LACKENBY, Andrew

Sgt. Andrew Lackenby, RAFVR 941667 – Flight Engineer.
Lost without trace age 32 on the 6th of July 1943.
Son of W. H. and Mabel May Lackenby, of Wallsend-On-Tyne, Northumberland.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 156.

05/07/1943 – Mining off the Frisian Islands
Four aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with mines of 1,500lbs., One aircraft failed to return, but the remainder successfully dropped their mines in the allotted area and the parachutes were seen to open. No. A.A. fire or searchlights were encountered. One unidentified aircraft was seen but no combat took place. The weather was clear and visibility was good. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was Stirling Mk.III EF436 captained by Sgt. R. Thomas.

Stirling Mk.III EF436 AA-A

Sgt. Raymond Thomas, RNZAF NZ40586 – Pilot.
Sgt. William Edward Stobbs, RAFVR 658070 – Navigator.
Sgt. Douglas Arthur Allen Tayler, RAFVR 1321755 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. John Bernard McLoughlin, RAFVR 126086 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Andrew Lackenby, RAFVR 941667 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Cyril James Moore, RAAF AUS.410555 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Leslie Owen Lewington, RAFVR 1153956 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EF436 AA-A was believed to have been shot down by a night-fighter, crashing into the sea some 12 miles North West of Terscherlling Is, the centre island of the Southern Frisian Group, at approximately 02.31hrs. All on board perished, and are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

LACKENBY, Thomas

Sgt. Thomas Lackenby, RAFVR 1590747 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 19 on the 4th of October 1943.
Son of Sydney and Elizabeth Hall Lackenby, of Felling, Co. Durham.
Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1. H. 1-7.
‘Happier souls
That find a rest
In a Heavenly
Father’s breast’

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

LAMB, Erwin Henry Reubin

Sgt. Erwin Henry Reubin Lamb, RNZAF NZ413709 – Air Bomber.
Lost without trace age 29 on the 5th of May 1943.
Son of Reubin David Haigh Lamb and Mary Minnie Lamb, of Lyall Bay, Wellington, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 199.

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.

LAMMAS, Mauson

P/O Mauson Lammas, RNZAF NZ421728 – Pilot.
Killed age 30 on the 23rd of April 1944.
Son of James Arthur Young Lammas and Aimee Sophie Lammas; Husband of Rose Lammas, of Karamu, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Aabenraa Cemetery, Denmark.
Grave location – Allied Mil. Plot.
Row 4. 3.

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 Mauson 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.

LANG, Raymond Stanley

Sgt. Raymond Stanley Lang, RAFVR 1896528 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Lost without trace age 32 on the 21st of July 1944.
Son of Thomas William and Esther Lang; husband of Edith Lang, of Streatham, London.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 233.

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

Lancaster Mk.I 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.

LARKIN, Cyril Walter

Sgt. Cyril Walter Larkin, RAFVR 904570 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 23 on the 30th of May 1943.
Son of Frederick Walter and Charlotte Emma Larkin, of Kilburn, Middlesex.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 29. E. 15-18.
‘God bless you.
We shall meet again
Mum & Dad’

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.

LARSON, Ivar

Sgt. Ivar Larson, RCAF 192316 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 33 on the 23rd of April 1944.
Buried Aabenraa Cemetery, Denmark.
Grave location – Allied Mil. Plot.
Row 4. 4.

Stirling Mk.III EF137 AA-E

F/S Mauson 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.

LAUD, Ronald Hugh

S/Ldr. Ronald Hugh Laud, RAF 40625 – Pilot.
Killed age 27 on the 12th of June 1943.
Son of Norman Charles and Mabel Laud, of Auckland City, New Zealand; Husband of Doris Laud (Nee Wilson), of Campbell’S Bay, Auckland.
Buried Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – 9. D. 1.
‘Love deep as thine
Lays here its broken flower’

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.

(S/L Laud was a New Zealander, from Campbells Bay, Auckland, who joined the RAF prior to the outbreak of war)

LAVERS, William Wilfred Henry

F/S William Wilfred Henry Lavers, RCAF 83468 – Front Gunner.
Lost without trace age 23 on the 10th of September 1942.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lavers; Husband of Marie D. Lavers, of Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.
Grave location – Panel 105.

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.968 AA-W

Sgt. Frank Burrill, RCAF R.97521 – Pilot.
P/O Randolph Cruickshank Smart, RNZAF NZ411006 – Observer.
Sgt. Michael Bertram St. Louis, RCAF R.69204 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. William Wilfred Henry Lavers, RAFVR R.83468 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Ralph Ernest Gorman, RCAF R.93025 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.III BJ.968 AA-W was lost without trace. All five crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

LAW, James

Sgt. James Law, RAFVR 1101018 – Pilot.
Killed age 21 on the 4th of September 1942.
Son of William Law, and of Millicent Law, of Deepdale, Lancashire.
Buried Sage War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 3. B. 2.
‘We miss him most
Who love him best’

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.3396 AA-S

Sgt. James Law, RAFVR 1101018 – Pilot.
Sgt. Horace Llewellyn Grant, RNZAF NZ405254 – Observer.
Sgt. Rupert Ernest Renton, RNZAF NZ412352 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Richard Alfred William Newman, RCAF NZ405309 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. John Trevor Vivian Gill, RNZAF NZ403362 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.III X.3396 AA-S was brought down near Wittmund, West North West of Wilhelmshaven and 55 miles from Emden. There were no survivors. All five crew are now buried at Sage, South of Oldenburg.

It seems likely X.3396and it’s crew were victims of enemy night fighter action.

LAWRENCE, William Joseph

Sgt. William Joseph Lawrence, RCAF 70294 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 22 on the 16th of December 1942.
Son of Joseph and Edith Lawrence, of Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
Buried Newmarket Cemetery, Suffolk, England..
Grave location – Plot P. Grave 449.
‘In loving memory
Of our son Bill
Who died so far from home’

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.

LEA, Jack Vernon

Sgt. Jack Vernon Lea, RAFVR 1472369 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 22 on the 11th of June 1944.
Son of Frederick George Lea and of Irene Lea (nee Lavender), of Watford, Hertfordshire; husband of Joan Annette Lea, of Watford.
Buried Tillieres-Sur-Avre Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Coll. grave. 4
‘O valiant heart
Who to your glory came’

10/06/1944 – Attack Against Dreux
Of the twenty four aircraft detailed to bomb Dreux, twenty two successfully attacked in good weather, the marshalling yards being visually identified until they were obscured by smoke. One aircraft had an inconclusive combat with a JU.88. The aircrafts captained by NZ422098 P/O. L. Bonisch and NZ422267 F/S. Donaghy, T. failed to return.

Lancaster Mk.I HK553 AA-S

F/S Thomas Rodgers Donaghy, RNZAF NZ422267 – Pilot.
Sgt. Richard Parkin, RAFVR 1567334 – Navigator.
Sgt. William Iorwerth Williams, RAFVR 1413546 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Harry Douglas Mitchell, RAFVR 1395992 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Jack Vernon Lea, RAFVR 1472369 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. K.E. Jackson, RAFVR 1336192 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt Norman Hylton Dew, RAFVR 749538 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I HK553 AA-S was attacked by a night-fighter to the west of the target and crashed near Tilliers- sur-Avre, where six of the crew were buried. Sgt Jackson, RAF, the Mid Upper Gunner, survived the crash and successfully evaded capture.

LEACOCK, John Trelawney

P/O John Trelawney Leacock, RAFVR 62295 – 2nd Pilot.
Lost without trace age 24 on the 14th of July 1941.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 33.

13/07/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Bremen
Eleven Wellington aircraft of were detailed to carry out the above attacks. One of these aircraft, X.9634 captained by SGT Miniken, was climbing on course when, apparently without warning, the starboard engine cut at 6,000 feet. He turned for base but lost height rapidly and force landed near the beach off Corton near Lowestoff. SGT. Miniken and SGT. Gilding (Navigator) were rescued but the others are missing. The weather was poor, there being 10/10 cloud over the target and results were not observed. Severe icing conditions were also experienced. Fairly heavy and accurate A.A. fire was encountered on route and in the target area. Few searchlights in operation.

Wellington Mk.Ic X.9634 AA-

Sgt. Frederick Thomas Miniken, RAFVR 903047 – Pilot.
P/O John Trelawney Leacock, RAFVR 62295 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Gilding, RAFVR – Navigator.
Sgt. Ernest Fox, RAFVR 957199 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frederick Joseph Edward Price, RAFVR 1355067 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Henry Paul Clarkson, RAFVR 1376787 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington X9634, flown by Sgt Miniken, suffered a failure of the starboard engine without warning at 6,000ft, when climbing out on course after take off. The captain levelled out and reversed heading for base but the heavy aircraft lost height rapidly. He carried out an emergency ditching in the sea off Corton, near Lowestoft. Only Sgt Miniken and his second pilot, Sgt Gilding, were rescued from the water two hours later. All other crew members remained missing, feared drowned.

LEE, Arthur

F/S Arthur Lee, RAFVR 1622893 – Air Bomber.
Lost without trace age 25 on the 1st of January 1945.
Son of Alice Lee, of Fagley, Yorkshire; Husband of Dorothy Alice Lee, of Little Massingham, Norfolk.
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.

LEE, Reginald George Arthur

Sgt. Reginald George Arthur Lee, RAFVR 1218848 – Observer.
Killed age 20 on the 29th of August 1942.
Son of Reginald Daniel and Daisy Lee, of Grimsby, Lincolnshire.
Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Joint grave 9. K. 21-22.
‘To live in hearts
We leave behind Is not to die’

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 X.3389 AA-? (a/c designator not known)

Sgt. Eric Perks, RNZAF NZ411934 – Pilot.
Sgt. Reginald George Arthur Lee, RAFVR 1218848 – Navigator/ Observer.
Sgt. Walter Harrison Irvine, RCAF R.75436 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. John David Robert McGillivary, RAFVR 922684 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Percy Oaten, RAFVR 959151 – Rear Gunner.

The aircraft was shot down by flak on the outskirts of Frankfurt, about 150miles from the target. There were no survivors. They were possibly on their return flight to base after leaving Nuremberg. Their bodies were initially buried in the Okerrad Cemetery, but later reinterred at Durnbach.

LEES, Eric

Sgt. Eric Lees, RAFVR 1132278 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 21 on the 10th of September 1942.
Son of James and A.C. Lees, of Oldham, Lancashire.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 88.

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.

LEES, Reginald Sidney

P/O Reginald Sidney Lees, RNZAF NZ404907 – Observer.
Killed age 26 on the 27th of July 1942.
Son of William John Lees and of Harriet Lees (Nee Burt), of Matata, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Sage War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 13. C. 8.

26/07/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Hamburg
Fifteen a/c were detailed to carry out an attack against the above target. Bomb load of 34000lbs, 1000lbs, 500lbs and incendiaries was dropped on target area. Numerous fires and bomb bursts were seen. A.A. fire was accurate. Seven searchlights destroyed and others damaged and one m/c gun post silenced by Well.III, X3396, captained by Sgt. Kearns. Searchlights were ineffective owing to moon. One JU88 was seen 30 miles from enemy coast but did not attack. Weather was clear over target but cloudy on route. Navigation was very good by TR and DR

Wellington Mk.III Z.1596 AA-K

P/O Ian James Shepherd, RNZAF NZ404414 – Pilot.
P/O Reginald Sidney Lees, RNZAF NZ404907 – Observer.
P/O Norman Bruce Robertson, RNZAF NZ411101 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. James Francis Winstanley, RNZAF NZ412373 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Dixon J, RAFVR 613966 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.III Z.1596 AA-K was shot down by AA fire when flying away from the target at low altitude. After dropping its bombs the aircraft was ‘coned’ by searchlights and the pilot carried out a steep dive to escape the beams, levelling out at approximately 500ft but still in the midst of heavy light flak. The aircraft crashed near the village of Dose and all but the Rear Gunner, Sgt Dixon, who survived the crash relatively uninjured, were killed. Dixon was taken as a prisoner of war.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/reginald-sidney-lees © New Zealand War Graves Project

LEFT, Edward

Sgt. Edward Left, RAFVR 1819854 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 35 on the 27th of December 1944.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 3. E. 24.

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.

Those who died were buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery.

LEGGE, Robert Colin

Sgt. Robert Colin Legge, RCAF 64510 – Flight Engineer.
Lost without trace age 22 on the 5th of February 1943.
Son of Percival J. and Alice H. Legge, of Renforth, New Brunswick, Canada.
commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.
Grave location – Panel 186.

05/02/1943 – Mining off the Frisian Islands
Four aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with 1500 lb. mines. Three of the aircraft successfully planted their mines in the allotted area. All aircraft flew in cloud which was 10/10ths. from the English coast to the mining area. No A.A. fire, searchlights or enemy aircraft were seen. Navigation was very good. Stirling 1 BK617 captained by Sgt. R.E. Redding failed to return. This aircraft took off at 18.10 and at 19.43 a message was received that they had something to communicate to base, but this was never received. It was later reported that the aircraft was seen to crash in flames just off Cromer. Nothing further was heard of the crew, or the aircraft although a search was made by Air Sea Rescue.

Stirling Mk.I BK617 AA-D

Sgt. Randolph Ernest Redding, RNZAF NZ414678 – Pilot.
Sgt. Arthur James Douglas Barton, RNZAF NZ413700 – Navigator.
Sgt. Harry Dennis, RAFVR 659116 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Cyril George Phillips, RAFVR 1201720 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Robert Colin Legge, RCAF R.64510 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Wesley William Wilson, RCAF R.113265 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Patrick Paul Deane Freeman, RNZAF NZ413305 – Rear Gunner.

At 19.42hrs – 1hr 32mins after take-off – the crew of the third aircraft, Stirling Mk.I BK617 AA-D, despatched a signal to base indicating they had a further message to report, but none was received. It was later reported that the aircraft was seen to crash in flames just off Cromer, on the Norfolk Coast, on track for base. Nothing further was heard of the crew or the aircraft, although a thorough search was conducted by the Air Sea Rescue service. The circumstances seemed to indicate the likelihood of a catastrophic on-board fire resulting from a possible enemy air attack about 50miles from the SW end of the Frisian Islands, necessitating an emergency return to base.

LEIGHTON, Bernard

Sgt. Bernard Leighton, RAFVR 2209941 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 34 on the 25th of July 1944.
Son Of James And Frances Leighton, Of Manchester; Husband Of Winifred Dorothy Leighton, Of Rusholme, Manchester.
Buried Cronenbourg French National (Mixed) Cemetery, Strasbourg, France..
Grave location – L. 9. Coll. grave 5-11.
‘Till we meet again’

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.

LENNOX, George Len

Sgt. George Len Lennox, RAFVR 950013 – Flight Engineer.
Lost without trace age 25 on the 28th of April 1943.
Son of Eccles and Jeannie Lennox, of Glasgow.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 156.

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.

LENS, Aubrey

P/O Aubrey Lens, RAFVR 149672 – Navigator.
Killed age 22 on the 24th of August 1943.
Son of John and Hetty Lens, of Brixton Hill, London.
Buried Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 6. E. 12-19.
Mourned by
His loving parents & sisters.
“May his dear soul
Rest in peace”

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

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

Stirling Mk.III BF564 JN-W

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

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

All crew were killed.

LETHERBARROW, Edward John

Sgt. Edward John Letherbarrow, RAFVR 1315524 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 21 on the 11th of April 1943.
Son of Thomas and Mildred Letherbarrow.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 18. E. 3-7.
‘Thy will be done’

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

Stirling Mk.III BF456 AA-J

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

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

LEVACK, Sidney Joseph Lawrence

Sgt. Sidney Joseph Lawrence Levack, RAFVR 971231 – Observer.
Killed age 23 on the 22nd of October 1941.
Son of Maud Levack, of Edinburgh.
Buried Werken Churchyard, Belgium..
Grave location – Grave 166.
‘R.I.P. Love. Mother’

22/10/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets Mannheim
Six Wellington aircraft from this Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. A mixed load was carried and consisted of 1000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and containers of incendiaries. Owing to the weather conditions operations were marred, but a fire was bombed in a town on the Rhine, probably Mannheim and bomb bursts seen. There was slight A.A. activity and searchlights were ineffective where seen. Electrical storms, thunder cloud and snow storms were met throughout operations. Navigation was good. D.R. and special beam No.6 used. Icing (black) was experienced over Continent. Unable to see through windscreens owing to accumulated snow, from Belgian coast onwards. Severe weather conditions made accuracy impossible. One of these aircraft, X.9914, captained by Sgt. Taylor, failed to return to base.

Wellington Mk.Ic X.9914 AA-M

Sgt. Cyril Taylor, RAFVR 110661 – Pilot.
Sgt. Frederick Alexander Spark, RNZAF NZ401415 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Sidney Joseph Lawrence Levack, RAFVR 971231 – Observer.
Sgt. James Roberts, RAAF AUS.400310 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. William Reid Steele, RAFVR 1051619 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Robert Holtby Tasker, RAFVR 1381172 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.Ic X.9914 AA-M failed to return. It was later determined to have been brought down near Werken (West Vlaanderen) approximately 5ml East South East of Diksmuide, Belgium. There were no survivors. All were buried in Werken Chuchyard.

LEVY, George Arthur

Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 39 on the 21st of July 1944.
Buried Tilburg (Gilzerbaan) General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Plot B. Row 2. Grave 62.

Lancaster Mk.III ND752 AA-O

P/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O Herbert John Wellington Coedy, RCAF R.130143 J.96491 – Air Bomber.
W/O Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.III ND752 AA-O was attacked by an enemy aircraft at 01:40hrs and brought down close to Udenhout (Noord-Brabant) and a mile North of Tilburg. Five of the crew died but two survived and were captured as POW’s. The dead were buried in the Gilzerbaan General Cemetery

LEWINGTON, Leslie Owen

Sgt. Leslie Owen Lewington, RAFVR 1153956 – Rear Gunner.
Lost without trace age 28 on the 6th of July 1943.
Son of Owen and Annie Lewington; Husband of Gwendoline E.M. Lewington, of Henly-On-Thames, Oxfordshire.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 156.

Stirling Mk.III EF436 AA-A

Sgt. Raymond Thomas, RNZAF NZ40586 – Pilot.
Sgt. William Edward Stobbs, RAFVR 658070 – Navigator.
Sgt. Douglas Arthur Allen Tayler, RAFVR 1321755 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. John Bernard McLoughlin, RAFVR 126086 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Andrew Lackenby, RAFVR 941667 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Cyril James Moore, RAAF AUS.410555 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Leslie Owen Lewington, RAFVR 1153956 – Rear Gunner.

LEWIS, Alfred Edward

F/S Alfred Edward Lewis, RAAF AUS.412458 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 25 on the 28th of April 1943.
Son of Herbert and Mabel Jane Lewis, of Coolamon, New South Wales, Australia.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 193.

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.

LINDSAY, George

Sgt. George Lindsay, RAFVR 1624589 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Lost without trace age 21 on the 21st of November 1944.
Son of Millicent Lindsay, and Stepson of Arthur Bridge, of Bury, Lancashire.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 233.

21/11/1944 – Mining in Oslo Fjord
Three aircraft took off to lay mines in the Oslo Fjord. Two aircraft planted their mines in good visibility and without opposition. One aircraft captained by NZ417082 A/F/L L. Martyn, failed to return.

Lancaster Mk.I NN745 AA-A

F/L Leslie Arthur Martyn, RNZAF NZ417082 – Pilot.
F/O Thomas Issac Elliot, RNZAF NZ421364 – Navigator.
F/O Allan Roy Frank Dunkerley, RAAF AUS.423083 – Air Bomber.
F/S John Calverley Crabtree, RAFVR 1492180 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Charles Ronald Starkey, RAFVR 1863956 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. George Lindsay, RAFVR 1624589 – Mid Upper Gunner.
P/O Andrew Roy Wright, RCAF J.88789 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I NN745 AA-A was lost without trace. All seven crew are commemorated on the Runnymeade Memorial.

LLOYD, Eric

P/O Eric Lloyd, RNZAF NZ402197 – Observer.
Killed age 28 on the 7th of November 1941.
Son of Samuel Edgar Lloyd and of Lilian May Lloyd (Nee Toms), of Fordell, Wellington, New Zealand.
Buried Bergen-Op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery, Holland..
Grave location – Coll. grave 8. H. 3-7.

07/11/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Berlin and Ostend
Fourteen Wellington Ic aircraft were detailed from this Unit to attack the above targets. Two of these aircraft, X.9951, captained by F/O Methven and X.9976, captained by Sgt. Black, failed to return to base. A mixed bomb load was carried consisting of 1000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and containers of incendiaries. Bombs were dropped in target area and some large fires were started, but results were not clearly observed owing to heavy cloud over target area. A considerable amount of heavy flak was met over target area but searchlights, where seen, were ineffective. No enemy aircraft were met throughout the trip. Weather was poor with 10/10th cloud over target area. Navigation was good, Astro and D/R loops being used. Wellington Z.1091, captained by P/O Sandys returned to base owing to engine trouble. Wellington Z.1068, captained by Sgt. Parham returned to base owing to Navigator being sick.

Wellington Mk.Ic X.9976 AA-O

Sgt. John William Black, RNZAF NZ402843 – Pilot.
Sgt. Trevor Hedley Gray, RNZAF NZ404356 – 2nd Pilot..
P/O Eric Lloyd, RNZAF NZ402197 – Navigator.
Sgt. Leslie Cyril Green, RNZAF 755095 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Jack Dennis Thompson, RAFVR 1152206 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Charles Thomas Black, RAFVR 1377719 – Rear Gunner.

The other Wellington lost, X9976, was shot down by a German night fighter (pilot Ob Lt Helmut Lent, 4/NJG1) over the Netherlands, crashing at 01.20hrs at Oldeboorn (Friesland), 4 NM East of Akkrum, Holland.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/eric-lloyd © New Zealand War Graves Project

LOCK, Alexander John

Sgt. Alexander John Lock, RAFVR 928200 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 22 on the 11th of September 1942.
Son of Thomas William and Maud Mary Lock.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 4. B. 3-19.

Wellington Mk.III BJ.974 AA-?

Sgt. Thomas Otto Metcalfe, RNZAF NZ414386 – Pilot.
P/O Kevin John Devlin, RNZAF NZ413334 – Observer.
Sgt. Desmond James Walshe, RNZAF NZ412912 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Walter Foch Kelcher, RAFVR NZ411908 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Alexander John Locke, RAFVR 928209 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.III BJ.974 was brought down by flak, crashing near Cologne, 20 miles South of the target Dusseldorf. There were no survivors. All five crew are buried at the Rheinberg War Cemetery.

LOCKEY, George

Sgt. George Lockey, RAFVR 1142645 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 21 on the 23rd of June 1943.
Son of Thomas William and Maud Mary Lock.
Buried Markelo General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Coll. grave 4. B. 3-19.

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.I EF399 AA-O

F/S Kenneth Alfred Burbidge, RNZAF NZ412200 – Pilot.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Wilcockson, RNZAF NZ42314 – Navigator.
Sgt. Andrew James McEwen, RNZAF NZ417077 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Donald Ernest Martin, RNZAF NZ413872 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. George Lockey, RAFVR 1142645 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Gibson Cameron, RAFVR 1304742 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Kenneth Fazackerley Shaw, RAFVR 1132866 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.I EF399 AA-O was last heard from at 02:25hrs on a W/T message indicating the aircraft had been badly damaged by AA fire. Soon after, the Stirling was engaged by a night-fighter (Hptm Egmont Prinz zur LippeWeissendfeld, III./NJG1) and shot down at 02:47hrs near Markelo (Overjissel) 12 miles South West of Hengelo, Holland. All the deceased crew were buried in Markelo General Cemetery.

LODGE, Tom

F/O Tom Lodge, RNZAF NZ417284 – Navigator.
Lost without trace age 35 on the 4th of November 1943.
Son of Tom Lodge and of Rosaline Maude Lodge (Nee Wren); Husband of Jean Caroline Lodge, of Rotorua, Auckland, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 197.

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, BK778 Captained by P/O.W.S.MASTERS and EE897 Captained by F/O. N.WILSON.

Stirling Mk.III EE897 AA-G

F/O Norman Clarence Bruce Wilson, RNZAF NZ417139 – Pilot.
F/O Thomas Lodge, RNZAF NZ417284 – Navigator.
F/O Alfred Thomas Dance, RNZAF NZ42495 – Air Bomber.
F/S Ronald Charlton, RAFVR 644136 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Raymond Walter John Stratton, RAFVR 1166593 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Leonard Charles Gaskin, RAFVR 1392668 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Arnold Goodrick Fawcett, RNZAF NZ422698 – Rear Gunner.

EE897 was lost without trace. All seven crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

LOGAN, Clifford Charles Pownall

F/O Clifford Charles Pownall Logan, RAAF AUS.405918 – Pilot.
Killed age 28 on the 23rd of September 1943.
Son of Raymond Hough Logan and Agnes Eleanor Logan, of Corfield, Queensland, Australia.
Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 2. C. 21
‘He shall not grow old
In God’s care’

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.

LOMBARD, Michael Ferdinand

P/O Michael Ferdinand Lombard, RAFVR 171913 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 29 on the 2nd of May 1944.
Son of Borisfield Swan Lombard and Marian Alice Lombard, of Markyate, Hertfordshire; Husband of Sybil Agnes Lombard.
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, 12 miles South West of Poix-de-la- Somme. There were no survivors and all seven crew were buried in a collective grave.

LONGSTAFF, Charles Albert

Sgt. Charles Albert Longstaff, RAFVR 1 595982 – Flight Engineer.
Lost without trace age 31 on the 14th of March 1945.
Son of Charles Henry and Mary Longstaff, of Middlesbrough, Yorkshire.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 275.

14/03/1945 – Attack Against Heinrich Hutte
Twenty aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Crews found the target covered with 10/10ths cloud. Formation was good though the target and bombs fell away together. Very accurate moderate H/F was met on the run in and over the target. F/Lt. E. Parsons in AA”E” failed to return. His aircraft was seen to be hit causing it to spiral into cloud. F/S McLernon landed at Woodbridge but returned to base the following day.

Lancaster Mk.I PB741 AA-E

F/L Eric George Parsons, RAFVR 185301 – Pilot.
Sgt. William Phinn, RAFVR 1684789 – Navigator.
F/S Francis Henry Ebbage, RAFVR 1615600 – Air Bomber.
F/S Eric Ramsay, RAFVR 2205987 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Charles Albert Longstaff, RAFVR 1595982 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. John Lawrence Beard, RAFVR 3006185 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S John Nichol, RAFVR 1670779 – Rear Gunner.

At 16.35hrs on the run up to the targetLancaster Mk.I PB741 AA-E, F/L Parsons & crew, was seen to have been hit by flak in the port-inner engine, which was then feathered. It also appeared to have been hit in the port-outer engine, which was feathered as the aircraft began descending quickly. Part of the wing caught fire and soon after, the complete wing broke off just as the Lancaster was diving through cloud.

All on board were killed in the resultant crash. The flight engineer and air bomber have no known graves. The other five crew members are buried at the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

LOVELOCK, James Benjamin

F/O James Benjamin Lovelock, RNZAF NZ416324 – Navigator.
Lost without trace age 26 on the 1st of September 1943.
Son of John Edward Jones Lovelock and Ivy Evelyn Lovelock.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 197.

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 EF501 AA-K

F/S Keith Alexander McGregor, RNZAF NZ415770 – Pilot.
F/O James Benjamin Lovelock, RNZAF NZ416324 – Navigator.
F/S William Adam Kilby, RNZAF NZ415261 – Air Bomber.
F/S James Guthrie Baker, RNZAF NZ41142 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. G.A.A. Bond, RAFVR 1801229 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. G.F. Dummett, RAFVR 1377778 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Terence Grange, RAFVR 1323448 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EF501 AA-K was shot down by a night-fighter SW of Berlin, crashing at Potsdam. All crew except the flight engineer and mid upper gunner were killed and are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. The two survivors, Sgt Bond and Sgt Dummett, were captured as POW’s.

LOVEWELL, Jack Edmond

Sgt. Jack Edmond Lovewell, RAFVR 1333957 – Rear Gunner.
Lost without trace age 21 on the 16th of August 1943.
Son of Arthur and Ethel N. Lovewell, of Norwich.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 157.

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

Stirling Mk.III EE891 AA-Q

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

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

LOWE, Harold DFC

F/O Harold Lowe, RAFVR 115129 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 23 on the 3rd of February 1943.
Son of Harold and Priscilla Lowe, of Horsham, Sussex; Husband of Chrissie Lowe, of Horsham.
Buried Amersfoort (Oud Leusden) General Cemetery, Holland..
Grave location – Plot 13. Row 13. Grave 213.
‘I give my body to the earth
My soul to God
My heart for England’

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 NNE of Tiel, Hollnd. All on board were killed. They were buried in Amersfoort (Oud Leusden) General Cemetery.

LOWE, William

F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
Killed age 22 on the 25th of July 1944.
Son Of William And Mary Elizabeth Lowe, Of Knypersley, Staffordshire.
Buried Chateau-Voue Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1-3.
‘Not just to-day
But every day
In silence we remember’

Lancaster Mk.I HK575 AA-O

P/O James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I HK575 AA-O was brought down by a night-fighter at approximately 02:50hrs between Burlioncourt (Moselle) and Château-Salins. There were no survivors. All crew members are buried in a Communal Cemetery at Château-Voué, near where the aircraft crashed.

LOWTHER, Peter Desmond

F/S Peter Desmond Lowther, RNZAF NZ403583 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 22 on the 11th of July 1942.
Son of George and Anna Maria Lowther, of Auckland City, New Zealand; Husband of Jean Lowther, of Devonport, Auckland.
Buried Sage War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 7. C. 13.

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.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/peter-desmond-lowther © New Zealand War Graves Project

LOWTHER, Richard William

Sgt. Richard William Lowther, RAFVR 1380534 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 21 on the 11th of April 1943.
Son of Robert William and May Maud Amelia Lowther, of Dagenham, Essex.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 18. E. 1.
‘He did his duty
Sadly missed
Mum and dad’

Stirling Mk.III BF456 AA-J

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

LUCAS, Charles

Sgt. Charles Lucas, RAFVR 1312083 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 21 on the 17th of December 1942.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 17. A. 16.

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.

LUCAS, George William Thomas

Sgt. George William Thomas Lucas, RAFVR 1250557 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 22 on the 1st of December 1943.
Son of George and Ellen Francis May Lucas, of Shepherd’s Bush London.
Buried St.Marylebone Cemetery, Finchley, Middlesex, England..
Grave location – Sec. W4. Grave 110.

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.

LUKEY, Francis Henry Clark

F/O Francis Henry Clark Lukey, RNZAF NZ42990 – 2nd Pilot.
Killed age 23 on the 28th of May 1944.
Son of Frederick Clark Lukey and of Ruby May Lukey (Nee Gaston), of Waikari, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Buried Wevelgem Communal Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – Coll. grave E. 473-474. 14

27/05/1944 – Attack Against Aachen
Thirteen aircraft were detailed to attack Aachen and eleven to attack a target at Boulogne. They all were successful in attacking their respective targets and good concentrated bombing was reported. Two aircraft attacking Aachen had combats with enemy aircraft, NZ40750 F/L. R. Berney claiming the destruction of an enemy night fighter and 170664 P/O. T. Buckley claimed strikes on a F.W. 190. There was no opposition from the Boulogne target.

Lancaster Mk.III ND908 AA-M

F/L Spencer Francis Fauvel, RNZAF NZ414971 – Pilot.
F/O Francis Henry Clark Lukey, RNZAF NZ42990 – 2nd Pilot.
F/O Frederick William Clare, RAFVR 144607 – Navigator.
F/S Maurice Isidore Joseph Fitzgerald, RAFVR 1389106/ 176576 – Air Bomber.
F/S Douglas William James Marvin, RAFVR 176037 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Kenneth Clinch, RAFVR 1288144 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Kenneth Wilfred Gower, RNZAF NZ421272 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S James Rooker Mason, RNZAF NZ421307 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.III ND908 AA-M was brought down at Poelkapelle (West-Vlaanderen) 5miles North East of Ypres and 25 miles West of Courtrai, scene of the FW .410 attacks on ND915 in the same raid. There were no survivors and all eight crew members were laid to rest at Wevelgem Communal Cemetery.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/francis-henry-clark-lukey © New Zealand War Graves Project

LUNDON, Francis Patrick

F/S Francis Patrick Lundon, RNZAF NZ404718 – 2nd Pilot.
Killed age 25 on the 24th of August 1943.
Son of David James Lundon and Catherine Lundon, of Pareora, Canterbury, New Zealand; Husband of Winifred Lundon.
Buried Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 6. E. 12-19.