Miscellaneous Pictures of 408 Squadron during WWII
WWII
My father, John Frederick Scott served in RCAF 408 ‘Goose’ squadron on Lancasters from about October 1943 to March 1944. He did two tours as a Flight Engineer.
I ask if anyone has any group photos that include him, or other photo of him as a young serving airman. I also ask if there are any surviving photos of the plane(s) he flew on during that time. If so, please get in touch. He was based at Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire, England.
Hi. I am looking for any pictures of, and that include Flight Sgt. Willard Melvin Haugen, service number R/114914. He was a gunner with 408 squadron during WW2. He flew on Halifax JD 174. Later he joined 405 Squadron on Lancaster HR 817. Sadly, he was shot down and killed over Germany on August 18, 1943. I only know of one picture of my Great Uncle and I have been trying to find any pictures of him, and him and his crew. If anyone can find some, I would be very thankful. Thank you.
Hi Travis,
I’m researching the same aircrew – that of HR817 (a Halifax) on which your great uncle was air gunner on its last mission to Peenemunde. I’m no relation to any of the crew but the other air gunner (the tail gunner, I believe) Thomas Pargeter, was from the same small village where I grew up so I wanted to learn about him and his crew.
I’m afraid I don’t have any photographs of your great uncle but I have found some photos and background information about other members of the crew which I’m happy to share if you’d like to share your details.
I am looking for a picture of thecrewmembers and the Hampden AT191 EQ-A that crashed near my hometown on 02-06-1942.
Pilot P/O W.D.F. Charlton who lies burried in Harderwijk the Netherlands.
Observer CP/O C.I.A. Sadland
WO F/Sgt F.J.E. Womar DFM
AG Sgt A. Marland
I do have a picture of P/O Charlton.
Does anyone have anything about EQ-Q that was shot down January 14, 1944. My uncle was it’s Pilot. Would love pictures of plane, crew or anything on this plane.
Thanks
Leslie
My uncle , Hugh Raymond Wood was part of aircraft EQ-R that was lost April 18 , 1945. Curious if any oh his crew members family is on here .
Hi Darrell,
Your grandfather’s medal set is on display at the Sherman Armory. Did your family donate it or is it on loan? I am trying to find out the circumstances of his M.M. being awarded. Thank you!
Hi,
I’m looking for some information regarding the particular Lancaster bomber (D.S.774) in which Charles Percy Miller (also went by Chad) was a mid-upper gunner and was shot down returning from Germany on November 4th, 1943. Just curious of the name of the plane and if there are any photos of the plane and/or its crew?
Thanks,
Myles
I am looking for any information about my uncle, James Stewart “Stew” Coulter. He was a Flt Lieut. in the 408 and his plane went missing on Aug. 12, 1942.
Hi,
I’m looking for any information regarding my grandfather Richard Carr, goes by “Dick”, who was apparently a gunner on a Lancaster Bomber in WWII . I can’t find any record of him or any crew list whatsoever. If anyone has any information that would be great.
July 3, 2015
Mellissa
Served as ground crew with 408 Squadron in the UK, late November 1941, early December 1944 and have updated the 408 Squadron Wartime Casualty List published in the 408 Squadron History Book.
W. R Chorley Bomber Command Losses of WWII Volume 5, Lancaster Mark II, LL699 EQ-A Operation Braunschweig.
Flying Officer Pilot, Timmins W H, J21857, KIA 14/01/1944, Age 27, RCAF, Canadian
Given Names Wilbert Harry
Hanover War Cemetery
Grave 10. C. 2.
Additional Information (Family Relationship)
Son of Harry Bradley Timmins and Violet Henrietta Timmins, of Montreal, Province of Quebec.
Pilot Officer Navigator, Glenn W R, ?, POW, 14/01/1944, Age?, RCAF, Canadian
Additional Information (Family Relationship)
Unknown
Flight Sergeant Air Bomber, Williams A R, R71274, KIA 14/01/1944, Age 23, RCAF, Canadian
Given Names Unknown
Hanover War Cemetery
Grave 10. C. 6.
Additional Information (Family Relationship)
Unknown
Flight Sergeant Wireless Operator A/G, Deighton G, 1375320, KIA 14/01/1944, Age ?, RAF,
Given Names Unknown
Hanover War Cemetery
Collective Grave 10. C. 3-5.
Additional Information (Family Relationship)
Unknown, RAF Records
Sergeant Air Gunner, Wiper K L, R187610, KIA 14/01/1944, Age 21, RCAF, Canadian,
Given Names Unknown
Hanover War Cemetery
Collective Grave 10. C. 3-5.
Additional Information (Family Relationship)
Unknown
Sergeant Air Gunner, Carr L A, R251899, KIA 14/01/1944, Age ?, RCAF, Canadian
Given Names Leo Augustave
Hanover War Cemetery
Collective Grave 10. C. 3-5
Additional Information (Family Relationship)
Unknown
Sergeant Flight Engineer, Tattersfield A W, 1217551, KIA 14/01/1944, Age 21, RAF, UK,
Given Names Unknown
Hanover War Cemetery
Collective Grave 10. C. 1.
Additional Information (Family Relationship) Unknown
RAF Records
Source of family relationship information for some RCAF aircrew:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
http://www.cwgc.org/
Virtual Canadian War Memorial:
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/
Personal files of RCAF aircrew Killed In Action are archived and available for research in the Canadian Library and Archives, Ottawa.
http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/second-world-war/second-world-war-dead-1.
Unfortunately it’s more difficult to find information on RAF aircrew since the Royal Air Force is more restrictive.
Hope this is helpful.
George R McKillop
New Westminster, BC
Melissa
Served as ground crew with 408 Squadron in the UK, late November 1941, early December 1944 and have updated the 408 Squadron Wartime Casualty List published in the 408 Squadron History Book.
W. R Chorley Bomber Command Losses of WWII Volume 5, Lancaster Mark II, LL699 EQ-A Operation Braunschweig.
lying Officer Pilot, Timmins W H
J21857
KIA 14/01/1944
Age 27
RCAF, Canadian
Given Names Wilbert Harry
Hanover War Cemetery
Grave 10. C. 2.
Additional Information (Family Relationship)
Son of Harry Bradley Timmins and Violet Henrietta Timmins, of Montreal, Province of Quebec.
Pilot Officer Navigator,Glenn W R,?,POW,14/01/1944,Age?, RCAF, Canadian
Additional Information (Family Relationship)
Unknown
Flight Sergeant Air Bomber, Williams A R
R71274
KIA 14/01/1944
Age 23
RCAF, Canadian
Given Names Unknown
Hanover War Cemetery
Grave 10. C. 6.
Additional Information (Family Relationship)
Unknown
Flight Sergeant Wireless Operator A/G, Deighton G 1375320
KIA 14/01/1944
Age ?,
RAF,
Given Names Unknown
Hanover War Cemetery
Collective Grave 10. C. 3-5.
Additional Information (Family Relationship)
Unknown, RAF Records
Sergeant Air Gunner, Wiper K L
R187610
KIA 14/01/1944
Age 21
RCAF Canadian,
Given Names Unknown
Hanover War Cemetery
Collective Grave 10. C. 3-5.
Additional Information (Family Relationship)
Unknown
Sergeant Air Gunner, Carr L A
R251899
KIA 14/01/1944
Age ?
RCAF, Canadian
Given Names Leo Augustave
Hanover War Cemetery
Collective Grave 10. C. 3-5
Additional Information (Family Relationship)
Unknown
Sergeant Flight Engineer, Tattersfield A W
1217551
KIA 14/01/1944
Age 21
RAF
UK,
Given Names Unknown
Hanover War Cemetery
Collective Grave 10. C. 1.
Additional Information (Family Relationship) Unknown
RAF Records
Source of family relationship information for some RCAF aircrew:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
http://www.cwgc.org/
Virtual Canadian War Memorial:
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance memorials/
Personal files of RCAF aircrew Killed In Action are archived and available for research in the Canadian Library and Archives, Ottawa.
http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/second-world-war/second-world-war-dead-1.
Unfortunately it’s more difficult to find information on RAF aircrew since the Royal Air Force is more restrictive.
Hope this is helpful.
George R McKillop
New Westminster, BC
Hi, I am looking for any information on my father, Sgt Ronald Charles Davies, 408 Goose Squadron. He was in Group 6 and was the bomb aimer on Halifax LL700 – JD365 EQ-J. Their flight was shot down somewhere near Duren/Remscheid on 30 July 1943. Dad parachuted out and survived however with fairly bad injuries. He was taken to Stalag 4B where he spent the next year and a half. Dad believed he had been the sole survivor of this crash however, through trawling these pages, I have just discovered that another person survived. His name is RA Dernam, his name appears also spelled as RA Denham and RA Dekham. I would love to be able to contact Mr Dernam’s family or anyone else who has any relevant info. I’ve just seen that it’s the 75th Anniversary of 408 Squadron in June 2016, I won’t miss it!
Served as ground crew with 408 Squadron in the UK, late November 1941, early December 1944. Member of the 408 Goose Squadron Association and have researched and updated the 408 Squadron “Wartime Casualty List” published in the Squadron History Book.
W.R Chorley Bomber Command Losses of WWII Volume 5, Halifax JD365, EQ-J Operation Remschied,crashed at Duren.
Sergeant Pilot Chalk Albert Edward,1322049, RAF, KIA 31/07/1943, Age 23,
Runnymede Memorial Panel 145.
Sergeant Navigator Derham R A,RAF,POW 31/07/1943,Age?
Sergeant Air Bomber Davies Ronald Charles,RAF,POW(4/B),31/07/1943,Age ?
Sergeant Wireless Op./AG Reed William Lewis,1330193,RAF,KIA 31/07/1943,Age?
Rheinberg War Cemetery Grave 4. G. 7.
Sergeant Air Gunner Edwards Robert George, R/125516. RCAF,KIA 31/07/1943,Age? Runnymede Memorial Panel 186.
Sergeant Air Gunner Berry Francis,1604340,RAF,KIA 31/07/1943,Age 22,
Runnymede Memorial Panel 142.
Sergeant Flight Engineer Crammond John, 1675338, RAF, KIA 31/07/1943, Age 21, Runnymede Memorial Panel 146.
George R McKillop
New Westminster, BC
May 4, 2015
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Served as ground crew with 408 Squadron in the UK, late November 1941, early December 1944.Member of the 408 Goose Squadron Association and have researched and updated the 408 Squadron “Wartime Casualty List” published in the Squadron History Book.
The CWGC records for R G Edwards are in need of some tender loving care.
Halifax JD365, EQ-J Operation Remschied.
W. R Chorley Bomber Command Losses of WWII Volume 5, Halifax JD365, EQ-J Operation Remschied, crashed at Duren.
Sergeant Pilot Chalk Albert Edward,1322049, RAF, KIA 31/07/1943, Age 23,
Runnymede Memorial Panel 145.
Sergeant Navigator Derham R A, RAF, POW 31/07/1943, Age ?
Sergeant Air Bomber Davies Ronald Charles, RAF, POW(4/B), 31/07/1943, Age ?
Sergeant Wireless Op./AG Reed William Lewis, 1330193, RAF, KIA 31/07/1943, Age ?
Rheinberg War Cemetery Grave 4. G. 7.
Sergeant Air Gunner, Edwards Robert George, R/125516. RCAF, KIA 31/07/1943, Age ? Runnymede Memorial Panel 186.
Sergeant Air Gunner Berry Francis, 1604340, RAF, KIA 31/07/1943, Age 22,
Runnymede Memorial Panel 142.
Sergeant Flight Engineer Crammond John, 1675338, RAF, KIA 31/07/1943, Age 21, Runnymede Memorial Panel 146.
Chalk Albert Edward
Rank: Sergeant
Trade: Nil (Pilot)
Service No: 1322049
Date of Death: 31/07/1943
Age: 23
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
408 (RCAF Squadron)
Memorial: Runnymede Memorial
Panel Reference: Panel 145
Additional Information: Son of Albert Edward and Frances Alice Chalk, of Poplar, London.
Reed William Lewis
Rank: Sergeant
Trade: W.Op./Air Gunner
Service No: 1330193
Date of Death: 31/07/1943
Age: NIL (No age information).
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
408 (RCAF)Squadron
Grave Reference: 4. G. 7.
Additional Information: Nil (No family relationship information)
Edwards Robert George
Rank: Sergeant
Trade: Nil Air Gunner
Service No: R/125516.
Date of Death: 31/07/1943
Age: Nil (No age information).
Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Air Force
408 Squadron
408 (RCAF)Squadron
Grave Reference: 4. G. 7.
Additional Information: Nil (No family relationship information).
Berry Frank Air Gunner Berry Francis, 1604340, RAF, KIA 31/07/1943, Age,
Rank: Sergeant
Trade: Nil (Air Gunner)
Service No: 1604340
Date of Death: 31/07/1943
Age: 22
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
408 (RCAF)Squadron
Panel Reference: Panel 142
Memorial: Runnymede Memorial
Additional Information: Son of Howard and Alma Berry; husband of Beryl Cicely Berry,
of Alveston Warwickshire.
Crammond John
Rank: Sergeant
Trade: Nil (Flight Engineer)
Service No: 1675338
Date of Death: 31/07/1943
Age: 21
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
408 (RCAF) Squadron
Panel Reference: Panel 146
Memorial: Runnymede Memorial
Additional Information: Son of Alexandre and Elizabeth Crammond, of Blackburn Lancashire;
husband of Marjorie Crammond of Blackburn.
May 5, 2015
Hi Dave
I don’t know if you got any information from this email in 2015. I hope this finds you well.
My grandmother’s half brother was John Crammond. He was flying with 408 Sqn. He wasn’t a Canadian, he was from Blackburn in Lancashire (made famous by the Beatles!) He was the flight engineer on your father’s aircraft. He didn’t survive the crash near Duren (the target for that night was Remscheid). My research suggests there were 2 survivors as you have found.
Has your father spoken about the crash or anything about service with this crew? They seem to have flown together on the same aircraft twice before the crash. Both the previous sorties were to Hamburg.
I would love to know if your father said anything about the crew and what happened on the night of 30/31 Jul 1943.
Alex Blacklock
Hi Alex,
I am descendant of Ronald Davies (mentioned above) from this flight.
Any info you can share would be much appreciated.
Dave,
I don’t know if you are still following this comment. I work in Air Force Heritage and History at 1 Canadian Air Division, Winnipeg, Manitoba. We reciently recieved a query about the loss of Halifax aircraft EQ-J. I would like to be able to add what information you have to my research and in turn provide you with what I am able to compile.
Hello, I had an Uncle William Baker who served with the squadron during WWII as a waist gunner/radio operator in the Halifax Bomber. Our family has his flight log book, which takes him through training, bombing missions, right up to the point he was shot down and his German POW ID card. We also have a few photos. The family wants to keep all the original documents. However I scanned everything and would be happy to share this.
Who should I contact from the squadron to send this to?
Thanks
Keith
Keith Baker
October 4, 2014
Hello, I had an Uncle William Baker who served with the squadron during WWII as a waist gunner/radio operator in the Halifax Bomber.
Two Halifax Aircraft phases with 408 Squadron during WWII
Phase 1. Leeming Yorkshire, Halifax Mark V and II September1942 – August 1943.
Phase 2. Linton-on-Ouse Yorkshire, Halifax Mark VII February 1944 – May 1945
Our family has his flight log book, which takes him through training, bombing missions, right up to the point he was shot down and his German POW ID card.
Unable to locate this entry in the 408 Squadron Wartime Casualty List published in the Squadron History Book,
Please elaborate.
We also have a few photos. The family wants to keep all the original documents. However I scanned everything and would be happy to share this.
Who should I contact from the squadron to send this to?
Limited interest in photos in the 408 Goose Squadron Association and Active Squadron. Suggest we clarify the situation before deciding what to do.
Regards,
George R McKillop
Keith,
Congratulations on your documentation of your uncle’s service in the RCAF.
WR Chorley Bomber Command Losses of WWII Volume 6, Mark VII Halifax, NR209 EQ-A Operation Hanover.
Scheelar, Andrew Frank
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Trade: Pilot,
Service Number: J/13449
Date of Death: 05/01/1945
Age: 26
Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Air Force 408 Squadron
Grave Reference: 11. A. 3.
Cemetery: Sage War Cemetery
Additional Information (Family Relationship):
Son of John L and Theresia Scheelar of Kimball, Minnesota U. S. A.
Elkin, D
Rank: Flying Officer
Trade: Navigator
Service Number: ?
Prisoner of War (POW) Date: 05/01/1945
Age: ?
Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Air Force 408 Squadron
Additional Information (Family Relationship): ?
Winter, F A
Rank: Flying Officer
Trade: Air Bomber
Service Number: ?
Prisoner of War (POW) Date: 05/01/1945
Age: ?
Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Air Force 408 Squadron
Additional Information (Family Relationship): ?
Leithead, Frank Taylor
Rank: Flying Officer
Trade: Wireless Operator Air Gunner
Service Number: J/24304
Date of Death: 05/01/1945
Age: 29
Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Air Force 408 Squadron
Grave Reference: 11. A. 4. Cemetery: Sage War Cemetery
Additional Information (Family Relationship):Son of Frank and Agnes Leithead; husband of Lillian Louise Leithead, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Benville, Lawrence John
Rank: Flying Officer
Trade: Air Gunner
Service Number: J/40216
Date of Death: 05/01/1945
Age: 21
Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Air Force 408 Squadron
Grave Reference: Grave 11. A. 2.
Cemetery: Richswald Forest War Cemetery
Additional Information (Family Relationship):
Son of John and Violet Benville; husband of Margaret Dorothy Benville.
Baker W A,
Rank: Flying Officer
Trade: Air Gunner
Service Number: J41858
Prisoner of War (POW) Date: 05/01/1945
Age:?
Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Air Force 408 Squadron
Additional Information (Family Relationship): Unknown
You could draft something similar to other members of the aircrew.
Daly J
Rank: Pilot Officer
Trade: Flight Engineer
Service Number:190366
Date of Death: 05/01/1945
Age: ?
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force
408 RCAF Squadron
Grave Reference:11. A. 7.
Cemetery: Sage War Cemetery
Additional Information (Family Relationship) RAF Records
Found some information on the families of the three RCAF members of the aircrew Killed In
Action on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Virtual Canadian War Memorial
sites.
http://www.cwgc.org/
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/
Personal files of RCAF aircrew Killed In Action are
archived and available for research in the Canadian Library and Archives, Ottawa.
However it’s difficult to find information on RAF aircrew since the Royal Air Force is far more restrictive.
George R McKillop
New Westminster, BC
Dear all
Recently we discovered the crash site of Lancaster LL720 ( 20 Feb 1944) in The Netherlands. We are planning to put up a memorial stone near the location.
My question: are there any suggestions for the layout and the text?
Any imput from the Sqadron and or the Assn would be appreciated.
We have not been able to find any family members which we also would like to notify.
Jaap Geensen
Jaap Geensen
Apologize for the delay in responding to your posting. Served as ground crew with 408 Squadron November 1941until early December 1944. Commend and appreciate your planned memorial to the aircrew of Lancaster II, LL720 EQ-R. Many 408 Squadron aircrew have been honoured in this way but not to any standard lay out or text. Yours is another example of the special relationship between the citizens of our countries.
W R Chorley Bomber Command Losses 1943, Volume 4, Halifax II, BB375 EQ-T Operation Krefeld, Takeoff 23:35 Leeming. Shot down by a night-fighter crashing into the Lop near Lopik (Utrecht). While trying to assist his skipper a cannon shell exploded and Sergeant G I Pridham was badly wounded. Realizing he was unable to maintain control, Sergeant Pilot Reichert ordered Pridham to bail out. G I Pridham and J C Russell POW. at Heydekrug and repatriated May 26 1944. Parts of the Halifax were recovered from the river and form a memorial to this crew. The citizens of Lopik invited Sgt Pridham to attend the unveiling as their honoured guest.
W R Chorley’ Bomber Command Losses of WWII, 1944 Volume 5. Operation Leipzig. Aircraft Lancaster II, LL720 EQ-R
Winn Elmer Stanley Flt. Lieut. Pilot, J/8840, RCAF, Age 23, KIA
Belgium Schoonselhof Cemetery, Grave IVa. C. 34
Additional Information
Son of Fred L. and Edna M. Winn, of Stouffville Ontario Canada.
Leaman James Richard, Flying Off. Nav., J/24215, RCAF, Age 21. KIA
Belgium Schoonselhof Cemetery, Grave IVa. C. 32.
Additional Information:
Son of Richard Ernest and Florence May Leaman, of Calgary Alberta Canada.
Bonneville John Raymond, Flying Off. Air Bomber, J/25732, RCAF, Age unknown, KIA,
Belgium – Schoonselhof Cemetery, Grave IVa. C. 31.
Additional Information: Nil
Wade Reginald Herbert, Pilot Off. Wireless Op./Air Gnr., J/86403, RCAF, Age 26, KIA,
Belgium – Schoonselhof Cemetery, Grave IVa. C. 41.
Additional Information:
Son of Timothy Wade, and Violetta L. Wade of Aurora Ontario Canada.
Dramnitzki Eldore, Pilot Off. Air Gnr., J/88338, RCAF, Age 22, KIA,
Belgium-Schoonselhof Cemetery, Grave IVa. C. 27.
Additional Information:
Son of Gottlieb and Caroline Dramnitzki, of Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada.
Brown N H H, Sgt. Air Gnr., Service Number unknown, Age unknown, KIA,
US Military Cemetery Neuville-en-Condroz, Grave number unknown.
Additional Information:
Nil
Note, an American serving in the RCAF
Bolt Ellis William, Sgt. Flt. Engr., 642443, RAF, Age 24, KIA,
Belgium-Schoonselhof Cemetery, Grave IVa. C. 35.
Additional Information: Nil
George R McKillop
New Westminster BC., Canada
Email george_mck@shaw.ca
October 28, 2014
I just read your post about LL720. If not too late, I can put you in touch with some family members.of F/L Elmer Winn.
Regards
Ron Stover. Markham
Canada
Ron
Thanks for your response to my posting, it’s never too late to advise family members. Please contact a member of the Winn family and I’ll find a way to advise Jaap Geensen.. jgluctor@zeelandnet.nl<jgluctor@zeelandnet.nl
Hopefully you will be able to put them in touch with one another
W R Chorley’ Bomber Command Losses of WWII, 1944 Volume 5. Operation Leipzig.
Aircraft Lancaster II, LL720 EQ-R
Winn Elmer Stanley Flight Lieutenant Pilot, J/8840, RCAF, Age 23, KIA
Son of Fred L. and Edna M. Winn, of Stouffville Ontario Canada.
Leaman James Richard, Flying Officer Navigator., J/24215, RCAF, Age 21. KIA
Son of Richard Ernest and Florence May Leaman, of Calgary Alberta Canada.
Bonneville John Raymond, Flying Officer Air Bomber, J/25732, RCAF, Age unknown, KIA,
No Additional Information
Wade Reginald Herbert, Pilot Officer Wireless Op/Air Gunner, J/86403, RCAF, Age 26, KIA,
Son of Timothy Wade, and Violetta L. Wade of Aurora Ontario Canada.
Dramnitzki Eldore, Pilot Officer Air Gunner, J/88338, RCAF, Age 22, KIA,
Son of Gottlieb and Caroline Dramnitzki, of Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada.
Brown N H H, Sergeant Air Gunner, Service Number unknown, Age unknown, KIA,
American serving in the RCAF, no Additional Information:
Bolt Ellis William, Sergeant Flight Engineer, 642443, RAF, Age 24, KIA,
No Additional Information
George R McKillop
New Westminster, BC
Email: george_mck@shaw.ca
I grew up in Markham (son of Muriel (Dean) and ‘Chuck’ McCarthy) and my Uncle, Hilliard Dean, served in 408 Sqn in ’44/’45 in Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire. He was ground crew, and ‘his plane’ was Halifax PN230, EQ/V, Vicky the Vicious Virgin. The Dean family farmed in Locust Hill/Cedar Grove area. I am looking for information, pictures, and history that might link to my Uncle.
I am interested in finding out any information about my father who recently passed away at the age of 93. He was Flt Sgt. David Morris. He was shot down and captured Oct 15, 1944. His aircraft EQ-M was shot down over Whilmshaven. The navigator J. Wolfe was killed exiting the aircraft my father believes. The bomb-aimer Rudy Roman was subsequently shot following capture and survived the war. My thanks to the Bomber Command Museum in Nanton, Alberta for their exhibit dedicated to Mr .Roman’s ordeal, and to the entire crews efforts that evening. Does anyone have any information to share.
Greetings, Can you provide any information about the crash of EQ-S that occurred on 11 September 1944? RW Smith was a member of my wife’s Grandfather’s lab at Queens University in Kingston before the war and my mother-in-law has fond memories of Pilot Officer Smith. She wanted to know a bit more about him/his death.
Thanks,
Bill
Served as ground crew with 408 Squadron in the UK from November 1941 until late November 1944.
September 11, 1944
W R Chorley Bomber Command Losses of WW II, Volume 5. 408 Squadron Halifax VII NP710 EQ-S. Early return from Castrop-Rauxel Operation. Loss of power in one engine, aircraft crashed in MT Section of the Base at Linton-on-Ouse.
Note: Picture of the Crash in the RCAF, the first Sixty Years
Flying Officer pilot Smith R W, Flying Officer air bomber Houston G M, Flying Officer wireless operator air gunner Kerry J N,
Flying Officer air gunner Storey C T and Sergeant flight engineer Milburn D J were killed and are buried in Stonefell Cemetery Harrogate Yorkshire.
Flying Officer navigator McKillop N C (no family relationship) and Flight Sergeant air gunner Cooke W D were both injured. Flying Officer McKillop died September 12, 1944 and is also buried in Stonefell Cemetery. Flight Sergeant air gunner W D Cooke was the only member
of the crew to survive the crash.
Remember the aircraft approaching the airfield from an unusual direction and saw the subsequent explosion and fire. Have detailed information on the aircrew. Email me if interested.
George R McKillop
New Westminster BC
george_mck@shaw.ca
My Uncle (429 Sqn) was shot down on 22 Oct 1943 in a Halifax MK II (JD363). I have not been able to discover any pictures or information on this particular aircraft other than it was transferred to 429 Sqn from 408 Sqn prior to my Uncle’s aircrew being assigned to this aircraft. Any pictures or information on this particular aircraft would be greatly appreciated. Someone must have flown JD363 from 408 Sqn.
My name is Julian Lindley-French. I visited the memorial at Bolk today to your uncle and his crew mates. Some years ago I delivered a photo of the memorial to the station commander at RAF Leeming. Local reports here where I live suggest JD363 was hit by flak. The bombs were ditched as was the fuel prior to the crash of the plane. There is some mystery as although 7 crew were accounted for there is evidence at least one got out.
I’m trying to find out more about my grandfather…his name was D. Roy Wilson..he was not a casualty of war but he was part of the all Canadian 408 good squad, maybe 6th group..
Josh
Another of the misfortunes of war, it’s far easier to search for information on the Casualties of the Second World War than the Survivors.
408 Squadron was initially in No. 5 Group and became a part of the newly formed No. 6 RCAF Bomber Group while the Squadron was based in Leeming/ Linton-on-Ouse Yorkshire August 1943
Suggestion. Request a copy of your grandfathers military records. This may not be easy due to certain access restrictions, however if you persist it is possible to get information for Genealogical purposes.
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/index-e.html
Good luck with your research
George R McKillop
Burnaby, BC
george_mck@shaw.ca
I am looking for information on my cousin F/S John Carl Kerr, R99687 who was killed in action, Sept. 10, 1942 when his Hambden bomber was shot down 12 miles North of Essen, Germany at Mari. What mission was he flying and any other info would be appreciated. I have visited his grave in the Riechswald Forest War Cemetery. He was 19 when he died.
Eric
In September 1942 408 Squadron was in conversion training i.e. Hampden to Halifax V. Last Hampden operational losses August 29, 1942. Aircrews of the following Pilots, Wing Commander J D Twigg, Canadian, Squadron C/O; Sergeant P L Kemp, United Kingdom; Flight Sergeant W H Gould, New Zealand and Pilot Officer L G Lyons, Australia. The Squadron moved from Balderton Nottinghamshire to Leeming Yorkshire on September 13, 1942 and the first Halifax operational loss January 29, 1943 aircrew of Pilot T C Roux, Rhodesia.
Unfortunately there is no Unit/Text information (Squadron Number and applicable Air Force) for John Carl Kerr in the CWGC Casualty details and/or the Canadian Virtual War Memorial. Hopefully you know the squadron number, if so Volume 3 of W R Chorleys Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War is your best bet otherwise you will have start with the CWGC.
Assume you initiated the digital collection relating to John Carl Kerr on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial, if so congratulations.
Hope this is helpful
George R McKillop
Burnaby BC
Email: george_mck@shaw.ca
First Photo Third Row
W C McLernon
Photo Gallery WWII; Photo (41/49);
PL 31689;11/8/44.
George R McKillop
408 Squadron Commanding Officers Killed In Action Squadron History, copyright 1984
Wing Commander A C Mair Commanding Officer, October 28 1943 – November 26, 1943.
On October 6th, Wing Commander Ferris finished his tour as Squadron Commander. The new Commander W/C Alec Mair D F C was on his second tour and brought his first tour Hampden crew with him. They arrived as the month of October drew to a close, a time when the Battle of Berlin had been
stepped up and was occupying most of the Squadron’s attention.
408 Squadron flew it’s first attack on Berlin March 1st 1943, setting the course for a further 17 raids on the German Capital that would take place before the end of March 1944.
18th November 1943 – Operation Berlin,
15 aircraft from 408 Squadron joined the Main Force which consisted of 440 Lancasters on their way to bomb Berlin WC AC C Mair flying aircraft DS761 EQ-V joined them on this trip.” Source Call of the Goose.
26th / 27th November 1943 – Operation Berlin, 408 Squadron put up a total of 17 aircraft, but just 15 took off on time. Wing Commander A C Mair joined them again flying Lancaster DS723 EQ-B
Source Call of the Goose.
On November 26, 1943, less than four weeks after assuming command, Mair was killed when his aircraft was shot down over Berlin and he became the second of three 408 Squadron Commanding Officers to fall to German night fighters. The few weeks he had been with the Squadron had scarcely given the Unit time to know him and his crew.
I have been researching 144 Squadron operations, July 41 – Apr 42 a period that involved my father on operations. From his training with 16 OTU to completing his first tour. A number of 408 Squadrons connections have come to light, he trained and transferred into 144 Sqdn with a number of Canadians. Three of whom Sgts Ross, McMillan and Marshall moved on within days to 408 Sqdn. They appear on picture 4 on this web site. Would it be possible to include the image in my research. I am aware both McMillan and Marshall were killed soon after. Another period is early 1942 when a detachment from 408 Sqdn moved to North Luffenham. Do you have on record the list of Hampdens based at North Luffenham? It would be interesting to see how both squadrons operated together from the end of January until the middle of March. I have the full records for 144 Squadron but only web research on 408 Squadron. Are all the snowy photographs taken at Balderton or could some have been taken at North Luffenham!
Thanks, JohnWoodhead
Mr Goheen
My name is Del Badiuk and I am the curator of the 408 Sqn Historical archives. I’m going to have a look through the Sqn Operations Record Book for entries that detail your relative and his crew. I’ll send you copies of the entries when I am done but it could be a few weeks before I find the time. If you could send me an email regarding any other information you are looking for, I’ll see if I can find anything.
I did find an entry for “R62230 Sgt Goheen L.” posted into 408 Sqn as the Navigator on P/O D. Brown’s crew in July of 1944. I will have a look and see what else I can find.
Del Badiuk
Hi Del,
I am looking for any information about my Uncle – Lionel Greer Chaston. killed on the night of Aug. 27/28 1942, on a raid to Kassel. I have some photos and letters and maybe I should scan and send them to you.
You can e-mail me directly about anything if that is easier. I will check back on this board from time to time
– Len Chaston
Anyone out there have any information concerning F/Sgt Goheen 408 Sqdn Aug 1944?
Martin,
Sorry but the Hampden in the picture is EQ-D, taken 17 Sept 1941. If you would still like a copy though, email me at 408sqn.archives@gmail.com
Del
Please can I have a copy of “Hampden-Landing”. I beleive it is EQ-Q (correct me if wrong), the plane lost 22/10/41 in which my Grandfather Sgt PAG Ragg lost his life.
Thanks
Martin