help needed with information

paulh · Squadron Leader

help needed with information

Date: Oct 3, 2013

Hello, I have to admit i am very new to all this,but since returning from a trip, with my dad, to the Sage War Memorial Cemetary near Bremen, I feel compelled to find out more and hope someone can help me, or point me in the right direction to obtain the right infomation. My dad was only a month old when his father Sgt. James Edward Turnbull 1017385 of 218 squadron was killed on the 29/30 march 1943, just south of Bremen. Aircraft serial no.BK720. We would like to know the circumstances if possible as my Grandma was given very little info 70 years ago. Many thanks to anyone that can help me please.

John W · Group Captain

Hi Hayley,

Welcome, The aircraft was part of a force of 329 aircraft going to attack Berlin. 21 aircraft were lost on this attack including BK702 HA-O. The crew were as follows;

Sgt W G Hoar RCAF pilot +

Sgt J E Turnbull F/Eng +

Sgt R E Jeffreys Nav +

Sgt H A Mears B/A +

Sgt E T R Howard W/Op +

Sgt W M Robertson Mid/Upper +

Sgt J H M Fraser RCAF R/Gunner +

All were killed in action, it is believed it was hit by flak on its return at 0342hrs near Syke, 18 kms south of Bremen. All were laid to rest at Vechta on the 1 April and were moved to Sage War Cemetery after the war.

All the best,

John.

MikeH · Air Vice Marshall

Hi John/ Hayley,

There is a book called 'Strike Hard - A Bomber Airfield at War - RAF Downham Market by John B Hilling'

Perhaps there maybe a photo of Stirling BK702 or the crew?

Mike.

hayleyjt · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Thank you very much for this info. I will take a look.

Date: Oct 4, 2013

Just like to say i have followed the info you have given me, thank you all very much for your time and help, i have found it very interesting and i am very gratefull. biggrin

Date: Oct 4, 2013

hayleyjt

Just like to say i have followed the info you have given me, thank you all very much for your time and help, i have found it very interesting and i am very gratefull. biggrin

AW · Air Commodore

Hayley,

There is a site, that i'm a forum moderator on, that may help you even more. We have a 218sqdn specialist there. Try the forum at .... stirlingaircraftsoc.raf38group.org

Alan.

smudgersmith · Squadron Leader

Hi,

I am the association historian for No.218 (Gold Coast) Squadron. If I can be of any help or assistance please let me know.

Kind regards

Steve

MauriceT · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Hi Haley

I read with interest your request for help regarding James Edward Turnbull.

I have been researching my own family history and i came across your request on this forum. It would seem that we are related through

your Great grandfather Robert William Turnbull. My Grandmothers old birthday book makes reference to James missing in action in 1943.

You may be able to help me with my research and if you are interested in our family history I have some that may interest you. If you would like to get in touch directly then let me know and i will give you my phone no. through this forum.

thank you

MT

hayleyjt · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Hi Maurice,
I have very limited info with regards to my dad's side of family. However I am spending the christmas holidays with my parents,if you could forward an email address I'm sure my dad would be more than happy to forward what knowledge he can remember. Cheers!
My email is: hayleyjt1@sky.com

And again, Thank You to all here that have helped with infomation and suggestions.