166 Squadron RAF Kirmington help available to researchers

Date: May 7, 2013

RE: 166 Squadron RAF Kirmington help available to researchers

barnsley · Air Commodore

Anthony,please email me direct on mjc41uk AT yahoo DOTco DOT uk and I will see if I can help you. B

Date: May 14, 2013

Trying to trace members of this crew for the daughter of F/S Folkard RAAF.

Any formation on this crew or if they are still alive would be much appreciated.

F/S Folkard passed away some years ago in Sydney Australia.Would love to get

in touch with other crew members families so that Jane can add the details to her

family history.

Bob Wilton

barnsley · Air Commodore

Hi Bob,I have previously been in touch with Jane and given her what info I have.B

MauriceNZ · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Hi Barnsley,

my partners father was the bombardier on JA865 which was shot down on 23/24 Nov 1943. He spent 18 months in Stalag 4B near Mühlberg. We visited Potsdam in 2011 and met up with some German guys who had plotted the crash sites of many bombers in area. we believe we found the crash site and recovered a few parts.

Do you have any information about the other flights of Ted Hunt (Recorded as Sgt EWDB Hunt RNZAF - actually EWD Hunt)

We may well visit the Kirmington area in September this year (2013)

cheers

Maurice

wellington NZ

barnsley · Air Commodore

Hi Maurice,email me on mjc41uk AT Yahoo dot co DOT uk (all lower case).Hunt was the A/B in the Lindley crew.
Cheers B

barnsley · Air Commodore

Bonjour Herve,email me direct mjc41uk at yahoo dot co dot uk and I will see what info I have.Best wishes,
B

-- Edited by barnsley on Sunday 2nd of June 2013 06:13:23 PM

Date: Jun 2, 2013

166 SQUADRON RAF BK 459 AS T WELLINGTON III

Date: Jun 11, 2013

RE: 166 Squadron RAF Kirmington help available to researchers

barnsley · Air Commodore

Hello Richard, I spoke to the Engineer Sgt Slater many years ago.Smith was the Rear Gunner.Those who died were originally buried at Haamstede.A/c came down at around 00.48 hours.Email me direct om mjc41uk AT yahoo dot co dot uk as I may have further info.

AW · Air Commodore

Taruna,

Not only shot down (on night of 4/4th May 44), but also evaded capture. His aircraft, LL743, AS-U, was one of three 166sqdn Lancasters, lost on ops to Mailly-le-Camp. According to BC Losses (Chorley) the aircraft crashed, just after passing through the target area, coming down between Chapelle-Vallon and Voue. Two of the crew were killed, four taken pow, and Sgt Violett evaded. He has an Escape/Evasion report, which may be at the National Archives, Kew, under reference WO208/3349, but no individual file reference, so may be hard to track down, but i'll have a go.

F/Sgt J.A. Sanderson, RNZAF, pow.

Sgt F.J. Solomon, pow.

Sgt R.G. Marks, pow.

Sgt C. Farley, pow.

Sgt W.T. Violett, Evaded.

Sgt J.T. C o c kburn, killed.

Sgt J.A.W. Bodsworth, killed.

Alan.

-- Edited by AW on Wednesday 26th of June 2013 11:52:52 PM

-- Edited by AW on Wednesday 26th of June 2013 11:53:49 PM

-- Edited by AW on Wednesday 26th of June 2013 11:54:58 PM

Date: Jun 27, 2013

Hi, I have a 92yr old friend, who was in the 166 squadron, I cant find any mention of his name Bill Viollet, he was a wop/ag. He was shot down over France, his memory comes and goes, so I only get bits of information, would you be able to find out more thr records etc please? I have photos of him at Bletchley Park taken last month. Thank you for any help.

Date: Jun 27, 2013

Alan,

thank you so much, yes please keep looking, Bill has mentioned Sanderson and Bodsworth. Gosh, I wonder if anyone else is still living. Im seeing him today, so will let him know, I can be reached on 07956 121 260, should u want to talk to him. Thanks again. x

Date: Jun 28, 2013

Hi Taruna,I was in touch with Bill many years ago and I sent him all the operation sheets for his ops and the Evasion report back then.Email me directly on mjc41uk AT yahoo.co.uk and I will send them again if they have been lost.I met him and his wife in the 1980s.

SelwynsSon · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Hello Everyone:

My Dad died last June, Sgt. Selwyn (Sy) Kenny. One thing he asked me to do was burn his flight log. Sorry Dad, I could not do that. I began reading it and came across this notation:
23/10/44, Hour: 1700, Aircraft Type and No.: Lancaster W, Pilotz: F/O Saunders, Duty: Mid Upper Gunner, Remarks: OPS ESSEN (1000# bomb through stb wing port inner u/s).

Now I do understand most of that; Starboard wing, but "port inner u/s?" (Underside?) Wonder how close this was to my Dad AND wondering if anyone still around who may have known him. I know this is a lot and too late for most. I have a few photos of Dad in training in Montreal and a few photos taken of his visits to a few towns nearby. Not much else. I'm just trying to know him a bit better.

Thanks all!

Respectfully,
Rod Kenny

AW · Air Commodore

Rod,

Port inner, u/s would have been the engine nearest the ****pit, on the left side of the fuselage, the outside one being "port outer" same on other side, but replace port, with starboard. U/S, is simply an abbreviation of "unservicable"

Why oh why, does this forum censor those first four letters every time

-- Edited by AW on Thursday 11th of July 2013 11:48:38 PM

Date: Jul 12, 2013

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!!!

SelwynsSon · Aircraftsman 1st Class

I just popped in for a second and saw REPLIES! Sorry I am shocked I have been on other sites, non aircraft and no replies to another question. So from what I gather the bomb that hit, not going off as it was set from altitude I presume could have made the aircraft "unserviceable" if it had hit further up. I realized how this could really bother my Dad since all he could do is watch and hope nothing came apart. My Dad did keep a small piece of bent aluminum from the wing. It is only about 18 inches or so in length. I wonder how long would have his aircraft been laid up in repair or did they. the next entry 8 days later gives the plane the designation of Lancaster M, which I presume was another plane. Dad only ever said he'd been hit on the wing, not which side or where or how close. I do know now how deeply it affected him.
As for censoring I got hit - of course the USA has never heard of such words as, Chesterfield for example; so when I said a technical manual went into every niggling detail (To do something in an ineffectual way, nothing to do with race!) I was chewed out for the wrong reason. Oh well, it might happen here. My appologies.
Thank you all, I have to run off to work. I looked at Dad's Lancaster model in 1/43rd scale, I'm guess that was a close call.

Rod

Date: Jul 17, 2013

Rod,if you would like to get in touch I can give you more info about your Dad and his crew.mjc41uk AT yahoo DOT co DOT ukXREDS

Date: Jul 17, 2013

Sorry Rod that is mjc41uk AT yahoo DOT co DOT uk

SelwynsSon · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Thank you I'd like that, (I'll try that again) I have a photo to share I guess it is from training and not part of 166th, but Dad did not write on the back, so I have I no idea
Please enjoy, Dad is the guy on our right second row with the whitish flight suit on and the big grin and hair!

John W · Group Captain

Hi,

I am looking for the operations of Sgt H Nash who was KIA on 3 August 1943 on the Hamburg raid. Their aircraft Wellington HW464 was shot down by a German Night fighter (Oblt Herman Greiner of 4.NJG1) all the crew were killed.

I am after the operations he went on. I have a photo of him in a group upon graduation as pilots on 9 October 1942 in Saskatoon. I am not able to id him. Should you like a copy of the photo please contact me on harleyDOT158ATbigpondDOTcom replace the AT/DOT with the usual.

Thanks,

John.

barnsley · Air Commodore

Hi John,I have emailed you.I should be able to identify Nash for you in the photo.

B

Date: Jul 27, 2013

Hi Barnsley, John again - I dont recall the other reply Im afraid regarding Mike Vickerman, could you possibly email me at jvickerman@hotmail.com ?

Many thanks

J

barnsley · Air Commodore

Hi John Im confused here.You emailed me the photo and I identified Nash for you. Cheers B

SimplyPaddy · Aircraftsman 1st Class

My adopted Sister-in-Law lives in a carehome in Northamptonshire where there is a retired 166 Squadron Lancaster Navigator named John Price. Anyone been looking for him? He is apparently a very private person.

Date: Aug 4, 2013

I am the grandson of David Bernard Harris who was also cousin to Sgt B S Harris looking to find out more information and make contact with lost family. Email damien AT easybasehome . Com tel 07919616438 thanks in advance!

RAF 166 · Corporal

Sgt. Bertram Stanley Harris - Navigator - Wellington Mk X AS-G HE578

Other Crew

W/O. R R Burton - Pilot

Flt. Sgt. D E Carson DFM - Air Bomber

Sgt. J H Connel - Wireless Op.

Sgt. A Ord - Rear Gunner

Lost Aug. 2/3 1943 on Gardening Mission

Date: Aug 17, 2013

I am wondering if any more information has come to light in regard to my uncle.

I have details of the aircraft and some of the operations he undertook.

he was P/O G D Jones shot down june 1944 over calais, all crew perished.

The crew are all buried in the same cemetry.

I am arranging to visit his grave next year on the anniversary of his death and would be pleased to meet other relatives on the day?

Thanks

Dave

barnsley · Air Commodore

Hello Dave, we have previously been in touch. I have No more info Im afraid. mjc41uk AT YAHOO dot co dot uk

Date: Aug 18, 2013

Hi Barnsley:

My father, James W. ("Jim") O'Driscoll DFC, was the Air Bomber on William ("Bill") Brennan's 166 Squadron Lancaster crew. The crew flew on 30 missions from July - October, 1944.

After the war, Jim and Bill remained close friends, despite their geographical separation (Jim - Ontario, Bill - Alberta), until Bill's death a few years ago.

Jim died peacefully on August 8, 2013, after a long and happy post-war life.

My dad kept a meticulously-detailed diary of the sights, sounds and results of each of his 30 missions. Quite compelling reading. For the past few years, I've been working away at an annotated version of it.

I've just run across your post on this board, and would be happy to ask you some 166-related questions from time to time. Please let me know if you get this message, and how I could get in touch with you. (My email address is timkarenliam@cogeco.ca.)

Many thanks!

Tim O'Driscoll

barnsley · Air Commodore

Hi Tim, we are already in touch! I have sent you quite a bit on info on your Dad's crew and you sent me his 'N' Wing! 'Barnsley' is a posting name. It would be nice to hear from you again. mjc41uk AT yahoo DOT co DOT uk

Date: Aug 19, 2013

Hi there,

I'm hoping you might be able to help with a very specific search. I'm in the RNZAF and my Aunty is trying to track down ino on her father as pre below request.

My dads name was Ross Sangster Davidson and his DOB was 7 August 1923 and i believe he was a Warrant officer. My dad was trained in Canada with a NZ squadron then they were sent to England and I believe were stationed at Kirmington with 166 Squadron during WWII on the Lancasters. He (his crew) were attached to the RAF but were part of the RNZAF. They were one of the Lancaster crews who dropped food parcels over Europe. I am trying to get a photo/picture of his plane that had a painting of a tiki with a bomb between its leg son the side of the plane.

Are you able to help at all. Any help would be hugely appreciated.

7202.

Date: Aug 19, 2013

Hi My name is Adam,

Im trying to reserch a Pilot officer of 166 Squ by the name of Rex Arthur Glasson, Service No 417300, Born 1919 in Kadina South Australia,

He was shot down over Belgium on 19 March 1944 and killed and is buried at the Coxyde Military Cemetery Belgium.

I was wondering if you have any more infomation and photoes of him and his crew and their names and the serial No and Squ codes of the Lancaster aircraft.

Please Only Email Me.

Regards Adam

HoadiesMagicMerlin@yahoo.com

barnsley · Air Commodore

Hi Adam, I have sent you an email. B

Date: Aug 23, 2013

Good Evening

I am a 16 year old schoolboy researching a past pupil of our school in Dublin. Flight Lieutenant Alexander J Hannigan 166 Bomber Squadron Leconfield 1937-1940?.

We are honouring and remembering our past men that died in service in WW1 and WW2. Do you have any pictures or other information for a project whereby we will publish a book of the profiles of our past men for the future pupils of the school. Our school is 176 years old. I can give you some more back round if you think that you can help me with research for the project. Thank You.

Regards

Alex Murray alx97@gmail.com

AW · Air Commodore

Alex,

If this is Sqdn/Ldr Alexander John Hannigan. He was killed on operations to Huls, on the night of 6/7th Sept 1941, flying with 77sqdn. The squadron lost 3 aircraft that night, Sqdn/Ldr Hannigan was pilot of Whitley, Z6824, which was shot down by a nightfighter, and crashed at Borculo, Holland, killing four of the crew...

Sqdn/Ldr A.J. Hannigan, killed.

Sgt D. Thomas, pow.

P/O N. Woodward, RCAF, killed.

Sgt C.M. Evans, killed.

Sgt E.C.E. Myers, RCAF, killed.

from BC Losses 1941.

Photo courtesy of Find a Grave.

You should edit out your email address, as you stand a good chance of spammers picking it up and using it.

Alan.

-- Edited by AW on Saturday 24th of August 2013 01:43:24 AM

barnsley · Air Commodore

Hi Alex, Im afraid I only have details of 166 Squadron Operations from 1943 to 1945. As Sqd/Ldr Hannigan was killed in action before then I don't have any information. However I see that Alan has given you some more details so I am very grateful to him. B

barnsley · Air Commodore

RE: SGT R.S.DAVIDSON NZ424078 WIRELESS OPERATOR 166 SQUADRON POSTED IN 10.1.45

Hello, sorry I missed your earlier post as some others came in afterwards.Sgt Davidson was in the crew of F/Sgt King RNZAF and flew ops from the above date to the end of the war (about 26 including food drops). There were 4 Kiwis in the crew. The Lancaster your referred to in your post was ND857 at that time coded AS G George. Can you email me direct MJC41uk AT Yahoo DOT CO DOT UK (all lower case)? B

AW · Air Commodore

Alex,

I will be in touch via email. I have your email copied, so now you can click on "edit post" in your first post, and wipe off your email before the wrong people get hold of it.

Alan.

-- Edited by AW on Sunday 25th of August 2013 10:03:55 AM

Date: Aug 25, 2013

Alan

Thank you for the information is is brilliant. Our school intend to honour and remember our pastmen that were killed in the service of the British Armed Forces in WW1 and WW2 so they will not be forgotten by our future pupils and staff.

Perhaps you can guide or help me further information. Is it possible to get information about AJ career or as he was known as " Hindy" to his school pals.

We have school photos to insert into the profile is it possible that a photograph is available of AJ in service! is it possible to find out what medals were awarded to AJ. Do the 77th have any records or information. When our book of remembrance is compiled and published we would be delighted to present a copy to the relevant people in the 77th. I am also hoping to contact any relations I believe that there are some in the UK and also Ireland.

If you can help or guide me I would be grateful. I can send you all the details I have compiled if it is of interest to you. You can e mail me ( thank you for the advice regarding the email)

Kind Regards

Alex Murray

Dublin

Date: Aug 25, 2013

Hi Alan

Do I need to register as a new member to edit the post as I have tried and I cannot edit?

Kind Regards

Alx Murray

AW · Air Commodore

Hi Alex, yes, probably....

AW · Air Commodore

Hi Alex,

Have tried several times to send files to the email address you gave, but keeps bouncing back as address unknown.

Alan.

Date: Aug 26, 2013

Sorry Alan

It should be alxmurray97@gmail.com

Date: Aug 28, 2013

Ah, yes, thanks, I clearly recall you now, and as I recall, we share the same occupation. Bill Brennan's daughter came to my dad's funeral earlier this month, and we shared some fond memories of our respective fathers and their life-long bond after the war. I still can't process the fact that my dad is gone, and, yes, I am still working on the annotation of his diary of 30 missions with 166 Squadron, and am mindful of my earlier promise to provide you with a copy of his diary once I'm done. Thanks again, and best regards.

Windy · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Hi Barnsley

Your assistance would be massively appreciated. I am currently researching a relative (Great Uncle) who served with 166 Sqdn at RAF Kirmington and trying to fill in a few blanks. He successfully completed a tour with his crew and survived the war.

His name was Sgt. Robert (Bob) Sinton (known as Jock) and he was a rear gunner.

His Pilot was P/O Spurgeon Jasper Sissons (RCAF) and I know his particular Lanc was PD310 AS-R.

I have been lucky enough to have been loaned his logbook by his son which I have copied and I have recently managed to get a copy of a fantastic photograph of Uncle Bob and his crew in front of their Lanc.

What I would like to know are the following if you can help:

a) names and nationalities of the rest of his crew

b) Did his particular aircraft carried any nose-art. I know he was a keen caricaturist so its likely he may have had a hand in design if this was the case. It is not clear from the photo I have.

c) His aircraft 'call sign' . R for ???

Any help you can shed on this for me would be fantastic. I am hoping to build a scale model of his particular Lanc. so any additional info you can provide about his aircraft would really help.

Many thanks

-- Edited by Windy on Wednesday 28th of August 2013 06:21:13 AM

-- Edited by Windy on Wednesday 28th of August 2013 06:33:36 AM

barnsley · Air Commodore

Hello ,

SGT R.A. SINTON REAR GUNNER RAF

'Doc' Sissons and crew arrived at Kirmington on 10.08.44. Sisson was a Canadian.

The rest of the crew were;

Sgt R.N.Dawson Engineer

Sgt A.A.J.Cusson A/B

P/O P.J.Parnham Nav

F/Sgt B.G.Bewley WOP

Sgt N.Smith MUG

All the crews were British apart from Sisson and Cusson who were Canadian.

Sgt R.A.Sinton R/G

Regarding his regular Lancaster, certainly for the crews last 4 ops was PD310. Code AS.R Roger (I assume). The aircraft was damaged by Flak with the Sissons crew in it on 6.11.44 Gelsen kirchen and 29.11.44 Dortmund.It subsequently is reported to have been transfered to 100 Sqn then 22 MU until it was struck off charge in june 1947.

I am not aware if it carried any nose art Im afraid.

You can email me mjc41uk at yahoo dot co dot uk

-- Edited by barnsley on Wednesday 28th of August 2013 07:35:23 AM

-- Edited by barnsley on Wednesday 28th of August 2013 07:36:19 AM

Windy · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Awesome. Thank you so much for this information. I will email you.

Date: Sep 7, 2013

Dear all,

I am trying to find out more information on my grandfathers time in the RAF, he served with 166sq in Lancaster AS-I as a top mid gunner.

His name was Ronald Hales and he passed away in April this year.