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Bombercrew.com Forum -> Bombercrew.com Forum -> Jim O'Reilly - Navigator - Date of Death: 09/10/1943
Post Info TOPIC: Jim O'Reilly - Navigator - Date of Death: 09/10/1943
poreilly55


Aircraftsman 1st Class

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Jim O'Reilly - Navigator - Date of Death: 09/10/1943
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Remembering my uncle Jim O'Reilly - The average age of a Lancaster bomber crew member was 22, with a life expectancy of two weeks. Because Jim was 29/30 his nickname was 'Dad' on board by the crew as he was the 'old man', and as their Navigator he got them there and back. On what was to be their last Ops mission before leave October 1943, their Lancaster bomber developed an engine failure and so the crew aborted their mission and returned to RAF Kirmington (now Humberside Airport) fully loaded with bombs and fuel. Sadly the plane crashed just before the runway and James was killed, only two crew members survived.

Anyone with any other information or pictures would be most welcome

Casualty Details

Name: O'REILLY, JAMES

Initials: J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Sergeant (Nav.)

Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Unit Text: 166 Sqdn.

Age: 30

Date of Death: 09/10/1943

Service No: 1549441



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MikeH


Air Vice Marshall

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Hi,

8-9 Oct 1943

166 Sqn             Lancaster III ED993 AS-                 Op: Hannover

T/o 2240 Kirmington. Outbound, a fire broke out in the port outer, necessitating an early return. While preparing to land, the port outer cut out and the Lancaster crashed 0025 and burst into flames. Sgt Croxon was thrown clear on impact, while Sgt Davidson survived after the tail section broke away from the fuselage and was carried clear of the fire.

W/O  R P Rabett  +

Sgt T Roberts  +

Sgt R Gratwick  +

Sgt J O'Reilly  +

Sgt R Davies  +

Sgt E Croxon

Sgt L Davidson

 

Have you seen the link below. There is a posting by a David Rabett, relative of W/O Reginald Paul Rabett pilot of the crew.

http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/ww2/thosewhoserved/r-ww2.php

 

Regards,

Mike H



-- Edited by MikeH on Thursday 14th of July 2016 03:28:58 PM



-- Edited by MikeH on Thursday 14th of July 2016 03:32:22 PM

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Peter O'Reilly

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Many thanks for the information - so proud of my uncle Jim!!



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poreilly55


Aircraftsman 1st Class

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Found Jim O'Reilly's gravestone - see attached (Dukinfeild)



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