Hi Guys I was contacted by Michel yesterday regarding a request for an image of Lancaster LL888 AA-X that was shot down after the 15/16th June 1944 raid on Valciennes railway yard. This was only the second op for the Betley crew;
F/Sgt Roland Desmond Ernest Betley RNZAF NZ421495. Pilot. Died Friday 16 June 1944, age 22. Sgt Edward George Gilliatt RAFVR 648452. Navigator. Died Friday 16th June 1944, age 22,. F/Sgt Lawrence Eastmure Hale RNZAF NZ42395. Air Bomber. Died Friday 16th June 1944, age 26. W/O Edward Wallace Toohey RNZAF NZ416672. Wireless Operator. Died Friday 16th June 1944, age 22. Sgt Basil Griffiths RAFVR 1578754. Flight Engineer. Died Friday 16th June1944, age 22. Sgt Ronald Howe RAFVR 993314. Mid Upper Gunner. Died Friday 16 June 1944, age unknown. F/Sgt Peter Jackson Cook RNZAF NZ42708 Rear Gunner. Died Friday 16th June 1944, age 21.
The crew were buried in the little cemetery of Rieux en Cambrésis, site of the crash.Michel is currently preparing an exhibition on another Lancaster that crashed near his village after the same raid. I know its a long shot, but if anybody has any additional information on the crew and or a picture of LL888 I will pass it onto Michel
