New Member Introduction.

Steve Swinton · Leading Aircraftsman

New Member Introduction.

John W · Group Captain

Hi. Steve,

First of all welcome, your great uncle was shot down by Uffz Walter Rohlfing of 9./NJG3 for his first victory. He would survive the war with 9 victories.

I hope that is of some help.

Cheers,

John.

Steve Swinton · Leading Aircraftsman

Hi John, thank you for the above information. This is a very valuable piece of the jigsaw of events of that Sunday evening in July 1943. I am overwhelmed by the dedication to duty and the sacrifice that these young heroes gave for all our futures. I feel it is my duty to my uncle Jack and his crew mates to keep their memories alive.
Could you please let me know how you came across the name of the individual above so i might learn from your research skills? Also, for the record, Jack was my fathers brother. I am his direct nephew.

Many Thanks.

Steve Swinton. (63)

John W · Group Captain

HI Steve,

I got the information from Theo Boitens book Nachtjagd War Diaries which lists the German claims by the night fighters against the losses suffered by Bomber Command.

You can get copies of 102 Sqn ORBs which will give you details of the operations they went on. I see there was a Kiwi and a Canadian in the crew you can there service records from the archives in both New Zealand and Canada.

A history of New Zealanders suggests they were on the second operation , the Navigator survived as a pow, he would have filled in a questionnaire after the war which will give you some more information, its available at the archives at Kew.

Cheers,

John.

MikeH · Air Vice Marshall

Hi Steve,

There is a photo of the pilot F/Sgt Cowin RNZAF on the find a grave site below.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18485482/thomas-lewis-cowin

MikeH

Steve Swinton · Leading Aircraftsman

Thanks John, I am so very pleased with what i have learnt from using this site already. I am especially grateful for the help i have received in such a short time. Less than 24 hours!!

Also many thanks to you too Mike for the picture. I already have details of the burial site, right up to the precise grave numbers of all the crew members. I also have photo negatives of the temporarary wooden crosses with individuals names rank and serial numbers that were put in place at the time.

Steve.

Steve Swinton · Leading Aircraftsman

Thanks John, I am so very pleased with what i have learnt from using this site already. I am especially grateful for the help i have received in such a short time. Less than 24 hours!!

Also many thanks to you too Mike for the picture. I already have details of the burial site, right up to the precise grave numbers of all the crew members. I also have photo negatives of the temporarary wooden crosses with individuals names rank and serial numbers that were put in place at the time.

Steve.

MikeH · Air Vice Marshall

Hi Steve,

Forgot to mention there is a book called 'It's Suicide But its Fun: The Story of 102 (Ceylon) Squadron" by Chris Goss.

It might be worth checking out if you haven't already?

Iv'e just been in contact with Chris Goss author of the book. It does include an account by the only survivor. He thought that it was hit by another aircraft's bombs after which it was shot down by Uffz Walter Rohlfing of 9./NJG 3. Said to have crashed near Soltau at 0119 hrs, Rohlfing's claim was 0120 hrs at Langenborstel

MikeH

-- Edited by MikeH on Friday 19th of January 2018 10:56:04 AM

-- Edited by MikeH on Friday 19th of January 2018 10:58:08 AM

-- Edited by MikeH on Friday 19th of January 2018 12:09:31 PM

Steve Swinton · Leading Aircraftsman

Thanks Mike!
I have come across the title while searching around. I'll look it up and see if I can grab a copy.
Cheers!
Steve.

Steve Swinton · Leading Aircraftsman

Hi Mike!
Copy of above mentioned book ordered! Should be here by 24/25th Jan.

Many thanks!
Steve.