William Edwin Mulford - 50 & 431 Squadron

ARM · Aircraftsman 1st Class

William Edwin Mulford - 50 & 431 Squadron

alieneyes · Group Captain

ARM wrote:
I am looking for information on my father William Edwin Mulford (37202).He joined the RAF in April 1935. My research tells me that he joined 50 squadron in March/April 1941 and 431 in November 1942. He was killed in action in June 1943. His rank at his death was Squadron Leader achieved in December 1940. Any information would be much appreciated.

Hi ARM,

As three of the crewmen were RCAF you can access the service files of each man. Go here:

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/022/022-909.007-e.html and scroll down to "Second World War (1939-1945): Canadian Armed Forces Members who Died in Service"

I trust you have seen this:

http://www.airmuseum.ca/bios/earl1.html

Biography: Earl Stewart Rheaume
On February 20, 1914 my dad was born in Ottawa Ontario, to Lillian and Eddie Rheaume.
Dad attended Devonshire Public School, where he was awarded the Certificate of Honour, after completing his third year in 1926-27. Dad graduated with honours, from Glebe Collegiate in 1932.
Dad met his later to be wife, at a Saturday evening church dance. Dad asked the then, Dorothy Ristow for a dance, she agreed, and they danced together, the remainder of the evening.
Their courtship eventual led them to elope and marrying in a civil ceremony on January 31, 1936. Their two best friends attended. The four celebrated with dinner, drinks and dancing.
Those were the depression years where rationing, unemployment and tough times touched most families, including dad and moms.
Dad would take on any employment that he could find. He was happy to do so, and worked at the Clark Dairy Limited and later the Ferris Transfer.
Their first son Graham, was born on August 10th 1936 at the Salvation Army Grace Hospital. Graham died at 4 ½ years, of End Stage Nephritis, on March 23rd 1941.
I (Earle) their second son, was born some three months later, on June 27th also at the Salvation Army Grace Hospital.
Dad applied for enlistment in the RCAF on November 28, 1940. He met all qualifications for Aircrew duties either as a Pilot, Observer or Wireless Operator Air Gunner. He enlisted in June 1941, receiving his training at No. 1 Wireless School at Montreal; Manning Pool, Toronto; Camp Borden and Fingal, where he received his air gunners wing in June 1942. He arrived overseas one month later joining up with RCAF Squadron 431 (Iroquois).
June 12 1943 at 2:45 AM Wellington HE 392 Crashed:
While returning to home base at Burn Yorkshire, England, from a bombing raid on Dusseldorf, Earl and his four crew members aboard their Wellington HE 392 bomber, were attacked by a German Night Fighter. The Wellington was last seen in flames and diving toward the earth. It crashed on the land of Mr. Komen at Schagen Netherlands.
The remains of only one of the five-member crew was recovered and buried the same day: Dad (Grave #183, Row 10, in Petten, District Zype). The bodies of the other four-crew members were not recovered.
Royal Netherlands Air Force Aircraft Recovery Team (ARG):
On September 10, 1991 the Royal Netherlands Air Force Aircraft Recovery Team (ARG) began carrying out excavations at the crash site, and discovered the remains of the four missing crew.
Together again after fifty years:
On June 16, 1993 a full military funeral honours, including British, Netherlands and Canadian military and officials, reunited the four-crew members with my dad, after fifty years of separation.

L C Scott Flt/Lt. CHAPLAIN:
I knew the whole of this crew well, as it is my custom to see them off at night and very often meet them on their return in the morning. Earl, I knew particularly well, as he very often played the piano for me at my church services and was always very ready and willing to do so. Also his gift for playing the piano was a valuable asset to us here, both in the Concert party and also at dances.
Members of the crew of Wellington HE 392
Squadron Leader W E Mulford RAF (Pilot)
Flying Officer C A MacDougal RCAF (Navigator)
Warrant Officer 11 J G Breen RCAF (Bomb Aimer)
Flight Sergeant E S Rheaume RCAF (Air Gunner)
Sergeant J R Bell RAF(VR) (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner)

Regards,

Dave

ARM · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Thanks for the information - it all helps. Any on 50 Squadron?

Date: Mar 14, 2018

Was your father a Flight Instructor with Nº 10 SFTS (Tern Hill) by AUGUST 1939?

IF so could you contact me, please?

baumgartner_asv@yahoo.com.br

David Layne · Squadron Leader

My father flew one operation with him when with 50 Squadron. 20th September 1941 BERLIN (GERMANY)

The Hampden departed Swinderby earlier in the day for Swanton Morley, presumably because that airfield was nearer to Berlin.

Take off time 1950 from Swanton Morley. Hampden 158. Crew: Pilot S/L Mulford, P/O/ Watts, Sgt. Robertson, Sgt. Layne.

The crew was directed to bomb an aiming point in Berlin. On leaving Swanton Morley they climbed to 5,000 feet and eventually crossed the Dutch coast at 9,000 feet. On receiving a recall when just inside enemy territory, they dropped a flare to ascertain their position.

The I.F.F. proved very successful against active searchlights*. A bombing run was made from South to North on the Rhine attacking a S.E.M.O. (Self Evident Military Objective) with the wing bombs. No results were seen.

This aircraft was one of a force of 74 sent to Berlin that night. With weather conditions worsening all aircraft were recalled. 10 crews did not receive the recall and bombed other targets of opportunity. The aircraft landed at Finningley after a flight time of 7.20 hours, returning to base, the following day.

* There was an opinion among the aircrew that the I.F.F. jammed the searchlights radar. This was described by R.V. Jones in his account of scientific intelligence Most Secret War. The I.F.F. was equipped with a switch that caused it to transmit continually. This would not have been a wise thing to do as it would give away the aircrafts position. It is not now thought to have been effective.