Hello to all

I'm new to the forum and would like to share my interest.

My uncle served with 102 Sqn from 3rd December 1943 until 28th April 1944. He was Sgt David Robertson ( 1567775 ) Air Gunner.

His Aircraft, Halifax II J.N 948.N was one of 16 detailed  from Pocklington to attack the Marshalling yards at Aulnoye on the night of 27th/28th April 1944. His aircraft was the only loss on that night from a total of 223 aircraft. The only entry in the Squadron Record Book was Aircraft missing. No news after take-off.

I'm not sure of the circumstances regarding thier fate but always assumed it was down to a night fighter rather than flak. However there's no conclusive evidence that I'm aware of to be sure one way or the other.

My interest in my uncle started back in the 70's when all I really knew (from my Mother) that he was a gunner in Bomber Command. From there I started my research. Initially through RAF Innsworth and then to Kew to look at the Squadron Record Books.

He flew on a total of 20 operations, all with the same crew:

F/L A.L.Silverman,128929 (Pilot)

P/O R.J.Blake, 151084, (Navigator)

SGT. L.F.Webb,1601171 (Wireless Operator)

SGT D.B.Robertson, 1567775 ( Air Gunner)

SGT. R.B.Russell, 1822851 ( Air Gunner)

SGT. R.E.Collier,1384914 ( Flight Engineer)

F/S J.R.McClelland, J/88610 ( Bomb Aimer ) RCAF

They are all buried in Maubeuge-Centre Cemetary.

My other uncle ( David's Brother )was a Radio Ham and just after the war ended he was in contact with somebody near Maubeuge who was able to send some photos of the graves when they were still marked with wooden crosses.

I would love to hear from anyone who has an interest in the above or possibly any family members of the crew. Who knows, perhaps there's even some photos out there of them together. I'll be happy to share what details I have of all operations they completed and the photos of the graves.