HADFIELD, Graham Stanley

F/S Graham Stanley Hadfield, RNZAF NZ426239 – Navigator.
Lost without trace age 23 on the 14th of March 1944.
Son of Albert and Emily Ellen Hadfield, of Birkenhead, Auckland, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 264.

13/03/1944 – Mining off St. Nazaire
Sixteen aircraft were detailed for mine laying off St. Nazaire, Lorient, La Rochelle, and Brest. One aircraft (Captain NZ414567 F/Sgt. Rowberry T.) failed to return. Another aircraft (Captain NZ42999 P/O. C. Baker) returned early with aileron trouble and crashed at Castle Comb, without injury to the crew although the aircraft was burnt out. The remaining fourteen successfully laid their mines, one aircraft landing at Woodbridge on return.

Stirling Mk.III LJ462 AA-O

F/S Geoffrey Warren Rowberry, RNZAF NZ414567 – Pilot.
F/S Graham Stanley Hadfield, RNZAF NZ426239 – Navigator.
Sgt. Brian Simmett, RAFVR 1392577 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Sidney Thomas Bishop, RAFVR 1322249 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur William Horner, RAFVR 1641609 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Raymond David Davies, RAFVR 1317623 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt Alfred Newnham, RAFVR 1172993 – Rear Gunner.

No official account of the loss of the crew exists, or is officially accepted and as such the Rowberry crew are recorded as lost without trace.

HADLEY, Wilson Orchard

F/O Wilson Orchard Hadley, RNZAF NZ426041 – Pilot.
Killed age 30 on the 12th of September 1944.
Son of Charles Hadley and of Ellen Hadley (Nee Hawke), of Amberley, Canterbury, New Zealand; Husband of Esme Elizabeth Hadley, of St. Albans, Christchurch, Canterbury.
Buried Orslev Churchyard, Denmark..
Grave location – Joint grave 11B.

11/09/1944 – Mining in the Baltic Sea
Eight aircraft were detailed to lay mines in the Baltic area, and they all dropped their mines as ordered. No opposition was met on the mining area, but fighters were thought to be active on the homeward route, and one aircraft had an inconclusive combat with a JU.88. Another aircraft (Captain NZ426041 F/O. W. Hadley) failed to return.

Lancaster Mk.I LM268 AA-D

F/O Wilson Orchard Hadley, RNZAF NZ426041 – Pilot.
F/S John Bernard Gudgeon, RNZAF NZ428786 – Navigator.
F/S David John Robert Wilcox, RNZAF NZ421244 – Air Bomber.
F/S John Patrick Arthur Giles, RNZAF NZ425836 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Colin R. Fowler, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/S William James Victo Boyd, RNZAF NZ428303 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S John Matthew Biggar, RNZAF NZ427945 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I LM268 AA-D was brought down at 00:15hrs by a night-fighter near the southern end of Sjælland Island, Denmark. The aircraft crashed onto a farmhouse near the township of Orslev, killing five members of the family. Only two of the crew, the Fight Engineer and Air Bomber, succeeded in baling out, the former evading capture and the latter, although badly hurt, was aided by locals and hospitalized before being turned over to the authorities.

Of those in the crew who died, the Pilot and Rear Gunner were buried in the local Churchyard at Orslev while the other three were buried at the Svino Churchyard.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/wilson-orchard-hadley © New Zealand War Graves Project

HAINSWORTH, Edwin

Sgt. Edwin Hainsworth, RAFVR 1360695 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 28 on the 6th of April 1942.
Son of John William Hicks Hainsworth and Charity Hainsworth; Husband of Elizabeth Hainsworth, of Baildon, Shipley, Yorkshire.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 1. D. 20.

05/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against Targets Cologne
Nine Wellington Aircraft from this unit were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, and 250lbs and 4lb incendiaries was dropped but results were not observed. There was intense heavy flak and many searchlights were active but ineffective owing to the bright moonlight. One Ju.88 aircraft was seen near the target and Wellington III X3705 was attacked by a Me.110 near Liege without result. Weather was good and navigation by TR1335 and D.R was also good. One aircraft did not carry out it’s mission and two are missing. Wellington III X3489, captained by W/Cdr Sawrey Cookson the C.O. of the squadron, and Wellington III X3661 captained by F/S Thomas.

Wellington Mk.III X.3489 AA-P

W/C Reginald Sawrey-Cookson, RAFVR 39574 – Pilot.
P/O William Finlay Budge, RNZAF NZ41977 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Ronald Harry Emery, RAFVR 922974 – Observer.
Sgt. Edwin Hainsworth, RAFVR 1360695 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Donald Percival Stock, RNZAF 1157823 – Front Gunner.
F/O George Eric Mitchell, RCAF R.74313/ J.15022 – Rear Gunner.

The aircraft was brought down by flak over the target, crashing into the city center where its bomb load exploded (see excerpt of the raid above). The bodies of all crew members were recovered and initially buried in the English Military Cemetery, south Cologne, then later reinterred in the Rheinberg War Cemetery.

Further casualties occurred among a crowd of people watching a burning bomber (probably a Wellington) crashing in the middle of Cologne as its bomb load exploded, killing 16 people and injuring 30 more.

HALE, Lawrence Eastmure

F/S Lawrence Eastmure Hale, RNZAF NZ42395 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 26 on the 16th of June 1944.
Son of Sylvester Gresham Hale and Violet Francis Kate Hale, of Auckland City, New Zealand.
Buried Rieux Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Grave 7. 8

15/06/1944 – Attack Against Valenciennes
Twenty four aircraft took off as detailed to attack the Marshalling Yards at Valenciennes. Twenty three aircraft attacked the primary target with the aid of markers. A.A. Fire was very slight, but fighters were active, two of our aircraft having combats with enemy aircraft. The aircraft captained by 175311 P/O. C. Crawford claimed hits on an enemy fighter, but sustained serious damage itself, the pilot, however, was able to land safely at Manstone. The aircraft captained by NZ421495 F/S. Betley, R. failed to return.

Lancaster Mk.I LL888 JN-X

F/S Roland Desmond Ernest Betley, RNZAF NZ421495 – Pilot.
Sgt. Edward George Gilliat, RAFVR 648452 – Navigator.
F/S Lawrence Eastmure Hale, RNZAF NZ42395 – Air Bomber.
F/S Edward Wallace Toohey, RNZAF NZ416672 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Basil Griffiths, RAFVR 1578754 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ronald Howe, RAFVR 993314 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Peter Jackson Cook, RNZAF NZ42708 – Rear Gunner.

LL888 was brought down by a night-fighter SW of the target, crashing near Rieux, just NE of Cambrai. There were no survivors, six of the seven crew members were located in or near the wreckage and later buried at Rieux, The body of the seventh crew member was found some distance away indicating he probably had attempted to bale out, without success.

HALL, John

Sgt. John Hall, RAFVR 988980 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 20 on the 7th of May 1941.
Son of John George and Frances Jane Hall, of Willington Quay, Northumberland.
Buried Hull Northern Cemetery, East Yorkshire, England..
Grave location – Compt. 202. Grave 14.
‘Greater love
Hath no man than this’

06/05/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Hamburg
Ten Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above target. One of these aircraft, R,3169, after having bombed the target area, and while on return journey, crashed into a barrage balloon cable at the mouth of the River Humber and dived into the water. The rear gunner, SGT. Craven, was the only survivor of the crew of six. The bomb load carried by the ten machines consisted of 1000 lbs., 500 lbs., and 250 lbs.

Bombs were dropped by all aircraft, but owing to heavy cloud no results were observed. No observations were made and no reconnaissance carried out. Some light and heavy A.A. fire was experienced on route and in target area. Searchlights were few and ineffective. No enemy aircraft were encountered. The weather was not good, ten-tenths cloud being experienced over route and target area. Navigation was by D/R, W/T, astro,

Wellington Mk.Ic R.3169 AA-P

Sgt. David Leo Nola, RNZAF NZ39930 – Pilot.
Sgt. Alexander Coutts Mee, RNZAF NZ40656 – 2nd Pilot..
P/O Clifford Frederick Page, RAFVR 60780 – Navigator.
Sgt. Walter Russell, RAFVR 949560 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. John Hall, RAFVR 988980 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Craven, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.Ic R.3169 AA-P and crew, took off from Feltwell, Norfolk to attack Hamburg. 115 aircraft took part including 50 Wellington’s (10 from 75(NZ) Squadron RAF), 31 Whitley’s, 27 Hampden’s, 4 Manchester’s and 3 Stirling’s. Due to poor visibility few aircraft failed to identify the targets. Only 12 bomb loads hit the target area and all aircraft returned.

On return to England following the raid, the aircraft crossed the East Coast in cloudy conditions well north of planned track, as a result of a major variation in forecast winds. After a change of course south at 04:45hrs, the aircraft struck barrage-balloon cables near Trinity Sands, six miles East North East of Grimsby, Lincs. and crashed into the water out of control.

HALL, Robert Ewen

Sgt. Robert Ewen Hall, RAFVR 1392121 – Rear Gunner.
Lost without trace age 35 on the 24th of February 1944.
Son of Robert and Christina Mackintosh Hall; Husband of Dorothy Mary Hall, of Birchington, Kent.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 230.

24/02/1944 – Mining in Kiel Bay
Fifteen aircraft were detailed with a large force to lay mines of 1500 lbs in Kiel Bay, and fourteen returned after completing their mission successfully. One aircraft (Captain NZ42367 F/S. Bruhns H.) is missing, and no news was heard after take-off.

Stirling Mk.III EH948 AA-Q

F/S Harold Henry Bruhns, RNZAF NZ42367 – Pilot.
F/S Eric Arthur Wilkes, RAFVR 1575513 – Navigator.
Sgt. Laurie Licence Butler, RNZAF NZ421672 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Woolf Jack Summers, RAFVR 1395702 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. James William Harry, RAFVR 1601839 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Arthur Hertley Sawtell, RAAF AUS.417521 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Robert Ewen Hall, RAFVR 1392121 – Rear Gunner.

Little is known of the circumstances causing the loss of Stirling Mk.III EH948 AA-Q, although the body of the RAAF Air-Bomber was found washed ashore near Sønderborg, on the south coast of ALS Island, in the NW area of Kiel Bay. It thus seems likely the aircraft was brought down by AA fire from one or more Flak ships known to patrol Kiel Bay. The remaining six crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

HALL, Thomas John

Sgt. Thomas John Hall, RAFVR 1895157 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 19 on the 8th of Augusr 1944.
Son of Thomas Patrick and Ada Alice Hall, of Ilford, Essex.
Buried St.Valery-En-Caux Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Joint grave B, 23-24.
‘You live with us
In memory still,
Not just today
But always will’

07/08/1944 – Attack Against Mare De Magne
The target was enemy troops and armour concentrations at Mare De Magne, being made in direct support of the Allied Armies advance in the Caen area. Seventeen aircraft were detailed, all of which took off and dropped their bombs with the aid of markers, and a concentrated raid developed. Opposition from A.A. fire was very slight, but a few enemy fighters were active. One aircraft had an inconclusive combat and another (Captain 150278 .F/O. G. Brunton) failed to return.

Lancaster Mk.I HK567 AA-C

F/O Godfree Arnold Brunton, RAFVR 1396875/ 150278 – Pilot.
F/O James Stewart Wilkinson, RNZAF NZ4211042 – Navigator.
F/O Bernard Charles Baker, RNZAF NZ425447 – Air Bomber.
F/O Jack MacGregor Elliotte, RNZAF NZ427969 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Kenneth Birt Board, RAFVR 3030159 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Thomas John Hall, RAFVR 1895157 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Edwin John Hayler, RAFVR 1892380 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I HK567 AA-C was forced to crash land in the target area, reasons unknown. The two RAF air gunners did not survive the crash and were buried in the St-Valery-en-Caux Cemetery.

HALLIBURTON, Keith

Sgt. Keith Halliburton, RNZAF NZ415411 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 23 on the 28th of April.
Son of William Francis and Susan Halliburton, of Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 199.

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, <k.III BK664 – P/O. D.V. Hamer, failed to return.

Stirling Mk.I W7513 AA-G

Sgt. Keith Haliburton, RNZAF NZ415411 – Pilot.
Sgt. Patrick Torre Hunter, RNZAF NZ42297 – Navigator.
Sgt. Leslie Thomas Scarfe, 1261331 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. David Church, RAFVR 1196564 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Devinder Singh Sidhu, RAFVR 946455 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Charles Henry George Boxall, RAFVR 1393248 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Alexander Clunie Howell, RNZAF NZ392104 – Rear Gunner.

Took off at 20.42 hrs from R.A.F. Newmarket in Suffolk. Part of a huge 207 aircraft force on a “Gardening” (Mine laying) operation. A total of 593 mines were laid off Heligoland, in the river Elbe and in the Great and Little Belts. Low cloud base forced the aircraft to fly very low over the German and Danish coasts. Because of this they took very heavy flak and also attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters.
Although this was the largest mine laying operation in one night of the whole war it came at a price. A total of 22 aircraft were lost (75 (NZ) Squadron RAF lost 4 aircraft alone, with a total of 28 crew members killed) – 9 aircraft were lost by the night fighters and the remainder from the flak.

There are no known details regarding the loss of W7513 and her crew, all being lost without trace. Stirling W7513 is not on the Luftwaffe claims list for this raid so it is thought that it had been taken down by flak All crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

HAMER, Douglas Vincent

P/O Douglas Vincent Hamer, RAFVR 141713 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 24 on the 28th of April 1943.
Son of John Hugh and Constance Winifred Hamer, of Balham, London.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 131.

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.III BK664 AA-M

P/O Douglas Vincent Hamer, RAFVR 963403/ 141713 – Pilot.
Sgt. Desmond Ray Ross, RNZAF NZ42341 – Navigator.
Sgt. Ross Cameron Buckley, RNZAF NZ411206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. William Leslie Fred Brian, RNZAF NZ411737 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. George Len Lennox, RAFVR 950013 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Harry Pears Holme, RAFVR 1301281 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Malcolm Edward John Shogren, RNZAF NZ415375 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III BK664 AA-M was brought down by A/A fire from a Kreigsmarine (flak ship), battery MAA508, positioned between the Fehmarn-Belt and Lolland Island, in the Baltic. It crashed at 00:23hrs on the western side of Lolland Island and the crew all perished.

The bodies of both air gunners were recovered and are buried in the Svino Churchyard. All other crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

HANCOCK, Stanley Albert

F/S Stanley Albert ‘Hank’ Hancock, RAFVR 1396104 – Wireless Operator.
Lost without trace age 23 on the 22nd of May 1944.
Son of Albert John Hancock, and of Ellen Florence Hancock, of Wimbledon, Surrey.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 218.

21/05/1944 – Attack Against Duisberg
Twenty five aircraft took off to attack Duisburg, of which twenty one attacked the primary target. Three returned early with various technical failures and one failed to return (Captain NZ421803 P/O. W. Willis). Another aircraft (Captain AUS413157 P/O. A. Humphreys) was attacked by an enemy fighter and the navigator 1438903 F/Sgt. Hill, A. was injured, the aircraft also being damaged.

Lancaster Mk.III ND804 AA-K

P/O William Jarvis Willis, RNZAF NZ421803 – Pilot.
F/S Russell Howard Brown, RNZAF NZ425444 – Navigator.
F/S Alan Lister Kay, RNZAF NZ42299 – Air Bomber.
F/S Stanley Albert ‘Hank’ Hancock, RAFVR 1396104 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Donald Rimmer, RAFVR 1495443 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Allister Archibald Ferguson, RNZAF NZ425391 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William Ferguson ‘Billy’ Reid, RCAF R.178421/ J.89732 – Rear Gunner.

ND804 was lost without trace. All crew members are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

HARDING-SMITH, Dudley

P/O Dudley Harding-Smith, RNZAF NZ405265 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 24 on the 13th of February 1943.
Son of The Venerable Archdeacon Thomas James Smith and of Edith Sarah Smith (Nee Harding), of Nelson, New Zealand.
Buried Guidel Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Row 5. Grave 20.

13/02/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Lorient
Eleven aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with bombs of 1,000 lb. and 4 lb. incendiaries. Nine aircraft are known to have successfully attacked the target, of the other two, one returned early owing to the mid upper and front turrets being u/s and the other aircraft failed to return. Fires were burning fiercely in the target area, although they appeared to be scattered. F/Lt. Trott had his aircraft damaged by flak at the target, the number two tank on the port side was holed, the trimming tab was hit and his aerial was shot off. He preceeded to Middle Wallop and landed safely. Both heavy and light flak was encountered which was intense at first but later spasmodic and appeared to be swamped. Searchlights were seen in the early part of the attack but later went out. Some enemy aircraft were seen but no attacks were made. The weather was very good with clear visibility and no cloud. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was Stirling 1 R9316 captained by Sgt. R.A. Williams.

Stirling Mk.I R9316 AA-K

Sgt. Roy Arthur Williams, RAFVR 1332658/ 140912 – Pilot.
F/S Donald Elgin Browne, RCAF R.107928/ J.16846 – Navigator.
Sgt. H. Sawyer, RAFVR 657922 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. T.H. Smith, RAFVR 1178766 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. K. Gudmunsen, RAFVR 569992 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Leonard Willis, RCAF R.92498 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Dudley, Harding-Smith, RNZAF NZ405265 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.I R9316 AA-K was hit by flak over the target and fire broke out. The Captain ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft and all but himself and the rear gunner parachuted successfully, landing near Plouay, (Finistere), 11 miles North North East of Lorient. Four were captured and taken prisoner but the fifth, Sgt Willis, RCAF, successfully evaded capture.

The deceased, Sgt’s Williams and Harding-Smith, were buried at Guidel, near Lorient. The latter was the son of the Venerable Archdeacon T J Smith, of Nelson, New Zealand.

HARE, Phillip Edgar

Sgt. Phillip Edgar Hare, RNZAF NZ401227 – Rear Gunner.
Lost without trace age 19 on the 16th of July 1941.
Son of George Edgar and Margaret May Hare, of Hamilton, Auckland, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 64.

15/07/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Duisburg
Nine Wellington aircraft were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above targets. One of these aircraft, R.3171 captained by SGT. Fotheringham, failed to return to base. Another, W.5663, captianed P/O Rees, (RJT.533) was attacked by unidentified enemy fighter over the target. The aircraft was badly damages and the 2nd Pilot Sgt. Joyce was killed. SGT. Conibear, the front gunner, was seriously injured and died in hospital; and SGT. Gwyn-Williams was injured (Rear gunner). The aircraft returned to basewhere a landing was made. P/O Rees was awarded the D.F.C.; and the wireless operator, SGT. Lewis, was awarded the D.F.M.

RJT.147 bombed marshalling yard south of aiming point.
RJT.319 Observed bomb bursts in target area.
RJT.385 Attacked target area and saw bomb bursts.
RJT.445 bombed target area.
RJT.533 bombed target area, but thin cloud prevented accurate pin-point.
RJT.570 reports big fire started by bombs on target area.
RJT.683 located target, but it was not clearly pinpointed. A fix was obtained from Rhine and autobahn. Bombs dropped in salvo on large fire within radius of 3 miles of target.
P/O Ashworth reports that results were not observed over Ruhr, but a fire was started and a building blown up on an aerodrome 6 miles south of Hague. Heavy accurate predicted A.A. fire was encountered in target area. Searchlights were very active and accurate. The weather was good, but there was a layer of cloud over target. Navigation was by map reading, D/R, W/T, astro

Wellington Mk.Ic R.3171 AA-E

Sgt. Robert Ewen Ernest Fotheringham, RNZAF NZ391833 – Pilot.
Sgt. Eric Vincent Keiran Higgins, RAAF AUS.400277 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Joseph Harold Campbell Roberts, RCAF R.54910 – Observer.
Sgt. Sydney Allan Dyer, RNZAF NZ40101 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Phillip Edgar Hare, RNZAF NZ401227 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Douglas Malcolm MacKinnon, RNZAF NZ40923 – Rear Gunner.

Sgt Fotheringham’s crew failed tio return from the operation – the aircraft was officially recorded as lost without trace. The circumstances were unclear, as no evidence, signals or reports came to light. It seems certain, however, that R3171 came down off the Dutch coast, since two bodies were later washed ashore, one being identified as the captain.

HARKNESS, Charles

P/O Charles Harkness, RAFVR 121958 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 28 on the 29th of July 1942.
Son of Charles and Murdina Harkness, of Clarkston, Lanarkshire.
Buried Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 27. A. 14.
‘A beloved son and brother,
“Until the day break,
And the shadows flee away”’

28/07/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Hamburg
Seventeen a/c were detailed to carry out an attack on the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 30lb and 4lb incendiaries was dropped in target area and bursts were seen in dock area. A.A. fire was very accurate, light and heavy predicted. There were many accurate searchlight cones in parts but clear over target. Navigation was good by TR and DR. Six a/c failed to return to base

Wellington Mk.III X.3558 AA-Z

Sgt. Alexander George Sutherland, RNZAF NZ405340 – Pilot.
W/O George Ernest Shones, RAFVR 564432 – Observer.
Sgt. Adrian Oscar Tabor, RNZAF NZ411104 – Wireless Operator.
P/O Charles Harkness, RNZAF 121958 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Ian Gordon Stewart, RNZAF NZ404623 – Rear Gunner.

The Wellington was probably hit by AA fire over or near the target city and crashed near Cuxhaven, northern Germany. All the crew perished. They were buried in the Central Cemetery Brackeswalde, but later reinterred at Becklingen War Cemetery.

HARKNESS, William

Sgt. William Harkness, RAFVR 1127681 – Flight Engineer.
Lost without trace age 21 on the 5th of May 1943.
Son of David and Martha Harkness, of Claudy, Co. Londonderry.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 152.

05/05/1943 – Mining off the Frisian Islands
Six aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attack with Mines of 1500lb. One aircraft, however, failed to take-off and one failed to return. The remaining four aircraft successfully dropped their mines in the allotted area, and all the parachutes were seen to open. Some light A.A.Fire was encountered, but it was ineffective. No enemy aircraft were seen. There was broken cloud in the mining area, although visibility was fairly good. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was Stirling Mk.I. EF.340, captained by Sgt. R.F. Westwood.

Stirling Mk.I EF430 AA-Q

Sgt. Reginald Francis Westwood, RAAF AUS.416471 – Pilot.
Sgt. Robert Henry Waldron Bentley, RNZAF NZ414580 – Navigator.
Sgt. Erwin Henry Reubin Lamb, RNZAF NZ413709 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. William Harkness, RAFVR 1127681 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frederick Horace Bennetton, RAFVR 1281626 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gilbert Humphreys Rogers, RAFVR 1382746 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. John McLaren Boswell, RNZAF NZ414491 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.I EF430 AA-Q was engaged by AA fire while transiting the Dutch coastal area and was brought down in the Waddenzee, South East of Vlieland, at 01:15hrs. None of the crew survived. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

HARRIS, Claude Joseph

Sgt. Claude Joseph Harris, RNZAF NZ404028 – Observer.
Killed age 31 on the 29th of March 1942.
Son of Arthur William Harris and of Eva Harris (Nee Stockley), of Helensville, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Kiel War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 2. A. 2.

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.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/claude-joseph-harris © New Zealand War Graves Project

HARRIS, Richard James

Sgt. Richard James Harris, RNZAF NZ402999 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 24 on the 23rd of April 1942.
Son of Arthur John and Henrietta Harris, of Bombay, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Feltwell (St. Nicholas) Churchyard, Norfolk, England..
Grave location – Row B. Grave 11.

22/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against Targets at Cologne
Ten Well.III a\c were detailed attack the above targets. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 100lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs, 30lb and 4lb incendiaries was dropped in the target area but no results seen owing to cloud. There were only a few searchlights active and A.A. fire was slight. Well.III, X3487 captained by P/O Jarman was attacked by a JU.88 which attacked once and broke away to port. The results of this short attack were however serious the second pilot, P/O Nicol being mortally wounded, the rear gunner Sgt. Harris being killed and the Navigator Sgt. Taylor and W/Op. Sgt. Fernie were wounded. The bomb load was not dropped on the target but was dropped in the sea. The a/c was brought back to base and crash landed. Well.III, X3705, captained by F/S. McLachlan, was also attacked and the second pilot killed (P/O. Fountain) and Sgt. Tutty was wounded. F/Sgt. McLachlan managed to reach base and crash land.

Wellington Mk.III X.3487 AA-O
a/c shot up by JU88 and crash landed on return. Sgt. Harris was killed in the attack. P/O Nicol died of injuries the day after

P/O Eric George Delancey ‘Rick/ Riki’ Jarman , RAAF AUS.404507 – Pilot.
P/O Trafford McRae Nicol RNZAF NZ411929 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. William Henderson Taylor, RAFVR 1051621/ 122053 – Navigator.
Sgt. John Alexander Fernie, RAFVR 980003/ 127783 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. R.S. Davey, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Richard James Harris, RNZAF NZ402999 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 22:15 – Landed 04:40
Flight Time 06:25

Feltwell Station Log Wednesday 23rd April 1942: “0442 O.75 crash-landed (18th) last A/c.”

Rick Jarman was awarded the DFC for his part in the incident:

DFC citation E.G.D. Jarman, RAAF:
Citation DFC (Imm) (15 May 1942) “One night in April 1942 this officer was the captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Cologne. Whilst over the target area, the aircraft was hit by shellfire and sustained damage. The navigator, wireless operator and front gunner were injured, but despite this, Pilot Officer Jarman flew on to make his attack. On the return journey it was discovered that a bomb had not fallen owing to the damage caused by the enemy’s shellfire whereupon Pilot Officer Jarman altered course and headed for the North Sea so that the bomb could be jettisoned. Before reaching the sea, however, his aircraft was subjected to an attack by an enemy fighter whose fire killed the rear gunner, wounded the second pilot and inflicted further damage on the aircraft. Skilfully controlling the bomber Pilot Officer Jarman continued his flight and after jettisoning the bomb in the sea, he finally reached this country where he made a safe landing with the undercarriage retracted.”

HARRISON, Alfred Hubert

F/S Alfred Hubert Harrison, RNZAF NZ403000 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 25 on the 8th of Novmber 1941.
Son of Frederick James Harrison, and of Edith Sophia Harrison (Nee Stevens), of Gisborne, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Doetinchem (Loolaan) General Cemetery, Holland.
Grave location – Row 1. Grave 7.

08/11/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Essen
Eleven Wellington Ic aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attacks from this Unit. Three aircraft, X.9628, captained by Sgt. Smith, X.9977, captained by Sgt. Nunn, and Z.8942 captained by Sgt. Wilson failed to return to base. Many large fires were started with resultant explosions and bursts were observed across a built up area. A railway junction south of target was also successfully attacked. Much heavy and light flak was experienced and heavy concentrations of searchlights were active in target area. Several enemy aircraft were seen at target but no attacks were made. Weather was moderately clear to target but haze 5/10ths to 9/10ths over target area. Navigation was very good.

Wellington Mk.Ic X.9977 AA-D

Sgt. Geoffrey Sidney Nunn, RAFVR 1252728 – Pilot.
Sgt. Thomas Young Wyllie, RNZAF NZ40401 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Richard Dundas, RAFVR 986084 – Observer.
Sgt. Thomas Edison Elliott, RCAF R.52050 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Alfred Hubert Harrison, RNZAF NZ403000 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. William Massey, RAFVR 1365268 – Rear Gunner.

The aircraft was shot down at 21:36hrs by a night fighter (Lt Werner Rowlin, III./NJG1), crashing to the ground at Ijzevoorde (Gelderland), east of Doetinchen, Holland. All crew members were killed and later buried at the Loolaan General Cemetery.

HARRISON, William Frederick

Sgt. William Frederick Harrison, RAFVR 1396448 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 21 on the 23rd of April 1944.
Son of Charles Joseph and Elizabeth Emily Harrison of Hackney, London. His Brother Flt. Sgt. David Ernest Harrison D.Fm. Also Died On Service.
Buried Aabenraa Cemetery, Denmark.
Grave location – Allied Mil. Plot.
Row 4. 5.

23/04/1944 – Mining in Kiel Bay
Five Stirlings were detailed for mine laying in Kiel Bay. Three of the aircraft successfully dropped twelve mines. One aircraft returned early and another failed to return (Captain NZ421728 F/S. Lammas, M.)

Stirling Mk.III EF137 AA-E

F/S Manson Lammas, NZ421728 – Pilot.
F/S Douglas William Vaughn, RNZAF NZ429046 – Navigator.
F/S Robert Bailey, RNZAF NZ429072 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. William Frederick Harrison, RAFVR 1396448 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Edwin Henry Thomas, RAFVR 1811856 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Patrick Frederick Butler, RAFVR 1384944 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Ivor Larson, RCAF R.192316 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EF137 AA-E was shot down by a night-fighter at 23:15hrs over Denmark, crashing in flames near Vemmenaes, East South East of Lundby on Tasinge Island. The aircraft broke up on impact and came to rest in shallow waters, where the bodies of all seven crew were recovered and later buried in Åbenrå cemetery.

HARRISON-SMITH, Francis Charles

F/S Francis Charles Harrison-Smith, RNZAF NZ403959 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 20 on the 30th of November 1941.
Son of Charles Caldwell Harrison-Smith and Olive Mary Harrison-Smith, of Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.
Grave location – Panel 63.

30/11/41 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Emden and Hamburg
Eleven Wellington Ic and two Wellington II aircraft were detailed from the Unit to attack the above targets. A mixed bomb load was carried consisting of 4000lbs, 1000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and containers of incendiaries. Weather was clear and visibility good. A few bombs were dropped in the target area the remaining were bought back to base. Heavy, medium and light flak was encountered and a large number of searchlights were active. (Sentence illegible). One unidentified aircraft was also seen off the Frisian Islands. A convoy off Cromer fired at aircraft until colours were fired. Navigation was good. Astro and D.R. loop being used. One Wellington Ic aircraft, 1099, captained by Sgt. Harrison-Smith failed to return to base.

Wellington Mk. Ic Z.1099 AA-S

F/S Francis Charles Harrison-Smith, RNZAF NZ403959 – Pilot.
Sgt. Douglas Victor Sizmur, RAFVR 934205 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Daniel Mccready, RAFVR 1375023 – Observer.
Sgt. Eric Henry James Painter, RAFVR 1359501 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Brian Dominic Meagher, RAFVR 1109620 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Buckby, RAFVR 1156870 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Z.1099 failed to return. It was shot down at 23:05hrs by a night fighter (Pilot; Ofw Paul Gildner, 4. /NJG1) and crashed into the Waddenzee. All members of the crew died.

HARROLD, Ronald Kenneth

Sgt. Ronald Kenneth Harrold, RAFVR 1335706 – Navigator.
Lost without trace age 22 on the 26th of July 1943.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 152.

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.

HARRY, James William

Sgt. James William Harry, RAFVR 1335706 – Flight Engineer.
Lost without trace age 20 on the 24th of February 1944.
Son of George William and Nellie Eva Harry, of Earl’S Court. London.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 231.

Stirling Mk.III EH948 AA-Q

F/S Harold Henry Bruhns, RNZAF NZ42367 – Pilot.
F/S Eric Arthur Wilkes, RAFVR 1575513 – Navigator.
Sgt. Laurie Licence Butler, RNZAF NZ421672 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Woolf Jack Summers, RAFVR 1395702 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. James William Harry, RAFVR 1601839 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Arthur Hertley Sawtell, RAAF AUS.417521 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Robert Ewen Hall, RAFVR 1392121 – Rear Gunner.

HART, Robert

Sgt. Robert Hart, RAF 523663 – Flight Engineer.
Lost without trace age 28 on the 17th of December 1942.
Son of Phyllis Rose Hart, of Gaddesby, Leicestershire.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 85.

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 BF396 AA-X

W/C Victor Mitchell, RAF 37755 – Pilot.
W/O Trevor Horace Bagnall , RNZAF NZ40640 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S Reginald William Pearson, RAFVR 747858 – Navigator.
Sgt. Gerald Thomas Padden, RAFVR 1041966 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Stuart John Goff, RAFVR 916785 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Robert Hart, RAFVR 523663 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Arthur Henry Rider, RAFVR 960489 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Albert Charles William Parker, RAFVR 909252 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.I BF.396 AA-X was lost without trace and all crew presumed dead. They are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. The Captain, W/C V Mitchell, DFC, RAF, was the Squadron Commander. W/O Bagnall and his crew had only arrived on the Unit a few days previously.

It is thought possible that BF.396 might have been brought down by Oblt. Werner Huseman of Stab NJG1 at 20.53, with the aircraft coming down in the North Sea approximately 5km West of Bergen aan Zee, however this has not been substantiated. (Source Aircrew Remembered http://www.aircrewremembered.com/mitchell-victor.html)

HARTSTONE, Roydon Horatio

Sgt. Roydon Horatio Hartstone, RNZAF NZ40211 – Rear Gunner.
Lost without trace age 29 on the 3rd of July 1941.
Son of John Lewis Hartstone and Lydia Margaret Hartstone, of Frankton Junction, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 64.

03/07/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Essen
Sixteen Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. One of these aircraft , W,5621, captained by SGT. Reid, failed to return to base. Bombs were dropped by the remaining aircraft and fires were started. Heavy and light A.A. fire was intense and accurate, as also were searchlights which were working in cones. A few enemy aircraft were seen, but no attacks were made. The weather was fine with cloud in some places. There was haze over the target. Navigation was by D/R, W/T, astro, loop, map reading

Wellington Mk.Ic W.5621 AA-E

Sgt. Ian Laurie Reid, RNZAF NZ391846 – Pilot.
P/O Joseph Wesley Greening, RAAF AUS.400222 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. John Ross Nation, RNZAF NZ40945 – Navigator.
Sgt. Richard Edward Haycock, RAFVR 942288 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Harold Jones, RAFVR 977479 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Roydon Horatio Hartstone, RNZAF NZ402111 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk Ic W5621, captained by Sgt Reid, failed to return to base and no communication or other evidence pointed to any possible reason for the crew’s disappearance. The aircraft was officially recorded as missing without trace.

HARVEY, Edgar William

Sgt. Edgar William Harvey, RNZAF NZ41902 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 27 on the 16th of December 1942.
Son of John Lambert Harvey and Sarah Harvey, of Milford, Auckland, New Zealand; Husband of Josephine Emma Harvey. of Milford.
Buried Lakenham (St. John the Baptist and All Saints) Churchyard, Norfolk, England..
Grave location – Sec. E. Grave 25.

16/12/1942 – Operations. Gardening off Bordeaux
Nine aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with 1500lb. vegetables. The take-off was rather cross wind and unfortunately during take-off the wind backed severely so that the flare path was dead cross wind. Three aircraft swung violently on take-off. Then Sergeant Franklin tried to take-off in Stirling I, R9245, it swung as violently as the other aircraft, but went on, straightened and got airborne, only to crash a mile away from the aerodrome. Two mines exploded and all of the crew were killed. It later transpired that the starboard under carriage carried away the oil tank to the starboard inner engine and this is presumed to have seized, causing the aircraft to spin into the ground. No other aircraft took off after this. The three aircraft who successfully took off all planted their vegetables in the allotted area. Some light tracer and a few searchlights were encountered, no enemy aircraft were seen. The weather was variable with heavy rain and hail storms over the garden area, but clear generally. Navigation was good.

Stirling Mk.I R.9245 AA-?

Sgt. Benjamin Allan Franklin, RNZAF NZ414277 – Pilot.
Sgt William Henry Whitcombe, RNZAF NZ41561 – Navigator.
Sgt. Edgar William Harvey, RNZAF NZ41902 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Harold Rangi Welch, RNZAF NZ41709 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. William Joseph Lawrence, RCAF R.70294 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Eric James Burbridge, RAFVR 1392526 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Tom Pascoe, RAFVR 1308491 – Rear Gunner.

During take-off at 21:45hrs, three aircraft swung badly but this was promptly rectified and they became airborne. Then R9245 (Sgt Franklin) experienced similar wind effect causing it to swing dangerously, but Franklin kept power on to counter it and continued the take-off attempt. The aircraft became airborne briefly but crashed a mile away from the airfield. Two mines exploded and all the crew were killed. It was later established that the starboard undercarriage had hit Devil’s Dyke (a mound around the perimeter) and broke off the oil tank to the starboard inner engine, causing it to seize.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/edgar-william-harvey © New Zealand War Graves Project

HARVEY, Robert Frederick

Sgt. Robert Frederick Harvey, RNZAF NZ416483 – 2nd Pilot.
Killed age 23 on the 13th of May 1943.
Son of James and Elizabeth Harvey, of Tauranga, Auckland, New Zealand; Husband of Marjorie Enid Harvey.
Buried Newmarket Cemetery, Suffolk, England..
Grave location – Plot P. Grave 414.

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.

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.

HASELDEN, Howard Clive McLeish

Sgt. Howard Clive McLeish Haselden, RNZAF NZ403003 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 22 on the 18th of September 1941.
Son of Howard Tiffen Haselden and Jean Black Haselden, of Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 8. G. 17.

17/09/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Karlsruhe
Eight Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks on the above targets. One of these aircraft failed to return. A mixed bomb load was carried and consisted of 1,000 lb, 500 lb, 250 lb and containers of incendiaries. A.A. fire and searchlights were slight in the target area. Weather was hazy over the target.

Wellington Mk.Ic X.9834 AA-?

Sgt. William Bennett Megarry Smyth, RAFVR 1053919 – Pilot.
P/O Walter John Smith, RAFVR 1058110/ 67704 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O Kenneth Edward Algar Savage, RAFVR 106545 – Observer.
Sgt. James Henry Reid, RAFVR 997006 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Howard Clive McLeish Haselden, RNZAF NZ403003 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. A.H. Heard, RAFVR 960717 – Rear Gunner.

X9834 was not heard from and thus it must be assumed it was either hit by flak or by a night fighter. It would appear that the Pilot was forced to crash-land the aircraft, on fire, at Holsthum on the river Prüm, seven miles South South West of Bitburg, Germany.

Sgt. Smyth, P/O Savage and Sgt. McL Hazelden died in the crash and were buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/howard-clive-mcliesh-haselden © New Zealand War Graves Project

HASLAM, George Frederick

Sgt. George Frederick Haslam, RAFVR 2219498 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 35 on the 27th of December 1944.
Son of George Edward and Maria Haslam; Husband of Phyllis Haslam, of Burnage, Manchester.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 3. E. 22.
‘He loved sunshine
Home and life –
All this he gave
In sacrifice’

27/12/1944 – Attack Against Rheydt
As many crews as possible were required for an attack on Cologne. The target was cancelled and an attack on Rheydt was substituted. Inexperienced and special equipment leaders not being required the offer of 26 was reduced to 20. Aircraft took off carrying 1,000 ANM., 500 ANM., 500 M.C. and 250 G.P. Bombs. Visibility over the target was excellent and crews were able to identify the target, the flares being accurately placed. Clouds of smoke were seen to rise from the target. One aircraft AA”Q” captained by NZ421746 F/O H. Miles failed to return. This aircraft was seen to be hit by bombs and to spiral down.

Lancaster Mk.I NN710 AA-Q
MISSING – Hit by falling bombs. HK576, F/O Pearson & crew, witnessed one such aircraft bombing from 23,000ft, that appeared to collide with a Lancaster flying alongside, which went down in a spin. It was later determined that NM710, F/O Miles and crew, was the aircraft going down out of control – possibly hit by falling bombs.

F/O Haddon Shaw Miles, RNZAF NZ421746 – Pilot.
P/O Michael McLoughlin Dowding, RAFVR 165070 – Navigator.
F/O Frederick John Gunn, RAFVR 1586226/ 163631 – Air Bomber.
F/S Trevor Walter Coombridge, RNZAF NZ42653 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. George Frederick Haslam, RAFVR 2219498 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Edward Left, RAFVR 1819854 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Denis Norman Mephan, RAFVR 1843114 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I NN710 AA-Q was officially deemed to have crashed in the target area after being struck by a bomb, dropped from an aircraft above, when approaching the target. Only the air bomber, F/O Gunn, survived the crash but was captured as a prisoner of war.

Other aircraft in the lower stream also were in the firing line from aircraft in the upper stream. HK576, F/O Pearson & crew, witnessed one such aircraft bombing from 23,000ft, that appeared to collide with a Lancaster flying alongside, which went down in a spin. It was later determined that NM710, F/O Miles and crew, was the aircraft going down out of control – possibly hit by falling bombs.

HAUB, Darcy Leslie Conrad

F/S Darcy Leslie Conrad Haub, RNZAF NZ42326 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 23 on the 31st of August 1943.
Son of Reuben Leopold Haub and of Violet Alma Haub (Nee Hartnell), of Whangarei, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Hanover War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 16. C. 8.

31/08/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Berlin
Eighteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 1,000lb., 500lb. and incendiaries of 30lb. and 4lb. Two aircraft failed to take-off and four did not return, the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Large fires were seen, although rather scattered they appeared to be progressing very well. Moderate heavy A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered and one air craft received slight damage. Enemy night-fighters were in great prominence, the aircraft piloted by F/Sgt. Wilkinson, G encountered a JU88 approaching from astern 500yds away. The rear gunner fired a long burst, the enemy aircraft replied and stalled. The mid-upper gunner then fired three long bursts. The enemy aircraft was seen to fall away and is claimed as probably destroyed. Our aircraft received damage to the rear of the fuselage and had part of the tailplane and fin badly damaged. The aircraft captained by F/O Alexander sighted two Me109’s, the first opened fire from the starboard quarter and the rear gunner replied with a short burst. The enemy aircraft stalled and the mid-upper gunner fired a short burst. The enemy aircraft then dived to the ground and exploded, it was claimed to be destroyed. The second Me109 opened fire with a short burst from the port bow to the port quarter. The rear gunner then fired a short burst and tracer was seen to enter the enemy aircraft, which dived. It was claimed as possible destroyed. The aircraft captained by W/O Moseley, P. sighted a Me110 on the port quarter, the mid upper and rear gunner fired a long burst and the enemy aircraft turned over and dived with smoke pouring from its starboard side. It was claimed as probably destroyed. The aircraft captained by P/O C.Logan sighted a Me109 sixty yards astern, the mid-upper and rear gunner fired and tracer from the rear gunner was seen to hit the aircraft. The Stirling then corkscrewed and the Me109 disappeared. It was claimed to be damaged. Two other aircraft crash landed away from base due to damage caused by enemy fighters, none of the crews were injured however. 8/10ths cloud was encountered on the outward journey and 9’10ths at the target, visibility, nevertheless, was good. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft were Stirlings MK.III EE918 captained by F/Sgt. Roberts,E, EE878 captained by F/Sgt. Henley, D, EE905 captained by F/Sgt. Helm,G. and EF501 captained by F/S McGregor, K.

Stirling Mk.III EE918 AA-D

F/S Eric John Roberts, RNZAF NZ417107 – Pilot.
P/O Robert Gorman Rainford, RAFVR 134553 – Navigator.
P/O John Cecil Giles, RAFVR 138329 – Air Bomber.
F/S Kensington Campbell Jackson, RNZAF NZ42330 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Eric Saunders, RAFVR 1605321 – Flight Engineer.
P/O Jack Henry Haydon, RAAF AUS.408400 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Darcy Leslie Conrad Haub, RNZAF NZ42326 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EE918 AA-D was brought down over Germany, crashing at Derental, 5 miles South South East of Höxter. All except the mid upper gunner, P/O Haydon, RAAF, died and were buried at Hoxter, but later reinterred at Hanover. Jack Haydon, the only survivor, was captured as a P.o.W.

Stirling Mk.111 EE918 AA-D and was returning home, having dropped bombs on Berlin, when the aircraft was hit by enemy fire. The aircraft sustained damage but continued to fly for possibly 10 – 15 minutes. Eric Roberts, the Pilot, radioed Jack Haydon (as Mid Upper Gunner he was the closest to the rear gun turret) and requested that he go back and check on Darcy Haub, (rear gunner) because he had heard nothing from him since the attack. Jack discovered that he was dead and was returning to his position when there was an explosion which broke the plane into two pieces.

Jack, the only member of the crew not in his position, was not in his harness and therefore fell out of the plane which went down with the rest of the crew all still harnessed in. Upon landing, Jack only suffered a badly injured foot, which caused him trouble for the rest of his life. He began walking to habitation, where he was captured.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/darcy-leslie-conrad-haub © New Zealand War Graves Project

HAWKINS, Anthony Henry Ryder

Sgt. Anthony Henry Ryder Hawkins, RNZAF NZ40971 – Pilot.
Killed age 20 on the 15th of September 1941.
Son of Anthony Ryder Hawkins and Daisy Isobel Hawkins; Nephew of Mrs. I. M. Steach, of Upper Riccarton, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Buried Hamburg War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 5A. M. 9-12

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.9918, AA-U 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.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/anthony-henry-ryder-hawkins © New Zealand War Graves Project

HAWKINS, Frederick John

Sgt. Frederick John Hawkins, RAFVR 1299618 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 22 on the 12th of June 1943.
Son of Charles Gerard and Fanny Elizebeth Hawkins, of Ringwood, Hampshire.
Buried Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – Coll. grave 9. D. 2-7.
‘Remembered by all’

11/06/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Dusseldorf
Sixteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 2,000lb.,1,000lb. and incendiaries of 30lb. and 4lb. One aircraft failed to return and two returned early owing to engine trouble. The remainder of the aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Many large fires and huge explosions were seen. Moderate and heavy A.A.fire co-operating with search lights were encountered. One aircraft was coned by searchlights, but violent evasive action eventually avoided them with difficulty. Some enemy aircraft were seen and two short combats took place, but no damage was sustained by our aircraft. The weather was clear and the visibility was good except for haze caused by the fires. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was Stiring Mk.III BK817 captained by Squadron Leader R.H. Laud, (“A” Flight Commander).

Stirling Mk.III BK817 AA-B

S/L Ronald Hugh Laud, RAF 40625 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Herbert Russell, RAFVR 1338131 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Hugh Steel McQuade, RAFVR 1349542) – Navigator.
Sgt. Henry Stephen Mulholland, RAFVR 1332768 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Thomas, Whatmough, RAFVR 1059932 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Aubrey Reginald Waite, RAFVR 575638 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frederick John Hawkins, RAFVR 1299618 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. M.K. Matthews, RAFVR 848364 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III BK817 AA-B was shot down en route to the target at 01:35hrs by a night-fighter (Oblt Wilhelm Telge, Stab II/ NJG1), crashing at Frodthier (Liège), 6 miles North of Verviers, Belgium. All but the Rear Gunner died and they are buried at Heverlee War Cemetery. Sgt Matthews survived and was taken as a POW.

HAYCOCK, Richard Edward

Sgt. Richard Edward Haycock, RAFVR 942288 – Wireless Operator.
Lost without trace age 28 on the 3rd of July 1941
Son of Samuel and Florence Haycock; Husband of Joan Haycock, of Hull.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 44.

Wellington Mk.Ic W.5621 AA-E

Sgt. Ian Laurie Reid, RNZAF NZ391846 – Pilot.
P/O Joseph Wesley Greening, RAAF AUS.400222 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. John Ross Nation, RNZAF NZ40945 – Navigator.
Sgt. Richard Edward Haycock, RAFVR 942288 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Harold Jones, RAFVR 977479 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Roydon Horatio Hartstone, RNZAF NZ402111 – Rear Gunner.

HAYLER, Edwin John

Sgt. Edwin John Hayler, RAFVR 1892380 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 19 on the 8th of August 1944.
Son of Frank and Alice Rose Hayler, of Burpham, Sussex.
Buried St.Valery-En-Caux Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Joint grave B, 23-24.
‘Our beloved son.
He gave his life
For his Country.
Father, mother and family’

Lancaster Mk.I HK567 AA-C

F/O Godfree Arnold Brunton, RAFVR 1396875/ 150278 – Pilot.
F/O James Stewart Wilkinson, RNZAF NZ4211042 – Navigator.
F/O Bernard Charles Baker, RNZAF NZ425447 – Air Bomber.
F/O Jack MacGregor Elliotte, RNZAF NZ427969 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Kenneth Birt Board, RAFVR 3030159 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Thomas John Hall, RAFVR 1895157 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Edwin John Hayler, RAFVR 1892380 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I HK567 AA-C was forced to crash land in the target area, reasons unknown. The two RAF air gunners did not survive the crash and were buried in the St-Valery-en-Caux Cemetery.

All the remaining five crew survived and successfully evaded capture.

HAYTON, Cyril

Sgt. Cyril Hayton, RAFVR 1113610 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 22 on the 22nd of May 1942.
Son of Moses and Ellen Maria Hayton, of Walker, Newcastle-On-Tyne.
Buried Newcastle Upon Tyne (Byker Heaton) Cemetery, England..
Grave location – Sec. A.N. Grave 152.
‘God’s greatest gift,
Remembrance’

22/05/1942 – Cross Country Night Flying Training
Wellington Mk III, Z.1566 AA-K, was undergoing a night cross-country training flight when the weather deteriorated. The Pilot-in-command elected to remain above the cloud layer for some time before he was able to descend through a gap in the cloud in the early morning hours so that the navigator could visually establish their position. At 03.40 hrs, the aircraft flew into a hillside at Grindon Farm, six miles East South East of Leek, Staffordshire. The sole survivor of the crash was the rear gunner, Sgt Chappell, who was injured. All remaining members of the crew were killed.

Wellington Mk III, Z.1566 AA-K

P/O Andrew Donald Mackay, RNZAF NZ411919 – Pilot.
Sgt. Wilfred Herbert Smeaton, RNZAF NZ405331 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. John William Bode, RAFVR 1185743 – Observer.
Sgt. Cyril Hayton, RAFVR 1113610 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. James Wilfred Beaven, RNZAF NZ403566 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Sidney John Chappell, RNZAF NZ41571 – Rear Gunner.

All are buried at Buxton, Derbyshire, except Sgt Hayton, RAF, who is buried in the Byker and Heaton Cemetery, Newcastle-on-Tyne, his hometown.

HAYWARD, Desmond David

Sgt. Desmond David Hayward, RAF 651764 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 20 on the 3rd of February 1943.
Son of William John and Lydia Hayward, of Lower Edmonton, Middlesex.
Buried Amersfoort (Oud Leusden) General Cemetery, Holland..
Grave location – Plot 13. Row 5. Grave 90.
‘God’s greatest gift, Remembrance’

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 R9250 AA-C

P/O Kenneth Howard Blincoe, RNZAF NZ412194 – Pilot.
Sgt. Andrew James Newell ‘Dougal’ Scott RNZAF NZ414685 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Frank Arthur Boese, RAFVR 1293282 – Navigator.
Sgt. George Wood Cook, RNZAF NZ412514 – Air Bomber.
P/O Harold Lowe, RAFVR 905609/ 115129 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Desmond David Hayward, RAFVR 651764 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Edward. McDermott, RCAF R.96960 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Desmond Clearwater, RNZAF NZ412314 – Rear Gunner.

R.9280 was attacked by a German night-fighter over the Netherlands, while returning to base. The aircraft crashed at 20.00hrs in the vicinity of Ingen, 6miles North North East of Tiel, Hollnd. All on board were killed. They were buried in Amersfoort (Oud Leusden) General Cemetery.

HAZARD, Whelan Fallon

F/O Whelan Fallon Hazard, RNZAF NZ429047 – Navigator.
Killed age 20 on the 12th of August 1944.
Son of Arthur G. Hazard, of Auckland City, New Zealand.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 1. D. 14.

12/08/1944 – Attack Against Russelsheim
Ten aircraft set out to attack Factories at Russelsheim which are engaged in Flying Bomb production. Nine aircraft bombed the target with the aid of markers and good results were reported. A.A. defences were light, but enemy fighters were active on the homeward route, one aircraft having an inconclusive combat with a JU 88. The aircraft captained by NZ428793 .F/S. Mulcahy, C., failed to return.

Lancaster Mk.I HK564 AA-P

F/S Cyril Desmond Mulcahy, RNZAF NZ426783 – Pilot.
F/O Whelan Fallon Hazard, RNZAF NZ429047 – Navigator.
F/S Edward Leonard Thomson, RNZAF NZ4211036 – Air Bomber.
F/S William Elvin, RNZAF NZ426883 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Robert Ronald Smithie Parker, RAFVR 1892552 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Haig Douglas Johnston, RNZAF NZ426320 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S John Herbert Wright, RNZAF NZ426209 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I HK564 AA-P was brought down by a night-fighter, crashing at Ouren (Liege), a small village on the Belgium/German border, 9 miles East South East of St-Vith. Six of the crew were killed in the crash and were buried at Ouren. The body of F/O Hazard, Navigator, was found still in his parachute harness, suspended from the branches of a tree. He was later buried at the Reichswald Forest war Cemetery.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/whelan-fallon-hazard © New Zealand War Graves Project

HEGAN, John Gordon George

Sgt. John Gordon George Hegan, RNZAF NZ411075 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 23 on the 30th of June 1942.
Son of Joseph Leslie Edward Hegan and of Martha Edwards Hegan (Nee Candlish), of Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Buried Westdongeradeel (Holwerd) Protestant Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Row 43. Grave 13.

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 X.3539 AA-T

P/O Walter Jack Monk, RNZAF NZ411432 – Pilot.
Sgt. Douglas Haig Randall, RNZAF NZ405454 – Observer.
Sgt. Ernest Francis Sydney Moncrieff, RNZAF NZ411087 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. John Gordon George Hegan, RNZAF NZ411075 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. McGregor Murdoch Gordon McGregor, RNZAF NZ411079 – Rear Gunner.

The aircraft was almost certainly shot down by a night-fighter over the Dutch coast, crashing into the Waddenzee, off Holwerd (Friesland). Four bodies were later recovered and buried in the Holwerd Protestant Churchyard.
P/O Monk has no known grave and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

HEGARTY, Terence James

Sgt. Terence James Hegarty, RAFVR 1030026 RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 22 on the 3rd of September 1943.
Son of Michael Hegarty and of Margaret Hegarty (Nee Mclean), of Newtown, Leeds, Yorkshire.
Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 2. C. 22.

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 BF459 JN-E

P/O Clifford Charles Pownall Logan, RAAF AUS.405918 – Pilot.
F/S Geoffrey Phillips Sowerby, RNZAF NZ417243 – Navigator.
F/O John Paul Ingham, RAFVR 132331 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Terence James Hegarty, RAFVR 1030026 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Thomas Stewart, RAFVR 1117389 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frederick Edward William Crowther, RAFVR 1339159 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Albert John Knox, RNZAF NZ416006 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III BF459 JN-E was brought down at Lampertheim, 7 miles North of Mannheim. All but two of the crew died in the crash, The M/U gunner, who was seriously injured, died 10 days later. The only survivor was the rear gunner, F/S A J Knox, RNZAF, who was captured as a P.o.W. All who died were buried at Lampertheim and later reinterred at Durnbach War Cemetery, East of Bad Tolz.

HELLIER, Harry Thomas

Sgt. Harry Thomas Hellier, RAF 650057 – Front Gunner.
Lost without trace age 22 on the 21st of February 1941.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hellier; Husband of Vera F. Hellier, of Wembley, Middlesex.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 45.

21/02/1941 – Bombing Attacks on Wilhelmshaven
Seven Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above target. One of the aircraft, JAH.124, captained by P/O Falconer, failed to return to base. A mixed bomb load was carried and consisted of 1000lbs. 500lbs. 250 lbs. and containers of incendiaries. JAH.243 bombed docks at EMDEN. Incendiaries not observed; 500lbs. bombs seen to explode in target area. Owing to front and rear turrets being unserviceable, JAH.460 returned to base. Bombs were jettisoned in sea. JAH.598 reports bombs seen to explode on docks. Incendiaries seen to cause large fires. JAH.607 reports one good fire, and three minor fires. JAH.969 dropped in vicinity of target area. JAH.996 bombed on ETA and heaviest flak concentration. Bomb bursts seen under cloud. No observations were made, and no reconnaissance carried out. The A.A. fire encountered was medium and inaccurate. There were few searchlights, mostly operating in cones. No enemy aircraft were seen. There was 10/10 cloud over most of the journey, with severe icing conditions. Navigation was by D/R, W/T, map reading, pin points.

Wellington Mk.Ic T.2503 AA-?

P/O Arthur James Falconer, RNZAF NZ39910 – Captain.
S/L Edward Ulric Guerin Solbe, RAFVR 34090 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O Anthony Vincent Muir, RNZAF NZ40195 – Observer.
Sgt. William Donald ‘Don’ Morrison, RAFVR 946356 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Harry Thomas Hellier, RAFVR 650057 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Andrew Moore Brodie, RNZAF NZ391378 – Rear Gunner.

All aircraft, except Wellington Mk.Ic T.2503, returned to base safely, landing at approximately 00.30hrs. Wellington T2503 failed to return. Very little information is available to determine the fate of the aircraft, although it became apparent it was brought down in the North Sea. The crew all perished. Two bodies were later washed ashore near Helgoland, north of Wilhelmshaven. Acting as second pilot on this ill-fated sortie, was S/L Solbe, ‘A’ Flight Commander.

HELM, George Vincent

P/O George Vincent Helm, RNZAF NZ416113 – Pilot.
Killed age 23 on the 1st of September 1943.
Son of Harry Vincent Helm, and of Beatrice Euphemia Helm (Nee Smith), of Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand.
Buried Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 8. L. 7-17.

Stirling Mk.III EH905 AA-R

F/S George Vincent Helm, RNZAF NZ416113 – Pilot.
F/S Donald Mackay Stewart, RNZAF NZ421366 – Navigator.
F/S Joseph George Arkless Fisk, RNZAF NZ412874 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Arthur John Bishop, RAFVR 1271480 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Oliver McCoo, RAFVR 1365426 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. G.T. Buglass, RAFVR 645313 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Frederick Thomas John Harries, RAFVR 1358765 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EH905, AA-R was reported to have been struck by at least one bomb, dropped from an aircraft flying at a higher level over the target area.

The damaged aircraft came down near Ludwigsfelde-Heide, 18 miles South South West of Berlin. All crew except the two Air Gunners died and were buried initially in a collective grave in the Russian Prisoner of War Cemetery near where the aircraft crashed. They later were re-interred in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery.

Sergeants Moore and Harries were captured and spent the rest of the War as Prisoners of War.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/george-vincent-helm © New Zealand War Graves Project

HEMMINGS, Cyril Benjamin

Sgt. Cyril Benjamin Hemmings, RAFVR 1235070 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 21 on the 23rd of June 1943.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 19. G. 7.

22/06/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Mannheim (actually Mülheim)
Fifteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with incendiary bombs of 30lbs and 4lbs. Four aircraft failed to return and the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Large concentrated fires and some explosions were seen the whole RUHR area was smoke palled. A very heavy A.A. barrage co-operating with searchlights was encountered and five aircraft were slightly hit by A.A.fire, some enemy aircraft were seen and three short combats took place, but no damage was sustained by our aircraft. There was 3/10ths cloud on the target area but visibility was fairly good, except for smoke haze. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft were Stirling Mk.I EF399 captained by F/S Burbidge, Mk.III EF408 captained by Sgt. Wood, MK.III BK810 captained by W/O McKenzie and Mk.III EH889 captained by F/O McCrorie.

Stirling Mk.III EF408 AA-P

Sgt. Benjamin Brinley Wood, RAFVR 656588 – Pilot.
F/S George King Samson, RNZAF NZ402563 – Navigator.
Sgt. Stuart Richard Bisset, RNZAF NZ415738 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Edgar Henry Reader, RAFVR 1331432 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Stanley Lawrence Webb, 1266998 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frederick Johns Hobbs, RAFVR 1609558 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Cyril Benjamin Hemmings, RAFVR 1235070 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EF408 AA-P was hit by flak and crashed at Gelsenkirchen. There were no survivors. All were buried in the Bismarck Friedhof, but later reinterred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

HENDERSON, Hugh William

F/O Hugh William Henderson, RNZAF NZ421713 – Navigator.
Killed age 24 on the 5th of March 1944.
Son of J. Frazer Henderson and Mary Henderson, of Waikouaiti, Otago, New Zealand.
Buried Clermont-Ferrand (Des Carmes Dechaux) Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Row A. Grave 2.

04/03/1944 – Special Operations – March Moon Period TRAINER 124 (RESULT UNKNOWN)
Operation TRAINER 124 (Result unknown). The m/n. crew in Stirling “M” took off at 20.51 hours. The aircraft failed to return and nothing was heard after take-off.

Stirling Mk.III EF215 AA-M

S/L Raymond Johnson Watson, RNZAF NZ404978 – Pilot.
F/O Hugh William Henderson, RNZAF NZ421713 – Navigator.
F/S Ralph Morley Woods, RAFVR 1386860 – Air Bomber.
F/S Arthur Stanley Jones, RNZAF NZ421977 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Cyril Beech, RAFVR 1584473 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Colin Armstrong, RAFVR 2209010 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Robert James Ian Melville, RNZAF NZ42349 – Rear Gunner.

The wreckage of Stirling Mk.III EF215 AA-M was found on a mountainside at Rochefort-Montagne, 15 miles West South West of Clermont-Ferrand, where six of the deceased crew were buried. The only survivor was Sgt C. B. Armstrong, who escaped with relatively few injuries. He was taken into custody as a POW.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/hugh-william-henderson © New Zealand War Graves Project

HENDERSON, Matthew Roland

F/S Matthew Roland Henderson, RNZAF NZ427204 – Navigator.
Killed age 25 on the 28th of April 1944.
Son of Matthew C. Henderson, and of Agnes Henderson (Nee Findlay), of Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand.
Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 4. C. 1-7.

27/04/1944 – Attack Against Friedrichshafen
Sixteen Lancasters were detailed to attack Friedrichshafen. Fourteen successfully carried out their mission, one aircraft bombed a decoy in error and another failed to return (Captain NZ42282 F/O. R. Herron).

Lancaster Mk.III ND796 AA-J

F/O Robert Weir Herron, RNZAF NZ425238 – Pilot.
F/S Matthew Roland Henderson, RNZAF NZ427204 – Navigator.
Sgt. Walter Reginald Percival, RAFVR 553063 – Air Bomber.
F/O Euan Wilfred McLachlan, RAFVR NZ415266 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. John William Germing, RAFVR 1803074 – Flight Engineer.
W/O Keith Alfred Smith, RNZAF NZ416022 – Mid Upper Gunner.
P/O Peter Ernest Chilman, RAFVR 155992 – Rear Gunner.

There was no report of Anti Aircraft fire or searchlights. It was apparent, however, that German night-fighters had arrived in numbers, as witnessed by other aircraft coming under attack. One such aircraft was ND796, the Lancaster of F/O Bob Herron and his crew.  The remaining fifteen unit aircraft returned to base safely, landing between 03.50 – 06.20hrs.

Lancaster Mk.III ND796 AA-J was shot down by a night-fighter just North West of the target, crashing 500 metres South East of Langenhart, about a mile North of Messkirch. There were no survivors. All seven crew were buried in a collective grave at Lagenhart. They were later reinterred at Durnbach War Cemetery.

This aircraft was the first 75(NZ) Squadron Lancaster reported missing..

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/matthew-roland-henderson © New Zealand War Graves Project

HENLEY, Douglas Charles

P/O Douglas Charles Henley, MiD, RNZAF NZ414622 – Pilot.
Killed age 23 on the 1st of September 1943.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 10. E. 24.

31/08/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Berlin
Eighteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 1,000lb., 500lb. and incendiaries of 30lb. and 4lb. Two aircraft failed to take-off and four did not return, the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Large fires were seen, although rather scattered they appeared to be progressing very well. Moderate heavy A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered and one air craft received slight damage. Enemy night-fighters were in great prominence, the aircraft piloted by F/Sgt. Wilkinson, G encountered a JU88 approaching from astern 500yds away. The rear gunner fired a long burst, the enemy aircraft replied and stalled. The mid-upper gunner then fired three long bursts. The enemy aircraft was seen to fall away and is claimed as probably destroyed. Our aircraft received damage to the rear of the fuselage and had part of the tail plane and fin badly damaged. The aircraft captained by F/O Alexander sighted two Me109’s, the first opened fire from the starboard quarter and the rear gunner replied with a short burst. The enemy aircraft stalled and the mid-upper gunner fired a short burst. The enemy aircraft then dived to the ground and exploded, it was claimed to be destroyed. The second Me109 opened fire with a short burst from the port bow to the port quarter. The rear gunner then fired a short burst and tracer was seen to enter the enemy aircraft, which dived. It was claimed as possible destroyed. The aircraft captained by W/O Moseley, P. sighted a Me110 on the port quarter, the mid upper and rear gunner fired a long burst and the enemy aircraft turned over and dived with smoke pouring from its starboard side. It was claimed as probably destroyed. The aircraft captained by P/O C.Logan sighted a Me109 sixty yards astern, the mid-upper and rear gunner fired and tracer from the rear gunner was seen to hit the aircraft. The Stirling then corkscrewed and the Me109 disappeared. It was claimed to be damaged. Two other aircraft crash landed away from base due to damage caused by enemy fighters, none of the crews were injured however. 8/10ths cloud was encountered on the outward journey and 9’10ths at the target, visibility, nevertheless, was good. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft were Stirlings MK.III EE918 captained by F/Sgt. Roberts,E, EE878 captained by F/Sgt. Henley, D, EE905 captained by F/Sgt. Helm,G. and EF501 captained by F/S McGregor, K.

Stirling Mk.III EE878 AA-P

F/S Douglas Charles Henley, RNZAF NZ414622 – Pilot.
F/O Clifford Arnold Watson, RNZAF NZ421946 – Navigator.
F/S Ian Hector Ross Smith, RNZAF NZ421614 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Robert N. Quelch, RAFVR 1319114 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Lewis Patrick ‘Lew’ Parsons, RAFVR 1455528 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas C. Box, RAFVR 1578987 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. James Sutherland Grant, RNZAF NZ421274 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EE878 AA-P was badly damaged by flak and by night-fighter action near the target area. With the port inner engine out of action, and the port elevator only partially effective, considerable height was lost evading the fighter before control was regained. They were now almost out of fuel and at low level when the captain ordered the crew to bale out. Some of the crew succeeded in clearing the plane before it crash-landed at Ahrbruck, 7miles SW of Ahrweiler. The navigator and air bomber were killed when their parachutes failed to deploy in time. The pilot died at the controls. Those who died were buried at municipal cemetery at Mayschoss, but later re-interred in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, south of Wesel. The other four crew all survived but were captured as POW’s.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/douglas-charles-henley © New Zealand War Graves Project

HENRY, Ernest Frank

W/O Ernest Frank Henry, RCAF R.139159 – Rear Gunner.
Lost without trace age 26 on the 30th of July 1943.
Son of Ernest Frank and Anne Henry; Husband of Helen Margaret Henry, of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 180.

30/07/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Remscheld
Thirteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with incendiary bombs of 30lb. And 4lb..One aircraft returned early as rear turret was unserviceable and two failed to return. The remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area, large concentrated fires and some explosions were seen. Moderate heavy and light A.A fire co-operating with searchlight belts were encountered, and one aircraft was slightly damaged in the mid- upper turret. Some enemy aircraft were seen, the aircraft captained by F/S. O. WHITE sighted an unidentified aircraft which attacked three times. Each time the mid upper and rear gunners fired a burst, and strikes were seen on the enemy aircraft which then fell away and claimed to be damaged. The weather was good with clear visibility except for haze caused by fires. Navigation was very good. On return, one aircraft landed at HARDWICK, due to shortage of petrol. The missing aircraft were Stirling Mk.III BF458 captained by Sgt. A.J. THOMAS and Stirling Mk.III EE915 captained by F/Sgt. J. DARNEY.

Stirling Mk.III BF458 JN-A

Sgt. Alfred John Thomas, RAFVR 1394123/ 149999 – Pilot.
Sgt. Hector Alisdair ‘Paddy’ Stewart , RAFVR 1029882 – Navigator.
F/S Frederick William Raukawa Cumpsty, RNZAF NZ413386 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. R.H. Boxell, RAFVR 1331932 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. John William Gale, RAFVR 1271102 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. John Hubert O’Farrell, RAFVR 1796043 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Ernest Frank Henry, RCAF R.139159 – Rear Gunner.

BF458 was brought down to the north of Krefeld, near Bockum and Uerdingen. The sole survivors were the Navigator and the Wireless Operator who were captured as POW’s. The Flight Engineer and M/U gunner were buried in the Reichswald Forest Cemetery. The other three are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

HERON, Allan Gleave

F/O Allan Gleave Heron, RAFVR 133094 – Navigator.
Killed age 22 on the 2nd of May 1944.
Son of Frank Reginald and Nellie Heron, of Leeds, Yorkshire; Husband of F. R. Heron.
Buried Poix-de-Picardie Churchyard, France..
Grave location – Row A. Coll. grave 15-17.

01/05/1944 – Attack Against Chambly
Sixteen aircraft were detailed to attack the marshalling yards at Chambly. Fifteen of these successfully attacked in clear weather, bombing being accurate. Two brief encounters with enemy aircraft took place and resulted in one being possibly damaged. One of our aircraft (Captain NZ41362 F/L. A/S/L. E.W. Sachtler) failed to return.

Lancaster Mk.I ME689 AA-Y

F/L Euan Wilfred Sachtler, RNZAF NZ41362 – Pilot.
F/O Allan Cleave Heron, RAFVR 133094 – Navigator.
P/O Michael Ferdinand Lombard, RAFVR 171913 – Air Bomber.
F/S Douglas John Mckenzie, RAAF AUS.417211 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Piers Trevor Stevens, RAFVR 1813627 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Thomas Alexander Peevers, RNZAF NZ417232 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. John Gilbert Pettifer, RAFVR 1247027 – Rear Gunner.

ME689 was shot down over France, crashing at St Arnault, 12miles South West of Poix-de-la- Somme. There were no survivors and all seven crew were buried in a collective grave.

HERRON, Robert Weir

F/O Robert Weir Herron, RNZAF NZ422282 – Pilot.
Killed age 23 on the 28th of April 1944.
Son of David Craig Herron, and of Edith Stewart Herron (Nee Smart), of Auckland City, New Zealand. M.A. (Otago University).
Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 4. C. 1-7.

Lancaster Mk.III ND796 AA-J

F/O Robert Weir Herron, RNZAF NZ425238 – Pilot.
F/S Matthew Roland Henderson, RNZAF NZ427204 – Navigator.
Sgt. Walter Reginald Percival, RAFVR 553063 – Air Bomber.
F/O Euan Wilfred McLachlan, RAFVR NZ415266 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. John William Germing, RAFVR 1803074 – Flight Engineer.
W/O Keith Alfred Smith, RNZAF NZ416022 – Mid Upper Gunner.
P/O Peter Ernest Chilman, RAFVR 155992 – Rear Gunner.

This aircraft was the first 75(NZ) Squadron Lancaster reported missing..

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/robert-weir-herron © New Zealand War Graves Project

HEWETT, Harold Max

F/S Harold Max Hewett, RAAF AUS.419311 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 21 on the 12th of May 1944.
Buried Aardenburg General Cemetery, Holland..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1-7.

11/05/1944 – Attack Against Louvain
Twenty-four aircraft, representing the largest number of Lancaster aircraft so far detailed by this Squadron, were despatched to attack the marshalling yards at Louvain. Twenty-three aircraft successfully attacked in good weather. One aircraft (Captain NZ414591 A/F/L. S. Clark) claimed a JU 88 destroyed in combat over the North Sea. Another aircraft (Captain 151118 A/F/L. D. Warren) failed to return.

Lancaster Mk.III ND919 AA-D

F/L Derek Warren, RAFVR 151118 – Pilot.
P/O Arnold Earle Irving, RCAF J.19819 – Navigator.
P/O Donald Irwin Gage, RCAF R.166183/ J.19996 – Air Bomber.
F/S David Clough, RAFVR 1193544 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Francis Christopher Riley, RAFVR 1584169 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Harold Dewhurst, RAFVR 1094980 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Harold Max Hewett, RAAF AUS.419311 – Rear Gunner.

ND919 exploded in flight and crashed at Castle Elderschans, about 1 mile West of Aardenburg, (Zeeland), Holland. The very brief circumstances suggest the fully armed aircraft probably came under attack by a night-fighter during the early stages of its outbound flight. There were no survivors. All seven crew were buried in Aardenburg General Cemetery.

HICKFORD, Leonard Charles

F/S Leonard Charles Hickford, RNZAF NZ426886 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 21 on the 21st of July 1944.
Son of Charles and Alice Hickford, of Wanganui, Wellington, New Zealand; grandson of Violet Hickford, of Wanganui.
Buried Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland.
Grave location – Coll. grave 4. H. 2-8. 199

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.III PA967 AA-D

F/S Edward Howell, RNZAF NZ428819 – Pilot.
Sgt. Richard John Wilkinson, RAFVR 1585068 – Navigator.
F/O John Ronald McGeorge, RAFVR 152740 – Air Bomber.
F/S Gerard Henry Redwood, RNZAF NZ425012 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. John James Blundell, RAFVR 2205143 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Robert Douglas McAdam, RAFVR 2210689 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Leonard Charles Hickford, RNZAF NZ426886 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.III PA967 AA-D was brought down by a night-fighter at approximately 01:00hrs in the countryside some 2.5 miles North of Nederweert (Lisburg) and 2.5 miles from the centre of Weert, Holland. There were no survivors. All crew are buried in the Jonkerbos War Cemetery.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/leonard-charles-hickford © New Zealand War Graves Project

HIGGINS, Eric Vincent Keiran

Sgt. Eric Vincent Keiran Higgins, RAAF AUS.400277 – 2nd Pilot.
Lost without trace age 27 on the 16th of July 1941.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 62.

Wellington Mk.Ic R.3171 AA-E

Sgt. Robert Ewen Ernest Fotheringham, RNZAF NZ391833 – Pilot.
Sgt. Eric Vincent Keiran Higgins, RAAF AUS.400277 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Joseph Harold Campbell Roberts, RCAF R.54910 – Observer.
Sgt. Sydney Allan Dyer, RNZAF NZ40101 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Phillip Edgar Hare, RNZAF NZ401227 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Douglas Malcolm MacKinnon, RNZAF NZ40923 – Rear Gunner.

HIGHAM, Frank Douglas

F/S Frank Douglas Higham, RNZAF NZ416116 – Pilot.
Killed age 24 on the 28th of August 1943.
Son of Thomas Higham, and of O. E. Higham, of Weymouth, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 9. C. 22.

27/08/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Nuremburg
Nineteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with incendiary bombs of 30lbs. and 4lbs. One aircraft failed to return, but the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Good concentrated fires and heavy explosions were seen. A moderate barrage consisting of light and heavy A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered, and two aircraft received slight damage. Some enemy aircraft were seen, one short combat took place, but no damage was sustained by our aircraft. The weather was cloudy on the outward journey but clear over the target and visibility was good. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was Stirling Mk.III EE955 captained by F/Sgt. Higham.

Stirling Mk.III EE955 AA-D

F/S Frank Douglas Higham, RNZAF NZ416116 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Richard Culshaw, RAFVR 1437100 – Navigator.
Sgt. Martin Bailey, RCAF R.119568 – Air Bomber.
F/S Cyril Jack Bridger, RNZAF NZ417192 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Robert Renfrew, RAFVR 984047 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Harold Jennings, RAFVR 1818122 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Albert Clarke, RAFVR 940903 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EE955 AA-D was brought down at Schwarzenau, 12 miles East North East of Würzburg. The circumstances are unclear as to how EE955 was brought down, although the location of the crash was some 60 miles North West of Nuremberg ground defences, suggesting the likelihood of night fighter action. All of the crew were killed and are buried in Durnbach War Cemetery, 9 miles East of Bad Tölz.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/frank-douglas-higham © New Zealand War Graves Project

HILDITCH, William Webster

Sgt. William Webster Hilditch, RAF 611325 – Flight Engineer.
Lost without trace age 23 on the 25th of June 1943
Son of Edward and Catherine Hilditch; Husband of Margaret Hilditch, of Blackpool, Lancashire.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.
Grave location – Panel 153.

25/06/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Gelsenkirchen
Eleven aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets, with incendiary bombs of 30lb. and 4lbs. One aircraft failed to return and the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Owing to 10/10ths cloud it was difficult to estimate the effectiveness of the attack, although the glow of fires below the cloud, could be seen over a large area. Both moderate and heavy A.A.fire co-operating with searchlights was encountered, but were ineffective. Sergt. Burley’s aircraft sighted an unidentified aircraft from astern, the Stirling corkscrewed and the mid-upper-gunner and rear gunners opened fire. The unidentified aircraft was seen to dive to the ground and a fire and flash were seen. The aircraft was claimed to be destroyed. Some enemy aircraft were seen and three short combats took place but no damage was sustained by our aircraft. It was very cloudy in the target area and visibility was poor. Navigation was good. The missing aircraft was Stirling Mk.III BK768 captained by F/O Perrott.

Stirling Mk.III BK768 AA-L

P/O William Rosser ‘Ross’ Perrott, RNZAF NZ416155 – Pilot.
F/S Gordon Douglas Thompson, RNZAF NZ42317 – Navigator.
F/S Clifford James Whitelaw, RNZAF NZ416188 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Charles Cyril Mould, RAFVR 1314162 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. William Webster Hilditch, RAFVR 611325 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gordon William Colyer, RAFVR 1809432 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Harry Squire , RAFVR 1302829 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III BK768 AA-L fell victim to the fearsome German night-fighter defensive system, operating as a radar-controlled ‘box’ along the Netherlands/ Belgium coast. Following a night-fighter attack, the Stirling crashed into the Ijsselmeer. The bodies of both Air Gunners and the Captain were recovered and buried in Amsterdam. The Navigator’s body was washed ashore on the 4th of July near Harderwijk, where he was buried.

The Flight Engineer, Air Bomber and Wireless-operator are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

HILL, Charles Burton

Sgt. Charles Burton Hill, RAFVR 1372387 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 26 on the 30th of August 1944.
Son of James and Annie Hill, of Coaltown of Wemyss, Fife.
Buried Helsingborg (Palsjo) Municipal Cemetery, Sweden. .
Grave location – Coll. grave
Sec. XV. 76-80.
‘God’s greatest gift,
Remembrance’

29/08/1944 – Attack Against Stettin
Fourteen aircraft took off as detailed to attack Stettin and thirteen of these successfully bombed the target with the aid of markers. A good concentration of fires developed and all crews reported a successful raid. A.A. opposition was moderate and enemy fighters were active on the outward route. Three of our aircraft had combats, two being inconclusive but the third (Captain NZ428797 .P/O. J. Scott) claimed one enemy aircraft as probably destroyed. The aircraft captained by 1323677 .F/S. King, D., failed to return.

Lancaster Mk.I HK594 AA-G

F/S Douglas Arthur Severn King, RAFVR 1323677/ 183954 – Pilot.
F/S Walter Davis Watson, RNZAF NZ428918 – Navigator.
F/S John Fitzgerald, RNZAF NZ424777 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Charles Burton Hill, RAFVR 1372387 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. John Patrick Callan, RAFVR 1777282 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Derrick Leonard Desmond Moon, RAFVR 1626105 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Herbert William Causley, RAFVR 1199994 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I HK594 AA-G was attacked by a night-fighter at 6,500ft while flying on a South East heading over the Swedish coastline, tracking toward Stettin. Cannon shells shattered the tail and rear turret, killing the gunner instantly. The pilot ordered the crew to bale out when the aircraft became uncontrollable and five of them came down in the Baltic but failed to survive. King left the aircraft shortly after and parachuted down not far from Tollarp Village, while the Lancaster plunged into the ground near Svenskop Village, all its bombs exploding on impact causing substantial damage throughout the neighbourhood. A badly injured F/S King was interrogated by the Swedish Military and later interned at Koranas until being repatriated on 10 October 44. Two bodies from the crew were later found in the water and the rear gunner was still in the aircraft wreckage. They were buried at the Hälsingborg (Palsjo) Municipal Cemetery. The remaining crew members were never found and are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial

HILTZ, Lawrence Donald

F/S Lawrence Donald Hiltz, RCAF 88319 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 20 on the 29th of August 1942.
Son of Lawrence Carlton Hiltz, and of Freda Jean Hiltz, of Toronto, Ontario.
Buried Adegem Canadian War Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – XII. E. 9.
‘Our dearly loved
And only son’

28/08/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Nuremburg
Ten aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lb. And 1000lb. 500lb. And incendiaries were dropped in the target area. Large fires were seen, A.A. fire was heavy but inaccurate, there were large concentrations of searchlights, enemy aircraft were very accurate. Wellington BJ.837, captained by Sgt. Hockaday reported that the whole town was ablaze and fires were observed 70 miles from the target. Four bomber and one presumed to be fighter were seen falling in flames. The nacelle tanks were pulled in the Amiens region, approximately 60 miles from the coast. Aircraft landed at Tangmere owing to shortage of petrol. On landing one tyre was discovered to be burst. Wellington X.3936 captained by P/O Trott, was attacked by ME.110 fire was returned and the rear gunner, Sgt. Hamerton, reported that the enemy aircraft was hit, no further fire was exchanged. the weather was excellent being clear moonlight over the target, navigation was very good by D/R and T/R. Wellington BJ.673 captained by Sgt. Davis and Wellington X.3389 captained by Sgt. Perks failed to return.

Wellington Mk.III BJ.673 AA-?

Sgt. Sydney Bernard Thomas Davis, RAFVR 1165309 – Pilot.
Sgt. Horace David Baittle, RCAF R.79439 – Observer.
Sgt. Daniel Archibald McKay, RCAF R.73282 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Charles Arthur Vickers, RCAF 1115126 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Lawrence Donald Hiltz, RCAF R.88319 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.III BJ.673 was brought down at about 23:15hrs, 10 miles West of St Niklaas (13miles South West of Antwerp), Belgium. There were no survivors. The time and position of the crash, proximity from base and known strategies of enemy night-fighters in this area, indicates a strong possibility that the aircraft was shot down while en route to the target. The bodies were first buried in the Moerbeke Cemetery but were later reinterred in the Canadian War Cemetery, Adegem.

HINTON, James William

Sgt. James William Hinton, RAFVR 1150584 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 24 on the 29th of March 1942.
Son of Walter and Fanny Hinton, of Cleobury North, Shropshire; Husband of Phyllis Hinton.
Buried Kiel War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 2. A. 1.
‘Our thoughts oft fly
To days gone by
When you were with us,
For memories never die’

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, perhps 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.

HIRST, Raymond John Finlay

Sgt. Raymond John Finlay Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.
Lost without trace age 22 on the 11th of July 1942.
Son of Albert and Isabel Hirst, of Clevedon, Auckland, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 117.
Age 22

10/07/1942 – Daylight Sortie Against Dusseldorf
Four a/c set out to attack the above target. Bomb load of 500lbs was bought back as m/c returned owing to lack of cloud cover. Well.III, X3720(Sgt. Wilmhurst) failed to return. There was no A.A. fire or fighters. Weather was cloudy and navigation was good.

Wellington Mk.III X.3720 AA-U

F/S John Charles Wilmshurst, RNZAF NZ411962 – Pilot.
Sgt. James Douglas Gould, RNZAF NZ411233 – Observer.
Sgt. Richard Edwin Sharp, RNZAF NZ405513 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Peter Desmond Lowther, RNZAF NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond John Finlay ‘Browny’ Hirst, RNZAF NZ404067 – Rear Gunner.

X3720, AA-U was the first of the four 75 (NZ) Sqdn aircraft detailed to carry out the attack to take off from Feltwell. They left at around 2.30 in the afternoon, followed by the Jarman, McLachlan and Kearns crews. The four were recalled on the way to the target, near the Dutch coast, due to lack of cloud cover over the target. All but X3720 were safely back on the ground at Feltwell by 5.37pm.

The Wilmshurst Wellington came down into the sea off the German-Netherlands coast, well north of their expected route back to base. Three of the crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. The bodies of the wireless operator and front gunner washed ashore a few days later onto the German island of Borkum. They were buried there in the Lutheran Cemetery on the 15th, but later re-interred at Sage, 24km south of Oldenburg.

HISCOX, Henry John

F/S Henry John Hiscox, RAFVR 928092 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 35 on the 21st of July 1944.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Hiscox, of Newport, Monmouthshire; husband of E. I. M. Hiscox, of Newport.
Buried Beesel Roman Catholic Cemetery, Holland..
Grave location – Row 2. Grave 1.
‘At the going down
Of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember him’

Lancaster Mk.I HK569 AA-Q

F/S Neil Douglas Davidson, RNZAF NZ422057 – Pilot.
Sgt. Arthur Ernest Goddard, RAFVR 1323147 – Navigator.
Sgt. Thomas Gilbert Little , RAFVR 1459875 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Douglas Corris, RAFVR 1501099 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Robert Gerald Sloman, RAFVR 914220 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Raymond Stanley Lang, RAFVR 1896528 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Henry John Hiscox, RAFVR 928092 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I HK569 AA-Q was attacked by a German night-fighter over Heibloem, Limburg, The Netherlands on its way to the target, the Fischer Tropsch oil refinery in Homberg, Germany

Pilot, F/S Neil Douglas Davidson RNZAF flew the badly damaged and blazing aircraft on over the River Maas towards Reuver, but turned and tried to land it in the river, he succeeded but it hit the river bank and exploded. The bomb aimer, Sgt. T.G. Little RAF, had managed to bail out, however his parachute failled to open fully and he was badly injured when he fell into the garden of a house in the village of Kessel. He was taken to a hospital, subsequently made a prisoner of war (POW No. 52469) in Muhlhausen POW camp and survived World War II, passing away in 1990.

The tail of the aircraft fell away from the fuselage into a field just before impact. F/S Hiscox, Rear Gunner, fell with the turret into a corn field. It is thought he died a day or two afterwards and was found two weeks later by a Dutch farmer’s labourer, Sef Willems, who was a member of the Dutch resistance. F/S Hiscox was buried in the Beesel grave yard. The grave digger had a bunch of flowers with him,but the German soldiers threatened to shoot him if he laid them on completion of the burial, He passed the flowers on to local people who in the dark of night threw them over the cemetery wall onto the grave.

HITCHMOUGH, William Grice

Sgt. William Grice Hitchmough, RAF 653978 – Front Gunner.
Lost without trace age 19 on the 24th of August 1940.
Son of Henry and Annie Hitchmough, of Allerton, Lancashire.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 15.

23/10/1940 – Bombing Attacks on Berlin, Potsdam Station, D.148.
Five Wellington aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attacks. One, CB.362, captained by P/O Sanderson, failed to return. A mixed bomb load was carried and consisted of 1000lbs. Bomb, delayed action, 500lbs. Bombs delayed action, 500lbs. Nombs fused N.D.T., 250lbs delayed action, 250lbs. bombs fused N.D.T., containers of incendiaries, while CB.359 carried one flash bomb.
CB.358 reports results were not observed owing to two layers of cloud.
CB.359 attacked flarepath probably east of Berlin, bursts unobserved, but incendiaries observed burning 300 yards short of flarepath.
CB361 reports bombs seen to burst in vicinity of NEURUPPIN Aerodrome. No fires started.
NO results were observed by CB.368 due to intensity of searchlights.
EELDE Aerodrome lit with electric flare path and boundary lights. Red beacon at decoy aerodrome. Beacon flashing C.F. 530 3N 0450E. White beacon flashing 5 secs. approximately AMELAND.
A.A. fire was heavy and accurate.
Searchlights were few, and not very accurate owing to cloud. No enemy aircraft were seen. Heavy cloud was experienced in all areas. Navigation was by D/R, Astro and Q.D.M’s.

Wellington Mk.1c P.9292 AA-C
Raid No. CB.-

P/O Rex Martyn Sanderson, RAF 42727 – Pilot.
P/O William John Finlayson, RNZAF NZ39911 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. White, RAF – Observer.
Sgt. Jack Gibbs, RAFVR 625697 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. William Grice Hitchmough, RAFVR 653978 – Front Gunner.
P/O Frederick Bernard Cleak, RAF 77961 – Rear Gunner .

Wellington Mk.Ic P.9292 AA-C is known to have crashed into the North Sea off the Danish Coast. Returning from Berlin, it appears that the aircraft might have fallen prey to a number of German night-fighters that were known to be operating in this airspace. All of the crew, with the exception of P/O Frederick Cleak, were lost without trace and are remembered on the Runneymede Memorial. P/O Cleak, whose body was recovered was buried in Esbjerg (Fourfelt) Cemetery in Denmark.

HOBBS, Frederick Johns

Sgt. Frederick Johns Hobbs, RAFVR 1609558 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 19 on the 23rd of June 1943.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 19. G. 2.

Stirling Mk.III EF408 AA-P

Sgt. Benjamin Brinley Wood, RAFVR 656588 – Pilot.
F/S George King Samson, RNZAF NZ402563 – Navigator.
Sgt. Stuart Richard Bisset, RNZAF NZ415738 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Edgar Henry Reader, RAFVR 1331432 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Stanley Lawrence Webb, 1266998 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frederick Johns Hobbs, RAFVR 1609558 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Cyril Benjamin Hemmings, RAFVR 1235070 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EF408 AA-P was hit by flak and crashed at Gelsenkirchen. There were no survivors. All were buried in the Bismarck Friedhof, but later reinterred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

HODGES, Ronald George Renauf

F/S Ronald George Renauf Hodges, RCAF 92164 – Observer.
Killed age 22 on the 12th of August 1942.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 9. H. 1.

11/08/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Mainz
Nine aircraft were detailed to attack above target. Bomb load of 4000lb, 1000lb, 500lb and incendiaries were dropped in target area. A.A. fire was light, searchlights were scarce and ineffective. One fighter was seen by P/O Horne in Wellington B.J.765 as he was crossing the Dutch Coast homeward bound, no attack was made. The weather was moderate, being cloudy near target. Navigation was good by D.R. and T.R. Wellington BJ837 captain Sgt. Hockaday.N.J., five minutes from the English coast on way to target, fabric stripped off nose of aircraft to port and starboard, the Bomb load was jettisoned and the aircraft returned to base. Three aircraft failed to return, Wellington B.J.767 captained by F/O Dobbin, Wellington B.J.625, Sgt Barclay.T.S., captain, Wellington X.3646 captain Sgt Bradey.G.E.

Wellington Mk.III BJ.625 AA-T

Sgt. Thomas Smith Barclay, RNZAF NZ411358 – Pilot.
Sgt. Ronald George Renauf Hodges, RCAF R.92164 – Observer.
Sgt. Waring, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Cyril Ingleby, RNZAF 937625/ 118898 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. John William Filda Atkin, RNZAF NZ411057 – Rear Gunner.

Little is known of the circumstances that led to the aircraft being brought down near Dusseldorf, although flak damage was considered to be the main cause. All crew except Sgt Atkin, the Rear Gunner, died.and were initially buried in the Dusseldorf Cemetery. Sgt Atkin escaped with slight injuries and was taken prisoner.

HOEY, Joseph Edwards

Sgt. Joseph Edwards Hoey, RAFVR 656134 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 32 on the 23rd of September 1943.
Son of Joseph and Elizabeth Hoey, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 18. B. 2.

Stirling Mk.III EH935 JN-K

F/O Laurence John Kirkpatrick, RNZAF NZ414990 – Pilot.
F/O Hugh Powell Sands, RNZAF NZ403287 – Navigator.
F/O William Richard Allan Mason, RNZAF NZ416865 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Joseph Edwards Hoey, RAFVR 656134 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Charles Percival Ellins, RAFVR 1509658 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. J. Elliot, RAFVR 1515956 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S William Louis Jarvis, RAAF AUS.414691 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EH935 JN-K was brought down between Edesheim and Knoringen, just south of Neustadt. The only two to survive the crash were the Mid Upper Gunner and the Air Bomber, who were captured as P.o.W’s. Those who died were buried at Knoringen, and later reinterred at Rheinberg, south of Wesel.

HOGAN, Denis Patrick

Sgt. Denis Patrick Hogan, RNZAF NZ412331 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 23 on the 28th of August 1942.
Son of John Joseph and Hilda Agnes Hogan, of Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 5. K. 9.

27/08/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Kassel
Twelve aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attack. Bomb load of 4000 lb. 500 lb. and incendiaries were dropped in the target area. Numerous fires were seen in the whole area. A.A. fire was moderate, very few searchlights were encountered. Wellington BJ.584 captained by Sgt. Burril met JU88 when about 30 miles from target, combat ensued in which Sgt. Burrill’s aircraft was seriously damaged and port engine put out of action. The rear gunner, Sgt. Gorman claims to have shot down the JU88 and to have seen it falling in flames to the ground, the bomb load was jettisoned, and he turned for home. The aircraft failed to maintain height and was down to 700ft at the Dutch Coast, being shot at by light A.A. fire. He crossed the sea still losing height and belly landed at R.A.F. Wattisham on return. The weather was fine, navigation was excellent. Wellington BJ.708 captained by F/Lt Osborn failed to return.

Wellington Mk.III BJ.708 AA-?

F/L Andrew Francis Atterbury Osborn, RAF 73033 – Pilot.
P/O Errol Thomas Peterson Dalzell, RNZAF NZ411738 – Observer.
Sgt. Denis Patrick Hogan, RNZAF NZ412331 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Roderick McGregor, RNZAF 1100964 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Victor Arthur Tunbridge, RNZAF NZ411788 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.III BJ.708 was brought down near the town of Melsungen, 18miles south of Kessel, probably as a result of flak damage. There were no survivors.

All five crew were initially buried in the Korle Cemetery, Melsungen, but later reinterred at Hanover.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/denis-patrick-hogan © New Zealand War Graves Project

HOLBROOK, Ivor George

Sgt. Ivor George Holbrook, RAFVR 937367 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 23 on the 22nd of November 1943.
Son of George Albert and Honour Holbrook, of Birmingham; Husband of Phyllis Grace Holbrook, of Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 9. A. 22-25.

22/11/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Berlin
Four aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 1,000lbs and incendiaries of 30lb. and 4lb. One aircraft returned early owing to an Oxygen failure and two failed to return. The remaining aircraft successfully dropped its bombs in the Target Area. It was very difficult to assess the results as there was 10/10ths cloud over the target. Little opposition was encountered and no incidents were reported. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft were Stirlings Mk.III LJ453 Captained by F/S A.Single and EF148 Captained by F/S. J. TURNER.

Stirling Mk.III LJ453 AA-K

F/S Alan Roy Single, RAAF AUS.413144 – Pilot.
F/O Jack Brothwell, RAFVR 135042 – Navigator.
F/S John Edward Stanley Margetts, RNZAF NZ422665 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Eric Richmond Whittington, RNZAF NZ416030 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Ivor George Holbrook, RAFVR 937367 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Victor Stanley Hughes, RAFVR 1796312 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Arthur George Bernard, RNZAF NZ424964 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III LJ453 AA-K was brought down over Germany, crashing about a mile South South East of Arlen, between Gemmerich and Dolberg. The lack of AA fire in the target area suggested that a night fighter was probably responsible for the loss of the Stirling.

There were no survivors. The seven crew were buried at Achmer, and later reinterred at Reichswald Forest Cemetery.

HOLLEY, Douglas Cecil

Sgt. Douglas Cecil Holley, RAFVR 1190121 – 2nd Pilot.
Killed age 19 on the 12th of October 1941.
Buried Dinant (Citadelle) Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Grave location – Grave 2.

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.

HOLLOWAY, Edgar John

F/O Edgar John Holloway, RNZAF NZ429923 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 29 on the 21st of March 1945.
Son of John and Beatrice Holloway, of Hokitika, Westland, New Zealand; Husband of Margaret Catherine Holloway, of Christchurch, New Zealand.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 12. G. 12.

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 be hit in the target area. Considerable H/F was encountered.

Lancaster Mk.I NG449 AA-T

F/L Jack Plummer, RNZAF NZ42451 – Pilot.
P/O Arthur Leonard ‘Tiny’ Humphries, RNZAF NZ428244 – Navigator.
P/O Edgar John Holloway, RNZAF NZ429923 – Air Bomber.
F/O Joseph James ‘Joe’ Wakerley, RAFVR 1325219/169159 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Maurice O. Fell, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
F/O Russell James Scott, RNZAF NZ428984 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Alexander Malcolm McDonald, RNZAF NZ426070 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I NG449 AA-T came under heavy AA fire over the target area and received hits in two engines, then began breaking up. Four of the crew were virtually thrown from the disintegrating aircraft and parachuted to safety, however all were captured as prisoners of war. Both Sgt Fell and F/S McDonald were badly injured. P/O Humphries implored the Germans to arrange medical treatment for them. They were sent to a semi-medical centre where they remained for a short period until the arrival of allied forces.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/edgar-john-holloway © New Zealand War Graves Project

HOLME, Harry Pears

Sgt. Harry Pears Holme, RAFVR 1301281 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 35 on the 28th of April 1943.
Son of Thomas and Sarah Holme, of Lower Ince, Wigan, Lancashire; Husband of Eveline Holme, of Lower Ince.
Buried Svino Churchyard, Denmark.
Grave location – Grave 37.
‘Nobly he
His life for us
That we might still live’

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.III BK664 AA-M

P/O Douglas Vincent Hamer, RAFVR 963403/ 141713 – Pilot.
Sgt. Desmond Ray Ross, RNZAF NZ42341 – Navigator.
Sgt. Ross Cameron Buckley, RNZAF NZ411206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. William Leslie Fred Brian, RNZAF NZ411737 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. George Len Lennox, RAFVR 950013 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Harry Pears Holme, RAFVR 1301281 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Malcolm Edward John Shogren, RNZAF NZ415375 – Rear Gunner.

The bodies of both air gunners were recovered and are buried in the Svino Churchyard. All other crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

HOLMES, Joseph Andre Cletus

Sgt. Joseph Andre Cletus Holmes, RCAF 143622 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 21 on the 24th of August 1943.
Buried Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 1. D. 17.

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 main plane. 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 EE938 AA-X

W/O Trevor Fear, RAFVR 1317167 – Pilot.
Sgt. Brian Hartley Ruddy, RAFVR 1419688 – Navigator.
Sgt. Andrew Bain, RAFVR 658930 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Douglas George Woolcott, RAFVR 1290189 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Charles Munro, RAFVR 1566746 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Joseph Andrew Cletus Holmes, RCAF R.143622 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Alexander Davidson, RCAF R.181120 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EE938 AA-X was brought down at Mahlsdorf, 7 miles East South East of Berlin. There were no survivors. All crew members, except Sgt C Munro, are buried in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery. The flight engineer has no known grave.

HOLT, Derek Arthur

F/S Derek Arthur Holt, RAFVR 1217084 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 20 on the 1st of December 1943.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Holt, of Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Buried St. Helens Cemetery, Lancashire, England..
Grave location – Sec. 4. Grave 94.

01/12/1943 – Mining off the East Coast of Denmark
Three aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with mines of 1,500lb. Two of the aircraft successfully dropped their mines in the allotted area, but the parachutes were not seen to open owing to ten tenths cloud. Some heavy A.A. Fire was encountered, but caused negligible opposition. Visibility was poor in the mining area. Navigation was very good. On returning the aircraft captained by SGT. F/SGT.G.J.KERR crashed whilst attempting to land at R.A.F. Station ACKLINGTON. The aircraft crashed into a house and all of the crew were killed, except for the Mid Upper Gunner SGT. K.G.HOOK who was seriously injured. In addition to the crew, five children who were in the house were killed and their parents were admitted to Hospital.

Stirling Mk.III EH880 AA-J

F/S George John Stewart Kerr, RAFVR 1558163 – Pilot.
Sgt. Donald Frank Wort, RAFVR 1585034 – Navigator.
Sgt. Ronald Smith, RAFVR 1239376 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Derek Arthur Holt, RAFVR 1217087 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Leonard George Copsey, RAFVR 1691471 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Kenneth Gordon Hook, RAFVR 1335989 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George William Thomas Lucas, RAFVR 1250557 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EH880 AA-J diverted to RAF Acklington on return from the above task and crashed into a house a short distance from the perimeter during a landing attempt at 22.40hrs. All of the crew were killed except the M/U gunner, Sgt K Hook, who was seriously injured. Five children in the family living in the house were killed. Their parents were pulled from the wreckage alive but badly injured.

HOND, Reginald Samuel

Sgt. Reginald Samuel Hond, RAFVR 1214443 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 23 on the 5th of October 1944.
Son of Henry and Freda Hond, of Palmer’S Green, Middlesex.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – Coll. grave 8. G. 10-14.
‘In loving memory.
May his soul rest in peace’

05/10/1944 – Attack Against Saarbrucken
Thirty one aircraft took off as detailed to attack the railway centre at Saarbrucken. They all reached the target area but only fourteen bombed before the Master Bomber issued instructions to abandon the mission. Bombing appeared scattered, and the raid was unsatisfactory. The aircraft captained by NZ 427481 F/Sgt Galletly, A. failed to return.

Lancaster Mk.III ND904 AA-B “Target for Tomorrow Night”

F/S Alan Russell Galletly, RNZAF NZ427481 – Pilot.
F/S Stuart Edwin Mosley, RNZAF NZ426106 – Navigator.
Sgt. Roy Albert Wells, RAFVR 1802473 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Reginald Samuel Hond, RAFVR 1214443 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Peter Eric Tuthill, – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Arthur Kitchener Sutton, RAFVR 1816276 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. John Peter Cooke, RAFVR 1816385 – Rear Gunner.

ND904 collided with Lancaster PD344 from 115 RAF Squadron over Wolsfeld, Kreis Bitburg, NW of Trier, Germany. There were no survivors on either aircraft. All crew members were initially buried in the Wolsfeld Churchyard but later re-interred in the British Military cemetery, at Rheinberg (North West of Duisburg)

HONE, Sidney George

Sgt. Sidney George Hone, RAFVR 2221190 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 35 on the 20th of November 1944.
Husband of Ivy Bessie Hone, of Ward End, Birmingham.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 25. G. 14.
‘There’s much in life
That’s altered
But one thing just the same,
Our love for you’

20/11/1944 – Attack Against Homberg
Twenty eight aircraft took off to attack the Oil Refinery Plant at Homberg. Twenty two aircraft in daylight attacked the target in ten tenths cloud with tops at 23,000 ft. which made formation flying very difficult. They carried 4,000 lb and 500 lb bombs. Results of bombing could not be observed, but it is considered that the raid was unsatisfactory. One aircraft AA/J returned early owing to icing trouble and two aircraft bombed last resort targets at Duisburg and Hamborn. Three aircraft failed to return. These were captained by 185116 F/O R. Gordon, AUS419328 F/O P. McCartin and 152402 F/O H. Rees.

Lancaster Mk.I PB689 AA-X
Missing – Heavy Flak

F/O Ronald Gordon, RAFVR 1580245/ 185116 – Pilot.
P/O John Robson Bell, RAFVR 173943 – Navigator.
F/S Albert John ‘Mick’ Weston, RAFVR 1115103 – Air Bomber.
F/O Louis David Sampson, RAFVR 186413 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Carl Robert Freeman, RAFVR 189608 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Sidney George Hone, RAFVR 2221190 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. James Leonard Forrester, RAFVR 3010665 – Rear Gunner.

PB609 encountered heavy flak after bombing, when approximately 8mls NE of Moers and the aircraft was seen to explode and crash. There were no survivors. All the crew were buried in the Reichswald Forest Cemetery

HOOPER, Frederick George

Sgt. Frederick George Hooper, RAFVR 1234152 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 21 on the 30th of May 1943.
Son of Harry and Amy Victoria Maud Hooper, of Brighton, Sussex.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 29. E. 15-18.
‘To the memory
Of our dear son.
“Till we meet again”
Mum, dad and family’

29/05/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Wuppertal
Twenty aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with bombs of 2000lb, 1000lb, and incendiaries of 30lb and 4lb. One aircraft failed to take-off owing to the rear turret being unserviceable, and two returned early. Four aircraft failed to return. The remaining thirteen aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Very large fires were seen and also some big explosions. Some heavy A.A.Fire was encountered, but it was ineffective. No searchlights were seen. A few enemy aircraft were seen and one short combat took place, but no damage was sustained by our aircraft. The weather was good in the target area, but visibility was impaired by smoke from the fires. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft were Stirlings Mk.III BK776 Captained by P/O. R.F.Bennett, Mk.I EF398, captained by F/O. R.B. Vernazoni, MK.III EH881 captained by Sgt. J.H. Carey and Mk.III Bf561 captained by Sgt. S.R. Thornley.

Stirling Mk.III BF561 AA-O

Sgt. Sidney Russell Thornley, RNZAF NZ40109 – Pilot.
Sgt. A. McWilliams, RNZAF NZ416586 – Navigator.
Sgt. Allan Corson Anderson McPhail, RNZAF NZ41194 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Domenico Ruocco, RAFVR 1383593 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Cyril Walter Larkin, RAFVR 904570 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. John Victor Dartnell, RAFVR 1811761 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Frederick George Hooper, RAFVR 1234152 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III BF561 AA-O was brought down near the village of Gladbeck, 21 miles North West of the target. The crew may have been on their bombing run-up when hit by either AA fire or by a night- fighter. The bomb load was still on board when the aircraft crashed and exploded on impact, killing all on board. They were buried in a collective grave at Gladbeck but later reinterred at Reichswald Forest Cemetery.

HOPE, Lawrence Beresford Hamilton

W/O Lawrence Beresford Hamilton Hope, RNZAF NZ40940 – Rear Gunner.
Survived crash but killed whilst being transported as a P.o.W. age 28 on the 19th of April 1945.
Prisoner of War Number: 24510
Prison Camps: Dulag Luft, Stalags VIIIB, Luft III, Luft VI and 357. Promoted to W/O whilst interred.

Son of Percy Douglas and Martha Harriet Hope, of French Pass, Nelson, New Zealand.
Buried Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 6. B. 8.

08/11/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Essen
Eleven Wellington Ic aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attacks from this Unit. Three aircraft, X.9628, captained by Sgt. Smith, X.9977, captained by Sgt. Nunn, and Z.8942 captained by Sgt. Wilson failed to return to base. Many large fires were started with resultant explosions and bursts were observed across a built up area. A railway junction south of target was also successfully attacked. Much heavy and light flak was experienced and heavy concentrations of searchlights were active in target area. Several enely aircraft were seen at target but no attacks were made. Weather was moderately clear to target but haze 5/10ths to 9/10ths over target area. Navigation was very good.

Wellington Mk.Ic Z.8942 AA-J

Sgt. John Stephen Wilson, RNZAF NZ402530 – Pilot.
P/O Ralph Owen Foster, RNZAF NZ402443 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O Robert Leslie Owen Ryder, RAAF AUS.404626 – Observer.
Sgt. James Henry Reid, RAFVR 997006 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Sir Charles Thomas Hewitt Mappin, RAFVR 1380356 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Lawrence Beresford Hamilton Hope, RNZAF NZ40940 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.Ic Z.8942 AA-J was hit by flak and crashed at 22:15hrs, at Zuidland (Zuid Holland), 13 miles South West of Rotterdam. All except the rear gunner, Sgt Hope, were killed. They were buried in Rotterdam City’s General Cemetery. Sgt Hope was taken Prisoner of War and imprisoned in Stalag 357. Sgt. Hope died whilst in captivity.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/lawrence-beresford-hamilton-hope © New Zealand War Graves Project

HOPKINS, Talfryn Barton

F/S Talfryn Barton Hopkins, RCAF 64714 – Rear Gunner.
Lost without trace age 22 on the 12th of September 1941.
Son of Richard W. and Ida May Hopkins.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 60.

11/09/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Kiel
Twelve Wellington aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attacks. One of these aircraft, R1038 captained by Sgt Roe, failed to return to base. Four aircraft failed to locate the targets, but the remainder all dropped bombs and fires were started. A.A. fire was intense and working in co-operation with searchlights which were working in cones. The weather was clear over the target.

Wellington Mk.Ic R.1038 AA-H

Sgt. Keith Vernon Dudley Roe, RAFVR 1250397 – Pilot.
Sgt. Kenneth Aubyn Tomlinson, RAFVR 1108182 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Maurice Wyndam Stuart McVety, RAFVR 1252094 – Observer.
Sgt. Derek Frederick Dunlop, RAFVR 1005738 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Norman Tweedie, RAAF AUS.402474 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Talfryn Barton Hopkins, RCAF R.64714 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington 1C R1038 AA-H and crew was lost without trace.

HORNER, Arthur William

Sgt. Arthur William Horner, RAFVR 1641609 – Flight Engineer.
Lost without trace age 24 on the 14th of March 1944.
Husband of Gladys Rhoda Horner, of Coventry.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 231.

Stirling Mk.III LJ462 AA-O

F/S Geoffrey Warren Rowberry, RNZAF NZ414567 – Pilot.
F/S Graham Stanley Hadfield, RNZAF NZ426239 – Navigator.
Sgt. Brian Simmett, RAFVR 1392577 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Sidney Thomas Bishop, RAFVR 1322249 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur William Horner, RAFVR 1641609 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Raymond David Davies, RAFVR 1317623 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt Alfred Newnham, RAFVR 1172993 – Rear Gunner.

No official account of the loss of the crew exists, or is officially accepted and as such the Rowberry crew are recorded as lost without trace.

HORRIGAN, William Hadley

Sgt. William Hadley Horrigan, RAFVR 1176649 – Wireless Operator .
Killed age 29 on the 31st of August 1943.
Son of Daniel Horrigan and of Mercy Horrigan (Nee Hadley), of Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Buried Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – Joint grave 4. A. 13-14.
‘A small plot In a foreign field,
For ever England’

30/08/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Munchen-Gladbach
18 Aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with incendiary bombs of 30lbs. and 4lbs. All aircraft with the exception of one which failed to return, successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Very large fires which were well concentrated and spreading, were seen. All crews were of the opinion that this was a good attack. Moderate heavy A.A. fire and a few searchlights were encountered, which were ineffective. A great number of enemy aircraft were seen and some short combats took place. The aircraft captained by F/Sgt. Batger, H. sighted an enemy aircraft 600 yards away, ahead and the front gunner fired a long and short burst, the enemy aircraft then disappeared and was claimed as possibly destroyed. . The aircraft captained by F/S McGregor,K. sighted an Me110 astern, the rear gunner fired a long burst. The enemy aircraft replied and dived away with smoke pouring from its engines. It is claimed as a possible destroyed. There was 8/10ths cloud at the target approaches although it was clear in the target area. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was Stirling MK.III EH938 captained by Sgt. Parkin, T.

Stirling Mk.III EH938 AA-F

F/S Victor Trevor Parkin, RNZAF NZ421090 – Pilot.
F/S Terrence Watters, RNZAF NZ417299 – Navigator.
Sgt. Ralph Valentine Clingan Johnson, RAFVR 1545885 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. William Hadley Horrigan, RAFVR 1176649 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Trevor Silcock, RAFVR 1582836 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Richard Frederick Grove, RAFVR 1581242 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Anthony Francis Saunders, RAFVR 1394719 – Rear Gunner.

Based on Val Johnson’s debrief with MI.9, it would appear that that EH938 possibly fell prey to a German night fighter, within a nachtjagd ‘box’. Val was the only survivor of the crew, the rest of the crew being killed when the aircraft crashed at Lommel (Limburg), in Belgium. The airmen were all buried in St-Truiden before being moved to Heverlee War Cemetery.

HORSFORD, Ray Steele

F/S Ray Steele Horsford, RAFVR 1387835 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 28 on the 25th of July 1944.
Son of Ray Steele Horsford and Lilian Primrose Horsford, of Sittingbourne, Kent; Husband of Doris Ada Horsford, of Sittingbourne.
Buried Cronenbourg French National (Mixed) Cemetery, Strasbourg, France..
Grave location – L. 9. Coll. grave 5-11.
‘Golden memories
Silently kept
Of one we loved’

24/07/1944 – Attack Against Stuttgart
Twenty one aircraft took off as detailed to attack Stuttgart. Eighteen aircraft bombed the target with the aid of markers, but the raid appeared to be scattered. One aircraft returned early with engine trouble. Intense A.A. fire was encountered over the target, and fighters were fairly active, two aircraft having combats. Two aircraft failed to return, these were captained by NZ415216 P/O. J. McRae & NZ428800 P/O. K. Whitehouse.

Lancaster Mk.I HK568 AA-K

P/O Keith Owen Whitehouse, RNZAF NZ428899 – Pilot.
F/S Jack Thomas Miliner, RAAF AUS.426367 – Navigator.
F/S Ray Steele Horsford, RAFVR 1387835 – Air Bomber.
W/O Keat Dudding, RNZAF NZ415522 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Bernard Leighton, RAFVR 2209941 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Robert Charles Baker, RAFVR 1624103 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S George Alfred Badge Taverner, RAAF AUS.429835 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I HK568 AA-K was brought down at 02.10hrs by an enemy fighter near the French/German border, on the northern outskirts of Strasbourg. All crew members were killed. They are buried in a collective grave in the French National Cemetery, at Chronenbourg.

HOSKINS, John Stanley

F/S John Stanley Hoskins, RAF 652139 – Flight Engineer.
Lost without trace age 23 on the 1st of January 1945.
Son of Arthur James Hoskins and Agnes Maud Hoskins, of Devauden Green, Monmouthshire.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 271.

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.

HOWARD, Edward John Francis

F/S Edward John Francis Howard, RNZAF NZ424469 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 24 on the 4th of November 1944.
Son of John and Mary Howard, of Wellington City, New Zealand.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 5. C. 6.

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/edward-john-francis-howard © New Zealand War Graves Project

HOWE, Ronald

Sgt. Ronald Howe, RAFVR 993314 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 28 on the 16th of June 1944.
Buried Rieux Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Grave 6. 7

Lancaster Mk.I LL888 JN-X

F/S Roland Desmond Ernest Betley, RNZAF NZ421495 – Pilot.
Sgt. Edward George Gilliat, RAFVR 648452 – Navigator.
F/S Lawrence Eastmure Hale, RNZAF NZ42395 – Air Bomber.
F/S Edward Wallace Toohey, RNZAF NZ416672 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Basil Griffiths, RAFVR 1578754 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ronald Howe, RAFVR 993314 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Peter Jackson Cook, RNZAF NZ42708 – Rear Gunner.

HOWELL, Alexander Clunie

Sgt. Alexander Clunie Howell, RNZAF NZ392104 – Rear Gunner.
Lost without trace age 22 on the 28th of April 1943.
Son of William James Stanley Howell and Ella Isabell Howell, of Wairoi, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 199.

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 W7513 AA-G

Sgt. Keith Haliburton, RNZAF NZ415411 – Pilot.
Sgt. Patrick Torre Hunter, RNZAF NZ42297 – Navigator.
Sgt. Leslie Thomas Scarfe, 1261331 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. David Church, RAFVR 1196564 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Devinder Singh Sidhu, RAFVR 946455 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Charles Henry George Boxall, RAFVR 1393248 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Alexander Clunie Howell, RNZAF NZ392104 – Rear Gunner.

Although this was the largest mine laying operation in one night of the whole war it came at a price. A total of 22 aircraft were lost (75 (NZ) Squadron RAF lost 4 aircraft alone, with a total of 28 crew members killed) – 9 aircraft were lost by the night fighters and the remainder from the flak.

HOWELL, Edward

P/O Edward Howell, RNZAF NZ428819 – Pilot.
Killed age 21 on the 21st of July 1944.
Son of Alexander and Margaret Ann Brewis Howell, of South Shields, Co. Durham.
Buried Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland.
Grave location – Coll. grave 4. H. 2-8. 200

Lancaster Mk.III PA967 AA-D

F/S Edward Howell, RNZAF NZ428819 – Pilot.
Sgt. Richard John Wilkinson, RAFVR 1585068 – Navigator.
F/O John Ronald McGeorge, RAFVR 152740 – Air Bomber.
F/S Gerard Henry Redwood, RNZAF NZ425012 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. John James Blundell, RAFVR 2205143 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Robert Douglas McAdam, RAFVR 2210689 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Leonard Charles Hickford, RNZAF NZ426886 – Rear Gunner.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/edward-howell © New Zealand War Graves Project

HOWES, Kenneth John

Cpl. Kenneth John Howes, RAFVR 912524 – Ground staff.
Fatally injured – died later that day in Ely Hospital age 27 on the 28th of February 1942.
Son of John Percival and Annie Howes; Husband of Dorothea Vera Howes, of Scarborough.
Buried Selby Cemetery, Yorkshire, England..
Grave location – Grave 2738.

28/02/1942 – Local Air Test
Wellington Mk.III X.3355 AA-Y took off from Feltwell at approximately 13:10 on the 28th of February 1942 for an engine check. During the air test the starboard motor failed, followed soon afterward by the port engine. As the crew prepared for an emergency landing, the aircraft stalled and crashed at 4:00pm , near Lime Kiln Farm, Brandon, Suffolk, 5 miles North West of Thetford, Norfolk.

The Wellington burst into flames on impact.

Army personnel, stationed nearby, along with local inhabitants, helped to pull the airmen from the burning wreckage. The farmer on whose land the bomber had crashed on, a Mr G. F. Harrington was awarded the British Empire Medal, for bravery shown.

HOWES, Victor Charles

Sgt. Victor Charles Howes, RNZAF NZ413418 – Rear Gunner.
Lost without trace age 20 on the 28th of April 1943.
Son of V. R. and Dolina Howes, of Albury, South Canterbury, New Zealand.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 199.

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 R9290 AA-Y

Sgt. Alfred Edward Lewis, RAAF AUS.412458 – Pilot.
Sgt. Henry George Corin, RNZAF NZ417269 – Navigator.
P/O Charles John Bickman, RAFVR 49977 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Frederick Arthur Moulton, RAFVR 1292879 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Andrew Graham, RAFVR 1369996 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. John Herbert Whitehart, RAFVR 964185 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Victor Charles Howes, RNZAF NZ413418 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.I R9290 AA-Y was operating in the ‘Radish’ area of the Fehmar-Belt, in the Baltic, and was brought down in the sea off the Danish Island of Lolland, to the West of the Vesternaes. There were no survivors.

The crew is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

HOWES, Walter John

Sgt. Walter John Howes, RAFVR 1 378338 – Navigator.
Killed age 29 on the 6th of October 1942.
Buried Hardenberg Protestant Cemetery, Holland.
Grave location – Row A. Grave 14.

06/10/1942 – Operations. Attack Against Targets At Osnabruck
Fourteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4,000 lb. and incendiaries were dropped in the target area. Scattered fires were seen, flares were lighting up the whole area. Considerable light and heavy A.A. fire was encountered. Searchlights were numerous and operating mainly in cones. The weather was good with low cloud and slight haze at target area. Navigation was good bt D.R. , T.R. visual, pinpoints, loop and fixes. Wellington DF639 captained by Sgt. Rhodes G.W. failed to return.

Wellington Mk.III DF.639 AA-?

Sgt. George William Rhodes, RAFVR 1331658 – Pilot.
Sgt. Walter John Howes, RAFVR 1378338 – Observer.
Sgt. John Foreman, RCAF R.80334 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Geoffrey Slater, RNZAF 1287890 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. John Forbes, RAFVR 1314891 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.III DF.639 was shot down by an enemy night-fighter at 23:30hrs near the small town of Hardenberg (Overijssel), 70 miles East of Amsterdam, Holland, while returning to base following the raid on Osnabruck. The crew were all killed. They are buried in the Protestant Cemetery, at Hardenberg.

HOWLETT, Arthur Douglas

F/O Arthur Douglas Howlett, RNZAF NZ413335 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 32 on the 23rd of September 1943.
Son of Arthur Edwin and Ethel Louise Howlett, of New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 21. B. 12.

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.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/arthur-douglas-howlett © New Zealand War Graves Project

HOWLETT, Arthur Edgar

Sgt. Arthur Edgar Howlett, RAF 528778 – Flight Engineer.
Lost without trace age 26 on the 8th of March 1943.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 154.

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.

HOWSON, Ronald Edward

Sgt. Ronald Edward Howson, RAFVR 1437112 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 21 on the 28th of May 1944.
Son of William Edward and Beatrice May Howson, of Leicester, United Kingdom.
Buried Gilze-En-Rijen (Gilze) Roman Catholic Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Grave 1.
‘For life and liberty theirs was a great sacrifice.
Some day we shall understand ‘

27/05/1944 – Attack Against Aachen
Eighteen aircraft were detailed to attack Aachen, one of which returned early and two failed to return (Captains NZ414971 F/L. S. Fauvel and NZ421105 Sgt. Scott, F.). The remaining fifteen successfully bombed the target in clear weather, one aircraft (Captain NZ40750 F/L. R. Berney) had five successive inconclusive combats with an ME 410 in the Courtrai area.

Lancaster Mk.III ND802 JN-D “The Flying Scotsman’

Sgt. Francis Alexander Jack Scott, RNZAF NZ421105 – Pilot.
W/O Ronald Thomas Clark, RNZAF NZ422369 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S Leslie George Hill, RNZAF NZ426997 – Navigator.
F/S Stephen Astley Cook, RNZAF NZ421142 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Ronald Edward Howson, RAFVR 1437112 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Maxwell Harris, RAFVR 1850150 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Alan Mantle, RAFVR 925315 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Reginald Dale, RAFVR 1818763 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.III ND802 JN-D “The Flying Scotsman’ was attacked by a night-fighter 25 miles North West of Eindhoven, Netherlands, causing the aircraft to break up in flight then crashing near Gilze, 6 miles West of Tilsburg. The Captain, Air-bomber and W/Op did not survive the crash and were buried at Gilze.

HUDSON, Eric Francis

Sgt. Eric Francis Hudson, RAFVR 1581611 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 21 on the 4th of October 1943.
Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1. H. 1-7.

04/10/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Frankfurt
Thirteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with incendiary bombs of 30lb. and 4lbs. Three aircraft returned early and one failed to return. This was a good attack, ten aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Very good concentrated fires and enormous explosions being seen, the fires were still visible on the homeward journey. A.A. Fire was negligible, there were many search lights which were cooperating with enemy night-fighters. The aircraft captained by S/Ldr. J.JOLL had a combat with a M.E. 109, which was claimed as possibly damaged. The weather was poor on the outward and return journeys, but clear over the target, visibility was good except for smoke haze. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was captained by SGT. H.J. MIDDLETON.

Stirling Mk.III EF130 JN-M

Sgt. Harvey Johnson Middleton, RAFVR 1476465 – Pilot.
Sgt. Charles John Massie, RAFVR 1322528 – Navigator.
Sgt. Charles Pennycook, RCAF R.137421 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Leslie Pow, RAFVR 1024139 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Eric Francis Hudson, RAFVR 1581611 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ernest Thorpe, 1514349 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Thomas Lackenby, RAFVR 1590747 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EF130 JN-M was brought down at Russelsheim, 14 miles South West of Frankfurt. There was no indication of how the plane went down, apart from reports of minimal ground AA fire in the target area, suggesting the likelihood of an enemy night-fighter attack. There were no survivors among the crew, who were all buried in Durnbach War Cemetery

HUGHES, Victor Stanley

Sgt. Victor Stanley Hughes, RAFVR 1796312 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 19 on the 22nd of November 1943.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 9. A. 21.

Stirling Mk.III LJ453 AA-K

F/S Alan Roy Single, RAAF AUS.413144 – Pilot.
F/O Jack Brothwell, RAFVR 135042 – Navigator.
F/S John Edward Stanley Margetts, RNZAF NZ422665 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Eric Richmond Whittington, RNZAF NZ416030 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Ivor George Holbrook, RAFVR 937367 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Victor Stanley Hughes, RAFVR 1796312 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Arthur George Bernard, RNZAF NZ424964 – Rear Gunner.

There were no survivors. The seven crew were buried at Achmer, and later reinterred at Reichswald Forest Cemetery.

HUGILL, Howard James

Sgt. Howard James Hugill, RNZAF NZ414293 – Pilot.
Killed age 21 on the 25th of September 1942.
Son of James and Elsie Marion Hugill, of Huapai, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Ville-Sur-Retourne Churchyard, France..
Grave location – Joint grave.

24/10/1942 – Operations. Attack Against Targets At Milan
Five aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 1,000lb. 500lb. 250lb and incendiaries were dropped in the target area. Some slight A.A. fire was encountered, cloud stopped searchlight activity. No combats with enemy aircraft took place. 10/10ths cloud from the French Coast to the target made identification of the target difficult. Navigation was difficult owing to cloud preventing the use of Astro. Wellington Z1652 captained by Sergt. Hugill and Wellington BK725 captained by Sergt. McConnell failed to return.

Wellington Mk.III Z.1652 AA-?

Sgt. Howard James Hugill, RNZAF NZ414293 – Pilot.
Sgt Edmund John Pete, RAFVR 1279494 – Observer.
Sgt. Edwin ‘Eddy’ Worsdale, RNZAF NZ412919 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. James George Barnes, RAFVR NZ405362 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. L. Newbold, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.

Owing to adverse weather conditions, the crew had failed to reach the necessary height to cross the Alps and the decision was made to abort only their 5th Op as a crew and return to Mildenhall.

Whilst on their return flight over France, Edwin and crew, skippered by Howard Hugill crashed after being attacked by an ME110. Unable to maintain height, one crew member, James Barnes the Air Bomber, baled out prior to impact, but the rest crash landed, resulting in the Pilot, Sgt Howard James Hugill, RNZAF NZ414293 and Sgt. Edmund John Pete, RAF 1279494 the Observer, being killed in the crash, approximately 30 kms east of Reims.

HUNTER, Patrick Torre

Sgt. Patrick Torre Hunter, RNZAF NZ42297 – Navigator.
Lost without trace age 29 on the 28th of April 1943.
Son of Patrick Hunter and of Helena Hunter (Nee Torre), of Havelock North, Hawke’S Bay, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 199.

Stirling Mk.I W7513 AA-G

Sgt. Keith Haliburton, RNZAF NZ415411 – Pilot.
Sgt. Patrick Torre Hunter, RNZAF NZ42297 – Navigator.
Sgt. Leslie Thomas Scarfe, 1261331 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. David Church, RAFVR 1196564 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Devinder Singh Sidhu, RAFVR 946455 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Charles Henry George Boxall, RAFVR 1393248 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Alexander Clunie Howell, RNZAF NZ392104 – Rear Gunner.

HUNTING, Ernest Francis

Sgt. Ernest Francis Hunting, RAFVR 1358198 – Rear Gunner.
Lost without trace age 22 on the 3rd of August 1943.
Son of Ernest Alfred and Ellen Rose Hunting, of Stamford-Le-Hope, Essex.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 154.

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 EH928 AA-A
Log refers to ‘B’ – unclear if this is the designator or the Flight….

Sgt. Cyril Philip Bailie, RAFVR 1578834/ 155786 – Pilot.
F/S Jack Thomson, RNZAF NZ421145 – 2nd Pilot.
F/O William Turner, RNZAF NZ416579 – Navigator.
Sgt. Joseph Isherwood, RAFVR 1502733 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Edward ‘Eddie’ Millward, RAFVR 1385557 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. William Howard Thompson, RAFVR 1484375 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Thomas Purdie, RAFVR 1554949 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Ernest Francis Hunting, RAFVR 1358198 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EH928 AA-A was intercepted and shot down by a night-fighter (Hptm Hans Johchim Jabs, IV,/NJG1) and crashed into the North Sea off Terschelling, Frisian Island. P/O Bailie is buried in Lemvig Cemetery, Denmark. All other crew members are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

HUNTING, Eric Richmond

F/S Eric Richmond Hunting, RAFVR 1291752 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 21 on the 3rd of September 1942.
Son of Ernest Alfred and Ellen Rose Hunting, of Stamford-Le-Hope, Essex.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 74.

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.

HURDLE, Walter

F/S Walter Hurdle, RNZAF NZ421279 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 28 on the 4th of November 1943.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hurdle, and Stepson of Susan Mary Hurdle, of Feilding, Wellington, New Zealand.
Buried Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, England..
Grave location – Grave 14522.

04/11/1943 – Mining in the Baltic Sea
Four aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation, with mines of 1500lbs. This was an unfortunate night as three aircraft failed to return and the other aircraft returned early having jettisoned its mines. This aircraft met an enemy night fighter and sustained damage to the port wing, starboard flap, rear turret and many large holes in the fuselage, the rear gunner, Sgt.W. HURDIE, was killed during the combat. The weather was bad and ten tenths cloud made visibility poor. Navigation was good. The missing aircraft were Stirlings MKIII BF461, Captained by P/O.G.K.WILLIAMS, BK&&* Captained by P/O.W.S.MASTERS and XXXXX Captained by F/O. N.WILSON.

Stirling Mk.III EJ108 AA-O

F/O Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. A.R. Gunn , RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. R.E. Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Walter Hurdle, RNZAF NZ421279 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off 16:00 – Landed 23:20
Flight Time 07:20

HUTT, George Alister

F/S George Alister Hutt, RNZAF NZ41914 – Pilot.
Killed age 25 on the 29th of July 1942.
Son of George Arthur Hutt and of Elizabeth Jane Hutt (Nee Cairns), of Timaru, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Buried Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 11. E. 6.

Wellington Mk.III BJ.599 AA-U

Sgt. George Alister Hutt, RNZAF NZ41914 – Pilot.
P/O Murray Ellis Carncross, RNZAF NZ411718 – Observer.
Sgt. James Gordon McMurchy, RNZAF NZ405539 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. William Clerken O’She, RAFVR NZ411096 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. John Henry Savage, RNZAF NZ404620 – Rear Gunner.

Following a bombing attack on Hamburg, where intense anti-aircraft defence measures were encountered, Wellington Mk.III BJ.599 AA-U crashed at Steinbeck, near Stade, about 20 miles to the North West of the target. There were no survivors. All were buried at Stade, but after the war they were reinterred at Becklingen.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/george-alister-hutt © New Zealand War Graves Project

2 thoughts on “H”

Barrie Davies July 22, 2014 at 12:03 am

Have you got a photo of Flt Sgt Henry Hiscox RAF, Air Gunner 35 years old ? He is on your list. I am looking for one to post on my website built for him. Please check my website, link below

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1. 75nzsquadron Post authorJuly 23, 2014 at 12:00 am
  
  Hi Barrie
  Unfortunately no – which slightly perplexes me, as one would have thought by now, Given Henry’s, lets say fame, through his grave being tended by Tiny, something would have presented itself. I have visited your website and if its ok, I’d like to do a post to let people know about your story and the creation of the memorial to the boys – if you want drop me a line on info@75nzsquadron.com and we can have a chat
  
  cheers
  
  Simon
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply ↓