I have been commissioned to paint a picture of the above aircraft, which was shot down over Germany on 4th May 1943. All crew (except the pilot, whi dies) became POWs.
The picture is for the daughter of one of the crew- F/O J B Thompson.
Has anyone got a 'photo of the plane, or know what the fuselage codes were. I know it was EY - something.
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Built by English Electric Co. (Salmesbury & Preston) this particular aircraft was delivered to 78 Sqn between 13th and 22nd April 1943
The crew were briefed to attack Dortmund. The ATD of the aircraft from RAF Linton On Ouse, Yorkshire was 2230
JB973/EY-? was one of three No.78 Sqn aircraft lost on this operation. See also; JB903EY-? and JB915/EY-?
JB973/EY-? was shot down by a night-fighter captained by Hptm Wolfgang Thimmig (III/NJG1) The aircraft crashed near Epe, 3KM south of Gronau, Germany at 0034
PilotF/Sgt A. Burns + NKG
Flight EngineerSgt F.G. Hockin POW
NavigatorSgt H. Gamble POW
Bomb AimerF/O J.B. Thompson POW
Wireless OperatorSgt J.R. Heslop Inj
Mid Upper GunnerSgt W. Ashley POW
Rear Gunner Sgt H. Tyler POW
F/Sgt Burns has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. Sgt Heslop was repatriated in May 1944
Sgt Ashley was interned in Camps L1/L6/L4 with Sgt Gamble, Sgt.Tyler and Sgt Hockin - who had evaded for four days before capture. Sgt Heslop was confined in Hospital due injuries until his repatriation. F/O Thompson was held in Camp L3.
Whilst I do not know the individual code letter from this Halibag, I have a photo of the pilot (FS Burns) and contact details for relatives who attended a memorial w/e back in 2010
My uncle went missing on the same raid 78 Squadron Halifax JB903 - one of three that night that did not return. Do you have a photo of the picture you painted as I would like to see it?
Hi Tony
Cant remember sending you a photo. Though my memory isnt that good now a days.
If you have any info on rest of the crew id be obllged if you could forward it to me
Thanks again
AB
While researching Flt/Sgt, W. Ashley i came across this forum and this thread.
I might have some info you are looking for if you are researching any of the crew plus it would be great if you could share any details you have on Sgt Ashley.
