Sgt Jack G Cameron

Sgt Jack G Cameron, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, Date taken POW 13 October 1942, POW number 42710

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I BK599 BU-R

Imprisoned at POW camp Barth, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Fallingbostel Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Reserve Lazerett No 1249, Stalag IXC, Obermassfeld hospital
Imprisoned at POW camp Thorn-Podgorz (Torun) Poland

Born 2 May 1920

Born in Toronto, Canada

Husband of Gladys Cameron. Father of Donna Sharpe and Leslie Cameron

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Jack enlisted in the RCAF on 26 November 1940 at Toronto.
He trained at :
No 2 Manning Depot, Brandon;
Guard Duty, Jericho Beach, BC.;
No 2 Wireless School, Calgary;
No 1 CTS, Trenton;
No 3 B&G, MacDonald, Man. where he received his Air Gunner wing on 24 November 1941.
Jack was posted overseas to No 3 PRC, Bournemouth, England and received further training at No 1 AAS, Manby;
No 22 OTU, Wellesbourne, Oakington.

"I did three trips on the 1000 bomber raids from OTU in 1C Wellington's and the third could have been fatal.
After we bombed the target on our way home, we were told to fly over the sea at 1000 feet. One engine died and the 1C Wimpy was forced to ditch. The pilot made a good landing on the sea and we all got out of the aircraft. I released the dinghy from its position in the tail section. We all swam and climbed into the dinghy and spent 112 hours on the North Sea. We were spotted by a Wellington aircraft doing a square search for one of their own squadron."

"After OTU, we were posted to 214 squadron on Stirlings.
On our 3rd trip, 13 October 1942 to Kiel in BK599 BU-R, we were coned by searchlights and a night fighter finished us off. The whole front of the aircraft was ablaze, no intercom or hydraulics. I had been hit in the foot, to what extent, I didn't know and with the aircraft on fire, I hit the silk. (parachuted out of the aircraft)."
The aircraft came down at Felde, in the garden of a estate, by the "Westensee" Jack was taken POW.
Jack was demobbed at Toronto on 1 November 1945. and worked at the Canadian Bank of Commerce.

http://www.torontoaircrew.com/AirGunner/Cameron/cameron.html

Source : "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Chorley and http://www.torontoaircrew.com/AirGunner/Cameron/cameron.html

Date record last updated : 27 February 2010

Sgt D J Capel

Sgt D J Capel

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) L7840 BU-?

On 11 October 1940 the aircraft crashed and he was seriously injured and was one of only two survivors of the crash.

Source : Bill Stubbs

Date record last updated : 13 February 2009

Plt/Off Barry Phillip Cardinal

Plt/Off Barry Phillip Cardinal, J/7197, Air Gunner, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 7 June 1942, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I N3761 BU-E

Buried in TERSCHELLING (WEST-TERSCHELLING) GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 41.

Son of Louis Arthur and Dorothy Margaret Cardinal, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Plt/Off Cardinal, air gunner on N3761 had been posted to No 214 Squadron on May 20, from No 410 (Fighter squadron). Details retrieved from the National Archives in Ottawa by Kate Brettell

Source : Kate Brettell (niece of Flt/Lt Turtle). Kate has retrieved information from the National Archives Canada, The PRO in England and CWGC

Date record last updated : 29 December 2010

Plt/Off John Douglas 'Johnny' Cassan

John was due to become engaged to his girlfriend, Renee, above upon his return but sadly this was never to be. In 2006 Renee was still alive and well and living in Canada.
November 2009. We have just been advised that Renee, died in Canada on 24th October 2009.

Plt/Off John Douglas 'Johnny' Cassan, 172119, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 22 June 1944, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Cassan
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR382 BU-B

Named on the following Memorial : Clevedon Civic website
Named on the following Memorial : St Andrew's Church Clevedon

Born 21 June 1923

Born in Clevedon, Somerset

Buried in UDEN WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 5.B.5

Son of Arthur William Marshall and Ida Francis Cassan

Cassan joined 214 on 7 January 1944 and flew 2 ops on Short Stirlings before the squadron converted onto Fortresses. (No ops were flown by the squadron during this conversion period, mid-January to mid-April 1944). Cassan then flew 5 ops on their 'new' Fortresses, from 26 April 1944, but was shot down and killed on 21 June 1944.

Tragically John was killed in the crash of Fortress BU.B the day after his 21st birthday. Although he would never know, exactly two weeks after his death, the nephew of his comrade and friend Sgt Sydney Bryant, would be born and named after him. By some twist of destiny, this namesake "John Cripps", some 60 years later would author the story of BU-B and thereby ensure that the sacrifice of John Douglas Cassan would never be forgotten. John was originally buried as "Unknown Airman" .

In June 1945, survivor Sgt Tom Sparks sent a letter to John's mother which confirms that John stayed at the controls of the aircraft because, quote "One of the boys up front was badly injured" (likely Navigator Flt/Sgt George Orr). It also appears his Fortress survived one attack but a second knocked out the inner starboard engine rendering the aircraft's controls useless. By some fluke, or pilot skill, John managed to pull the nose of the aircraft up from its head long dive just long enough for the crew, that could, to bale out. (The Sparks letter is currently in the possession of John's brother)

Fortress Ops flown = 5
(* Actually 'operational take-offs'. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc)

This letter was sent to John Cripps regarding Plt/Off Cassan's girlfriend Renee

Source : The Cassan family, formerly of Clevedon Somerset and Ian Hunt and John Cripps (nephew of Sgt Sydney Bryant) and CWGC

Date record last updated : 7 November 2009

Plt/Off Norman Lewis Casely

Plt/Off Norman Lewis Casely 116071, flew a full tour as Navigator with the 214 at Stradishall from the 26 april 1940 to the 17 July 1941. He is known to have flown in Wellington L4326 BU-K which was later lost. P/O Casely was killed in a flying accident while on pilot training. Family contact: Steve Casely (Nephew) 01626 351490 Newton Abbot.

Sgt George Henry Joseph Cash

Sgt George Henry Joseph Cash, 1334740, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 4 April 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7621 BU-G

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial Panel 144

Son of George William Cash, and of Lucy Edith Cash, of Southbourne, Hampshire.

Source : CWGC and Nils Hempel of Kiel Germany

Date record last updated : 24 March 2009

Plt/Off Henry Catch

Plt/Off Henry Catch, 142892, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 13 May 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I BF381 BU-P2

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 5. A. 18.

Son of Henry and Rebecca Catch, of Wood Green, Middlesex.

From notes from the squadron's ops record book, Plt/Off (then still shown as Sgt) Broadbent (and thus presumably Plt/Off Catch within the crew) had only flown one op before this one: a 'gardening' (mine-laying) trip to the area 'Nectarines I' off the Frisian Islands on the night of 5-6 May 1943 where they laid 5 mines from 1,000 ft at location 5335N / 0517E at 00.16, but had to bring one mine home as it had 'hung up' (failed to release).

Source : Ian Hunt and CWGC and Mike Plummer, Cousin (ex 61 and 100 Squadrons)

Date record last updated : 29 October 2010

Sgt James Clark Cattell

Sgt James Clark Cattell, 40932, Observer, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, KIA 9 April 1941, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2542 (9 April 1941)

Buried in KIEL WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 2. B. 8.

Son of Frank Cattell and of Madeline Cattell (nee Clark), of Wellington City, New Zealand.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter and Nils Hemple and Aled Leyshon (grandson of Mervyn Leyshon)

Date record last updated : 2 October 2009

Sgt John Noel Thomas Chandler

Sgt John Noel Thomas Chandler, 1313346, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 30 July 1943, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EF407 BU-A

Buried in SAGE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 7.B.3

Son of Joseph Thomas Line Chandler and Dora Irene Cordelia Chandler, of Greenford, Middlesex.

His body was recovered off the Friesian Islands.

Source : Marilyn Morris (niece of Sgt Chandler), Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 April 2011

Sgt R A Chatfield

Sgt R A Chatfield, 08/04/1941 - 07/04/1941. 214 Sqn. Wellington 1c. "Took off Stradishall on operations to Kiel. Lost without trace. All are commemmorated on the Runnymede Memorial".

The crew of R1380 coded BU-?

Sgt R A Williams

Sgt K Manson RNZAF

Sgt R A Chatfield

Sgt R C Plummer

Sgt H R Easton RCAF and

Sgt C H R Mercer

(- all killed).

Sgt Stanley Charles Chester

Sgt Stanley Charles Chester, 742972, Co-pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 23 November 1940, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R3208 (17 November 1940)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R3208 (5 November 1940)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R3208 (7 November 1940)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2470 (28 October 1940) BU-K
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2471 BU-?
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (25 October 1940)

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial Panel 12

Son of Charles Harper Chester and Esther Chester, of West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire.

After the loss of T2471 the mother of Sergeant Stanley Chester, kept in touch with the crew’s families in the hope that any news received could be quickly shared.
A letter from the Officer Commanding 214 squadron to Mr Chester, Stanley's father, in July 1941 states:

"I feel sure you will understand that it is almost impossible to know what definitely happened in such cases, but it seems certain that your son’s aircraft was engaged, probably over Holland, and most likely by enemy aircraft."

Source : Ian Hunt and W R Chorley's book 'RAF Bomber Command Losses 1939-1940' and CWGC and Richard Williams (joint author of Sway at War 1914-1945) and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2006

Date record last updated : 22 August 2010

Plt/Off Dick Clarkson

Plt/Off Dick Clarkson, Navigator

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9979 (Autumn 1941) BU-O

Source : Ian Hunt and records of Fg/Off Venner

Date record last updated : 16 June 2010

Fg/Off John Sinclair Clements

Fg/Off John Sinclair Clements, 124440, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 26 July 1943, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK686 BU-C

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 6. C. 14.

Son of Harry and Sophie Victoria Clements, of Marylebone, London.

Source : CWGC and Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 8 August 2009

Flt/Lt Edward Clement

Flt/Lt Edward Clement, Flight / Lt. Edward Clement DFC. He had first flown with 214

Squadron before transferring with the 4 remaining survivors of his crew to 7 Squadron Pathfinder Force. They were tragically killed on 18/11/43 on their last op of a double tour, their 45th.

Ted and the rest of the crew, as they were when they joined 214 on the 19/11/42 were

Sgt Andy Harding AC Pilot

Sgt Edward Clement EJ Navigator

Sgt Walsh TJP Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner

Sgt Parker FAG Flight Engineer

P/O Hough J Air Bomber

Sgt Jack Stammers J Air Gunner

Sgt Herb Harris HA Air Gunner

By the 28th the crew had still not flown as Andy Harding had to do Second dickey trips but as the raid to the fiat works at Turin was so important it was decided to disperse the crew where needed. This is why Jack Stammers from London, and Herb Harris from Canada were allocated to Flight Sgt Gatlands crew, as his two gunners had both been injured on a previous operation. Jack Stammers , and Sgt Short the Flight Engineer died in the crash at Couvron-et-Aumencourt with Herb Harris dying of injuries five days later. Squadron Leader Penna of course was the one

that got away

The two gunners were replaced in Sgt Hardings Crew by the two injured gunners from Sgt Gatlands crew. They were an American named Jimmy C. Parker ( but known as Gerry ) and a Welshman Sgt E.J. Rosling They were to go on and complete 18 operations with Ted and the crew which completed their 30 ops of their tour and then were screened, whilst the remaining five went to Oakington, 7 Squadron, and the Pathfinders.

SOURCE & RESEARCH: Dave Herbert

Sqn/Ldr William Geoffrey Cole

Sqn/Ldr William Geoffrey Cole DFC, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) ??Cole (5 November 1940)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (29 November 1940) BU-D

Born about 1920.
Eighteen year old Geoff Cole joined the RAFVR at Derby in 1938. He joined 214 Squadron as a sergeant pilot in July 1940 and flew a first tour of over thirty operations.
On 7 December 1940 his crew and two others were despatched half an hour ahead of the main force to act as pathfinders by locating and marking the target, Dusseldorf, with incendiaries. The weather was atrocious and Geoff Cole's aircraft lost both engines, falling several thousand feet before he was able to start them again.
The other two 'pathfinder' aircraft, captained by **Flight Lieutenant Harris** and Flying Officer Dadswell, were both lost.
Flight Lieutenant Keith Falconer the Navigation Officer often flew in Geoff Cole's crew. Sadly, Falconer (awarded the DFC in July 1941) was killed on a Berlin raid flying with 214 Squadron's CO, Wing Commander Cruickshank.
Cole, however, survived his tour and another, on Lancasters, with 103 Squadron at Elsham Wolds in 1943. After 54 operations, his DFC was gazetted in September 1943. He survived the war to become a BOAC Captain, married and lives in Cambridge.

** This is undoubtedly Wilfred Arthur Harris, being researched by Tim Jackson, England.

Source : Ian Hunt & various others

Date record last updated : 27 June 2009

FS Robert Arthur Colehan

FS Robert Arthur Colehan, 632891

On 27 august 1942 three hundred and six aircraft were sent by Bomber Command to attack mainly the aircraft factories at the German city of Kassel situated some forty miles to the north east of the `Dams' which had been attacked in May 1942 by the `Dambusters'. The Command lost thirty-one aircraft, 10.1% of the force sent. One squadron, No 142, lost five of its fifteen Wellingtons taking part in the raid. It is believed that the German Night-Fighter Controllers were `spot on' in assessing just where the target was, hence the heavy casualties.

There was very little cloud cover over Kassel and it was well illuminated by the Pathfinders. Widespread damage was caused, particularly in the south west of the city, with over seventy large fires being started and severe damage being done to all three of the Henschel aircraft factories.

214 Squadron sent twelve aircraft on this raid, including Stirling Mark 1 R9155 Q - BU which took off from Stradishall at 2029 hours. On this occasion Pilot Officer Dunckley took the place of the regular navigator Sergeant S.Newcombe. Pilot Officer R.H.Dunckley was a New Zealander and Sergeant R.R. Gray was a Canadian. The others were British.

FLYING OFFICER A.R.SKONE PILOT

SERGEANT J. KING FLIGHT ENGINEER

PILOT OFFICER R.H. DUNCKLEY NAVIGATOR

SERGEANT A.C. LYLE AIR GUNNER/BOMB AIMER

FLIGHT SERGEANT R.A.COLEHAN WIRELESS OPERATOR

SERGEANT R.R.GRAY AIR GUNNER

SERGEANT W.J.BUSHELL AIR GUNNER

Nothing was heard of them again. It has been established that they were one of the twenty-five bombers shot down by Luftwaffe fighters out of a total loss of thirty-one. They had bombed their target and were on the way back when, shot down by a night fighter, crashed at Issum ten miles to the north west of Moers with no survivors. They were all buried temporarily, in the local cemetery.

Six of the crew of Stirling Mark 1 R9155 Q-BU who died on Thursday 27 August 1942 were buried in Collective Grave 28. H. 8-13:

SOURCE & RESEARCH: ARTHUR SKONE

See also 'A PEACEFULL VIEW'

Sgt Maxwell Ritchie Collins

Sgt Maxwell Ritchie Collins, R/74592, Royal Canadian Air Force, KIA 14 July 1941, Aged 35

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1614 BU-H

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 61.

Son of Harold V. and Hilda C. Collins, of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Source : Ian Hunt, extracted from Operations record book, PRO and CWGC

Date record last updated : 29 October 2010

Fg/Off William George Cooper

Fg/Off William George Cooper, 115186, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 30 March 1943, Aged 29

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I EF362 BU-N

Born 28 August 1913
Born in Edgbaston, Birmingham

Buried in SHIRLEY (ST. JAMES) CHURCHYARD, SOLIHULL. Reference : Row 22. Grave 18D.

Son of William (Thomas) Bailey Cooper and Kate Cooper, husband of Esther Cooper, of Branston. Lincolnshire.

First sortie of his second tour of duty. He was a Flying Instructor.

Outside of the RAF he was a rep for the Pirrelli tyre company. He also played cricket for Lincoln Lindum CC.

Source : Ian Hunt and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004 and CWGC and Joyce Birch (cousin of WG Cooper)

Date record last updated : 23 August 2009

FS Leonard Copley

FS Leonard Copley, 638850, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, KIA 11 April 1943, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I BK612 BU-Z

Buried in ROYAN ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY. Reference : Plot K. Row 3. Grave 2.

Son of John William and Ada Copley; husband of Dorothy Copley, of Stanley, Yorkshire.

Source : Cheryl Garner, Great Niece of Thomas Frank Richardson and CWGC. Photograph provided by David Briggs

Date record last updated : 30 January 2011

Fg/Off John Reginald Corke

Fg/Off John Reginald Corke, 139596, Pilot, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) HB785 (Corke) BU-A

Son of Rev Arthur Reginald and Mrs Jay Corke

Fortress Ops Flown = 35
(actually 'operational take-offs' Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc)

Previously flew Stirlings with 214

Plt/Off Bill Foskett far left, Fg/Off John Corke far right. The crew was affectionately nicknamed Corke'screw. The above photo was taken under the outside port engine of Fortress BU-A (ABLE). In the top picture Fg/Off J Corke is at the controls of BU-A.

John Reginald Corke was born in 1919 He had a sister called Dorothy.

There is a record of John returning from New York landing at Plymouth on the 17th March 1950 and lived at 77 Cecil Street, Norwich. The ship was the Ile De France.

John married Mary Strauss who was born in Harbin, China in 1923. She died on the 3rd March 1996. They had a daughter whose name is not known.

John was still a Pilot Officer number 139596 having seniority since 22 Jan 1948. He had 8 years active service and 4 years reserve. The London Gazette listed him on Tuesday, 18 July 1950 as Flying Officer short service.

John sadly was killed in an air accident on the 27th June 1951. The crash site was ½ mile west of Wilby, near Eye, Suffolk. He was flying an Avro Athena T2 VR 569 for the Aircraft Instrument Experimental Unit in Martlesham Heath. Also killed was Sergeant James Walsh. The aircraft broke up (wings folded up) in a spiral dive after loss of control in cloud. The plane was G-ALWA registered 19th Dec 1949.

He was 32 at the time of his death.

Source : Ian Hunt and Bill Foskett and Tony Cooper

Date record last updated : 6 December 2011

Plt/Off Gordon Crampton

Plt/Off Gordon Crampton,

On the 14 - 15/07/1941 four aircraft R1613, R1614, R1341 and T2913 left Stradishall on operations. Of the four aircraft sent by 214 Squadron this night, two returned to base which ultimately saved them from the disaster that lay ahead. R1341 piloted by P/O Guild returned claiming bad weather and icing conditions and the aircraft would not climb. T2913 piloted by Sgt Gwilliam returned claiming engine trouble. The remaining two R1613 piloted by P/O Crampton and R1614 piloted by P/O Brown continued on to the target but never returned. ( Source: Researcher Ian Hunt, re PRO, Squadron ORB )

July 14, 1941 ( 14/07/1941 ) While at 10,000 feet over the city of Bremen in Germany, BU-G R1613 was attacked by a german fighter aircraft who came from above and to the side. According to pilot Crampton, Marsh who was rear gunner at the time, calmly announced over the intercom, as if he were talking about the weather, "down the phones, we are under attack" and promptly sent up a hail of gun fire to meet his attacker. The German fighter raked the forward section of BU-G killing their second pilot Jenkins and the aircraft immediately exploded in flames. The rest of the crew managed to bale out safely with only minor injuries but Sgt Kent's chute caught and tangled on the tail of the flaming aircraft and he was pulled down with it to his death. All of the surviving members were captured by the germans, two of whom were sent to a german hospital and the rest off to prison camp where they spent the rest of the war.

BU-G Drawing by Marshall Johnson 1942

THE CREW OF R1613 Coded BU-G :

P/O J.G. (Gordon) Crampton

P/O T. Jenkins (WR Chorley records as J.C. Jenkins)

Sgt R. Kent

Sgt Marshall A Johnson

F/Sgt H. E Jones

F/Sgt R. Instone

OPERATIONS

2 - 3/6/1941. Wellington R1613 to Dusseldorf. Crampton plus crew of:- Ercolani, Waite, Instone, Jones, Taylor

7 - 8/6/41. R1613 to Brest (Target - ships in docks?). Crew as above. Landed at Hinton

11 - 12/6/41. N2802 to ? (Dusseldorf?). Crew: Crampton, (another-) Taylor, Waite, Instone, Jones and Taylor.

12 - 13/6/41. N2802 to ? (Boulogne?). Crew as above.

21 - 22/6/41. W5452 to ? (Cologne?). Crew: Crampton, Jenkins, Kent, Instone, Jones, Taylor.

24-25/6/41. N2800 to ? (Dusseldorf?). Crew as above.

27 - 28/6/41. R1613 to ? (Bremen?). Crew as above.

2 - 3/7/41. R1613 to Bremen. Crew as above.

4 - 5/7/41. W5452 to ? (2nd) Taylor instead of Kent in crew. Landed Boscombe Down with engine trouble.

7 - 8/7/41. R1613 to ? Kent in crew again.

9 - 10/7/41. R1613 to ? Greenaway not Taylor at No.6 in crew list.

14 - 15/7/41. R1613 to ? (Bremen?). Failed to return. (Marsh Johnston not Taylor at No.6 in crew list).

SOURCE: Researcher Ian Hunt

P/O Gordon Crampton and F/Lt Marshall Johnson

London, Ontario

(Note the picture in the background, Gord had this commissioned with a plaque and gave it to Marsh as a gift. A few years later the print was stolen during a break-in. )

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Sgt Richard Sweet Cruise

Sgt Richard Sweet Cruise, 523187, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 31 May 1942, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) W7534 BU-E

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 14 F. 7-14.

Son of William John and Elizabeth Cruise, of Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Sgt Richard Cruise served with 214 at Stradishall.

Source : Emrys Jones and CWGC

Date record last updated : 14 June 2009

Flt/Lt Culley

Flt/Lt Culley, Air Gunner

Flight Lieutenant Culley flew as a very senior gunner with 214 Squadron with various crews, including Pilot Officer Jack Wetherly's, in 1940 and 1941. (N2802 BU-A).
In mid-March 1941 he flew with Pilot Officer Ian Lawson to Malta, where he operated with 148 Squadron in the Middle East. Ian Lawson remembered his extraordinary reluctance to be rested from operations

Source : Christopher Jary, Author - Portrait Of A Bomber Pilot.

Date record last updated : 11 April 2009

Plt/Off Edward (Eddie) Challis

Plt/Off Eddie Challis, 140914, Nationality : United Kingdom. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 27/28 March 1943 aged 22.

On 28 February - 1 March 1943 Stirling R9242 BU-O, raid on St Nazaire where fires were reported visible from 90 miles away. He was a Sgt on this flight.

On 5 - 6 March 1943 Stirling R9186 BU-F (or T?), raid on Krupps works, Essen. Jettisoned bombs after being caught in searchlights for 2 minutes, 5 miles SE of Soesterberg. Heavy flak shell burst nearby and aircraft unable to maintain height. Operation abandoned. He was a Sgt on this flight.

On 27 -28 March 1943 Stirling BF453 BU-L, raid on Berlin. Failed to return. Reported crashed at Finkenwerder on the south bank of the Elbe approximately 5 miles SW of Hamburg and killed.

He is buried at Hanover Military Cemetery

Son of Vincent and Clara Challis, of Stocksbridge, Yorkshire.

For crew photograph and flight details see Crews and Losses for Stirling BF453.

Sources : Richard Challis (great Nephew),Ian Hunt and CWGC

WO Frank Connelly

WO Frank Connelly, Rear Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) ??Scantleton

Source : John Scantleton (son of Flt/Lt V L Scantleton)

Date record last updated : 4 August 2009

FS William Neilson Craig

FS William Neilson Craig, 996848, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 25 June 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I DJ973 BU-A

Buried in WALLASEY (RAKE LANE) CEMETERY. Reference : Sec. 19.C. Grave 365.

Source : Neil Leveratt nephew of Sgt Brothers and Ian Hunt and CWGC

Date record last updated : 20 August 2009

FS Carter

FS Carter, Special Operator, Nationality : New Zealand

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II ??Ingham BU-

Source : John Ritchie, son of Sgt J Ritchie

Date record last updated : 8 June 2009

FS J L (or L J) Cuttance

FS J L (or L J) Cuttance, Mid Upper Gunner, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, Date taken POW 14 March 1945, POW number NK

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II HB802 BU-O

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

POW camp not known back in the UK on 8 May 1945

Source : 'Footprints on the sands of time' by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Ian Hunt and ORB

Date record last updated : 20 September 2011

Roger Connolly

Roger Connolly, Mid Upper Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Bettles BU-?

Roger flew with at least 2 pilots in 214 Squadron: Sgt (became Pilot Officer) J D Cassan, and Flg/Off K J Bettles.
Fortunately he was not flying with Cassan on 21 June 1944 when Cassan and his crew were shot down. Of the 9 crewmen that night 5 were killed, 3 taken POW and 1 evaded. The chap who had superceded Roger in the plane was one of those who lived but was taken PoW. Roger was flying with Flg/Off K J Bettles who joined the squadron in early July 1944.

Source : Donald MacGilchrist and Paul Allen (Grandson of Roger Connolly) and Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 20 September 2008

Sgt Henry Walter 'Nobby' Clarke

Sgt Henry Walter 'Nobby' Clarke, 1896292, Rear Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Fortress Mark II KJ119 BU-O

He was a volunteer at the age of 17, this was in late 1942. He wanted to be a pilot but was too short so he became a tail gunner.

Source : Ian Hunt and Nic Clarke (son of Sgt Henry Walter Clarke)

Date record last updated : 1 January 2010

Sgt P Clarke

Sgt P Clarke, Flight Engineer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Fortress Mark II KJ119 BU-O

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 1 January 2010

Fg/Off Lionel Montague Craigie-Halkett

Fg/Off Lionel Montague Craigie-Halkett, 39066, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 30 August 1940

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2559

Buried in ZELHEM (HALLE) PROTESTANT CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave.

Source : Bennie Eenink (researcher in the Netherlands) and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2006

Date record last updated : 23 June 2009

Plt/Off Wilfred Bertram Stuart Cunynghame

Plt/Off Wilfred Bertram Stuart Cunynghame, 41560, Co-pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 30 August 1940, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2559

Buried in ZELHEM (HALLE) PROTESTANT CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave.

Son of Major Stuart Cunynghame and Dorothy Cunynghame, of Swindon, Witshire

Source : Bennie Eenink (researcher in the Netherlands) and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2006

Date record last updated : 23 June 2009

Plt/Off W L Comer

Plt/Off W L Comer. KIA 14 December 1939.

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington MK1 R2699

Source : Nightjar Newsletter.

WO Bill Church

WO Bill Church, Waist Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB815 (4 March 1945) BU-J
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB815 (7 February 1945) BU-J

Was one of only 2 survivors when HB815 crashed on 4 March 1945.

Please see the following link to the BBC website WORLD WAR 2 - PEOPLE'S WAR, which tells the story of the crash of HB815 and the fate of it's crew members whilst returning to their airbase at Oulton when they were apparently shot down by a German fighter whilst preparing to land.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/19/a1073819.shtml

See the chapter named FLYING OPERATIONS for previous activities and OULTON AIRBASE for the loss of HB815

Source : Nightjar Newsletter and BBC website WORLD WAR 2 - PEOPLE'S WAR and BBC website "A bomber's story" by Bill Knight

Date record last updated : 13 July 2010

Fg/Off Christopher Candy AFM

Fg/Off Christopher Candy AFM, Air Electronics Officer, 4230039, Royal Air Force , Nationality : United Kingdom. KIA 11 September 1959 Age 22.

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Valiant B Mark I XD869

Date of Birth 27 January 1937 in Clifton, Bristol.

Stationed at RAF Marham.

He is buried in MARHAM CEMETERY. RAF Grave 12.

Named on the following Memorials :
Armed Forces Memorial
Rolls of Honour, Church of St Clement Danes, London

Source : Jock Whitehouse and Armed Forces Memorial

Flt/Lt Jaques Edward 'Ted' Cryer

Flt/Lt Jaques Edward 'Ted' Cryer , Wireless Operator, 141282, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve , Nationality : United Kingdom. KIA 15 March 1945 Age 23.

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress III HB803 BU-L

He is buried at CHOLOY WAR CEMETERY. 2. C. 5.

Son of James Edwin and Jessie Cryer; husband of Betty Cryer, of Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Spring 2003

Date record last updated : 28 August 2008

FS Angus L Cameron

FS Angus L Cameron, Wireless Operator, Royal Australian Air Force , Nationality : Australian.

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB803 (06 October 1944) BU-L
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) HB819 (14 February 1945) BU-U

Visited the Stainier family in 1956.

Source : Ian Hunt and Lt/Col Jean-Marie Stainier (son of Marc Stainier) and Angus Cameron

Fg/Off Basil Peyton 'Bas' Coates

Fg/Off Basil Peyton 'Bas' Coates, 424973, Navigator, Royal Australian Air Force , Nationality : Australian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB803 (06 October 1944) BU-L
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) HB819 (14 February 1945) BU-U

Born 10 August 1920

Born in Dublin, Ireland

Husband of Elsie Jean Powell, father of Alan.

Basil also flew some sorties in a Mosquito fighter-bomber, survived the war, and later became part of a military team sent to document what had happened in the concentration camps in Germany and Poland.

He was born in Dublin in 1920, and moved with his parents to Australia at the age of 10.

He is listed on Ancestry.com as arriving at the port of Sydney, New South Wales.

Basil enlisted for the RAAF in Sydney, Australia. His next of kin was listed as Elsie Coates. Basil & Elsie Jean (nee Powell) got married in 1943.

After his wartime service, when he was posted to England for the RAAF, he went back to Australia and became a school-teacher. He had one son, Alan.

Basil is listed on the Australian Electoral Register for New South Wales in 1943 in the district of Calare and also in New South Wales in 1949, this time in the district of New England.

Basil retired happily in 1980, and died at the age of 84 in Sydney in 2004.

Basil is recorded as a regular crewmember with Flt/Lt Wyver and Fg/Off Keith McCall.

Source : Ian Hunt and Angus Cameron and Caroline Wyatt (granddaughter) and John McCall (son of Keith McCall)

Date record last updated : 1 June 2013

Sgt W S Clifton-Moggs

Sgt W S Clifton-Moggs, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, Date taken POW 23 May 1943, POW number 1236

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BF528

Imprisoned at POW camp Barth, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Thorn (Torun), Poland OR Oerbke (Fallingbostel), Germany - dates unknown

Source : Dave Pointer (grandson of Sgt WS Clifton-Moggs) and "Footprints in the sand of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 28 January 2008

Sgt Charles Dennis Curtis

Sgt Charles Dennis Curtis, 549252, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 3 August 1943, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EF409 BU-V

Buried in BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 27. J. 3.

Son of Walter and Florence M. Curtis, of Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 11 February 2008

Sgt Kenneth James Cork

Sgt Kenneth James Cork, 1331079, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 13 August 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I EF390 BU-A

Buried in LA BUSSIERE-SUR-OUCHE COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 3-4.

Son of James F. Cork and Florence Cork, of Norwich, Norfolk; husband of Elsie Maud Cork, of Norwich.

Source : CWGC, Nightjar Newsletter Summer / Autumn 2003 and J. Michael Townsend, Chairman of the RAFA French Riviera Branch.

Date record last updated : 18 February 2008

Sgt Roy Craven Child

Sgt Roy Craven Child, 968999, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 24 May 1943, Aged 25

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BF478 BU-G

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial Panel 145

Son of J. W. Edward and Beatrice Mary Child; husband of Irene Joan Child.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Summer/Autumn 2003.

Date record last updated : 18 February 2008

Plt/Off Robert Joseph 'Bobby' Cartmell

Thorold War Memorial, Ontario, Canada

Plt/Off Robert Joseph 'Bobby' Cartmell, J/15883, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 14 September 1942, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9166 BU-H

Named on the following Memorial : Thorold War Memorial, Ontario, Canada

Born 21 April 1918
Born in St Catherines, Ontario, Canada

Buried in SAGE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 14. B. 12.

Son of Joseph Cartmell and Mary Crittenden. Husband of Jean Elizabeth MacDonald, married 26 August 1941

His personal papers say that his Service number is R75965 yet CWGC and VAC Canada Remembers both quote his service number as J/15883.

Source : Tim Lundell and Penelope O'Neill (family members) and Cathy Kerr (2nd Cousin of Robert Cartmell) and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Winter / Spring 2004

Date record last updated : 24 February 2011

WO Norman Cooper

WO Norman Cooper, 916151, Special Operator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 22 March 1945, Aged 29

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress III KJ112 BU-P

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial panel 269

Son of Edmund William and Elizabeth Leanora Cooper, of Farnborough, Kent; husband of Doreen Alma Cooper, of Orpington, Kent.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Catherine Stewart (relative of WO James McFarlane)

Date record last updated : 27 July 2010

Fg/Off Wilfred James Cunningham

Fg/Off Wilfred James Cunningham, 149252, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 22 March 1945, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress III KJ112 BU-P

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial panel 266

Son of William Frederick and Alexandrina Cunningham; husband of Edith Joan Cunningham, of Nottingham.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Catherine Stewart (relative of WO James McFarlane)

Date record last updated : 27 July 2010

Joe Charlton

Joe Charlton

Named on a photograph of 214 Squadron members at Brackla, January 1945 - see Album 4

Brackla near Nairn in Invernesshire. It was the hutted camp of ACAC, Air Crew Allocation Centre, a clearing house for tour expired aircrew. In spite of heavy losses, far more had survived than could be used for further flying duties and it was quite a problem finding suitable niches for all.

Source : Gerhard Heilig

Date record last updated : 7 March 2008

Eric Christie

Eric Christie

Named on a photograph of 214 Squadron members at Brackla, January 1945 - see Album 4

Brackla near Nairn in Invernesshire. It was the hutted camp of ACAC, Air Crew Allocation Centre, a clearing house for tour expired aircrew. In spite of heavy losses, far more had survived than could be used for further flying duties and it was quite a problem finding suitable niches for all.

Source : Gerhard Heilig

Date record last updated : 7 March 2008

Flt/Lt Gordon Rolfe 'Lofty' or 'Nick' Carter (Aircrew Europe Star (France and Germany clasp))

Flt/Lt Gordon Rolfe 'Lofty' or 'Nick' Carter (Aircrew Europe Star (France and Germany clasp)), 1851397, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Bayliss

Born 13 September 1924

Born in Buckinghamshire, England

Son of Harold and Nellie Carter

Named on a photograph of 214 Squadron members at Brackla, January 1945 - see Album 4

Brackla near Nairn in Invernesshire. It was the hutted camp of ACAC, Air Crew Allocation Centre, a clearing house for tour expired aircrew. In spite of heavy losses, far more had survived than could be used for further flying duties and it was quite a problem finding suitable niches for all.

Served with 214 during 1944 and was a Flight Engineer mainly crewing with Tom Bayliss as his Pilot. He completed 39 'ops' including half ops and returns.
Demobbed in 1945, rejoined 1948 and served with Transport Command (Yorks and Hastings) and Bomber Command (Lincolns) until 1957. At Farnborough 1957 to 1963 with ETPS and other Units flying a variety of types. Transport again 1963 to 1966 (Hastings at Colerne) then Pershore with the RRE until 1969. Short stints at Farnborough and Lyneham before retiring in 1971. Total Flying hours at career end 5465.

He retired in 1971 still yearning for piston engine types but none were left in any numbers! (Shackleton excluded).

Gordon died 15th August 2007 in Cheltenham. He was 82.

Buried in Bredon, Gloucestershire

Aircraft flown B-17F (Mark II) BU- 'A', 'L', 'M', 'N', 'O', 'P', 'S', 'W', 'X'.
B-17G (Mark III) BU- 'B', 'C', 'G', 'J', 'O', 'Q', 'R', 'S', 'T', 'U'.

Total Operational Hours 173
Total operational Sorties 39
Total 'ops' 22
Total 'half ops' 17
First 'op' 26th April 1944
Final 'op' 30th November 1944

His son, Tony Carter has his Flying Log Book which covers his Father's wartime service with 214 (he did not complete 'ops' with any other unit in WW2). The website administrators also have a copy of his Flying Log Book.

ALSO SEE the article "THE FLYING FORTRESS", written by Gordon and his son Tony.

Source : Gerhard Heilig and Tony Carter (Gordon's son) and Flying Log Books

Date record last updated : 13 October 2008

Sgt W R Case

Sgt W R Case, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, Date taken POW 31 August 1943, POW number 222579

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE970 BU-B

Imprisoned at POW camp Muhlberg am der Elbe, Germany

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Ian Hunt and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Chorley and Geoff Swallows (Australian Researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 January 2010

Sgt J E Chisholm

Sgt J E Chisholm, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 31 August 1943, POW number 222675

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE970 BU-B

Imprisoned at POW camp Muhlberg am der Elbe, Germany

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Ian Hunt and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Chorley and Geoff Swallows (Australian Researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 January 2010

Fg/Off Bruce Cameron

Fg/Off Bruce Cameron, Pilot

Fortress Ops flown = 10
(* Actually 'operational take-offs'. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc)

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 28 May 2008

Fg/Off E W Carter

Fg/Off E W Carter, Pilot

Fortress Ops flown = 1
(* Actually 'operational take-offs'. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc)

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 28 May 2008

Fg/Off R L 'Dick' Coates

Fg/Off R L 'Dick' Coates, Pilot

Fortress Ops Flown = 18
(actually 'operational take-offs' Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc)

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 28 May 2008

Flt/Lt M 'Bing' Crosbie

Flt/Lt M 'Bing' Crosbie, Pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) HB780 (6 November 1944) BU-C
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) KJ125 BU-J

Fortress Ops Flown = 31
(actually 'operational take-offs' Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc)

Promoted to Temp FS 9 July 1944
Promoted to Plt/Off 14 September 1944
First Op 19 October 1944
Promoted to Acting Fg/Off 1 January 1945
Posted to N/E strength Oulton 3 February 1945
Promoted to Fg/Off 14 March 1945
Promoted to Acting Flt/Lt 15 March 1945
Last Op 2 May 1945

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 10 August 2009

Sgt R Cooper

Sgt R Cooper, Rear Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB767 BU-A

Sgt Cooper is described as having escaped by some, however Graham Filleul reports that Sgt Cooper was in the rear gunner's position ("tail end charlie") and was shot up to the surface of the water upon impact and was taken prisoner by the Germans in Calais until he was liberated. Sgt Cooper is not listed as a POW in "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock.

Source : John Cripps and Graham Filleul (son of Flt Lt Philip Filleul)

Date record last updated : 7 June 2008

Sgt Gordon John Joseph Caulfield

Sgt Gordon John Joseph Caulfield, 1895558, Waist Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 26 August 1944, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) HB763 BU-T

Buried in HOTTON WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave IX. C. 4-6.

Son of Gordon Creswell Caulfield and Margaret Caulfield, of Hillfields, Coventry.

Is listed on Battle Orders for 22 August 1944

Source : George Mackie and CWGC

Date record last updated : 28 July 2008

Sgt P J Curtis

Sgt P J Curtis, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 25 August 1944, POW number 697

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) HB763 BU-T

Imprisoned at POW camp Bankau (Bakow), Poland

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Is listed on Battle Orders for 22 August 1944.

Was taken POW whilst on a mission to Russelsheim.

Source : George Mackie and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 28 July 2008

FS A Coleman

FS A Coleman

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9289 BU-O

Source : Roy Tebbutt (Carpetbagger Aviation Museum, Harrington, UK) and Lost Bombers website (http://www.lostbombers.co.uk)

Date record last updated : 3 August 2008

SAC Anthony Clutterbuck

SAC Anthony Clutterbuck, Airframe Fitter

Anthony was stationed at RAF Marham from 1957 to 1961 as an airframe fitter when the aircraft were first refitted as tankers. He worked on Wing Commander Beetham's aircraft and was positioned to Malta for his record run with XD858 . He also worked on XD869 which was later lost with all crew, including a friend of his, Chief Technician Sewell.

Source : Anthony Clutterbuck

Date record last updated : 6 August 2008

Sgt John Philip Cusworth

Sgt John Philip Cusworth, 745758, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 9 April 1941, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2542 (9 April 1941)

Buried in KIEL WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Joint grave 3. A. 8.

Son of John George and Lilian Maud Cusworth, of Whitley Bay, Northumberland.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter

Date record last updated : 5 August 2008

Fg/Off Cronall

Fg/Off Cronall

Was occasionally part of the crew of Fg/Off E Woodley

Source : Emily Ward (Great niece of Fg/Off Ernest Woodley)

Date record last updated : 28 August 2008

George Cann

George Cann, Flight Engineer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Bettles BU

Source : Donald MacGilchrist

Date record last updated : 20 September 2008

Sgt Harry Chilvers

Sgt Harry Chilvers, 1112050, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : British, KIA 2 April 1942, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) Z1156

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 2. F. 5.

Son of Harry Norton Chilvers and Mary Ellen Chilvers, of Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Source : CWGC and Chorley's "Bomber Command Losses" 1942 volume

Date record last updated : 3 October 2008

Sgt W H Cotterell

Sgt W H Cotterell

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BF318 (28 November 1942)

Initials are hard to read on ORB

Source : Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 29 December 2008

FS Edmund Murray Corlett

FS Edmund Murray Corlett, 412207, Pilot, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, KIA 21 November 1942, Aged 33

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7584 BU-D

Buried in HAVERHILL CEMETERY. Reference : Sec. U. Grave 245.

Son of Murray and Rubina Corlett, of Tokomaru, Wellington, New Zealand.

As the pilot, Corlett managed to keep the aircraft up long enough for his crew to bale out before being killed when the aircraft crashed.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar newsletter Spring 2004 and Jonathan Shipley (grandson of Ralph Reginald Shipley)

Date record last updated : 13 February 2009

Fg/Off Cameron

Fg/Off Cameron

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) KJ114 (8 April 1945) BU-B

8 April 1945 - Mentioned on Battle Orders
FO Cameron & crew

Source : Battle orders

Date record last updated : 9 March 2009

Flt/Lt Aubrey Edward Henderson Cattle

Sqn/Ldr Alec Panton Cranswick DSO DFC

Sqn/Ldr Alec Panton Cranswick DSO DFC, 42696, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 5 July 1944, Aged 24

Buried in CLICHY NORTHERN CEMETERY. Reference : Plot 16. Row 13. Grave 16.

Son of Philip Cranswick and of May Cranswick (nee Panton), of Oxford; husband of Doris Cranswick, of Oxford.

From the magazine "Oranges and Lemons" there is an article headed "Squadron Leader Alec Cranswick, DSC, DFC", which focuses on a crash-landing that this No 214 Squadron pilot made on a dummy airfield at Crostwick in Norfolk, which was one of the 60-plus 'Q' sites operating in that winter of 1940.

The article poses the question: "What happened to the then Pilot Officer Alec Cranswick, who seems to have been the only individual named in the public domain as having survived such a traumatic occasion?"

In fact Cranswick completed 29 operational missions with No 214 Squadron, a further 32 with No 148 Squadron and a short spell with No 419 Squadron before joining No 35 Squadron in Path Finder Force at the end of January 1943, losing his life target-marking for Main Force bombers when on his 107th operational mission.

Cranswick's biographer, Michael Cumming, is quoted in the Oranges & Lemons article as describing that total of 107 as "an astonishing achievement and a figure which has been neither challenged nor queried as being the most missions flown by any RAF bomber pilot in WW2".

Should you wish to do so, Michael Cumming is contactable through Frank Lin via this website. See the Gift Shop for details of Squadron Leader Cranswick's biography.

Source : CWGC and Frank Lin and Springtime 2009, No 26 issue of Oranges & Lemons, the bulletin of the Friends of St Clement Danes and Michael Cumming, biographer

Date record last updated : 27 February 2011

Sgt Eric Harold Cooper

Eric with friends. Can anyone name the others?

Dutch resistance worker who removed Eric Cooper from the crashed plane

Letter written by Eric page 1

Letter written by Eric pages 2 and 3

Envelope of letter written by Eric

Sgt Eric Harold Cooper, 1223659, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 24 July 1942, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7567 BU-S

Born 14 August 1920

Born in Southwell

Buried in WERKENDAM PROTESTANT CEMETERY. Reference : Row 8. Grave 3.

Son of Henry and Julia Cooper, of East Stoke, Nottinghamshire.

Source : Richard Hallam (nephew of Sgt Eric Cooper) and John Hallam and Eric Hallam and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Autumn 2004

Date record last updated : 19 September 2010

FS Hilton MacKay Carter

FS Hilton MacKay Carter, J/94203, Air Gunner, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 21 March 1945, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) HB785 (21 March 1945) BU-A

Born in Canada

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 7. D. 5.

Son of Hilton P. M. Carter and Doris M. Carter, of Montreal, Province of Quebec, Canada.

CWGC lists him as Pilot Officer

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003

Date record last updated : 26 May 2009

FS Basil Carnell

FS Basil Carnell, 798585, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 12 March 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BF469 BU-M

Buried in CHALONS-EN-CHAMPAGNE EAST COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Reference : Sec. I. Coll. Grave 1591.

Son of Harry and Eva Carnell; husband of Paula Carnell, of Newton Abbott, Devon.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004

Date record last updated : 27 June 2009

Plt/Off Alexander 'Alex' Carruthers

Plt/Off Alexander 'Alex' Carruthers, J16064, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : American, KIA 12 March 1943, Aged 28

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BF469 BU-M

Named on the following Memorial : Canadian Books of Remembrance WW2 page 144
Named on the following Memorial : Memorial in Pittston, Pennsylvania, USA

Born 13 May 1914
Born in Hamilton, Scotland

Buried in CHALONS-EN-CHAMPAGNE EAST COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Reference : Sec. I. Coll. grave 1591.

Son of James D. Carruthers and Agnes D. Carruthers, of Tonawanda, New York, U.S.A.

Honours received:

GRVI MEMORIAL CROSS
1939-45 STAR
AIR CREW EUROPE STAR
CANADIAN VOLUNTEER SERVICE MEDAL
CLASP TO THE CVSM
WAR MEDAL 1939-45

James Carruthers wrote:
"My Uncle Alex was a very interesting man. Born in Scotland, he came to the USA in 1922 on the boat with my grandmother and 2 other siblings. They settled in Pennsylvania where there was work in the coal mines. He was a miner; he rode motorcycles; he was a boxer (even boxed one time in Madison Square Garden in New York); built his own airplane and taught himself how to fly (he was a "barnstormer" in the day). He tried to join the US Army Air Corps but was denied entrance because of education standards. He then found out about the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. He went to Canada and joined the RCAF. He earned his wings and was shipped to England where he became part of the 214 Squadron and a Pilot for the Stirling Bomber.
I learned all of this from family stories and friends of his in my hometown in Pennsylvania when I was young. I regret that I never met him but his spirit always stayed with me."

Source : Jim Carruthers (nephew) and CWGC and Veteran Affairs Canada and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004

Date record last updated : 7 November 2009

Sgt J C Chalmers

Sgt J C Chalmers, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9163 BU-C

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004

Date record last updated : 7July 2009

Sgt H G Claridge

Sgt H G Claridge, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9163 BU-C

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004

Date record last updated : 7 July 2009

Sqn/Ldr William 'Bill' Clarke MiD

Sqn/Ldr William 'Bill' Clarke MiD, 70132, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 3 February 1943, Aged 32

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9191 (28 November 1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9282 BU-Q

Named on the following Memorial : Boldre Church, Hampshire (west doors)
Named on the following Memorial : Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire
Named on the following Memorial : Cheltenham College memorial
Named on the following Memorial : No. 3 Group Bomber Command Roll of Honour in the RAF Window in Ely Cathedral.
Named on the following Memorial : RAF Chedburgh Book of Remembrance in All Saints Church, Chedburgh
Named on the following Memorial : RAF Chedburgh memorial
Named on the following Memorial : St John's College Oxford memorial

Born 31 May 1910

Born in Liverpool

Buried in BENSCHOP GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Collective Grave

Son of George Alfred and Tallulah Clarke; husband of Winefride Mary Clarke, of New Milton, Hampshire.

This is the story of a man whose pre-war working life became dedicated to the development and production of a high-quality British machine, his ambition being to help create, not only a world-beater, but something whose ownership might be the dream of any red-blooded young man. Sadly, William (Bill) Clarke was unable to see the fruition of that dream, losing his life as a Stirling captain on No.214 Squadron, but his influence and enthusiasm lived on post-war in the superb range of magnificent Vincent motor-cycles, true icons many of which remain lovingly owned and used to this day.

His pre-war career centred mainly on his passion for the world of racing motorcycles.

Bill had a very comfortable start in life as the eldest son of Capt. George Alfred Eskine and his wife Tallulah. The family business of Clarke's of Cork, Dublin and Liverpool was a wealthy and respected member of the tobacco industry, originating in Ireland but later moving to England. His father was a major shareholder in WD and HO Wills and his mother was from a wealthy American tobacco family.

After Oxford University, Bill met Phil Irving an Australian engine designer who invited Bill to join his team at Vincent’s, a fledgling motor-cycle company based at Stevenage. Initially Bill commuted to and from the family home in Hampshire but before long took up residence at the 'Coach and Horses' in Stevenage. Phil Irving recalled that apart from Bill's love of actually riding powerful motor-cycles he was never happier than when busy in the workshop taking on any job thrown at him however demanding or dirty: Consequently he had a total understanding of the machines which he rode, helped to develop and ultimately to produce. Bill also possessed the ability to get on with people and it was not unknown for a disgruntled customer to be handed over to Bill who would escort him to the 'local' for a couple of hours and return him in a far more receptive mood!

When Vincent’s came close to folding in 1929 due to severe cash flow problems Bill quickly saw a solution and successfully persuaded his father to put up enough cash to save the situation. Hence Capt. Clarke became Company Director and Bill, a Director but the company survived and continued with the production and development of the company's range of machines enabling the name of Vincent to become one of the most famous and respected stables of the time, so much so that in July 2005 the Royal Mail produced a 42p postage stamp featuring the 1949 Vincent 'Black Shadow' (fastest standard motorcycle).

Bill was always deeply involved in production testing and although forbidden by his family to actually race, his love of power and competition enabled him to compete in many trials.
Phil Irving recalling Bill's activities "He rode in every reliability trial that he could especially long distance Motor Cycling Club (MCC) and the Scottish and International Six-Day events. He regularly won premier awards and once or twice even won triple gold medals in MCC events. In spite of his own family imposed ban on racing, in 1938 and 1939 Bill rode at Brooklands on his own Vincent 'Rapide' A (nicknamed 'the Snarling Beast) and at the T.T and Ulster Grand Prix he acted as the Vincent Racing Team Manger, all undertaken whilst extensively testing all Vincent products.

At this time Bill lived with his wife Winifride and family in a lovely house at Bourton on the Water in the Cotswolds and was the proud owner of a classic Jaguar saloon.

Due to his higher age on the outbreak of war, Bill could probably have used his engineering skills and experience in a variety of ground roles but as we know, he loved flying and wished to fly operationally.

Bill's keenness to fly first surfaced when at Oxford where he joined the University Air Squadron. In 1929 he was commissioned in the Reserve of Air Force Officers Class AA 11 and in 1938 after promotion and a 5-year extension, he was granted a Commission as a Flying Officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. By 1940 he was a Flight Lieutenant, and by 1942, a Temporary Squadron Leader.

After a lengthy spell of instruction on twin-engined aircraft, Flt/Lt William Clarke, 32 years old and a pre-war flier (Oxford University Air Squadron) like many other instructors, finally succeeded in getting released from training duties to head for the real war. For Bill this meant leaving RAF Little Rissington for a Stirling Conversion Course followed, in November 1942, with a posting to No.214 Squadron which, for the last few weeks, had been operating Stirlings from a "miserable and muddy" RAF Chedburgh.

On 13th November 1942 Flt/Lt W Clarke was promoted to Squadron Leader and commenced settling in to the reality of life on a bomber squadron, which would inevitably include a taste of "ops". On 28 November 1942 Bill flew as "second dickie" to the experienced Ted Youseman in Stirling R9191 on the long haul to attack the Fiat works in Turin, and witnessed visual identification, PFF flares, runs over the target, a successful attack and, after a six-hour flight, a safe return.
Bill would have known that the squadron had already lost several aircraft and crews, but this time he would sense the gloomy atmosphere when a crew failed to return - on this occasion that of Flt Sgt Gatland. Bill was "on" again next night, again to Turin, but flying with FO Williamson, another experienced captain and this time in W7621 which, due to severe icing conditions, failed to maintain altitude.

Loss of the ASI, plus throttle and exactor problems, forced an early return after the bomb load had been jettisoned; further "sharp end" experience for Bill. On 14 January 1943 Bill captained his own aircraft for the first time successfully "gardening" in Deodars - the mouth of the Gironde river. This operation was his first in R9282 (BU-Q).

In 1945 Sqn/Ldr William Clarke was Mentioned in Dispatches for his decision to stay with his stricken aircraft in order that his crew may escape knowing full well that he would be unable to get out. Whilst this award may be recognised it may be thought that a much higher honour for such an act of courage (witnessed) would have been in order.

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling R9282 for full details of his heroic actions.

Soon after the war two airmen, a Flight Sergeant and a Sergeant, called at the Vincent-HRD factory and met with a senior manager whom they thought might be interested to know that they were in the aeroplane which Sqn/Ldr Bill Clarke was flying when they were shot down. They recounted the details of their traumatic escape from the burning aircraft made possible, they said, by their pilot almost certainly sacrificing his life by staying at the controls to give them chance to bale out when even then they were at a dangerously low altitude. The manager said later: "These men were naturally very high in their praise for this gallant officer but that sort of action was in keeping with what one would expected from such a magnificent chap".

Source : Mike Clarke (son of William Clarke) and Brian Walker of Nottingham and Jon van Vliet of Lopiq, Holland and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletters Spring 2004 and Spring & Summer 2008 and 'The Vincent-HRD Story' by Roy Harper

Date record last updated : 29 October 2010

Sgt D J Connearn

Sgt D J Connearn, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 3 February 1943, POW number 27512

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9282 BU-Q

Imprisoned at POW camp Lamsdorf (Lambinowice), Germany - from 1943, was previously Stalag 8B
Imprisoned at POW camp Lamsdorf (Lambinowice), Germany - until 1943 when it became Stalag 344

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004 and Spring 2008 and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 13 July 2009

Sgt R F Crawley

Sgt R F Crawley, Mid Upper Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 3 February 1943, POW number 27504

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9282 BU-Q

Imprisoned at POW camp Lamsdorf (Lambinowice), Germany - from 1943, was previously Stalag 8B
Imprisoned at POW camp Lamsdorf (Lambinowice), Germany - until 1943 when it became Stalag 344

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Nightjar Newsletters Spring 2004 and Spring 2008 and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 13 July 2009

Sgt R J Cox

Sgt R J Cox, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 17 September 1942, POW number 27105

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9350 BU-T

Imprisoned at POW camp Lamsdorf (Lambinowice), Germany - from 1943, was previously Stalag 8B
Imprisoned at POW camp Lamsdorf (Lambinowice), Germany - until 1943 when it became Stalag 344

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

He is the brother of L.A.C. Herbert Davies who died of Typhoid Fever in 1943.

Source : "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004 and Chorley and Owen Vaughan (researcher)

Date record last updated : 30 July 2011

Plt/Off Charles David Cooling

Plt/Off Charles David Cooling, J/15853, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 26 November 1941, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark II Z8373

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial Panel 59

Son of Charles A. and Beulah M. Cooling, of Dawsonville, Restigouche-Madawaska, New Brunswick, Canada.

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2005 and CWGC

Date record last updated : 10 August 2009

Sgt Harold James Cooper

Sgt Harold James Cooper, 932086, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 26 November 1941, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark II Z8373

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial Panel 41

Son of Ernest Sidney and Selina Dorothy Cooper, of Lowestoft, Suffolk.

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2005 and CWGC

Date record last updated : 10 August 2009

Plt/Off A Campbell

Plt/Off A Campbell, A402636, Pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) Z8900
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) Z8900 (15 November 1941)

Posted to 214 Squadron from 21 OTU on 31 August 1941.
He was flying as part of a crew in 214 Squadron from November 1941 till January 1942.
He was then posted to 99 Squadron on 19 January 1942.
On 23 February 1942 he went from Waterbeach to Portreath.
On 26 February 1942 he went from Portreath direct to Malta, en-rote for 99 Squadron in India, being seconded to 215 Squadron, on arrival, until rejoining 99 Squadron in Oct 1942 until at least 1943.

Source : Colin Burningham and W.R.Chorley

Date record last updated : 29 May 2010

Sgt William John Vincent 'Jack' Crowsley

Sgt William John Vincent 'Jack' Crowsley, 986890, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 7 August 1941, Aged 33

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9750 BU-?

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial Panel 42

Born 21 September 1907

Born in Chorlton, Lancashire

Son of James William and Mary Elizabeth Crowsley.

Known as 'Jack' he learnt to fly and got his wings at Barton aerodrome, not far from Old Trafford MUFC.

A Certificate of Competency No. 12451 was issued in London 24 June 1937 for 'all types of land planes' (not valid for flying public transport or aerial work flying machines). Jack's address was given as 450 Stretford Road, Old Trafford, Manchester. His license was renewed 8 June 1938 and 3 July 1939 for periods 24 June 38-23 June 39 to 7 July 1940 respectively.

His Certificate of Competency, and several of his aerial and road maps are now held with other Crowsley family memorabilia in Australia. Photos exist showing Jack by a Miles Hawk Moth at Yapton Aero Club, a DH87B Hornet Moth at Ramsgate, and possibly a Hurricane.

It is understood that he was sent to Saskatchewan in Canada to train as a bomber pilot.

Note
Prior to 1939 the British Government had approached Commonwealth countries with regard to the training of airmen for service in the Royal Air Force in the event of war breaking out in Europe. At the 1937 Imperial Conference Canada agreed to train British aircrew in Canada.

John W Gillbanks (nephew) advised that Jack was a Compositor/Pilot Sergeant No. 986890 and was in a Wellington bomber lost in a raid over Mannheim 7 August 1941. Jack was in the 'Pathfinder Squadron' and would have been first on the scene. Apparently this was his first active mission. The last communication received was when he radioed 'mission accomplished, returning to base'. Further enquiries to the Air Ministry after the war revealed nothing further about him or other members of the crew, which might suggest that the plane crashed in the sea.

A letter from the Air Ministry, Kingsway WC2, dated 22 April 1942, addressed to Miss K Crowsley, 8 Elmswood Avenue, Moss Side, Manchester 14, reads :-
"Madam, I am commanded by the Air Council to state that in the view of the lapse of time and the absence of any further news regarding your brother 986890 Sergeant W.J.V. Crowsley since the date on which he was reported missing, they must regretfully conclude that he has lost his life, and his death has now been presumed, for official purposes, to have occurred on the 7th August 1941.
The Council desire me to express their sincere sympathy with you in the anxiety which you have suffered and in your bereavement.
I am, Madam, Your obedient Servant, (signed) PG Richards"

Source : John Crowsley (relative of WJV Crowsley) and CWGC

Date record last updated : 10 October 2009

Donald Chalk

Donald Chalk, 1895298, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

Born 13 October 1922

Born in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire

Donald did his Air Gunner Training at Stormy Down from 11 March 1944 to 29 April 1944 flying in Ansons.

Donald is 2nd in from the right on the front row.

He then joined 1659 HCU from 29 April 1944 to 7 May 1944.

In his proficiency assessment it states " Above average. A very good operational gunner".

Finally he joined 214 Squadron on 7 May 1944. "I arrived and was sent away at once on leave".

He flew with Fg/Off Bettles from July 1944, flying 10 missions.
He then flew with Fg/Off Scott from October 1944, flying 28 missions.
Next he joined WO Price in February 1945, flying 9 missions.
Finally he joined Flt/Lt Farringdon in April 1945, flying 12 missions.

To see Donald Chalk's personal log please click here.

John Farby has his logbook.

Donald is on the left in both photographs and the rest of the crew are unknown. Can anyone please name the other four gentlemen?

Sadly Donald died on 11 October 1989 aged 67.

Source : John Farby and Mrs Chalk (wife) and Arthur Booth (nephew)

Date record last updated : 23 January 2010

Sgt Cole

Sgt Cole

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9939 BU-E

Source : Chorley

Date record last updated : 27 November 2009

Fg/Off Ian Crichton

Fg/Off Ian Crichton, Navigator, Royal Air Force, Date taken POW 31 August 1943, POW number 1636

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE959 BU-E

Imprisoned at POW camp Sagan (Zagan) & Belaria, Germany

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

After the attack on EE959 Ian remembered that the pilot, Frank Lee, did not have his parachute and went back to give him this. Therefore most of the crew had baled out earlier, nearer the city and this delay seems to have been crucial to his survival. Ian baled out of the aircraft and floated down towards a river (or so he thought) and prepared to land in water. He landed heavily on the Autobahn. He spent a further two days hiding in hedges and ditches before deciding he could go no further. He had two broken ankles.
After the war Ian went back to Academic life and was a Professor at Reading University. He lived in Mortimer. Adrian Lee heard that he was known as 'Grandad' in the crew as he was in his late 20's!
Ian died in 2006.

Source : Adrian Lee (son of Frank Lee) and Chorley and 'Footprints on the sands of time' by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 27 November 2009

Sgt Walter Irvine Christsen

Sgt Walter Irvine Christsen, 404277, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian, KIA 26 March 1942, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1143 BU-?

Named on the following Memorial : Australian War Memorial Panel 120

Buried in VRIEZENVEEN GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 1-6.

Son of Walter Irvine Hans and Isabel Christsen, of Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia.

Source : CWGC and Hans J. Kobes, Vriezenveen (NL) and John Cripps and http://www.awm.gov.au and Geoff Swallow (Australian Researcher)

Date record last updated : 14 February 2010

Plt/Off Eric William Cuthbert Creed

Plt/Off Eric William Cuthbert Creed, 400581, Pilot, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian, KIA 26 March 1942, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1143 BU-?

Named on the following Memorial : Australian War Memorial panel 120

Buried in VRIEZENVEEN GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 1-6.

Son of Willie Herbert and Edith Gwennie Creed, of Caulfield, Victoria, Australia.

Source : CWGC and Hans J. Kobes, Vriezenveen (NL) and John Cripps and Geoff Swallow (Australian Researcher)

Date record last updated : 14 February 2010

Sgt David F Cooper

Sgt David F Cooper, 1109722, Date taken POW 29 September 1941, POW number 9699

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9884 BU-?

Imprisoned at POW camp Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Lamsdorf (Lambinowice), Germany - until 1943 when it became Stalag 344
Imprisoned at POW camp Thorn (Torun), Poland OR Oerbke (Fallingbostel), Germany - dates unknown

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Nicola Jones (daughter of Sgt Leslie Hancock) and 'Footprints on the sands of time' by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Chorley

Date record last updated : 1 January 2010

Flt/Lt Edward James Carter DFC

Flt/Lt Edward James Carter DFC, 70770, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 6 June 1944

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial Panel 200

Flt/Lt Edward James Carter was with 214 Squadron circa 1940.
As Wg/Cdr E.J. Carter assumed command of 97 Squadron in January 1944 transferring in from 82 OTU. He was killed on D Day June 6th 1944.

Source : David Layne, CWGC

Date record last updated : 6 January 2010

Sgt D K Clarke

Sgt D K Clarke

Stephen wrote:

"I have in my possession a WW2 C-type flying helmet and H-type mask. The oxygen tube has 214 squadron marked on one end and 856 Sgt D.K.Clarke on the other. I was wondering if you have any information on this man?"

Can anyone help here please?

Source : Stephen Roberts

Date record last updated : 6 January 2010

Sgt Robert James Carrott

Sgt Robert James Carrott, 1816917, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 9 February 1945, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB796 (09 February 1945) BU-T

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 274

Son of Harold and Florence Ellen Carrott, of Great Glen, Leicestershire.

Source : CWGC and Geoff Swallow (Australian researcher) and Chorley

Date record last updated : 2 February 2010

FS Raymond Colin Chislett

FS Raymond Colin Chislett, 1384670, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 1 September 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EF401 BU-Y

Buried in BERLIN 1939-1945 WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 5. D. 34-37.

Son of Francis Colin and Olga Lilian Chislett, of Betchworth, Surrey.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 2 February 2010

Sgt Andrew Cowan

Sgt Andrew Cowan, 1077677, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 1 September 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EF401 BU-Y

Buried in BERLIN 1939-1945 WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 5. D. 34-37.

Son of Robert Edward and Leila Cowan, of Pocklington, Yorkshire.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 2 February 2010

Sgt Samuel Cox

Sgt Samuel Cox, 869313, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force (Auxiliary Air Force), Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 15 April 1942, Aged 33

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1148 BU-L

Born 14 October 1909

Born in Sheffield, England

Buried in HEVERLEE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 3. E. 19.

Son of Samuel and Phoebe Cox, of Gleadless, Sheffield; husband of Edith Cox, of Gleadless.

Source : Norman Cox (son) and Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 17 April 2010

WO/I John Frederick Coombs

WO/I John Frederick Coombs, NZ 401201, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, POW number 424

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R1246

Imprisoned at POW camp Barth, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Beninia?, Poland
Imprisoned at POW camp Dulag Luft, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Sagan (Zagan) & Belaria, Germany

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Not in "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock, which has extensive POW records

On John's POW notes there are these comments: "No special interogation" and " escapes, NO CHANCE".

Source : Air Force POW's website and Andy Buckley

Date record last updated : 28 December 2010

Fg/Off James Craig

Fg/Off James Craig, 187089, Wireless Operator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 22 November 1945

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Liberator (model unknown) KL587

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland

Buried in SUDA BAY WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 16. C. 13.

Son of James Craig and of Annie Craig, of Edinburgh.

Source : CWGC and Jock Whitehouse

Date record last updated : 5 September 2010

Sgt Leonard Tyne Chapman

Sgt Leonard Tyne Chapman, 929858, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 8 September 1941, Aged 27

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1784 BU-?

Buried in BERLIN 1939-1945 WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 4. A. 9.

Son of James and Alice K. Chapman.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 October 2010

Sqn/Ldr Paul Winstanley Manners Carlyon DFC

Sqn/Ldr Paul Winstanley Manners Carlyon DFC, 42672, Royal Air Force, KIA 15 January 1943, Aged 31

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7637 BU-W

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 118.

Son of Algernon Francis Manners Carlyon and Marion Carlyon. Born in Canada.

According to Chorley Sqn/Ldr Carlyon was a Canadian serving in the Royal Air Force.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 30 October 2010

Sgt Lawrence Carr

Sgt Lawrence Carr, 1121598, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 15 January 1943, Aged 28

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7637 BU-W

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 144.

Son of Henry Carr, and of Mary Annie Carr, of Dipton, Co. Durham.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 October 2010

Wg/Cdr Grahame Lawrence Cruickshanks DFC

Wg/Cdr Grahame Lawrence Cruickshanks DFC, 34191, Pilot, Royal Air Force, KIA 8 September 1941

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1784 BU-?

Buried in BERLIN 1939-1945 WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 4. A. 1.

Son of Alexander Craighead Cruickshanks and Agnes Cruickshanks; husband of Phyllis (Billie) Cruickshanks, of Durban, Natal, South Africa.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 October 2010

Allan Chappell DFC

Allan Chappell DFC, Navigator

Allan Chappell did 30 tours with 214 Squadron from 1943.

Source : Peter Chappell

Date record last updated : 27 February 2011

William 'Bill' Crooks

William 'Bill' Crooks, Ground Crew

William was based at Stradishall. He passed away in 1994.

Source : Daz Smith (grandson)

Date record last updated : 30 April 2011

Sgt Alfred Victor Gordon Cridge

Sgt Alfred Victor Gordon Cridge, 412867, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, KIA 3 March 1943, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I EF329 BU-C

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 199

Son of Alfred and Amelia Cridge, of Paeroa, Auckland, New Zealand.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 21 June 2011

WO Connley

WO Connley

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) SR388 (2 June 1944) BU-H

WO Connley was an additional crew member for the flight on 2 June 1944

Source : Mike Day (son of Sqn/Ldr Day)

Date record last updated : 20 July 2011

Fg/Off Gavin Cruickshank

Fg/Off Gavin Cruickshank, 412868, Air Gunner, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand

Fg/Off Cruickshank enlisted in the RNZAF on 1 July 1940 as an Air Gunner.
He proceeded to Canada where he completed his preliminary training at No 6 Bombing and Gunnery School, RCAF Station, Mountain View, Ontario Canada.
On 13 May 1942 he arrived in England. His training was completed on 22 September 1942, when he was posted to 214 Squadron.
Fg/Off Cruickshank completed one tour of operations, his total flying time being 390 hours.
Later he was employed as an instructor at No 12 OUT, Chipping Warden, England.
He returned to New Zealand for duty on 18 January 1944.

Source : Heather Cruickshank (daughter-in-law)

Date record last updated : 30 July 2011

Flt/Lt William 'Bill' Crofts

Flt/Lt William 'Bill' Crofts

Bill Crofts flew with Aubrey Cattle and Peter Doig Scott

"When I first arrived at Chedburgh in September of 1943, the Signals Leader was named Flt.Lt Bill Crofts, a big man I remember clearly". (Murray Peden)

"There is only one I spent any time with, that was Bill Crofts, the reason I remember him was he had a gramaphone and a lot of Glen Miller records. He used to play them in his room and we were invited to listen to them, this we did when we had time". (George Stevens)

Source : Sheila Byrne (Daughter of Peter Doig Scott)

Date record last updated : 20 September 2011

Sgt Godfrey Allenby Douglas Cotton

Sgt Godfrey Allenby Douglas Cotton, 945560, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 24 June 1941, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1609

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 41.

Son of Josiah and Fannie Cotton, of Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

Sgt Cotton had survived a crash-landing earlier in the month (June 1941) on return from Berlin.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 12 October 2011

Fg/Off R 'George' Cox

Fg/Off R 'George' Cox, Flight Engineer

Fg/Off Cox is recorded as a regular crewmember with Flt/Lt Wyver and Fg/Off Keith McCall. Joined crew in January 1945.

Source : John McCall (son of Keith McCall)

Date record last updated : 1 June 2013

Sqn/Ldr Thomas Charles Seymour Cooke DFC AFC DFM

Sqn/Ldr Thomas Charles Seymour Cooke DFC AFC DFM, 103506

Source : London Gazette and Simon Muggleton

Date record last updated : 1 June 2013

TOP OF PAGE