My grandmother gave me some photos of my late grandfather during WW2 as I had explained that I could not find out anything about his war record. I had always been told that he trained in Spitfires in Canada before seeing active service over here. However, the pictures seem to tell a different story. Firstly he appear at a train station in Carberry which is in Canada. Another picture shows him with a clear cadets cap and it says Winnipeg 1941. I assume from this that he was stationed in Carberry in 1941 but I cannot find any link to Spitfires. The next picture is of a chap in a Hurricane and the caption reads; G.R, Johnson Madley, Killed September 6th 1942. The only other picture with information is one of 10 airmen who are all named (including my grandfather) and the caption reads; 'C' Flight June 1943 Madley.
I am aware that Madley was a radio training school at this time and there is no mention in the records of Spitfires ever being stationed there. I am beginning to believe that he romanticised his involvement and used it as an excuse for his behaviour in later life. I would be eternally grateful if anybody could shed some light on the service record of Flight Sgt. Vincent (Vin) Howarth.
If you are keen to establish the details of his service with the RAF, I would recommend that you apply for his service record using the following route:
This will provide you with details of his training and operational postings; if you get the next of kin to apply you will get far more information about him. [The records will take a few months to come through]
In the mean time, if you can provide us with any further details we will see what we can turn up for you.
Regards (and good luck with your search)
Pete
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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]
Unfortunately I cannot supply any more details as I have posted everything I have. I will get my uncle to apply to the link you have provided as I think he is next of kin since my father died.