Sgt. David Al Banks RCAF

Jen · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Sgt. David Al Banks RCAF

Date: Apr 10, 2010

Hi Jennifer,

You can obtain your grandfathers ORB's ( Operational Record Books) from his time in service from the National Archives www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ . There is a fee for the relevant information.

They normally include ....... Details of operations.

*   Crew lists
*   Target.
*   Bomb load.
*   Take off / Return times.
*   Detail of the operation.

Here is an example from one of my fathers' ( J.Pollard RAAF ) operations.

Serial No:     NN703            Call Letter : LE-X
Sqn / Unit :   630 Sqn
Target :        Stuggart         Raid Date : 28/29-7-44
Take Off :     21:59hrs         Returned : 06:15 Hrs
Crew Names - F/O J. Lennon RNZAF, Sgt. H. Parkins RAF, F/Sgt. D. Reese RNZAF, F/Sgt. J. Hurman RAAF, F/Sgt. J. Marriott RAF, Sgt. G. Scawthorne, F/Sgt. J. Pollard RAAF.

Comments - Special equipment H2S, API and Fishpond. 13 aircraft detailed to attack Stuggart. Eleven actually took off of which 10 attacked the target whilst one 'W' is missing. PFF marking was punctual and the marjority of the Green TI's were accurate according to H2S. The master Bomber ordered the Green TI's to be attacked and most crews bombed them, or the glow reflected on the cloud but the results were largely unobserved owing tothe cloud. The main concentration of the fires appeared to be around the Green TI's but there were a number of scattered fires of a wide area. The anticipated cloud cover was not met on the outward route and fighter activity was intense from about 0500E to the target. Moderate flack was experienced at the target.

Hope these details are of some help.
Regards,
John

matt · Air Vice Marshall

Jennifer,

You can acquire your grandfather's service records from Ottawa as long as ypou provide them with a copy of his death certificate (for privacy reasons).

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-909.007-e.html