ABBOTT, Clifford

Sgt. Clifford Abbott, RAFVR 1098896 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 21 on the 29th of April 1943.
Son of Joseph Ernest and Grace Abbott, of Clifton, York.
Buried Svino Churchyard, Denmark.
Grave location – Grave 16.
‘Of such Is the kingdom of God’

28/04/1943 – Mining in Kiel Bay
Eight aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with mines of 1500 lbs. One of these aircraft returned early owing to its compass being faulty and four failed to return. The remaining three aircraft successfully dropped their mines in the allotted area and the parachutes were seen to open. A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights was encountered which is believed to have come from an A.A. ship in the mining area. No enemy aircraft were seen. Visibility was fairly good, with scattered cloud in the mining area. Navigation was very good. Stirlings Mk.1 R9290, Sgt. A. Lewis, W.7513 – Sgt. K. Halliburton, BF.467 – P/O D. Thompson, Mk.III BK664 – P/O. D.V. Hamer, failed to return.

Stirling Mk.I BF467 AA-W

P/O Desmond Lewis Thompson, RNZAF NZ413152 – Pilot.
F/S James Alexander Ramsay, RCAF R.93418 – Navigator.
Sgt. John Muir Williams, RAAF AUS.401341 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Ernest Roy Jenkins, RNZAF NZ405780 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Clifford Abbott, RAFVR 1098896 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. George Phillips, RAFVR 930235 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. John Thomas Glendinning, RAFVR 1070166 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.I BF467 AA-W came under attack by Kreigsmarine (Flak ship) battery MAA508, positioned between the Fehmarn-Belt and the Lolland Islands, in the Baltic. The aircraft crashed into the sea near Nakskov to the West of Lolland at 00.08hrs. There were no survivors.

ADAMSON, David Maurice

F/O David Maurice Adamson, RNZAF NZ41052 – Navigator.
Killed age 27 on the 28th of September 1943.
Son of James Maurice Adamson and of Davina Adamson (Nee Martin), of Wanganui, Wellington, New Zealand; Husband of Eva A. Adamson, of Auckland City, New Zealand.
Buried Hanover War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 8. C. 4.

27/09/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Hanover
Sixteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with incendiary bombs of 30lb. and 4lb. Two aircraft failed to return and one returned owing to its rear turret being unserviceable. The remainder dropped their bombs in the target area. This was an exceedingly successful and well concentrated attack, considered to be even better than the previous one. Numerous large fires and columns of smoke rising to 12,000ft., were seen, and the fires were again visible at the DUTCH Coast. Very moderate and ineffective heavy A.A. fire, numerous searchlights and flares were encountered. Many enemy aircraft were seen and several combats took place. The air craft captained by F/Sgt. HORGAN, D. had a combat with a JU88 which was claimed to be destroyed. The aircraft captained by F/Sgt. BURTON, H., sighted a JU88 and the Rear Gunner fired, it was seen to fall in flames and was claimed as destroyed. Two other short combats took place and one of our aircraft received slight damage. The weather was poor on the outward and return journeys, but good with clear visibility over the target. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft were Stirling Mk.III, EF515 captained by Sgt. MARTIN, R., and EH877 captained by F/Sgt. WHITMORE, R.

Stirling Mk.III EH877 JN-C

F/S Richard Charles Whitmore, RNZAF NZ421123 – Pilot.
F/O David Maurice Adamson, RNZAF NZ415052 – Navigator.
Sgt. Hugh Munn, RAFVR 1349759 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Frederick Charles Cowan, RAFVR 1387682 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. John Bosworth Beresford, RAFVR 1583723 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frederick John Charles Chesson, RAFVR 1336122 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Tame Hawaikirangi Waerea, RNZAF NZ421300 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off – – Landed –
Flight Time – Missing

The Whitmore crew in Stirling MK.III EH877 JN-C, took off between 19:45 and 20:00hrs to join a main force of 678 aircraft attacked Hanover the second time that month. Although the attack was well concentrated, incorrectly forecast wind speeds, used by the Pathfinders to mark the target, resulted in the centre of the city being spared – the majority of bombs falling approximately 5 miles North of Hanover city centre.

Having been attacked by a night-fighter and set on fire, the Stirling went into a steep dive, exploding in the air, just before hitting the ground. Wreckage was spread very widely, between Gleidingen and Heisede. All of the crew were killed except the Wireless Operator Sgt. Frederick Charles Cowan, who managed to parachute to safety. He was captured and made a P.o.W.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/david-maurice-adamson © New Zealnd War Graves Project

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/david-maurice-adamson © New Zealand War Graves Project

ADDIS, John Henry

Sgt. John Henry Addis, RAFVR 1208366 – 2nd Pilot.
Killed age 26 on the 25th of March 1942.
Son of Charles and Emma Addis, of Florence Addis, of Perry Barr.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 9. B. 16.
“Ye shall receive
A crown of glory
That fadeth not away”
I.Peter.V.4′

25/03/1942 – Attack Against Targets at St.Nazaire and Essen
Twelve aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attack. Wellington III X3652, captained by P/O Slater failed to return, and two aircraft failed to locate the target. Bomb Load consisted of 500 lbs and 250 lbs, this being dropped in the target area but no results were observed. Slight A.A. fire and a few ineffective searchlights were encountered but no enemy fighters were seen. Weather was fine with slight ground haze. Navigation by TR1335 and D.R. was good.

Wellington Mk.III X.3652 AA-O

P/O Allen Bruce Slater, RAAF AUS.402550 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Henry Addis, RAFVR 1208366 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Fletcher, RNZAF NZ404546 – Observer.
Sgt. Edward Wainwright, RAFVR 1355493 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Albert Gladstone Orr, RNZAF NZ403627 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Phillip Burridge, RAFVR 901810 – Rear Gunner.

There appears to be no’ Official’ record or explanation as to the nature of the loss of X.3653 or Sgt. John Addis. In the Squadron history “Forever strong: The story of 75 Squadron RNZAF, 1916-1990” by Norman Franks, contains an account of the events of that night by Phil Burridge, Rear Gunner with the Slater crew that night:

“We flew direct to Essen and on the run in took a pounding from ground fire. We received a direct hit in the bomb bay which was full of flares. As the flares were to be used as a marker for the main stream, it was not possible for us to jettison them. We were unable to put the fire out, so the aircraft was eventually abandoned and I landed in Duisberg where I was given a hostile reception by the natives until taken prisoner by some Ack-Ack gunners…..Our second Pilot and W/Op – Ted Wainwright – had worked out a plan whereby if they ever had to abandon the aircraft and were a parachute short, they would clip the remaining parachute on one hook of each of their respective harnesses and jump together. So on this night, when it happened, they both jumped together, but with his arm through Ted’s harness while Ted held him with one arm. Tragically, when the chute opened, the second Pilot was thrown off…….”

Sgt. John Henry Addis had in fact been given his own crew prior to this Op, but had said he would fly this last one Op with Allen Slater’s crew.

Sgt. Aldis was the only fatality in the crew – all others successfully baled out, but were captured and made P.oW’s.

AINSLIE, Tom Dale

Sgt. Tom Dale Ainslie RAFVR 967756 – (2^nd) Pilot
Killed age 21 on the 26^th of February 1941
Rests in Edinburgh (Warriston) Crematorium, Scotland.

Motor vehicle accident

From the “The Edinburgh Academy War Service Record 1939-1945” – TOM DALE AINSLIE
b. 1920. Brother of above. E.A. 1927-36 (Prep. II to U. IV Sc.): Shooting VIII Cadet Pair. He was with W. N. Lindsay & Co., Grain Merchants, Leith, until the outbreak of war, when he enlisted in the R.A.F. Becoming a Sergeant Pilot, he took part in raids over Germany with No. 75 (Bomber) Squadron. He was killed in a motor accident near Cambridge on 26th February 1941. Tom’s brother, Francis George, enlisted in the R.A.C., was commissioned in 1941, and went overseas with the 15th/19th Hussars in June 1944. He was killed in action on 10th September 1944 during the tank advance near Hasselt in Belgium.

Only apparent details of his death is that it occurred in a motoring accident near Cambridge on the 26th of February 1941. At time of death he was 2nd Pilot with Gilbert Kimmberley’s crew, having completed 4 Ops with them.

AITCHISON, Campbell Ewin Justin

F/S Campbell Ewin Justin Aitchison, RNZAF NZ402974 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 22 on the 12th March 1942
Son of Harry and Lily Evans Aitchison, of Manurewa, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Kiel War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 2. H. 4.

12/03/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Kiel
Eight Wellington aircraft carried out an attack against the above target, one aircraft, captained by Sgt Bell did not carry out an attack. Three aircraft captained by S/L Kitchin, F/O Sandys and Sgt Parnham failed to return to base. Bomb load consisted of 1,000 lbs, 500 lbs and 250 lbs was dropped in the target area, bomb bursts being observed. There was heavy and light predicted flak and large cones of searchlights in the target area and one twin engined enemy aircraft made one unsuccessful attack on Wellington III X3586 captained by S/L Newton. Weather was clear over the target with 5/10 cloud over North Sea. Navigation was by D.R. and TR1335.

Wellington Mk.III X.3282 AA-F/V?

Sgt. John Frederick Massey Parnham, RAFVR 1254725 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Lukies Brown, RNZAF NZ402534 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Robert McGibbon, RAFVR 998735 – Observer.
Sgt. Murray Alexander McDonald, RAAF AUS.400352 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Campbell Ewen Justin Aitcheson, RNZAF NZ402974 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Joseph Henry Godfrey, RAFVR 1378233 – Rear Gunner.

The circumstances surrounding the loss Wellington Mk.III X.3282 are not known, other than that the aircraft crashed near Scleswig, approximately 40 miles North West of the target area. The entire crew were killed.

AITCHISON, Hugh MacLachlan

P/O Hugh MacLachlan Aitchison, RCAF 4782 – Observer.
Killed age 28 on the 15th of September 1941
Son of R. H. and Jessie C. Aitchison, of Glasgow. His Brother George Also Died On Service.
Buried Hamburg War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – Coll. grave 5A. M. 9-12.
‘Until the day break, And the shadows flee away. Song of Solomon.II17’

15/09/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Hamburg
Twelve Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. Two of these aircraft failed to return, one being captained by Sgt J. A. Ward who was awarded the Victoria Cross on 4 August 1941. There was clear weather over the target, and bursts were seen in many parts of the target area. A.A. fire was heavy over and near target area. Searchlights were numerous, working in cones, and co-operating with A.A. fire and night fighters.

Wellington Mk.Ic X.9759 AA-R

Sgt. Anthony Henry Ryder Hawkins, RNZAF NZ40971 – Pilot.
Sgt. Robert Boswell Blakeway, RNZAF NZ403486 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Hugh MacLachlan Aitchison, RCAF R.54169/ J.4782 – Observer.
Sgt. John Gifford Foulkes, RAFVR 909428 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. William Edward ‘Ted’ ‘Moon’ Mullins, RCAF R.54981 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Derek Richard Fawcett, RAFVR 1755949 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.Ic X.9759, AA-R was probably brought down by flak, near Hartenholm, about 24 miles North of Hamburg. Two crew members, Sgt R Robert Blakeway and Sgt W.Mullins RAF, successfully baled out and were taken prisoners of war. The rest of the crew were killed.

AITCHISON, Richard Justin

P/O Richard Justin Aitchison, RNZAF NZ429286 – 2nd Pilot.
Lost without trace age 28 on the 1st of January 1945
Son of Oliver Christie Aitchison and Lilly Evans Aitchison; husband of Olga Aitchison, of Papatoetoe, Auckland, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 285.

01/01/1945 – Attack Against Vohwinkel
Twenty one aircraft were detailed to attack Vohwinkel, in daylight. Nineteen aircraft took off, seventeen of which attacked the primary target. F/O McMillan attacked a last resort target. NZ40984 W/Cdr. R.J. Newton and NZ429286 P/O R. Aitchison as second pilot, failed to return. There was very little opposition in the target area.

Lancaster Mk.III ME321 AA-N

W/C Raymond John Newton, RNZAF NZ40984 – Pilot.
P/O Richard Justin Aitchison, RNZAF NZ429286 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Harry Sansome, RAFVR 1583772 – Navigator.
F/S Arthur Lee, RAFVR 1622893 – Air Bomber.
F/S Victor James Clark, RAFVR 1811271 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John Stanley Hoskins, RAFVR 652139 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Martin Brennan, RAFVR 1596812 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Leonard James Cooke, RAFVR 3011677 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.III ME321 AA-N crashed near the Dutch town of Maastricht, probably through contact with enemy fighters. There were no survivors. Sgt Martin Brennan was buried in the Jonkerbos War Cemetery, the other seven crew are all commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. It was thought that this was W/C Newton’s 50th Operational sortie.

ALBISTON, Kenneth

F/O Kenneth Albiston, RAFVR 136454 – 2nd Pilot.
Killed age 24 on the 23rd of September 1943
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 21. B. 15-18.

23/09/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Mannheim
Eighteen aircraft were detailed to carry the above operation with incendiary bombs of 30lb. and 4lb.. Three aircraft failed to return, but the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. This was, undoubtedly, a good attack, concentrated fires which were spreading to the West, and large heavy explosions were seen. Moderate heavy A.A. fire and a large curtain of searchlights were encountered, but caused no trouble. Enemy aircraft were very active and several combats took place. The aircraft captained by W/O. P. MOSELEY had a combat with a JU88 which was claimed as a probably destroyed. In the action our aircraft received damage the Pilot W/O. P. MOSELEY and the Mid Upper Sgt. C(?) MIDDLETON were slightly injured. The aircraft captained by P/O A. BURLEY had three combats with enemy aircraft, one of which was claimed as destroyed, the two as damaged. The weather was good with clear visibility. Navigation was excellent. The missing aircraft were Stirlings Mk.111 EF459 captained by P/O C.C. LOGAN, EH946 captained by F/Lt. G. TURNER , and EH935 captained by F/O L. KIRKPATRICK.

Stirling Mk.III EH936 JN-W

F/L Geoffrey Turner, RCAF J.7326 – Pilot.
F/O Kenneth Albiston, RAFVR 136454 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Alan Hall Cleghorn, RAFVR 1493160 – Navigator.
F/O Arthur Douglas Howlett, RNZAF NZ413335 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Malcolm Victor Bloxham, RAFVR 552574 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. John Smith Thomson, RAFVR 1374282 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ronald Wilks, RAFVR 1417280 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Christopher Frederick McRae, RCAF R.147326 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EH936 JN-W, was brought down near the target Mannheim, crashing at Dirmstein, 5 miles North of Frankenthal. There were no survivors.

ALCOCK, Frank Kitchener

Sgt. Frank Kitchener Alcock, MiD, RAFVR 532245 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 28 on the 24th of August 1943
Son of John Henry and Alice Kate Alcock; Husband of Dora Beatrice Ethel Alcock, of Kellerberrin, Western Australia.
Buried Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 6. E.
12-19.
‘When day is done
And shadows fall I think of thee’

23/08/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Berlin
Twenty three aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 1,000lb., 500lb., and incendiaries of 30lb and 4lb.. Five aircraft returned early owing to failure and three aircraft failed to return. The remainder of the aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area and all of the crews agreed that it had been well and truly hit. The fires were all concentrated and huge columns of smoke together with heavy explosions could be seen. A moderate heavy A.A. barrage co-operating with searchlights were encountered, but only one aircraft received damage. A great number of enemy aircraft were seen and several combats took place. The aircraft captained by F/Sgt. WILKINSON sighted a JU88 passing above, the Mid-upper and Rear Gunners fired and strikes were seen on the enemy aircraft which was then lost sight of and is claimed to have been damaged. The aircraft captained by F/Sgt. WHITEHEAD whilst over BERLIN sighted an enemy aircraft on the starboard quarter, 300yds away. The Rear Gunner fired a five second burst and the enemy aircraft was seen in flames diving to earth, and was claimed as probably destroyed. The same aircraft encountered another unidentified aircraft 300yds away on the starboard quarter. The Rear Gunner fired another five seconds burst and the enemy aircraft exploded and disintegrated. It was claimed to be destroyed. The aircraft captained by F/O. A. Alexander, whilst over the target sighted a ME110 approaching from the starboard quarter above and firing at his aircraft. The Mid-upper and Rear Gunners replied with long bursts and the enemy aircraft was seen to be in flames. A fire was later seen on the ground and the enemy aircraft was claimed as probably destroyed. Scattered cloud was met on the outward route, but it was clear over the target. The missing aircraft were Stirlings Mk.III BF465 captained by P/O A. RANKIN, BF564 captained by P/O A. Sedunary and EE938 captained by W/O T. Fear.

The aircraft captained by F/Sgt. WHITE, O.H. whilst approaching the target area was coned by searchlights and repeatedly hit by heavy A.A. fire, sustaining considerable damage to port mainplane. He continued towards the target though still coned by searchlights and was then attacked by a JU88 sustaining hits in the rear of the fuselage which shattered the rear turret and killed Rear Gunner Sgt. Poole, J.. The aircraft was forced into an uncontrollable dive and the captain warned his crew ‘Prepare to abandon the aircraft’. Unfortunately, in the middle of this order the inter-communication failed, and the Navigator, Air Bomber and Wireless Operator abandoned the aircraft, due to the fact that they were unable to contact their Captain. F/Sgt. WHITE jettisoned his bomb load whilst in the dive directly over the target area, managed to regain control of the aircraft when height had been lost down to 6,000ft. The captain and two remaining members of the crew after taking stock of the damage decided to attempt the long and hazardous return journey to base. This they did successfully and made a perfect crash landing at base without lights, flaps or under carriage, as the electrical leads were shot away.

Stirling Mk.III BF564 JN-W

P/O Alan Joseph Lyall Sedunary, RAAF AUS.416619 – Pilot.
F/S Francis Patrick Lundon, RNZAF NZ404718 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Aubrey Lens, RAFVR 149672 – Navigator.
Sgt. Cecil Reginald Parish, RAFVR 1332576 – Air Bomber.
P/O Douglas Hamilton Moss, RNZAF NZ404653 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frank Kitchener Alcock, RAFVR 532245 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Jack Ernest Nicholson, RAFVR 1800467 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. John James Gratton, RAFVR 1351568 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III BF564 JN-W was brought down at Martensmuhle, one mile South South West of Trebbin (13 miles South East of Potsdam). All of crew were killed.

ALFRED, Joseph McKenzie

F/S Joseph McKenzie Alfred, RAFVR 1800280 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 23 on the 26th of February 1945
Son of Bertha Alfred, of Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Buried Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, England.
Grave location – Grave 15516.
‘In loving memory
Of my own darling,
Gone but not forgotten.
Mother’

26/02/1945 – Attack Against Dortmund
Eighteen aircraft attacked Dortmund as detailed. Cloud was ten tenths over the target with tops 5-6,000 ft. No results were seen but bombing is thought to be concentrated. NZ428168 F/O N.H. Thorpe crashed in this country after passing over base in formation. Four members of the crew were killed.

Lancaster Mk.I ME450 AA-W

F/O Noel Humphrey Thorpe, RNZAF NZ428168 – Pilot.
Sgt. George William Mcmanus, RAFVR 1806217 – Navigator.
F/S Joseph McKenzie Alfred, RAFVR 1810280 – Air Bomber.
F/S Allen Francis, RNZAF NZ427272 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. John Lawrence Duke, RAFVR 2210530 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Frederick Henry Saffill, RAFVR 1882066 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. H. Hark, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 10:52 – Landed 16:10
Flight Time 05:18

Official reports indicate that ME450 returned in formation and flew with other aircraft of the Squadron over the Station. As was customary, the aircraft would turn, separate and then format before approach and landing. For some reason unknown, whilst executing a gentle turn, ME450 appears to have suffered either an engine failure or catastrophic failure that resulted in it crashing into the ground North West of Mepal, near the village of Chatteris. Only the Rear Gunner, Sgt Hark survived.

ALLEN, Francis Frederick

Sgt. Francis Frederick Allen, RAFVR 936019 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 23 on the 3rd of February 1943
Son of Frederick and Louise Allen; Husband of Eiluned Mair Allen, of Upton Lea, Slough, Buckinghamshire.
Buried Wierden General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Row A. Grave 7.

03/02/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Hamburg
Nine aircraft were detailed to attack the above target with 4 lb. incendiaries. The crews were instructed to return if they hit bad weather, which unfortunately they did. Heavy cloud and icing were experienced forcing five aircraft to return early. Two aircraft attacked the target but they were unable to observe results owing to 10/10ths. cloud. Some A.A. fire and a few searchlights were encountered although low cloud prevented accuracy. No enemy aircraft were seen. Navigation was good. Two aircraft failed to return, they were Stirling 1 BK604 captained by P/O J McCullough and Stirling 1 R9280 captained by P/O K.H. Blincoe. This was a sad loss as they were two of the oldest captains in the Squadron, with them was also lost Sergt. Scott and P/O Henderson, two new captains gaining experience as second pilot. This leaving us with two headless crews.

Stirling Mk.I BK604 AA-S

P/O John McCullough, RNZAF NZ40410 – Pilot.
P/O Raymond William Henderson RNZAF NZ411894 2nd Pilot.
F/S William Edmund Gibbes, RNZAF NZ404535 – Navigator.
Sgt. Terence Austin Murphy, RNZAF NZ413307 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Keith James Stockley Smith, RNZAF NZ411783 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Francis Frederick Allen, RAFVR 936019 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. K.E. Kimberley, RAFVR 1576231 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Paul Rodney Trevayne, RAFVR 1291380 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.I BK604 AA-S was shot down by a night-fighter (Hptm WolfgangThimmig, III.NJG1) while attempting to penetrate the highly effective German defensive sector along the Netherlands coastline. The bomber crashed at 20:13hrs near the township Enter (Overjissel), seven miles South West of Wierden, Holland. Three of the crew were killed in the crash – the Captain, Flight Engineer and Rear gunner. The remaining five succeeded in baling out, four of whom landed unhurt but were taken as prisoners. The Air Bomber’s parachute failed to deploy fully before he impacted the ground and he died as a result. The deceased were buried in the Wierden General Cemetery.

ALLEN, Ronald Gillam

Sgt. Ronald Gillam Allen, RAFVR 1261123 – Wireless Operator .
Killed age 20 on the 29th of March 1942
Buried Kiel War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 2. A. 3.

28/03/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Lubeck
Ten Wellington aircraft took off to attack the above target, one aircraft, Wellington III X3462 captained by Sgt Bell failed to return to base. Bomb load consisting of 4,000 lbs, 1,000 lbs, 500 lbs, 250 lbs, and containers of incendiaries was dropped in the target area. Bombs were seen to burst on target and large fires were seen burning in the target area. Weather was clear except for slight haze over west portion of the North Sea. There was very little A.A. Fire and few searchlights over the target. No enemy aircraft were seen. Navigation by TR1335 and D.R. was good. he whole operation was very successful.

Wellington Mk.III X.3462 AA-D

Sgt. Maurice Perrott Bell, RNZAF NZ404882 – Pilot.
Sgt. Franklyn Bertram Cran, RNZAF NZ405237 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Claude Joseph Harris, RNZAF NZ404028 – Observer.
Sgt. Ronald Gilliam Allen, RAFVR 1261123 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Thomas Richard Cross, RAFVR 917809 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. James William Hinton, RAFVR 1150584 – Rear Gunner.

The precise circumstances of the loss of this aircraft and crew, are unknown. Whilst the raid report states that there were no combats with E/A, a combat report held in the National Archives (AIR50/192/6) describes a Pilot witnessing an enemy aircraft firing first on what is believed to be another Wellington. This Wellington was reported as going down into the sea and burning furiously. The fact that all the crew’s bodies were buried in the German Naval Garrison Cemetery, before being re-interred in the Kiel War Cemetery, perhaps suggest this might have been the Bell crew, however it should be noted that the Naval Garrison also had gun batteries near it, so this does not discount A.A. fire as the source of this crew loss.

ALLEN, William Morton

F/S William Morton Allen, RAF 540956 – Pilot.
Lost, presumed dead, age 23 on the 14th of January 1944
Son of William Morton Allen and Ruth Isobel Allen, of Birmingham.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.

14/01/1944 – Incident involving a Hurricane from the Air Fighting Development Unit from RAF Mepal.
Pilot, Sgt. William Morton Allen, was lost without trace on the 14th January 1944, age 23,whilst flying a Hurricane aircraft of the Air Fighting Development Unit from RAF Mepal.

It appears that Sgt. Allen took the aircraft without permission when the Fighter Pilot who had landed the Hurricane went into the station mess. It is assumed that Sgt. Allen took the aircraft and that after running out of fuel, crashed somewhere in the North Sea.

There is also a suggestion that, at the point of this event Sgt. Allen might have himself, been on some form of disciplinary charge which had removed or suspended him from flying duties.

AMOS, Alwyn

W/O Alwyn Amos, RAFVR 1578224 – Rear Gunner .
Killed age 24 on the 21st of March 1945
Son of George William and Ada Amos, of Langley, Derbyshire.
Buried Venray War Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – VIII. D. 12.
‘On the resurrection morning’

21/03/1945 – Attack Against Munster Viaduct
Twenty one aircraft were detailed to attack the Muster Viaduct. There was hardly any cloud over the target. It is thought that the concentration was good although the formation was broken up just prior to bombing. Three aircraft failed to return from this operation – AA”T”, NZ42451 F/L J. Plummer, AA”R” NZ429139 P/O A. Brown and JN”P” 190947 P/O D.S. Barr. All three aircraft were seen to hit in the target area. Considerable H/F was encountered.

Lancaster Mk.I RA564 JN-P

F/O Derek Singleton Barr, RAFVR 1394583/ 190947 – Pilot.
F/S Arthur Leslie Archibald Oakey, RNZAF NZ4213810 – Navigator.
Sgt. Dryden Stewart, RAFVR 1673061 – Air Bomber.
W/O Robert William West, RAFVR 195545 – Wireless Operator.
F/S Clifford Isaac Stocker, RAFVR 1587275 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Bruce Henry Nicholl, RAFVR 746205 – Mid Upper Gunner.
W/O Alwyn Amos, RAFVR 1578224 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I RA564 JN-P was bombing the target at Munster when it was struck by a bomb falling from another aircraft flying above, which exploded. There were no survivors. Only the body of the rear gunner was found and buried at Margraten, Holland. The other crew members have no known graves.

AMSTEL, Raymond Henry

Sgt. Raymond Henry Amstel, RAFVR 1455709 – Rear Gunner .
Lost without trace age 20 on the 7th of August 1943
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.
Grave location – Panel 140.

06/08/1943 – Mining in the Gironde Estuary
Five aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with mines of 1,500lb. One aircraft returned early owing to inter-communication failure and bought its mines back and one aircraft failed to return. The remaining aircraft successfully dropped their mines in the allotted area and the parachutes were seen to open. Slight heavy A.A. fire and one searchlight were encountered, but were ineffective. A few enemy aircraft were seen, one short combat took place, but no damage was sustained by our aircraft. The weather was good above 1,000ft. and visibility was fair to good. On the return journey, F/Sgt. Mayfields aircraft fired at a locomotive and the engine was seen to blow up with a brilliant flash. The missing aircraft was a Stirling Mk.I HK614 captained by F/Sgt. Mayo, J.R.

Stirling Mk.III BK614 JN-N

F/S John Russell Mayo, RNZAF NZ417085 – Pilot.
Sgt. Albert Edward Turner, RAFVR 1316391 – Navigator.
Sgt. Irvine Sydney Rothstein, RCAF R.123638 – Air Bomber.
F/S Thomas Henry Gittens, RAFVR 1067871 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Ronald Booth, RAFVR 1096896 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Raymond Henry Amstell, RAFVR 1455709 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Stephen Tom Kitching, RAFVR 1215487 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III BK614 JN-N was lost without trace. All seven crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

ANDERSEN, Eliner Knud Alfred DFM

W/O Eliner Knud Alfred Andersen, DFM, RAFVR 745577 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 23 on the 20th of August 1942
Son of Alfred and Nellie Louisa Andersen, of Southgate, Middlesex.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 72.

20/08/1942 – Gardening Off St. Nazaire
Five aircraft were detailed to carry out the above. Bomb load of Mines were dropped in the target area. Considerable A.A. fire was encountered near the target, searchlights were few. No enemy aircraft were seen. The weather was good. Wellington BJ.774 captained by F/Sgt. Anderson failed to return.

Wellington Mk.III BJ.774 AA-X

F/S Eliner Knud Alfred Andersen, RAFVR 745577 – Pilot.
Sgt. George Stead, RAFVR 1525008 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Charles Stuart, RCAF R.81084 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Athol Ian McDonagh, RAFVR R.86634 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Arthur Hector Robitaille, RCAF R.93774 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.III BJ.774 AA-X and crew all lost without trace.

ANDERSEN, Kenneth Peder Christian

F/S Kenneth Peder Christian Andersen, RNZAF NZ429128 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 28 on the 4th of November 1944
Son of Antun and Grace andersen, of Hastings, Hawke’S Bay, New Zealand.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 5. C. 4.

04/11/1944 – Attack Against Solingen
Twenty one aircraft took off to attack Solingen in daylight, carrying 8,000 lb, 4,000 lb, 1,000 lb, 500 lb, 4 lb incendiaries and No.17 Clusters. All crews dropped their bombs in the target area, but the raid appeared to be scattered. Flak opposition was moderate. One aircraft captained by NZ428797 F/O J. Scott, failed to return.

Lancaster Mk.III ND917 JN-O

F/O John Harold Scott, RNZAF NZ428797 – Pilot.
F/S Alister Henry Scott, RNZAF NZ428259 – Navigator.
F/S Kenneth Peder Christian Andersen, RNZAF NZ429128 – Air Bomber.
F/S Edward John Francis Howard, RNZAF NZ424469 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Howard Mansel Thomas, RAFVR 1895708 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. John Thomas Beardmore, RAFVR 1818755 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Joseph Thomas Bayes, RAFVR 1595589, 185783 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.III ND917 JN-O was brought down by flak about 9 miles South East of the target, crashing near Werrmelskirchen. None of the crew survived and they were buried at that small township, but later reinterred at Rheinberg War Cemetery, south of Wessel.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/kenneth-peder-christian-andersen © New Zealnd War Graves Project

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/kenneth-peder-christian-andersen © New Zealand War Graves Project

ANDERSON, Charles Norman

Sgt. Charles Norman Anderson, RAF 658255 – Front Gunner.
Lost without trace age 22 on the 10th of September 1942
Son of Thomas and Margaret anderson.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 77.

10/09/1942 – Operations. Attack Against Targets At Dusseldorf
Thirteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4,000 lb. and incendiaries were dropped in target area, Wellington X.3747 captained by Sgt. Rousseau and Wellington BJ.837 captained by P/O Jacobson were forced to return to base before reaching target area. owing to aircraft failures. Large fires were seen, a few dummy fires were also seen near target. Light and heavy A.A. fire was encountered, particularly in searchlight cones, which covered a large area. The weather was good, slight haze at target area. Navigation was by D.R. and T.R. Wellington BJ.828 captained by Sergt. Lees, Wellington BJ.968 captained by Sgt. Burrill and Wellington BJ.974 captained by Sergt. Metcalf, failed to return.

Wellington Mk.III BJ.828 AA-?

Sgt. Eric Lees, RAFVR 1132278 – Pilot.
Sgt. Douglas Howard Judd, RNZAF NZ413336 – Observer.
Sgt. Peter Anthony Young, RAFVR 1162261 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Charles Norman Anderson, RNZAF 658255 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Frederick Richard Guppy, RAFVR 1184152 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.III BJ.828 was lost without trace. All five crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

ANDERSON, Lindsay Douglas

Sgt. Lindsay Douglas Anderson, RNZAF NZ391321 – Rear Gunner .
Killed age 20 on the 20th of September 1940
Son of Robert Douglas and Stella Margaret anderson, of Napier, Hawke’S Bay. New Zealand.
Buried Adegem Canadian War Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – Coll. grave XII. H. 1-5.

20/09/1940 – Bombing Attacks Against Enemy Territory
Nine Wellington aircraft wee detailed to carry out the above operations. The bomb load was made up of 250lbs. bombs and containers of 4lbs. incendiaries.
CB.157 reports that a large fire was started in docks standing alongside No. 1 basin (with lockgate) and seen to burn for 50 minutes, and grow to size of a hangar. Lockgates were hit with a stick of 10 – 250lbs. bombs.
CB.158 reports that all bombs were dropped in one stick bursting down dock area between the two basins. One large fire started. Still burning 20 minutes later.
CB.159 reports that one stick laid across docks observed to make direct hits. Fires and explosions followed which could be seen on second climb. One stick five N.D.T. and one S.B.C. laid longitudinal across 15/20,000 tone vessel. First bomb 40-50yds astern, remainder either direct hits or very near misses.
CB.160 reports that bombs were dropped in one stick across harbour entrance. Large fires observed on N.E. side of harbour mouth started by incendiaries.
CB.162 reports eight bombs burst in target area though no fires started. A large fire was started in the deck area but was apparently caused by a machine bombing at exactly the same time.
CB.164 dropped one stick of six 250lbs bombs on N.W. heading which was seen to burst in vicinity of tidal basin. One stick of five 250lbs bombs and one S.B.C. dropped on S.E. heading was seen to burst on jetty of fish harbour. Incendiary fires observed to seaward side of fort on north side of harbour entrance.
CB.165 dropped first stick in Nos. 1 and 2 basins heading 180° approximately. A second stick and one S.B.C. was dropped in No.3 Basin heading 045° approximately.
One stick and S.B.C was dropped by CB.163 on Eastern side of outer harbour wharves. Bombs exploded, but no fires observed.
Several large fires were seen and were visible for miles after leaving target area. CB.157 reports that a plane was shot down north of the docks at 22.35 hours. Barge concentration seen on OSTEND-BRUGES CANAL. Submarine or “E” boat observed by CB159 signalling in morse short distances from Belgium coast. This aircraft also encountered flak barrage in mid-channel. Parachute flare dropped and two searchlights and light flak, presumably from British convoy, observed by CB160.
Fairly heavy and accurate A.A. fire encountered in all areas.
Searchlights were fairly active, although not particularly accurate.
One ME.110 was encountered by CB.157 off target coast, but owing to the speed of the former, no contact was made. Two unidentified aircraft were encountered over target area by CB.159 but no attack made.
Weather was good in target areas, although patches of cloud were encountered over North Sea.
Navigation was by D/R, visual fixes, map reading and homing bearings.

Wellington Mk.1c T.2463 AA-E
Raid No. CB.161

P/O Michael Ryves Braun, RAF 42390 – Pilot.
Sgt. Alfred Joseph Green, RAF 741824 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Joseph Edward McCormick, RAF 580801 – Navigator.
Sgt. Norman McDonald, RAF 755134 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Lindsay Douglas Anderson, RNZAF NZ391321 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Lewis Alan White, RAF 626213 – Rear Gunner .

Wellington Mk.1c T.2463 AA-E, was shot down by coastal anti-aircraft batteries, crashing near Leffinge, Belgium, 8km South South West of Ostend. All crew members were killed.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/lindsay-douglas-anderson © New Zealand War Graves Project

ANDERSON, Ronald Alexander John

F/S Ronald Alexander John Anderson, RNZAF NZ36139 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 26 on the 20th of July 1940
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 21. F. 1.

20/07/1940 – Bombing Attacks on Targets A.70 and A.71
Nine aircraft from this Unit were detailed to carry out individual attacks on targets above. The Squadron suffered its second loss, since the beginning of Operations in March 1940, when CB.650 (F/O. Watson, Captain) failed to return.

CB.639 reports, two attacks, consisting of two sticks of 5 bombs each were dropped over the target at 00.33 hours. Height 5,000 feet. Previously to this another aircraft had dropped incendiaries in same area. Fires and explosions from other aircraft’s bombs, on target, but few from incendiaries which dropped little to West of actual area. EINDHAVEN flare path bombed with stick of 3 – 250lbs. bombs at 22.35 hours by CB.640. Flare path extinguished and remained so. Target A.70 located and bombed at 00.25hrs. Bursts observed and fires observed to break out and gradually increased.

CB.641 reports, being unable to identify target, bombs were dropped from 9,500ft in one stick on railway junction at KAMEN. Last two bombs observed to burst in railway yards.

CB.648 located target after waiting for cloud to disperse and doing several dummy runs. Believed bombed successfully as four bursts observed on N.E. corner of works and fires started across railway line.

CB.649 reports, the incendiaries seen to burst on Southern extremity of target. The 250lbs bombs were not observed owing to cloud over target.

Level attack from 10,800ft made by CB.651 from N.E. to S.W. on target A.71. Three hits obtained on N side of target, remaining bombs appeared to undershoot. Several small fires started followed by minor explosions.

A high level attack carried out from 14,000ft by CB.652. One large flash observed and number of small fires. One red and two green.

CB.653 reports, the target located without difficulty, being made so by light of moon and excellent landmarks. Bombed from 11,000ft in one stick on straight run over target. Results unobserved.

Balloons seen up to 14,000 feet in many towns over RUHR. Heavy flak experienced over WESEL and all target areas, accurate for height etc./ Searchlights over whole area.

Three H.E. 113’s attacked CB639 over WESEL. (i) above and astern (ii)Starboard qtr and below. (iii) below and astern. No.(ii) shot down in flames, No. 3 assumed disabled. No.1 attacked 3 times afterwards.

Weather fair, visibility good, throughout whole of journey. Navigation by D/R, visual fixes and homing bearings. The moon was quite advantageous in helping to locate the target.

Wellington Mk.1c R.3165 AA-L
Raid No. CB.650 A.70

F/O Samuel Miles Mackenzie Watson, RAF 77026 – Pilot.
P/O Edward Colin Joseph Cameron, RAF 36237 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Gordon Murray Cumming, RAFVR 743076 – Observer.
F/S Ronald Alexander John Anderson, RNZAF NZ36139 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. John Lewis Owen, RNZAF NZ391332 – Rear Gunner .

There is no record, regarding the details of the loss of Wellington Mk. 1c R.3165 AA-L. The aircraft came down near Weseke, approximately 40 miles North North West of Horst airfield, near Gelsenkirchen. Other crews on the Op noted the presence of three Me.109’s, seen in the moonlight over the target area. Thus, it would be reasonable to conjecturise that the Watson crew succumbed to at least one of these aircraft.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/ronald-alexander-john-anderson © New Zealnd War Graves Project

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/ronald-alexander-john-anderson © New Zealand War Graves Project

ANDERSON, William

Sgt. William Anderson, RAF 650736 – Rear Gunner .
Killed age 20 on the 3rd of September 1942
Son of William Edwin anderson, and of Louisa anderson, of Litherland, Liverpool.
Buried Bergen-Op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery, Holland.
Grave location – 34. B. 8.
‘He died that we might live’

03/09/1942 – Operations. Attack Against Targets At Emden
Six aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 500lb. Were dropped in target area by two aircraft. Two failing to reach the target. A.A. fire was slight, searchlights were few. The weather was bad, being heavy cloud all the way to target and 10/10ths cloud over target. Navigation was good. Wellington X.3396 captained by Sergt. Law and Wellington X.3794 captained by Sergt. Hunting, failed to return.

Wellington Mk.III X.3794 AA-?

Sgt. Eric Richmond Hunting, RAFVR 1291752 – Pilot.
Sgt. Edwin Harry Beyer, RAFVR 657044 – Observer.
Sgt. Harry Edward Goldie, RAFVR 1187044 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Glenville McArter, RNZAF R.87459 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. William Anderson, RAFVR 650736 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.III X.3794 was lost without trace, but assumed to have been brought down in the sea off the Netherlands coast where the body of Sgt Anderson (A/g) was recovered. He was buried in Bergen op Zoom War Cemetery, Holland. The other four crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

ANDREWS, James Samuel

Sgt. James Samuel Andrews, RAF 634968 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 23 on the 13th of May 1943
Son of James and Ethel Andrews, of Bramley.
Buried Guilford Cemetery, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Old portion. Grave 985.
‘Always so thoughtful
Unselfish and kind
A beautiful memory Left behind’

12/05/1943 – Attack Against Targets At Duisburg
Nine aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 2000lb, 1000lb and incendiaries of 30lb and 4lb. Stirling Mk.III. BK.721 captained by F/Lt. E.R.M. Appleton, whilst taking off failed to clear an obstruction at the end of the runway and crashed almost immediately afterwards, all the crew with the exception of the captain and the wireless operator, F/Sgt. Cocks, S.G. were killed. The captain received severe injuries and the wireless was also injured, both were admitted to hospital. As a result of this crash two aircraft were unable to take-off. One aircraft returned early owing to the Captain being sick. The remaining five aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area, and large concentrated fires and some explosions were seen. Some heavy A.A.Fire, co-operating with searchlights was encountered, but it was ineffective. A few enemy aircraft were seen but no combats took place. The weather was very clear in the target area with good visibility except for ground haze which prevented identification. Navigation was very good.

Stirling Mk.III BK721 AA-Z

F/L Edward Robert Myddleton Appleton, RAF 42475 – Pilot.
Sgt. Robert Frederick Harvey, RNZAF NZ416483 – 2nd Pilot.
F/O John Johnston, RNZAF NZ416198 – Navigator.
P/O Selwyn James Clubb, RNZAF NZ414593 – Air Bomber.
F/S Stanley Gordon Cocks, RNZAF NZ404624 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. James Samuel Andrews, RAFVR 634968 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Bernard Arthur Riley Moore, RAFVR 1106308 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Joseph Wykes, RAFVR 1127228 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 00:37 – crashed on take-off

Stirling Mk.III BK721 AA-Z crashed after take-off from Newmarket airfield at 00:37hrs following a failure of the starboard inner engine and collision with Devils Dyke. All but the Captain and W/Op were killed in the crash and are buried in the Newmarket cemetery.

ANDREWS, Reginald Frederick.

Sgt. Reginald Frederick Andrews, RAFVR 1263093 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 22 on the 16th of August 1943
Buried Olonne-Sur-Mer Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Row 5. Grave 5.

15/08/1943 – Mining in the Gironde Estuary
Five aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with mines of 1,500lbs.. One aircraft failed to take-off owing to inter-communication failure and one failed to return. The remaining aircraft successfully dropped their mines in the allotted area, and parachutes were seen to open. Some heavy A.A. fire was encountered and one aircraft was slightly hit in the fuselage. The weather was good with clear visibility. Navigation was very good. One aircraft, whilst returning across FRANCE at 200 feet, shot up four trains, the engine of one was seen to explode and the other three appeared hit. The missing aircraft was Stirling Mk.III EE891 captained by F/Sgt. WHITTA, N.B.

Stirling Mk.III EE891 AA-Q

F/S Neville Bruce Whitta, RNZAF NZ416566 – Pilot.
P/O John George Turnbull, RNZAF NZ42490 – Navigator.
Sgt. Michael Costello, RCAF R.123094 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Reginald Frederick Andrews, RAFVR 1263093 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frederick David Mason, RAFVR 1230433 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Basil George Crisp, RAFVR 1215484 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Jack Edmond Lovewell, RAFVR 1333957 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EE891 AA-Q was brought down off the French coast either by enemy aircraft action or AA ground fire. The bodies of the Captain, Wireless Operator and Mid Upper Gunner were recovered and buried at Olonne-sur-Mer. The body of the RCAF Air Bomber was also recovered and buried at Les Sables-d ́Olonne. The other missing crew members are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

ANNAN, William Donald Francis

Sgt. William Donald Francis Annan, RNZAF NZ391377 – Rear Gunner .
Killed age 20 on the 26th of July 1940
Son of Fredrick andrew John Annan and of Annie Isabell Annan (Nee Macrae), of Napier, Hawke’S Bay, New Zealand.
Buried Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery, Holland..
Grave location – Plot 69. Row A. Grave 19.

25/26 July 1940. Bombing Attacks on KASSEL, targets F.10, M.434.
Of the nine Wellington aircraft taking part in the above operations from this Unit, one GB.661 (F/O Coleman) failed to return, and Squadron thus suffered its third loss since operations began.

Wellington 1.C R.3235, AA-?

F/O William Harcourt Coleman, RNZAF, Captain
P/O Frank Twain Poole, RAF, 2nd Pilot
Sgt Norman Wilson Brown, RAF. (518807), Navigator
Sgt John Dowds, RAF (632780), Front Gunner
Sgt William Eric Nevill, RAF, W/Operator
Sgt William Donald Francis Annan, RNZAF, (NZ391377), Rear Gunner

Early on the morning of 26th July, 1940, Wellington B.IC R3235 of 75 (New Zealand) Squadron, RAF, crashed into the Ijsselmeer, the inland sea near Amsterdam, 1km east of Uitdam. There were no survivors. The bodies of the airmen washed ashore, that of F/O Coleman on the 3rd of August, 1940.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/william-donald-francis-annan © New Zealnd War Graves Project

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/william-donald-francis-annan © New Zealand War Graves Project

ANTHONY, Daniel Thomas

Sgt. Daniel Thomas Anthony, RAFVR 1315996 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 21 on the 11th of April 1943
Son of Daniel and Gladys Maud Anthony, of Dowlais, Glamorgan.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 18. E. 3-7.
‘The gates of death
For ever past, in Paradise
With Christ at last’

10/04/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Frankfurt
Twelve aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 1000lb and incendiaries of 30lb and 4lb. Three aircraft were forced to return early as they failed to maintain height. Eight of the remaining aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. It was not possible to see the target owing to thick cloud, a large red glow was nevertheless seen. Both light and heavy A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights was encountered, although they were ineffective. Several enemy aircraft were seen and two short combats took place. There was 10/10ths cloud in the target area, but it was clear and dark above our aircraft. Navigations was excellent. Stirling III, BF455 captained by F/Sgt. Rothschild was hit over the target by A.A. Fire and also chased by enemy Fighters. This caused him to run short of Petrol over the English Channel on the way home, and he eventually crash landed in the sea, 3 miles off Shoreham. The wireless procedure had been perfect, and Spitfires escorted it over the French coast, and a Walrus Flying Boat was waiting for it to crash land. Dingy drill was perfect and all the crew got in safely after an immaculate landing – the Stirling floating for 25 minutes. The final scene was enacted in the Channel as the Walrus collided with the Dinghy and dropped all the crew in the sea. No Ill-effects except for Sgt. Grainger, the Flight Engineer, who suffered from shock. Stirling III BF456 captained by Sgt. Webb failed to return.

Stirling Mk.III BF456 AA-J

Sgt. John Webb, RAFVR 657412 – Pilot.
Sgt. David Vernon Jones, RAFVR 1337506 – Navigator.
Sgt. Daniel Thomas Anthony, RAFVR 1315996 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard William Lowther, RAFVR 1380534 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. James Robertson Inglis, RAFVR 979322 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Leonard Roy Cunningham, RAFVR 643601 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Edward John Letherbarrow , RAFVR 1315524 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III BF456 AA-J crashed some 200 miles South East of Frankfurt near Steeg, a small village at 8,700ft in the Lechtaller Alps, Austria. The aircraft was clearly heading in the wrong direction and flying well below safety height in this mountainous region.

APPLETON, Edward Robert Myddleton MiD

S/Ldr. Edward Robert Myddleton Appleton, MiD, RAF 42475 – Pilot.
Killed age 23 on the 31st of August 1943
Son of Capt. Walter R. Appleton and Elizabeth J. Appleton, of Liverpool.
Buried Liverpool (Ford) Roman Catholic Cemetery.
Grave location – Sec. H. Grave 707.

Despite surviving the “Devils Dyke” crash Edward was seriously injured. The Form 540 shows that Edward was promoted to the rank of Acting Squadron Leader with effect from the 7th of May, authority dated the 16th. A day later on the 17th May, Edward was posted to Non Effective Strength, Base Head Quarters at Mildenhall, where we must assume he undertook appropriate duties while he recovered from the crash of the 12th of May.

On the 31st of August S/L Edward Appleton was an observer on a B-17F of 422 Night Leaflet Squadron (USAAF), the bomber, 42-5376 coded JJ-X “Eager Eagle” was Piloted by 1st Lt Floyd H. Truesdell, out of Chelveston, Northamptonshire.

The flight plan called for an altitude of 7000 feet. The right waist gunner S/Sgt John E. Breen said that the last report he had heard over the inter-phone before the collision was 7200 feet. The flight plan route was over Foulsham.

At approximately 23:30, a Royal Air Force Beaufighter V8715, collided with B-17F Aircraft, Serial No. 42-5376.

The Beaufighter was evidently in a steep bank to the right hitting the B-17 between the No. 3 and No. 4 engines from the front. The force of the collision split the Beaufighter in half and severed the right wing of the B-17F. The two waist gunners, S/S John E. Breen and Sgt Carl G. Ruehl, both parachuted to safety. The B-17F crashed into a farm building on the Parish Church Farm on the south edge of the town of Foulsham, Norfolk County, England, killing 9 other crew members including F/L E. M. Appleton, an RAF Pilot on Detached Service with the 305th Bombardment Group from Royal Air Force No. 3 Group, riding as Observer. There were no civilian casualties.

Under the ‘CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS’ of the subsequent investigation it was noted that both aircraft were flying without navigation lights as they were above 5000 feet and there was a Red Air Raid alert on at that time. The accident was unavoidable.

ARCHER, George Walter Matthew

Sgt. George Walter Matthew Archer, RAFVR 1355706 – Rear Gunner .
Killed age 25 on the 29th of June 1942
Buried Feltwell (St. Nicholas) Churchyard, Norfolk, England..
Grave location – Row C. Grave 7.

29/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Bremen
Sixteen a/c were detailed to carry out the above attack. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, and 4lb inc was dropped in the target area. Results not observed. A.A. fire was heavy in target area. Searchlights were ineffective through cloud. A JU88 was attacked and claimed as shot down by Well.BJ837, captained by Sgt. Hockaday. Weather was cloudy. Nav was excellent. Well.III (P/O Monk) failed to return and Well.III Z1616 (Sgt. Bertram) crashed after take-off and caught fire. All crew killed.

Wellington Mk.III Z.1616 AA-D

Sgt. Robert Bertram, RAFVR 1112264/ 128536 – Pilot.
Sgt. Joseph Guy Quin, RAFVR 1256373 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard John Grenfell, RNZAF NZ404026 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Norman Mitchell, NZ404084 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. George Walter Matthew Archer, RAFVR 1355706 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.III Z.1616 AA-D completed a normal take-off at 23:20, but approximately 5 minutes after becoming airborne, fire was seen to break out on the aircraft (witnesses say the aircraft was on fire before it crashed). The Wellington then crashed in flames near Red House Farm, Methwold, a few miles north of Feltwell. All five crew were killed.

ARLEN, Anthony

W/O Anthony Arlen, RCAF R.841522 – Navigator.
Lost without trace age 30 on the 8th of March 1943
Husband of Mary Helen Arlen, of Dunnville, Ontario, Canada.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.
Grave location – Panel 179.

08/03/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Nurenburg
Nine aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attack with bombs of 2,000 lb. 1,000 lb. 500 lb and incendiaries of 30 lb. and 4 lb. One aircraft returned early owing to engine trouble and another failed to return. The remaining seven aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area, large fires being seen, one large explosion from the centre of target, was seen one hundred miles away as the aircraft were returning. Both light and heavy A.A. fire was encountered co-operating with searchlights, they however, proved to be ineffective. Stirling 1 BK646 captained by P/O Lowe, was attacked by an enemy aircraft near Saarbrucken on the return journey. The enemy aircraft opened fire with cannon and a stream of tracer came into the cockpit, one exploding near the second pilot’s leg. Corkscrew tactics were adopted, but after seven minutes the enemy aircraft was lost. The only casualties were the second pilot, who was wounded in the leg and the Captain, who had slight face cuts. The aircraft successfully returned to base. There was a slight haze at the target, although visibility fairly good. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was Stirling 1 BF437, captained by Sergeant C.R. Davey.

Stirling Mk.I BF437 AA-L

Sgt. Charles Raglan Davey, RNZAF NZ413937 – Pilot.
F/S Anthony Arlen, RCAF R.84152 – Navigator.
Sgt. Ian James Duncan Brodie, RAFVR 1344759/ 147474 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Leighton Mansel Stone, RAFVR 1313099 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Edgar Howlett, RAFVR 528778 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Andrew James Feenan, RAFVR 632983 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Alfred Bertram Tarrant, RAFVR 1450019 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.I BF437 AA-L was brought down near Philippsburg, 22 miles North North East of Carlsruhe (18 miles South of Mannheim). All seven crew were killed. Sgt’s Davey and Brodie were buried at Mannheim but later reinterred at Durnbach. The other five crew members are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

ARMITAGE, Douglas

Sgt. Douglas Armitage, RAFVR 1434609 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 19 on the 25th of June 1943
Son of Ellis and Edith Armitage, of Wakefield, Yorkshire.
Buried Flushing (Vlissingen) Northern Cemetery, Holland.
Grave location – Row F. Grave 14.
‘Though lost to sight
To memory ever near’

24/06/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Wuppertal
Thirteen aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attack with incendiary bombs of 30lns and 4lbs. One aircraft returned early owing to the rear turret being unserviceable and one failed to return. The remaining aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. This was a very good attack, very large concentrated fires being seen, the glow of which was visible 30 miles away from the Dutch Coast. The defences were considerably stronger than the previous attacks, both moderate and heavy A.A.fire was encountered and two aircraft were slightly hit. Some enemy aircraft were seen and one short combat took place but no damage was sustained by our aircraft. The weather was good, although the smoke from the fires obscured ground detail. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was Stirling Mk.III EH902 captained by F/S Bluck.

Stirling Mk.I EH902 AA-K
Form 541 for this Op lists a/c as EH902 (above in diary report), but as BK619 (AA-X) against crew list.

F/S Norman Bradford Bluck, RNZAF NZ40364 – Pilot.
F/S James Brett Cooksey, RNZAF NZ416460 – Navigator.
F/S Geoffrey Walter Strong, RNZAF NZ413905 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Michael Kendlan, RAFVR 1072258 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. John William Gillard, RAFVR 938834 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Armitage, RAFVR 1434609 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Leslie Ronald Cant, RAFVR 1397680 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.I EH902 AA-K was brought down either by AA fire or a night-fighter, crashing into the sea off Wissenkerke on the Dutch island of Beveland. There were no survivors. The bodies were all recovered and four of the crew buried in Vlissingen Northern Cemetery. The other three were buried at Bergen op Zoom War Cemetery.

ARMSTRONG, Cecil Ernest

P/O Cecil Ernest Armstrong, RNZAF NZ42354 – Pilot.
Killed age 27 on the 23rd of May 1944
Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Armstrong, of Napier, Hawke’S Bay, New Zealand; Husband of Elsie Isabella Agnes Armstrong, of Napier.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 3. G. 14. 84

22/05/1944 – Attack Against Dortmund
Twenty three aircraft were detailed to attack Dortmund of which eighteen completed their mission successfully. Three aircraft returned early and two failed to return (Captains NZ417016 P/O. E. Burke and NZ42354 P/O. C. Armstrong). The raid was well concentrated and carried out in good weather with excellent visibility. One aircraft had an inconclusive combat with a JU 88. Otherwise the operation was uneventful.

Lancaster Mk.III ND768 AA-F “Freddie”

P/O Cecil Ernest ‘Snow’ Armstrong, RNZAF NZ42354 – Pilot.
F/S Douglas Beardsley Payne, RNZAF NZ426917 – Navigator.
F/S Eric William Elliott Marshall, RNZAF NZ415637 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Carl Arthur Warburton, RAFVR 1484107 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. David Sleightholm, RAFVR 1684309 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Roy Joseph Davies, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. James Pepper, RAFVR 1682572 – Rear Gunner.

Reports indicate that ND768 was struck by flak on approach to target – with a full bomb load, the aircraft exploded killing all on board. The crew’s remains were buried intially at Hauptfriedhof, Dortmund, but were later reinterred at the Rheinberg War Cemetery.

ARMSTRONG, Joseph

Sgt. Joseph Armstrong, RAFVR 1684332 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 40 on the 21st of July 1944
Son of John Joseph and Annie Armstrong, of Bradford, Yorkshire; Husband of Annie Armstrong, of Bradford.
Buried Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland.
Grave location – 12. J. 1.
‘There’s some corner
Of a foreign field
That is for ever England’

20/07/1944 – Attack Against Homberg
Twenty six aircraft took off, as detailed, to attack the oil refinery at Homberg. Nineteen aircraft were successful in bombing the target, with the aid of markers, which seemed well concentrated. Two good explosions were seen and smoke came up from the target area. Heavy A.A. fire was moderate, but fighters were very active, eight combats taking place. Seven aircraft failed to return, the captains were AUS22776 W/O. Gilmour, H., NZ428819 F/S. Howell, E., NZ421829 F/S. Mackay, K., NZ422057 F/S. Davidson, N., NZ42488 W/O. Whittington, H., NZ413219 F/S. Roche, G. & NZ414560 P/O. Burtt, H.

Lancaster Mk.I ME752 AA-E

F/S Gerald Brian Roche, RNZAF NZ413219 – Pilot.
F/O Horace Callow, RNZAF NZ427185 – Navigator.
F/S John Burgess, RNZAF NZ4211008 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Jack Frank MacDonald Barson, RAFVR 1324529 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Joseph Armstrong, RAFVR 1684332 – Flight Engineer.
F/S William Edward McGee, RNZAF NZ427902 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Keith Emmett Smith, RNZAF NZ425179 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I ME752 AA-E was brought down by a night-fighter at 01:15hrs at Heythuysen in the Dutch province of Limburg, 7 miles East of Weert. All crew members, except the Air Bomber and Mid-Upper Gunner, died in the crash and were first buried in the Heythuysen cemetery but are now lying in Jonkerbos War Cemetery.

F/S Burgess survived and was captured as a POW. F/S McGee also survived and successfully evaded capture.

Sgt Armstrong, at 40 years of age, was one of the oldest airmen killed on Bomber Command operations during 1944.

ASHDOWN, Michael Henry Charles

Sgt. Michael Henry Charles Ashdown, RAFVR 1320551 – Pilot.
Killed age 20 on the 26th of July 1943
Son of Charles Robert and Ivy Ann Ashdown, of Worcester Park.
Buried Sutton and Cheam (Cuddington) Cemetery, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Plot L. Grave 1273.
‘One of the few’

25/07/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Essen
Twenty aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 2,000lbs., 1,000lbs., and incendiaries of 30lbs., and 4lbs. One aircraft failed to take off, and two returned early, wing to engine trouble and an intercommunication failure respectively, and one aircraft failed to return. Sixteen aircraft successfully dropped their bombs on target area, which was an absolute mass of flames. Many huge explosions were seen in the midst of the fires. Moderate A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered, one aircraft receiving slight damage. An aircraft was held in a searchlight cone for 3 minutes, but avoided it by making diving turns. Some enemy aircraft were seen. The aircraft captained by F/Sgt. H.C. WILLIAMS sighted an unidentified aircraft 400 yds away approaching from astern. The Stirling corkscrewed and the Mid-upper and Rear gunners fired a long burst, the enemy aircraft exploded in the air and dived to the ground. It was claimed to be destroyed. Another aircraft was sighted by them approaching on the port quarter, the Rear gunner fired two short bursts and the enemy aircraft broke away. The weather was hazy to the enemy Coast, but clear over the target. Visibility was good except for haze caused by smoke from the fires, which could be seen west of the DUTCH coast. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was Stirling MK.III EE892 captained by Sgt.. M. ASHDOWN

Stirling Mk.III EE892 AA-F

Sgt. Michael Henry Charles Ashdown, RAFVR 1320551 – Pilot.
Sgt. Ronald Kenneth Harold, RAFVR 1335706 – Navigator.
Sgt. Ronald Walter Threadgold, RAFVR 1457394 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Ernest Claude Denyer, RAFVR 1262911 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Ronald Broadley, RAFVR 937347 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Archie Cleveland, RCAF R.167518 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Harold Clyde Dawson, RCAF R.178318 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EE892 AA-F came down in the sea off Southwold, Suffolk, while returning to base. Eyewitness reports indicated that the Stirlng was on fire before it struck the water. All on board perished. Four bodies were picked up by the Aldeburgh lifeboat crew. Sgt Dawson RCAF is buried in Scottow Cemetery; the others were taken back to their home-towns. Sgt’s Harrold, Threadgold and Cleveland are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

ASHLEY, John Richard

Sgt. John Richard Ashley, RAFVR 908768 – Rear Gunner .
Killed age 29 on the 12th of October 1941
Son of Thomas J. and Louisa Ashley, of Cheam, Surrey.
Buried Dinant (Citadelle) Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Grave location – Joint grave 3-4.
‘A brave courageous boy,
Much loved
By his father, mother,
Brothers, sisters’

12/10/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Bremen and Nurenburg
Nine Wellington aircraft from this Unit were detailed to carry out these attacks. One of these aircraft, X9981 captained by S/Ldr Chamberlain, failed to return to base. Wellington IC X9975, captained by P/O Fisher returned to base owing to over heating of an engine. Direct hits were observed on the docks at Ostend and large fires were started which were visible for 90 miles. Incendiary bombs were dropped on a large factory and fires left burning. Other machines were dropping loads within 50 mile radius. A.A. fire was nil at primary, but there was a heavy flak after dropping bombs on Ostend. Searchlights were active to the East and West of target area. Weather was good.

Wellington Mk.Ic X.9981 AA-?

S/L Paul Burton Chamberlain, RAFVR 33229 – Pilot.
Sgt. Douglas Cecil Holley , RAFVR 1190121 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O Joseph Allan Robinson, RCAF J.5684 – Observer.
Sgt. Raymond George Butt, RAFVR 930644 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Francis Edward Austin, RAFVR 1262243 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. John Richard Ashley, RAFVR 908768 – Rear Gunner.

Little is known of the circumstances, although it seems likely they were the victims of an enemy night-fighter, since four other aircraft from 57, 76, 77, and 102 squadrons, were shot down in the same area that night. X9981 came down near Dinant (Namur), Belgium, with no survivors. All these crew members were buried in the Military Cemetery.

ASHWIN, Eric Lumley Durham

Sgt. Eric Lumley Durham Ashwin, RNZAF NZ41563 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 22 on the 17th of December 1942
Son of Lumley F. Ashwin and Winifred F. Ashwin, of Awaroa Bay, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 17. A. 14.

17/12/1942 – Operations. Attack Against Targets At Fallersleben
Five aircraft were detailed to attack the above target with bombs of 1,000lb. This was to be a low level flight all the way climbing to 5,000feet to bomb. Four out of the five aircraft unfortunately failed to return. They were the Squadron Commander, Wing Commander V. Mitchell, D.F.C., captain of Stirling I BF396 who took W/O Bagnall and crew who had only arrived a few days previously. Stirling I,BF400 captained by F/O Jacobson, Stirling 1, BK620 captained by P/O R.E. Williams, and Stirling I, R9247 captained by F/Sgt. Rousseau. The one aircraft to return was captained by P/O McCullough who could not find the target owing to rain and bad visibility, and bombed an alternative. This was an aerodrome, the bombs were seen to explode on the flare path and hangars. A.A. fore was fairly heavy and a few searchlights were seen. The aircraft was twice attacked by fighters but they were driven off on each occasion, on return the aircraft was found to have four holes believed due to combat with one of the fighters. The weather was clear to the target but developed to rain and 7/10th cloud on return. Navigation was good.

Stirling Mk.I BF.460 AA-G

F/O Gerald Howard Jacobson, RNZAF NZ41333 – Pilot.
Sgt Walter Duncan McAlpine, RNZAF NZ403551 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Lumley Durham Ashwin, RNZAF NZ41563 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Wallace Frederick Stokes, RNZAF NZ412362 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. L.A. Hoff, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Charles Lucas, RCAF 1312083 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William George Henry White, RNZAF NZ41717 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.I BF.460 AA-G was shot down over Germany, crashing at Ankum, 20 miles North North West of Osnabruck. This was very near the point where Rousseau crew crashed on the same night. None of the crew survived. They were initially buried at Ankum but later reinterred at the Rheinberg Cemetery, near Wessel.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/eric-lumley-durham-ashwin © New Zealnd War Graves Project

ASHWORTH, Alan

Sgt. Alan Ashworth, RAFVR 1529817 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 21 on the 3rd of August 1943
Grandson of Sarah E. Ashworth, of Spotland, Rochdale, Lancashire.
Buried Hamburg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 4A. D. 10-12.
‘Memories linger
Deep in the hearts
That never forget’

02/08/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Hamburg
Seventeen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with incendiary bombs of 30lb and 4lb. Six of the aircraft returned early owing to severe icing and engine trouble, two failed to return. The remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Large fires and columns of smoke were seen although this attack was not considered to be a successful as the previous one. Moderate heavy and light A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered, which proved to be ineffective. Some enemy aircraft were seen but no combats took place. The weather was good at the beginning of outward journey, but cloud gathered and was 10/10ths at the target, icing and electrical storms were also encountered. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft were Stirlings Mk. III EH928 captained by Sgt. Baille, P. and BF 557 captained by F/Sgt. Couper, J.A.

Stirling Mk.III BF577 JN-M

Sgt. James Arthur Couper, RNZAF NZ417027 – Pilot.
Sgt. George Albert Walker, RAFVR 1332840 – Navigator.
Sgt. Geoffrey Scott Corlett, RNZAF NZ42289 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Sydney Cecil Oliver Reeves, RNZAF NZ42339 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. James Wilson Sneddon, RAFVR 1342219 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Thomas Edward Wadeson, RAFVR 1489406 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Alan Ashworth, RAFVR 1529817 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III BF577 JN-M collided with a German night-fighter (Fw Krauter, II /NJG3), North of the mouth of the River Elbe, crashing on the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Koog. All on board perished. They are buried in Hamburg Cemetery, Ohlsdorf.

ASKEW, Raymond

Sgt. Raymond Askew, RAFVR 1477972 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 21 on the 16th of December 1943
Son of Thomas and Susannah Askew, of Ashington.
Buried Seaton Hirst (St.John) Churchyard, Ashington, Northumberland, England..
Grave location – Sec. T. Row 6. Grave 22.

16/12/1943 – Mining off the Frisian Islands
Four aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with mines of 1500lbs. One aircraft returned early and one crashed on return. The remaining two aircraft successfully dropped their mines in the allotted area, but the parachutes were not seen to open. No opposition was met. The weather was very poor, low cloud and fog impairing visibility. Navigation was good. The aircraft which crashed wa captained by F/SGT.KINROSS C.J. The pilot F/SGT KINROSS C.J, Nav.F/O R.F.JENKIN, A/B. SGT. EMMERSON R.H., WO/AIR SGT. SAVAGE W.A, F/ENG. SGT. ASKEW R. and R.GUNNER SGT. WARNER J.A. were killed. The Mid Upper Gunner SGT. NEWMAN S.T. was slightly injured.

Stirling Mk.III EF163 JN-L

F/S Colin John Kinross, RNZAF NZ417069 – Pilot.
F/O Ralph Francis Jenkin, RNZAF NZ416119 – Navigator.
Sgt. Ronald Harry Emmerson, RAAF AUS.410330 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Willis Arthur Savage, RAFVR 1503913 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Raymond Askew, RAFVR 1477972 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. S. Newman, RAFVR 928207 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. John Albert Warner, RAFVR 2209337 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EF163 JN-L was attempting to land in poor weather conditions when the pilot lost visual reference at low level and crashed at Biddington Farm, Sutton. The aircraft burst into flames. All crew members, except an injured mid-upper gunner, died.

The cause of the crash may have been due to the aircraft’s centre of gravity being effected by a mine that had failed to release.

This was one of 41 other crashes occurring that night by aircraft returning to England in extremely poor weather conditions. This scale of losses by aircraft in these circumstances was the heaviest ever experienced by Bomber Command in a single night.

AUSTIN, Francis Edward

Sgt. Francis Edward Austin, RAFVR 1262243 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 27 on the 12th of October 1942
Son of Francis Henry and Hilda Evelyn Austin, of Hanworth, Middlesex.
Buried Dinant (Citadelle) Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Grave location – Joint grave 3-4.
‘Lord all pitying,
Jesus blest,
Grant him
Thine eternal rest’