1/7/2024 0 Comments Ww2 bomber crew lossesMissing airmen who could not be found, or formally identified, had their names commemorated on the Air Forces Memorial at Runnymede, which was unveiled in 1953.ĬWGC records show that the remains of DH Reed, FD Hunter, FE Flint, RL Prosser, LP Russell and EJ Morris were located at Mannheim Cemetery Graves were marked with a simple wooden cross, which was replaced by the familiar CWGC headstone during the 1950’s. Original German documents, burial records and eye witness accounts were utilised to establish the location of the crash site, the cause of the loss and the initial fate of the crew information was recorded in a MRES Investigation Report.Īs part of the process, any remains that were located were exhumed, identified (wherever possible) and concentrated (reinterred) at one of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Cemeteries in the country that they fell, in accordance with Government policy at the time. Post War search for the missing crew membersĪfter the war, an investigation officer from the Royal Air Force Missing Research and Enquiry Service (MRES) was tasked with locating the remains of the missing crew member(s). 167 (Flight ) reported DH Reed, FD Hunter, FE Flint, RL Prosser, LP Russell and EJ Morris as “missing” The Air Ministry Casualty Branch, which was responsible for investigating, monitoring and reporting on the status of missing aircraft and airmen, subsequently published the following information regarding the crew: The crew’s kit and personal belongings were removed from their lockers and catalogued kit was returned to stores and personal belongings sent to the RAF Central Depository at RAF Colnbrook. An example of the telegram that was sent.On 20 th May 1942 the squadron informed Bomber Command, the Air Ministry and the RAF Records Office that the aircraft and crew were missing.Ī telegram, along with a follow up letter from the Commanding Officer, was sent to the next of kin of each crew member advising them that he was “missing as the result of air operations on 19th / 20th May 1942”. W1101 failed to return and the squadron’s Operations Record Book shows “Took off from Linton to Mannheim but nothing further was heard Classified as Missing” 35 Squadron aircraft detailed to attack Mannheim on the night of the 19th / 20th May 1942. It has not been possible to find an AM Form 1180 (Accident Card) in the RAF Museum files There is no record of the incident on the AM Form 78 (Movement Card) suggesting that it remained on charge of the squadron whilst it was being repaired the squadron’s Operations Record Book shows that the aircraft was operational again by 21st July 1942 The squadron’s Operations Record Book shows “Whilst over the target, the aircraft ran into the trailing aerial of a Wellington aircraft and sustained comparatively severe damage to the front turret and navigator’s compartment” John Maurice Mitchell (Flight Engineer).35 Squadron aircraft detailed to attack Wilhelmshaven on the night of the 8th / 9th July 1942. There is no AM Form 1180 (Accident Card) for this incident as such, there are no further details available Halifax W7866 () The AM Form 78 (Movement Card) does not show any information regarding the incident, although the aircraft was not used operationally again until February 1943 The Captain finally landed his damaged aircraft skilfully at Martlesham Heath” Our aircraft was then flying at a reduced speed of only 90 knots, but during the engagement, which lasted four minutes, the Rear Gunner managed to get three bursts and saw strikes in the nose of the enemy aircraft, which finally dived steeply away and was not seen again During both incidents, the entire crew remained very calm and were extremely efficient in jettisoning equipment and combating adversity, the Flight Engineer being outstanding. At 20.31 hours, the aircraft was sighted and chased by a Ju88, which made three attacks but fired only one burst. After further jettisoning of flares and ammunition etc, it was found possible to maintain height at 6,300 feet. bombs were immediately jettisoned and despite the adverse circumstances, a photograph was at the same time successfully attempted. The bombload of 8 x 1,000lb and 2 x 500lb G.P. This occurred when the aircraft was flying at 18,000 feet. Compass and various electrical leads were severed and the aircraft, flying on only two engines, began to lose height. The squadron’s Operations Record Book shows “Before the aircraft could carry out an attack, it was hit by heavy ‘flak’ in the port inner and starboard outer engines the D.R. Michael Albert Edward Bradford (Air Gunner).Terence Gordon O’Shaughnessy (Navigator).35 Squadron aircraft detailed to attack Duisburg on the night of the 20th / 21st December 1942.
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