Wallace

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/35/17 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: FK 621 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Hq Royal Air Force Gibraltar

Summary: On the 12th March 1943, Hudson FK621 detailed to carry out an operational flight from Gibraltar to the United Kingdom, crashed on take off at 0132 hours in Spanish territory, and all the crew were killed. Owing to the lack of burial grounds at Gibraltar owing to the conditions of the only cemetery through severe damage by enemy action, permission was given to bury at sea those killed in the crash.

Crew: RAAF 411641 FO Polson, B W Captain (Pilot) RCAF FO Crowe, H J (Navigator) RAAF 412698 Sgt R Rickett, (Wireless Air Gunner) RNZAF Sgt H E Ash, (Wireless Air Gunner)

The crew were burial at sea on the 14th March 1943. Their names are commemorated on a Special Memorial at Gibraltar. The Memorial commemorates the names of 91 airmen and soldiers who died during the 1939-1945 war and were buried at sea.

414 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412698 Sergeant RICKETT, Ronald Charles Granville

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/35/17 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: FK 621 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Hq Royal Air Force Gibraltar

Crew: RAAF 411641 FO Polson, B W Captain (Pilot) RCAF FO Crowe, H J (Navigator) RAAF 412698 Sgt R Rickett, (Wireless Air Gunner) RNZAF Sgt H E Ash, (Wireless Air Gunner)

415 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421368 Flight Sergeant MOSS, Anthony Herbert

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/252 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: JL 242 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Hq Royal Air Force M East

Summary: On the 28th February 1944, Spitfire JL242 flown by Flt Sgt Moss and Spitfire ES336 flown by Flt Sgt O’Brien, collided in mid air and crashed 10 miles south east of Abu Sueir drome. Both Pilots were killed.

Crew: JL242 RAAF 421368 Flt Sgt A H Moss (Pilot)

Crew : ES336 RAAF 421028 Flt Sgt A W O’Brien (Pilot)

Both Pilots are buried in the Moascar War Cemetery, Egypt. The cemetery is situated just off the main Ismailia-Cairo road, 10kms by road from Ismailia.

416 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

432912 Flight Sergeant WHITE, Arthur Alfred

Source: AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705, 163/43/1101 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Thunderbolt Serial number: KJ 169 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Hq Royal Air Force M East

Summary: On the 13 January 1945, Thunderbolt KJ169 took off on a training flight and crashed at Moascaaeg Boascar near Ismailia, Egypt The Pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 432912 Flt Sgt A A White, (Pilot)

An Inquiry into the accident found that the accident was undoubtedly caused by the Pilot attacking two untraced Spitfires, such attacks being unauthorised. That whilst doing the second attack possibly by trying to follow the more manoeuvrable Spitfire round in a turn, or attempting to pull out of the dive too quickly, got into a high speed stall or flick stall, and was unable to recover before hitting the ground.

Flt Sgt White is buried in the Fayid War Cemetery, Egypt. Fayid is a small town, 20kms south of Ismailia on the west of the Great Bitter Lakes, which is at the mid point of the Suez Canal.

417 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421028 Flight Sergeant O’BRIEN, Allan William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/28/252 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: JL 242 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Hq Royal Air Force M East

Crew: JL242 RAAF 421368 Flt Sgt A H Moss (Pilot)

Crew : ES336 RAAF 421028 Flt Sgt A W O’Brien (Pilot)

Both Pilots are buried in the Moascar War Cemetery, Egypt. The cemetery is situated just off the main Ismailia-Cairo road, 10kms by road from Ismailia.

418 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413040 Warrant Officer STRACHAN, Robert Hawkins

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/881 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Beaufighter Serial number: NE 650 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Hq Royal Air Force Poona

Summary: On the 16th January 1945, Beaufighter NE650 took off from RAF Station Poona, was carrying out a non-operational low flying cross country exercise, when it crashed into a lake, near Ashti, 40 miles south east of Alimednagar, India, at 0550 hours. The aircraft was under15 feet of water in the lake and the Pilots body was trapped in the plane The Navigator was slightly injured in the crash. The aircraft misjudged the surface of the lake and hit the water.

Crew: RAAF 413040 WO R H Stachan, Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt R G Whiting, (Navigator/Wireless)

419 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

434004 Leading Aircraftsman PAGAN, Leslie Norman

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/40 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD RCAF 3 Manning Deport

Summary: On the 21st February 1943 LAC Pagan, an Air Gunner, died of an illness at Edmonton, Alberta University Hospital, He is buried in the Edmonton (Beachmount) Cemetery, Canada.

420 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412615 Sergeant MOLE, Raymond Ernest

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/145/256 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: FH 368 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD RCAF RAAF Dorval, Canada

Summary: On the 16th July 1942, Hudson FH 369 was on a training flight. The aircraft crashed two miles south west of Dorval and all on board were killed.

Crew: RCAF Flt Lt Gilchrist, H H Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R Thaddeignace, (Pilot under Instruction) RAF PO Maitland, J B (Observer) RAF Sgt J M Sales, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 412615 Sgt R E Mole, (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Montreal (Mount Royal) Cemetery, Canada.

421 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404063 Flight Lieutenant FRASER, Alexander William DFC and Bar

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/14/228 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HF 352 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force (Farnborough) Summary: On the 4th July 1944, Wellington HF352 was carrying out a non-operational experimental flight, and the aircraft crashed and all on board were killed. Crew: RAAF 404063 Flt Lt Fraser, A W DFC and Bar Captain (Pilot) RAF WO S Bickell, (Wireless Air Gunner RAF Sgt K Popejoy, RAF AC1 S Parsons Mr D W Parker (Civilian Observer). Mr R A Erskins ( “ “ ) Mr K Dart ( “ “ ) Flt Lt Fraser is buried in the Lisburn Cemetery, Northern Ireland, UK. WO Bickell is buried in the Edmonton Cemetery, Middlesex, UK Sgt Popejoy is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, UK. AC1 Parsons is buried in the Leeds (Harehills) Cemetery, UK. The civilian observers are buried in their own hometown cemeteries.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident later found : “The aircraft had a failure of the starboard engine at approx 0950 hours and by the engine was feathered. The Pilot informed Farnborough by radio he was returning to base, and later ay 0955 he was having difficulty min maintaining height whish was then at 1100 feet, but was trying to make base. He instructed his passengers to take up crash positions, and to remove the astro dome. He obviously intended to make a wheels up down wind landing at Odiham, which he may well have mistaken for Farnborough. However he must have been to low on his approach to Odiham and in trying to clear a small hill he stalled the aircraft into a copse. The aircraft hit the ground in a stalled attitude at 1004 hours. The Causes of the accident were : Failure of the starboard engine, and failure of the aircraft to maintain height on one engine possibly due to overheating of the port engine.”

Citations : The Citations for the DFC awarded to Flt Lt Fraser then of 120 Sqn RAF, is as follows : “ This officer has taken part in numerous anti-submarine and convoy escort sorties and has proved himself an exceptional pilot. On one occasion he found one of our convoys

422 when 50 miles from home and by escorting it for four and a half hours undoubtedly saved it from submarine attack. The Citation for the Bar to the DFC awarded to Flt Lt Fraser then of 120 Sqn RAF is as follows : “ This officer was captain of an aircraft which attacked a U boat. In the face of heavy ant-aircraft fire a vigorous attack was pressed home and the vessel was destroyed. Although Flt Lt Fraser’s aircraft was hit by gunfire, he flew it to base where he executed a masterly landing. This officer has displayed skill, courage and determination of a high order. (London Gazette 3/8/1943 Page 3485)

423 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

430349 Warrant Officer ALLEN, Leo James

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/3/485 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force Pers Disposal & Recp Centre

Summary: At Brighton, UK, on the 25th July 1945,WO Allen, an Air Gunner, died of asphyxia after bathing. He is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles west of London.

424 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420453 Flight Sergeant CRABBE, Colin Bernard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/125 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force 11 PERS Disposal & Recp Centre

Summary: On the 23rd May 1943, Flt Sgt Crabbe (Pilot), was one of a number of RAAF personnel who were killed in Bournemouth, UK, when a building they were in sustained a direct hit from a bomb during enemy air operations.

He is buried in the Bournemouth North Cemetery, UK.

425 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420618 Sergeant GRAY, Neal Morton

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/89 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force 11 Pers Disposal & Recpn Centre

Summary: On the 23rd May 1943, Sgt Gray (Pilot) was killed by enemy action when off duty at Bounemouth UK. At 1250pm, ten FW190’s attacked Bournemouth with bombs and machine gun fire on buildings

Sgt Gray is buried in the Bournemouth North Cemetery, UK.

426 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

427677 Sergeant BUSWELL, Leonard

Source: AM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/337 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force 11 Personnel Disposal & Recpn Centre

Summary: On the 26th November 1943, Sgt Buswell (Pilot) died of pneumonia in the 16th Canadian General Hospital, Mawsden Green, Birmingham, UK. He is buried in the Oxford (Botley) Cemetery, UK.

427 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405111 Wing Commander RATTEN, John Richard DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/35/456 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force 11 Personnel & Despatch

Summary: On the 27th February 1945, Wg Cdr Ratten, a Pilot, died of an illness in Middlehurst Hospital, UK. He was cremated in the Downs Crematorium, Brighton,.UK.

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to the then Sqn Ldr Ratten of 453 Sqn RAAF, is as follows : “This officer has completed a large number of sorties and has led the squadron and often with the greatest of skill. He has rendered excellent service, setting a most praiseworthy example. Sqn Ldr Ratten has destroyed one and shared in the destruction of another enemy aircraft. (London Gazette 15/6/1943 Page 2729).

428 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

433308 Sergeant STEWART, Michael Donald

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/639 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force 11 Personnel Disp & Rec Centre

Summary: On the 27th July 1944 Sgt Stewart, a Pilot, died as a result in the Uk in a ground accident. A Court of Inquiry into the acvident found that death was caused by a fall from a steam passenger train on which he was a passenger, and as a result of misadventure On the evidence available no blame was attached to any person.

Sgt Stewart is buried in the Chester (Blacom) Cemetery, UK.

429 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413766 Pilot Officer HENDERSON, William Gordon

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/91 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: DH 86 Serial number: PX 844 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force 11 Personnel Disposal & Recpn Centre

Summary: On the 31st March 1943, PO Henderson was flying a Fleet Air Arm aircraft ,DG86 PX844which crashed at Donebristle, Fife, Scotland, at 3.21pm hours. All on board the aircraft were killed.

Crew: RAAF 413766 PO Henderson, W G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 416699 FO Pudney, B H (Observer) RAAF 416833 PO De Garis A K (Observer) RNZAF FO Shroff O M ( RNZAF PO Smith, ( RNZAF PO Newman, (

All the crew are buried in the Dumferline (Double Bank) Cemetery, Fifeshire, Scotland.

430 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403243 Sergeant MIDDLETON, Hector McKenzie

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/144/229 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: Z 4764 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force Air Defence Op Unit

Summary: On the 22nd October 1942, Hurricane Z4764 took off from El Friden, Egypt, Middle East and failed to clear a sandbank at the edge of the drome, and the Pilot was killed. It was believed that the aircraft took off in course pitch, but the fire damage was too great to ascertain the cause of the crash definitely.

Crew: RAAF 403243 Sgt H s Middleton, (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Mddleton is buried in the Ismailia War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Ismailia is a small town on the west side of the Suez Canal.

431 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406184 Sergeant MANSFIELD, Keith Warren

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/142/244 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: Z 4354 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force ARMY COOP UNIT

Summary: On the13th November 1941, Hurricane Z4354 crashed at Gaza Ridge, at 1530 hours four miles north of the RAF Station, and the Pilot was injured. He died of his injuries in the Gaza Ridge Australian Hospital, on the 14th November 1941

Crew: RAAF 406184 Sgt K W Mansfield, (Pilot)

Sgt Mansfield is buried in the Gaza War Cemetery, Israel. Gaza is 3kms from the Mediterranean coast and 65kms from Tel Aviv.

432 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420316 Flight Sergeant WEBB, Robson Coltish

Source AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/711 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Kittyhawk Serial number: FR 843 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force Hq Desert Air Force

Summary: On the 12th June 1944, Kittyhawk FR843 took off as on of a formation of six aircraft, detailed to carry out practice formation flying. During the exercise it was noiticed that Kittyhawk FR843 was lagging behind the others. A little later Webb called up his Leader on the R/T and told him that his aircrafts engine temperatures were abnormally high and he would return to base.

On the way back, although the engine was still going satisfactorily, an Instructor who happened to be in the air at the same time, heard this conversation, and advised Web b to land at the nearest base. Webb replied that he would try to make base. By the time the aircraft reached base his engine was not giving enough power to maintain height, and Sqn Ldr nash saw the aircraft fly past his office at a height of 60 feet and a very low airspeed. Shortly after the aircraft started to do a turn, and not having enough speed, the aircraft stalled and struck the ground. It turned upside down and a fire started. Others Got the pilot out who was badly burnt, and he was admitted to hospital He died of his burns on the 14th June 1944.

Crew: RAAF 420316 Flt Sgt R C Wbb, (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Web b is buried in tbe Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy.

433 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421322 Flight Sergeant FOSBERY, Stephen Michael

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/45/58 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Ventura Serial number: FP 673 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Hq Royal Air Force (ME))

All the crew are buried in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

434 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410566 Flight Sergeant SCOTT, Lawrence Kerr

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/45/58 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Ventura Serial number: FP 673 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Hq Royal Air Force (ME))

All the crew are buried in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

435 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405192 Sgt HENDERSON, Robert Fordell

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/121/208 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Blenheim Serial number: BA 597 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force Hq Royal Air Force Middle East

Summary: On the 19th August 1942, Blenheim BA597 took off from Lagos as one of a formation of aircraft, detailed to fly over convoy No 474. The Leader of the formation noticed that a line squall was running roughly from a northwest direction to south east, and moving westward. When approaching Oshogbo, the Leader decided to return to Lagos and signalled the necessary instructions. All the other aircraft responded except BA597, which headed straight for the squall and disappeared in the cloud. The wreck and the remains of the crew were later discovered seven miles north of Ogbodisho. It was considered that the cause of the accident was loss of control of the aircraft in cloud.

Crew: RAAF 402104 Flt Sgt F B Borerett, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 405192 Sgt R F Henderson, Captain (Observer) RAAF 403253 Flt Sgt J M Bowditch, (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Oshogbo Cemetery, Nigeria

436 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413997 Flight Sergeant HEWETSON, Robert Thomas

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/478 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Vultee Vengeance Serial number: AN 692 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force India

Summary: On the 7th February 1944 Vultee Vengeance AN692 crashed at 1015 hours at Cuttnick, Orissa, India, while flying in a thunderstorm and endeavouring to make a forced landing in a paddy field. The Pilot was killed in the crash.

Crew: RAAF 413997 Flt Sgt R T Hewetson, (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Hewetson is buried in the Madras War Cemetery, Chennai, India. The cemetery is 5kms from the airport and 14kms from the Central railway station, Madras.

437 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408839 Flight Sergeant GORDON, Noel Leslie

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/56 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: EN 355 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force M East

Summary: On the 6th April 1943, Spifire EN355 crashed on take off at 11am half a mile west of the Maison Blanche drome, Algiers. The aircraft was on a ferry transit flight from Maison Blanc Setif (Algeria). The Pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 408839 Flt Sgt N L Gordon, (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Gordon is buried in the El Alia Cemetery, Algeria. The cemetery is 13kms south east of Algiers on the road to El Harrash, and is situated within a large civilian cemetery.

438 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

429362 Flight Sergeant TIPPETT, GeoffreyRobert

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/196 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Anson Serial number: N 5026 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force South West Freugh

Summary: On the 30th December 1943, Anson N5026 took off from RAF West Freugh Stranraer, at 1953 hours on a night navigation exercise and bombing exercise. During the flight it struck a cliff and crashed one to 1.5 miles from Port Soderilt on the road to Douglas at 2100 hours in the dark. The aircraft was seen to circle and lose height until it crashed into a hill about 200 feet above sea level. It fell back into a disused tramway and was burnt and became a total wreck. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF 416210 Flt Sgt C G Eckersley, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 428533 Sgt H Peters, (W/T Navigator) RAAF 429362 Flt Sgt G R Tippett, (WT Wireless Operator) RAAF 425073 PO Thompson, H StG (Staff W/T Operator) RAF Sgt L J Henley.(

All the crew are buried in the Andreas (St Andrew) Churchyard, UK.

In a report into the accident it stated : “The primary cause of the accident was the shearing of one of the propeller Boss bolts. It was thought that the Pilot decided to make an immediate forced landing preferably on water near the coast, but he overshot the mark in bad visibility and faced with cliffs ahead, he tried to clear them but crashed head on into them.”

439 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404434 Pilot Officer SLAUGHTER, Allan John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/37/140 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: FK 571 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force Station (Defford United Kingdom)

Summary: On the 16th July 1943, Hudson FK571 took off from RAF Station Defford at 0925 hours, detailed to carry out a local test flight. PO Slaughter was flying the aircraft, and at 1008 hours it crashed north of the adjoining village of Ashton Under Hill, 7.5 miles from RAF Defford. The aircraft was completely burnt out and both the occupants were killed.

The aircraft was seen by eyewitnesses to approach Ashton Under Hill, and it was seen that the starboard propeller had stopped, and the port propeller was revolving very slowly. The port propeller then stopped altogether, and the aircraft stalled at approx 1000 feet and spun to the left completing one and a half turns in spin before crashing.

Sqn Ldr Meade the 2nd Pilot was gaining air experience on the aircraft type and he was to take the aircraft up afterwards on his first solo flight in the aircraft type.

The Primary cause of the accident was the failure of the starboard engine. The Secondary cause was the inadvertent feathering of the port propeller and loss of control when attempting to trim the aircraft prior to carrying out a forced landing.

Crew: RAAF 404434 PO Slaughter, A J Captain (Pilot) Rf Sqn Ldr Meade, J A (2nd Pilot)

PO Slaughter is buried in the East Wemyss Cemetery, UK. Sqn Ldr Meade is buried in the Pershore Cemetery, UK.

440 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409142 Flying Officer JONES, Arthur Selwyn

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/21/8 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: ES 368 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force Station, Gibraltar

Summary: On the 5th February 1943, Spitfire ES368 crashed at 1300 hours at La Senia landing ground at Oran, North Africa The aircraft collided with another aircraft on the ground, while landing during heavy rain. The fuselage was badly damaged and cut in two. The pilot of ES368 was killed and the pilot of the other aircraft was uninjured.

Crew: RAAF 409142 FO Jones, A S (Pilot)

FO Jones is buried in the Le Petit Lac Cemetery, Algeria. The cemetery is situated in the south-eastern outskirts of Oran, about 4kms from the Place Foch in the centre of the town.

441 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414633 Flight Sergeant CUMMINGS, Franklin Walter

Source: AWM 237 (650 NAA : A705, 163/99/133 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: BE 651 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force STH TEALING

Summary: On the 19th November 1943, Hurricane BE651 crashed at Cleish Hill Kinrosshire Scotland, and the pilot was killed. Crew: RAAF 414633 Flt Sgt F W Cumming, (Pilot) Flt Sgt Cumming is buried in the Dundee (Balgay) Cemetery, Scotland, UK. FO Ridgway is also buried there.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident stated : “ On the 19th November 1943, Hurricane BE651 was detailed to carry out a a low level cross country “Rhubarb” exercise. Hurricane BE651 flown by Flt Sgt Cummings was No 2 in a formation of three other aircraft led by FO Wood, with No3 FO Ridgway and No4 Flt Sgt McQuarrie. The Flight was authorised by FO Wood the Flight Commander and as Wood had flown sections over it regularly no route forecast was obtained. He briefed the Pilots telling them the minium height was 200 feet He also told them that if the weather was bad, to close in and he would climb through it. The weather over the base was quite suitable for the exercise.

The section took off at 1427 hours, the safety factor being that if the weather was unsuitable, the Leader would then turn back. The weather was OK as far as Stirling, But after passing the first target, the weather began to close in rapidly and it appeared to the Leader that heavy shower was located in the valley between Ochil and Cleish Hills. He therefore brought the section in close. Cummings on the left and Ridgway on the right McQuarrie was not in R/T contact and was left to his own devices. And he entered the thick cloud and climbed through it. He thought the cloud far too dense for formation flying. For some reason Cummings was out of position and was last seen slipping below the Leader. A few minutes later he crashed on Cleish Hill, having crossed to starboard of Ridgeway and in a slight dive, Ridgway also crashed climbing at an angle of 30 degrees having just failed to clear a hilltop. The Leader and McQuarrie broke cloud at 1500 feet and proceeded back to base where the weather was still suitable.

The main cause of the accident was Cummings failure to keep position during the formation climb through cloud. Cumming was not very experienced in this form of flying

442 in dense cloud. The Section ran into bad weather at a very critical part of the flight between Ochill Hills and Cleish hills by a very narrow valley whose floor is 600 feet above sea level. The weather in the area had been poor all day.

The accident could be classed as an air collision (although an air collision was not involved), as it was most likely the threat of an air collision which caused Ridgway to break formation and “duck” when Cummings began to dive away to starboard. It rather looked as if Cummings was unable to cope with formation flying, and suddenly went over to instruments with disastrous results. It was felt that Wood was not altogether responsible for the crashes, but it was thought he should have at least enquired about the area forecast.”

443 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405616 Sergeant ALLEN, James Frederick

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/3/100 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force Stn Poona

Summary: On the 1st September 1943, Flt Sgt Allen a Navigator Bomb Aimer, and Flt Sgt Stodart left the Air Transit Pool camp at Poons at 1730 hours and cycled into town. They went straight to the Capitol Cinema for an 1830 session and came out about 2030. hours. They then went to a Chinese restaurant where they met Flt Sgt Harmshaw. All had dinner together and at 2100 hours proceeded to ride back to the camp. Allen and Stodart had torches and Harmshaw had a bicycle lamp. Stodsart was in front, Harmshaw behind and Allen was last.

After travelling for some distance a car was observed approaching near the centre of the road without lights. Stodart swerved over to the extreme left of the road and was followed by Harmshaw. Neither saw what happened, but Harmshaw felt a bump from the front wheel of Allens bike, and then heard the bike fall. He heard a dull thus and immediately stopped. He looked back and saw Allen’s bike lying 3 to 4 yards from the left side of the road and about a yard from the centre of the road Allen was lying in the middle of the road about 4 to 5 yards from the bike and was bleeding badly from the nose and the mouth and was breathing with difficulty. He died shortly after before a Medical Officer arrived a little later about 2100 hours The Medical Officer said the injuries were consistent with a direct impact.

Sgt Allen is buried in the Kirkee War Cemetery, India.

444 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

429879 Flight Sergeant WAUCHOPE, Archibald William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/725 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves Records

Aircraft Type: Anson Serial number: L9584 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force South West Freugh

Summary: On the 12th June 1944, Anson L9584 took off on a night navigation exercise followed by a bombing exercise to be carried out at Castle Douglas, Bride and Whithouse. The last message received from the aircraft was a QTR of 060 degrees from Wigbourne at 0225 hours. The aircraft crashed at Cairnsmore Hill Wigtown about eight miles north east of Wigtown. The aircraft struck a hillside at 0438 hours at approx 1800 feet when it was believed to be flying in low cloud. All the crew were killed..

Crew: RAF Sgt T W Edwards, Captain (Pilot) RNZAF Flt Sgt R C Beggs, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt H W G Rennison, (Pupil Navigator) RAF Sgt B B Hayton, (Staff Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 429879 Flt Sgt A W Wauchope, (Pupil Wireless Operator)

Flt Sgt Beggs is buried in the Rashee New Cemetery, UK. Sgt Rennison is buried in the Petersfield Cemetery, UK. Sgt Hayson is buried in the Redmire (St Mary) Churchyard, UK. Flt Sgt Wauchope is buried in the Stoneykirk Cemetery, Wigtownshire, Scotland, UK. Commonwealth War Graves records do not reveal where Sgt Edwards is buried.

445 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403555 Flight Lieutenant CASEY, John Austral MID

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/711 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: York Serial number: G 126 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force Transport Command Summary: On the 14th November 1944, York G126 took off from RAF Station Northolt at 0806 hours on an air Operational travel flight, for Pomigliano, eight miles north east of Naples. This was the first leg of a flight from the UK to India, by Air Chief Marshall Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, KCB CB DSO, to take over Command as Allied Air Commander-in- Chief, South-East Asia. He was accompanied by his wife Lady D J Leigh-Mallory. The only W/T contact was made with the aircraft at 0929 hours on the 14th November, which advised that “the escorting aircraft were breaking away” York G 126 did not reach its destination in Italy, and the aircraft was reported missing. Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Lancaster C G D Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Lt Chinn, P (2nd Pilot) RAF Flt Lt Mooring, K A (Navigator) RAAF 493555 Flt Lt Casey, J A MID (W/T Operator) RAF FO Enser, A J (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt J Chandler, (Steward) RAF Cpl Burgess, (Fitter)) RAF LAC Burnett, (Fitter) RAF Air Chief Marshall Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, KCB CB DSO (PAX) Lady D J Leigh-Mallory (PAX) In 1945 a Missing Research & Enquiry team reported : “ The missing aircraft had been located in the mountains, 30 miles west of Grenoble, France.and all on board the aircraft had been killed. The aircraft had crashed during a heavy blizzard and snowstorm. It had been flying several miles off course and had hit the top of a 6,500 foot high mountain with its tail piece, somersaulting the aircraft into the slope just below the top. The remains of all those on board were buried on the 15th June 1945, in the French Cemetery at Le Rivier D’Allemont, France. Allemont and Le Rivier are villages in the Department of the Isere, 24kms east south east of Grenoble, the chief town in the Department. The Cemetery is situated at the mountain side east of the village of Le Rivier, and is only accessible from April to October each year.. The graves of the eight British and one Australian airmen, together with the civilian grave of Lady Leigh- Mallory, are to be found to the right entrance in the centre plot. There are only ten identified casualties in the Cemetery, Flt Lt Casey’s MID was promulgated in the January 1945 New Years List.

446 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418139 Flight Sergeant MARSHALL, Murray Gordon

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/27/311 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force Waterloo

Summary: On the 19th December 1943, Flt Sgt Marshall, a Wireless Air Gunner, was in charge of a lorry on an organised bathing run at the time of the accident at 1700 hours. He was injured when the vehicle overturned at Benjguema near Freetown (East), and was admitted to No 51 General hospital. He died of his injuries on the 24th December 1943, and is buried in the Freetown (King Tom) Cemetery, Sierra Leone.

447 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419503 Sergeat SHAPCOTT, Wilfred

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9301 Barcode Commonwealth War Braves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force West Frough

Summary: Sgt Shapcott, a Wireless Air Gunner, was admitted to Lucknow Hospital, West Frough, dangerously ill. He died on the 6th September 1943, from injuries received in an aircraft accident. He is buried in the Bristol (Arnos Vale) Cemetery, UK.

448 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

432727 Flight Sergeant PRATT, John David

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 166/33/249 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Anson Serial number: AM 177 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force Wigtown

Summary: On the 13th November 1944, Anson AM177 at 2030 hours, crashed in flight from the sea, and struck high ground. on he Isle of Man, UK. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RCAF Flt Sgt H E McDonald, (Pilot) RCAF FO Bardwell, C A (Navigator) RAF PO Darlington, J (Air Bomber) RAF PO Hoyle, P H (Staff Wireless Operator) RAAF 437727 Flt Sgt J D Pratt, (Wireless Operator under training)

Flt Sgt’s McDonald and Pratt ad FO Bardwell are buried in the Jurby (St Patrick) Churchyard. Jurby is a village on the north west coast of the Isle of Man, and is reached from Ramsey a seaport on the north east coast six miles distant. PO Darlington is buried in the Runcorn Cemetery, UK. PO Hoyle is buried in the Nottingham Northern Cemetery, UK

In a court of Inquiry into the accident it was concluded “that the accident was due to an error of judgement on the part of the Pilot, in that he climbed into cloud, and increased height to 3000 feet. As he knew from the briefing that the icing index was high at 2000 feet, it was considered that the Pilot lost control of the aircraft while in cloud, and iced up and failed to regain complete control before the aircraft struck a hillside.”

449 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

Flight Sergeant BOWDITCH, John Alexander

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/121/208 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Blenheim Serial number: BA 597 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force Hq Royal Air Force Middle East

Crew: RAAF 402104 Flt Sgt F B Borerett, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 405192 Sgt R F Henderson, Captain (Observer) RAAF 403253 Flt Sgt J A Bowditch, (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Oshogbo Cemetery, Nigeria

450 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402104 Flight Sergeant BORRETT, Frederick Britain

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/121/208 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Blenheim Serial number: BA 597 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force Hq Royal Air Force Middle East

Crew: RAAF 402104 Flt Sgt F B Borerett, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 405192 Sgt R F Henderson, Captain (Observer) RAAF 403253 Flt Sgt J A Bowditch, (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Oshogbo Cemetery, Nigeria

451 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

14938 Aircrafstman Class 1 BUCKLE, Douglas John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9301 Barcode 4560971 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: RAAF Overseas Hq ATT RAF

Summary: On the 27th August 1941, AC1 Buckle died of an illness when in Iceland. He is buried in the Reykjavik (Fossvogur) Cemetery, Iceland.

452 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416699 Flying Officer PUDNEY, Brian Harward

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/91 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: DH 86 Serial number: PX 844 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force 11 Personnel Disposal & Recpn Centre

Summary: On the 31st March 1943, PO Henderson was flying a Fleet Air Arm aircraft ,DG86 PX844which crashed at Donebristle, Fife, Scotland, at 3.21pm hours. All on board the aircraft were killed.

Crew: RAAF 413766 PO Henderson, W G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 416699 FO Pudney, B H (Observer) RAAF 416833 PO De Garis A K ( RNZAF FO Shroff O M ( RNZAF PO Smith, ( RNZAF PO Newman, (

All the crew are buried in the Dumferline (Double Bank) Cemetery, Fifeshire, Scotland.

453 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412728 Pilot Officer SMITH, Alan Finlay

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/312 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Tiger Moth Serial number: DE 481 Radio call sign: Unit: Royal Air Force Station Fairwood Common

Summary: On the 21st October 1943, Tiger Moth DE481 took off from another drome to fly back to baae at RAF Station Fairood Common, Exeter, South Devon. The aircraft crashed at Fairless Estate, Ringwood, Hants at 1030 hours on the 21st October 1943, and the crew of two were killed.

Crew: RAAF 412728 PO Smith, A F (Pilot) RAF Sgt E R Cole, (Pilot0 PAX

Both are buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles from London. Sgt Cole is buried in the Edmonton Cemetery, Middlesex, UK.

454 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409107 Warrant Officer GOLDSWORTHY, Juhn Howard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/261 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Master Serial number: AZ 519 Radio call sign: Unit: Royal Air Force Station Montrose ATTD RAF

Summary: On the 20th January 1944, Master AZ519 took off from RAF Station Montrose, Angus, Scotland, on a non operational flight. The aircraft crashed at Laurencekirk, Kincardie, Scotland, after stalling, at 1535 hours. The crew of two were killed.

Crew: RAAF 409107 WO J H Goldsworthy, (Pilot) RAF Sgt J M Haines, (Pilot)

WO Holmwood is buried in the Montrose (Sleepyhillock0 Cemetery, Scotland. Sgt Haines is buried in the Onley (St Peter and Paul) Churchyard, UK

455 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425073 Pilot Officer THOMPSON, Henry StGeorge

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/196 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Anson Serial number: N 5026 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force South West Freugh

All the crew are buried in the Andreas (St Andrew) Churchyard, UK.

456 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402488 Flight Lieutenant BRADY, Laurence Roy

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/663 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: X 3594 Radio call sign: Unit: Royal Air Force STH Boscombe Down UK ATTD RAF

Summary: On the 4th July 1944, Wellington X3594 took off at 1113 hours from RAF Boscombe Down with Flt Lt Bonnar, a Test Pilot at the Test Pilot School, on board to observe the trial. The flight properly authorised by Wg Cdr Powell of the Test Pilots School. During the flight the aircraft crashed in Wiltshire and both on board were killed.

Crew: RAAF 402488 Flt Lt Brady L R (Pilot) RAF Flt Lt Bonnar, K J DFC AFC (Test Pilot)

Flt Lt Brasdy is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Suffolk, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles from London. Flt Lt Bonnar is buried in the Dumferline Cemetery, UK.

A later enquiry into the accident reported : “ The exercise was for the purpose of carrying out longitudinal stability trials with CG near the AFT limit. At 1225 the aircraft was seen at a height estimated between 2/3000 feet in a vertical dive and travelling at high speed. It went on unchecked until the aircraft dived into the ground and caught fire.

The cause of the accident is unknown, but it was thought that the aircraft may have developed an excessively heavy nose trim when reaching a steep angle in a divergent fugoid, and the increase in speed prevented the pilot from recovering from the dive.”

457 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

428533 Sergeant PETERS, Harold

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/196 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Anson Serial number: N 5026 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force South West Freugh

All the crew are buried in the Andreas (St Andrew) Churchyard, UK.

458 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404076 Pilot Officer HAMILTON, Ronald Martin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/35/129 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 458 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 18th September 1941, a Hurricane flown by PO Hamilton was escorting bomber aircraft which were attacking shipping off Ostend, Belgium. After an attack by enemy aircraft, the engine of Hamilton’s aircraft stopped, and he made a forced landing on the sea. The Pilot of another aircraft circled, but saw no trace of Hamilton and wqas forced to abandon the search due to the presence of enemy aircraft.

Crew: RAAF 404076 PO Hamilton, R M (Pilot)

PO Hamilton lost his lifed at sea, has no known grave. His name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK

459 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416835 Pilot Officer DEGARIS, Alfred Keith

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/91 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: DH 86 Serial number: PX 844 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force 11 Personnel Disposal & Recpn Centre

Summary: On the 31st March 1943, PO Henderson was flying a Fleet Air Arm aircraft ,DG86 PX844which crashed at Donebristle, Fife, Scotland, at 3.21pm hours. All on board the aircraft were killed.

Crew: RAAF 413766 PO Henderson, W G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 416699 FO Pudney, B H (Observer) RAAF 416833 PO Degaris A K Observer)( RNZAF FO Shroff O M ( RNZAF PO Smith, ( RNZAF PO Newman, (

All the crew are buried in the Dumferline (Double Bank) Cemetery, Fifeshire, Scotland.

460 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421302 Sergeant JAMES, Thomas David

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/22/91 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mitchell Serial number: FR 383 Radio call sign: Unit: 11 Op Training RCAF

Summary: On the 13th July 1943, Mitchell FR383 took off from Nassau Bahamas at 1200 hours detailed to carry out a five hour navigation and patrol flight. Wireless communication with the aircraft ceased at 1545 hours and the aircraft failed to return to base. Searching aircraft located an oil patch an wreckage in the sea five miles south west of Clifton Point, but no survivors were found. A surface vessel recovered small pieces of wreckage only.

Crew RAAF 421302 Sgt T D James (Observer) RCAF PO Johnson, ( RCAF PO McArthur, J B ( RCAF Sgt R P Meehan, ( RCAF Sgt B Daschuk, ( RCAF Sgt Koelfe, (

All the crew were lost at sea. They have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Ottawa Memorial, which stands on the north east pony of Green Island in the City of Ottawa overlooking the Rideau Falls.

461 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416210 Flight Sergeant ECKERSLEY, Cecil Gordon

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/39/196 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Anson Serial number: N 5026 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD Royal Air Force South West Freugh

All the crew are buried in the Andreas (St Andrew) Churchyard, UK.

In a report into the accident it stated: “The primary cause of the accident was the shearing of one of the propeller Boss bolts. It was thought that the Pilot decided to make an immediate forced landing preferably on water near the coast, but he overshot the mark in bad visibility and faced with cliffs ahead, he tried to clear them but crashed head on into them.”

462 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

430145 Sergeant FRASER, Alexander John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/14/205 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Beechcraft Serial number: HB 129 Radio call sign: Unit: 6 Op Training RCAF

Summary On the 19th May 1944, Beechcraft HB129 took off at 1951 hours to carry out a night navigation exercise. The last W/T contact with the aircraft was at 2300 hourss, but thereafter nothing was heard and the aircraft failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Merrill, H F Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Machell, E B (Navigator) RAAF 430145 Sgt A J Fraser, (Wireless Air Gunner)

The aircraft was lost along the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

All the crew lost their lives. And they have no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Ottawa Memorial, Canada. The Memorial stands on the north eastern point of Green Island in the City of Ottawa, overlooking the Rideau Falls.

463 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414906 Flying Officer COLLINS, Edward Charles John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/609 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: KB 32 Radio call sign: Unit: 8 Operational Trg RCAF

Summary: On the 22nd August 1944, Mosquito KB32 crashed east of Greenwood near Harmony, Canada, while engaged in a night searchlight and navigation exercise. The aircraft struck the ground at a high rate of speed and it appears to have exploded or caught fire in flight. Both the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF 414906 FO Collins, E C J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 434658 FO Slaughter, W T (Navigator)

The crew are buried in the Middleton Holy Trinity Old Cemetery, Nova Scotia, Canada.

464 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

Squadron Leader WOOD, Gordon Gladstone

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9300 Barcode 4256701 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: No 1 Bombing & Gunnery School RAF

Summary: On the 18th June 1944, Sqn Ldr Wood, Chaplain 3rd Class, was killed in London, UK, as a result of enemy action. He is buried in the Brookwood Cemetery, Surrey, UK. Brookwood is 30 miles from London.

465 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409674 Leading Aircraftsman DOUGLAS, John Marshall Noad

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9301 Barcode 5541014 digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: RAAF ATTD RCAF Station Trenton

Summary: On the 17th November 1943, LAC Douglas (a Pilot), was discharged from the RAAF as being medically unfit for further service. He died on the 2nd February 1945, and is buried in the Trafalgar Cemetery, Victoria, Aust. The Cemetery is 75 miles south east of Melbourne on the Princes Highway. There are 3 soldiers and one airmen (LAC Douglas) buried in the cemetery.

466 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: MARAUDER Serial number: HD 477 Radio call sign: Unit: 21 Sqn SAAF

Summary: On the 8th March 1945, Marauder HD477 took off from Iesi drome at 1445 hours being one of a formation of nine aircraft from the Squadron, detailed to bomb a coal jetty and wharf in the Arsa Channel. Intense ack-ack fire was encountered over the target, and after the bombs were dropped at 12,000 feet, HD477 was hit in the starboard engine, and the aircraft broke away from the formation in a shallow div. Two of the escorting fighters followed the aircraft down, and later reported that it had crashed near Dignano Italy., and that four chutes were seen to open.

Crew: RAAF 419589 WO W H Richardson, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 425589 FO Blackford, W F (Co-Pilot) SAAF Lt Smit D (Observer) RAF Sgt E M Arthur, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt D S Smith, (Air Gunner) SAAF WO N H Nelson, (Air Gunner)

Both FO Blackford and Sgt Smith were killed in the crash, and the other four crew members baled out safely.

The two killed are buried in the Belgrade War Cemetery, Serbia & Montenegro.

467 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406108 Flight Sergeant KELLY, Robert Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/132/193 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Boston Serial number: Z 2163 Radio call sign: Unit: 24 Sqn SAAF

Summary: On the 31st July 1942, Boston Z2163 crashed 40 miles from Alexandria, and all the crew were killed. The aircraft was on its way back to base, and crashed owing to damage it received when attacking an enemy drome.

Crew: SAAF Lt Corbey, H E Captain (Pilot) RAAF 406108 Flt Sgt R H Kelly, (Observer) SAAF Sgt A C Hutchinson, (Air Gunner) SAAF Sgt J Forsyth, (Air Gunner)

The crew are buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.

468 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403272 Flight Sergeant LAMBERT, Rex Clifton

Source: AWM 237 ((65) NAA : A705, 163/136/225 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Blenheim Serial number: BA 162 Radio call sign: Unit: Air Defence Unit ATTD RAF

Summary: On the 20th October 1942, Blenheim BA162 crashed at the corner of Kano Daura road, Kano Nigeria, during a non-operational day exercise. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RNZAF Sgt E Neve, Captain (Pilot) RAF 403272 Flt Sgt R C Lambert, ( Sgt A N Waddington, (3rd Brigade Recce Sqn WAAF)

Flt Sgt Lambert has no known grave, and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

A Report into the accident stated : “ The aircraft was detailed to carry out authorised low flying and a “shoting up” of ground troops. The aircraft hit a tree which caused loss of control and the aircraft crashed into the ground. The aircraft was sent at the request of 216 Group to take control officers over the route. Neve was not a very experienced pilot and had no training in this sort of work, having come straight out of FTS. Only experienced pilots should be sent on this sort of exercise in future.”

469 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

3161 Pilot Officer OSBORNE, James Campbell

Source: AWM 237(65) NAA : 705, 163/50/32 COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES RECORDS

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: Air Force HQ ATTD RAF

Summary: On the 15th September 1941, PO Osborne, a Cypher Officer, died at sea of heart failure when travelling to the Middle East on the HMT Queen Elizabeth.

He has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.

470 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416321 Flight Sergeant BROWN, John Maxwell

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 166/6/159 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: KX 836 Radio call sign: Unit: Hq Royal Air Force Middle East ATTD RAF

Summary: On the 24th May 1943, Hurricane KX836 crashed near Arnaud, Setif, Algeria at 0755 hours during a non operational day practice flight. The Pilot of KX836 was killed..

Crew: RAAF 416321 Flt Sgt J M Brown, (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Brown is buried in La Reunion War Cemetery, Algeria. The cemetery is 14kms south west of Bejaia en route N12 to Algiers.

Hurricane KX836 was detailed to carry out dog fighting between two Hurricanes which started at 7000 feet and when the machines reached 3000 feet, Sgt Brown who was flying as No2 was told to join in formation with his Leader and climb up. Sgt Brown did a sharp turn to starboard as though he was going to join with his No1, and his machine was seen to roll on its back and spin external to starboard. Sgt Brown came out of the spin, but his machine stalled again at 250 feet approx and it fell to the ground.

According to an eye witness account by the Pilot in the other Hurricane, it appears probable that Sgt brown blacked himself out by turning too sharply, causing his aircraft to spin. He was seen to recover from the spin but stalled again and crashed into the ground.

471 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404529 Sergeant GARROW, James David

Source: AWM 2237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/45/73 digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 15 Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: W 5589 Radio call sign: LQ – F Unit: ATTD 405 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 5th January 1042, Wellington W5589 took off at 0930 hours detailed to carry out an air test. The aircraft developed engine trouble and crashed at 1015 hours while trying to force-land near an artillery range at Strenshall, five miles north of Yotk All the crew werekilled..

Crew: RCAF Flt Sgt O B Le Furgey Captain (Pilot) RCAF Flt Sgt P Wittyk, (Pilot) RAAF 404529 Sgt J D Garrow, (Observer) RCAF Sgt W A Robertson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt J B Gayfer, (Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Barmby-on-the-Moor, (St Catherine) Churchyard, Yorkshire, UK.

472 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416321 Flight Sergeant BROWN, John Maxwell

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/159 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: KX 836 Radio call sign: Unit: Hq Royal Air Force Middle East ATTD RAF

Summary: On the 24th May 1943 Hurricane KX836 crashed near Arnaud, Setif, Algeria at 0755 hours (Local Time) when carrying out a non operational day practice between two Hurricanes. The Pilot of KX836 was killed.

Crew: RAAF 416321 Flt Sgt J M Brown, (Pilot)

473 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

277483 Flight Lieutenant DICK, Norman Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9301 Barcode 5377236 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: RAAF Overseas Hdqrs ATTD RAF

Summary: On the 2nd October 1943, Flt Lt Dick was killed in a ground accident at Ceylon. He is buried in the Colombo (Liveramentu) Cemetery, Sri Lanka.

474 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425048 Pilot Officer O’NEILL, Benjamin Francis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/1192 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page `101, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NP 965 Radio call sign: C8 – Y Unit: 640 Sqn RAF

475 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

251562 Squadron Leader TERRY, Bernard Mortough

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/58/108 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: RAAF ATTD Royal Air Force 239 Wing ME

Summary: On the 16th November, Sqn Ldr Terry (A & SD) was killed when he came in contact with an enemy land mine on the Derna Road, Libya. Sqn Ldr J M Strawson, DFC RAF, was also killed in the same explosion.

They are both buried in the Knighsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya. The cemetery is 750 metres south of the main road from Benghazi to Tobruk, about 25kms west of Tobruk.

476