166 Squadron RAF Kirmington help available to researchers

RAF 166 · Corporal

Flying Officer Alfred Ernest Bransgrove

Date: Feb 8, 2019

RE: 166 Squadron RAF Kirmington help available to researchers

RAF 166 · Corporal

Sgt. John Desmond Craig 3021187

Cosmo1 · Aircraftsman 1st Class

RE: 166 Squadron RAF Kirmington help available to researchers

jeffb · Leading Aircraftsman

Barnsley, are you aware of anyplace that there might be access to either German or RAF crash reports for ND 798, AS_C, Lost March 30/31 1944?
Thank you
Jeff

barnsley · Air Commodore

ND798 BURNETT CREW NURNBERG 30/31.3.1944

Hi Jeff, email me on mjc41uk@yahoo.co.uk although I suspect we may already have been in touch.....

alieneyes · Group Captain

Jeff,

Your best bet is the service file of the navigator, WOII Edmunds. As he has been deceased over 20 years one can easily obtain access to it.

F/Sgt Bannister passed away 5 or 6 years ago so quite some time to wait.

Dave

jeffb · Leading Aircraftsman

Thank you for the suggestion alieneyes, where you I go about obtaining WO Edmunds file?
Thank you
Jeff

jeffb · Leading Aircraftsman

Also, have sent you an email Barnsley

Date: Jun 6, 2019

Hello, I have been researching Andrew burgess leonard who I was named after, killed 13-06-1944 Holland. As I send this I look through my window at the church in Myddfai, how odd is that. Regards

alieneyes · Group Captain

jeffb wrote:
Thank you for the suggestion alieneyes, where you I go about obtaining WO Edmunds file?
Thank you
Jeff

Jeff,

Follow the directions here: http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/transparency/atippr/Pages/Access-information-military-files.aspx#tab2

You'll need to send them this photo as well to show he's been deceased longer than the required 20 years: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/186565583/lloyd-edwin-edmunds

Ask for anything pertaining to the loss of the aircraft, especially MRES reports.

Dave

-- Edited by alieneyes on Thursday 6th of June 2019 03:31:00 PM

jeffb · Leading Aircraftsman

Alieneyes, thank you for the info, will see what info I can obtain, thank you very much!
Jeff

sunnysunny · Leading Aircraftsman

Hi there, You've done an incredible job. I will definitely digg it and in my view suggest to my friends.I am sure they will be benefited from this web site.
subway surfers

-- Edited by sunnysunny on Thursday 13th of June 2019 03:14:53 AM

Date: Jun 18, 2019

I am researching this plane crash, because my grandfather got in contact with 2 survivors of the crash. They were hiding themselves in a small village Brijdorpe. I have found a picture of his pilot officer Geoffrey John Reader Clark in the archives of het county Schouwen-Duiveland (crash site near Elkerzee) were the plane crashed on May 12th 1944. I also have a picture of the grave of Herbert Stanley Douglas Tulett on the British War Cemetry in Bergen op Zoom.

Date: Jun 18, 2019

ra (tony) fellows wrote:
Assisting a friend, (Ian Tulett) in tracing any photographs of Herbert Stanley Douglas Tulett Sgt R/G Number1711838 KIA 12/05/44, Lancaster ME779 AS=S. I have all the gen re his death, Luftwaffe pilot etc etc however my friend holds no record/photographs of his Uncle. Stanley was from a family of 9, he and his siblings spanned both World Wars, all male, just 4 survived after 1945.
Any help would be appreciated.
Best Regards
Tony Fellows 01732 762618
RAF Ret V Force Bomber/Strike Command (Valiant/Vulcan

Hi Tony Fellows,

RE: 166 Squadron RAF Kirmington help available to researchers	Permalink Reply Quote

I am researching this plane crash, because my grandfather got in contact with 2 survivors of the crash. They were hiding themselves in a small village Brijdorpe. I have found a picture of his pilot officer Geoffrey John Reader Clark in the archives of het county Schouwen-Duiveland (crash site near Elkerzee) were the plane crashed on May 12th 1944. I also have a picture of the grave of Herbert Stanley Douglas Tulett on the British War Cemetry in Bergen op Zoom.

Kind Regards,

Marcel van der Wielen

Netherlands

barnsley · Air Commodore

F/Sgt Herbert Stanley Douglas Tulett, Clarke crew misssing 12/05/44

Tony and Marcel, if you email me on mjc41uk@yahoo.co.uk I may be able to provide further information.

-- Edited by barnsley on Tuesday 18th of June 2019 02:56:17 PM

-- Edited by barnsley on Tuesday 18th of June 2019 02:57:11 PM

grasshopperliesheavy · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Anonymous wrote:
Hi Rod,your Dad was the Mid Upper in the P D Saunders crew.I was in touch with the Bomb Aimer,Chambers but he has passed away now.Email me on MJC41UK AT YAHOO Dot CO DOT UK (all lower case).Thank heavens you didn't burn the log!!!

Hi there,

I'm looking for some information regarding RCAF pilot P. D. Saunders and his crew as I recently acquired what I believe, after some research, to be Saunders' flying helmet. If anyone could provide some details regarding his military career, the ops he flew during his tour (I know he was awarded the DFC and made 31 sorties between September 1944 and January 1945) or could share any image of him and his crew, this would all be very helpful and highly appreciated.

All the best, Baptiste

alieneyes · Group Captain

Paul Duncan Saunders died in Ottawa on VE-Day in 1980. Obituary attached.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/191823549/paul-duncan-saunders

paul duncan saunders obit.png paul duncan saunders.png

List of ops included in Hugh Halliday's Honours and Awards database:

SAUNDERS, F/O Paul Duncan (J26371) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.166 Squadron - Award effective 5 April 1945 as per London Gazette dated 17 April 1945 and AFRO 918/45 dated 1 June 1945. Born 18 August 1921 in Torbolton, Ontario; home in Ottawa (Westboro, where he was a wood worker and electrician); enlisted there 30 April 1942 and posted to No.5 Manning Depot. To No.4 Manning Depot, 11 June 1942. To No.5 Manning Depot again, 11 July 1942. To No.3 ITS, 29 August 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 24 October 1942 but not posted to No.11 EFTS until 21 November 1942; may have graduated 15 January 1943 but not posted to No.13 SFTS until 23 January 1943; graduated and commissioned 14 May 1943. To No.1 GRS, 28 May 1943; to Y Depot, 14 August 1943; taken on strength of No.3 PRC, Bournemouth, 13 October 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 14 November 1943. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 12 February 1945. Repatriated 28 February 1945. To No.16 SFTS, 15 April 1945. To No.3 Release Centre, 24 April 1945; retired 30 April 1945. Award presented by Governor General, 28 February 1946. Rejoined RCAF as a pilot, 1 September 1950 (206128), being granted rank of Flight Lieutenant on joining. Placed on Supplementary Reserve, 31 March 1952; living in Ottawa at that time. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost courage and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/9059 has recommendation dated 12 January 1945 when he had flown 31 sorties (176 hours), 16 September 1944 to 22 January 1945 (sortie list obviously updated after first submission).

class=WordSection2>

16 September 1944 - Steenwyk

23 September 1944 - Neuss

26 September 1944 - Calais

5 October 1944 - Saarbrucken

7 October 1944 - Emmerich

12 October 1944 - Fort Frederick Hendrik

13 October 1944 - Duisburg

15 October 1944 - Wilhelmshaven

19 October 1944 - Stuttgart

23 October 1944 - Essen

28 October 1944 - Cologne

30 October 1944 - Cologne

31 October 1944 - Cologne

4 November 1944 - Bochum

6 November 1944 - Gelsenkirchen

11 November 1944 - Dortmund

16 November 1944 - Duren

18 November 1944 - Wanne Eickel

29 November 1944 - Dortmund.

3 December 1944 - Urft Dam

6 December 1944 - Merseburg

12 December 1944 - Essen

15 December 1944 - Ludwigshaven

21 December 1944 - GARDENING

24 December 1944 - Cologne

28 December 1944 - Munchen Gladbach

29 December 1944 - Scholven-Buer

2 January 1945 - Nuremburg

5 January 1945 - Hanover

6 January 1945 - GARDENING

22 January 1945 - Duisburg

This Canadian officer, as captain of aircraft, has taken part in 31 sorties against some of the most heavily defended targets in Germany.

Throughout these sorties, Flying Officer Saunders has proved himself to be a most proficient captain of aircraft and has inspired his crew by his total disregard for enemy opposition and determination to press home his attacks to the maximum advantage.

Under a calm and quiet manner he has set a fine offensive spirit in action and on more than one occasion has extricated his aircraft from a perilous situation by his skill and presence of mind.

For his devotion to duty, courage and magnificent operational spirit he is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

grasshopperliesheavy · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Hey Alieneyes, thanks so much for sharing this! I hadn't much luck searching internet for information about Saunders and this fills a few blanks.
Good to have a picture of his too. I'll be sure to share any interesting find with you, guys, if research reveals fruitful enough of course!

Best, Baptiste

Date: Sep 5, 2019

HI, I am Nick Murray aged 75 and born on D-Day. still hope to find a photo of my father Flt Sgt Peter Murray from Wick in Scotland who flew out of RAF Kirmington on the night of 2/3 January 1944. As far as I am aware their Lancaster bombed Berlin and came down in the North Sea returning home, all crew were reported KIA.

I believe the aircraft was quite new so it may not have been photographed.

I keep on trying

Thanks to the considerate people who keep this going

Nick Murray

NickFranklin · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Hi

My Uncle, Sgt RJ Franklin was rear gunner in 166 Squadron with pilot Wing Commander Sidney Kenneth Knott. Shot down in Lancaster ED372. Was on return journey home when attacked by a night fighter. Lancaster was raked with bullets and on fire. My Uncle managed to get to his parachute whilst the plane was going down but had trouble fixing it. Apparently fixed the last clasp after he jumped. Saw the plane dive in flames but did not see it crash. Was taken POW in 1943 at Gross Tychow, Poland.

-- Edited by NickFranklin on Monday 16th of September 2019 05:05:38 AM

barnsley · Air Commodore

Sgt RJ Franklin, Knott crew 166 Squadron

Thank you for your post. Your uncle and his crew were posted to 166 Squadron from 103 Squadron in September 1943. The aircraft crashed near Hildesheim. Your uncle was on the run for a few days before he was captured. mjc41uk@yahoo.co.uk

U for Uncle · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Lancaster of 166 sqadron 001.jpg

166 Squadron Lancaster NG115 AS-U (for Uncle) My Father (Norman Lever) is second from the right in the photograph. I also have a list of the 30 sorties & Crew names along with both his log books RAF & RAAF

Regards Trevor.

Date: Sep 26, 2019

Schubert crew

please post details of names of crew in photo (left to right).

thanks

B

Date: Oct 3, 2019

Hi

i believe my grandad was the wireless operator he was a POW also

U for Uncle · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Hi Anonymous,

As per the photo above :-Lancaster NG115 AS-U 166 Sqdn Kirmington, December 1944

Left to right...

John Gill Flight Engineer, RAF Sergeant
Ragnar Hvoslee Navigator, Norwegian, Flying Officer
Odd Schyberg Pilot, Norwegian, Captain
Ted Davies Mid Upper Gunner, Sergeant
Jan Kirkhorn Bomb Aimer, Norwegian, Sergeant
Norman Lever Radio Operator/Air Gunner, Sergeant (My Father)
Tim Moule Rear Gunner, Sergeant

Regards Trevor

Gtredger · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Hi

Im a grandson of WAG Robert J Tredger of Kit Carsons crew and would love to find out more about my grandfather. The only info I could dig up online relate to a crash landing.

http://www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk/aircraft/yorkshire/york44/ng303.html

Ive also recently sent in for more to the Canadian library and archives, but that may take up to 14 months. I believe my uncle has his log book which I am going to try and check out next time I see him.

Any additional info, stories or pictures would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Date: Nov 2, 2019

Hi. I am researching the life (and death) of Sergeant William Graham Morgan who served with 166 Squadron and, I believe, lost his life over Germany on 29 January 1944.

I have found his grave reference in Berlin but would welcome any other information about him or his family.

Michael.

mparchival@gmail.com

Date: Nov 18, 2019

My name is Jonathan pitcher youngest son of Donald Ernest Edmund pitcher who was shot down during a raid to

Berlin on 2/12/43 , he was a wireless operator. A member of the crew was sgt Tommy Lafferty , I have a couple of

photos if interested, I can send via email .

Date: Nov 19, 2019

Jonathan pitcher wrote:
My name is Jonathan pitcher youngest son of Donald Ernest Edmund pitcher who was shot down during a raid to
Berlin on 2/12/43 , he was a wireless operator. A member of the crew was sgt Tommy Lafferty , I have a couple of
photos if interested, I can send via email .
jpitcher7@icloud.com

Date: Mar 5, 2020

My name is Andrea Robson. I am researching the 12 siblings of my great grandfather. One of his sisters, Florence, married a gentleman named George William Clark. Their only child, as far as I can gather, was Geoffrey John Reader Clark. I believe he was just shy of his 21st birthday when the plane was shot down. I would be fascinated to know if their is any more information about the incident. particularly what became of the survivors and if there is any record of what they may have said about the incident. Thank you

Andrea

PD403 · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Crew F/O Dennis Stuart Kemp

RAF 166 · Corporal

RE: 166 Squadron RAF Kirmington help available to researchers

Date: Sep 30, 2020

My wife's uncle, F/Sgt George Ian Turnbull, a wireless operator on AS-S HF483 , a Wellington of 166 squadron was lost on August 13th, 1943. he is buried in France and we have been to the grave. Do you have any other information on the flight and its crew etc.

thank you in anticipation,

roger Smith

Date: Oct 5, 2020

Sgt George Turnbull RAF

Hi, if you email me on mjc41uk AT yahoo.co.uk I can give you more info. Wireless operator, Lost on minelaying op Bay La Foret.

Cheer, M

Date: Nov 25, 2020

Hi - my father was also Flt Serg Frederick John Ricketts who was a navigator on JB151 in this sqaudron - It is not a common name therefore please ask your father if he is aware they ever met - Unfortunately my father dies when I was 13 and did not speak of the war so any information would be great. My father was shot down but was one of the lucky ones who survived but spent the rest of the war in Stalag Luft I prison camp. Any Information would be great.

Date: Feb 16, 2021

HI

Wonder if you can help I am the great niece of Thomas (Tom) Moule who I believe is mentioned in your post along with the photo as Tim Moule - Rear Gunner, Sergeant - Lancaster NG115 AS-U 66 Sqdn Kirmington December in 1994.

He was unfortunately killed in April 45 while serving with the OTU 111 out of the Canada or the Bahamas - family version has it he was lost over Bermuda Triangle however I am unclear at present if this is correct, I and going to apply for war record however wondered if you had any further information concerning my Uncle, looking at the picture posted and comparing with family photos we area almost certain Tom's name has been transcribed incorrectly at some point from Tom.

Kind regards

Date: Jul 2, 2021

Dear Andrea,

I have been researching pilot officer GJR Clark for sometime. You can reach me on my cell phone +31 6 2922 8512. I have also found some pictures in the Dutch archives of him and I am in contact with a family member of one of his crew mates who also died in the crash. I live in the Netherlands and my grandfather and uncle found 2 survivors of the crash in a nearby farm.

Kind Regards,

Marcel van der Wielen

Date: Aug 14, 2021

RE: 166 Squadron RAF Kirmington help available to researchers - F/O Forbes Cameron

Date: Aug 14, 2021

RE: 166 Squadron RAF Kirmington help available to researchers - SGT ROGER BROCKWELL - WARD - MID UPPER GUNNER LM722

Date: Sep 1, 2021

RE: 166 Squadron RAF Kirmington help available to researchers

U for Uncle · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Hi, Sorry for the delay in replying, (I don't find this website easy to use ) My dad has your Uncle as SGT. Tim Moule Rear Gunner. He wrote the Crew Members names on the back of the group photo That's all the information I have, sorry. His flight log books only have the basic details, aircraft, pilot, & where to, bomb load, hours flown & day or night, no crew details. My Dad was transferred to Australia & the Far East in 1945 & returned home in 1947.

Regards Trevor.

Date: Oct 1, 2021

Anonymous wrote:

Dear Andrea,
I have been researching pilot officer GJR Clark for sometime. You can reach me on my cell phone +31 6 2922 8512. I have also found some pictures in the Dutch archives of him and I am in contact with a family member of one of his crew mates who also died in the crash. I live in the Netherlands and my grandfather and uncle found 2 survivors of the crash in a nearby farm.
Kind Regards,
Marcel van der Wielen
My name is Andrea Robson. I am researching the 12 siblings of my great grandfather. One of his sisters, Florence, married a gentleman named George William Clark. Their only child, as far as I can gather, was Geoffrey John Reader Clark. I believe he was just shy of his 21st birthday when the plane was shot down. I would be fascinated to know if their is any more information about the incident. particularly what became of the survivors and if there is any record of what they may have said about the incident. Thank you
Andrea

Felix · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Hi There,

wondering if you have any information on my father, Felix McTiernan, who was a flight sergeant, rear gunner, in 166 Squadron ?

Kind Regards,

Felix McTiernan

Saraha · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Hi my granddad was shot down in November 1944 heading to a raid in Berlin, and became a POW until the end of the war. He was in 166 squadron, Stanley Paterson, wireless operator. Any information anyone has is gratefully received, thank you.

Saraha · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Hi my granddad Stanley Paterson was in 166 squadron, a wireless operator. He was based at kirmington and in November 1944 was in a Lancaster shot down over Germany. He spent the rest of the war as a POW with some of his crew, not all survived the Lancaster being shot down. I have some information from his record, where he was a pow for example. Anything anyone knows would be great to hear please. Thank you.