Im wondering if anyone has come across any documentation regarding the procedures for exhuming the graves of RAF or RAAF airman who were shot down and buried in occupied Europe during WWII?
Was there a book of procedures? Are there any records in the National Archives of the Investigations carried out?
Does anyone know anything about this topic please?
Hi Gus I can only speak about members of my father's crew. In my father's records was a report from the air ministry (RAF) who in 1947 visited the village of Papiermuhle in the Dhron Neumagan region of Germany. The gentleman from the ministry spoke with the local villagers and the burgermeister who informed him they had found four very badly burned bodies in the wreckage of the Lancaster and were able to identify only one. (I assume the dog tags of the others were destroyed by the fire) The four were place in a communal coffin and buried in the local cemetery. He subsequently visited the cemetery and found a well kept grave and marker which in German said Here lies four English flyers and the date of death. The recommendation from the official stated he could see no benefit in exhumation of the bodies. This however must have been over ruled as they are now buried in the Reichburg War Cemetery.
I know of one other situation where remains of a flyer were found recently in Germany during an excavation and a memorial was establilshed at the site.
This would indicate to me there are and were no hard and fast rules.
Whilst not specifically concerned with war crimes investigations, I can recommend 'Missing Believed Killed' by Stuart Hadaway. This book describes the work that was started in 1944 by the Missing Research Enquiry Section and its successors.
A search of the National Archives [online] catalogue will reveal the files associated with those units involved with missing aircrew investigations, graves exhumations and registration though the actual reports of these investigations remain unreleased - at least in the UK.
Just came across your post. I have just had a book published 'Flightpath to Murder' - have a look at www.stevedarlow.co.uk It concerns the shooting down, capture, and murder of an Allied pilot and the post-war exhumation, investigation and war crime trial. I think you'll find it is exactly what you are after.
Further to your question; The RAF had a standard form which GRU used when aircrew remains were exhumed for investigation and reburial in a CWGC cemetery. The form is entitled EXHUMATION REPORT and among other things has entries for Cemetery or place of burial,Description of body, clothing, etc. This form was very detailed, and no doubt helped identify many aircrew who were initially buried as "unknown". Hope this helps,
The RAF had a Missing Research Section that searched for missing crews and aircraft after the war. The reports compiled are in Air81 class but because of the nature of the files they are still subject to the 75 year closure rule. The Air Historical Branch are probably the first source of information, but they still don't give a full transcript of the report. Anything concerning war crimes against aircrew is held in the NAtional Archives at kew. This will probably be the best source of records.
Take a look at the National Archives website and type in war crimes, missing aircrew and things along that line and you should get some results. The files are held at kew.
