Flight Sgt Hubert Edward Martin, 7 Sqdrn RAF

AW · Air Commodore

Flight Sgt Hubert Edward Martin, 7 Sqdrn RAF

Stu Pryke · Aircraftsman 1st Class

My father, now 90, has spoken often of trying to find out how his best mate at school, Hubert Martin, finally perished, in what I believe to be his first sortie in a Lancaster 1 or 3. He was an air gunner, possibly a rear/ tail gunner and died on April 24/25, 1944. His service number was 1871426 and he is buried with the rest of the crew at Soufflenheim cemetery. there seems to have been a number of raids on the night of the 24 th but wondered if anyone may be able to help in ascertaining if he was on an Essen raid or possibly Klagenfurt. Any info would be much appreciated!! I was intrigued to see 7 Sqdrn is still alive via the Chinook....as an aside, as a professional aviator on the 777, I often reflect as I begin the descent to LHR, somewhere near the Dutch coast, how many crews may still be below those cold and murky waters that now allow us to freely fly the airways with little reflection by the younger, and more ignorant First Officers. Sadly, they have little idea of the sacrifices that Hubert and his mates made. Thanks guys.....

John W · Group Captain

Hi Stu,

Your Dad's mate went down on the raid on Karlsruhe, he was the Mid-Upper gunner in Lancaster JB719 MG-B. It is believed they were shot down by either Oblt Martin Becker of 2./NJG6 for his 27th victory or Oblt Jakob Schaus of 4./NJG4 for his 6th victory. Both would survive the war.

I hope that helps.

Regards,

John.

Stu Pryke · Aircraftsman 1st Class

John and Alan, apols for the late reply, I had difficulties getting back on the site but that info was very much appreciated. We shall take a visit to the crews burial, hopefully in mid February. Thanks again guys!!

MikeH · Air Vice Marshall

Stu,

I have found a combat report submitted by Sgt Martin for a previous operation on the 23rd December 1943. Also P/O Wyn Evans who was the rear gunner in the crew.

These can be purchased through the online N/A, should you wish them.

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=D7450949

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=D7450950

I have an interest with the Karlsruhe operation my uncles crew Halifax LK789 were shot down on their return by an intruder.

Mike.

Date: Aug 15, 2015

I have only just found this site so I know there is quite a time lapse since your query. My uncle was the Rear Gunner on that Lancaster. I do have quite a bit of info about it plus photos of the crew & the grave site. The understanding is that 2 Lancasters crashed into each other with one coming down at Soufflenheim & the other at Hagenau nearby. It is possible that one of them had been shot or hit by flak to cause the collision. My uncle's plane was returning home after a raid on Karlsruhe. If you want further info or copies of any photos then please get in touch.

Chris D

Date: Dec 19, 2016

Hi Chris, what a surprise, to see that your uncle was the lower rear gunner, because the upper rear gunner was my wife's uncle, Hubert Martin. We also have visited the grave sight in Soufflenheim and we took Hubert's brother along with us. Yes please, we would like any copies of photo's, especially any that has your uncle and our uncle together in them, i would pay any cost incurred Thank you.

Date: Dec 19, 2016

Hi Stu, i have just become a forum member and read about your father. Perhaps i can help you with some answers to your fathers questions. My wife is a niece of Hubert Martin and she can remember that he had a girlfriend called Elsie, unfortunately, i did not meet Hubert, but each year i pay respect to the War Memorial in Orford, Suffolk, where Hubert was born. Yes, we to have visited Soufflenheim to pay our respects and before he passed away, we took Hubert's brother Richard Martin with us.

Date: May 31, 2017

Hi Chris, I am researching Flt Sgt Hubert Martin as part of the biographies work for the IBCC in Lincoln, in association with the Lincoln University. I was wondering if you had any photographs of Hubert and would be prepared to send a copy to the archive for their lists, and to add to his biography at the memorial spire. He is commemorated on panel 205 at the spire.

thanks

Jenny

Their e-mail is Digital archive archive@internationalbcc.co.uk

markselby · Aircraftsman 1st Class

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Date: Jul 6, 2017

I am really sorry but I've been busy with other things and totally missed your reply. How can I send you a photo of the crew?

Christine