Hi,

I looking for information regarding a Great Uncle who flew with 50 Squadron, RCAF Flight Sergeant (Bm. Aim) Charles Joseph O'Connor (R/145478). Charles was killed in a night bombing mission July7/8 1944 targeting St. Leu d'Esserent, France (V-1 rocket storage caves). His Lancaster (DV227) was shot down near Rederie (Oise) France. Charles and his crew are buried at the Moliens Communal Cemetery, France.

I would be extremely grateful to learn more of his final mission and/or of any personal recollections of Charles in training and/or combat (Canada, RAF Skellingthorpe UK) e.g.

- any photos of squadron and/or Charles
- eye witness accounts of mission and/or his aircraft
- did DV227 reach target on final mission
- aircraft/pilot claiming attack

The other airmen killed were:

Sgt (Pilot) Edgar Charles Prytherch Lloyd
Sgt (Flt. Eng) George Henry Tucker
F/S (Nav.) Clifford Jackson
F/S (W. Op/A. Gnr) Eric John Walter Stirling (RNZAF)
Sgt. (A. Gnr) Kenneth George Alsopp
Sgt. (A. Gnr) George Albert Higgins

Thanks in advance for any help - interesting number of similar requests searching for information on Great Uncles having served in Bomber Command.

Regards,

Brian Olson

brianolson81@yahoo.com

-- Edited by B Olson on Tuesday 29th of September 2009 12:15:19 AM