McADAM, Robert Douglas

Sgt. Robert Douglas Mcadam, RAFVR 2210689 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 21 on the 21st of July 1944
Buried Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland.
Grave location – Coll. grave 4. H. 2-8. 201

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

Lancaster Mk.III PA967 AA-D

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

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

McALPINE, Walter Duncan

P/O Walter Duncan McAlpine, RNZAF NZ403551 – Navigator.
Killed age 30 on the 17th of December 1942.
Son of Walter Kenneth and Gwendolen Marion Mcalpine, of Waipara, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – Joint grave 17. A. 18-19.

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/walter-duncan-mcalpine © New Zealand War Graves Project

McARTER, Glenville

F/S Glenville McArter, RCAF 87459 – Front Gunner.
Lost without trace age 29 on the 3rd of September 1942.
Son of William Alexander Mcarter and Annie Ida Mcarter, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; Husband of Frances Mcarter (Nee Salzwadel), of Saskatoon.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.
Grave location – Panel 105.

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

Wellington Mk.III X.3794 AA-?

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

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

McCARTIN, Patrick Leo

F/O Patrick Leo Mccartin, RAAF AUS.419328 – Pilot.
Killed age 28 on the 20th of November 1944.
Son of Michael Albert James McCartin and Anastatia Clare McCartin, of Brunswick, Victoria, Australia.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 25. G. 4.
‘Born at Geelong,
Victoria December 7th 1916.
Requiescent in peace’

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

Lancaster Mk.III ND911 JN-V

F/O Patrick Leo McCartin, RAAF AUS.419328 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Miles, RAFVR 845847/ 187426 – Navigator.
F/O Leonard ‘Len’ Arthur Martin, RAFVR 153528 – Air Bomber.
F/S Phillip Francis Smith, RAAF AUS. 427206 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. William John Warlow, RAFVR 1653307 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Dennis George Albert Bryer, RAFVR 1874880 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. John Gray, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster ND911 took off from Mepal, Cambridgeshire at 12:47 hrs, as part of 3 Group with a force of 183 Lancaster’s, to bomb Homberg (Oil Refinery Plant). Weather was stormy and many of the bomber stream were not able to maintain formation with the G-H (Radar aided aircraft) on the bombing run and the bombing was believed to have been scattered. The force met little resistance from Luftwaffe fighters, but suffered very heavy flak.

On the bomb run at about 15:00 hrs, the pilot was forced to lose height as the starboard outer engine failed and he decided to feather it. The aircraft was forced to leave the formation, however at 15:15 hrs they bombed the target. At 15:17 hrs they then received a direct hit in the port wing area from flak and is thought that the fuel tanks exploded. The Lancaster broke up in mid-air and a very violent spin developed. Flt Sgt Gray, the rear gunner, was knocked unconscious. When he came to the entire tail unit had broken away during the mid-air explosion and he was able to rotate the turret to enable him to bail out at 10,000 ft. He stated that he saw no other parachutes during his descent. During his parachute drop at around 2,000 ft. he was shot at by German ground troops but was not hit.

McCASKILL, Donald Gordon

P/O Donald Gordon Mccaskill, RNZAF NZ413573 – Pilot.
Killed age 19 on the 15th of April 1943.
Son of Gordon Milton Mccaskill and Gwendolyn Mccaskill, of Palmerston North, Wellington, New Zealand.
Buried Florennes Communal Cemetery, Belgium.
Grave location – Row 2. Grave 27.

14/04/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Stuttgart
Eleven aircraft were detailed to attack the above target with incendiary bombs of 30 lb and 4 lb. One aircraft returned early as the controls were faulty. None of the remaining aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Large fires were seen, together with a great deal of black smoke. There was a moderate amount of heavy A.A. Fire encountered on the way to the target, but very little in the target area. A few searchlights were seen, but they were ineffective. Some enemy aircraft were seen and short combats took place, but our aircraft were not damaged. It was very clear over the target, as there was a bright moon, and visibility was good in spite of slight ground haze. Navigation was very good. Stirling Mark III BF513 captained by P/O. D.J. McCaskill failed to return.

Stirling Mk.III BF513 AA-E

P/O Donald Gordon McCaskill, RNZAF NZ413573 – Pilot.
P/O James Kennedy Grainger, RNZAF NZ42295 – Navigator.
Sgt. Bertram Elwell, RAFVR 519416 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Reginald Thomas Charles Green, RAFVR 1211032 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Angus McVicar, RAFVR 1371651 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ernest Desmond Cook, RAFVR 1609864 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Ronald Alexander Smith, RNZAF NZ415378 – Rear Gunner.

BF513 was shot down by an enemy night-fighter (Lt Fritz Graef, I. /NJG4) over Belgium at 02.25hrs, crashing at Regniéssart, (Namur), 3 miles SE of Couvin. There were no survivors. All the crew are buried at Florennes’ Communal Cemetery.

McCONNELL, James Allison

Sgt. James Allison Mcconnell, RNZAF NZ414646 – Pilot.
Killed age 21 on the 25th of October 1942.
Son of James Allison Mcconnell and Jessie Campbell Mcconnell, of Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand.
Buried Valenciennes (St Roch) Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Plot 4. Row A. Coll. Grave 15.

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

Wellington Mk.III BK.725 AA-?

Sgt. James Allison McConnell, RNZAF NZ414646 – Pilot.
Sgt. Selwyn Clarence Smith, RNZAF NZ41952 – Navigator.
Sgt. Douglas Noel Tonkin , RNZAF NZ413285 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Quinn , RNZAF 1095594 – Front Gunner .
Sgt. Vallance Albert Oliver Dimock , RNZAF NZ412317 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.III BK.725 was brought down by enemy action over France, crashing near Valenciennes, 25 miles North East of Cambrai. All five crew were killed. They were buried at Valenciennes.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/james-allison-mcconnell © New Zealand War Graves Project

McCOO, Oliver

Sgt. Oliver Mccoo, RAFVR 1365426 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 31 on the 1st if September 1943.
Son of Joseph and Ruth Mccoo, of Glasgow; Husband of Christina Ferguson Mccoo, (Nee Mackenzie), of Glasgow.
Buried Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 8. L. 7-17.
‘His duty done,
That others might know peace’

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 EH905 AA-R

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

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

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

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

McCORMICK, Joseph Edward

Sgt. Joseph Edward McCormick, RAF 580801 – Observer.
Killed age 25 on the 20th of September 1940.
Son of Joseph and Emily Mccormick, of Southsea, Hampshire.
Buried Adegem Canadian War Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – Coll. grave XII. H. 1-5.
‘Passed on
To the higher life’

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

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

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

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

McCREADY, Daniel

Sgt. Daniel McCready, RAFVR 1375023 – Observer.
Lost without trace age 25 on the 30th of November 1941.
Son of James and Elizabeth Jane Mccready; Husband of I. W. Mccready, of Chingford, Essex.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.
Grave location – Panel 47.

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

Wellington Mk. Ic Z.1099 AA-S

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

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

McCRORIE, Thomas Fraser

F/L Thomas Fraser McCrorie, RAFVR 68770 – Pilot.
Killed age 27 on the 23rd of June 1943.
Son of John andrew and Margaret Mccrorie; Husband of Joan Mccrorie, of Broom, Warwickshire.
Buried Hemelumer-Oldeferd (Molkwerum) Protestant Churchyard, Holland. .
Grave location – Grave 190.
‘There’s some corner
Of a foreign field
That is forever England’

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

Stirling Mk.III EH889 AA-Z

F/O Thomas Fraser McCrorie, 1365093/ 68770 – Pilot.
P/O William Stuckey, RAF 51042 – Navigator.
F/S James Leonard Richards, RNZAF NZ404946 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard Douglas Tod, RCAF R.91741 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Eric Grainger, RAFVR 625045 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Robert Ernest Tod, RCAF R.91742 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Raymond Anthony Kennedy, RAFVR 1003148 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EH889 AA-Z was shot down by a night-fighter (Oblt Lothar Linke, IV /NJG1) at 01:58hrs, crashing into the Ijsselmeer. All on board died, their bodies later washing ashore. F/L McCrorie was buried in Hemelumer-Oldeferd (Molkwerum) Protestant Churchyard. P/O Stuckey rests in Wonseradeel (Makkum) Churchyard. The Todd twins lie in Medemblik General Cemetery. Sgt Kennedy is buried at Wieringermeer (Middenmeer) General Cemetery. The others are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

McCULLOUGH, John

P/O John McCullough, DFC, RNZAF NZ40410 – Pilot.
Killed age 30 on the 3rd of February 1943.
Son of Armstrong and Ellen Jane Mccullough, of Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Buried Wierden General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Row A. Grave 8.

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

Stirling Mk.I BK604 AA-S

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

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

McDERMOTT, Edward

F/S Edward Mcdermott, RCAF 96960 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 19 on the 3rd of February 1943.
Son of Mrs. D. Hastings, of London, Ontario, Canada.
Buried Amersfoort (Oud Leusden) General Cemetery, Holland..
Grave location – Plot 13. Row 5. Grave 93.
‘In my Father’s house
Are many mansions’

Stirling Mk.I R9250 AA-C

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

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

McDONALD, Murray Alexander

Sgt. Murray Alexander McDonald, RAAF AUS.400352 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 23 on the 12th of March 1942.
Buried Kiel War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 2. H. 5.
‘In loving memory of
‘One of the first of the few”

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

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

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

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

MacDONALD, Norman

Sgt. Norman MacDonald, RAFVR 755134 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 24 on the 20th of September 1940.
Son of Charles and Margaret MacDonald, of Dundee, Scotland.
Buried Adegem Canadian War Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – Coll. grave XII. H. 1-5.
‘Loved dearly in life
And living yet In the hearts of those
Who will never forget’

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

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

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

McDONOGH, Athol Ian

F/S Athol Ian Mcdonogh, RCAF 86634 – Front Gunner.
Lost without trace age 27 on the 20th of August 1942.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 105.

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

Wellington Mk.III BJ.774 AA-X

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

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

McEWIN, Andrew James

F/S Andrew James McEwin, RNZAF NZ417077 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 25 on the 23rd of June 1943.
Son of John andrew and Catherine Flora Mcewin, of Waiuta, Nelson, New Zealand.
Buried Markelo General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Plot 4. Row C. Grave 14.

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.

McGEORGE, John Ronald

F/O John Ronald McGeorge, RAFVR 152740 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 22 on the 21st of July 1944.
Son of Thomas Simpson and Marion Maud McGeorge, of Liverpool.
Buried Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland.
Grave location – Coll. grave 4. H. 2-8. 202
‘In loving remembrance
Of our only son.
“Until we meet again.”
Dad and mum’

Lancaster Mk.III PA967 AA-D

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

McGIBBON, Robert

Sgt. Robert McGgibbon, RAFVR 998735 – Observer.
Killed age 26 on the 12th of March 1942.
Husband of Mabel Elizabeth Mcgibbon, of Countess Wells, Aberdeen.
Buried Kiel War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 2. H. 1.

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

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

MacGILLIVARY, John David Robert

Sgt. John David Robert MacGillivary, RAFVR 922684 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 24 on the 29th of August 1942.
Son of David Young Macgillivray and Lillian Macgillivray, of Tarring, Worthing, Sussex.
Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Joint grave 9. K. 21-22.
‘For where our treasure is,
There will our hearts
Be also’

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.

McGLOIN, Thomas

Sgt. Thomas McGloin, RAFVR 1796255 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 23 on the 22nd of November 1943
Son of Thomas and Kate Mcgloin, of Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, Irish Republic.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 26. A. 5.

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

Stirling Mk.III EF148 AA-R

F/S John Cecil Turner, RNZAF NZ421115 – Pilot.
P/O Stanley Henry MacKenzie, RNZAF NZ422418 – Navigator.
P/O William George Simpson Pagett, RAFVR 151630 – Air Bomber.
F/S James Lindis Cowie, RNZAF NZ42322 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. George Joseph Blackman, RAFVR 1398967 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Robert McLeod More, RAFVR 1809983 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Thomas McGloin, RAFVR 1796255 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EF148 AA-R was brought down over Germany, crashing near Achner, 10 miles North West of Osnabruck. There were no survivors. The seven crew members were buried at Achner but later reinterred at Reichswald Forest Cemetery, South West of Cleve.

McGREGOR, Keith Alexander

F/S Keith Alexander Mcgregor, RNZAF NZ415770 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 21 on the 1st of September 1943.
Son of Matthew Alexander Mcgregor and Jeanie Mcgregor, of Waikouaiti, Otago, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 199.

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 Ggunner were killed and are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. The two survivors, Sgt Bond and Sgt Dummett, were captured as P.o.W’s.

McGREGOR, Murdoch Gordon

Sgt. Murdoch Gordon McGregor, RNZAF NZ411079 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 23 on the 30th of June 1942.
Son of Evan and Flora Duff Wallace Mcgregor, of Turakina Valley, Wellington, New Zealand.
Buried Westdongeradeel (Holwerd) Protestant Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Row 43. Grave 11.

McGREGOR, Roderick

Sgt. Roderick Mcgregor, RAF 1100964 RAFVR – Front Gunner.
Killed age 20 on the 8th of August 1942..
Son of Roderick and Bertha Mcgregor, of Potters Bar, Middlesex.
Buried Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 5. K. 7.
‘In memory of our dear son
Too dearly loved
To be forgotten.
Dad, mam & brother Tom’

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

Wellington Mk.III BJ.708 AA-?

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

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

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

McINTOSH, James Alexander

F/O James Alexander McIntosh, RNZAF NZ411915 – Pilot.
Killed age 26 on the 30th of November 1944.
Son of Alexander and Gertrude Mcintosh, of Huntly, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 25. A. 13-18.

30/11/1944 – Attack Against Osterfeld
Eighteen aircraft took off as detailed carrying 4,000 lb, 1,000 lb, 500 lb, and Incendiary bombs to attack the coking plant at Osterfeld. Seventeen aircraft attacked the target successfully through ten tenths cloud with tops 10,000 feet, and the raid was reported as being well concentrated. One aircraft captained by NZ411915 F/O J.A. McIntosh is missing and the aircraft is believed to have had its tail shot away.

Lancaster Mk.I NF980 JN-F
Missing – A/C believed to have had its tail shot off

F/O James Alexander McIntosh, RNZAF NZ411915 – Pilot.
F/S Robert Carhampton Morgan, RNZAF NZ421389 – Navigator.
F/S Ronald Wynne Newman, RNZAF NZ4210960 – Air Bomber.
F/S Robert James Boag, RAAF AUS.432097 – Wireless Operator .
F/S Richard Thomas Taylor, RAFVR 1401963 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Cyril Brewer, RAFVR 1418695 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Edward Roy Cooper, RAFVR 2221308 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I NF980 JN-F received a direct hit by flak over the target and it appeared to another crew flying close by, to have lost most of its tail-plane. The aircraft fell sharply out of the sky and struck the ground violently. The rear gunner was the only survivor but he too, died from his injuries in a hospital about 3 weeks later.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/james-alexander-mcintosh © New Zealand War Graves Project

McINTYRE, Francis Cassidy

Sgt. Francis Cassidy Mcintyre, RAFVR 1562888 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 25 on the 25th of June 1944.
Son of Archibald and Jeannie Cassidy McIntyre, of Bellshill, Lanarkshire; husband of Agnes Murray McIntyre.
Buried Fruges Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Coll. grave 7. 8
‘Eternal rest
Grant unto him, O Lord;
And let perpetual light
Shine upon him’

24/06/1944 – Attack Against Rimeux
Twenty five aircraft took off as detailed to attack the constructional works at Rimeux. Twenty four crews bombed successfully with the aid of markers, and an accurate raid was reported. There were numerous searchlights in action, but the A.A. opposition was not serious. The aircraft captained by NZ424788 F/S. Bateson, B. failed to return.

Lancaster Mk.III ND920 AA-P

F/S Benjamin William Bateson, RNZAF NZ424788 – Pilot.
Sgt. Geoffrey Leonard Startin, RAFVR 1600846 – Navigator.
Sgt. Maurice Frederick Morgan, RAFVR 1394772 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Francis Cassidy McIntyre, RAFVR 1562888 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Colin Harry Slater, RAFVR 1815706 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ernest Lewis Connett, RAFVR 1236363 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Bruce Milne, RNZAF NZ428017 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.III ND920 AA-P was shot down by a German night-fighter near Fruges (Pas-de-Calais), 27 mils South East of Boulogne, probably while en route to attack a V1 flying-bomb site at Rimeaux. According to local eye witnesses of the crash, the plane exploded on impact, and buried itself in a deep crater, all the members of the crew being instantly killed, such remains as were recovered were buried by French civillians in Grave No.7 in the Fruges Communal Cemetery.

McISAAC, Alexander

Sgt. Alexander McIsaac, RNZAF NZ412891 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 24 on the 28th of November 1942.
Son of Allan Joseph and Adelaide Mcisaac, of Whakatane, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Chevington Cemetery, Northumberland, England..
Grave location – Sec. G. Grave 20.

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.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/alexander-mcisaac © New Zealand War Graves Project

MACKAY, Andrew Donald

P/O Andrew Donald MacKay, RNZAF NZ411919 – Pilot.
Killed age 22 on the 22nd of May 1942.
Son of David Ferguson Mackay and Maud Frances Mackay, of Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Buxton Cemetery, Derbyshire, England..
Grave location – Grave 4178

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

Wellington Mk III, Z.1566 AA-K

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

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

McKAY, Daniel Archibald

F/S Daniel Archibald Mckay, RCAF 73282 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 31 on the 29th of August 1942.
Son of G. E. Roach Mckay and Mary Mckay, of Springhill, Nova Scotia.
Buried Adegem Canadian War Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – XII. E. 12.
‘Loving and kind
In all his ways
Upright and just
To the end of his days’

Wellington Mk.III BJ.673 AA-?

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

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

MacKAY, Kenneth McIndoe

P/O Kenneth McIndoe Mackay, RNZAF NZ421829 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 27 on the 21st of July 1944.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.
Grave location – Panel 263.

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.

MACKENZIE, Douglas John

F/S Douglas John Mackenzie, RAAF AUS.417211 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 27 on the 2nd of May 1944.
Son of Walter James Mackenzie and Vera Mackenzie; Husband of Mary Elizabeth Mackenzie, of Hackney, South Australia.
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.

McKENZIE, Frank Edwin

Sgt. Frank Edwin McKenzie, RNZAF NZ391085 – Wireless Operator.
Lost without trace age 22 on the 9th of July 1942.
Son of Frank Harold and Blanche Louisa Mckenzie, of Bryndwyr, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 117.

08/07/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Wilhemshaven
Thirteen a/c were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 1000lbs, and 4lb inc was dropped in the target area and hit were believed to be scored. There was heavy predicted flak and searchlights were scattered. No enemy a/c were seen. Weather was good clear over target. Navigation was excellent.

Wellington Mk.III X.3557 AA-X

P/O Trevor Harry Smith, RNZAF NZ41953 – Pilot.
P/O Donald Norman Potts RNZAF NZ412267 2nd Pilot.
P/O Alan Stuart Broun, RNZAF NZ405367 – Observer.
Sgt. Frank Edwin McKenzie, RNZAF NZ391085 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. George Anthony Young, RNZAF NZ405771 – Front Gunner.
P/O Jack Ralph Gavegan, RNZAF NZ402128 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.III X.3557 AA-X came down at the northern end of the Waddenzee, near Rottumeroog Is at 01.30hrs. The time of the crash indicates the aircraft was still on the outward bound route to the target and was almost certainly shot down by one of the many German night fighters operating along that part of the Dutch coast. The details contained within German documentation regarding the injuries to the body of George Young certainly seem to support this, describing significant head injuires, assumed to be from a bullet or shell.

All of the crew were killed. Only the bodies of Sgt Young and the Pilot, P/O Trevor Harry Smith were recovered. As mentioned previously, a second body was recovered with Sgt. Young’s – the conjecture by rank of the airman is that this was Frank McKenzie, however a positive I.D. was never able to be made.

McKENZIE, Francis Max

P/O Francis Max McKenzie, RNZAF NZ41344 – Pilot.
Killed age 26 on the 23rd of June 1943.
Son of Frederick Ernest Mckenzie and of Alice Maud Mckenzie (Nee Saunders), of Dannevirke, Hawke’S Bay, New Zealand.
Buried Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland. .
Grave location – 11. H. 7.Age 26

Stirling Mk.III BK810 AA-G

P/O Francis Max McKenzie, RNZAF NZ41244 – Pilot.
Sgt. Albert Edgar West, RNZAF NZ421947 – Navigator.
Sgt. John Frederick Blank, RNZAF NZ422175 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Basil Henry Broadhead, RNZAF NZ415986 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. R.A.W. Triptree, RAFVR 1323983 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. J.R.G. Chrystal, RAFVR 520340 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Eric William McGonigal, RNZAF NZ421329 – Rear Gunner.

BK810 was brought down at 02.10hrs at Oostrum (Limburg) about a mile E of Venray, Holland from a combination of AA fire and fighter attack. The latter pilot was believed to be Hptm Wilhelm Herget of I /NJG1. All five crew except P/O McKenzie and F/S Blank parachuted to safety and were captured as POW’s. McKenzie was buried in Jonkerbos War Cemetery, while Blank is located in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

On their third operation four nights previously, Max and his crew had to return with their load of bombs from a raid over Le Creusot because they could not identify their target. But this night over Mulheim, their bombs dropped into a hellish inferno. With their mission accomplished Max made a right curve to reach a position of 5125N, 0630,0 in the vicinity of Huls am Niederrhein, heading towards Nooordwijk.

Suddenly they were hit by flak. Within minutes the crew had the fire under control. Max continued to fly on course. Nearby, Hauptmann Wilhelm Herghet, a German fighter pilot slipped underneath the Stirling and fired his 20mm guns into the wings, which contained the fuel tanks. With a blazing wing and loss of power, Max gave the order to bail out. He held the plane on course till he thought everyone had jumped. The last crew member to leave the plane saw Max struggling to leave his seat. The blazing plane crossed the border into The Netherlands and crashed at Oostrum, just west of Venray at 0210.

Young Jack, the bomb aimer, died after the jump from the plane; no one knows exactly how he died. The rest of the crew, navigator Sgt. Albert West, Rear Gunner Sgt. Eric McGonigal, Mid Upper Gunner Sgt. R G Chrystal, Flight Engineer Sgt. R.A. Triptree and Wireless Operator Sgt. Basil Broadhead survived the parachute jump.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/francis-max-mckenzie © New Zealand War Graves Project

McKENZIE, John Murdoch Thomas

F/S John Murdoch Thomas McKenzie, RNZAF NZ427217 – Navigator.
Killed age 27 on the 11th of June 1944.
Son of Pte. John Murdock McKenzie, Wellington Regt., N.Z.E.F. (killed in France, 19th October, 1916) and Ivy Winifred McKenzie, of Levin, Wellington, New Zealand.
Buried Bayeux War Cemetery, France.
Grave location – XI. K. 3. 168

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 ME702 AA-Q

P/O Lester Lascelles Bonisch, RNZAF NZ422098 – Pilot.
F/S James Murdoch Thomas McKenzie, RNZAF NZ427217 – Navigator.
F/S James Stuart Millar, RNZAF NZ427220 – Air Bomber.
F/O Henry Herbert Marsh, RAFVR 145303 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. William Thomas Reaveley, RAFVR 1892370 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt Bernard ‘Bill’ Allen, RAFVR 968734 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Frank William Cousins, RAFVR 1237485 – Rear Gunner.

Shortly after target, ME702, AA-Q was hit twice by flak, before breaking up in the air. All the crew was killed, except for Bernard ‘Bill’ Allen, the crew’s Mid Upper Gunner. From Bill Allen’s War Log, the following is his memory of this event:

“The bomb aimer directed the plane on to the target, and gave the words “bombs gone” to the skipper, to which the skipper replied “bomb doors closing”. No sooner had he got the words from his mouth than there was a terrific crash, me seat collapsed, my intercom went dead, I felt terrific pain in my left leg, and the aircraft was filled with flame and smoke. I scrambled for my parachute which was lying near the main entrance of the aircraft, up this end the smoke and flames were most dense. At first I couldn’t find my chute in the smoke, my eyes were running and sore, and the aircraft was swinging from side to side so that I fell to the floor and had to claw my way along by clutching at the hydraulic pipes along the sides of the fuselage. I got to my chute and hooked it on, simultaneously there was another crash, the plane gave a lurch and the next thing I knew I was sailing through space. I grabbed the rip cord and pulled it, the chute opened quite easily and I floated down to earth wondering what had happened, and listening to the second wave of Lanc’s bombing the target.”

MACKENZIE, Stanley Henry

F/O Stanley Henry MacKenzie, RNZAF NZ422418 – Navigator.
Killed age 23 on the 22nd of November 1943.
Son of Roderick Stanley and Mary Ann Mackenzie, of Whangarei, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 26. A. 2.

Stirling Mk.III EF148 AA-R

F/S John Cecil Turner, RNZAF NZ421115 – Pilot.
P/O Stanley Henry MacKenzie, RNZAF NZ422418 – Navigator.
P/O William George Simpson Pagett, RAFVR 151630 – Air Bomber.
F/S James Lindis Cowie, RNZAF NZ42322 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. George Joseph Blackman, RAFVR 1398967 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Robert McLeod More, RAFVR 1809983 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Thomas McGloin, RAFVR 1796255 – Rear Gunner.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/stanley-henry-mackenzie © New Zealand War Graves Project

MacKINNON, Douglas Malcolm

Sgt. Douglas Malcolm Mackinnon, RNZAF NZ40923 – Front Gunner.
Lost without trace age 20 on the 16th of July 1941.
Son of John Malcolm and Gertrude Caroline MacKinnon, of Rangiriri, Auckland, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 64.

15/07/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Duisburg
Nine Wellington aircraft were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above targets. One of these aircraft, R.3171 captained by SGT. Fotheringham, failed to return to base. Another, W.5663, 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 R.3171 AA-E

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

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

McLACHLAN, Euan Wilfred

F/O Euan Wilfred McLachlan, RNZAF NZ415266 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 22 on the 28th of April 1944.
Son of Wallace Lamorg Mclachlan and Erica Mclachlan, of Tinwald, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 4. C. 1-7.Age 22

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

Lancaster Mk.III ND796 AA-J

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

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

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

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

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/euan-wilfred-mclachlan © New Zealand War Graves Project

McLEAN, John McKenzie

F/S John McKenzie McLean, RAFVR 968453 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 22 on the 31st of May 1942.
Son of John Corgal McLean and Christina McCall McLean; husband of Edna Mary McLean.
Buried Apeldoorn (Ugchelen-Heidehof) General Cemetery, Holland..
Grave location – Plot 4. Grave 139.
‘All that you hoped for,
All you had you gave’

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.

MacLEOD, Norman Alexander

F/S Norman Alexander MacLeod, RNZAF NZ404079 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 26 on the 30th of May 1943.
Son of Norman Alexanda Macleod, and of Grace Macleod (Nee Bell), of Hinakura, Wellington, New Zealand.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 6. A. 12.

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 EH881 AA-Z

Sgt. John Henry Roy Carey, RNZAF NZ414242 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Lewes Roberts, RNZAF NZ411593 – Navigator.
Sgt. Percy Gibson Knight, RNZAF NZ417282 – Air Bomber.
F/S Maurice Archibald Brady, RNZAF NZ39987 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. T.E. Beaver, RAFVR 1276184 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Alfred Owen, RAFVR 1250494 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Norman Alexander McLeod, RNZAF NZ404079 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EH881 AA-Z was brought down at Eilendorf, outside the township of Aachen (35 miles South West of Cologne). The Captain and two gunners died in the crash and are buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery. The other four crew all escaped uninjured, either by parachute or from the wrecked aircraft, and were captured as POW’s.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/norman-alexander-macleod © New Zealand War Graves Project

McLINDEN, John Frederick

Sgt. John Frederick Mclinden, RAF 611555 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 24 on the 22nd of April 1942.
Son of John Mclinden, and of Lily Mclinden, of Onchan, Isle of Man.
Buried St. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France.
Grave location – Divn. 67. Row E. Grave 8.

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

Wellington Mk.III X.3667 AA-J – ? check this designator

F/S Thomas Stanley Mahood, RNZAF NZ404916 – Pilot.
Sgt. Cyril Charles Wrightson RNZAF NZ411998 2nd Pilot.
F/S Sydney Houston Dromgoole, RNZAF NZ402172 – Observer.
Sgt. Reginald Joseph Stephen Kelly, RNZAF NZ403580 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Henry Thomas Owen McMahon, RNZAF NZ403019 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. John Frederick McLinden, RAFVR 611555 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington X3667 failed to return. Little is known of the circumstances leading to its disappearance, except that it was brought down in the sea near Le Havre. Only the body of the RAF rear gunner was later washed ashore, the remainder of the crew (all RNZAF) being lost without trace.

McLOUGHLIN, John Bernard

Sgt. John Bernard McLoughlin, RAFVR 1262086 – Wireless Operator.
Lost without trace age 29 on the 6th of July 1943.
Son of John Augustine and of Mary Anne Mcloughlin (Nee Cronin), of Tooting, Surrey.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 158.

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.

McMAHON, Henry Thomas Owen

Sgt. Henry Thomas Owen McMahon, RNZAF NZ403019 – Front Gunner.
Lost without trace age 27 on the 22nd of April 1942.
Son of Michael and Gladys Mcmahon, of Morningside, Auckland, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 117.

Wellington Mk.III X.3667 AA-J – ? check this designator

F/S Thomas Stanley Mahood, RNZAF NZ404916 – Pilot.
Sgt. Cyril Charles Wrightson RNZAF NZ411998 2nd Pilot.
F/S Sydney Houston Dromgoole, RNZAF NZ402172 – Observer.
Sgt. Reginald Joseph Stephen Kelly, RNZAF NZ403580 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Henry Thomas Owen McMahon, RNZAF NZ403019 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. John Frederick McLinden, RAFVR 611555 – Rear Gunner.

McMANUS, George William

Sgt. George William McManus, RAFVR 1806217 – Navigator.
Killed age 35 on the 26th of February 1945.
Buried Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, England.
Grave location – Grave 15515.

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

Lancaster Mk.I ME450 AA-W

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

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

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

McMORRINE, Alexander Watson

Sgt. Alexander Watson McMorrine, RAF 551156 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 22 on the 3rd of December 1942.
Son of Robert McMorrine, and of Mina Seaton McMorrine (nee Dickson), of Leven, Fife.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 18. D. 1.

02/12/1942 – Operations. Attack Against Targets At Frankfurt
Five aircraft were detailed to attack the above target with bomb load of 4lb. Incendiaries, but a series of misfortunes left only two to get away successfully. One of these, Stirling I, BK618 captained by Sergeant Scott, failed to return, so the night was an unhappy one. One aircraft failed to take off, one swung so badly on take-off that after two attempts the sortie was abandoned, and the third unsuccessful aircraft returned early with the port outer engine dead, this being due to hitting the top of a drem pole shortly after take-off. The one successful aircraft, Stirling I, R.9243 captained by F/O Trott, dropped its bombs in the target area from 10,000 feet and fires were seen to start. Slight heavy A.A. fire was encountered, some searchlights were also seen operating in cones. No enemy aircraft were seen. The weather was hazy to the target, but clear with good visibility in the target area. Navigation was good, the town being identified by the bend in the river.

Stirling Mk.I BK.618 AA-Q

Sgt. Alexander Scott, RNZAF NZ413484 – Pilot.
Sgt. Robert William Sharpe, RAFVR 1496472 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Albert Edward Rey, RCAF R.93319/ J.96501 – Observer.
Sgt. Walter Keith Wright, RNZAF NZ413310 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. John Robert Smith, RNZAF NZ412907 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. D.C. Baker, RAFVR 574826 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Robert Edward Preston, RAFVR 1080471 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Alexander Watson McMorrine, RAF 551156 – Rear Gunner.

Take Off – – Landed –
Flight Time missing

BK.618 was shot down by two enemy night-fighters 10 minutes after bombing the target, Frankfurt. The aircraft crashed in flames at Ida Oberstein, approximately 55 miles South West of the target. Five crew members parachuted to safety and were taken as prisoners. The Pilot and Mid Upper Gunner died in the crash and are buried at Rheinberg, 10 miles South of Wesel.

McMURCHY, James Gordon

Sgt. James Gordon McMurchy, RNZAF NZ405539 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 31 on the 29th of July 1942.
Son of Donald Richard Mcmurchy and of Barbara Mcmurchy (Nee Mackay), of Mayfield, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Buried Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 11. E. 7.

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 BJ.599 AA-U

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

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

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/james-gordon-mcmurchy © New Zealand War Graves Project

McNAMARA, Brian Patrick

P/O Brian Patrick McNamara, RAF 42856 – Pilot.
Killed age 26 on the 10th of January 1941.
Son of Michael McNamara and of Helena McNamara (Nee O’Brien), of Lidget Green, Bradford, Yorkshire.
Buried Feltwell (St. Nicholas) Churchyard, Norfolk, England..
Grave location – Row A. Grave 4.

75(NZ)Squadron Form 540 January 1941
Jan.10
At 10.00 hours on 10.1.41, P/O McNamara was detailed to carry out a Night Flying Test on aircraft T.2550, Letter “L”. After the N.F.T. his instructions were to proceed to Bassingbourn, drop P/O Ryan and bring back a new Pilot who was taking P/O Ryans’s place.

Cloud base at Feltwell was 1,500 feet and P/O McNamara was warned that south and westwards the cloud base would be lower, and , if he did not like it to return to base.

P/O Brian Patrick Mcnamara, RAF 42856 – Pilot.
P/O Alexander James Ryan, RNZAF NZ391367 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Richard Booth Elliott, RAF 581379 – Observer.
Sgt. Matthew Roy Ritchie, RAF 631868 – Front Gunner .
Sgt. John Olive, RAFVR 978156 – Wireless Operator .
P/O Ronald Edward Ashby-Peckham, RNZAF NZ40714 – Rear Gunner.

Operations Room was notified of this proposed cross country flight and P/O McNamara ascertained from Operations Air Control that Bassingbourn was serviceable, and gave his approx.. time of take of as 11.30 hours. Station Signals failed to contact the aircraft after it had taken off, E.T.A. base was 13.00 hours. At 14.30 hours Control commenced taking overdue action and rang Bassingbourn on P.B.K. but did not connect until 15.25 hours when they ascertained that the aircraft had not arrived. At 16.40 hours No.3 Group informed us that the aircraft had crashed at Heath Farm, Stapleford, near Duxford, and the following personel were killed or died from injuries.

P/O B.P. McNamara (Captain) unmarried. P/O A.J. Ryan (2^nd Pilot) unmarried.
Sgt. Elliot R.B. (Navigator) unmarried. Sgt. J. Olive (W/Operator) unmarried.
Sgt. M.R. Ritchie (Front Gunner) unmarried. Sgt. R.E. Ashby-Peckham (Rear Gunner) unmarried. Seriously injured and taken to Addenbrooks Hospital.

MacPHAIL, Allan Corson Anderson

Sgt. Allan Corson Anderson MacPhail, RNZAF NZ41194 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 30 on the 30th of May 1943.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 29. E. 15-18.

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.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/allan-corson-anderson-macphail © New Zealand War Graves Project

McPHERSON, Colin Valentine

F/S Colin Valentine McPherson, RNZAF NZ404912 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 21 on the 26th of July 1942.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 117.

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 X.3714 AA-W

Sgt. Colin Valentine McPherson, RNZAF NZ404912 – Pilot.
Sgt. Stanley David Ross, RNZAF NZ41359 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O Philip Charles Spittal, RNZAF NZ404420 – Observer.
Sgt. Raymond Patrick Coppersmith, RNZAF NZ391697 – Wireless Operator.
F/S Louvain Trevor Cairns, RNZAF NZ402437 – Front Gunner.
F/S Norman Albert Bryson, RNZAF NZ40859 – Rear Gunner.

The circumstances leading to the loss of Wellington Mk.III X.3714 AA-W, are unknown and it was thus recorded as ‘lost without trace’. All of the crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

McQUADE, Hugh Steel

Sgt. Hugh Steel McQuade, RAFVR 1349542 – Navigator.
Killed age 21 on the 12th of June 1943.
Buried Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – Coll. grave 9. D. 2-7.

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.

McQUATER, Alick

Sgt. Alick McQuater, RAFVR 1369879 – Flight Engineer.
Lost without trace age 21 on the 26th of May 1943.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 158.

25/05/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Dusseldorf
Sixteen aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attack with bombs of 1000lb and incendiaries of 30lb and 4lb. Four aircraft returned early owing to engine trouble, and one failed to return. The remaining eleven aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area, and some large explosions were also seen. Both heavy and light A.A. Fire was encountered, co-operating with searchlights, which were ineffective. Some enemy aircraft were seen and two short combats took place, but no damage was sustained by our aircraft. Ten tenths cloud was prevalent in the target area, but visibility was fairly good. Navigation was very good. This missing aircraft was Stirling Mk.I. BK602, captained by Sergeant T.W. Darton.

Stirling Mk.I BK602 AA-R

Sgt. Thomas William Darton, RNZAF NZ416465 – Pilot.
Sgt. Dudley Dobson Coates, RNZAF NZ421318 – Navigator.
Sgt. John Milton Patrick Riordan, RNZAF NZ422668 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. John Charles Lawrence Whiteman, RAFVR 1234862 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Alick McQuater, RAFVR 1369879 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Stephen Redpath, RAFVR 1572718 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Frederick Philip Wilshire, RAFVR 1170594 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.I BK602 AA-R was shot down by a night-fighter off the Belgian/French coast and went down into the sea off IJmuiden. The attack probably took place within the dreaded German air defensive ‘Box’ when BK602 was en route to the target area. Four bodies were recovered and identified as Sergeant’s Coates, Whiteman, Redpath and Willsher. Coates and Whiteman are buried in Oostende New Communal Cemetery; Redpath lies in Dunkerque Town Cemetery and Wilsher in Bergen op Zoom War Cemetery, Holland.

Sergeant’s Darton, McQuarter and Riordan are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

McRAE, Christopher Frederick (Bud)

F/S Christopher Frederick (Bud) McRae, RCAF 147326 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 26 on the 23rd of September 1943.
Son of Christopher Alexander and Myrtle Margaret Mcrae, of Grande Point, Manitoba, Canada.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 21. B. 14.
‘Our beloved Bud,
If love is true
For evermore,
There is no death’

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

Stirling Mk.III EH936 JN-W

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

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

McRAE, James Kenneth

F/O James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
Killed age 27 on the 25th of July 1944.
Son Of Donald McRae And Of Madeline McRae (Nee Devery), Of Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand.
Buried Chateau-Voue Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1-3.

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 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.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/james-kenneth-mcrae © New Zealand War Graves Project

McVETY, Maurice Wyndham Stuart

Sgt. Maurice Wyndham Stuart McVety, RAFVR 1252094 – Observer.
Lost without trace age 20 on the 12th of September 1941.
Son of Robert John and Elizabeth Martha McVety, of Biscovey, Cornwall.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 48.

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

Wellington Mk.Ic R.1038 AA-H

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

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

McVICAR, Angus

Sgt. Angus McVicar, RAFVR 1371651 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 20 on the 15th of April 1943.
Son of Donald and Margaret McVicar, of Dunbeath, Caithness-Shire.
Buried Florennes Communal Cemetery, Belgium.
Grave location – Row 2. Coll. grave 22-26.
‘Dearly beloved eldest son
Of Donald & Margaret McVicar, Dunbeath, Scotland’

Stirling Mk.III BF513 AA-E

P/O Donald Gordon McCaskill, RNZAF NZ413573 – Pilot.
P/O James Kennedy Grainger, RNZAF NZ42295 – Navigator.
Sgt. Bertram Elwell, RAFVR 519416 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Reginald Thomas Charles Green, RAFVR 1211032 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Angus McVicar, RAFVR 1371651 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ernest Desmond Cook, RAFVR 1609864 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Ronald Alexander Smith, RNZAF NZ415378 – Rear Gunner.

McWILLIAM, Allan

Sgt. Allan McWilliam, RNZAF NZ416586 – Navigator.
Killed age 20 on the 30th of May 1943.
Son of Bruce Carmichael McWilliam and of Ellen Winifred McWilliam (Nee Jack), of Hampden, Otago, New Zealand.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 29. E. 15-18.

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. Allan 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.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/allan-mcwilliam © New Zealand War Graves Project

McWILLIAM, Robert James

Sgt. Robert James McWilliam, RCAF 93977 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 20 on the 8th of November 1942.
Buried Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, England..
Grave location – Grave 14740.

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.

MAHOOD, Thomas Stanley

F/S Thomas Stanley Mahood, RNZAF NZ404916 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 25 on the 22nd of April 1942.
Son of John Henry and Sarah Jane Mahood, of Cambridge, Auckland, New Zealand. B.Com.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 117.

Wellington Mk.III X.3667 AA-J – ? check this designator

F/S Thomas Stanley Mahood, RNZAF NZ404916 – Pilot.
Sgt. Cyril Charles Wrightson RNZAF NZ411998 2nd Pilot.
F/S Sydney Houston Dromgoole, RNZAF NZ402172 – Observer.
Sgt. Reginald Joseph Stephen Kelly, RNZAF NZ403580 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Henry Thomas Owen McMahon, RNZAF NZ403019 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. John Frederick McLinden, RAFVR 611555 – Rear Gunner.

MAPPIN, Sir Charles Thomas Hewitt 4th Bt.

Sgt. Sir Charles Thomas Hewitt Mappin, RAFVR 1380356 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 32 on the 8th of November 1941.
4Th Bart. Son of Thomas Wilson Mappin and Violet Mappin; Husband of Lady Mappin (Nee Gordon Duff).
Buried Rotterdam (Crooswijk) General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Plot LL. Row 1. Joint grave 14.

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

Wellington Mk.Ic Z.8942 AA-J

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

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

MARFIL, Lorenzo

Sgt. Lorenzo Marfil, RAFVR 1893899 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 23 on the 21st of October 1944.
Son of Frederick and Harriet Ann Marfil, of South Lambeth, London.
Buried Bergen-Op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery, Holland..
Grave location – 13. B. 12.
‘Thoughts slip back
To bygone days
Time goes on
But memory stays’

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.

MARGETTS, John Edward Stanley

F/S John Edward Stanley Margetts, RNZAF NZ422665 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 25 on the 22nd of November 1943.
Son of William Francis and Eva Lilian Margetts, of Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 9. A. 22-25.

Stirling Mk.III LJ453 AA-K

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

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

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

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/john-edward-stanley-margetts © New Zealand War Graves Project

MARLOW, John Leslie

Sgt. John Leslie Marlow, RAFVR 1353768 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 22 on the 16th of April 1943.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 20. A. 13-14.

16/04/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Ludwigshaven
Eleven aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attack, with bombs of 2000 lb, 1000 lb and incendiaries of 30 lb and 4 lb. Seven of the aircraft successfully attacked the target. Large fires and one big explosion were seen. Two aircraft returned early owing to engine trouble. Both heavy and light A.A. Fire was encountered co-operation with searchlights. Two of our aircraft were hit and the Navigator of one was hit in the leg. Several enemy aircraft were seen, but no combats took place. The weather was good on the route, but considerable haze was experienced at the target. Navigations was very good. Stirling Mark III BK.664 captained by F/Lt. D.C.Lowe, which experienced some very accurate A.A. Fire whilst overt the target, found on landing, that this throttle controls were jammed open, he was lucky enough to be able to land, but unfortunately he crashed into a semi built hanger on the aerodrome. The aircraft was an absolute wreck, but all the crew got away safely, although not without injuries. Stirling Mark III W 7469 captained by F/Sgt. K.F. Debenham and Stirling Mark I BF451 captained by P/O K.H.G. Groves failed to return.

Stirling Mk.I W7469 AA-O

F/S Kevin Frederick Debenham, RNZAF NZ412211 – Pilot.
Sgt. Raymond James Barnes, RCAF R.87330 – Navigator.
Sgt. David Michael Turner Watts, RAFVR 1312572 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Peter Braithwaite Pearson, RAFVR 1377412 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. D. Wainwright, RAFVR 1193816 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. John Leslie Marlow, RAFVR 1353768 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Jim Jack Davis, RAFVR 629241 – Rear Gunner.

t/o 2217 Newmarket. Crashed at Katzenbach. Those who died are buried in Rheinberg Cemetery.

The circumstances surrounding the loss of Stirling Mk.I W7469 AA-O are unclear. It crashed at Katzenbach, south of Frankfurt, and all but the Flight Engineer, Sgt Wainwright, were killed. The sole survivor was listed as a P.o.W, suggesting he either baled out or escaped from the wrecked aircraft and was captured. The crew members who died are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, south of Wesel.

MARSH, Henry Herbert

F/O Henry Herbert Marsh, RAFVR 145303 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 23 on the 11th of June 1944.
Son of Harry Herbert and Catherine Florence Marsh, of Boscombe, Hampshire.
Buried Bayeux War Cemetery, France.
Grave location – XI. K. 1. 166
‘Till me meet again’

Lancaster Mk.I ME702 AA-Q

P/O Lester Lascelles Bonisch, RNZAF NZ422098 – Pilot.
F/S James Murdoch Thomas McKenzie, RNZAF NZ427217 – Navigator.
F/S James Stuart Millar, RNZAF NZ427220 – Air Bomber.
F/O Henry Herbert Marsh, RAFVR 145303 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. William Thomas Reaveley, RAFVR 1892370 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt Bernard ‘Bill’ Allen, RAFVR 968734 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Frank William Cousins, RAFVR 1237485 – Rear Gunner.

MARSHALL, Eric William Elliott

F/S Eric William Elliott Marshall, RNZAF NZ415637 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 31 on the 23rd of May 1944.
Son of Harold W. and Eva M. Marshall, of Hastings, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 3. G. 18. 88

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

Lancaster Mk.III ND768 AA-F “Freddie”

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

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

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/eric-william-elliott-marshall © New Zealand War Graves Project

MARTIN, Donald Ernest

F/S Donald Ernest Martin, RNZAF NZ413872 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 26 on the 23rd of June 1943.
Son of Frederick Ernest and Hypatia Ethel Martin; Husband of Hazel Maud Martin, of Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Markelo General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Plot 4. Row C. Grave 16.

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.

MARTIN, Leonard Arthur

F/O Leonard Arthur Martin, RAFVR 153528 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 31 on the 20th of November 1944.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 25. G. 10.

Lancaster Mk.III ND911 JN-V

F/O Patrick Leo McCartin, RAAF AUS.419328 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Miles, RAFVR 845847/ 187426 – Navigator.
F/O Leonard ‘Len’ Arthur Martin, RAFVR 153528 – Air Bomber.
F/S Phillip Francis Smith, RAAF AUS. 427206 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. William John Warlow, RAFVR 1653307 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Dennis George Albert Bryer, RAFVR 1874880 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. John Gray, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.

MARTYN, Leslie Arthur

F/L Leslie Arthur Martyn, RNZAF NZ417082 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 35 on the 21st of November 1944.
Son of Jessie Martyn, of Greymouth, Westland, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 262.

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.

MARVIN, Douglas William James

P/O Douglas William James Marvin, DFC, RAFVR 176037 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 21 on the 28th of May 1944.
Son of Horace James Marvin and Lily Mary Marvin, of Leicester.
Buried Wevelgem Communal Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – Coll. grave E. 473-474. 15

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.

MASON, Frederick David

Sgt. Frederick David Mason, RAFVR 1230433 – Flight Engineer.
Lost without trace age 21 on the 16th of August 1943.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 158.

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.

MASON, James Rooker

F/S James Rooker Mason, RNZAF NZ421307 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 27 on the 28th of May 1944.
Son of Samuel Rooker Mason, and of Ada Henrietta Mason, of Wellsford, North Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Wevelgem Communal Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – Coll. grave E. 473-474. 15

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.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/james-rooker-mason © New Zealand War Graves Project

MASSEY, William

Sgt. William Massey, RAFVR 1365268 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 33 on the 8th of November 1941.
Son of William and Margaret Massey, of Glasgow.
Buried Doetinchem (Loolaan) General Cemetery, Holland.
Grave location – Row 1. Grave 3.
‘(inscription only partially legible on CWGC document)
Xxwas here as oft’
Xxx our island story
The path of duty
Was the path of glory’

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

Wellington Mk.Ic X.9977 AA-D

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

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

MASSIE, Charles John

Sgt. Charles John Massie, RAFVR 1322528 – Navigator.
Killed age 23 on the 4th of October 1943.
Son of Charles Ernest and Ellen Massie, of Enfield, Middlesex.
Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1. H. 1-7.
‘In loving memory of Charles,
Our only son.
Ever in our thoughts.
Mum, dad and Doris’

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

MASTERS, William Stuart

P/O William Stuart Masters, RNZAF NZ421077 – Pilot.
Killed age 21 on the 4th of November 1943.
Son of Clifford Arundel Masters and Daisy Caroline Masters, of Waiuku, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Frederikshavn Cemetery, Denmark..
Grave location – Allied Plot. grave 52.

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/william-stuart-masters © New Zealand War Graves Project

MATETICH, John Anthony

Sgt. John Anthony Matetich, RAFVR 778235 – Pilot.
Killed age 28 on the 15th of October 1941.
Son of John and Helen Matetich, of Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1. C. 3-4.
‘One we loved
And will never forget’

15/10/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Cologne and Boulogne
Ten Wellington aircraft from this Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. A mixed bomb load was carried consisting of 1,000 lb, 500 lb, 250 lb GP’s and containers of incendiaries. Captains report that bombs were dropped on the target by estimation, but owing to slight haze over the target results were not seen. A considerable amount of heavy AA fire was experienced in and around the target area. Fire was accurate over Aachen. Searchlight activity was intense throughout the route but ineffective in the target area because of the cloud. Weather was fair en route but thick ground haze over all target area. Navigation was by Astro, D/R, QDM. Pinpointing and Lorenz check. Two of these aircraft, Z8945, captained by Sgt Barker, and X9916, captained by Sgt Matetich failed to return to base.

Wellington Mk.Ic X.9916 AA-

Sgt. John Anthony Matetich, RAFVR 778235 – Pilot.
Sgt. Frederick Lionel Roy Wood, RNZAF NZ404439 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S Neville Henry Welsh, RNZAF NZ391334 – Navigator.
Sgt. Frederick Harry Worledge, RAFVR 755764 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Service, RAFVR 749347 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Donald Frederick Barkhouse, RCAF R.65416 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.Ic X.9916 was lost over Cologne.The circumstances are unclear as to what caused the aircraft to crash. All the crew were killed and later buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery.

MAYO, John Russell

F/S John Russell Mayo, RNZAF NZ417085 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 21 on the 7th of August 1943.
Son of John Frederick and Emily Mayo, of Bulls, Wellington, New Zealand.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.
Grave location – Panel 199.

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

Stirling Mk.III BK614 JN-N

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

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

MEAGHER, Brian Dominic

Sgt. Brian Dominic Meagher, RAFVR 1109620 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 20 on the 30th of November 1941.
Buried Schiermonnikoog (Vredenhof) Cemetery, Holland.
Grave location – Grave 65.

Wellington Mk. Ic Z.1099 AA-S

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

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

MEE, Alexander Coutts

Sgt. Alexander Coutts Mee, RNZAF NZ40656 – 2nd Pilot.
Killed age 23 on the 7th of MAy 1941.
Son of Alexander Mee and of Jessie Mee (Nee Coutts), of Brighton, Otago, New Zealand; Nephew of Mr. F. A. Coutts, of Brighton.
Buried Grimsby (Scartho Road) Cemetery, Lincolnshire, England..
Grave location – Sec. 116. Row G. Grave 5.

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

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

Wellington Mk.Ic R.3169 AA-P

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

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

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

Sgt. Alexander Mee had previously escaped in another incident on the 19th March 1941 when he escaped by parachute from Wellington Mk.Ic T.2736 AA-A. Returning from Kiel, the aircraft had contacted Hull to request searchlight assistance, but this had been denied owing to enemy activity in the area. Running short of fuel, possibly owing to flak damage to tanks, the crew baled out. T.2736 subsequently crashed at Ryhill, approximately 14 miles South, South East of Leeds. Tragically, Sgt. Daniel Gilmore’s parachute failed to open and he was killed. The remainder of the crew all survived.

MELLON, William Neill Kennedy

Sgt. William Neill Kennedy Mellon, RAFVR 1176808 – Rear Gunner.
Lost without trace age 27 on the 7th of August 1941.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 48.

06/08/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Mannheim and Calais
Thirteen Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out individual bombing attacks against the above targets. One of these aircraft, R.1648 captained by SGT. Millet, failed to return to base. The bomb load was mixed and consisted of 1000lbs; 500lbs; 250lbs; and containers of incendiaries.

GHC.170 sighted river near target but had to bomb through 10/10 cloud. Glow of a fire was seen through clouds. Bomb bursts were observed in target area by GHC.231. GNC.265 observed bomb bursts in dock area. GHC.279 bombed target area but was unable to pinpoint target on account of haze. GHC.324 saw bombs burst across outer harbour of Ostend. Unable to reach primary target owing to loss of time and petrol in extensive thunder cloud on East Coast. GHC.470 dropped bombs in target area but results were not observed. GHC.535 bombed target through 9/10 cloud. Fire observed on departure. GHC.688 failed to attack target. GHC.719 bombed flak and searchlight concentrations on E.T.A. through 10/10 cloud. Results were not observed by GHC.750.
P/O. Williams reports direct hit on lock gates. Results were not observed by P/O. Scott owing to heavy cloud.
A fair amount of activity was observed on enemy aerodromes in Brussels-liege area.
A.A. fire was slight but accurate.
Searchlights were ineffective owing to cloud.
GHC.279 reports encounter with probable JU.88. Three attacks were made but the enemy was driven off by return fire. Rear gunner believes he scored hit with third burst, causing aircraft to break away.
Weather was not favourable, there being heavy cloud, thunder, electric storms, and bad icing conditions.
Navigation was by W/T, D/R, astro and loop.

Wellington Mk.Ic R.1648 AA – K

Sgt. Leopold Ian Adrian Millet, RAFVR 1164817 – Pilot.
Sgt. Richard Grosvenor Morgan, RNZAF NZ402239 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Derrick Polley, RAFVR 977080 – Observer.
Sgt. Clifford Simpson, RAFVR 943822 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Jack Wilson Bottomley , RAFVR 943398 – Front Gunner.
F/S William Neill Kennedy Mellon, RAFVR 176808 – Rear Gunner.

Shot down after bombing target Mannheim 6.8.41; ditched in North Sea; crew 4 POW and 2 killed:

Excerpt from: “Into The Drink; By A Member Of The Goldfish Club, Ian A Millett; The Memoirs Of A Royal Air Force Bomber Pilot 1940-1945”, Publisher: Ian A. Millett (2000).

” I was, of course, flying a Wellington 1C. Our mission that night was to bomb the tank works at Mannheim. I was the captain, Derrick Polley was the navigator, Simpson was the wireless operator, there was a fellow called Morgan, a New Zealander, who was the second pilot, Bottomley was the front gunner, and the rear gunner was Mellon, a replacement for our regular gunner, Oddie. Derrick and I were all out to get our names in print, so we volunteered that night to carry a camera, which was a foolish thing because after we had done our bomb run, we had to go back and do a couple more runs for filming, so we were late getting off the target.
We were intercepted over Germany. A cry came from the rear gunner “There’s an aircraft behind us!” Before I could yell at him, “Fire!”, we received the first burst which hit us and made a mess of the aeroplane, and she caught fire. I promptly went into a left hand turn and yelled at the front gunner “watch out!”.

We circled, the guy came by, he came right up alongside of us on the right hand front, which was a stupid thing to do because Bottomley raked him from end to end, and it was a Messerschmitt 110, and they had no armour on the side anyway, and he pulled away in a dive.
We were, of course, in bad shape. The good old Wellington caught fire in the fuselage, not anywhere else, and eventually it was put out, by Derrick Polley with the use of a fire extinguisher. I decided we would head for home, even though we had been badly hit.

The instrument panel was non-existent, and of course, in the Wellington, once your hydraulics were hit, your undercarriage tended to hang down. So I did a long sloping dive, trying to get out of altitude and down to ground level where I thought we would be somewhat safer than if we sat up top at 18,000 feet and let the anti aircraft guns have at us. Well, Derrick threw all the spare ammunition out, the oxygen bottle, everything except his astro-compass, which was a Mark 8, and he wanted to keep it.

We plodded on, and I guess we got fairly close to the English coast. Unfortunately, we ran into the fog, and without any instruments, and precious little but a compass, I just ended up flying it into the sea.

There was a terrific crash – the Wellington has a big belly, of course, and it took it. And when it was all over, four of us climbed out. Derrick Polley, Simpson, Mellon and I were the four who made it. Bottomley had gone back to get his little mascot out of the front turret, but the front turret had snapped when we hit the water. I pulled the release handle over the pilot’s cockpit, jumped out only to be pulled back again because I had forgotten to unhook the pipe that brings the oxygen to the oxygen mask. So I threw my helmet away, swam round to the left engine, put my foot up on the spinner, grabbed the prop and climbed up onto the wing. By this time, Simpson, who had his wits about him, had released the large round dinghy, which was stowed in the wing, and the four of us climbed in. The rear gunner appeared to be jammed in his turret, and we couldn’t get him out. So we just drifted away, watching the Wellington sink. “

MELLOR, Albert Leslie

Sgt. Albert Leslie Mellor, RAFVR 943914 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 30 on the 8th of September 1943.
Son of Albert and Lucy Mellor, of Buxton; Husband of Gladys Mellor, of Buxton.
Buried Buxton Cemetery, Derbyshire, England..
Grave location – Grave 3439
‘Great love
Hath no man than this
That a man lay down
His life for his friends’

08/09/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Boulogne
Seventeen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets. The carried their maximum bomb load in bombs of 1,000lb., and 500lb.. One aircraft crashed whilst taking off and two returned early. The remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Not many fires were seen but numerous huge explosions were observed. Some heavy and light predicted A.A.Fire and a few searchlights were encountered but caused no trouble. A few enemy aircraft were seen, but no combats took place. The weather was good and visibility was clear except for slight ground haze. Navigation was excellent.

Stirling Mk.III BK809 JN-T

F/O Ian Robert Menzies, RNZAF NZ415002 – Pilot.
P/O Derek Albert Arthur Cordery, RAFVR 136360 – Navigator.
P/O Norman Hathway Gale, RAFVR 849986/ 151013 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Ralph Herbert Barker, RNZAF NZ417189 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Albert Leslie Mellor, RAFVR 943914 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. G. Bullivant, RAFVR 1395379 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Stewart Donald Muir, RNZAF NZ416967 – Rear Gunner.

The aircraft that crashed during take-off was captained by F/O. I.R.MENZIES. Whilst taking off it swung off the runway and crashed into two houses on the far side adjoining the perimeter track. It caught fire almost simultaneously, and in the fire, various bombs exploded, causing the aircraft to be a total wreck. Three members of the crew, a W.A.A.F. Officer of R.A.F. Station MEPAL and an aircrew Sergeant, and 2 civilians were killed and other civilians were injured. The W.A.A.F. Officer and the aircrew sergeant lost their lives whilst trying to render assistance.

MELVILLE, Robert James Ian

F/S Robert James Ian Melville, RNZAF NZ42349 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 26 on the 5th of March 1944.
Son of David and Vida Mabel Melville, of Piha, Auckland, New Zealand; Husband of Win Melville, of Finsbury, London.
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 POW.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/robert-james-ian-melville © New Zealand War Graves Project

MENZIES, Ian Robert

F/O Ian Robert Menzies, RNZAF NZ415002 – Pilot.
Died of Injuries age 21 on the 8th of September 1943.
Son of Douglas and Violet Menzies, of Gisbor
Buried Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, England..
Grave location – Grave 13940.

Stirling Mk.III BK809 JN-T

F/O Ian Robert Menzies, RNZAF NZ415002 – Pilot.
P/O Derek Albert Arthur Cordery, RAFVR 136360 – Navigator.
P/O Norman Hathway Gale, RAFVR 849986/ 151013 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Ralph Herbert Barker, RNZAF NZ417189 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Albert Leslie Mellor, RAFVR 943914 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. G. Bullivant, RAFVR 1395379 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Stewart Donald Muir, RNZAF NZ416967 – Rear Gunner.

MEPHAM, Denis Norman

Sgt. Denis Norman Mepham, RAFVR 1853114 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 23 on the 27th of December 1944.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 3. E. 25.

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.

METCALFE, Thomas Otto

Sgt. Thomas Otto Metcalfe, RNZAF NZ414386 – Pilot.
Killed age 19 on the 11th of September 1942.
Son of Joseph William Metcalfe, and of Dorothy Mary Metcalfe (Nee Moore), of Norsewood, Hawke’S Bay, New Zealand; Nephew of Ellis Todd, of Hastings, Hawke’S Bay.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 4. A. 20-21.

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.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.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/thomas-otto-metcalfe © New Zealand War Graves Project

MIDDLETON, Harvey Johnson

Sgt. Harvey Johnson Middleton, RAFVR 1476465 – Pilot.
Killed age 24 on the 4th of October 1943.
Son of James Harvey Middleton and Elizabeth Middleton; Husband of Alice Middleton, of Walkerville, Newcastle-On-Tyne.
Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1. H. 1-7.

Stirling Mk.III EF130 JN-M

MILES, Haddon Shaw

F/O Haddon Shaw Miles, RNZAF NZ421746 – Pilot.
Killed age 27 on the 27th of December 1944.
Son of Alfred Edward Miles, and of Gertrude Mary Miles (Nee Shaw), of Masterton, Wellington, New Zealand.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 3. E. 20.

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.

Those who died were buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/haddon-shaw-miles © New Zealand War Graves Project

MILES, John

P/O John Miles, RAFVR 187426 – Navigator.
Killed age 35 on the 20th of November 1944.
Son of William and Elizabeth Miles; Husband of Olive Manwell Miles, of Buckhurst Hill, Essex.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – Coll. grave 7. B. 5-7.

Lancaster Mk.III ND911 JN-V

F/O Patrick Leo McCartin, RAAF AUS.419328 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Miles, RAFVR 845847/ 187426 – Navigator.
F/O Leonard ‘Len’ Arthur Martin, RAFVR 153528 – Air Bomber.
F/S Phillip Francis Smith, RAAF AUS. 427206 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. William John Warlow, RAFVR 1653307 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Dennis George Albert Bryer, RAFVR 1874880 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. John Gray, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.

MILLER, James Stuart

F/S James Stuart Miller, RNZAF NZ427220 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 33 on the 11th of June 1944.
Son of James White Miller and of Ida Miller (nee Campbell), of Broad Bay, Otago, New Zealand.
Buried Bayeux War Cemetery, France..
Grave location – XI. K. 4. 169

Lancaster Mk.I ME702 AA-Q

P/O Lester Lascelles Bonisch, RNZAF NZ422098 – Pilot.
F/S James Murdoch Thomas McKenzie, RNZAF NZ427217 – Navigator.
F/S James Stuart Millar, RNZAF NZ427220 – Air Bomber.
F/O Henry Herbert Marsh, RAFVR 145303 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. William Thomas Reaveley, RAFVR 1892370 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt Bernard ‘Bill’ Allen, RAFVR 968734 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Frank William Cousins, RAFVR 1237485 – Rear Gunner.

MILLINER, Jack Thomas

P/O Jack Thomas Milliner, RAAF AUS.426367 – Navigator.
Killed age 22 on the 25th of July 1944.
Son Of James White Miller And Of Ida Miller (Nee Campbell), Of Broad Bay, Otago, New Zealand.
Buried Cronenbourg French National (Mixed) Cemetery, Strasbourg, France..
Grave location – L. 9. Coll. grave 5-11.
‘He gave his life
For us to live
Greater gift
No man can give’

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.

MILLS, George William Alfred

P/O George William Alfred Mills, RNZAF NZ411769 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 27 on the 7th of September 1942.
Son of William George Thomas Mills and of Caroline Helen Mills (Nee Hall), of Dannevirke, Hawke’S 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/george-william-alfred-mills © New Zealand War Graves Project

MILLS, Samuel

F/S Samuel Mills, RAAF AUS.425036 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 32 on the 21st of July 1944.
Son of Thomas and Alice Mills, of Southport, Queensland, Australia.
Buried Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Plot KK. Grave 114. 97
‘His duty nobly
And fearlessly done.
Ever remembered’

Lancaster Mk.III ND915 AA-A

W/O Hugh Edward Gilmour, RAAF AUS.22776 – Pilot.
W/O Lindsay Arthur Woodward, RAAF AUS.417257 – Navigator.
F/S Samuel Mills, RAAF AUS.425036 – Air Bomber.
F/S John Edward Osborne, RAAF AUS.417877 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Reginald Ernest Buzza, RAFVR 2203174 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. W.J.S. Ballard, RAFVR 1853215 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. John Leonard Stephenson, RAFVR 2202048 – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.III ND915 AA-A was brought down by an enemy night-fighter at 01:35hrs between Keldost (Noord-Brabant) and Erp, 3 miles South East of Veghel. Five of the seven crew died and two, the Navigator and Mid Upper Gunner, escaped uninjured to be taken as Prisoners of War.

The RAF Rear Gunner, Sgt Stevenson, at 18 years of age was one of the youngest airmen killed while flying with Bomber Command during 1944.

MILLWARD, Eddie

Sgt. Eddie Millward, RAFVR 1385557 – Wireless Operator.
Lost without trace age 20 on the 3rd of August 1943.
Son of Maud Millward, of Peckham Rye, London.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 89.

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

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

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

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

MILNE, Bruce

F/S Bruce Milne, RNZAF NZ428017 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 21 on the 25th of June 1944.
Son of Alex Keith and Ruth Milne, of Taupo, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Fruges Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Coll. grave 7. 8

Lancaster Mk.III ND920 AA-P

F/S Benjamin William Bateson, RNZAF NZ424788 – Pilot.
Sgt. Geoffrey Leonard Startin, RAFVR 1600846 – Navigator.
Sgt. Maurice Frederick Morgan, RAFVR 1394772 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Francis Cassidy McIntyre, RAFVR 1562888 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Colin Harry Slater, RAFVR 1815706 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ernest Lewis Connett, RAFVR 1236363 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Bruce Milne, RNZAF NZ428017 – Rear Gunner.

MINCHIN, Robert Michael

Sgt. Robert Michael Minchin, RAFVR 751355 – Observer.
Killed age 22 on the 6th of September 1941.
Son of Capt. T. W. Minchin, D.S.O., and Amy Minchin, of Bracknell, Berkshire.
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.

MITCHELL, George Eric DFM

F/O George Eric Mitchell, DFM, RCAF 15022 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 40 on the 6th of April 1942.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 1. D. 21.

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

Wellington Mk.III X.3489 AA-P

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

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

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

MITCHELL, Gilbert Frank

Sgt. Gilbert Frank Mitchell, RAFVR 1479975 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 36 on the 23rd of January 1943.
Son of William and Adela Mitchell; Husband of Sybil Christine Mitchell, of Leicester.
Buried St.Thegonnec Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Plot 2. Row 1. Grave 1.
‘In loving remembrance
Of my dear husband’

23/01/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Lorient
Nine aircraft were detailed to attack the above target with bombs of 1,000 lb. 500 lb. and 4 lb. incendiaries. This was a very successful and concentrated attack. All aircraft reported that their bombs were seen to fall in the target area. Large fires were seen to be lighting up the whole area. A fair amount of heavy, medium and light flak was encountered, only a few searchlights were seen. A few enemy aircraft were seen, but no combats took place. The weather was very clear at the target and good visibility. Navigation was by D.R., T.R., pinpoints and visual. Stirling I R9248 captained by Sergt. R.M.Kidd failed to return.

Stirling Mk.I R9248 AA-H

Sgt. Robert Miln Kidd, RNZAF NZ412700 – Pilot.
Sgt. James William Schofield, RAFVR 1088089 – Navigator.
Sgt. Bernard Torrance, RAFVR 1319178 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Eric Berry, RAFVR 1380078 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Gilbert Frank Mitchell, RAFVR 1479975 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. James Edward Brewster, RAFVR 1035972 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Peter Douglas Fowler, RAFVR 1320278 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.I R9248 AA-H was hit by AA fire shortly after bombing, causing catastrophic damage. The captain attempted a crash landing at St Thégonnec (Finistère), about 8 miles South East of Morlaix, France. All but one of the crew died in the crash and were laid to rest in St Thegonnec Communal Cemetery. Sgt Kidd escaped slightly injured from the wreck and managed to evade capture.

MITCHELL, Harry Douglas

Sgt. Harry Douglas Mitchell, RAFVR 1395992 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 21 on the 11th of June 1944.
Son of Henry James Mitchell and Ethel May Mitchell, of Thetford, Norfolk; husband of Alice Elizabeth Mitchell, of Thetford.
Buried Tillieres-Sur-Avre Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Coll. grave. 5

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.

MITCHELL, Norman

Sgt. Norman Mitchell, RNZAF NZ404084 – Front Gunner.
Killed age 25 on the 29th of June 1942.
Son of Samuel Myer Mitchell, and of Esther Mitchell (Nee Pryor). of Ross, Westland, New Zealand.
Buried Feltwell (St. Nicholas) Churchyard, Norfolk, England..
Grave location – Row C. Grave 8.

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

Wellington Mk.III Z.1616 AA-D

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

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

MITCHELL, Victor

W/C Victor Mitchell, DFC, RAF 37755 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 27.
Son of John Mitchell, and of Isabella Forsyth Mitchell, of Elgin, Morayshire.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 64.

Stirling Mk.I BF396 AA-X

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

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

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

MOCOCK, Reginald Crosby

Sgt. Reginald Crosby Mocock, RAFVR 1168876 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 20 on the 17th of December 1942.
Son of Owen Francis and Winifred Mary Mocock, of Headington, Oxford.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – Coll. grave 8. L. 15-18.
‘Greater love
Hath no man than this’

Stirling Mk.I R.9247 AA-W

F/S Henry Edwin Rousseau, RAFVR 1026535 – Pilot.
Sgt Mervyn Oliver Clark, RNZAF NZ404895 – Navigator.
Sgt. Reginald Crosby Mocock , RAFVR 1168876 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Christopher James Kendall , RNZAF NZ412342 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. William Wilson Morton, RAF 621322 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. John Fellows, RAFVR R.78046 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Pullar Henry Welsh Pullar , RNZAF NZ411777 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.I R.9247 AA-W was brought down near Vechta airfield, 30 miles South West of Bremen, Germany, while en route to or from the target. None of the crew survived the crash. All are buried in the Reinberg Cemetery.

MOFFATT, Bertram Augustus

F/S Bertram Augustus Moffatt, RCAF 80237 – Navigator.
Killed age 25 on the 9th of April 1943.
Husband of Lilian Mary Moffatt, of Littleport, Cambridgeshire.
Buried Newmarket Cemetery, Suffolk, England..
Grave location – Plot P. Grave 431.
‘Sunshine fades
And shadows fall
But sweet remembrance
Outlasts all’

08/04/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Duisburg
Nine aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attacks, with bombs of 1000 lb. and incendiaries of 30 lb. and 4 lb. Four of the aircraft however were forced to return early owing to severe icing conditions, which prevented the aircraft from gaining height. Four of the remaining aircraft successfully bombed the target through cloud. Large fires were seen glowing below the clouds. A fair amount of heavy predicted A.A.Fire was encountered, some enemy aircraft were seen, but no combats took place. The weather was 10/10ths cloud, with electrical storms, rain and severe icing. Which prevented this operation from being a complete success. Navigation was very good. Stirling III, BK770, captained by W/O Walsh, was returning to base at 01.10 hours a message was received from him, but this was the last heard of the aircraft until it was reported to have crashed at Bressingham, Norfolk, soon after this time. The aircraft exploded on impact and burnt out, and unfortunately the whole of the crew were killed.

Stirling Mk.III BK770 AA-L

W/O John Arthur Ernest Walsh, RNZAF NZ401294 – Pilot.
F/S Bertram Augustus Moffatt, RCAF R.802237 – Navigator.
Sgt. Francis Henry Reddicliffe, RAFVR 1030797 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. John William Scudder, RAFVR 1291875 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Jack Herbert Worthington, RAFVR 574819 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Stanley Arthur Curtis, RAFVR 1386838 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Phillip Gordon Stuart, RCAF R.93568 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III BK770 AA-L was returning to base when at 01:10hrs, a brief W/T distress signal was received from the aircraft but nothing more. A ground report was later received advising an aircraft had crashed at Valley Farm, Bressingham, Norfolk. Soon after impact an explosion was observed and the aircraft burst into flames. None of the crew survived. The three Commonwealth airmen, along with Sgt’s Reddicliffe and Curtis, are buried in the Newmarket cemetery.

This was the first Mk III Stirling written off in 75(NZ) Squadron.

MONCRIEF, Ernest Francis Sydney

Sgt. Ernest Francis Sydney Moncrief, RNZAF NZ411087 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 25 on the 30th of June 1942.
Son of Ernest George Moncrief and of Amy Ellen Moncrief (Nee Empson), of Morrinsville, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Westdongeradeel (Holwerd) Protestant Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Row 43. Grave 10.

Wellington Mk.III X.3539 AA-T

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

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

MONK, Walter Jack

P/O Walter Jack Monk, RNZAF NZ411432 – Pilot.
Lost without trace age 24 on the 30th of June 1942.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 116.

Wellington Mk.III X.3539 AA-T

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

MOON, Derrick Leonard Desmond

Sgt. Derrick Leonard Desmond Moon, RAFVR 1626105 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 21 on the 30th of August 1944.
Son Of Leonard Pantry Moon And Edith Emily Moon, Of West Norwood, London.
Buried Helsingborg (Palsjo) Municipal Cemetery, Sweden. .
Grave location – Coll. grave
Sec. XV. 76-80.
‘To the world, he was only one
But to us
He was all the world.
Mum, dad and Elaine’

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

Lancaster Mk.I HK594 AA-G

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

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

MOORE, Bernard Arthur Riley

Sgt. Bernard Arthur Riley Moore, RAFVR 1106308 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 25 on the 12th of May 1943.
Son of William and Mary Ann Moore, of Cheltenham.
Buried Cheltenham Cemetery, Gloucestershire, England..
Grave location – Sec. D1. Grave 1425.
‘At the going down
Of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember them’

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.

MOORE, Cyril James

Sgt. Cyril James Moore, RAAF AUS.410555 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Lost without trace age 25 on the 6th of July 1943.
Son of James Frederick Moore, and of Minnie Louisa Moore, of Coburg, Victoria, Australia.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 196.

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.

MORE, Robert McLeod

Sgt. Robert McLeod More, RAFVR 1809983 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 19 on the 22nd of November 1943.
Son of Bentley and Madeleine More, of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 26. A. 3.

Stirling Mk.III EF148 AA-R

F/S John Cecil Turner, RNZAF NZ421115 – Pilot.
P/O Stanley Henry MacKenzie, RNZAF NZ422418 – Navigator.
P/O William George Simpson Pagett, RAFVR 151630 – Air Bomber.
F/S James Lindis Cowie, RNZAF NZ42322 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. George Joseph Blackman, RAFVR 1398967 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Robert McLeod More, RAFVR 1809983 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Thomas McGloin, RAFVR 1796255 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EF148 AA-R was brought down over Germany, crashing near Achner, 10miles North West of Osnabruck. There were no survivors. The seven crew members were buried at Achner but later reinterred at Reichswald Forest Cemetery, South West of Cleve.

MORGAN, Maurice Frederick

Sgt. Maurice Frederick Morgan, RAFVR 1394772 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 23 on the 25th of June 1944.
Son of Maurice Dennis Victor and Hilda Mary Morgan, of Hythe, Kent.
Buried Fruges Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Coll. grave 7. 9
‘Ever in our thoughts.
Mum, dad, brother and sister’

Lancaster Mk.III ND920 AA-P

F/S Benjamin William Bateson, RNZAF NZ424788 – Pilot.
Sgt. Geoffrey Leonard Startin, RAFVR 1600846 – Navigator.
Sgt. Maurice Frederick Morgan, RAFVR 1394772 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Francis Cassidy McIntyre, RAFVR 1562888 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Colin Harry Slater, RAFVR 1815706 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ernest Lewis Connett, RAFVR 1236363 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Bruce Milne, RNZAF NZ428017 – Rear Gunner.

MORGAN, Robert Cashampton

F/S Robert Cashampton Morgan, RNZAF NZ421389 – Navigator.
Killed age 26 on the 30th of November 1944.
Son of Gerald H. and Jessie P. Morgan, of Penrose, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 25. A. 11.

Lancaster Mk.I NF980 JN-F
Missing – A/C believed to have had its tail shot off

F/O James Alexander McIntosh, RNZAF NZ411915 – Pilot.
F/S Robert Carhampton Morgan, RNZAF NZ421389 – Navigator.
F/S Ronald Wynne Newman, RNZAF NZ4210960 – Air Bomber.
F/S Robert James Boag, RAAF AUS.432097 – Wireless Operator .
F/S Richard Thomas Taylor, RAFVR 1401963 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Cyril Brewer, RAFVR 1418695 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Edward Roy Cooper, RAFVR 2221308 – Rear Gunner.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/robert-cashampton-morgan © New Zealand War Graves Project

MORRIS, John Lewis

Sgt. John Lewis Morris, RAF 617843 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 21 on the 9th of June 1942.
Son of Evan Henry and Maggie May Morris, of Whittington, Shropshire.
Buried Bergen-Op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery, Holland.
Grave location – 14. C. 9.
‘In memory
We will always keep you
As long as the years roll on
O valiant one’

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 Z.1573 AA-T

P/O Graham Edward ‘Stinker’ Murdoch, RNZAF NZ411927 – Pilot.
Sgt. Albert William O’Dowd, RNZAF NZ41544 – Observer.
P/O Robert Weston, RAFVR 111532 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Leon Gaston Knight, RNZAF NZ405494 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. John Lewis Morris, RAFVR 617843 – Rear Gunner.

Wellington Mk.III Z.1573 AA-T was shot down, possibly by a night fighter over the Netherlands. It crashed into the Krabbenkreek between St. Philipsland and the Anna Jacobapolder (Zeeland), 20km North West of Bergen-op-Zoom.

MORRISON, William Donald

Sgt. William Donald Morrison, RAFVR 946356 – Wireless Operator .
Lost without trace age 24 on the 21st of February 1941.
Son of William and Mary Morrison of Perth, Scotland.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 49.

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

Wellington Mk.Ic T.2503 AA-

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

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

MORTON, William Wilson

Sgt. William Wilson Morton, RAF 621322 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 23 on the 17th of December 1942.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – Coll. grave 8. L. 15-18.

Stirling Mk.I R.9247 AA-W

F/S Henry Edwin Rousseau, RAFVR 1026535 – Pilot.
Sgt Mervyn Oliver Clark, RNZAF NZ404895 – Navigator.
Sgt. Reginald Crosby Mocock , RAFVR 1168876 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Christopher James Kendall , RNZAF NZ412342 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. William Wilson Morton, RAF 621322 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. John Fellows, RAFVR R.78046 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Henry Welsh Pullar , RNZAF NZ411777 – Rear Gunner.

MOSLEY, Stuart Edwin

F/S Stuart Edwin Mosley, RNZAF NZ426106 – Navigator.
Killed age 29 on the 5th of October 1944.
Son of William Alfred and Agnes Jane Mosley, of Ravensbourne, Otago, New Zealand.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Grave location – 8. G. 9.

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

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

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

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

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/stuart-edwin-mosley © New Zealand War Graves Project

MOSS, Douglas Hamilton

P/O Douglas Hamilton Moss, RNZAF NZ404653 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 23 on the 24th of August 1943.
Son of Brian and Mabel Moss; Husband of Joan Florence Moss, of Auckland City, New Zealand.
Buried Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – Coll. grave 6. E. 12-19.

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 the crew were killed.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/douglas-hamilton-moss © New Zealand War Graves Project

MOULD, Charles Cyril

Sgt. Charles Cyril Mould, RAFVR 1314162 – Wireless Operator.
Lost without trace age 29 on the 25th of June 1943.
Son of William Charles and Ethel Mould; Husband of Amelia Emily Mould, of Welling, Kent.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.
Grave location – Panel 160.

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

Stirling Mk.III BK768 AA-L

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

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

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

MOULTON, Frederick Arthur

Sgt. Frederick Arthur Moulton, RAFVR 1292879 – Wireless Operator.
Lost without trace age 23 on the 28th of April 1943.
Son of Anselm and Daisy Jane Hilda Moulton, of Tonbridge, Kent.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 160.

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

Stirling Mk.I R9290 AA-Y

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

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

The crew is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

MUIR, Anthony Vincent

P/O Anthony Vincent Muir, RNZAF NZ40195 – Observer.
Lost without trace age 29 on the 21st of February 1941.
Son of James Thomas Muir and Annie Ita Muir.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 63.

Wellington Mk.Ic T.2503 AA-

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

MULCAHY, Cyril Desmond

P/O Cyril Desmond Mulcahy, RNZAF NZ428793 – Pilot.
Killed age 21 on the 12th of August 1944.
Son of Michael Mulcahy and of Sarah Elizabeth Mulcahy (nee May), of Levin, Wellington, 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/cyril-desmond-mulcahy © New Zealand War Graves Project

MULHOLLAND, Henry Stephen

Sgt. Henry Stephen Mulholland, RAFVR 1332768 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 20 on the 12th of June 1943.
Son of James Alex and Louisa Mulholland, of Holloway, London.
Buried Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – Coll. grave 9. D. 2-7.
‘Farewell, in hope and love
Till He whose home
Is ours above
Unites us there’

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.

MULLIGAN, John

Sgt. John Mulligan, RCAF 195834 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 20 on the 19th of April 1944.
Buried Gram Churchyard, Denmark..
Grave location – Gram Churchyard
‘Till we meet again’

18/04/1944 – Mining in Kiel Bay
Seven Stirlings were detailed to lay mines in Kiel Bay, one was withdrawn and one failed to return (Captain NZ415820 F/O. H. Murray). The remaining five successfully completed their mission. On return they landed away.

Stirling Mk.III EH955 AA-K

F/O Henry James Murray, RNZAF NZ415820 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Edward Lithgow ‘Paddy’ McFarland, RAFVR 1503993 – Navigator.
F/S Douglas John Hill, RNZAF NZ415761 – Air Bomber.
F/S Gordon James Irwin, RNZAF NZ415698 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Hyman Chaim Mordecai Kahler, RAFVR 1803280 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. John Mulligan, RCAF R.195834 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Peter Woollam, RAFVR 1890807 – Rear Gunner.

By John McFarland’s own observation the decision to volunteer for the Gardening Op to Kiel in a Stirling was seen as a soft and easy extra trip to their tour…..Perhaps this decision can be understood – the crew had suffered 3 aborted Ops in a month and it probably felt to them as if their time at Mepal was never going to end – add to this a 10 day hiatus for conversion to Lancasters at Feltwell and the soles of their feet may well have been getting itchy…….

Based on the events of that night, it would appear that their aircraft was fired on from underneath by a ‘Schräge Musik‘ equipped aircraft. Typically, the aircrew would get no warning of the attack until it was too late – John recalls his navigators desk exploding as the cannon shells hit.

“We flew from a remote base near Ely in East Anglia and were engaged mainly in sea and French railway yard mining operations as well as drops to the French Resistance. It was during one of these we were shot down. The Germans had the capability to fire vertically upwards. We were over Denmark and it was around midnight when my navigator’s table shattered and I knew we’d been hit from below. Everything happened so fast. We had to bail out and use our parachutes. The parachute wrappers used to put little notes in with the silk saying things like ‘all the best’! Only three of us survived that night – the rear gunner’s parachute failed to open. That could have been any one of us for you just grabbed a parachute on your way out to board the aircraft…”

Four of the crew were buried at Gram, Denmark – James Murray RNZAF (Pilot), Haymen Kahler RAFVR (Flight Engineer) Jack Mulligan RCAF and Peter Woolham RAFVR (Air Gunners).

Gordon Irwin RNZAF (Wireless Operator), John and Douglas Hill RNZAF (Air Bomber) became Prisoners or War.

MUNN, Hugh

Sgt. Hugh Munn, RAFVR 1349759 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 22 on the 28th of September 1943.
Son of Hugh and Martha M. Munn, of Glasgow.
Buried Hanover War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 8. C. 3.
‘At the going down
Of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember him’

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

Stirling Mk.III EH877 JN-C

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

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

There is little information regarding the exact cause of loss of EH877. Some, sources report seeing it falling in flames, the aircraft apparently breaking up in the air prior to final impact.

MUNRO, Charles

Sgt. Charles Munro, RAFVR 1566746 – Flight Engineer.
Lost without trace age 20 on the 24th of August 1943.
Commemorated Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 160.

23/08/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Berlin
Twenty three aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 1,000lb., 500lb., and incendiaries of 30lb and 4lb.. Five aircraft returned early owing to failure and three aircraft failed to return. The remainder of the aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area and all of the crews agreed that it had been well and truly hit. The fires were all concentrated and huge columns of smoke together with heavy explosions could be seen. A moderate heavy A.A. barrage co-operating with searchlights were encountered, but only one aircraft received damage. A great number of enemy aircraft were seen and several combats took place. The aircraft captained by F/Sgt. WILKINSON sighted a JU88 passing above, the Mid-upper and Rear Gunners fired and strikes were seen on the enemy aircraft which was then lost sight of and is claimed to have been damaged. The aircraft captained by F/Sgt. WHITEHEAD whilst over BERLIN sighted an enemy aircraft on the starboard quarter, 300yds away. The Rear Gunner fired a five second burst and the enemy aircraft was seen in flames diving to earth, and was claimed as probably destroyed. The same aircraft encountered another unidentified aircraft 300yds away on the starboard quarter. The Rear Gunner fired another five seconds burst and the enemy aircraft exploded and disintegrated. It was claimed to be destroyed. The aircraft captained by F/O. A. Alexander, whilst over the target sighted a ME110 approaching from the starboard quarter above and firing at his aircraft. The Mid-upper and Rear Gunners replied with long bursts and the enemy aircraft was seen to be in flames. A fire was later seen on the ground and the enemy aircraft was claimed as probably destroyed. Scattered cloud was met on the outward route, but it was clear over the target. The missing aircraft were Stirlings Mk.III BF465 captained by P/O A. RANKIN, BF564 captained by P/O A. Sedunary and EE938 captained by W/O T. Fear.
The aircraft captained by F/Sgt. WHITE, O.H. whilst approaching the target area was coned by searchlights and repeatedly hit by heavy A.A. fire, sustaining considerable damage to port main plane. He continued towards the target though still coned by searchlights and was then attacked by a JU88 sustaining hits in the rear of the fuselage which shattered the rear turret and killed Rear Gunner Sgt. Poole, J.. The aircraft was forced into an uncontrollable dive and the captain warned his crew ‘Prepare to abandon the aircraft’. Unfortunately, in the middle of this order the inter-communication failed, and the Navigator, Air Bomber and Wireless Operator abandoned the aircraft, due to the fact that they were unable to contact their Captain. F/Sgt. WHITE jettisoned his bomb load whilst in the dive directly over the target area, managed to regain control of the aircraft when height had been lost down to 6,000ft. The captain and two remaining members of the crew after taking stock of the damage decided to attempt the long and hazardous return journey to base. This they did successfully and made a perfect crash landing at base without lights, flaps or under carriage, as the electrical leads were shot away.

Stirling Mk.III EE938 AA-X

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

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

MURDOCH, Graham Edward

P/O Graham Edward Murdoch, RNZAF NZ411927 – Pilot.
Killed age 26 on the 9th of June 1942.
Son of Arthur Opua Murdoch and of Louisa Murdoch (Nee Strickland), of Wellington City, New Zealand.
Buried Bergen-Op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery, Holland.
Grave location – 20. A. 7.

Wellington Mk.III Z.1573 AA-T

P/O Graham Edward ‘Stinker’ Murdoch, RNZAF NZ411927 – Pilot.
Sgt. Albert William O’Dowd, RNZAF NZ41544 – Observer.
P/O Robert Weston, RAFVR 111532 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Leon Gaston Knight, RNZAF NZ405494 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. John Lewis Morris, RAFVR 617843 – Rear Gunner.

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

MURDOCH, Thomas Talbot

W/O Thomas Talbot Murdoch, RAFVR 1345478 – Navigator.
Lost without trace age 22 on the 21st of October 1944.
Buried Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England..
Grave location – Panel 214.

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.

MURPHY, Terence Austin

Sgt. Terence Austin Murphy, RNZAF NZ413307 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 30 on the 3rd of February 1943
Son of Patrick and Adelia Crimlin Murphy, of Matamau, Hawke’S Bay, New Zealand.
Buried Wierden General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Row A. Grave 5.

Stirling Mk.I BK604 AA-S

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

MURPHY, Timothy Rowley

Sgt. Timothy Rowley Murphy, RNZAF NZ404037 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 20 on the 11th of October 1941.
Son of John Rowley Murphy and Madeline Mary Murphy, of Gisborne, Auckland, New Zealand.
Buried Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany..
Grave location – 1. B. 9.

10/10/1941 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Cologne
Eight Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. One of these aircraft, Z8969, captained by Sgt Curlewis, failed to return to base. Another, X9825, captained by S/Ldr Chamberlain, jettisoned bombs on a road WSW of Cologne, as owing to damage to hydraulics, the aircraft was unable to maintain height with bombs on. Centre of town was successfully attacked and bombs were seen to burst. large fires were started and were seen to be burning twenty minutes later. One aircraft was seen to crash and explode in the city area. A.A. fire was intense at all heights from 12,000 feet, to 4,000 feet. Searchlights were active in two cones, one each side of target. Visibility was good, with large clearing in low cloud over the target area.

Wellington Mk.Ic Z.8969 AA-R?

Sgt. Raymond Fullerton Curlewis, RAAF AUS.402230 – Pilot.
Sgt. Colin Maurice Thompson, RNZAF NZ4044237 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Alan Clifford Edwards, RAFVR 1163977 – Navigator.
Sgt. Frederick Garde, RAFVR 993802 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Robert Lea Warburton, RAFVR 978776 – Front Gunner.
Sgt. Timothy Rowley Murphy, RNZAF NZ404037 – Rear Gunner.

One aircraft was seen to crash and explode in the city area. It is possible that this may have been 75 Sqn’s Z.8969, which failed to return. Two other Wellingtons, from No 57 (Sister) squadron, Feltwell, also were shot down at or near Cologne.

All these crew members perished. Their bodies were recovered and buried at the British WW 1 cemetery in the Zollstock district, South Cologne. At the end of the war, their remains were disinterred and taken to the Rheinberg.War Cemetery, eight miles South of Wessel.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/timothy-rowley-murphy © New Zealand War Graves Project

MURRAY, Henry James

F/O Henry James Murray, RNZAF NZ415820 – Pilot.
Killed age 26 on the 19th of April 1944.
Son of Gordon Luckhurst Murray and of Elizabeth Murray (Nee Allan), of Albury, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Buried Gram Churchyard, Denmark..
Grave location – Gram Churchyard

Stirling Mk.III EH955 AA-K

F/O Henry James Murray, RNZAF NZ415820 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Edward Lithgow ‘Paddy’ McFarland, RAFVR 1503993 – Navigator.
F/S Douglas John Hill, RNZAF NZ415761 – Air Bomber.
F/S Gordon James Irwin, RNZAF NZ415698 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Hyman Chaim Mordecai Kahler, RAFVR 1803280 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. John Mulligan, RCAF R.195834 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Peter Woollam, RAFVR 1890807 – Rear Gunner.

Four of the crew were buried at Gram, Denmark – James Murray RNZAF (Pilot), Haymen Kahler RAFVR (Flight Engineer) Jack Mulligan RCAF and Peter Woolham RAFVR (Air Gunners).

MYERS, John William Anthony

F/L John William Anthony Myers, RNZAF NZ405801 – Pilot.
Killed age 25 on the 19th of July 1944.
Son of Charles Ernest Myers and of Lydia Jane Myers (nee Cunningham), of Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand.
Buried Chiervres Communal Cemetery, Belgium..
Grave location – Grave 37. 23

18/07/1944 – Attack Against Aulnoye
Twenty eight aircraft took off to attack the aircraft works at Aulnoye, one of those originally detailed being withdrawn. All crews were successful in attacking the target, and the bombing was well controlled by the Master Bomber. A concentrated raid developed, and several crews were able to identify the target visually. A.A. opposition was very slight, but enemy fighters were more active, and one aircraft (Captain NZ411411 F/O. G. Kennedy), claimed to have shot down two enemy aircraft. One of our aircraft (Captain NZ405801 A/F/L. J. Myers) failed to return.

Lancaster Mk.I LL921 AA-E

F/L John William Anthony Myers, RNZAF NZ405801 – Pilot.
F/O William Edward Cormack, RNZAF NZ426166 – Navigator.
F/O William Cunningham, RCAF J.28238 – Air Bomber.
F/S Joseph William Murphy, RNZAF NZ424993 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. D.E. Andrews, RAFVR 1892914 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. A.E. Burn, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William Mason, RAFVR – Rear Gunner.

Lancaster Mk.I LL921 AA-E was brought down by a night fighter at Harveng (Hainaut), 3.5 miles South Souht East of Mons. The fighter had collided with the Lancaster during an attack from below, causing severe damage to the starboard wing and an uncontrollable fire in the outer engine. All crew baled out successfully on the captain’s orders while he managed to keep the aircraft relatively stable. It too then plunged into the ground, sadly killing the Pilot, John Myers. The enemy fighter also crashed nearby.

Of the six who landed safely, three were captured as POW’s while the other three successfully evaded capture.

nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/john-william-anthony-myers © New Zealand War Graves Project

MYHILL, William Raymond

Sgt. William Raymond Myhill, RAFVR 1392196 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 21 on the 24th of October 1943.
Buried Acle (St.Edmund) Churchyard, Norfolk, England..
Grave location – –

24/10/1943 – Mining in the Frisian Islands
Two aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operations with mines of 1,500lbs. One aircraft returned early owing to navigational failiure and the other aircraft dropped its mines, but on return as, apparently about to land, it crashed 1 ½ miles S.W. of this aerodrome and almost instantly caught fire and burnt out. The Captain, F/SGT. J.R. RANDLE and the Navigator F/SGT. P.M. East, the Air Bomber Sgt. J.J. Purves and the Wireless Operator F/Sgt. W. R. MYHILL were killed. The Flight Engineer, SGT. I.E. James and the Rear Gunner, Sgt. E.H. Bissett were admitted to R.A.F. Hospital, ELY. The Mid-Upper Gunner was uninjured.

Stirling Mk.III EF142 AA-C

F/S James Robert Randle, RNZAF NZ416539 – Pilot.
F/S Patton Mason East, RNZAF NZ426083 – Navigator.
F/S James John Purves, RNZAF NZ422207 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. William Raymond Myhill, RAFVR 1392196 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. I.E. James, RAFVR 1850021 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. W. Ramsay, RAFVR 1570005 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Stuart Richard Bisset, RAFVR 1473254 – Rear Gunner.

Stirling Mk.III EF142 AA-C overshot the runway on landing at base and an attempt was made to go around again at 300ft. The aircraft crashed and caught fire, South West of the airfield. The Pilot, Navigator and Wireless Operator died, and the Air Bomber succumbed the following day. The Flight Engineer and Rear Gunner escaped with injuries. The mid upper gunner escaped uninjured.