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Post Info TOPIC: Thomas Elliot Vipond kia 25/3/1944
Anonymous

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Thomas Elliot Vipond kia 25/3/1944
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I am trying to find out some information about my uncle T E Vipond who served in 115 Sqn - I believe he was killed during a raid on Berlin 25th March 1944 and is buried in Gorssel Cemetery in the Netherlands.  Thanks to anyone who has any info.



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Wing Commander

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A start point for you (if you haven't already got this information):

Lancaster LL694

Airborne from Witchford 18.37 on 24th March 1944

Shot down by Hptm Martin Drewes, 111./NJG1 and crashed 00.20 on 25th March 1944 at Epse in Gelderland, 4 km SSE of Deventer.

Crew:

P/O T.E.Vipond KIA
Sgt A.Diggle KIA
F/S J.L.Duffy RNZAF KIA
F/O E.J.Deemer RCAF KIA
Sgt J.E.Hammond KIA
Sgt A.J.Hull KIA
Sgt R.L.Coulter RCAF KIA

I have the Bomber Command Loss Card for this aircraft if you would like a copy and I may well have the Bomber Command Night Raid Report too (but haven't had a chance to check).

Regards

Pete



-- Edited by PeteT on Wednesday 2nd of April 2014 05:16:34 PM



-- Edited by PeteT on Thursday 3rd of April 2014 04:01:18 AM

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Researching:

- CA Butler and the loss of Lancaster ME334

- Aircrew Training WWII (Basic / Trade / Operational)

- No. 35 Squadron [From Thetford to Scampton]

 

[Always looking for COPIES of original documents / photographs etc relating to these subjects]

Anonymous

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Thanks for that information Pete - that's fantastic.  Any copies of anything you have would be greatly appreciated - happy to fund any postage or costs involved.



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If you can let me have your e-mail address (replace @ with AT and . with DOT to confuse the spammers), I will send what I have.

This is also a bit of a stock answer, based on my experience:

"The first thing you should do (if possible) is to obtain a copy of his service record which will provide you with information on his training and his postings. Details on how you do this, along with the rules and regulations, can be found at: www.gov.uk/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records. It is worth noting that more details are made available if you apply as next of kin.

You will have to pay to obtain the record and my understanding is that it is taking months (rather than weeks) for them to be sent out by the record office, so be prepared for a bit of a wait.

Once you have this record, you can establish where he was posted and obtain the Operations Record Books for the squadron(s) he was involved with from the National Archives.; this should provide details of his sorties and crew.

You may also wish to contact the RAF Air Historical Branch to request the information they have on the Casualty File for LL694. Their details can be found at: www.raf.mod.uk/ahb/rafcasualties/

In the meantime if you can provide any dates, or additional snippets, it may help other forum members find information in their own archives.

I hope this is useful; good luck with your research.

Regards

Pete



__________________

Researching:

- CA Butler and the loss of Lancaster ME334

- Aircrew Training WWII (Basic / Trade / Operational)

- No. 35 Squadron [From Thetford to Scampton]

 

[Always looking for COPIES of original documents / photographs etc relating to these subjects]

AW


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Your uncle was posted to 115sqdn, from 1678 Conversion Flight, on 5th Jan 44. He flew his first op with the squadron, as 2nd Dicky to S/Ldr Baigent, to Brunswick on the night of 14th Jan. The next time he flew, was with his own crew, to Stuttgart, on the 20th February, then.........

Schweinfurt, 24th Feb.

Augsburg, 25th Feb.

Stuttgart, 1st March.

Le Mans, 7th March.

Stuttgart, 15th March.

Frankfurt, 22nd March.

Berlin, 24th March. One of four Lancasters from 115sqdn, lost that night, one of which had Nicholas Alkemade on board.

Alan.



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AlanW



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A huge thank you to both Pete and AW for the valuable information you have given - I will certainly act on your advise even if it takes a while for replies.

I have also been reading about Nicholas Alkemade - fascinating story.

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AW


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Kathleen,

                   If you can let us have your email address, as Pete suggested, i can send scanned copies of the 115sqdn Records Book, for the operations i have listed for your uncle. If you do not want to post your email here, you can click on our usernames, and let us have it via our whiteboards.

Alan.



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AlanW



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Hi
I am a second cousin of F/S John Lawrence Duffy RNZAF KIA 25/3/1944 with the airmen listed above.
I came across the link below posted by a George Allison.
www.rafinfo.org.uk/airsearch/names_am.htm, F/S John L : kia 25 Mar 1944
I have been unable to make contact with George who lives in Nth Ireland.
I would like to get John Duffys diary or at least a copy back into the hands of his family here in NZ.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Regards
Paul Pohlen
p.pohlen@pohlenpartners.co.nz


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Hi 

It was according to Theo Boiten's book Lancaster LL694 was shot down at 00.37hrs by Oblt Martin Drewes of Stab II./NJG1 for his 17th victory he would survive the war with 43 night and 5 day victories. The Lancaster crashed at Deventer 40 km west of Rheine.

 

Regards,

 

John.



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Anonymous

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Thank you so much Pete T and AW - I checked this page a few weeks ago and saw the post from Paul P regarding his family member F/S JL Duffy - I contacted Paul and am pleased to say that I have been able to send him copies of the photographs of the CWG in Gorssel I took during my visit last year.  When I looked at the photos it turned out that my uncle and F/S Duffy are buried within feet of each other, so moving for all concerned.

 

Again may I express my thanks.

 



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steven barkess

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I believe T.E. Vipond was my Grandmother's cousin (Mary Turnbull, later Barkess) who lived in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. According to my father, Norman Barkess, Thomas had been at my Grandmother's house for something to eat, and as he waved her goodbye, she said that she had an awful feeling that she wouldn't see him again. Unfortunately, this proved to be the case.

I would greatly appreciate any copies of any official documents / photos relating to him if possible.

 

Many thanks



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Anonymous

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Hello Steven

I have just seen your message and I do believe that we are linked through T E Vipond - I have applied to join Bombercrew.com Forum and we can contact each other privately through the site if you wish to do so.

My grandmother was Isabella Turnbull of Gosforth if that helps establish the link.



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Hello again Steven - found my log on details for the site and hope to hear from you soon.  If you want to contact by email am happy to do so - think you can send details to my user name via the White Board on here.  Looking forward to finding out about the family on your side as I am convinced we are related.  Looking for photos and any other information I have on Tommy but definitely have some photos of his grave in Gorssel because I have been there.

 



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It would appear that they were shot down by Oblt Martin Drewes of Stab.III.NJG1 for his 17th victory, he would survive the war with a total of 43 night victories and 5 day victories. I have in my collection an autographed photo of him if you would like a copy please email me on harleyDOT158ATbigpondDOTcom replace the DOT and AT with the usual.

 

Regards,

 

John.



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Leading Aircraftsman

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Speedbird1 wrote:

Hello again Steven - found my log on details for the site and hope to hear from you soon.  If you want to contact by email am happy to do so - think you can send details to my user name via the White Board on here.  Looking forward to finding out about the family on your side as I am convinced we are related.  Looking for photos and any other information I have on Tommy but definitely have some photos of his grave in Gorssel because I have been there.

 


Hello Steven - if you want to contact me use hudspithATbigfootDOTcom - replacing the atanddot with the usual.  Looking forward to hearing from you soon. 



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Aircraftsman 1st Class

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Dear families of the brave kia pilots at Epse 25/3/1944,

I'm fascinated by this facts. Have seen the
graves at the cemetry in Gorssel. Does someone know exactly
where the aircraft crashed in or near the small village of Epse?
Still the aircraft or parts
present under the earth? Are all airmen burried and honoured?
Surviving eye witnesses?
If for example still missing airmen from this specific plane crash
then we have to localize the possibly crashsite.
Best regards.

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steven barkess wrote:

I believe T.E. Vipond was my Grandmother's cousin (Mary Turnbull, later Barkess) who lived in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. According to my father, Norman Barkess, Thomas had been at my Grandmother's house for something to eat, and as he waved her goodbye, she said that she had an awful feeling that she wouldn't see him again. Unfortunately, this proved to be the case.

I would greatly appreciate any copies of any official documents / photos relating to him if possible.

 

Many thanks


 Hello again Steven - Due to circumstances beyond my control I have had to change my email if you need to contact me please use d_and_k_hudspith/hotmaildotcom - replacing / with the at sign and dot with dot sign.



-- Edited by Speedbird1 on Wednesday 16th of March 2016 07:46:25 AM

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Steven Barkess

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Wow, just read your post. That's amazing. My Grandmother lived at 59 Regent Farm Road in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. Likewise I'm pretty sure there must be a connection with you.

I'm not too familiar with the Message Board conventions, but will certainly try the methods you suggest.

 

Hopefully contact you soon.

 

Steve



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Leading Aircraftsman

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Pleased to make contact with Steven Barkess - it seems we are related. Will contact JohnW, AW and PeteT asap.

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Leading Aircraftsman

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Hi. My uncle Sgt. Robert Leslie Coulter (Les) was a rear gunner on the Lancaster LL694 that was shot down on the night of 25th. March 1944 with your uncle Thomas Vipond. Would love to hear from you. Joan@thejamesons.cc



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Joan Jameson


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I would also like copies of any documents you have on Lancaster LL694 and will pay any costs incurred. Thank you. Joan



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Joan Jameson


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Leslie.jpg



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Joan Jameson


Leading Aircraftsman

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So sorry. Didn't mean to post such a large image of my uncle.

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Joan Jameson


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Royal_Airforce_Badge.png
wings 1.gif
115 Squadron
1940 - 1945

24/25 March 1944

Lancaster Mk II - LL694 KO-N

crest 115 3.png
T/O Witchford 1837 - target Berlin, Germany. Shot down by Hptm Martin Drewes of the III./NJG1 (his 17th victory) at 0020. Crashed at Epse 4 km SE of Deventer in vicinity of Gorssell, Netherlands.

Bomb load: 1 x 1000lbs, 780 x 4lbs, 90 x 4lbs, 72 x 30lbs incendiaries.

Fitted: IFF, GEE, ASTRO, MONICA, camera carried.

Also lost on this mission: Lancaster Mk II LL730 KO-G, 6 KIA, 1 POW
Also lost on this mission: Lancaster Mk II DS664 A4-K, "Werewolf", 4 KIA, 3 POW
Also lost on this mission: Lancaster Mk II DS678 KO-J, 5 KIA 2 POW Source: 115 Squadron Roll of Honour by D. Bruce, W. R. Chorley, J. G. J. de Haan - info: 3 Group Bomber Command, book Chris Ward

811 aircraft - 577 Lancasters, 216 Halifaxes, 18 Mosquitos - to Berlin.

This night became known in Bomber Command as 'the night of the strong winds'. A powerful wind from the north carried the bombers south at every stage of the flight. Not only was this wind not forecast accurately but it was so strong that the various methods available to warn crews of wind changes during the flight failed to detect the full strength of it. The bomber stream became very scattered, particularly on the homeward flight and radar-predicted flak batteries at many places were able to score successes. Part of the bomber force even strayed over the Ruhr defences on the return flight. It is believed that approximately 50 of the 72 aircraft lost were destroyed by flak; most of the remainder were victims of night fighters. Needless to say, the strong winds severely affected the marking with, unusually, markers being carried beyond the target and well out to the south-west of the city.

This was the last major RAF raid on Berlin during the war, although the city would be bombed many times by small forces of Mosquitos.

72 aircraft - 44 Lancasters, 28 Halifaxes - lost, 8.9 per cent of the force.

Source: nationalarchives.gov.uk - Bomber Command - Campaign Diary March 1944.

Vipond Thomas ElliottVipond Thomas Elliott - Pilot

P/O - Service No 54224

Age: 23

RAFVR

Son of George and Isabella Turnbull, of Gosforth, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Gorssell General Cemetery - Row A. collective grave 16- 18.

Source: CWGC.

Diggle ArthurDiggle Arthur - FE

Sgt - Service No 1536835

Age: 23

RAFVR

Son of Arthur Beaumont Diggle and Doris Victoria Diggle, of Gledhow, Leeds, Yorkshire.

Gorssell General Cemetery - Row A. collective grave 16 - 18.

Source: CWGC.

John Laurence DuffyDuffy John Laurence - Nav

F/S - Service No 413046

Age: 26

RNZAF

Son of Michael Duffy and of Agnes McFadden, of Wellington City, New Zealand.

Gorssell General Cemetery - Row A. collective grave 16 - 18.

Source: CWGC -photo thanks to George Allison

Hammond John EdwinHammond John Edwin - WOP

Sgt - Service No 1576457

Age: 22

RAFVR

Son of William and Daisy L. Hammond, of Market Harborough, Leicestershire.

Gorssell General Cemetery - Row A. collective grave 16 - 18.

Source: CWGC.

Deemer Edward JohnDeemer Edward John - BA

F/O - Service No J22055

Age: 20

RCAF

Son of

Gorssell General Cemetery - Row A. grave 15.

Source: CWGC.

Hull Alexander JohnHull Alexander John - MUG

Sgt - Service No 1890106

Age: 19

RAFVR

Son of Bridget Mary Hull, of Golders Green, Middlesex.

Gorssell General Cemetery - Row A. grave 13.

Source: CWGC.

Coulter Robert LeslieCoulter Robert Leslie - RG

Sgt - Service No R157337

Age: 34

RCAF

Son of Hugh Alexander Coulter and Edna Mabel Coulter, of Russell, Manitoba, Canada.

Gorssell General Cemetery - Row A. grave 14.



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Joan Jameson


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All seven crew men from the Lancaster LL694 which was shot down with no survivors, are buried side by side in Gorsell Cemetery, Netherlands. Row A  graves 13-18



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Joan Jameson


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Delighted to hear from you Joan (thanks to Paul in NZ) - have emailed you.

 

I have posted one of the photos I have from my visit to Gorssel Cemetery - the graves are beautifully kept and I believe that the one belonging to Sgt Coulter will be one of the three on the left(the middle of them I think).

-- Edited by Speedbird1 on Wednesday 29th of August 2018 05:50:21 AM



-- Edited by Speedbird1 on Wednesday 29th of August 2018 05:56:48 AM



-- Edited by Speedbird1 on Wednesday 29th of August 2018 06:18:47 AM

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Leading Aircraftsman

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75 years ago today and at this moment in time - we are remembering them.

PER ARDUA AD ASTRA - Through adversity to the Stars.

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Anonymous

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Hi,

 

My name is Edwin Zonneveld. I am searching more info on sgt John Laurence Duffy, who was the brother of my late aunt in NZ. I visited the grave of all the crew, including your uncle and pilot Thomas Elliot Vipond. I have photo's if you are interested.



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Anonymous

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Hi Edwin. I would love to see the photos that you have taken.  Thank you. Joan

 



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Anonymous

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Hello Edwin - Lovely to hear from you and I notice Joan has already replied.  I would love to see a copy of the photo you have taken of the graves in Gorssel.  I am happy for it to be posted on this thread.



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Anonymous

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Hi, I never had a reply from Edwin and wonder if you do could you send me a copy.  My email is joan@thejamesons.cc.  Are you related to one one the crew?



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Anonymous

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Hi, I have the email address of Sgt.Duffy's relative here in Auckland. If you would like to email me I will pass it on to you.



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Anonymous

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Thank you.  I do have Paul's email address.



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Deemer Edward John - BA

F/O - Service No J22055


 

 



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Leading Aircraftsman

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Thank you alieneyes for the photo of Edward. 

 

Per Ardua Ad Astra. 



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Aircraftsman 1st Class

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Hello

 

My name is George Allison I think you have been looking for me in relation to your relative John Duffy, you can get me at lol13386@gmail.com. I remember talking to a person many years ago called Zonneveld in NZ and a Tom Duffy.

 

George Allison



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Edwin Zonneveld

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Hi George, 

 

I have tried to send you a mail, but no success sofar. I would like to talk to you about Sergeant Duffy. Thanks 



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