H G Ball

Date: Nov 12, 2017

H G Ball

PeteT · Wing Commander

There were two Hubert George Ball who served with the RAF with service numbers 2396219 and 1655355. Do you have any documents which show his service number?

Also, a bit of a stock answer given to all new researchers; have you applied for his service record (see www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records). This will provide details of his training and operational units. I would highly recommend that (if you go down this route), the next of kin applies, otherwise you will only get a small sub-set of the information that is held.

Once you have firmer dates relating to his service, it should be possible to find details of the crew(s) he flew with and his operational sorties (It is also worth noting the 166 Squadron thread on this site as the originator may have a database of crews etc).

Anyway, I hope this is useful; good luck with your search

Regards

Pete

-- Edited by PeteT on Sunday 12th of November 2017 02:59:58 PM

alieneyes · Group Captain

The man you're looking for was 1655355 Sgt Hubert George Ball, posted in to No. 166 Sqn on 23 November 1944.

raf166squadron.com/166%20Squadron%20Personnelsearchable.htm

Dave

Arnold · Aircraftsman 1st Class

Hi Dave,
Your link does not appear to be working but, H.G. Ball was the W/Op/AG for the Whowell crew

barnsley · Air Commodore

Hi, I have the thread for 166 squadron on this site. Your Uncle was indeed the Wireless Operator in the Whowell crew as the other contributors say. Whowell was a Flight Commander on 166 Squadron. The crew flew 30 operations before the wars end. The first one was to Karlsruhe on 04/12/44 and the last a food supply drop to Holland on 02/05/44. In the 1990's I was in touch with Linc Doll the Canadian Navigator, now sadly passed away. The crew flew as formation leader in at least two daylight operations. If you would like to contact me directly please email mjc41uk@yahoo.co.uk and I may be able to help further.

Date: Nov 16, 2017

Hi,

Thank you so much for replying. I have been looking in Uncle Bert's RAF service and Release book and indeed his service number was 1655355. I've also been looking through some photographs and there amongst them was one with some of the aircrew. They are with one of the Lancaster's, 4 airmen on the left wing, 3 on the right and 7 standing.... one of which is Uncle Bert. I was quite emotional. On the reverse of the photo Uncle Bert has put "C" Flight Command Crew 166 Squadron, RAF Kirmington Lines 1945. The back is also signed by a G Howell. Bob Doust, E Winstanley, Don Leeming.... I'm not sure I've got these right.... but then there was Lincoln E Doll's signature ... at this moment feeling very humble. Would you like to see it?

barnsley · Air Commodore

Sgt H G Ball

Hi Sandra, I also have that photo but I would be interested to know which one is your Uncle. Email me if you wish mjc41uk@yahoo.co.uk I think he is the one with a fag in his mouth! Linc Doll (fag in hand!) is to his left!

B