I don't know anything about ranking. I guessed that it could be Morley because I saw Canada on his right shoulder and an observer badge similar to Jean-Paul.
(This photograph was previously shown to me by a family member).
OK, then I have to take in account the following tips before guessing another theory about the identity of 2 other guys:
- your answer (Morley was not a Canadian officer),
- John W's answer (the middle chap could be from Australia),
- I have no more data on the 6 other airmen of 8 aboard on this fatal night, except their names and the fact that they were from UK (and one of these was from Scotland)... ?
Alan William Pullan,
James-Rutherford-Hutton Bell,
Bernard-Stanley Bridge,
Cecil-Thomas-Oswald Dudley,
John Nuttall,
P. F. Cottle (the only one surviver of the crash and made POW).
By any chance, is photograph could exist and be found in each their UK military records, similarly to those of my 2 canadian men ?
Maybe it only a photograph taken before an embarkment or with other guys on permission... But who and where in England ...?
The one survivor would have filled out a pow report after his return to the UK. This will give you details of them being shot down. Living in Australia I not sure on the forms to ask for. Some may be able to help you.
A couple of things. In the photo of your uncle and the two other airmen it appears that they are either going on leave, or returning from leave. There is a suitcase between your uncle and the airman in the middle. The man on the left is carrying a bag.
In both your uncle and Morley's file there is a crew list showing both your uncle and 569983 Sgt. Cecil Thomas Dudley as Navigators. Next to your uncle's name it says "on strength of 1654 Conversion Unit" so it's possible these two men in the photo are from that unit and not No. 61 Squadron.
Finally, 1381859 Sgt. Percy Frederick Cottle died in Wales in 1992.
