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Post Info TOPIC: Loss of the SCHEELAR crew / Jan 5/45


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Loss of the SCHEELAR crew / Jan 5/45
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Can anyone help me find out some more info on the loss of Lancaster EQ-A of 408 Squadron on Jan 5/45? The grandson of Flying Officer Leithead, who died that night has asked for my help. How was the plane shot down? Were there survivors?

Any info would help. Thanks! Clint.



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Clint,

The attached should help. Three survivors.

John Williams may be able to tell you which Luftwaffe pilot made the claim.

Dave



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Air Vice Marshall

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Hi Guys,

There is a probable luftwaffe claim for Halifax NR209, made by Hptm. Fritz Lau of 4./NJG1 (20 km. N.W. Hessepe at 19.58hrs).  Ref: Nachtjagd War Diaries by Theo Boiten.

The time given is very close to the first document sent by Dave.

 

Regards,

Mike H

 

 



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Dave and Mike, thanks very much for this info....I will pass it on to F/O Leithead's grandson, it will help fill in the blanks for him I am sure.
Cheers, Clint.

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Hi Clint,

I away until Thursday but Isure Mike H has got it right. I do have a photo of Lau if your friend wants a copy contact me on harleyDOT158ATbigpondDOTcom replace the DOT and AT with the usual.

Cheers,

John.



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Leithead.JPG

   Hi everyone,

 Can anyone identify the meaning/origin of the cross? It was found in the personals of Flying Officer Leithead. Was it a memorial of some kind sent to his widow? 

   The Operational Wings I am familiar with, although wouldn't he have been wearing them when he died?

Many thanks in advance,

Clint

 



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Hi Clint,

The Memorial Cross was sent to his mother if he was not married, to his widow if he was married and sometimes to both. The badge is I think a kind of sweetheart badge. On his memorial cross on the back will be his details number name etc.

Cheers,

John.

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Coffey wrote:

 

   The Operational Wings I am familiar with, although wouldn't he have been wearing them when he died?



 Clint,

This is worth a read as to Operational Wings: http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?3810-RCAF-Operational-Wings&p=21098#post21098

In the case of Leithead, look at the date his widow was sent the Operational Wings.

Dave



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Air Vice Marshall

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Hi Clint,

Managed to find a photo of a 408 Squadron Halifax which is coded EQ-A.  However cannot be sure that the serial number is NR209.

 

At the link below, you can find a photo of the pilot F/Lt Andrew Frank Scheelar RCAF.

https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=scheelar&GSiman=1&GScid=2210114&GRid=18427527&

 

Regards,

Mike H.

 



-- Edited by MikeH on Thursday 28th of September 2017 07:45:57 AM

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You guys rock biggrin

   Thanks for all the great info, I have passed it on to the Leithead family.

Cheers, Clint.



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