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Post Info TOPIC: Lancaster loss at Meilly-sur-Rouvres Burgundy
Mackem


Leading Aircraftsman

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Lancaster loss at Meilly-sur-Rouvres Burgundy
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Hi

Does anyone have any further information about the following incident please?

A Lancaster from 106 Squadron RAF crash landed in a field near Meilly-sur-Rouvres, Burgundy on 8 August 1943. Crew were British/Canadian.

Radio operator Harold Neilsen was repatriated to the UK and received assistance from the Maquis. Pilot Frank Wodehouse (spelling?), B/A John Cole were killed in the forced landing, and are buried in the cemetary at Vandenesse, Burgundy.

During his travel through France. Mr Neilsen was reaquainted with 'Mac" McGourlick another crew member.

I've tried to find Mr Neilsen for over 12 months, to no avail. There was an article about the incident in the local paper in the summer of 2009. He was still alive and resident in the North East of England.

If anyone has any information or contact details the I would be very grateful.  I am in contact with some local historians with a keen interest in the events in the Cote d'Or region of Burgundy. One of them is collecting personal accounts of events in and around the region during WW2 for a book.

There are some fascinating stories to be told as the people here suffered very badly during the occupation.

Many thanks

Jeremy

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wayne


Flight Lieutenant

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Hi Jeremy,

That would be Lancaster DV196 (ZN.K) of 106 squadron.

F/Off F. Wodehouse and crew took off from Syerston at 20:55. On the return flight they were shot down by Capt. Hans Wolfgang von Niebelschutz of 2./NJG 4 and crashed at 02:55.

That's all I know at the moment. I hope someone will be along and offer more information.

Have you seen the photos of the wreckage on this web site?
http://www.histavia21.net/HISTAV2/Cra1943-2.htm

Regards,
Wayne.



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Mackem


Leading Aircraftsman

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Posts: 5
Date:
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Hi Wayne

Thanks so much for this information. It's very much appreciated.

I intend to pay a visit to the graves of these brave young airmen on our next trip to Burgundy. Some flowers to show that they aren't forgotten.

Thanks also for the link to the French site. I've not seen that before.

Regards


Jeremy

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chris wil****son

Date:
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Hello, I am not sure where the graves are but there is a memorial to FG Wodehouse and J Cole on the Comarin to vandenesse Road just at the start of teh turniong up the hill to Chateauneuf en Auxois. Next time I am there I will take a decent photo as I have been meaning to find out for some time what the story was behind the memorial



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Mackem


Leading Aircraftsman

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Posts: 5
Date:
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Hi Chris

 

Sorry for not responding previously. I haven't been on this site for a while. There was an article in the Bien Public, the local paper a couple of years ago about the crash. I have a scanned copy of the article which unfortunately the system won't permit me to upload (pdf format). If you leave a mail address I'd be happy to send this to you.

 

Jeremy



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Anonymous

Date:
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Hi,

I have more info on this as Frank Wodehouse was my wife's uncle.

Is this forum stilol active ?

 

Carl.



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Anonymous

Date:
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Hi Carl

 

It was great to just receive the notification of your post. Nobody has responded to this thread for some time. I visited Frank and John's grave when we were in Vandanesse in May of last year. The graves are very well kept and we placed some flowers there. We live in Canada but visit the area regularly as we have a second home close by. Where are you located?

 

I have copies of the articles I mentioned in the OP a couple of years ago and would be only too happy to send you copies.

 

Jeremy



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Amanda Wodehouse

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Hello, I am related to Frank Wodehouse, as he was my Grandads cousin, I only have newspaper cutting of a memorial/remembrance that my Dad gave me 2009. Also a couple of photographs of Frank. Unfortuantly I have no other information to help you. If you do have anything of interest regarding Frank, please could you possibly email me. I hope to visit his grave early spring.

Good luck with your search Amanda



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Jeremy

Date:
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Hi Amanda

 

 

The only information that I have comes from a newspaper article from a few years ago (Le Bien Public which is a Burgundy newspaper). We are regular visitors to the area close to where Frank crash landed and I have visited the graveyard in Vandenesse on a number of occasions. The local people take great care of the graves of the boys and I am pleased to be able to tell you this. I don't know how to post attachments here. In fact I'm not sure it is possible at all but if you mail me at jeremy.robson@outlook.com I will be able to send you a picture of Frank's grave and the newspaper articles.

 

Kind regards

 

 

Jeremy



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Anonymous

Date:
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Haven't picked up this forum for a long time!

Frank Wodehouse was my Wife's uncle. I have a fair bit of info on all this if you are still interested.

Amanda - as Frank was your Grandad's cousin, you may be interested to know the his younger brother Kenneth is still alive.

His is my father-in-law,aged 88,he may be pleased to hear from you if you would like to email me at brookcp2003@yahoo.co.uk I could put you in touch.

Regards,

Carl.



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