Gone, but not forgotten by those

who loved him.

Sgt Richard Fairhurst, RAF Air gunner, Age 19. Sgt Fairhurst and crew were KIA on 3 July 1942 ( 03/07/1942 ).

Stirling BU-T took off sometime between 11.00pm and midnight 02/07/1942. 325 aircraft attacked and bombed Bremen in good visibility. A Bremen report states that over 1,000 houses and 4 small industrial firms were damaged. In the port 3 cranes and 7 ships were hit. The 1,736 ton steamer Marieborg was sunk and became a danger to navigation. Five people were killed and four injured. In all, Thirteen aircraft were lost, 8 Wellingtons, 2 Hampdens, 1 Halifax and 2 Stirlings.

BF313 was shot down by a night fighter piloted by Ofw Karl-Heinz Scherfling of II./NJG2 and crashed at 0150hrs 3rd July 1942 onto mudflats 22km NNW of Groningen, Holland. All the crew were killed.

The crew of BF313, coded BU-T consisted of :

W/C Kenneth Knocker - pilot

Sgt Richard Fairhurst

Sgt Peter Inman

P/O Daniel Malofie

Sgt Tristam Palmer

Sgt Robert Ritchie

Sgt John Underwood

Fl Sgt Ernest Wilson

The crew is buried at Westernieland General Cemetery, The Netherlands.

SOURCE & RESEARCH: Stevin Oudshoorn

SEE ALSO: www.basher82.nl

Fg/Off Albert W Fear

Fg/Off Albert W Fear, J18052 Died May 7, 2002. Canadian Cochrane Ontario Legion.

Flt/Lt Philip Richard Steuart Filleul

Flt/Lt Philip Richard Steuart Filleul, 33383, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 13 September 1944, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB767 BU-A
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) L7847 (11 & 12 August 1940)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2994 (5 August 1940)

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial Panel 202

Son of Philip Rowland Filleul and Eileen Steuart Luxmoore Filleul; husband of Yvonne Palmer Filleul.

Fl/Lt Filleul was a senior veteran of the squadron having completed a tour on Wellingtons during 1940/41 when the Squadron was in 3 Group. Then, as is often the case with highly skilled pilots, he was singled out to become an instructor for a period of time. One of his crew mates while on Ops at Stradishall on several occasions, was rear gunner Sgt Peter Doig Scott. Sgt Scott records in his log that one of these Ops was the marshaling yards at Hamm where they scored direct hits dropping 9 250lb bombs, 1 500lb and 60 incendiary bombs on 5th August 1940 . A few days later on 11 August 1940 they bombed the oil refinery at Castrop - Rauxl and dropped 250lbs razzel at Fredeburg. Of the 59 planes on this raid only one was lost but nearly a second, as on the return flight this day they had to force land at Leconfield for unknown reasons and they were not able to return to base until the following day.

Having completed his full tour, he had basically served his country and survived the war, but he chose to return for a second tour with 214 flying B-17s in 1944/45. Having flown the twin engine Wimpey, it can be certain he was eager to get behind the controls of the new and much superior 4 engined Flying Fortress. On the night of the 12th/13th September 1944, Fortress III, HB767, BU.A (see note below) took off at 1900hrs from Oulton. At some point during the evenings operation, target unknown, Fl/Lt Filleul's aircraft was hit by flak puncturing the fuel tank. It is assumed they then headed out back across the channel for home, the crew in desperation apparently tried extending the flying time by throwing out all the heavy equipment but to no avail. They didn't make it far and the B17 'ditched ' in the Channel just off Marck near Calais at 0100 hrs on Friday 13th September 1944. "Graham, Fl/Lt Filleul's son notes his mother is still very superstitious about this date for good reason".
NOTE: It was reported by Ian Hunt - Fortress Researcher, that F/Lt Filleul's Fortress which crashed 12-13/09/1944 and is listed as being a/c HB702 may be incorrect. It's listed as such on Page 421of W.R. Chorley's book "Bomber Command Losses 1944", but Ian believes the ORB says it was HB767 (BU-A) NOTE: HB767 is the correct serial for A, now confirmed twice re: P/O Bill Foskett's log book.

Source : CWGC and Ian Hunt and Sgt Peter Doig Scott and Graham Filleul (son) and Antony Crouch and John Cripps and Bill Foskett

Date record last updated : 10 July 2011

FS Gordon Brown Fielder

FS Gordon Brown Fielder, 755751, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 26 July 1943, Aged 28

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

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 6. C. 12.

Son of William Fredrick Fielder, and of Clementa Victoria Fielder, of Hove. Sussex.

Source : CWGC and Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 8 August 2009

WO John E Flack DFC

WO John E Flack DFC, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) ??Dixon
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9163 BU-C
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9358 (9 March 1943)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) SR378 BU-D

Husband of Julie Carr

Married to Julie Carr 1944. Mrs Julie Carr was with the WAAF on the officer's mess staff at Stradishall.
WO Flack's grandson Jonathan Flack, has his wings and is a graduate of RAF Cranwell.

John E Flack was a long serving Air Gunner with 214 and had two very lucky escapes whilst at Chedburgh.

On 17th February 1943, whilst returning from minelaying, he and his crew including a Sgt Rundle, abandoned their aircraft R9163 when very low on fuel and in poor weather. All survived except the pilot (RNZAF) who tragically was hit by a propeller, his body was found in woodland near Marks village in Hampshire and buried in Brookland Cemetary.

9th March 1943. F/Sgt Delbert (Dinty) Moore RCAF was detailed to take a spare crew (his own having been shot down whilst he was hospitalised) on a trip to Munich in Stirling R9358. After a couple of aircraft had left with no problems, a new pilot on a night navigation exercise swung on take off , collapsed the undercarriage of his Stirling and so blocked the main runway. (No clue as to why he was not held until the operational boys had all got away). It was decided to use one of the shorter runways (SSE/NNW) and Dinty duly prepared to leave whilst not very happy as they had experienced their own undercarriage problems whilst on air test.
The laden Stirling lumbered into the air but, with the u/c only partially retracted, clipped some trees, took the roof off a newly built house and finally ploughed in near Chevington about a mile away. Miraculously the bomb load did not explode and the crew scrambled out of the burning aircraft. A head count revealed one missing, John Flack and, without hesitation, Dinty and Sgt Hamish Wilson, their New Zealand rear gunner, went back into the aircraft to find John trapped and upside down in his straps. They got him out suffering severe burns in the process later to be awarded the GM for their gallantry. At a 214 re-union do Dinty was re united with his WAAF nurse and ambulance driver.

John Flack later flew as a gunner in George Mackies crew on B17’s from Oulton ending as WO J E Flack DFC.

Is listed on Battle Orders for 22 August 1944.
Is also listed on returning operational aircrew on 31 August 1944.

There is more information on the crew record for Stirling ??Dixon.

Source : George Mackie and Jonathon Flack (grandson of John Flack) and John Jewsbury (son of R F Jewsbury)

Date record last updated : 7 July 2009

Sgt Kenneth Joseph Fletcher

Sgt Kenneth Joseph Fletcher, 1880697, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 6 November 1944

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II HB788 (6 November 1944) BU-B

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 13. D. 3.

Son of Mr. J. Fletcher, A.M., and Mrs. E. Fletcher, of Braunstone, Leicester.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 16 May 2009

Sgt Ronald Florence DFM

Sgt Ronald Florence DFM, NZ.41577, RNZAF

814 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 16 FEBRUARY. 1943 ( 16/02/1943 )

Distinguished Flying Medal N.Z.41577 Sergeant Ronald FLORENCE, Royal New Zealand Air Force, No. 214 Squadron.

This airman, who has participated in many sorties, has displayed great skill both, as air bomber and front gunner. On one occasion his accurate shooting extinguished many- searchlights which

menaced his aircraft whilst- flying at low- level. One night in December, 1942, during an operational sortie, he effectively silenced a gun of an armed ship-with well aimed bursts. One night in January, 1943,-during an attack on Lorient, he displayed great determination in attacking searchlight positions. He has proved himself to be a valuable member of aircraft crew.

Plt/Off William G M 'Bill' Foskett

Plt/Off William G M 'Bill' Foskett, 151372, Bomb Aimer, Royal Air Force

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

Born in Great Yarmouth, England

Born in Gt.Yarmouth where the family had a small beach chalet in East Mersey, Constable country. Lived most of his life in Hampstead. As a youngster, spent time in the sea scouts on board the "England" every weekend which was an old ferry boat that was permanently tied to one of the two bridges over the Thames at Kew. Currently living in Seaton in Cumbria close to the shore that overlooks the Solway Firth and Scotland

SERVICE CHRONOLOGY :

Air Observer Training Programme for 1323050 leading aircraftman WGM Foskett at Pickton and Port Albert Ontario Canada.

- Picton 31 Bombing & Gunnery, Qualified (1st) 10 January 1943
- Port Albert Navigation, Qualified (1st) 19 February 1943
- Commissioned March 1943

England, AFU Course Completed May 1943

Harwell, 15 OUT Course Wellingtons (For India posting, later cancelled)

Course 9 August 1943
Stirling Convertion Course 19 October 1943
H2s Special Nav. Course Mid November 1943

Cadet W Foskett

I did my ITW in Newquay and was stationed in one of the big guest houses on top of the cliff. That was in the first 3 or 4 months of 1942. ( No.11 flight "C" squadron) It was all "bags of swank & B.S., Stand by your beds Officer on parade" stuff. I loved it so much that I helped our flight to win the Drill Cup & the PS Cup. If I remember right the latter was rifle drill without any verbal orders just the whistle now and again. In later years the Yanks did it almost like a music hall act. Anyway we were the first and possibly the only flight to bring off the double.

As far as India was concerned, we were fully trained and operational on Wellingtons at 15 OUT Harwell. Our posting was to India and at that time we were with Squadron Ldr, Packe AFC as our pilot (he trained in Canada, and stayed on as an instructor which earned him his gong.) After receiving tropical innoculations Plt/Off Foskett was informed that he would not be going to the Middle East. See Tall Tales for full Story.

Our crew did our conversion course from Whimpies (Wellingtons) to Stirlings at Straddishal in the back end of 1943. In fact my first two ops were in them; one to the Fresians with 6 1500 lbs mines and the second to Biarritz with 2 1500 lbs mines.The difference in the load was due to the distance; a 3 hour trip in the first instance against an 8 hour one on the second. In the Stirling, my position was in the second pilots seat then after take off in the mid upper turret and approaching target laying flat in the nose for bomb/mine release then back to the turret; and finally back in the seat for landing. The crew's first operation was on 19 November 1943 Piloted by FS Gilbert, the second operation followed on the 25th piloted by S/Ldr Jeffries. The crew makeup at this time was Flying Officer Bill Foskett (B/A), Flight Sergent Ted Bonner(WOP), Flight Sergent Fred Barber (ENG), Flight Sergent Jack Podger (NAV).

After that we were now fully trained, and waiting for our own skipper to complete his final trip as second pilot before we were integrated as a fully operational crew. Around this time our skipper literally disappeared. It was all very hush hush. Allegedly LMF. (See ref in Murray Pedens (RCAF) A thousand shall fall book; page 429, paragraph beginning 'Another chap'.)
Although the Crew were now operationally trained - having lost our Skipper, we had to re-train with a new Skipper who was Flying Officer John Corke.

Fg/Off John Corke at the controls of Fortress A for Able

In January 1944 we converted to Fortresses and were billeted at Blickling Hall - Oulton - Norfolk, together with the American Air Force who were flying daytime operations. In addition to our ex Sterling crew when we converted to Fortresses, there was Len Roose, Ray Delisle, WO Hepton, Sgt Stelling, Sgt Gregory, and others.

In the Fortress, we carried no bombs, only a full load of jamming and electronic equipment which we took to the target and of course had to bring it back. These operations required us to be between the pathfinders and the mainstream, and to be operating before, during and after the timed course of the raid. This of course meant that the aircraft was dangerously over or near the target for a great length of time. Sometimes a boffin was with us but I have no record of the different toys we had to play with. I vaguely remember Gee H2S ABC but I doubt if I could recognise them now. Note that the US Air Force flew Fortresses with a 10 man crew, as did others, but they were carrying bombs etc. I don’t think that there was a norm for us involved in the countermeasures role. We were doing all sorts of other things. Jamming & scanning equipment was in its infancy, and sometimes, we were accompanied by the boffin involved. To say exactly what everyone was doing is beyond me, but the point I make is that it would be difficult to pin down the crew at any given time, as the actual number varied. The only permanancy would be the regular mainstay crew members.
Our third Op (first with Johnnie Corke), was on 24/25th April 1944 Karlsruhe. Note the amusing intel report that was issued following this operation on the 24th (The de-briefing staff obviously found the incident hilarious, but I suspect Bill and the boys didn't share the humour and made straight for the bar for a few stiff ones. All would have been well aware how lucky they were and that very - very few ever walk away from an INVERTED SPIN).

Bill not surprisingly comments, "I am still experiencing problems over this one".

Our sixth Op was on Gelsenkirchen on the night that we learned on our safe return that Murray Peden and Cassan had been lost. It later turned out that Peden had crash landed at Woodbridge, and again there is a special chapter on this in Peden's book. "It makes grim reading". Just as a point of interest, on the 11th September 1944, we were on an Op to Darmstadt in our Fortress A (Able), not knowing then that it was our last trip using that aircraft. It was lost the next day on a raid on Frankfurt, piloted by a Flt/Lt Fillieul. (This loss would have been taken very seriously by all the crews as Flt/Lt Fillieul was a two tour veteran of the squadron).

On the 9th/10th November 1944, which was about my 27th and I was reaching the end of my tour, we carried out a spoof window attack on Saarbruken, and for this we got a pat on the back from the AOC.

The five mainstay members of Corkes crew are seen in these next two pictures. Other ad hoc operators including sometimes a boffin would join us for the odd operation.

In the wedding picture above from left to right are :
FS Ted Bonner WOP
FS Fred Barber Engineer
FS Len Roose Air Gunner & Bridegroom
????? Bride
Plt/Off Bill Foskett B/A S/D
FS Jack Podger Navigator

After numerous incidental experiences, we flew our last Op on the 6th December 1944 after completing 32 Sorties. The certification that the tour of duty had been completed is signed by B.D. Davies, Sqn/Ldr A Flight and D.D. Rogers Wg/Cdr O/C 214 Sqn.

CORKE'SCREW

The crew above was humorously known as Corkescrew after the pilot Fg/Off Corke. In the front line from left to right are: FS Fred Barber, FS Len Roose (holding their lucky horse shoe; which Plt/Off Foskett still has) and FS Jack Podger. At the back are Plt/Off Bill Foskett, FS Ted Bonner, FS John Stelling, unknown and at the very back FS Ray Delisle.

NOTE: Site researcher Ian Hunt reports that according to the Orbs the crew generally consisted of Corke, Podger, Bonner, Foskett, Roose, Hepton, Barber, Delisle, Gregory and Stelling (with, on another occasion, Boanas and Hoffman instead of two of these), but could not determine crew positions all their crew positions. However, often, in the ORB, crews seem to be listed in the order of: Pilot, Navigator, W/Op, Air Bomber, 2 gunners (M/U and RG?), F/Eng, 2 more gunners (waist gunners?) and Spec Op.

Bill recalls that FS Fred Barber was an extremely efficient man who knew his job inside out, and expected everyone on the ground crew to be likewise. They certainly " popped to" when he was about, he was really meticulous. One incident regarding Fred he remembers, occurred on a flight test prior to the Gelsenkirchen Op on 21st June 1944. As we got off the bus the ground crew were hovering, and one of them was heard to say " watch it lads; here comes Ali Barber and the 40 clangers" I've not heard from him since we finished our tour, but the last thing he mentioned to me was that he was going to set up an estate agency in south London.

Plt/Off Bill Foskett far left Fg/Off John Corke far right

1944 FORTRESS BU-A (ABLE) HB767 SEE NOTE BELOW RE: PICTURE

EXCERPTS FROM LOG OF PILOT OFFICER BILL FOSKETT

The summary in Plt/Off Foskett's log book states that he did 32 Sorties equalling 27 Operations. It is important to note, and not well known, but ops and sorties were two different things. As progress was made in the ground fighting in Europe; the RAF began to specify that certain ops only qualified for a half op. (No doubt this was a way of stretching tours)

Pilot Officer William G. M. Foskett RAF retd.
Note Bill's excellent idea of framing his service medals and badges, not to mention it is very professionally and tastefully done. In this format it makes a wonderfull family heirloom that will be treasured and can be passed down through the generations. I hope others will follow Bill's lead. Too often these priceless family treasures end up in the hands of collectors who prize them only for their monetary value and they are never seen again by the public.

ALL PHOTOS AND DOCUMENTS COPYRIGHT Plt/Off William G. M. Foskett

NOTE: The original of the Fortress picture above is held by Plt/Off Bill Foskett. Researcher, Ian Hunt reports that an identical photo has already appeared in at least one book, stating it's SR384 (which was also coded BU-A) in which Fg/Off Hockley was lost on 24 May 1944.

Sadly Bill passed away at 01:15hrs on the 21st December 2011 after a long fight with cancer.

Source : Pilot Officer William Foskett and Stuart Shields (Bill's brother-in-law) and Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 30 December 2011

FS George Swan Murray Fowler

FS George Swan Murray Fowler, 442340, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian, KIA 9 February 1945, Aged 19

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

Named on the following Memorial : Australian War Memorial Panel 122
Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 284

Born 21 April 1925

Born in Bridgewater, South Australia

Son of George Swan Murray Fowler and Marie Katrine Fowler, of Bridgewater, South Australia.

George enlisted in Adelaide.

Source : John Cripps (AWM) and Geoff Swallow (Australian Researcher) and CWGC and National Archives of Australia and Chorley

Date record last updated : 14 February 2010

Sgt J R Fry

Sgt J R Fry, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, Date taken POW 9 May 1941, POW number 12

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1447 BU-?

Imprisoned at POW camp Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Thorn (Torun), Poland OR Oerbke (Fallingbostel), Germany - dates unknown
Imprisoned at POW camp Wolfsberb / Spittal am der Drau, Austria

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Wim de Meester of The Netherlands and Chorley and 'Footprints on the sands of time' by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 30 July 2011

Fg/Off Harold 'Jack' Frost DFM MiD

Fg/Off Harold 'Jack' Frost DFM MiD, Non Com 1475544 Com 169864, Top Turret Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 17 March 1945, Aged 24, Date taken POW 15 March 1945, POW number None

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II HB779 BU-K

Named on the following Memorial : Huchenfeld Church, South West Germany
Named on the following Memorial : Llanbedr Church, North Wales
Named on the following Memorial : RAFA Ely Cambs Branch Memorial Rose Garden

The RAFA Ely Cambs Branch Memorial Rose Garden is situated at what used to be the RAF Hospital, which is now the NHS Princess of Wales Hospital. Tom Tate attended the dedication ceremony which was held in 1999.

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 9. H. 4.

Son of Arthur and Emily Jane Frost, of Liverpool; husband of Marjorie Francis Frost, of Liverpool.

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

DFM received 13 July 1943 while with 49 Squadron.

After baling out of the aircraft he was kept in Buhl prison before being transferred by foot into Luftwaffe custody on 17 March 1945. Upon reaching Huchenfeld he was locked into the boiler room of the Neuen Schule (New School) along with 6 others of his crew. A crowd of civilians demanded access to the 7 men, demanding revenge , and dragged them outside. 3 escaped to be recaptured.
Frost and four others were taken to the cemetery and shot.

His wife Marjorie Frost attended a service of reconciliation at Huchenfeld in 1992.

The graves at Huchenfield Germany. Flt/Lt Sidney C Matthews DFC., Fg/Off James Vinall, Fg/Off Harold Frost, Fg/Off Gordon Hall, FS Edward Percival

The French soldiers who had been the first of General Patten's army to enter the area had Inscribed each cross with simple but telling words: 'British airman, assassinated by the SA, 17/18 March 1945.'

Mentioned in Despatches recorded in the London Gazette Issue 37598 published on the 4 June 1946. Page 63 of 68 .

Source : John and Carol Edwards, family connection to Flt/Lt Sidney C Matthews & CWGC and Reg Kemp (nephew of Harold Frost)

Date record last updated : 27 October 2009

Flt/Lt Russell Frowde

Flt/Lt Russell Frowde, (100551), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 214 (Federated Malay States) Squadron. Awarded DFC per gazette 35609 dated the 23rd June 1942.

( 23/06/1942 )

Flt/Lt Roy Forbes

Flt/Lt Roy Forbes, Navigator, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand

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

WO Franklin

WO Franklin, Wireless 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

Flt/Lt Leslie Gordon Fowler DFC

Flt/Lt Leslie Gordon Fowler DFC, 126036, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 15 March 1945, Aged 23, Date taken POW 24 February 1945, POW number NK

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB805 BU-C

Buried in ZUIDLAREN GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Plot 1 Row E, Grave 12

Son of George Robson Fowler and Mabel Lilian Fowler, of Worcester Park, Surrey.

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Was severely injured in a crash on 24 February 1945 and died as a POW in Zuidlaren Hospital, Holland on 15 March 1945 aged 23.

The 199 Squadron ORB records a P/O L.G. Fowler serving as Sgt. Shorttle's navigator between 31 December 1942 and 11 June 1943. Flt Lt Fowler also flew with Shorttle while in 214 Squadron so we believe this is the same person.

Source : CWGC and 'Footprints on the sands of time' by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 21 June 2011

Sgt C K Fawthrop

Sgt C K Fawthrop, 986112

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) ??Lewendon

On 9 March 1942 he was part of an aircrew that reported for duty with 215 Squadron at 150TU Harwell.

See Photo album 4 "The exodus of the 214 to the 215".

Source : Colin Burningham

Date record last updated : 29 May 2010

Plt/Off R Fellows

Plt/Off R Fellows, 103575, Observer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) ??Williams

Was part of an aircrew to be seconded to 15OTU for 215 Squadron on 11 March 1942.

See Photo album 4 "The exodus of the 214 to the 215".

Source : Colin Burningham

Date record last updated : 29 May 2010

Sgt H Foster

Sgt H Foster, Navigator / Observer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) ??Leyshon
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2841 (29 January 1941) BU-K

Source : Aled Leyshon (grandson of Mervyn Leyshon)

Date record last updated : 2 October 2009

Sgt Lionel Gerald Freeman

Sgt Lionel Gerald Freeman, 1322558, Air Bomber, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 24 May 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BF528

Buried in RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 2. G. 19.

Son of Leonard and Betty Freeman, of Forest Gate, Essex.

Initially buried at Stadtfriedhof

Source : Dave Pointer (grandson of Sgt WS Clifton-Moggs) and CWGC

Date record last updated : 07 February 2008

Plt/Off P Fussey

Plt/Off P Fussey, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 14 September 1942, POW number 706

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

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

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Sole survivor of the crew of R9166

Source : Footprints in the sands of time by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 21 February 2008

Flt/Lt Sidney T Farrington

Flt/Lt Sidney T Farrington, 68768, Pilot

Fortress Ops Flown = 19
(actually 'operational take-offs' Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc)

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 7 June 2008

FS Fell

FS Fell, Waist Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) SR378 BU-D

Is listed on Battle Orders for 22 August 1944.

Is also listed on returning operational aircrew on 31 August 1944

Source : George Mackie

Date record last updated : 28 July 2008

Flt/Lt Ken Finlay

Flt/Lt Ken Finlay, Air Electronics Officer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor Mark I - 3 point tanker XA937

Source : Tom Robson

Date record last updated : 23 January 2010

Sgt H F Farley

Sgt H F Farley, 954746

On 18 October 1941 he was posted to 214 Squadron (as per ORB for 230TU Pershore)

Source : Colin Burningham

Date record last updated : 14 September 2008

Sgt Anthony Alexander Ferguson

Sgt Ferguson is on the right of the picture

Sgt Ferguson is on the right of the picture

Sgt Anthony Alexander Ferguson, 1110578, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : British, KIA 2 April 1942, Aged 25

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) Z1156
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z8858 BU-B

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 2. F. 10-18.

Son of Elizabeth Lisle Wilkinson, of Sunderland, Co. Durham; husband of Elsie Ferguson.

Sgt AA Ferguson was injured as a result of the crash of Z8858 on 26 February 1942.

Source : CWGC and Chorley's "Bomber Command Losses" 1942 volume and Andrew Wilkinson (nephew of Sgt A A Ferguson)

Date record last updated : 27 November 2009

Sgt Fry

Sgt Fry

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) X3206

Source : Colin Burningham and W.R.Chorley

Date record last updated : 17 November 2008

Sgt C G Fox

Sgt C G Fox

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BF318 (20 December 1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BF318 (28 November 1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9186 (15 December 1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9186 (8 December 1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) W7631

Source : Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 29 December 2008

Flt/Lt Falconer DFC

Flt/Lt Falconer DFC

214 Squadron's Navigational Leader (1940). He had an actress wife.

He was friendly with Flt/Lt Jack Wetherley.

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

Date record last updated : 11 April 2009

Sgt E F Fry

Sgt E F Fry, Pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2708 (29 November 1940) BU-N

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 11 April 2009

Sgt H C Fairhall

Sgt H C Fairhall, Date taken POW 23 July 1942, POW number 25072

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

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

Date record last updated : 16 May 2009

Sgt John Brown Fleming

Sgt John Brown Fleming, R/123282, Air Gunner, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 24 July 1942, Aged 21

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

Buried in WERKENDAM PROTESTANT CEMETERY. Reference : Row 8. Grave 5.

Son of John J. and Isobel Fleming, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Autumn 2004

Date record last updated : 16 May 2009

AVM Jack Furner CBE DFC AFC

AVM Jack Furner CBE DFC AFC, Navigator

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

Born 14 November 1921

Buried in St Faith's Crematorium, Horsham St faith

He joined the RAF at the Lords cricket ground recruiting centre in 1941 and from the outset he wanted to be a navigator and not a pilot.

During a 35 year career he flew in 42 different types of aircraft with 243 different pilots.

After basic training and navigation school he moved on to an Operational Training Unit (OTU) where he later joined his crew.

In March 1943 he was posted, with his crew, to an operational bomber squadron, No.214, at Chedburgh, Suffolk to fly the Short Stirling four engined heavy bomber. His first operation was to Kiel on April 4th. And his last to Berlin on Aug 31st.

A total of 25 operational flights were flown, completing his "tour".

He was 21 years old and was posted to No. 3 Group HQ at Exning near Newmarket to carry out analysis of operational navigation logs and charts.

In November he learnt that a new Group was being formed in Bomber Command. This was 100 Group with it's HQ at Bylaugh Hall, near Dereham, Norfolk.

The Group's task was to bring together various squadrons and other specialist units that were to fight a very secret war of electronic and radio countermeasures to attempt to reduce the losses of the mainstream heavy bombers and crews.

In December he heard that his old squadron,No. 214, was to be reformed in 100 Group to fly the B17 Flying Fortress on radio countermeasures duties.

He also heard that they would require a navigation leader in the rank of Flight Lieutenant and wanting to get back to operational flying he applied to return to his old squadron.

His request was accepted and in the early months of 1944 he moved to Sculthorpe, Norfolk where the squadron was to receive Fortresses for familiarisation training. By April they began to fly a few ops and in May a move was made to Oulton near Blickling.

Here operations commenced on May 16th. From this period to September Jack flew as navigation leader on many important raids in support of the main RAF bomber raids against targets over Germany and occupied Europe. Having now completed his second operational "tour" he was sent, in late 1944, to fly as navigator in Transport Command aircraft, operating from India on supply dropping over Burma. Although the war against Japan came to an end in August 1945 there was still much work to do and Jack did not return home until 1947.

In the postwar period he instructed at a Navigation School then went to the Central Navigation and Control School (CNCS) at Shawbury from July 1950 to April 1951.

This was followed by a period at Boscombe Down where he was involved in trials and development work on new navigation and bombing equipment.

In November 1953 he was seconded to the USAF for development work at the Wright Air Development Center at Dayton, Ohio.

Here he flew in a variety of aircraft, B25, B26, B29, B36, B47 and B52 as well as the T33 and T29.

In June 1956 he returned to England with his wife, sons and a Chevrolet.

Following his return he attended a five month course at the RAF Flying College at Manby, Lincs.

His next job meant promotion to Wing Commander as O/C of the Vulcan Operations Wing at RAF Waddington.

Next was a desk job as an operational planner at Bomber Command HQ, then to SHAPE in the Nuclear Activities Branch.

In 1965 he was a Deputy Director of Manning at the Air Ministry.

Promotion to Group Captain brought command of RAF Scampton with three Vulcan Blue Steel Squadrons.

In 1969 Jack became AOC of the Central Reconnaissance Establishment at Brampton, Hunts. (now Cambs.) with it's airfield at Wyton.

1970 saw him appointed as Secretary to the Military Committee at NATO HQ in Brussels.

His final appointment before retirement in 1976 was as Assistant Air Secretary.

AVM Jack Furner who lived in Cromer, Norfolk, died on January 1st., aged 85.

Source : John Jewsbury (son of R F Jewsbury) and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2007

Date record last updated : 7 July 2009

Sgt J W B Follitt

Sgt J W B Follitt, ???519, Date taken POW 29 September 1941, POW number 9691

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

From Littlehamton, Sussex, UK

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

FS Tom Flanagan

FS Tom Flanagan, 651415, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 2 April 1942, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9979 BU-O

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 2. B. 19-21.

Son of James and Lilian Flanagan; husband of Phylis Flanagan.

Source : Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 20 July 2010

Sgt H J Friend

Sgt H J Friend, 1388280, Bomb Aimer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EF445 BU-J

Source : Chorley

Date record last updated : 3 October 2010

Plt/Off Findlay

Plt/Off Findlay

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9319 BU-S

Date record last updated : 3 October 2010

Wg/Cdr Robert McAlistair 'Mac' Furze AFC

Wg/Cdr Robert McAlistair 'Mac' Furze AFC

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Valiant (model unknown) XD861

Born in Manuden, Essex

Son of Robert and Elizabeth Furze of Essex, husband of Marna Ray Stevens

His obituary taken from the Herts & Essex Observer is a follows :
"A POPULAR churchwarden and former RAF pilot from Much Hadham has died, aged 83.
The funeral for Wing Commander Robert McAlastair Furze AFC, known to everyone as Mac, was held last Wednesday.
In his later years, Mac was known for his role as churchwarden at St Andrew’s Church in the village, while the antiques shop he ran with wife Marna featured in popular BBC drama Lovejoy.
His brother Rupert, who lives in Nairn in the Scottish Highlands, said: "My brother loved Much Hadham very much, he was quite heartbroken when he had to move.
"He was responsible for the fabric of the church for a long time, and it was a big part of his life."
Mac was born in 1928 to farmer Robert Furze and his wife Elizabeth, in Manuden, Essex.
While at boarding school, he hoped to join the Royal Navy, but by the time he was in his final year at the Naval College at Panbourne, his enthusiasm turned to flying.
He started off as a pilot officer with a four-engine Lancaster bomber, and soon went on to become part of the reserve team for the New Zealand Air Race in June 1953.
At the last minute, Mac got his chance to take part in the race and, together with his navigator, flew 12,300 miles (19,794 km) in 24 hours and 34 minutes.
Despite coming in third place, Mac claimed to be "the first man to hold his water from London to Christchurch, New Zealand".

Please click on the following link about the race :
http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=31308

Mac married Marna Ray Stevens in May 1955 and the couple ran an antiques shop after Mac retired from the RAF.

Marna died in September 1995 and Mac moved to a care home in Sawbridgeworth last year.

Mac leaves daughter Amanda, who lives in Australia, and granddaughter Rebecca

Source : Herts & Essex Observer newsaper and Eric Macey

Date record last updated : 30 December 2011

Sgt Joseph Ferris

Sgt Joseph Ferris, 1381860, Air Bomber, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 15 October 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9146 BU-S

Buried in UDEN WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 4. B. 10-12.

Of Granada.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 9 October 2010

Flt/Lt Keith James Falconer DFC

Flt/Lt Keith James Falconer DFC, 84730, Observer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 8 September 1941, Aged 33

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

Buried in BERLIN 1939-1945 WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 4. A. 10.

Son of James and Marion Falconer; husband of Freda Falconer, of St. Marylebone, London.

He flew with Squadron Leader Smythe.

This could be the same person as Flt/Lt Falconer.

Source : Sheila Scott Byrne (daughter of Wg/Cdr Peter Doig Scott) and CWGC

Date record last updated : 10 July 2011

Sgt Andrew Fleming

Sgt Andrew Fleming, R/77881, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, KIA 18 August 1942, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I BF330 BU-H

Buried in MANBY (ST. MARY) CHURCHYARD. Reference : Grave 10.

Son of Andrew and Emma Fleming, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 19 November 2010

Sgt Michael Joseph Fitzgerald

Sgt Michael Joseph Fitzgerald, 1375074, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 30 November 1941, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z8953 BU-?

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 43.

Son of Patrick J. and Christine Fitzgerald, of Chiswick, Middlesex.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 29 December 2010

Sgt Gordon James Walter Fleming

Sgt Gordon James Walter Fleming, 1380918, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 30 November 1941, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z8953 BU-?

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 43.

Son of William Hart Fleming and Louisa May Fleming, of Hammersmith, London.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 29 December 2010

Sgt Ian Arthur Flower

Sgt Ian Arthur Flower, 1166146, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 30 November 1941

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z8953 BU-?

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 43.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 29 December 2010

Norman William Flight

Norman William Flight

Norman served with 214 Squadron from 1950 to 1954. He was based at Upwood flying Lincoln's. Norman spent his whole working life in the RAF and his time with 214 was just a small but important chunk (that's when he married his wife). Norman passed away in 1997.

Source : Ross Flight (son)

Date record last updated : 30 April 2011

Sgt Hugh Morris Felce

Sgt Hugh Morris Felce, 1161980, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 3 March 1943

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

Buried in SAGE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 1.D.16

Source : CWGC & Chorley

Date record last updated : 21 June 2011

Sgt John Fenn

Sgt John Fenn, Wireless Operator, Nationality : United Kingdom

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

Born in London, England

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

Date record last updated : 31 August 2011

FS Jock Fitzsimmons

FS Jock Fitzsimmons, Flight Engineer, Nationality : United Kingdom

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

Born in Bourton on Water, England

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

Date record last updated : 31 August 2011

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