The Fraser crew with ground crew in front of Wellington MK.III X3720 AA-U. Allen Armistice Fraser is stood back row middle.
Many thanks to Wyb for contacting me before Christmas, regarding a number of airmen from the Squadron who now rest in Schiermonnikoog (Vredenhof) cemetery in the Netherlands. Wyb has tended the cemetery for approximately 40 years – and at this point I think you would all join me in thanking him for his dedication to this honourable task.
Wyb has been able to supply a number of pictures of the burial of Allen Fraser and Arthur Christie and also some documentation from the German authorities relating to the recovery and identification of their bodies. I must next thank James for doing a bit of sterling translation over the Christmas holiday period. These documents do not make comfortable reading, but are a cold and clinical appraisal of the impact of an air crash at sea on the human body. I note this now, simply to warn you that this information is at the end of the post.
10/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against Targets Essen
Eight Well.III a/c from this unit were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250 lbs, was dropped in the target area but results were not seen. There was heavy predicted flak and searchlights were fairly intense. No enemy a/c were seen. Weather was fine with 7/10 cloud. Navigation by astro, D.F. and loop was good.
Wellington Mk.III Z.1572 AA-M
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O Stanley Holmes Gunning, RNZAF NZ402470 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:10 – Landed 01:05
Flight Time 03:55
10/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against Targets Essen
Eight Well.III a/c from this unit were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250 lbs, was dropped in the target area but results were not seen. There was heavy predicted flak and searchlights were fairly intense. No enemy a/c were seen. Weather was fine with 7/10 cloud. Navigation by astro, D.F. and loop was good.
Wellington Mk.III Z.1572 AA-M
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O Stanley Holmes Gunning, RNZAF NZ402470 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:10 – Landed 01:05
Flight Time 03:55
12/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against at LeHavre and Essen
Ten Well.III, aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs, was dropped in the target area, bomb bursts being observed. Fairly accurate heavy and medium flak was encountered. There were a great number of searchlights active in cones. Many fighters flares and red and green lights were seen on route. One fighter a/c was seen over North Sea about 250 miles from the Dutch Coast. Weather was very clear with visibility up to 100 miles. Navigation was by TR, DR and loops.
Wellington Mk.III Z.1572 AA-M
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O Stanley Holmes Gunning, RNZAF NZ402470 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 20:55 – Landed 00:40
Flight Time 03:45
13/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against at Boulogne
Two Well.III a/c from this unit were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 250lbs was dropped in target area by one a/c the other returned to base with bombs. There was no flak and only a few searchlights. Weather was moderate with slight ground haze. Navigation was good with Dr and loops.
Wellington Mk.III Z.1572 AA-M
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O Stanley Holmes Gunning, RNZAF NZ402470 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:30 – Landed 00:40
Flight Time 03:10
15/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against at Le Havre and Dortmund
Eight Well.III aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs was dropped in the target area and bomb bursts were seen. There was some heavy predicted flak and tracer over target and searchlights were ineffective owing to cloud. No enemy a/c were seen. Weather at Dortmund was cloudy with slight ground haze. Navigation was good.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O Stanley Holmes Gunning, RNZAF NZ402470 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O J. J. Manson, RNZAF NZ402221 – Navigator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR 1257377 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ404107 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 00:05 – Landed 02:55
Flight Time 02:50
17/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against Targets at Hamburg
Eight Well.III a/c were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 1000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs, 30lb and 4lb incendiaries was dropped in the target area and bomb bursts were seen. Well.III, X.3636 jettisoned its bombs when in searchlight beams. There was intense heavy flak co-operating with searchlights which were numerous. Weather was clear and there was a slight ground haze. Navigation was good by TR, loops and DR.
Wellington Mk.III – AA – no further information recorded for a/c
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O Stanley Holmes Gunning, RNZAF NZ402470 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:40 – Landed 05:35
Flight Time 05:55
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.3408 AA-Q
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O Stanley Holmes Gunning, RNZAF NZ402470 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:30 – Landed 04:15
Flight Time 05:45
25/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against at Rostock and Dunkirk
Seven Well.III a/c were detailed to attack the above targets. Bomb load of 1000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and 4lb incendiaries was dropped in the target area and fires were seen burning fiercely. Bombs were seen to burst across aiming point . A.A. fire was only slight and searchlights few. One enemy a/c was seen near Dunkirk. Weather was very clear with slight ground haze. Navigation was quite good.
Wellington Mk.III X.3408 AA-Q
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O Stanley Holmes Gunning, RNZAF NZ402470 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:15 – Landed 05:15
Flight Time 07:00
27/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against Targets at Cologne and Mine Laying off Heligoland
Eight Well.III a/c were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, and 4lbs incendaries was dropped on the target and fires were seen burning at Cologne. The mine laying a/c successfully carried out ther task, without interference. There was moderate A.A. fire over Cologne and searchlights working in cones. One enemy a/c was seen but no attack was made. Weather was good with visibility up to 100 miles. Navigation was good, DR, TR, loops and map reading.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O Stanley Holmes Gunning, RNZAF NZ402470 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:00 – Landed 09:00
Flight Time 11:00
29/04/1942 – Operations – Attack Against at Gennevilliers
Eight Well.III a/c were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 1000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and 30lb incendiaries was dropped in target area. Bombs were seen to burst on the factory and power station. There was very little flak and no enemy a/c were seen. Weather was good. Few searchlights were active and navigation was good.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:20 – Landed 02:45
Flight Time 05:25
02/05/1942 – Gardening – St. Nazaire
Nine Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed for the above operation. The bomb load consisted of 1500lbs, and 500lbs. The gardening was carried out and bombs were dropped on a number of land targets – aerodromes and dock buildings. Some light flak was encountered from a flak ship in St. Nazaire harbour, and searchlights were not numerous. No enemy aircraft were encountered. The weather conditions were fair, there being no cloud, but a heavy sea haze made pinpointing difficult.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 20:50 – Landed 04:20
Flight Time 07:30
04/05/1942 – Attacks Against Targets at Stuttgart
Eight Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. Incendiaries and 4000lbs. bombs were carried and the majority dropped. Weather conditions were not good with the result that difficulty was experienced in pinpointing target and observing results. A.A> fire was slight in target area but fairly heavy at some parts of route. Searchlights were not veru active. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Navigation was by DR, TR, pinpoint, loop.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:25 – Landed 04:35
Flight Time 06:10
06/05/1942 – Bombing Attacks Against Targets at Stuttgart
Eight Wellington aircraft of the Unit were detailed to carry out the above attacks. A bomb load consisting of 4000lbs; and 4 lbs. and 30 lbs. incendiaries was carried and dropped in the target area and bursts and a number of large fires were observed. Weather conditions were fairly good although ground haze and intense darkness made pinpointing difficult. A.A. fire was slight and searchlights were not very active. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Navigation was by DR., TR., pinpoints, astro.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:50 – Landed 04:40
Flight Time 06:50
07/05/1942 – Gardening – Kiel Bay
Nine Wellington aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out the above operations. The bomb load was made up of 1500lbs. and 500lbs. All the 1500lbs. bombs were dropped but the majority of the 500lbs were returned. Weather conditions were favourable and the target area was clear. One aircraft, X.3664 captained by P/O. Wilson was chased by an enemy fighter but no attack was made. Navigation was by astro, DR, TR, loop.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:25 – Landed 03:40
Flight Time 05:15
09/05/1942 – Gardening – Kiel Bay
Eight Wellington aircraft were detailed from this Unit to carry out the above operations. The bomb load consisted of 1500 lbs. and 500 lbs. The 1500 lbs bombs were planted successfully, and a few of the aircraft dropped the 500 lbs. bombs on land targets. Weather conditions were good and there was no opposition.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O Rupert John Smith, RNZAF NZ41950 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:20 – Landed 04:00
Flight Time 05:40
21/05/1942 – Gardening at La Pallice and Lorient
Seven aircraft of this Unit were detailed to carry out the above operations and carried a bomb load of 1500 lbs., and 500 lbs. bombs. Inclement weather conditions were encountered near the target and the majority of the aircraft bought the bombs back to base.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:50 – Landed 05:50
Flight Time 07:00
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.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
Sgt. Charles Croall, RNZAF NZ41627 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:05 – Landed 03:05
Flight Time 04:00
01/06/1942 – Attacks Against Targets at Essen
Twenty Well. a/c were detailed to carry out the above attack. Bomb loads of $000lbs, 500lbs, 250, 30lb inc and 4lb inc was dropped in the target area but results were not observed owing to cloud over target. Large fires were, however, seen to be burning in the target area. A.A. fire was not particularly intense and searchlights were scattered. One ME.109 followed Well.IC DV884 for about 5 minutes but was eluded. Weather was fairly good until target was reached where there was low cloud and haze. Navigation was good by all aids.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Leonard Wright, RNZAF NZ405781 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
P/O Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:15 – Landed 03:45
Flight Time 04:30
02/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Essen
Sixteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and 4lb inc was dropped in the target area but no results were observed. A few small fires were seen near target. A.A. fire was fairly heavy and searchlights operating in cones were numerous. No enemy a/c were seen. Weather marred the operation, there being a heavy ground have. Navigation was excellent. Well, X3408, captained by P/O Carter, failed to return.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Leonard Wright, RNZAF NZ405781 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O J.J. Manson, RAFVR 1251684/ 104475 – Navigator.
P/O Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:59 – Landed 03:45
Flight Time 03:46
05/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Essen
Thirteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and 4lb inc was dropped in the target area. No results were observed. A.A. fire was intense and searchlights active in cones. No enemy a/c were seen. Weather was clear except for ground haze. Nav was excellent.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
Sgt. Ronald Stewart Harvey, RNZAF NZ404538 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:10 – Landed 02:20
Flight Time 03:10
06/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Emden
Twelve aircraft were detailed to carry out an attack on the above target and a bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and 4lb inc was dropped on the target. Large buildings were seen to be ablaze and there were a number of small fires. Flak was fairly intense but searchlights few. No enemy a/c were encountered. Weather was good. Navigation was very good. One a/c sighted enemy flak ships and dived down to 200ft and attacked them. Results were not observed.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O Walter Jack Monk, RNZAF NZ411432 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O Allen Roy Henderson, RNZAF NZ401382 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:35 – Landed 04:05
Flight Time 04:30
08/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Essen
Twelve aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 250lbs and 4 lb inc was dropped in the target area. Owing to haze results were not observed. There was a heavy concentration of flak and searchlights in target area. Two unidentified a/c were observed near Dutch Coast by Well.III, X3720 and were eluded. Weather was good no cloud over target but hazy. Navigation was very good. Well.III, X3587, captained by P/O. Smith and Well.III, Z1573, captained by P/O Murdoch failed to return.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
Sgt. George Edward Francis Bradey, RNZAF NZ401954 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Charles Wynne Brunsdon Kelly, RNZAF NZ403562 – Navigator.
Sgt. Greig, RAFVR – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Tate, RAFVR – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:25 – Landed 03:25
Flight Time 04:00
16/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Essen
Seven aircraft were detailed to attack the above. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 1000lbs, 500lbs and 4lb inc was taken. One a/c did not carry out its task and returned early. Owing to insufficient cloud cover Essen was not attacked by a/c but bombs were dropped on Bonn. There was heavy flak and searchlights were moderate. Weather was unfavourable. Navigation was good. No enemy a/c were seen.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O Wallace Edward Buckley, RNZAF NZ391379 – Navigator.
F/S Arthur Stafford Christie, RNZAF NZ402982 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Stanley Leo Kavanagh, RNZAF NZ403579 – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:30 – Landed 04:05
Flight Time 04:35
19/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Emden
Eleven a/c were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 500lbs, 4lb inc was taken. Aircraft unable to identify Emden attacked Osnabruck. Results were not observed. Flak was not intense but searchlights were fairly active. One unidentified a/c followed Well.III X3539 for about 5 miles but made no attack. Weather was clear over Osnabruck. Nav was excellent.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O Wallace Edward Buckley, RNZAF NZ391379 – Navigator.
F/S Arthur Stafford Christie, RNZAF NZ402982 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Clifton Robert Brailley, RNZAF NZ404587 – Front Gunner.
F/S Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:35 – Landed 04:20
Flight Time 04:45
20/06/1942 – Attack Against Targets at Emden
Twelve a/c were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4000lbs, 250lbs and 4lb inc was dropped in the target area. Results were not observed. There was intense flak and searchlights were few. A JU88 attacked Well.III, X3539 without result. Weather was hazy with 5/10 cloud. Visibility very bad. Nav was good. Well.III, X3760 P/O Fraser failed to return.
Wellington Mk.III X.3760 AA-L
P/O Allen Armistice Fraser, RNZAF NZ405030 – Pilot.
P/O Wallace Edward Buckley, RNZAF NZ391379 – Navigator.
F/S Arthur Stafford Christie, RNZAF NZ402982 – .Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Clifton Robert Brailley, RNZAF NZ404587 – Front Gunner.
P/O Raymond Wickliffe John Trengrove, RNZAF NZ40927 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off – – Landed –
Flight Time missing
Another picture of the Fraser crew, Allen again stood centrally in the picture. As with the picture at the top of the post, unfortunately the identities of the rest of the crew are, at this point, unknown.
The exact fate of X.3760 AA-L is not known, however it is very likely that the aircraft was shot down by a German night-fighter, crashing into the sea west of Ameland, near the Frisians.
There were no survivors.
The bodies of P/O Wallace Buckley (aged 28) and Raymond Trengrove (aged 20), were recovered and buried in the Sage War Cemetery in Germany.
Front Gunner, Sgt. Clifton Brailey (aged 23), was lost without trace and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
The bodies of P/O Allen Fraser (aged 23) and F/S Arthur Christie’s (aged 21) were washed ashore on the North coast of the island of Schiermonnikoog. Wyb has very kindly passed on the following documentation, produced by the German authorities relating to the recovery and identification of their bodies.
Schiermonnikoog 12th July 1942
Doctors Report
Regarding the findings of the body of Pilot officer of the R.N.Z.A.F. Allen Armistice Fraser from Christchurch/New Zealand, exact date of birth unknown, age approx 25-30 years.
Large, very muscular corpse of a New Zealander Pilot Officer. Discovered washed up in the ebb in the early hours of 12th July 1942 and recovered on the north coast of the island Schiermonnikoog by Post Number 2. The age of the corpse is estimated at 2 to 4 weeks.
The body is bloated and in decay. Only hair left is a lower line around the neck. The rest of the head is bald, both eyes bulging out of the sockets. Teeth are loose in the jaw. Both thigh bones fractured. Otherwise no external injuries found.
Probable death: drowned.
Special markings: none.
Clothing: yellow life jacket, blue flying uniform (on both shoulders a
5mm wide black stripe with stitched 1mm wide light blue stripe, on the
left breast side a badge with two wings, crown and the letters N.Z.),
blue pilots shirt, white gymnastic shirt, short white underpants,
coloured wool socks and lined sailing cloth pilot-boots.
No identification markings, the personal details were divulged from the papers found on the corpse.
The remains were found.-
1. Witness 2. Witness 3. Witness
Assistant Chief Doctor Petty Officer Private
Schiermonnikoog 12th July 1942
Contents
Remaining found items of pilot officer Allan Armistice Fraser washed up on 12.07.1942 on Sohiermonnikoog near post 2, buried on 14.07.1942 in the Vredenhof au Schiermonnikoog, grave no. 74
1.) Wallet with contents 1 coins to 2d
2 1d
2 6d
2.) 1 fountain pen (damaged)
3.) 1 wristwatch (damaged)
4.) 1 key ring with 4 keys
5.) 2 photos
6.) 2 Bank receipts, last transaction 3.6.1942
7.) 1 soldiers prayer book
8.) 4 religious (?) pendants
9.) 2 church passes
10.) 3 letters
11.) 3 newspaper cuttings
12.) 1 escape bag containing 2 maps and
ffrcs 1000,–
belgas 70,–
fl 20,–
Korvetten Captain
and Island Kommander
Schiermonnikoog 12th July 1942
Doctors Report
Regarding the findings of the body of an English pilot the exact name, position, Personnel number and birth-date unknown.
Age: due to advanced decomposition is not possible to ascertain exact age but estimated at 25 – 30 years of age.
Large, very muscular corpse of an English pilot. Discovered washed up in the ebb in the early hours of the 12th July 1942 and recovered on the North coast of the island of Schiermonnikoog by post Number 12. The age of the corpse is estimated at 2 weeks.
The body is bloated and in decay. Hair is completely missing and the eyeballs missing, mouth indented, teeth are loose in jaw, left arm fractured, right hip is, through to the articular cavity, completely opened (probably through maggot damage). Otherwise no external injury. probable death: drowned. Special markings: none.
Clothing: White gymnastic shirt, short white underpants, Blue pilot shirt (together with gymnastic shirt pulled over the head and neck band and on both sleeves tied to the body), blue pilots trousers, a pair of white socks, left a high boot without a sole.
On the ring finger of the right hand a signet ring with the initials A.S.C.
The signet ring is the only remaining article.
1. Witness 2. Witness 3. Witness
Assistant Chief Doctor Petty Officer Private
The following pictures show an appropriately respectful burial ceremony for one of the two airmen by the German troops stationed on the island.
75(nz)squadron 