JACKSON, Kensington Campbell
F/S Kensington Campbell Jackson, RNZAF NZ42330 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 23 on the 31st of August 1943.
Son of Albert Ernest Jackson and of Maude Alice Jackson (Nee Holton), of Hamilton, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Hanover War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 16. C. 7.
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.
nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/kensington-campbell-jackson © New Zealand War Graves Project
JACOBSON, Gerald Howard
F/O Gerald Howard Jacobson, RNZAF NZ41333 – Pilot.
Killed age 27 on the 17th of December 1942.
Son of William Edward Moxhay Jacobson and Florence Alsager Jacobson, of Akaroa, Canterbury, New Zealand; Husband of D. I. Jacobson, of Dover, England.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 17. A. 17.
17/12/1942 – Operations. Attack Against Targets At Fallersleben
Five aircraft were detailed to attack the above target with bombs of 1,000lb. This was to be a low level flight all the way climbing to 5,000feet to bomb. Four out of the five aircraft unfortunately failed to return. They were the Squadron Commander, Wing Commander V. Mitchell, D.F.C., captain of Stirling I BF396 who took W/O Bagnall and crew who had only arrived a few days previously. Stirling I,BF400 captained by F/O Jacobson, Stirling 1, BK620 captained by P/O R.E. Williams, and Stirling I, R9247 captained by F/Sgt. Rousseau. The one aircraft to return was captained by P/O McCullough who could not find the target owing to rain and bad visibility, and bombed an alternative. This was an aerodrome, the bombs were seen to explode on the flare path and hangars. A.A. fore was fairly heavy and a few searchlights were seen. The aircraft was twice attacked by fighters but they were driven off on each occasion, on return the aircraft was found to have four holes believed due to combat with one of the fighters. The weather was clear to the target but developed to rain and 7/10th cloud on return. Navigation was good.
Stirling Mk.I BF.460 AA-G
F/O Gerald Howard Jacobson, RNZAF NZ41333 – Pilot.
Sgt Walter Duncan McAlpine, RNZAF NZ403551 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Lumley Durham Ashwin, RNZAF NZ41563 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Wallace Frederick Stokes, RNZAF NZ412362 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. L.A. Hoff, RAFVR – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Charles Lucas, RCAF 1312083 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William George Henry White, RNZAF NZ41717 – Rear Gunner.
Stirling Mk.I BF.460 AA-G was shot down over Germany, crashing at Ankum, 20 miles North North West of Osnabruck. This was very near the point where Rousseau crew crashed on the same night. None of the crew survived. They were initially buried at Ankum but later reinterred at the Rheinberg Cemetery, near Wessel.
nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/gerald-howard-jacobson © New Zealand War Graves Project
JAMBOR, Oldrich
W/O Oldrich Jambor, RAFVR 787441 – 2nd Pilot.
Killed age 29 on the 31st of May 1942.
of Czechoslovakia.
Buried Apeldoorn (Ugchelen-Heidehof) General Cemetery, Holland..
Grave location – Plot 4. Grave 141.
30/05/1942 – Bombing Attacks Against Cologne
Twenty-three Wellington aircraft, including IA, IC,III, were detailed to carry out the above attacks. One of these aircraft, Wellington IA T.2894, captained by P/O Johnson (attached to this Unit from C.G.S. Suton Bridge) failed to return to base. Another aircraft X.3751 captained by P/O Jarman, was badly damaged by flak, both fuel tanks being holed and both port and starboard airspeed indicators rendered unserviceable. The bomb load consisted of 4000lbs, 1000lbs, 500lbs and 30lbs. and 4lbs incendiaries. The weather conditions were excellent, and the target was bombed successfully many fires being started in all parts of the town. A.A. fire was very erratic and searchlights were working in cones. A large number of enemy aircraft were seen but no attacks resulted. Navigation was by D/R, TR, Q.D.M., Loop.
Wellington Mk.Ic N.2894 AA-?
(crew attached from Central Gunnery School, Sutton Bridge)
P/O David Malcolm Johnson, RAFVR 103511 – Pilot.
W/O Oldrich Jambor, RAFVR 787441 – 2nd Pilot.
F/L Hector Austin Charles Batten, RAF 61948 – Observer.
F/S Josiah Robert Connor, RAFVR 621339 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John McKenzie Mclean, RAFVR 968453 – Front Gunner.
F/S G.J. Waddington-Allwright, RAFVR 751360 – Rear Gunner.
A ‘borrowed’ Wellington Mk IA, T2894, from Central Gunnery School, Sutton Bridge, was shot down by a night-fighter over Holland.
The only survivor was the rear gunner, who was taken prisoner of war. All other crew members died.
JAMES, Charles
F/S Charles James, RNZAF NZ426333 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 34 on the 4th of November 1943.
Son of Isaac James and of Elizabeth James (Nee Richardson), of Haydock, Lancashire; Husband of Joan C. James, of Balclutha, Otago, New Zealand.
Buried Frederikshavn Cemetery, Denmark..
Grave location – Allied Plot. grave 56.
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 BK778 JN-U
P/O William Stuart Masters, RNZAF NZ421077 – Pilot.
F/O George Burns Imrie, RNZAF NZ422676 – Navigator.
F/S Charles James, RNZAF NZ426333 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Reginald James Thomas, RAFVR 1316730 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Alfred Copeland, RAFVR 1166829 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Leslie Grimwood, RAFVR 1438024 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Lewis Stanley Crawford-Watson, RNZAF NZ42734 – Rear Gunner.
Stirling Mk.III BK778 JN-U was shot down by a night-fighter, crashing at Berstedgaard, near Thisted, Denmark. There were no survivors. All but the flight engineer were buried at Frederickshaven Cemetery. Sgt Copeland is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial
nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/charles-james © New Zealand War Graves Project
JARVIS, Claude Joseph Frederick
Sgt. Claude Joseph Frederick Jarvis, RNZAF NZ411722 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 22 on the 7th of September 1942.
Son of Frederick Joseph Jarvis, and of Blanche Jarvis (Nee Ball), of Hastings, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 16. F. 8-10.
06/09/1942 – Operations. Attack Against Targets At Duisburg
Fifteen aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attacks. Bomb load of 4,000lb. 1,00lb. 500lb. 250lb. and incendiaries were dropped in the target area, large fires were seen to be growing in intensity. A.A. fire was heavy and intense but was bursting high above aircraft, searchlights were intense, particularly at target area.
Wellington BJ772 captained by F/Lt. Womersley was attacked from rear on return by an enemy aircraft, one bursts was fired by the rear gunner and the enemy aircraft was driven off. No other enemy aircraft was seen. The weather was good, clear over target with slight ground haze. Navigation was good. Wellington BJ.765 captained by Sergt. Sharman G.W and Wellington X.3867 captained by F/Sgt.Parkes W.R. failed to return.
Wellington Mk.III BJ.765 AA-L
Sgt. George William Sharman, RNZAF NZ412746 – Pilot.
Sgt. Norman Priestly Saul, RNZAF NZ411730 – Observer.
Sgt. Claude Joseph Frederick Jarvis, RNZAF NZ411722 – Wireless Operator.
P/O George William Alfred Mills, RNZAF NZ411769 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Thomas Edward Coles, RNZAF NZ40161 – Rear Gunner.
Wellington Mk.III BJ.765 AA-L was brought down over Germany, crashing near Krefeld, 11 miles South West of the target, Duisburg. There were no survivors.
All five crew were initially buried in the military Cemetery, Krefeld, but later reinterred at Reischwald Forest Cemetery, South West of Kleve.
nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/claude-joseph-frederick-jarvis © New Zealand War Graves Project
JARVIS, William Louis
F/S William Louis Jarvis, RAAF AUS.414691 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 25 on the 23rd of September 1943.
Son of William Edward and Mary Elizabeth Jarvis, of Yerongapilly, Queensland, Australia.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 18. B. 4.
‘His duty fearlessly
And nobly done.
Ever remembered’
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 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.
JELLEY, Edward Arthur
P/O Edward Arthur Jelley, RAFVR 78762 – Rear Gunner.
Died of injuries age 33 on the 30th of September 1940.
Son of Arthur and M. L. Jelley, of Stapenhill, Staffordshire.
Buried Swalincote District (Church Gresley) Cemetery, Derbyshire, England..
Grave location – Sec. 3. General. Grave 959.
29/09/1940 – Bombing Attacks on Targets L.86, M.480, and OSNABRUCK
Ten Wellington aircraft were detailed to carry out individual attacks on the above targets. A mixed bomb load was carried and was made up of 500lbs. bombs, 250lbs. bombs fused N.D.T., 250lbs. bombs, delayed action, and containers of incendiaries.
CB.213 reports that target was located and bombs dropped.
No results were observed by CB.214, except for small fire started north of target.
CB.216 failed to locate target owing to 10/10 cloud and difficulty in pinpointing. Heavy bombs dropped on DELMENHOERST AERODROME, hits believed, and incendiaries dropped on DE KOOY AERODROME where a few small fires were started.
CB.217 dropped though cloud – on target, but results were unobserved.
Owing to ten-tenths cloud, CB.215 failed to locate the target, but bombs were dropped at NORDHERN AERODROME. Bursts seen slight short.
CB.218 dropped bombs from 10,000 on first run, bursts being observed. A second was made and the remaining bombs dropped.
Target was not located by CB.219 owing to 9/10 cloud. Bombs dropped at MADGEBURG and bursts observed.
CB.223 dropped a stick of 8-250lbs. bombs along railway marshalling yards at MANNHEIM. Bursts observed on permanent way in woods S.E. of MANNHEIM.
CB.224 failed to locate original target and bombs were dropped in one stick on marshalling yards at KOBLEMZ. Results unobserved.
CB.225 dropped bombs in one stick. Bursts seen on railway line. Several small explosions and one large fire seen for 30 miles after leaving target.
One aircraft seen, by CB.214, shot down over EILENBURG. Dummy aerodrome seen about four miles East of DELMENHOERST. Circle of white lights about a mile in diameter, with sharply defined red arrows in centre pointing S.W. in position 52*N. 0.8.43E.
Heavy A.A. fire in all parts of target areas.
Searchlights were very active and accurate.
Several enemy aircraft seen at various parts of target areas.
Five-tenths to 10/10 cloud was experienced over whole.
Navigation was by D/R, and W/T bearings
Wellington Mk.1c R.3168 AA-O
Raid No. CB.213 Leipzig
P/O Frank Henderson Denton, RAF 36238 – Pilot.
Sgt. White, RAF – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Andy’ Orrock, RAF – Navigator.
Sgt. Leonard A. Hayter, RAF 649376 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. James ‘Jimmy’ Farquhar, – Front Gunner.
P/O Edward Arthur Jelley, RAF 78762 – Rear Gunner .
One of these aircraft, CB.213 failed to return to base, having crashed in Devon through lack of Petrol. One member of the crew, P/O. Jelley the rear gunner, was killed, but the other members all parachuted to safety.
JENKIN, Ralph Francis
F/O Ralph Francis Jenkin, RNZAF NZ416119 – Navigator.
Killed age 23 on the 16th of December 1943.
Son of Carl Reginald Jenkin and of Ivy Clarace Jenkin (Nee McMahon), of Mission Bay, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, England..
Grave location – Grave 14348.
16/12/1943 – Mining off the Frisian Islands
Four aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with mines of 1500lbs. One aircraft returned early and one crashed on return. The remaining two aircraft successfully dropped their mines in the allotted area, but the parachutes were not seen to open. No opposition was met. The weather was very poor, low cloud and fog impairing visibility. Navigation was good. The aircraft which crashed wa captained by F/SGT.KINROSS C.J. The pilot F/SGT KINROSS C.J, Nav.F/O R.F.JENKIN, A/B. SGT. EMMERSON R.H., WO/AIR SGT. SAVAGE W.A, F/ENG. SGT. ASKEW R. and R.GUNNER SGT. WARNER J.A. were killed. The Mid Upper Gunner SGT. NEWMAN S.T. was slightly injured.
Stirling Mk.III EF163 JN-L
F/S Colin John Kinross, RNZAF NZ417069 – Pilot.
F/O Ralph Francis Jenkin, RNZAF NZ416119 – Navigator.
Sgt. Ronald Harry Emmerson, RAAF AUS.410330 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Willis Arthur Savage, RAFVR 1503913 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Raymond Askew, RAFVR 1477972 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. S. Newman, RAFVR 928207 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. John Albert Warner, RAFVR 2209337 – Rear Gunner.
Stirling Mk.III EF163 JN-L was attempting to land in poor weather conditions when the pilot lost visual reference at low level and crashed at Biddington Farm, Sutton. The aircraft burst into flames. All crew members, except an injured mid-upper gunner, died.
The cause of the crash may have been due to the aircraft’s centre of gravity being effected by a mine that had failed to release.
This was one of 41 other crashes occurring that night by aircraft returning to England in extremely poor weather conditions. This scale of losses by aircraft in these circumstances was the heaviest ever experienced by Bomber Command in a single night.
JENKINS, Ernest Roy
W/O Ernest Roy Jenkins, RNZAF NZ405780 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 25 on the 29th of April 1943.
Son of Ernest Paul and May Levina Jenkins, of Waharoa, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Svino Churchyard, Denmark.
Grave location – Grave 21.
28/04/1943 – Mining in Kiel Bay
Eight aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with mines of 1500 lbs. One of these aircraft returned early owing to its compass being faulty and four failed to return. The remaining three aircraft successfully dropped their mines in the allotted area and the parachutes were seen to open. A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights was encountered which is believed to have come from an A.A. ship in the mining area. No enemy aircraft were seen. Visibility was fairly good, with scattered cloud in the mining area. Navigation was very good. Stirlings Mk.1 R9290, Sgt. A. Lewis, W.7513 – Sgt. K. Halliburton, BF.467 – P/O D. Thompson, Mk.III BK664 – P/O. D.V. Hamer, failed to return.
Stirling Mk.I BF467 AA-W
P/O Desmond Lewis Thompson, RNZAF NZ413152 – Pilot.
F/S James Alexander Ramsay, RCAF R.93418 – Navigator.
Sgt. John Muir Williams, RAAF AUS.401341 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Ernest Roy Jenkins, RNZAF NZ405780 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Clifford Abbott, RAFVR 1098896 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. George Phillips, RAFVR 930235 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. John Thomas Glendinning, RAFVR 1070166 – Rear Gunner.
Stirling Mk.I BF467 AA-W came under attack by Kreigsmarine (Flak ship) battery MAA508, positioned between the Fehmarn-Belt and the Lolland Islands, in the Baltic. The aircraft crashed into the sea near Nakskov to the west of Lolland at 00.08hrs. There were no survivors.
nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/ernest-roy-jenkins © New Zealand War Graves Project
JENKINS, Frederick Francis Arthur
F/S Frederick Francis Arthur Jenkins, RNZAF NZ429888 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 30 on the 29th of July 1944.
Son of Frederick Charles Jenkins and of Marie Jenkins, (Nee Ashley), of Okato, Taranaki, New Zealand; Husband of Joan Jenkins, of New Plymouth, Taranaki.
Buried Millery Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Grave 3.
28/07/1944 – Attack Against Stuttgart
Twenty two aircraft set out as detailed to attack Stuttgart. Twenty aircraft successfully bombed the target with the aid of markers, but it is thought that several aircraft undershot, as they appeared to be two concentration of fires 2-3 miles apart. Fighters were very active in the target area and also en route, several aircraft having combats. The aircraft captained by NZ413043 A/S/L. L. Drummond, was attacked five times by a JU88, all of which were indecisive, followed by an attack by an unidentified enemy aircraft which is claimed as destroyed, being seen to go down in flames. At the same time as this our aircraft was also being attacked by two JU88s, one of which was damaged by fire from our aircraft. Two aircraft failed to return, they were captained by NZ421403 A/F/L. N. Stokes & NZ421469 F/O. I. Blance.
Lancaster Mk.III ND756 AA-M
P/O Ian Edward Blance, RNZAF NZ421496 – Pilot.
F/S Colin Frederick Johnson Grieg, RNZAF NZ422281 – Navigator.
F/S Ronald Howard Spencer, RAFVR 1575186 – Air Bomber.
F/S Frederick Walter Percival Climo, RNZAF NZ4210148 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. W.J. Hyde, RAFVR 1895228 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Frederick Francis Arthur Jenkins, RNZAF NZ429888 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Aubrey Charles Kirk, RNZAF NZ425845 – Rear Gunner.
Lancaster Mk.III ND756 AA-M was shot down in flames by a night-fighter over France, crashing at 01:25hrs close to Millery village, 3 miles North of Pompey. All but the Flight Engineer, Navigator and Rear Gunner died and were buried at the Millery cemetery. The surviving three crew members had baled out of the burning aircraft successfully. Sgt Hyde (F/E) and F/S Kirk (R/G), evaded capture and escaped but F/S Grieg (Nav) was captured as prisoner of war.
It was revealed that 1,500 local inhabitants of Millery Village turned out for the funeral of the four airmen who died. Two large rooms in the church were overflowing with flowers.
nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/frederick-francis-arthur-jenkins © New Zealand War Graves Project
JENNINGS, Harold
Sgt. Harold Jennings, RAFVR 1818122 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 19 on the 28th of August 1943.
Son of Henry and Lily Louise Jennings, of Spring Hill, Birmingham.
Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Joint grave 9. C. 25-26.
‘Too good in life
To be forgotten in death’
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 ENE of Würzburg. The circumstances are unclear as to how EE955 was brought down, although the location of the crash was some 60miles NW 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.
JOBLIN, Frederick John Leigh
Sgt. Frederick John Leigh Joblin, RNZAF NZ417063 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 25 on the 24th of May 1943.
Son of Frederick Leigh Joblin and Ivy Joblin, of Morere, Poverty Bay, New Zealand; Husband of Mary Esther Joblin, of Gisborne, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Beesd General Cemetery, Holland..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1-2.
23/05/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Dortmund
Fifteen aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attacks with bombs of 1000lb and incendiaries of 30lb and 4lb. One aircraft returned early owing to engine trouble, and the remaining aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Some very large fires were seen, and the bombs were seen to explode amongst large buildings. Medium and Heavy A.A. Fire co-operating with searchlights was encountered. One aircraft was hit whilst over the target, and the port outer propeller was shot off, but the aircraft successfully returned to base. Some enemy aircraft were seen, and two short combats took place, but no damage was sustained to our aircraft. The weather was good in the target area, but identification was difficult owing to smoke from the fires. Navigation was very good. Stirling Mk.III,BK.783 captained by Sergeant S.M. Tietjens failed to return.
Stirling Mk.III BK783 AA-Q
Sgt. Stephen Muir Tietjens, RAFVR NZ415640 – Pilot.
Sgt. George Watson Turnbull, RAFVR NZ421342 – Navigator.
Sgt. Frederick John Leigh Joblin, RNZAF NZ417063 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Ronald Bell, RAFVR 1077692 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Stanley John Wayman, RAFVR 1391814 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Derrick George Amos Storey, RAFVR 1809725 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Leslie R Vale, RAFVR 1235008 – Rear Gunner.
Stirling Mk.III BK783 AA-Q was shot down by an enemy night-fighter over the Netherlands on the return flight home. The aircraft came down in a ditch at Beesd, (Gelderland), 5 miles South South West of Culemborg, All but the Rear Gunner, Sgt L R Vale, died in the crash. They were buried in a collective grave at Beesd General Cemetery. Vale miraculously survived the major crash with an injured leg and temporary memory loss. He was later taken prisoner by German soldiers.
JOBSON, George Trueman
Sgt. George Trueman Jobson, RAFVR 1287935 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 20 on the 28th of November 1942.
Son of John and Mary Edith Jobson, of South Broomhill.
Buried Chevington Cemetery, Northumberland, England..
Grave location – Sec. G. Grave 21.
28/22/1942 – Night Flying Test
Crashed at 22:29 at Trinity Farm on Cambridge Road, near Oakington airfield. The aircraft stalled while trying to avoid a head on collision with another Stirling. The Rear Gunner, Sgt. Rogers, whilst surviving the crash, died two days later on the 30th of November.
Sgt. Raymond Herbert John Broady, RNZAF NZ39691 – Pilot.
Sgt. George Trueman Jobson, RAFVR 1287935 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Robert James Mcwilliam, RCAF 93977 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Ronald Oswald Dibben, RAFVR 1252627 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Alexander Mcisaac, RNZAF NZ412891 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Charles Thomas Rogers, RAFVR 1170921 – Rear Gunner.
JOHNS, Arthur Grahame
F/S Arthur Grahame Johns, RNZAF NZ41907 – Pilot.
Killed age 20 on the 29th of July 1942.
Son of Arthur I. Johns, and of Eileen Mariane Johns (Nee Mathias), of Auckland City, New Zealand.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 15. E. 10.
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 Z.1570 AA-B
Sgt. Arthur Grahame Johns, RNZAF NZ41907 – Pilot.
Sgt. Mark Kraljevich, RNZAF NZ403458 – Observer.
Sgt. Ronald Ellis, RAFVR 1186850 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Laurie Albert Frampton, RNZAF NZ411753 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Leslie Ian Stewart, RNZAF NZ411785 – Rear Gunner.
Wellington Mk.III Z.1570 AA-B crashed near the small town of Lingen, 130 miles South West of Hamburg and close to the Netherlands border. It may have been attacked by a night- fighter either en route to the target or on its way back to base. Whatever the situation, Sgt. Johns the captain, was unable to maintain control and a crash landing became inevitable. It was not survivable and all crew members died. They were initially buried at Lingen- on-Ems, but later transferred to Reichswald Forest Cemetery.
nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/arthur-grahame-johns © New Zealand War Graves Project
JOHNSON, David Malcolm
P/O David Malcolm Johnson, RAFVR 103511 – Pilot.
Killed age 21 on the 31st of May 1942.
Son of Malcolm Edward and Dora Edith Johnson, of Wembley, Middlesex; husband of Dinny Lorraine Johnson.
Buried Apeldoorn (Ugchelen-Heidehof) General Cemetery, Holland..
Grave location – Plot 4. Grave 137.
‘Greater love
Hath no man than this,
That a man lay down
His life for his friends’
30/05/1942 – Bombing Attacks Against Cologne
Twenty-three Wellington aircraft, including IA, IC,III, were detailed to carry out the above attacks. One of these aircraft, Wellington IA T.2894, captained by P/O Johnson (attached to this Unit from C.G.S. Suton Bridge) failed to return to base. Another aircraft X.3751 captained by P/O Jarman, was badly damaged by flak, both fuel tanks being holed and both port and starboard airspeed indicators rendered unserviceable. The bomb load consisted of 4000lbs, 1000lbs, 500lbs and 30lbs. and 4lbs incendiaries. The weather conditions were excellent, and the target was bombed successfully many fires being started in all parts of the town. A.A. fire was very erratic and searchlights were working in cones. A large number of enemy aircraft were seen but no attacks resulted. Navigation was by D/R, TR, Q.D.M., Loop.
Wellington Mk.Ic N.2894 AA-?
(crew attached from Central Gunnery School, Sutton Bridge)
P/O David Malcolm Johnson, RAFVR 103511 – Pilot.
W/O Oldrich Jambor, RAFVR 787441 – 2nd Pilot.
F/L Hector Austin Charles Batten, RAF 61948 – Observer.
F/S Josiah Robert Connor, RAFVR 621339 – Wireless Operator.
F/S John McKenzie Mclean, RAFVR 968453 – Front Gunner.
F/S G.J. Waddington-Allwright, RAFVR 751360 – Rear Gunner.
A ‘borrowed’ Wellington Mk IA, T2894, from Central Gunnery School, Sutton Bridge, was shot down by a night-fighter over Holland.
The only survivor was the Rear Gunner, who was taken prisoner of war. All other crew members died.
JOHNSON, James
F/O James Johnson, RAFVR 176437 – Pilot.
Killed age 26 on the 21st of October 1944.
Son of James and Mary E. Johnson; Husband of Marian K. Johnson, of Stafford.
Buried Bergen-Op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery, Holland..
Grave location – 13. B. 11.
‘His duty nobly done’
21/10/1944 – Attack Against Flushing
Twenty five aircraft took off to attack Flushing. All crews were able to identify the target visually and bombing was reported as being very accurate. A.A. opposition was moderate. One aircraft (Captain 176437 F/O J. Johnson) failed to return, but was seen to be shot down over the target by heavy A A fire.
Lancaster Mk.I HK596 AA-O Oboe
F/O James ‘Johnny’ Johnson, RAFVR 176437 – Pilot.
W/O Thomas Talbot ‘Tommy’ Murdoch, RAFVR 1345478 – Navigator.
F/O Alexander Mitchell ‘Mitch’ Penman, RNZAF NZ416154 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. James ‘Jimmy’ Smith, RAFVR 1604615 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Lorenzo ‘Larry’ Marfil, RAFVR 1893899 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Alexander ‘Jumbo’ Reid, RAFVR 2211424 – Mid Upper Gunner.
W/O Vincent John O’Loughlin, RAFVR 536970 – Rear Gunner.
Lancaster Mk.I HK596 AA-O was engaged in a visual bombing attack against an enemy gun battery near the Port of Vlissengen, Netherlands. At 12:32hrs other crews flying nearby reported seeing HK596 come under heavy AA fire, with at least one engine on fire. Within minutes the aircraft descended quickly near the target area. Five parachutes were seen to deploy before the aircraft hit the ground and broke up. None of the crew survived the late abandonment or the crash. Five were buried in the Bergen op Zoom War Cemetery and two are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
JOHNSON, James Edward
P/O James Edward Johnson, RAFVR 66519 – Pilot.
Killed age 21 on the 6th of September 1941.
Son of James and Edith Agnes Mary Johnson, of Ewell, Surrey.
Buried Borculo General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Plot U. Coll. grave 1-5.
‘Only a step removed!
We soon again shall meet,
Around the Saviour’s feet’
06/09/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Huls
Thirteen Wellington aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attacks. One of these aircraft, X9767 captained by P/O Johnson, failed to return to base. A mixed bomb load was carried and consisted of 1,000 lb GP, 500 lb GP, 250 lb GP, and SBC’s of 4lb incendiaries. One aircraft was seen under attack on the Dutch-German frontier. Another aircraft was observed possibly being shot down by dual AA fire/searchlight action about 15 miles west or south-west of the target. An enemy aircraft was seen taking off from Schipol, but no attacks occurred Bombs were dropped in the target area and numerous fires were started. A.A. fire was light over the target area, but heavy en route, while searchlights were working in cones around target. Three enemy aircraft seen but no attacks made. The weather was good over the whole journey.
Wellington Mk.Ic X.9767 AA-S
P/O James Edward Johnson, RAFVR 66519 – Pilot.
Sgt. Peter Simpson Dickson Johnston, RAFVR 776002 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Robert Michael Minchin, RAFVR 751355 – Navigator.
Sgt. Wilfred Bearne, RAFVR 976174 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Ronald Davies, RAFVR 751130 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. William John Barker, RAFVR 1378561 – Rear Gunner.
Wellington Mk.Ic X.9767 AA-S was intercepted by a German night fighter (flown by Oblt Emil Woltersdorft, Unit 111, NJG1) over Holland. The Wellington crashed into the sea at 00.11hrs near Borculo (Gelderland) South East of Lochem, Holland. None of the crew survived. Their bodies were subsequently recovered and later buried at Borculo General Cemetery.
JOHNSTON, Haig Douglas
F/S Haig Douglas Johnston, RNZAF NZ426320 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 27 on the 12th of August 1944.
Son of David Robertson Johnston and Margaret Johnston, of Balclutha, Otago, New Zealand.
Buried Hoton War Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – Coll. grave VI. G. 1-6.
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 mils 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/haig-douglas-johnston © New Zealand War Graves Project
JOHNSTON, John
F/O John Johnston, RNZAF NZ416198 – Navigator.
Killed age 28 on the 13th of May 1943.
Son of John Robert and Alice May Johnston, of Auckland City, New Zealand; Husband of Agnes Gibson Johnston, of Auckland City.
Buried Newmarket Cemetery, Suffolk, England..
Grave location – Plot P. Grave 445.
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.
JOHNSTON, Peter Simpson Dickson
Sgt. Peter Simpson Dickson Johnston, RAFVR 776002 – 2nd Pilot.
Killed age 28 on the 6th of September 1941.
Buried Borculo General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Plot U. Coll. grave 1-5.
06/09/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Huls
Thirteen Wellington aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attacks. One of these aircraft, X9767 captained by P/O Johnson, failed to return to base. A mixed bomb load was carried and consisted of 1,000 lb GP, 500 lb GP, 250 lb GP, and SBC’s of 4lb incendiaries. One aircraft was seen under attack on the Dutch-German frontier. Another aircraft was observed possibly being shot down by dual AA fire/searchlight action about 15 miles west or south-west of the target. An enemy aircraft was seen taking off from Schipol, but no attacks occurred Bombs were dropped in the target area and numerous fires were started. A.A. fire was light over the target area, but heavy en route, while searchlights were working in cones around target. Three enemy aircraft seen but no attacks made. The weather was good over the whole journey.
Wellington Mk.Ic X.9767 AA-S
P/O James Edward Johnson, RAFVR 66519 – Pilot.
Sgt. Peter Simpson Dickson Johnston, RAFVR 776002 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Robert Michael Minchin, RAFVR 751355 – Navigator.
Sgt. Wilfred Bearne, RAFVR 976174 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Ronald Davies, RAFVR 751130 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. William John Barker, RAFVR 1378561 – Rear Gunner.
Wellington Mk.Ic X.9767 AA-S was intercepted by a German night fighter (flown by Oblt Emil Woltersdorft, Unit 111, NJG1) over Holland. The Wellington crashed into the sea at 00.11hrs near Borculo (Gelderland) South East of Lochem, Holland. None of the crew survived. Their bodies were subsequently recovered and later buried at Borculo General Cemetery.
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JONES, Arthur Stanley
F/S Arthur Stanley Jones, RNZAF NZ421977 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 28 on the 5th of March 1944.
Son of Daniel Jones and of Harriet Jones (Nee Tremplett); Husband of Albertine Francoise Jones, of Wanganui, Wellington, New Zealand.
Buried Clermont-Ferrand (Des Carmes Dechaux) Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Row A. Coll. grave 4-6.
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 P.o.W.
nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/arthur-stanley-jones © New Zealand War Graves Project
JONES, Daniel Vernon
Sgt. Daniel Vernon Jones, RAFVR 1337506 – Navigator.
Killed age 20 on the 11th of April 1943.
Son of Daniel Jenkin Jones and Elizabeth Mary Jones, of Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 18. E. 3-7.
‘Asleep with the stars’
10/04/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Frankfurt
Twelve aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 1000lb and incendiaries of 30lb and 4lb. Three aircraft were forced to return early as they failed to maintain height. Eight of the remaining aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. It was not possible to see the target owing to thick cloud, a large red glow was nevertheless seen. Both light and heavy A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights was encountered, although they were ineffective. Several enemy aircraft were seen and two short combats took place. There was 10/10ths cloud in the target area, but it was clear and dark above our aircraft. Navigations was excellent. Stirling III, BF455 captained by F/Sgt. Rothschild was hit over the target by A.A. Fire and also chased by enemy Fighters. This caused him to run short of Petrol over the English Channel on the way home, and he eventually crash landed in the sea, 3 miles off Shoreham. The wireless procedure had been perfect, and Spitfires escorted it over the French coast, and a Walrus Flying Boat was waiting for it to crash land. Dingy drill was perfect and all the crew got in safely after an immaculate landing – the Stirling floating for 25 minutes. The final scene was enacted in the Channel as the Walrus collided with the Dinghy and dropped all the crew in the sea. No Ill-effects except for Sgt. Grainger, the Flight Engineer, who suffered from shock. Stirling III BF456 captained by Sgt. Webb failed to return.
Stirling Mk.III BF456 AA-J
Sgt. John Webb, RAFVR 657412 – Pilot.
Sgt. Daniel Vernon Jones, RAFVR 1337506 – Navigator.
Sgt. Daniel Thomas Anthony, RAFVR 1315996 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard William Lowther, RAFVR 1380534 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. James Robertson Inglis, RAFVR 979322 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Leonard Roy Cunningham, RAFVR 643601 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Edward John Letherbarrow , RAFVR 1315524 – Rear Gunner.
Stirling Mk.III BF456 AA-J crashed some 200 miles South East of Frankfurt near Steeg, a small village at 8,700ft in the Lechtaller Alps, Austria. The aircraft was clearly heading in the wrong direction and flying well below safety height in this mountainous region.
JONES, Gordon Baden
Sgt. Gordon Baden Jones, RAFVR 1892748 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 19 on the 26th of August 1944.
Son Of John Baden Jones And Margaret Jones, Of Hayes, Middlesex.
Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 5. H. 11.
‘A better son
No mother had’
25/08/1944 – Attack Against Russelsheim
Twenty eight aircraft took off as detailed to attack Russelsheim. Of these twenty five attacked the primary target and reported a good concentrated raid. A.A. opposition was slight, but enemy aircraft were active and one of our aircraft had two inconclusive combats. Another was unable to identify the target and jettisoned its load. A further one was caught in searchlights over the target and during evasive action lost both ailerons. This aircraft was captained by NZ424504 .F/S. O’Callaghan, E. The navigator 958564 .F/S. Hartley, R., kept the aircraft on track on the return journey even though his instruments were unserviceable and his chart lost. Two aircraft failed to return, they were captained by NZ422382 .F/O. J. Fleming and NZ421345 .F/S. Barker, R.
Lancaster Mk.I LL866 AA-S “Swingtime”
F/S Richard Stockdale Barker, RNZAF NZ421345 – Pilot.
F/S John Farnworth, RAFVR 1147012 – Navigator.
F/S William George Norton, RNZAF NZ413227 – Air Bomber.
W/O Raymond Firth, RAFVR NZ417203 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Gordon Baden Jones, RAFVR 1892748 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Henry George Baker, RAFVR 1814627 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Clifford George Nash, RAFVR 1654190 – Rear Gunner.
Lancaster Mk.I LL866 AA-S “Swingtime” was brought down over Germany, crashing near Untereisesheim, about a mile North of Heilbronn. There were no survivors. All of the crew were buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery.
JONES, Harold
Sgt. Harold Jones, RAFVR 977479 – Front Gunner.
Lost without trace age 21 on the 3rd of July 1941.
Son of Benjamin and Mary Anne Jones, of Rhydding, Neath, Glamorgan.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 46.
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.
JONES, Henry Edward
Sgt. Henry Edward Jones, RAFVR 1192997 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 19 on the 9th of June 1942.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 9. F. 13.
08/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Essen
Twelve aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and 4 lb inc was dropped in the target area. Owing to haze results were not observed. There was a heavy concentration of flak and searchlights in target area. Two unidentified a/c were observed near Dutch Coast by Well.III, X3720 and were eluded. Weather was good no cloud over target but hazy. Navigation was very good. Well.III, X3587, captained by P/O. Smith and Well.III, Z1573, captained by P/O Murdoch failed to return.
Wellington Mk.III X.3587 AA-P/S
P/O Rupert John Smith, RNZAF NZ41950 – Pilot.
Sgt. William Graham Clark, RAFVR 903293 – Observer.
Sgt. William Robertson Ramsay, RNZAF NZ405508 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Barry Herbert Coulter, RAFVR 1261820 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Henry Edward Jones, RAFVR 1192997 – Rear Gunner.
The aircraft was brought down, probably by flak, crashing near Dusseldorf. There were no survivors. All five crew were buried in the Nordfriedhof Cemetery, in Dusseldorf, but later reinterred at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, South West of Cleve.
JONES, Roy King
F/O Roy King Jones, RNZAF NZ425611 – Air Bomber.
Lost without trace age 26 on the 21st of July 1944.
Son Of Llewellyn O. And Hannah Elizabeth Jones, Of Marton, Wellington, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.
Grave location – Panel 262.
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 ND800 AA-J
F/S Kenneth McIndoe Mackay, RNZAF NZ421829 – Pilot.
F/S Eric James Quinn, RNZAF NZ4210077 – Navigator.
F/O Roy King Jones, RNZAF NZ425611 – Air Bomber.
W/O William John. Davies, RAFVR 616191 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Ronald Knapton, RAFVR 1681317 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Joseph Dunn, RAFVR 1520456 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S JIm Worth, RNZAF NZ425510 – Rear Gunner.
Lancaster Mk.III ND800 AA-J was lost without trace. All seven crew members are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
JOYCE, David Campbell
Sgt. David Campbell Joyce, RNZAF NZ401278 – 2nd Pilot.
Fatally Wounded, died later in hospital age 21 on the 16th of July 1941.
Son of Austen Adams Joyce and Fanny Elizabeth Joyce.
Buried Feltwell (St. Nicholas) Churchyard, Norfolk, England..
Grave location – Row A. Grave 8.
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, captained 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 base where 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 W.5663 AA-O
P/O William Jeffrey Rees, RAF 86395 – Pilot.
Sgt. David Campbell Joyce, RNZAF NZ401278 – 2nd Pilot..
P/O Robert Cyril Adair Hunter, RCAF J.3754 – Observer.
Sgt. Ian William Lewis, RAFVR 952538 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. David Henry Conibear, RAFVR 932380 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Gywn-Williams, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:05 – Landed 03:35
Flight Time 04:30
The citation for D.F.C. (Immediate) P/O William Jeffrey Rees, RAF 86395 and D.F.M. (Immediate) Sgt. Ian William Lewis, RAFVR 952538 read as follows:
“One night in July 1941 Pilot Officer Rees and Sergeant Lewis were the captain and wireless operator respectively of an aircraft which attacked a target at Duisburg. Although the aircraft was hit by antiaircraft fire, Pilot Officer Rees persisted in his attack and completed a successful run over the target. On the return journey whilst over the Ruhr, the aircraft was held in the beams of a large searchlight belt and subjected to an attack by an enemy fighter which inflicted severe damage. The second pilot was killed and two other members of the crew dangerously wounded, while Sergeant Lewis was badly shocked and rendered temporarily deaf when a cannon shell exploded close to him. Nevertheless, realizing that his captain was without aid and could not leave the controls, Sergeant Lewis tended his wounded comrades, afterwards collecting the navigator’ s log and maps and assisting him in setting out the courses. Pilot Officer Rees, with exceptional skill, finally overcame all navigational difficulties and helped by Sergeant Lewis who had repaired his wireless set and obtained bearings, flew back to this country where a safe landing was made. Pilot Officer Rees displayed outstanding courage and determination in extremely harassing circumstances and was ably assisted by Sergeant Lewis who showed great fortitude and initiative. Both have participated in numerous operational missions.”
From “Up and Under”, written by Gwyn Martin, Observer with George Curry’s crew the following:
“Sergeant Joyce bled to death on the return flight, Jeff Rees, his captain, got a D.F.C., and his W/Op a D.F.M. The experience so unnerved the W/Op, he never flew again.“
JUDD, Douglas Howard
Sgt. Douglas Howard Judd, RNZAF NZ413336 – Observer.
Lost without trace age 26 on the 10th of September 1942.
Son of Sebert Stephen Woodward Judd and Gertrude Dorothy Judd, of Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 117.
10/09/1942 – Operations. Attack Against Targets At Dusseldorf
Thirteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4,000 lb. and incendiaries were dropped in target area, Wellington X.3747 captained by Sgt. Rousseau and Wellington BJ.837 captained by P/O Jacobson were forced to return to base before reaching target area. owing to aircraft failures. Large fires were seen, a few dummy fires were also seen near target. Light and heavy A.A. fire was encountered, particularly in searchlight cones, which covered a large area. The weather was good, slight haze at target area. Navigation was by D.R. and T.R. Wellington BJ.828 captained by Sergt. Lees, Wellington BJ.968 captained by Sgt. Burrill and Wellington BJ.974 captained by Sergt. Metcalf, failed to return.
Wellington Mk.III BJ.828 AA-?
Sgt. Eric Lees, RAFVR 1132278 – Pilot.
Sgt. Douglas Howard Judd, RNZAF NZ413336 – Observer.
Sgt. Peter Anthony Young, RAFVR 1162261 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Charles Norman Anderson, RNZAF 658255 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Frederick Richard Guppy, RAFVR 1184152 – Rear Gunner.
Wellington Mk.III BJ.828 was lost without trace. All five crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
JURY, Jack Leslie
Sgt. Jack Leslie Jury, RNZAF NZ411764 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 20 on the 12th of August 1942.
Son of Francis Raymond Jury and of Elsie May Jury, (Nee Mccarthy), of Auckland City, New Zealand.
Buried Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland. .
Grave location – 24. F. 9.
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.767 AA-V
F/O Laurence St. George Dobbin, RNZAF NZ401375 – Pilot.
Sgt. W.E. Braddock, RAFVR 1267404 – Observer.
Sgt. James McQueen, RNZAF NZ404466 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Jack Leslie Jury, RAFVR NZ411764 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. A. Elson, RAFVR 751538 – Rear Gunner.
BJ767 was brought down in the vicinity of Venlo (Limburg), Holland. It is not known how or why the aircraft came down, but the location of the occurrence almost certainly points to it being shot down by an enemy night-fighter while returning to base.
Three of the crew survived the crash and were taken prisoners of war, indicating the captain, F/L Dobbin, had probably attempted a crash landing. Unfortunately he and Sgt Jury both failed to survive and were buried initially at Venlo.
nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/jack-leslie-jury © New Zealand War Graves Project
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