I'm trying to find out the circumstances surrounding my late father's DFC. He was in a number of different squadrons during WWII.
104 Sqdn
631 Sqdn
75 (NZ) Sqdn
His last proficiency Assessment from this log states "This AG has completed 55 Operations and was awarded the DFC" it's dated 1/7/45 from the 75(NZ) Sqdn
I have his medals and his"Observer's & Air Gunner's Flying Log Book" I also have quite a few photos from his service days, some showing fellow crew and some that look like aerial photos.
My mum was also a WAAF but at 91 years old she's not able to remember that far back.
Is there a way I can find out more about his service or another site I can refer to?
I think this is his ref: 1033159 Torbitt R.
If someone can point me in the right direction I'd be delighted.
26 September 1944. (75 Sqn). Administration. 1033159 F/Sgt R. Torbitt, 1530086 F/S C. Billows, 1388980 Sgt R. Powell, and 536970 F/Sgt V. O'Loughlin, Under Turret Air Gunners arrived on posting from No.31 Base.
His first op with 75 (NZ) squadron was on 30 October 1944 with F/L Barton as rear gunner.
He then flew another 8 ops with various pilots as mid upper gunner.
March 1945. Awards. The following awards have been granted during this month :- Distingushed Flying Cross :- 1033159 W/O R. J. Torbitt
Hi Torby I am very excited to see your post that Wayne has put me onto. Your father flew one op with my fathers crew as the rear gunner; 12.3.45 Dortmund Lancaster RF127 AA-W. Pilot Vernon John Zinzan.
My F/Lt Father, Robert Douglas 'Jock' Sommerville DFC flew 2 tours with 75(NZ) between 1943 and 1945, completing 42 operational missions. Sadly he passed away at the end of last August and like many, did not speak about his time during the war. Since then, I have started to research his time with the squadron and this has now grown to building a website, initially about his crews, but it has now expanded to include contributions from other surviving aircrew and or their relatives. I hope to have the site live by the end of the summer. I would love to know more about your father so I can add his details to the story of the brave boys of 75(NZ) Squadron.
