No. 214 (Federated Malay States) Squadron
Royal Air Force

PERSONNEL
P
Z

The information on this page has been obtained from many sources. The idea is to gather any and all information on each individual member of 214 Squadron and record it here. Eventually, as enough information is received for each individual, a separate section will be set up for them with photos, memories and their personal story. If you served with the squadron, or know someone who was with the squadron, please contact me (remove the xxx to send an email) and help build this memorial / tribute to the squadron.

NOTE : To see the information for each individual, find their name in the HONOUR ROLL in the left column and if the name is underlined click on it. If the name is not underlined, then no further details are available yet.


Fg/Off J M Paape

Fg/Off J M Paape pilot RNZAF and six crew, all KIA, crash date 15/16-October-1942, crash-site in the middle of the town of Oss in the Netherlands. They are interred at Uden CWGC. An article was prepared by Mr Joop Thuring the regional newspaper about 25 years ago to disclose details for the locals / eye-witnesses in view of the circulating rumours. Occasionally Joop visits their graves at Uden.

SOURCE & RESEARCH: Mr Joop Thuring, Air War Researcher in The Netherlands.

WO/I Walter David Page

WO/I Walter David Page, R/69723, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 1 April 1942, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1052

Buried in MIDDELKERKE COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Reference : Row A. Grave 4.

Son of William Arthur and Mildred Kate Page, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. B.A. (University of Bishop's College, Lennoxville).

Source : Ian Hunt and CWGC

Date record last updated : 13 September 2009


Sgt Tristam E L Palmer

They Shall not grow old
As we who are left Grow old
We will remember them

Sgt Tristam Palmer,  RAF Age 21, Sgt Palmer 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 ( 03/07/1942 ) 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

Sgt Harry Michael Parsons

Sgt Harry Michael Parsons, 1332551, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, Aged 25

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

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial Panel 161

Son of Harry John and Margaret Mary Parsons; husband of Joan Parsons, of Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex.

Source : CWGC and Nils Hempel of Kiel Germany

Date record last updated : 24 March 2009

FS J Parkinson

FS J Parkinson , F/Sgt Parkinson's  crew as recorded on their first 5 ops entries listed in the ORB seem to give the
crew as:-
                          F/Lt J W Lucas
                          F/Lt W H Taylor
                          F/O N W Manners
                          F/Sgt R Jeffcock
                          W/O S C Hopkins
                          Sgt W C Heley (spelt Healey in the first entry but Heley in the next four)
                          F/Sgt J Parkinson
                          Sgt C W Pearson
                          Sgt J Burchell

This crew seems to be listed consistently in this order in the ORB, although it doesn't give their individual crew functions. HOWEVER, the tenth crew member (possibly the jamming equipment Special Operator?) changed a bit over the first 5 ops.
                          - Firstly it was Sgt J S Reid (1st op);
                          - then F/O W E Gronau RCAF (2nd op);
                          - then Sgt C Kerr (next 3 ops).
It may be that this was how the crew settled down to be (ie with Kerr).

SOURCE & RESEARCH: Ian Hunt

 Plt/Off Harold Paterson DFC

Plt/Off Harold Patterson RAFVR,  Harold Paterson was on 19 Course at No 10 FTS Tern Hill with Jack Wetherly and Humphrey Smiles.  Posted like them to 214 Squadron, Paterson was awarded an immediate DFC for a low-level attack on Scharnhorst in Brest harbour on 2/3 March 1941.  The incident was widely reported in the press.

Plt/Off Edward Robert Matheson Pears

Plt/Off Edward Robert Matheson Pears, 84012, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 23 November 1940, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2471 BU-?

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial Panel 9

Son of Edwin Robert William and Lilian Grace Mabel Pears, of Warley, Worcestershire.

On1 November 1940 P/O Pears, filling in for Sgt Cattle, and Sgt Brown, together (both pilots) were enroute to operations over Berlin but due to high fuel consumption of the Wellington they changed their target to Osnabruck. Sgt Peter D Scott was one of the air gunners on this flight, other crew unknown.

All crew members were reported missing, and subsequently listed as KIA .
The notes just say: "Lost without trace". It's therefore quite likely that the crew were either shot down over the sea or otherwise had to ditch into it.

Source : Ian Hunt and W R Chorley's book 'RAF Bomber Command Losses 1939-1940' and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2006 and Log of Peter Doig Scott and Sheila Byrne

Date record last updated : 13 February 2009


Sgt C W Pearson

Sgt C W Pearson, Sgt Pearson's  crew as recorded on their first 5 ops entries listed in the ORB seem to give the
crew as:-
                          F/Lt J W Lucas
                          F/Lt W H Taylor
                          F/O N W Manners
                          F/Sgt R Jeffcock
                          W/O S C Hopkins
                          Sgt W C Heley (spelt Healey in the first entry but Heley in the next four)
                          F/Sgt J Parkinson
                          Sgt C W Pearson
                          Sgt J Burchell

This crew seems to be listed consistently in this order in the ORB, although it doesn't give their individual crew functions. HOWEVER, the tenth crew member (possibly the jamming equipment Special Operator?) changed a bit over the first 5 ops.
                          - Firstly it was Sgt J S Reid (1st op);
                          - then F/O W E Gronau RCAF (2nd op);
                          - then Sgt C Kerr (next 3 ops).
It may be that this was how the crew settled down to be (ie with Kerr).

SOURCE & RESEARCH: Ian Hunt

 Sgt Cyril Walter Penny

Sgt Cyril Walter Penny, Navigator (22) 925051 Son of Walter and Rose Penny of Southampton. On the 10thof April 1942 at 22.50 , Wellington Mark 1c Bomber No. HB856, piloted by P/O John Murray left Stradishall Royal Air Force base destined for the German city of Essen in the heavily defended industrial Ruhr Valley. Sgt Cyril Walter Penny was on board as Navigator . Intelligence had predicted clear weather over the whole bombing run and as with the 3 previous night sorties that week, the planes of his 214 Squadron should return in the early hours of the next morning. The weather forecast had not been correct however and once over Germany the formations broke up in the heavy cloud and encountered concentrated and accurate anti-aircraft fire.

Hb856 did not return, and was later reported by German authorities that all crew had perished. All are buried in the Reichswald Forest Memorial Site in Germany.

Researched by Alan Butterworth of South Africa, nephew of Cpt H.M. Butterworth.
See Cpt Harold Butterworth page for further info .

FS Edward Arthur Percival DFM MiD


FS Edward Arthur Percival DFM MiD, 1263001, Waist Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 17 March 1945, Aged 30, 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, SW 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. 2.

Son of Harry and Rose Percival; husband of Maud Lilian Percival, of Barking, Essex.

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

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.
Percival and four others were taken to the cemetery and shot.


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 64 of 68.

Source : CWGC and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and John & Carol Edwards (family connection to Flt/Lt Sidney C Matthews) and Reg Kemp (nephew of Harold Frost) and Alison Bilham (neice of Edward Percival).

Date record last updated : 24 January 2010


Fg/Off Nicholas Peters


Fg/Off Nicholas Peters (left) with his nephew Hugh (Hugo) Peters
(photograph provided by Greg Peters)

Fg/Off Nicholas Peters, J/45525, Special Operator, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 7 March 1945, Aged 30

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) KJ106 BU-G

Buried in BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Plot 14. Row D. Grave 14.

Son of Isaac F. Peters and of Elizabeth Peters (nee Reidiger); husband of Emma Marguerite Peters (nee Tustian), of Kagawong, Ontario, Canada.

He grew up in the Ukraine during WWI and the Russian Revolution.

He wrote a book of poetry reflecting on life and wars. An example of his poetry can be found at http://www.all-creatures.org/articles/pea-thewars.html.


Source : CWGC and Greg Peters (Great Nephew).

Date record last updated : 20 October 2008


FS Gerard Francis Joseph Phalempin

FS Gerard Francis Joseph Phalempin, R/86743, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 13 October 1942

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

Buried in KIEL WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 1. C. 9.

Source : CWGC and Chorley and Chris Capewell (relative of Ron Davison)

Date record last updated : 27 February 2010


Sgt Ken C Phelan

Sgt Ken C Phelan, Starboard Waist Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 7 March 1945, POW number Not known

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) KJ106 BU-G

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

POW camp not known. Transferred to RAF Cosford Hospital on return to UK

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

Date record last updated : 20 October 2008

WO/I Raymond Daniel Picciano

WO/I Raymond Daniel Picciano, R/140622, Air Bomber, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, 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. 8.

Source : CWGC and Chas Chambers and Matt Baars

Date record last updated : 16 May 2009


Sgt R C Plummer

Sgt R C Plummer,  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).

SOURCE: Chorley (book 2 - 1941) Ian Hunt

 Plt/Off Ewart Duncan Pockney

Plt/Off Ewart Duncan Pockney, 76925, Rear Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 19 August 1941, Aged 35

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2802 BU-A

Buried in LEMSTERLAND (LEMMER) GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Plot C. Row 10. Grave 258.

Son of the Revd. Charles Pockney and Bertha S. Pockney; husband of Margaret Pockney, of Edwalton, Nottinghamshire.

Sometimes Pockney was replaced by the most senior gunner on the squadron, Flight Lieutenant Culley.

Before the war Duncan Pockney had worked in Fleet Street. Older than most aircrew, he joined 214 Squadron in November 1940. He flew as rear gunner in Pilot Officer Jack Wetherly's crew. When Jack Wetherly completed his tour in March 1941 the crew was taken over by Pilot Officer John Topliss.

When Topliss and his crew were lost on Hamburg on 11 May 1941 flying Wellington R1462, Pockney was not with them (reason unknown).

His luck did not hold out for much longer, as was killed on 19 August 1941, flying with 218 Squadron from Marham. His aircraft came down in the Zuider Zee. His body was recovered.

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

Date record last updated : 14 June 2009

FS Jack Podger

F/Sgt Jack Podger 214 squadron

FS Jack Podger, Navigator

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

Source : Pilot Officer William Foskett

Date record last updated : 26 May 2009

FS Herbert Clare Pollard

FS Herbert Clare Pollard, 1109146, Wireless Operator / 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 : Coll. grave 22. A. 8-12.

Source : CWGC and Chas Chambers and Matt Baars

Date record last updated : 16 May 2009


 WO John Frederick Potter DFC

WO John Frederick Potter DFC, Navigator

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2776 BU-G
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2776 (pre September 1940) BU-G

As a sergeant, John Potter flew as navigator to Flying Officer John Leighton Beck and Pilot Officer Maurice Hartford in 214 Squadron in the second half of 1940. In early 1941 he accompanied Hartford to Malta and the Middle East and flew another tour with 148 Squadron. The London Gazette of 30 October 1942 lists the award of a DFC to Warrant Officer Potter of 23 Squadron in recognition of his bomber operations in Europe and the Middle East and of his intruder sorties with 23 Squadron.

Source : Christopher Jary (author of "Portrait of a bomber pilot")

Date record last updated : 11 April 2009

 Sgt J G Powell

Sgt J G Powell, RAF, Shot down in raid on Berlin 01/03/1943 and taken prisoner.

Crew were:
F/S J.M. Lyall                 prisoner  RCAF
Sgt N.G. Etherden         prisoner   RAF
F/O B.F.R Hotson          killed       RNZAF
Sgt D.B Scoble              prisoner   RNZAF
Sgt R.H Thom                 prisoner  RNZAF
Sgt J.G Jack                   prisoner  RAF
Sgt J.G Powell               prisoner   RAF

WO/II William Obediah Powell

WO/II William Obediah Powell , Wireless Operator \ Air Gunner, R/71536, Royal Canadian Air Force , Nationality : Canadian. KIA 03 February 1943 Age 22.

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling R9197 BU-V

He is buried at AMERSFOORT (OUD LEUSDEN) GENERAL CEMETERY. Plot 13. Row 5. Grave 83.

Son of William George and Marion Gertrude Powell, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Source : CWGC & http://home.hetnet.nl/~olgaenron/214%20squadron.htm


Sgt C D Pownie

Sgt C D Pownie

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


Sgt Leslie Whitehouse Price

Sgt Leslie Whitehouse Price, 981412, (W.Op./Air Gnr.), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom. KIA 3 September 1941.

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington R1717 BU-Z?

Son of Frederick and Pollie Ann Price, of Farnworth, Lancashire.

Buried in DUNKIRK TOWN CEMETERY. Plot 2 Row 2 Grave 22.

SOURCE: Glen McKay, Captain, Canadian Armed Forces (Retd) and CWGC

Sgt Thomas Noel Castree Prosser DFM

Sgt  Thomas Noel Castree Prosser  DFM,  527989


On the night of 27/06/1942 Stirling N3751 coded BU-P  set out for operations to Bremen. After bombing the target the crew encountered Luftwaffe nightfigters who often frequented the bomber routes home.  Enduring an unforgettable night of horror N3751 and crew, although severely damaged by flak, attacked by five enemy fighters and shot at over the sea managed to bring their aircraft home.  At 0500 be it a miracle or skill, N3751 returning to base, skidded down the runway wheels up and came to a rest. Although not officially verified yet  it is almost certain that Stirling BU-P never flew again. All surviving crew members were awarded the DFM. The citation as follows tells the harrowing story:  

3196 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 21 JULY,1942
Award of the Distinguished Flying Medal to:

953982 F/Sgt James Ian Cunningham Waddicar,  Gunner
Aus- 4OO468 Sergeant Frank Morton GRIGGS  RAAF,  Pilot
1378114 Sergeant  Arthur 'O'HARA,  Navigator
953982 Flight Sergeant James Ian Cunningham WADDICAR
1014907 Sergeant Ronald WATSON,  Gunner
527989 .Sergeant Thomas Noel Castree PROSSER,'
1052356 Sergeant 'William WILDEY  1st Wireless Operator

These airmen (listed above) were members of the crew of an aircraft detailed to attack Bremen" on ' the night' of 27th June, 1942 ( 27/06/1942 ), Sergeant Griggs acting as captain. The objective was successfully bombed., but over the target area the aircraft sustained much damage from anti-aircraft fire. One of  the starboard engines was hit and put out of action. Shortly afterwards the bomber  was subjected to an attack by an enemy fighter, fire from which caused further damage. Almost immediately a second  fighter opened fire and Sergeant Wildey, the 1st wireless operator, was wounded in the arm. The first fighter then returned to the attack but was met with a long and vicious burst from Sergeant Waddicar's guns which sent the enemy aircraft spinning towards the ground, where it exploded on impact.

Some time later, after crossing Holland, Sergeant O'Hara, the navigator, who had "skilfully guided his captain' thus far, observed 2' enemy fighters closing in. Sergeant Watson, who was tending the injured wireless operator, immediately attempted to man his turret but it was jammed. With the assistance of Sergeant O'Hara, who held his legs, he managed to reach his guns and he then delivered an effective burst at the leading fighter, which caused it to dive towards the sea completely out of-control. Meanwhile, Sergeant Waddicar, with commendable ingenuity, had temporarily repaired one of his guns which had failed and opened fire at the second aircraft from close range.. The attacker dived away and exploded before hitting the water!  The bomber was not yet out of danger, being subjected to machine gun fire  from the sea. A few minutes later another fighter appeared opening fire with a long burst but Sergeant Waddicar's return fire caused it to break off the engagement.

Sergeant Griggs, displaying fine airmanship, eventually flew his severely damaged aircraft safely back to base where he made a crash landing. Throughout the operation, these airmen displayed unflinching courage, great fortitude and splendid team work in foiling the attacks of 5 enemy fighters, 3 of which were shot down. Their conduct upheld  the highest 'traditions of the Royal Air Force.

Source: Citation text is from the on line archives of the London Gazette

Sgt Crawford Kier Phin

Sgt Crawfor Kier Phin, 1349598, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was a navigator. KIA 26/27 March 1943.

Son of David and Mary Maitland Phin.

Buried at Hanover War Cemetery

See CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling BF453 BU-L

Source : Eric Matthews relative of Eric Greenhalgh, Ian Hunt and CWGC


Sgt G Parnell

Sgt G Parnell

Sgt G Parnell, 1579972, Mid Upper Gunner, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 22 September 1943, POW number 502

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BF516 PX-E
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I EF393 BU-R

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

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Nightjar newsletter Autumn 2004 and Shirley Whitlock and Ian Hunt and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and John Fowler

Date record last updated : 5 August 2009


FS Paterson

FS Paterson, Navigator, 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


Sgt L J Pound

Sgt L J Pound, Flight Engineer. POW 14 March 1945

See CREWS AND LOSSES for Fortress HB802 BU-O

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Ian Hunt, ORB of F/LT N Rix


FS Thomas William James Pollard

FS Thomas William James Pollard, 1865782, Waist Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Nationality : United Kingdom KIA 24 February 1945. Aged 19.

See CREWS AND LOSSES for Fortress HB805 BU-C

Son of Thomas and Florence Beatrice Pollard, of Kings Cliffe, Northamptonshire.

Buried at RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY. 6. E. 20.


Source : CWGC


Sgt A C Peck

Sgt A C Peck (fate unknown).

See CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mk1c L7843

Source : Nightjar newsletter Winter / Spring 2006.


Sgt Arthur Burnham Puzey

Sgt Arthur Burnham Puzey, 755485, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 30 August 1940, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2559

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

Son of Sqdn. Ldr. George Arthur Puzey, R.A.F., and Daisy Henrietta Puzey, of Slough, Buckinghamshire.

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

Date record last updated : 23 June 2009


Sqn/Ldr Cyril Penna DFM

Sqn/Ldr Cyril Penna DFM, Bomb Aimer.

See CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling R9194 BU-N

After bailing out of R9194, Sgt Penna evaded capture by the Germans and with the help of the Resistance, he made his way home via the Pyrenees and Gibraltar.

Herve Savary advises us that it was Mr Gilbert Biguet from Warlus near Arras who allowed Cyril who stay for one week in his house before escaping and that Cyril visited him after the war with his two sons David and Graham.

His feet and hand became badly frostbitten crossing the Pyrenees. For his gallant evasion and return to the UK, he was awarded the DFM.

He wrote a book about this escape called .'Escape and Evasion' published by United Writers Publications Ltd (Penzance) in 1987. ISBN 1 65200 008 2. See gift shop for more details.

Capitaine Herve Savary found in the records of the Chauny gendarmerie that a farmer from Viry Noureuil (a little village 2 km near the Stirling crash site) found a parachute on 6th December 1942 and took it to the gendarmerie station at Chauny. The farmer found this parachute under a pile of sugar beets as mentioned in Sgt Penna's evasion story. Capitaine Herve Savary is still trying to find the ten year old french girl accompanied by her father near Chauny that Sgt Penna's evasion story also refers to.

Source : Capitaine Herve Savary (French Gendarmerie Officer) and Nightjar Newsletter.

Date record last updated : 28 February 2010


Sgt Louis John Pinn

Sgt Louis John Pinn, Flight Engineer, 582411, Nationality : British. KIA 14 August 1954 Age 25.

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Lincoln SX976

Date of Birth 27 August 1928.

He is buried at City Park Cemetery, Nairobi, Kenya. Grave Section 13 Grave 53.

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

Born Sidmouth Devon, Stationed at RAF Eastleigh. Killed on a bombing low level against the Mau Mau. There was a sympathetic explosion of bomb load. A piece of shrapnell came up and hit the aircraft killing Sgt Pinn.

Source : Jock Whitehouse and Armed Forces Memorial


Flt/Lt Kenneth John Peacock

Flt/Lt Kenneth John Peacock , Navigator, 5061994, Royal Air Force , Nationality : British. KIA 19 August 1968 Age 31.

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor XH646

Date of Birth 06 June 1937.

He is buried at St Faith's Crematorium, Norwich.

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

Source : Jock Whitehouse and Armed Forces Memorial


Sgt Wilfred Ernest Pearson

Sgt Wilfred Ernest Pearson, 568448, Flight Engineer, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 20 June 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I N3762 BU-C

Buried in OMMEN GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 4

Source : CWGC, Chorley and Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 13 February 2008


Sgt Edward Lionel Punnett


Sgt Edward Lionel Punnett, 1606932, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 23 March 1945

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

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial Panel 276

CWGC states death date one day after loss?

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

Date record last updated : 27 July 2010


Flt/Lt Carl Puterbough DFC

Flt/Lt Carl Puterbough DFC, J219296, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian

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

Mentioned in the Flying Log Book of Sgt Fulton James Logan.

Flew 17 operational take-offs in Fotresses.

Joined 214 from 1657 CU 28 August 1943
First Op (Stirling) 15 September 1943
Promoted to Acting Flt/Lt 10 January 1944
Last Op 10 September 1944
Posted to RCAF "R" Depot 09 January 1945

Flew as 2nd pilot with Jack Dixon on 27 August 1943.

Source : Ron Belanger (son in law of Sgt Fulton James Logan) and Ian Hunt and John Jewsbury (son of R F Jewsbury)

Date record last updated : 7 July 2009


FS B Pickthorne

FS B Pickthorne, R54358, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner

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

On 18 October 1941 FS Pickthorne was posted to 214 Squadron from 23OTU.
He was flying as part of a crew in 214 Squadron from 18 October 1941 (as per ORB for 230TU Pershore) till January 1942.
On 19 January 1942 he was posted 99 Squadron.
On 23 February 1942 he was posted to Portreath from Waterbeach.
On 26 February 1942 he was posted from Portreath direct to Malta, en-rote to to ME fro 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 : 4 October 2009


FS J E M Pitchford

FS J E M Pitchford, Air Bomber, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 25 August 1944, POW number 754

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


Flt/Lt G P 'Tubby' Pow DFC

Flt/Lt G P 'Tubby' Pow DFC, Bomb Aimer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 15 March 1945, POW number None

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

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

After baling out of the aircraft he was taken POW being picked up by the German Army after parachuting onto the roof of a factory, along with Flt/Lt Dudley Heal.

Source : Vivien White (daughter of Dudley Heal) and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 23 June 2009


WO Jack Delmont 'Phillipsy' Phillips


WO Jack Delmont 'Phillipsy' Phillips, 422692, Rear Gunner, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Peden
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) SR381 BU-F

Born 23 December 1921
Born in Australia

Son of Soloman and Polly Phillips

Jack served with 214 Squadron from 1942 to 1945.
He served with pilot Murray Peden (Canadian air force)
He crewed in Short Stirling and Flying Fortress.

Trained in Various Wellingtons. Stirlings 2675, G350. Flying Fotress 177, 970, 451, 241, 773, 812, 169, 187, 148. Fortress F for Freddy. P for Peter.

Source : Michael Phillips (son of Jack Phillips) and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Return of operational Aircrew at 16:00hrs on 31 August 1944

Date record last updated : 31 October 2008


Flt/Lt D Murray Peden

Flt/Lt D Murray Peden, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Peden
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) SR381 BU-F

Source : Michael Phillips (son of Jack Phillips) and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Return of operational Aircrew at 16:00hrs on 31 August 1944

Date record last updated : 31 October 2008


Sgt W Phillips

Sgt W Phillips

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BK600

Source : Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 29 December 2008


Sgt George James Peck

Sgt George James Peck, R/77370, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : American, KIA 15 January 1942, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R1759 BU-L

Buried in DRIFFIELD CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 6167.

Son of George James Peck, and of Helen Duganne Peck, of Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

After his aircraft crashed into the North Sea off Whitby, Yorkshire his body was recovered after being washed ashore at Cloughton Wyke near Scarborough

Source : CWGC and Richard Allenby - www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk

Date record last updated : 9 March 2009


Sgt Charles Duncan Powrie

Sgt Charles Duncan Powrie, 745352, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 7 December 1940, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R2476

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial Panel 18

Son of Robert and Katharine Powrie, of Perth.

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Winter / Spring 2006 and CWGC

Date record last updated : 11 April 2009


Plt/Off Jack Dempsey Peel

Plt/Off Jack Dempsey Peel, 115123, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 24 July 1942

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

Buried in WERKENDAM PROTESTANT CEMETERY. Reference : Row 8. Grave 7.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Autumn 2004

Date record last updated : 16 May 2009


FS Plumber

FS Plumber, Navigator

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II ??Van Den Bok (December 1944) BU-C

Source : Roger Mills (son of John Tudor Mills)

Date record last updated : 16 May 2009


Sgt Donald Parker

Sgt Donald Parker, 3040675, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 21 March 1945, Aged 19

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

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 7. D. 8.

Son of Albert and Mabel Parker, of Kettleby, Lincolnshire.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003

Date record last updated : 26 May 2009


WO/II James Walter Pellant

WO/II James Walter Pellant, J/95470, Air Bomber, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 21 March 1945, Aged 21

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. 3.

Son of Maurice and Maud Pellant, of Gronlid, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Pellant / Peiliant ??

Is named as Pellant on CWGC and is listed as Pilot Officer.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003

Date record last updated : 26 May 2009


Sgt Walter Perkins

Sgt Walter Perkins, 2223326, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 21 March 1945, Aged 19

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

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 7. D. 4.

Son of William and Alice Gladys Perkins, of Calverton, Nottinghamshire.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003

Date record last updated : 26 May 2009


Sgt Eric Parker

Sgt Eric Parker, 655812, Navigator / Observer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 12 March 1943, Aged 26

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 Arthur and Jane Parker, of Blackpool Lancashire.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004

Date record last updated : 9 August 2009


Fg/Off Ernest George 'Paddy' Paddick

Fg/Off Ernest George 'Paddy' Paddick, 179426, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 8 February 1945, Aged 23

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

Buried in EAST FINCHLEY CEMETERY AND ST. MARYLEBONE CREMATORIUM. Reference : Sec. V4. Grave 68.

Son of George Edward and Rose Paddick, of St. Marylebone, London.

Please see the following link to the BBC website WORLD WAR 2 - PEOPLE'S WAR.

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

See the chapter named FLYING OPERATIONS.

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

Date record last updated : 5 August 2009


Sgt Stanley Perry

Sgt Stanley Perry, 1174623, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 1 April 1942, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1052

Buried in MIDDELKERKE COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Reference : Row A. Coll grave 1-3.

Son of Fred and Lily Perry, of Brownhills, Staffordshire.

Source : Ian Hunt and CWGC

Date record last updated : 13 September 2009


Sgt Richard Arthur Platt

Sgt Richard Arthur Platt, 939816, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 1 April 1942, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1052

Buried in MIDDELKERKE COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Reference : Row B. Grave 26.

Son of Robert Arthur and Miriam Eveline Platt, of Wyke, Yorkshire.

Source : Ian Hunt and CWGC

Date record last updated : 13 September 2009


WO Jimmy Pate DFC

WO Jimmy Pate DFC, 1559950, Rear Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom

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

He was awarded the DFC and it was recorded in the London Gazette, issue number 37337 published on 2 November 1945. Sadly his DFC was stolen in a burglary in 2001.

He died in February 1979.

Source : Leslie Bostock and Morag Collier (daughter of James Pate) and London Gazette

Date record last updated : 4 July 2010


FS Cyril 'Pip' Piper

FS Cyril 'Pip' Piper, Mid Upper Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Austin BU-O
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Wynne

September 2009 - Cyril Piper still lives in Yorkshire, near Halifax Nova Scotia.

Source : Leslie Bostock

Date record last updated : 27 October 2009


Sgt Cyril Paton

Sgt Cyril Paton, 904673, Front Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 9 May 1941, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) ??Eddison
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1226 BU-L

Buried in BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 32. C. 2.

Son of Thomas and Edith Maude Paton, of South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent.

Source : CWGC and Aled Leyshon (grandson of Mervyn Leyshon)

Date record last updated : 4 October 2009


Sgt Edgar James Page

Sgt Edgar James Page, 1050934, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 7 August 1941, Aged 26

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

Named on the following Memorial : Runnymede Memorial Panel 49

Son of Walter Percy and Jane Page, of Wrexham, Denbighshire.

CWGC states his death date as 7 September 1941 which is incorrect

Source : Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 10 October 2009


Sgt John Routledge Payne

Sgt John Routledge Payne, 984801, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 26 March 1942, Aged 25

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

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

Son of Alfred Joseph and Catherine Payne, of Penrith, Cumberland.

Source : CWGC and Hans J. Kobes, Vriezenveen (NL)

Date record last updated : 29 December 2009


FS C J Peters DFM

FS C J Peters DFM, Special Operator

He flew 40 missions during 1944 to 1945, mainly operating out of Oulton. He died 22 October 2007 and was given a wonderful send off at the Biggin Hill RAF memorial chapel.

Source : Jonathan Peters (son)

Date record last updated : 1 January 2010


Fg/Off Ronald Paisley

Fg/Off Ronald Paisley, 127105, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 26 May 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK659 BU-N

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL panel 127

Son of Frederick William and Alice Elizabeth Paisley, of Ruislip, Middlesex.

After his aircraft crashed into the North Sea his body was never found.

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

Date record last updated : 31 January 2010


Sgt Frank Henry Edward Pooley

Sgt Frank Henry Edward Pooley, 1456718, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 26 May 1943, Aged 19

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK659 BU-N

Buried in SAGE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 11. D. 7.

Son of George Gilbert and Hetty Pooley, of Besthorpe, Norfolk.

After his aircraft crashed into the North Sea Sgt Pooley's body was the only one of the crew to be found.

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

Date record last updated : 31 January 2010


Plt/Off N A Parsons

Plt/Off N A Parsons, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 31 August 1943, POW number 2481

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

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

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

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

Date record last updated : 20 June 2010


Sgt Alfred Arthur Poulton

Sgt Alfred Arthur Poulton, 1397028, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 1 September 1943, Aged 34

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 Mrs. E. Poulton, of Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey; husband of Beatrice Jessie Poulton, of Kingston-on-Thames.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 2 February 2010


FS William Phillips DFM








In front of the tent clearly labelled with 214 Squadron whilst in Feltwell area

FS William Phillips DFM, 525355, Air Gunner

Born in Lyndhurst, Hampshire

William was born in 1917. he was a chauffeur before enlisting in the RAF in 1935. He started on operational flights with 214 Squadron from December 1939. After two very dangerous flights in 1940 William was awarded the DFM for displaying great coolness when under fire.



He is still alive and in reasonably good health in December 2009. He lives in Kings Lynn in Norfolk.

Ricky writes:
"In recent years, my Grandfather has begun talking about some of his experiences whilst serving in the RAF. These stories are always quite amusing, and it is obvious that he enjoyed life in the RAF. However, in most of his stories he doesn’t talk about his combat experiences. The one exception is his (still amusing) description of a return flight from an operation over Italy in a Stirling bomber in which they were throwing anything and everything out of the aircraft in an attempt to reduce the weight of the stricken aircraft. "

Gary writes:
"My grandfather has always insisted he was in Lancasters for the last years of the war . He was in the RAF from 1937 to 1947. Near the end of the war he was sent to India where he stayed until 1947. My grandfather was temporarily promoted to Fl. Lt. towards the end of the war in Europe. He is now approaching his 93rd birthday this summer (2010)".

Source : Ricky Troughton (grandson) and Gary Troughton (grandson)

Date record last updated : 10 July 2010


John Victor Bruce Pugh

John Victor Bruce Pugh, Navigator, Royal Canadian Air Force

Nigel Pugh wrote:

"My father, John Victor Bruce Pugh, served with the squadron extensively during the 1940's as a navigator mainly on Stirlings, and subsequently on Boeing B17 Fortresses at a later date.
(Unfortunately I do not have a record of the flying in fortresses due to losses of logbooks at the time, and would be interested in any information relating to my dad regarding this period).
I am in possession of his first flying logbook, which covers his time at Air Observer's navigation course from April to September 1942, at Chatham, New Brunswick Canada, No 1 AFU Wigtown, Scotland, No 12 OTU, 1657 CU.
John was then posted to 214 Squadron on 23 May 1943, where he flew numerous opeartions with FS Sellar as the pilot.
After this he was posted to 4 group, BDU at Newmarket and 75 Squadron. He was then posted to 1653 at Chedburgh and then to 195 Squadron.
I am in the process of assembling my Fathers biography of his years in the RAF starting with his training in Canada, and then his subsequent posting to 214 Squadron (after some further training in the UK). He progressed with the squadron, based mainly at Stradishall with some time spent at Chedburgh.
He was eventually posted to 75 Squadron where he undertook "Special Duties" at Mepal in Cambridgeshire.
Sadly, at some point in history his logbook was mislaid, and he therfore began a replacement at Mepal (this I do not have), but I beleive he was eventually returned to 214 at Stradishall before being demobbed in 1947 following cessation of hostilities."

If anyone has any further information please contact Nigel through the website administrators.

Source : Nigel Pugh (son)

Date record last updated : 1 March 2010


Sgt Pearson

Sgt Pearson

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9322 (1 June 1942)

This could quite possibly be Sgt Wilfred Ernest Pearson KIA 20 June 1942 with Stirling N3762 BU-C

Source : Don MacDonald

Date record last updated : 19 March 2010


Sgt Geoffrey Michael Phillips

Sgt Geoffrey Michael Phillips, 577156, Observer, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 23 June 1943

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EH882 BU-O

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 6. E. 17.

Son of Frank and Mary Phillips.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 20 June 2010


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