Chairman
Sqn Ldr G W Moffatt

Chairman Designate
Wg Cdr A J Mawby OBE BSc

Treasurer
John Gulliver

Secretary
Peter M Walker

Historian
Jock Whitehouse

Committee
David J Parsons

Roy Monk

Sqn Ldr B D Davies AFC

Wg Cdr W A Wilkinson

Shaun P Broaders MBE, MSM

Should you have any queries on Association matters please feel free to contact, by telephone or letter, any member of the Committee.

NEWS FROM THE EDITOR

As you will see from the booking forms in this newsletter the hotel prices for this year's Reunion Dinner have been increased by a considerable amount. The reason for this is that in a very competitive world the Maids Head Hotel are having to spend around £2 million to bring the hotel up to a modern standard. Much of this work involves refurbishing the guest rooms as well as other improvements throughout the hotel.
Last year the price was £55 per person per night for dinner, bed and breakfast.

When I was first informed of these increases I made enquiries at other hotels around the Norwich area and found that those of a similar standard able to accommodate us were quoting prices at about the same level as the Maids Head's new rates. Two larger prestigious hotels on the outskirts of Norwich quoted prices about 25/30% higher.
It is simply that as a rather tired old hotel the Maids Head have, over recent years, been charging us comparatively cheap rates.

The advantage of a hotel in the centre of Norwich is that most of our members, and especially the ladies, like the easy walking distance to what is probably one of the best shopping areas of any city in Britain. At least that is what I am told. A disadvantage of holding a Reunion in Norwich is the long distance that some of our members have to travel, although many treat it as a long weekend and come to enjoy the area as well as the Reunion.
The Committee have discussed the changing the venue for 2008 and hopefully may be able to announce somewhere different by the time of the next newsletter due out in February. However because of the Squadron's long connection with East Anglia it will probably continue within the area.
I would be interested to hear your views on the matter at this year's AGM on September 22nd.

Non 214 Sqn. stories in the Nightjar.

In the last edition I ran a story about Flt.Lt. James Edwards of 271 Sqn. (Jimmy Edwards of radio and TV fame). This seems to have been well received by our members and so I make no apologies for including another non 214 Sqn.item.

Many of our members were still serving at the end of the war and those of us who were not were likely to have been at school but old enough to remember the VE Day celebrations. I for one was just old enough to remember bonfires and village parties but too young to be aware of the historical significance of what had been happening over the months from D-Day to VE-Day and the final surrender of Germany signed at Rheims on May 7th. 1945 and ratified in Berlin a few days later.

However on May 3/4th. 1945 Field Marshal Montgomery had taken the surrender, at Luneburg Heath, of all German forces in Holland, Denmark, Schleswig-Holstein, Friesland, Heligoland and North West Germany.
Monty's own story of this momentous occasion was published in War Illustrated, an excellent wartime newsletter, about a hundred copies of which I have just acquired. It must have been a great moment for Monty, in his ordinary army battledress, with an army blanket on the table and a tuppenny school pen with which the surrender documents were signed.

IN MEMORIUM

February 14th. 2007
FIt. Lt. W.A. (Johnny) JOHNSON-BIGGS DFC , age 96.
Johnny, with his wife, was a regular attender at Reunions until 2004 when age and ill health prevented him from coming.
His story, "How I became an air gunner" was published in the Winter/Spring 2006 edition of the Nightjar.
He joined the RAF in 1935 and trained as a medical orderly in the rank of ACl and ended the war as a Flt.Lt. with a DFC . He flew a total of 67 ops as a rear gunner (a few as mid-upper) with 214 on Stirlings and 15, 97 and 619 Squadrons on Lancasters. He was also credited with shooting down two night fighters. He was awarded the DFC on June 30th. 1944.

At his funeral service on March 1st. Norman Storey, a 214 Sqn.Assn. member and a fellow air gunner read out a tribute to Johnny and said he was a very courageous man in both war and peace and always cheerful whatever adversity befell him.
At the beginning and end of the funeral service an organist played "Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines" and during part of the service the "Dambusters March" was played.
And so has passed away one of our two oldest members.
Also attending on behalf of 214 Sqn. Assn. Norman and Audrey Storey and Howie and Elizabeth Wing.

February 25th. 2007
JACK BENNETf of Biggleswade, Beds. Cpl. Engine Fitter on 214 Sqn. 1943, age 86.
Jack wrote a book some years ago titled Jack's Wartime RAF Exploits. It was privately published by Jack and some of you may have a copy.
As I type this I have just found out that it was published in 1997 with No. ISBN-0-953 1988-0-4. I have a copy, it is a good read and the odd copy may occasionally turn up on the secondhand book market.

NEW MEMBERS

VERN SCANTLETON RAAF . Pilot on 214 Sqn. 1943 to 1945 Stirlings and Fortresses. Vern joined the Assn. last October but I forgot to include him as a new member in the last Nightjar. Sorry Vern!

February 2007. MRS. SHElLA ENGLESE (nee FOLEY) WAAF M.T. driver at Stradishall and Chedburgh 1941 to late 1943. Attached to 214 Sqn. Since joining the Assn. Sheila has sent me a very nice piece of embroidery with the RAF crest 214 Squadron underneath.
She completed the piece after the war and thought we would like to have it. Jock Whitehouse has since had it framed and it is now hanging in the museum at the Stradishall Memorial. Thank you Sheila, hope that one day you can come to Stradishall to see it.

NEW MEMBERS (cont'd)

FRANK LEE, Ryde, Isle of Wight. Pilot on 214 Sqn. Stirlings 1943 Shot down on a raid to Berlin on 31st. August 1943. Taken as a pow.
Has been put in touch with Bob Mackett, Toronto, who flew his first two ops as second pilot to Frank.
Until recently Bob was unaware whether Frank had survived or not, he only knew that the Stirling did not return from Berlin.
A few minutes after leaving the target area the Stirling was attacked by a night tighter. A fierce fire developed in the centre part of the fuselage and the order to abandon was given. Frank then engaged the autopilot and shortly afterwards left through the forward escape hatch.
Five of the crew lost their lives and Frank, his Navigator Ian Crichton and Flt.Sgt. Hartland, one of the gunners, survived to be taken as pows.

STORIES FROM 214 IN THE 1950s

A TAIL OF WOE (or nearly)

Cpl. Ray Monk Engine Fitter: Thursday Dec. 9th. 1954 214 Sqn. RAF Eastleigh, Nairobi, Kenya Aircraft: Avro Lincoln RE355
I was duty crew and the C/Os aircraft had been on air test after a long spell in the hanger. Our tour was over and we were due to return to Blighty next day. When returning it had been parked on the peri track to be pulled into line with the other aircraft. There was only myself and one other so I got on the tractor with the other chap in the cockpit.
Tail wheel towing I pulled round on a right hand lock and saw that I was getting too near the other aircraft. I was putting on more lock when I heard a horrible crunching sound, I had ripped the port rudder off.

Looking in horror I thought my world had ended. Having no authorisation to drive the tractor off I went to 'phone the Flt.Sgt. who came down to take charge. Was my luck in, they had a Lincoln port rudder in the stores.
So the airframe lads got cracking and when the C/O, Sqn.Ldr. Bowhill came charging across the peri track, steaming like a rhino, the job was fixed.
After discussing the matter with the Flt.Sgt. the C/O said it would be sorted out when we all got back to Upwood.

The Squadron was returning next day, the 10th., I left in a Valletta arriving at Upwood on the 14th. By this time 214 Sqn. didn't exist - it was disbanded.
I was then posted to 49 Sqn. and in May 1955 we went out to Nairobi for a six month tour but by July the Lincolns were no longer needed and we then went to Aden until that Squadron was also disbanded.

In September 1954 214 Sqn. broke the record for attacks against the Mau Mau.
2,000 x 500lb. bombs dropped
77,000 rounds of 20mm ammunition fired
over 160 day and night sorties

Stories from 214 Sqn. (cont.)

Cpl. Roy Monk, Engine Fitter
12th. Entry, Cosford
It was Tuesday August 19th. 1958 and 214 Sqns Valiants were being prepared for the 1958 S.A.C. bombing competition at March Air Force Base in California, USA.
The Valiants were formed up in the far SE corner of Marham airfield. I was on Valiant XD859 being de-fuelled due to a fuel tank leak.
The day was very stormy with rain, thunder and lightning.

When de-fuelling no power was needed but the ground generator was in place with it's cables over the wheels of the port undercarriage.
I was going to and fro the cockpit checking the fuel gauges when suddenly there was an almighty bang and a smell like fairground dodgem cars.
I could hear screaming from the starboard side and then saw two crew chiefs and a RAF policeman sheltering under the undercarriage bay.
The policeman was making the noise and doing a war dance.

What had happened was the tail of the aircraft had been hit by lightning and had gone through the aircraft, had shot across the port undercarriage and then down the centre of the generator cables splitting them wide open.
The policeman had received a shock through his metal studded boots but was otherwise unhurt.
All I can say is that I was glad that I was de fuelling and not re-fuelling.

About three weeks later some of the Valiants took off for the USA, the ground crew flying out (it took three days) in a Comet of RAF Transport Command.

Frank Lee, Pilot Stirlings , shot down and pow on raid to Berlin, 31/8/43 Frank was very interested in the Jimmy Edwards story in the last Nightjar because he knew Jimmy when they were both at 31 SFTS, Kingston, Ontario in 1941/42.
Jimmy flew the Lysander target tower and Frank was flying Harvards instructing Fleet Air Arm pilots doing the SFTS course. He hated the Harvard especially when flying from the back seat at night.

Frank says that "Jimmy and I together with three or four other pilots were banned from the RAF Yacht Club for getting the barman drunk and then serving ourselves." "We also abandoned our car after it had been driven into Lake Ontario, or was it Lake Gananogue ". For this behaviour we were given a series of extra duties, including Orderly Officer.

An extract from a letter sent by Alan Haworth of Colchester

I am 86years old and volunteered for flying duties in 1940, went to South Africa for training as an Observer in 1941, was successful and on return to England in 1942 was promoted to Pilot Officer.
After further training I joined 214 Squadron in June 1942 at Stradishall and with them did 27 "ops" in Stirlings. After this tour I did a short period of teaching and then volunteered to join 105 (Pathfinder) Squadron flying Mosquitoes and with them, in 1943/44,did a further 73 "ops". Looking back I think I must have been lucky to survive.
But what has provoked me to write to you is the picture of the Stirling on the back page of the Nightjar with the statement "manoeuverable enough to tackle any fighter". I can tell you that my skipper and crew in two 214 Stirlings showed that they could not only tackle fighters but they could also shoot them down.
The following entries from my log book show this.
July 29/30 1942 Stirling R9146 Pilot: F/Sgt. Johnson
Ops to Saarbrucken
ME110 destroyed by the rear and mid-upper gunner

15/16 Aug. 1942 Stirling R9146 Pilot: F/Sgt. Johnson
Ops to Dusseldorf
Attacked by JU88 which was damaged by the rear gunner but also gave us some damage on the port wing.

28/29 Aug.1942 Stirling W7577 Pilot: W/Off. Johnson
Ops to Nuremburg
Attacked and hit on port wing by ME110 over Liege on way to target. Enemy aircraft hit by rear and mid-upper gunners, it burst into flames and was seen to crash into the ground.

I remember that last one vividly because Jock McGowan, the rear gunner called over the inter-com for me to look out and see the fighter in flames and crash to the ground.
He was so cross because he had failed to see the fighter before it hit us that he kept on shouting whilst firing at it , "go down you bastard". When we saw it crash we continued our mission and successfully completed it.
Fortunately other members of the Squadron had seen what had been done and reported it. For this the whole of our crew were awarded DFMs and DFCs.
My DFC was presented to me by King George VI.

An error in the last Nightjar (sorry, my mistake Ed.)

Bill Phillips , a recent new member, points out that he was the rear gunner on Sqn.Ldr. Sturdy's crew on Stirlings and not Wellingtons as previously reported.
(Ed. Our Association founder, Harold Bidmead , flew as Flt. Eng. a few times with S/Ldr. Sturdy's crew until mid 1942 when he was transferred to the crew of the new C/O Wng. Cdr. Smythe.)

This report should have been in the last Nightjar but was inadvertently omitted. (Sorry Jock, my fault. Ed)

HISTORIAN'S REPORT. September 2006.

A Squadron wreath was laid at Chedburgh on a scorching 2 July and although the weekend is organised by No.2l8 Squadron Association we are always invited.
For Bob Moorby, Clare Pollard and myself, the weekend started on the Friday evening with cooling drinks and 'eats' in the relaxing surrounds of the walled garden of the Regency Hotel in Bury St.Edmunds with the magnificent new cathedral tower as a backdrop. For those interested, Martin Cocker gave an excellent illustrated talk on the career of Lewis Aaron VC who lost his life as a Stirling pilot on No.2l8 Squadron. Saturday was garden-party time at the home of Margery Griffiths (an ex-Chedburgh W AAF) the organiser. When possible, a highlight of the weekend is a flypast of the BBMF Lancaster and although Bob and Clare watched from the garden, due to 'other duties', I had to find a shady spot on the outskirts of Badwell Ash just for a brief few minutes but time enough to watch the 'old lady' make a number of very low passes over the village, a really lovely sight as she banked round behind the trees. At the short but well attended memorial service at Chedburgh on the Sunday, several wreaths were laid, Bob doing the honours for '214'. Then back to the pub for further refreshments, eats, and more talk to round off a weekend of enjoyable comradeship. (Note: Bob Moorby had an excellent article published in the October '06 ' Flypast')
Coloured prints of selected aircraft which operated trom Stradishall will soon be seen in Stirling House. Also on show will be that of the Lancaster and Valiant flown by Sir Michael Beetham who served as a post-war Flight Commander on the Lancasters of No.35 Squadron at Stradishall and a further link with our President is that on a memorable day in May 1994, Sir Michael honoured us by unveiling the RAF Stradishall Memorial. The Squadron's history will continue to feature in various ways as Stirling House is developed.

Ian Hunt has now produced a complete list of 214 Stirling operations during 1943-1944 and it is hoped that future work will cover all remaining 214 operations including the pre-war period.

In response to a request made by a Mr. Calver for information relating to the award of the Air Force Medal to Sgt. Ruoff, a 214 Squadron Wellington pilot in 1940 (see previous 'Nightjar') I have been able with the help of Ian Hunt, to provide the required information for Mr. Calver. In spite of my explanation of the time often needed to uncover such information plus my long initial response to the request, I have received neither acknowledgement nor thanks for the work undertaken. One does wonder.

In complete contrast, however, I responded to a request from a Mr. Ralph Wooldridge seeking help for any details on the loss of Sgt.Richard Fairhurst, a relative of his mother who as a Stirling air-gunner died on 2/3 July 1942 when his aircraft piloted by W/Cdr. K Knocker, the Squadron C.O, was shot down over the Dutch coast returning from Bremen. All the crew were killed and are buried at Eenrum General Cemetery close to where they fell. I met Mr. Wooldridge at Stradishall Church where he saw Sgt. Fairhurst's name in the Book of Remembrance and heard about the Service of Dedication held in October 1993. (I have since been able to send him a copy of the video of that day plus a photograph of Sgt.Fairhurst's name in the book) We then visted Stradishall and Stirling House. Although Mr. Wooldridge had seen pictures of the crew's graves, he expressed the need to now make the trip to Holland to pay the family's respects. An emotional visit and a very grateful family.

I recently met Victor, the eldest son of F/Lt Keith Kaufmann, an Australian who served with the Royal Air Force and who flew Harrows at Feltwell pre-war with '214' in such exalted company as 'Shrub Sellick', 'Baggy' Sach and Percy Picard. Keith then converted onto the Wellington with 214 and flew a full tour from Stradishall winning the DFC. He finally commanded No.460 Squadron an Australian Lancaster unit. Copies of Victor's late father's log book were promised.

Peter and I continually liaise on any potential squadron/family contacts a typical example being recently when Peter had an enquiry concerning F/O Shorttle. Recalling a previous family contact whose name I was able to find, I was able to pass this name onto the interested party. We never know who may be at the end of the 'phone!

Recommended reading: 'Vulcan 607' by Rowland White. An excellent coverage of the conception and undertaking of 'Black Buck One'-the dropping of 'iron bombs' on the runway of Stanley Airport during the Falklands war. A professional thriller writer could not have bettered this amazing story and it is a case of 'not to be put down until finished'. As CAS at the time, Sir Michael Beetham was heavily involved in the planning which drew deeply on his previous tanker experiences and who was firmly convinced that even with an ageing and reducing 'V' bomber/tanker fleet, the job could be done. S/Ldr. Bob Tuxford's involvement as a lead Victor tanker captain features prominently in the story (remember his talk to us on the subject two years ago?) How it all finally worked out is little short of miraculous.

On a personal note, I was particularly saddened to hear of the loss of Ray Glass. Ray and Betty were founder members and great supporters of the Association, but prior to that, Ray had been a fountain of knowledge for our researches on Stradishall and Chedburgh. One most pleasing aspect of this work was enabling Ray to meet up again with Doug. Handbury (his navigator on several Chedburgh trips) and I recall the sheer pleasure when I called at Ray's home after attending a No. 75(NZ) Squadron reunion at Coventry (Doug's second tour was with 75) to inform him that 'someone at the hotel wanted to see him'. 'I hope it is Doug Handbury' said Ray rushing away without bothering to change from his gardening attire! Their new family friendship continued for a number of years including some happy times at Norwich. Surely a perfect example of what our Association is all about.

Respecting her wish to remain anonymous, we remain sincerely grateful to our regular donor who once again has made money available for squadron wreaths to be laid at Stradishall and Chedburgh in remembrance of those who lost their lives including her younger brother-a navigator on 214. After writing to thank this lovely lady she telephoned me to wish us well wishing she could manage to be with us as she had so enjoyed her previous attendances.

Saturday 11 November 2006. On a gloriously warm and sunny morning, a number of friends gathered at the RAF Stradishall memorial to pay their due respects. As its Chairman, Eddie Wheeler laid the wreath for the Memorial Trust with Don Walter and Jock Whitehouse doing the honours for No.214(FMS) Squadron Association and Haverhill Aviation Society respectively. Also present was Ron Pearson, a local man (ex-Stradishall) who over many years has acted as standard bearer for such prestigious organisations such as the Royal Air Forces Association together with those of the Pathfinders and Bomber Command and it was the latter's standard which was paraded on this occasion, reflecting RAF Stradishall's traditional bomber role during which No.214 Squadron suffered such heavy losses.
For the first time, HMP Prison Service chose to lay their own wreath at the memorial. The Management of Stirling House had organised excellent poppy collections both from its staff and residential students and remains dedicated to preserving the aviation heritage of the site.

Although one might have seen the old favourite 'Way to the Stars' more than a few times, there is often something which has previously escaped notice. During a recent showing my attention focussed on the RAF vehicle being used to carry posted personnel off the fictitious base. Surprise indeed, for on the front mudguard was painted:RAF 214/101! The film is listed as being made in 1942 (in summertime according to the outside shots) precisely when Nos. 214 and 101 Squadrons shared Stradishall! and although 214 converted to the Stirling in the May, 101 continued operating their Wellingtons until leaving in August. I am unaware of evidence that any filming was carried out at Stradishall and it is likely that the vehicle was simply made available use but it is nice to think that this early tangible link between the two squadrons could actually be preserved for prosperity. Look for it when the film is next shown-- as it most certainly will be!
Jock Whitehouse

FURTHER NEWS

Booked to come to the Reunion on September 22nd.

Our President. MRAF Sir Michael Beetham

From Australia: Sylvia and Maurice Harding who last came in 2004. Sylvia was a WAAF at Chedburgh and Oulton in 1944/45. Maurice served in the RAF but not on 214 Sqn.

From Austria: Gerhard and Sissie Heilig

Our Guest Speaker at the Reunion:
Group Captain Phil Osbourn OBE, ADC, RAF, O/C RAF Marham.

JUNE 2007

HISTORIAN'S REPORT

Jack Bennett.
I have written to Jack's daughter, Stella, on hearing of her father's death. Jack was a delightful man who served as groundcrew on Wellingtons and Stirlings of No.214 Squadron at Stradishall and Chedburgh respectively and always enjoyed recalling those days, so much so that he published his memoires in the aptly named 'Jack's Wartime RAF Exploits - a lovely read. Although professional authors may detail the wider subject by accessing official records etc. these valuable-personal stories serve to tell what life was really like 'warts 'n all'. When Jack asked if he could use one of my Stradishall pictures (painted for Robin Murray and showing 214 Wellingtons) for the front cover of his book I was more than happy to agree. Jack was also an enthusiastic supportor for the Blenheim project.

Mrs Sheila Engelse.
We have been most fortunate to make contact with Mrs Sheila Engelse, who as Sheila Foley was a young WAAF MT driver serving on No.214 Squadron both at Stradishall and Chedburgh. As Sheila can still recall various squadron personnel: the delightful Adjutant George Wright, F/Lt. Ted Youseman, P/O A Carruthers (an. American from NY but serving in the. RCAF and lost from Chedburgh in March 1942) S/L Bilton, W/Cdr Smythe
and Phil Milton the navigator in Ray Hartwell's crew, I have sent her a selection of· photographs and information. Also arriving with me is a photograph taken at an event in 1997 ('The Edwardians' at Polesden Lacey) showing a very smart red Rover 75? --registration 214-S : an ex-squadron member? if so, WHO? Plus, after a very long time hidden away and forgotten an item of genuine 214 Squadron memorabilia (1940) has been donated to the Association by Sheila in the hope that it may eventually be displayed in Stirling House (which it will). Now restored to display condition it will be on show at the September Reunion (so why not come and see it?) and will feature in a future 'Nightjar'.

Toys for Boys
For those amongst us who may still get a little excited by 'models' calling to mind curves, shapely bodies and trim undercarriages whilst being difficult and tricky to handle, sorry but I am actually talking 'plastic kits'. Knowing that a 'Vickers Valiant' kit has eluded enthusiasts for many years I was more than surprised to spot such an item whilst actually purchasing a high quality Wellington kit. Although its French manufacturer has a somewhat dubious reputation for precision, 'beggars cannot be choosers' and THREE of our members (anon) now possess a VV kit--shall we see at least one at the Reunion? Sad but harmless!
Still on the Valiant. A recent speaker at my local Aviation Society happened to be the historian of the ROC and as I have information that at an ROC Open day at Stradishall in 1956/7/8 one of the static aircraft was a Valiant from No.214 Squadron, I am hoping that via his membership this gentleman might come up with the identity of that rare visitor.

Simon Read
Some of you may recall meeting Simon at a reunion a while back, and as he expressed a lot enthusiasm for the Association it was hoped that he might become an active member. However, Simon, a professional journalist and author has returned to live in California but has just published 'The Killing Skies', a new look at the life of Bomber Command in WW2., which looks to be a well balanced, nicely written and informative work. (Published by Spellmount ISBN 1-86227-329-4, £20.00) Simon dedicates his work to his grandfather, the late Michael 'Jinx' Elelman, (air-gunner Nos. 214 and 7 Squadrons) and expresses gratitude

for help when preparing the book provided by our old friend, the late Bill Johnson-Biggs. Well worth a read.

Mrs Joyce Birch.
I was able recently to enjoy mid-morning coffee on a lovely sunny day in the courtyard of the 'Bull Hotel at Long Melford in the company of Joyce and John Birch who were over from the Midlands visiting locations linked with the flying career of Joyce's cousin ( F/O W G Cooper). Bill, just starting his second tour, was captain of the Stirling which collided with that flown by Jack Dixon, as both aircraft returned to Chedburgh from operations in March 1943. Although Bill kept his badly damaged aircraft airborne long enough for, his crew to bale out safely, he was unable to get out and sadly was killed when the Stirling came down near Hadleigh in Suffolk. Joyce had some interesting documents to see and spoke of her contact with the widow of the late Tom Boosma (injured crew survivor) who emigrated to Canada after the war and later published a detailed description of the incident. (Recently serialised in 'Stirling Remembered').

Mrs Shirley Dickerson
I have received a nice letter of thanks form Shirley whom I met by chance at Stradishall (see previous 'Nightjar') for the information I had forwarded relating to her father's (not brother as I incorrectly reported in my previous coverage) service career and his loss on operations from Chedburgh. Shirley is hopeful that further important information may be available from· RAF Innsworth. F/Sgt Hugh Felce was lost in March 1943.

Jock Whitehouse

MORE LATE NEWS

THE 100 GROUP REUNION was held over the weekend of May 11-13th. based on the City of Norwich Aviation Museum.
Those members who arrived on the Friday paid a visit to Swanton Morley, now an Army base. Here they were well received and shown around the old airfield and hanger.
On the Saturday the Museum laid on, as in past years, a great welcome and a buffet lunch followed by members making their way to the old airfields, ie Oulton, Swannington, North Creake, Foulsham etc.
In mid afternoon it had been arranged that all would meet at Oulton village, where, as in past years, the people of Oulton had laid on a wonderful spread of cakes, refreshments and other goodies, the event this year being held in a marquee in a lovely garden.
Having been well looked after the visitors and villagers walked to the 100 Group Memorial where poems were read, prayers were said and Bill Doy laid a wreath. On the Saturday evening about seventy members and guests enjoyed an excellent dinner at the Aylsham Lodge Hotel.
On the Sunday morning the village church at Horsham St. Faith was packed for an all denominations service.
Altogether a very good weekend to meet old friends.
Among the 214 Sqn. members attending were Bill Doy, Hazel Southgate, John and Gwen Gilpin with their daughter Maureen, Gerhard and Sissie Heilig, Bill Foskett, Bob Moorby, Shirley Whitlock , Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Chris Lambert, Peter Witts, Paul and Mrs. Henry.

Peter M.Walker

Our new member, Frank Lee as a FIt. Lt. in 1943, and below with his 214 Sqn. crew at Chedburgh. The crew, left to right are :F/Off.M.I.Crichton , Navigator Sgt.Davies, Mid upper gunner Sgt. Gale, Rear gunner Flt.Lt. Frank Lee, Pilot Sgt.King, W/Operator P/Off. Mounsey , Bomb Aimer Sgt. Butler, Flight Engineer Shot down over Berlin on the night of 31/8/43 four of the crew, Sgts. Gale, Butler, King and P/Off Mounsey lost their lives, three survived to become pows. Sgt. Davies was not on this trip. lan Crichton, the Navigator died in May 2006 age 92. A reading at Reading University in 1995 titled "A Wartime Log" is reproduced in this newsletter. Or. lan Crichton was not a member of 214 Sqn.Assn., he probably never knew of us. Details kindly supplied by Frank Lee.











Michael Ian & Ruth Mary Crichton
Cramond, June 1943

On behalf of the family, we would like to thank you for
attending Ian's Thanksgiving Service and for your many
kind messages and letters.

The proceeds, of the retiring collection will be divided between
The British Red Cross and the RAF Benevolent Fund
There will also be a collection for St. Mary's Church

ST MARY'S CHURCH
MORTIMER



A Service of Thanksgiving
for the life of

Dr. Michael lan Crichton

24th October 1913
5th May 2006

Wednesday 24th May 2006 11.30am



W/Off. John R.Lee

214 Sqn. RAF Oulton, Norfolk.
Pilot of Fortress (B17G) HB763 BU-T,
shot down over Belgium on Aug.25/26th. 1944.
John Lee and five of his crew were taken as pows,
four were killed. Photo taken at Blackpool in Feb. 1946.

Does anyone remember him or know of what happened to him after the war ?

Photo sent by one of our members, AIys Smith whose late husband, AC.(Clive) Smith was the W/Op. in this crew; thankfully Clive was one of the survivors.

The National Arboretum in Staffordshire

At our Committee meeting in London on March 22nd. the Chairman put forward the suggestion that as an Association we should look into the possibility of having a 214 Sqn. memorial and a tree placed at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The Arboretum was started in 1997 and is now under the wing of the Royal British Legion. In recent years the project has received a grant of £1.6 million from National Lottery funds.

The committee discussed the type of memorial that would prove suitable, ie marble, slate, metal etc, or whether the NMA would require a standard type or allow a choice of both the memorial and tree. It is possible that the cost of this project may exceed our funds in which case we may have to appeal for donations from our members.

It was finally agreed that Jock Whitehouse would write to the NMA to obtain more details and costs. Depending on this information it is hoped that an announcement can be made at the next AGM in September. For those unable to attend the AGM please contact Jock Whitehouse or Peter Walker from October if you would like to know the outcome. Otherwise the information will be in the Nightjar due out in February 2008.




This is an interesting and unusual photo probably taken at No.22 OTU
Wellesbourne Mountford , WarWicks. in 1941/42.
The officer on the left is Sqn.Ldr. R.G. Barrel! who as a Wng.Cdr. lost
his life on 24/25th. June 1943 flying a Lancaster of 7 Sqn.
Bob Barrell was the holder of the DSO, DFC &Bar.
Does anyone know who the other two men are?

The items on the table are presumably aircrew rations, including
Kit-Kat bars and what looks like tubes of Smarties (chocolate beans).
Perhaps some of our wartime members will recognise these goodies
and let me know what they are and if taken on the aircraft how and where were they stored.

The photo is from Bob Barrell's brother Richard who himself was
a pilot with 76 Sqn., shot down in a Halifax on a daylight raid to
Mainz on Feb. 27th. 1945 and survived as a pow.

Peter M. Walker
Secretary




THE LAST WORD

Since taking over as Secretary this edition will be my twelfth Nightjar, and hopefully it has improved since the first edition. ?
However it is getting more difficult to find a good spread of interesting stories and photos, for that reason I have included; an item by Field Marshal Montgomery, and in the last edition a copy of an operational report by Jimmy Edwards.
Stories and photos are required from members in order to top up the news items. So please search your memories,files, documents and photos etc. All items sent will be laser photocopied and returned. Thank you.

IN MEMORlUM , March 2007. NORMAN BRADLEY.
Norman was not a member of the Association but we had been in touch with him. He was one of the waist gunners in John Wynne's crew in Fortress HB799 BV-K, who bailed out when the aircraft was hit and an engine caught fire. Two of the crew were injured and taken to hospital, seven were captured and ended up in the hands of Nazi Thugs. Three, including Norman ran away. Sadly one of these three, James Vinall was recaptured by the thugs and with four crew members was murdered. Norman and Tom Tate were fortunately recaptured by German military and taken as pows.
John Wynne eventually, with extreme difficulty, new the Fortress back to England, landing at Bassingbourn, Cambs.
The story of this terrible murder of 214 Sqn. crew and what has happened since was produced in booklet form in 2003, titled Hoffnung the Rocking Horse and the Reconciliation between Llanbedr and Huchenfeld. A few copies are still available and if anyone would like a copy please let me know. £2 incl. postage.
Norman was a very experienced gunner on his second tour and holder of the DFM, and they are less common than DFCs.

New Books
VULCAN 607, by Rowland White, now in paperback at £6 ... 99
This is the story of the Vulcan that, flying from Ascension Island, bombed the runway at Stanley on the Falkland Islands in 1982.
The lone Vulcan was supported by a team of Marham's Victor tankers. It is a gripping story and a book difficult to put down. Highly recommended.

Bomber Boys (Fighting Back 1940-45) by Patrick Bishop. Hardback £20
ISBN 978 0 00 718986 1.
A well researched and thoroughly interesting insight into how bomber crews trained, fought and died and yet at the end those who survived got no official recognition and only the Aircrew Europe Star and no special campaign medal.

I have read both books and can thoroughly recommend them.

Peter M.Walker



VERY LATE NEWS

IN MEMORIUM June 3rd. 2007 SQN. LDR. BOB DAVIES AFC , age 86.
Bob was one of our members who could be described as a "character", being especially known, a few years ago, for his large American cars. He served, as a pilot from 1941 to 1963.
Bob was, until this year, a regular attender at Reunions for 214 Sqn., 578 Sqn., 100 Group and the Arnold scheme.
Bob's funeral will not be held until after you have received this newsletter so a more in depth report on his life and career will be in the next Nightjar. In the meantime our condolences to his wife, Eunice.