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Post Info TOPIC: Basil Martin
DavidT


Aircraftsman 1st Class

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Basil Martin
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Hello everyone,

I'm new to this forum so please excuse me if I'm asking something that's already been dealt with. I haven't found my way around it yet.

I'm enquiring about Sergeant Basil Martin, who was a Flight Engineer with 218 squadron, based at Chedburgh and Methwold. He was my mother's cousin, so I guess that makes him my second cousin.  I understand from my mum that both he and his wife Sheila passed away within about a week of one another around Christmas a few years ago. There was a photo of him and his crew, then and now, published in the Harwich Society's Newsletter a few years ago saying that at that time they were probably the only remaining Lancaster crew that was still intact. That has obviously changed now as I understand several of the original crew have now passed away.

As a kid I never saw that much of him, so didn't get to hear about what he did. However, I'd love to know more about the operations he went on and how to access the squadron's operational records.

Apart from being a distant relative, I have had a lifelong interest in all things RAF and aircraft, although never joined up myself.

If anyone can fill me in with any information, it would be greatly appreciated, and I know my mum would love to know too.

Thanks in advance. DavidT

 



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PeteT


Wing Commander

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Sorry, but this is a bit of a stock answer, based on my experience.

I would highly recommend that you apply for his service record by completing the form provided on https://www.gov.uk/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records. [NOTE: Due to the 25 year rule, you will need to get his next of kin to apply so that you get the complete record].

After a few months (you will have to be patient) you should receive a copy of his record, showing where (and when) he was posted, his trade(s), rank(s) etc.

You will then be able to establish when he was with No. 218 Squadron and you will be able to access the relevant Operations Record Books. If you follow this link it will bring up a list of all the ones that are available to you (at a cost) online: http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_q=218+Squadron

I would also recommend that you visit this site, as Steve may be able to provide you with the relevant information: http://218squadron.wordpress.com/

I hope this is helpful to you; good luck with your search

Regards

Pete




 



-- Edited by PeteT on Tuesday 9th of September 2014 03:39:55 AM

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Researching:

- CA Butler and the loss of Lancaster ME334

- Aircrew Training WWII (Basic / Trade / Operational)

- No. 35 Squadron [From Thetford to Scampton]

 

[Always looking for COPIES of original documents / photographs etc relating to these subjects]
smudgersmith


Squadron Leader

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Hi David,

 

I am the association historian for 218 Squadron and had the pleasure to meet and talk with Basil over a number of years.  I do have some information on him if required.

 

As Pete as you can contact me via the blog or via the forum.

 

Regards


Steve



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No.218 (Gold Coast) Squadron Association Historian

DavidT


Aircraftsman 1st Class

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Posts: 2
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Hi Steve,

Thanks for getting back to me. Any info you have on Basil Martin's RAF career with 218 would be greatly appreciated.  I probably wouldn't be able to get hold of his service record,as Pete has suggested, since it needs to be next-of-kin, and I'm very indirect next-of-kin so that probably cuts no ice with the MoD. Nor do I know who his children are. I would have to check with my mother and see if she knows anything.

 

Lookign forward to hearing from you.

David

 

 



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anosh


Aircraftsman 1st Class

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Nice post helps me alot

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Usman
MikeH


Air Vice Marshall

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Hi David,

you may have already seen the article below regarding a reunion of the crew

 

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Will+we+ever+meet+again%3F%3B+LAST+SURVIVING+WW2+BOMBER+CREW+BIDS+FOR+ITS...-a067438303

 

 

Mike.H



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smudgersmith


Squadron Leader

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This is a old piece, sadly Basil passed away since then.

 

Steve



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No.218 (Gold Coast) Squadron Association Historian

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