No. 214 (FMS) Squadron RAF - Personnel

PERSONNEL

M

To find the person that you want either scroll down the page or select them from the ranges shown below

Surname :

MACASKIE, J C

Sgt John Cunningham Macaskie, 936778, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 7 December 1940, Aged 25

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R2476

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 16

Son of Dr. Charles Stuart Macaskie and Maud Macaskie, of Fixby, Yorkshire.

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Winter / Spring 2006 and CWGC

Date record last updated : 11 April 2009

MACDONALD, J M

Sgt James Murray MacDonald, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British, KIA 29 April 1937, Aged 25

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Harrow (model unknown) K6945

Buried in St Nicholas Churchyard, Feltwell, Norfolk

He came from Argyle Place, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Source : Jock Whitehouse and Peter Garside (relative of AC1 Thomas Garside) and Simon Glancey (Researcher)

Date record last updated : 24 August 2018

MACEY, E H

AVM Eric H Macey OBE

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Valiant (model unknown) ??Hill

Air Vice-Marshall Eric H Macey OBE, Royal Air Force (Retired), Vice-President, No 214 (FMS) Squadron Association.

Served on the Squadron (then equipped with the Valiant) from Feb 59 to Dec 61, initially as co-pilot to the then Wg Cdr Michael Beetham (the late the Association President) and later to Wg Cdr (retired Gp Capt) Peter Hill, his successor as Squadron Commander. He also flew with (the then) Sqn Ldrs John Wynne and 'Mac' Furze.

Eric Macey writes :
I joined No. 214 Sqn in early 1959 and flew my first 6 trips as a co-pilot with John, whose previous co-pilot (Dave Wright) had just left John's crew to complete his own captain's course at Gaydon. My 7th and last flight with John was on 15 May 1959.

Sadly Eric Macey died on 27 Aug 2023

Please click on this link to listen to an interview of Eric Macey by the Imperial War Museum

Source : AVM Eric H Macey and Imperial War Museum

Date record last updated : 28 February 2025

MACFADDEN, R D B

Wg/Cdr Richard Denis Barry MacFadden DFC, 37476, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 14 February 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1081 BU-B

Buried in FLUSHING (VLISSINGEN) NORTHERN CEMETERY. Reference : Row B. Grave 21.

Squadron Commanding Officer

He died after spending several days in a dinghy after the aircraft ditched on 12 Februray 1942.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Winter / Spring 2005 and Ian Hunt and John Jones (researcher)

Date record last updated : 10 May 2019

MACGILCHRIST, D

Flt/Lt Donald 'Mac' MacGilchrist, 169977, Bomb Aimer, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Archibald (04-Jul-1944) BU-H
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Bettles BU-?
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Gilbert (21-May-1944) BU-H
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Gilbert (22-Apr-1944) BU-F
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Gilbert (24-Apr-1944) BU-H
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Gilbert (08-May-1944) BU-?
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) C9606
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) EFG493 BU-?
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) EJI199 BU-?
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) FEN959 (04-Nov-1943) BU-?
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) FEN959 (22-Nov-1943) BU-?
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB793 (17-Sep-1944) BU-S
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) NEE876 BU-?

Born 23 January 1917

Born in Barrhead, Renfrewshire, Scotland

Son of Daniel and Mary MacGilchrist

He was a bomb aimer / assistant navigator on Stirlings and Fortresses during WW2.

Donald enlisted on 3 June 1941.

In June 1942 he trained in Queenstown RSA at 47 Air School which is now a training school for airline pilots. He trained and qualified as a navigator. He then went to Bombing and Gunnery School at Port Alfred RSA.

March 1943 29 Operational Training Unit - Wellingtons

June 1943 Donald joined 214 Squadron flying Stirlings.

5 July 1943 First raid flying Stirlings. The pilot was Flg Off Jock Henderson. Donald flew 14 operations with Jock.

22 November 1943 on a raid to Berlin the aircraft was hit by a box barrage and werebadley damaged. The pilot suffered ear damage and was removed from operational flying. The crew had to "stand down" while waiting for a replacement pilot. Donald volunteered to fly with other crews who were short of crew members.

Donald then flew six operational flights with Plt/Off Gilbert, WO Archibald and FS Hill.

April 1944 the Squadron converted to Fortresses.

July 1944 As part of WO Archibald's crew he flew on a daylight raid to St Leu 'Desserent when the gunners shot down FW190.

July 1944 Donald went on his first raid with new pilot Flg Off Ken Bettles. Donald did eleven operations with Bettles.

Donald's last operation was in November 1944 when they were to patrol off the Dutch coast, possibly to support the drop at Arnhem.
Fg/Off Ken Bettles was pilot.

Fg Off Ken Bettles told Donald that he had been highly recommended for a DFC. Unfortunately he never received one.

Donald finished his tour of operations on 16 November 1944.

Donald completed 31 operations. He had 3 early returns due to damage, although they had flown well into enemy territory. He also completed 2 air sea rescues on Wellingtons.

November 1944 9(0) AFU.

June 1945 3(0) AFU Instructor - Log Analysis.

August 1945 1(0) AFU Instructor - Log Analysis.

September 1945 he was posted to Head Quarters as Command Maps Officer - Flying Training Command.

Date of Release 17 June 1946.

Donald is well (May 2008) and at 91 still visits Tom, his son, in Cape Town every year for 3 months.

Sadly Donald passed away 7 May 2011.

Source : Donald MacGilchrist and Tom MacGilchrist (son) and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 14 March 2025

MACKENZIE, J I

Fg/Off John Irven MacKenzie DFC, J/9770, Navigator, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 3 February 1943, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9197 (03-Feb-1943) BU-V

Born 17 December 1916

Born in Ontario, Canada

Buried in AMERSFOORT (OUD LEUSDEN) GENERAL CEMETERY. Plot 13. Row 5. Grave 87.

Son of John Smith Mackenzie (1881-1968) and Ella Elizabeth Lyons (1891 - , of Belleville, Ontario, Canada; husband of Margaret DorisMackenzie (Wallbridge) (Coe)

Fg/Off Mackenzie had 3 children:
James Ian Mackenzie (B: 31 August 1939)
Elizabeth Ann Mackenzie (B: 5 January 1941)
Doris Jane Mackenzie (B:31 July 1942)

He also had an older brother Charles Roy MacKenzie.

His wife later re-married to a Mr R F Coe.

Source : CWGC and Albert Schothorst and John Jones (researcher) and Candian Virtual War Memorial

Date record last updated : 28 April 2023

MACKETT, R E

Flt/Lt Robert E Mackett DFC, J181192, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) Mackett crews

Born 25 March 1921

Born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada

In June 1941, enlisted, age 20 years, as a pilot/observer candidate in the Royal Canadian Air Force. After flying training in Fleet, Yale and Harvard aircraft, he was awarded pilot's Wings in April, 1942. The next six months were spent flying Fairey Battles and Avro Ansons at a Bombing and Gunnery School in Western Canada.
In December, 1942, he was posted to England and flew Oxford and Wellington I's and III's and in June, 1943, he converted to Stirlings at Waterbeach.

At No 26 Operational Training Unit in 1943 Bob crewed up with Bomb Aimer Bill Wilkinson, FO Alan Deadman, W/Op Gordon Lowe, Mid Upper Gunner Bruce Taggart and Tail Gunner Doug Houghton. In July 1943 Flt Eng Stan Newton joined the crew and they all joined 214 Squadron at RAF Chedburgh the end of the month.

SEE LINK : http://www.torontoaircrew.com/Bomber_Pilots/Mackett_1/mackett_1.html

This is a speech given by Flt/Lt Robert E Mackett DFC to the Crescent Boys School, 6 November 2007 :

Good morning Ladies, Gentlemen and younger Gentlemen

It is an honour to share this special occasion with you and for the opportunity to give you some reflections of my involvement with momentous times

They were momentous times because Mr Hitler had led his German nation across Europe by bombing Warsaw in Poland, Rotterdam in Holland, Antwerp in Belgium, London and Coventry in the British Isles

And had then occupied most all of Europe from Norway in the north, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, France in the south, Austria, Poland and Czseko Slovakia in the east and most all of North Africa.

It was a bleak outlook for the English speaking world

I joined the royal Canadian air force hoping to fly - in those days so very few people had ever flown in an airplane and there was a certain magic about flying

I felt fortunate to be accepted as a candidate for training as pilot or navigator - I wanted to be a pilot and need not have worried for I learned that the brightest were made navigators

My initial flying training was on a small biplane known as the Fleet Finch at St. Catherine's Ontario then on to the Harvard single engine aircraft at Danville , Ontario

Late 1942 I went across the Atlantic on board the original Queen Elizabeth ship - with 18,000 airmen and soldiers on that one ship - it took only 3 ½ days going flat out without any naval escort from Halifax N. S. To Glasgow Scotland.

I was immediately attached to Royal Air Force bomber command and had some additional training in England

I then converted to the 4 engine Stirling bomber which was larger than the famous Lancaster - with a 100 foot wingspan - cruised at 280 km an hour - at 5500 metres with an all up weight of 70,000 lbs. Could carry up to 26 500 lb bombs - with a crew of seven

As a 22 year old I was pilot and captain of aircraft I acquired a crew of 6 other airmen - a navigator, bomb aimer, wireless operator, flight engineer, and two air gunners.

We were a commonwealth crew of 2 Canadians, 4 English, and one Australian

We were posted to 214 Sqdn in Suffolk England where there were about 24 crews and aircraft and we started sorties to German targets such as Hamburg, Manheim, Remscheid, Hanover, and dropping sea mines in such places as the German naval base at Kiel near Hamburg and as far south as the Spanish / French border (now known as St Jean de Luz) on the bay of Biscay.

Numbers of these operations took 8 hours flying all at night and often in stormy weather.

I might add that I had no co-pilot.

Losses in those days were very heavy and the squadron might lose up to 3 - 4 aircraft with crews on each raid.

On one operation crossing the Dutch coast we encountered heavy flak on our way to Hanover -

Over the target the flak was extremely heavy and very accurate and combined with searchlights was somewhat nerve wracking - in fact very scary - we were able to drop our heavy load of incendiary bombs on time, but we continued to be chased by the blue master beams of searchlights.

It took heavy evasive action to avoid these and the gunners kept up a running patter of these groping searchlights.

We had to dive down to 2500 metres to shake them off , meanwhile flak tore a hole in the windscreen and with the glass and wind I was temporarily blinded.

At first I thought it was blood, but it was the wind making my eyes water.

We dropped down to 2500 meters before escaping and when crossing the Zuider Zee - the rear gunner reported still seeing the fires some 150 kms to the rear.

It was outstanding crew cooperation.

During our tour of heavy targets we were designated to operate under the command of the SOE (special operations executive) and the SIS (secret intelligence service)

Many months before "D" day we were assigned to join another squadron doing secret operations flying to small fields or a secluded woods in the heart of France and Belgium parachuting 12 - 16 containers each 300 lbs. Of arms, ammo, plastic dynamite, wireless equipment, bicycles, parts and food to the French and Belgian resistance fighters

All of this was to hamper the occupying Germans troops and the feared Gestapo

The resistance group (called a reception committee) was made up of 8 - 12 men on the ground who would secure the goods, haul it away in horse and wagons and sometimes stolen German trucks.

These operations took place only during the moon period, so that we flew at night 50 - 500 feet off the ground - having to map read to find a small group of patriots who were waiting for us to deliver these most important loads.

On the field they held 3 red flashlights and flashed one white light with a coded letter to identify themselves

It took very precise and careful navigation to find a specific small location deep inside France and Belgium

They were not always easy to find for they were concealing themselves from the searching German troops and Gestapo who were occupying their country.

These men and women took incredible risks for if caught they would be tortured and ultimately shot.

On locating the reception committee I would have to get the aircraft up to 450 - 500 feet and speed down to 125 mph to give the chutes time to open - once dropped these folk would gather up these heavy containers and haul them off to hide them - risky business.

Usually in 24 - 48 hours we would get confirmation by secret wireless that the goods had been received and disposed of.

In addition to our operations from this RAF station - there were small single engine Lysander aircraft one pilot flying to France and landing with one or two secret agents and picking up one or two for return to England. Incredible flying skill!!

One incident comes to mind when early January 1944 saw us on our way for a drop in northern France

It was a clear night with some ground haze and on locating the "reception committee" we circled for a normal run in

It was only when we saw the furrows in the field that we discovered the people on the ground were posted on the side of a hill and we were flying head on into the hill. My bomb aimer shouted a warning to me and I climbed to 500 feet and the load was dropped.

However the last couple of containers hit power lines that short circuited and set up some unexpected pyrotechnics along the wires for some distance both ways
Returning across France toward the channel our route took us between the small town of Frevent on the north and a woods two miles south of the town.

At a height of 500 feet a searchlight came up from the woods on the port side along with a barrage of flak. The flak was like red hot tennis balls that were passing between the port inner engine and the cockpit - I dove the aircraft down to where we could clearly see the fence posts. Both the mid-upper and rear gunners immediately opened fire on the searchlight and it went out.

The rear gunner then reported that his turret was on fire, but quickly discovered it was the reflection on the turret perspex of 4 red hot barrels of his browning machine guns

Each gun was firing 1150 rounds per minute!!!

We learned from underground reports within 48 hours that inspite of the high tension fireworks, the resistance group had received the shipment intact.

During the war this special duties squadron alone lost 70 aircraft with most of crews killed

Let me take you out on the airfield the evening of Sept 3 1943 when a young airman 22 years old (the rear gunner) along with 6 other crew members climbed aboard the RAF Stirling bomber on his way to the heart of Germany

"Berlin" the most heavily defended site in German

I had gone out to the aircraft to see them of

The following morning a notice was posted on the flight board that this crew "failed to return - missing in action"

I never knew until about 5 years ago (almost 60 years later) that this aircraft over Berlin, had been hit by flak, caught fire, and going down in flames the pilot ordered the crew to bail ou

The rear gunner reaching for his parachute found it on fire and useless and at the urging of another crew member, put his arms around him and the two jumped together

When the chute snapped open, the rear gunner fell free his body was found a few days later in a woods.

Who is this fellow?

A 22 year old airman from Manley a suburb of Sydney Australia

He had volunteered that night to fill the place of a sick airman

He was the rear gunner in my crew and had flown with me for 7 months

In those days and in those conditions 7 months was a life time

As a 22 year old myself - I found it difficult to console by letter, his mother in great anguish , some 12,000 miles away, without anyone having any knowledge of her son's circumstance at that time.

Today he lies buried in a British military cemetery on the outskirts of Berlin.

And so today I think of my friend Doug and so many others of my squadron who "failed to return - missing in action"

Why did he go?

Why did they go?

Why did we go?

For then it was the right thing to do - it was a responsibility

These are some of the very young men who fought and 18,000 Canadian airmen alone died to give you the "charter of rights"

They have thrown to you the torch to carry a most important ingredient "responsibility"

Please rise with me

They shall not grow old

As we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them

Nor the days condemn

At the going down of the sun

And in the morning

We will remember them!! We will remember them

Thank you

Flt Lt R E Mackett DFC
Royal Canadian Air Force

From the ORB it is recorded that Plt/Off R E Mackett flew 15 ops on Stirlings between 2 September 1943 and 15 November 1943. These consisted of 3 "Gardening" (minelaying), 4 were "normal raids" and the other 8 were noted as "Special ops". These were ones flown during a period of a couple of months towards the end of 1943 from tempsford, the "Special Duties" airfield in Bedfordshire, when 214 joined in a series of sorties dropping supplies to the French Resistance.

Robert died on 22 February 2012.

Robert Mackett and Ian Hunt and and Vic Pheasant 214 Squadron Association

Date record last updated : 21 February 2016

MACKIE

Sgt MacKie, Air Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) X9689 (28-Jul-1941)

Imprisoned at POW camp Aumale prison camp near Algiers

Source : Kelvin Youngs http://aircrewremembered.com

Date record last updated : 17 July 2026

MACKIE, G

Flt/Lt George 'Mac' Mackie DFC, 995866 and 169724, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II HB377 (20-Apr-1944) BU-M
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB763 (12-Aug-1944) BU-T
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB763 (17-Aug-1944) BU-T
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB763 (18-Aug-1944) BU-T
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB763 (28-Jul-1944) BU-T
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB763 (06-Aug-1944) BU-T
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB763 (07-Jul-1944) BU-T
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR378 BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR380 (23-Jul-1944) BU-S
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR380 (24-Jul-1944) BU-S
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR383 (10-Aug-1944) BU-F

Born 17 July 1920

Born in Cupar, Fife, Scotland

Son of David Mackie and Kathleen Grantham

George flew over 40 operational raids. Includes flying 18 Fortress flights as the pilot between April 1944 to May 1945 (actual operational take-offs. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc.)

Mackie and his crew is listed on Squadron Battle Orders for 22 August 1944.

Mackie and his crew are also listed as returning operational aircrew on 31 August 1944.

George flew numerous planes, including Wellingtons, Stirlings 1, 111 and V, Fortress B17F and G

George served with the following units:
15 Squadron, Wyton June 1941 to February 1942
1651 HCU, Waterbeach to October 1943
214 Squadron, Chedburgh, Downham Market, Sculthorpe and Oulton to September 1944
1332 HCU, Nutts Corner to February 1945
46 Squadron, Lyneham to March 1946

George Mackie died on 3 October 2020, aged 100.

Please click on this link to see an article from the Heroes of our time website about Flt Lt George Mackie

Source : George Mackie and Colin Wells (son of Fg/Off William Wells) and Ian Hunt and Flt/Lt (Ret) Stewart Waring and Heroes of our time website and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 28 March 2025

MACKINTOSH, A D

Sgt A D Mackintosh, Wireless Operator, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 14 March 1945, POW number Unknown

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

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

POW camp not known

Back in the UK on 8 April 1945

Source : "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Ian Hunt and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 20 September 2011

MACLEAN

Fg/Off Maclean, Co-pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C N2746 (29-Nov-1940) BU-M

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 11 April 2009

MACLOUGHLIN, A

Al MacLoughlin, Royal Air Force

Al was a navigator on the Victor on 214 in the early 70s. He was also heavily involved with the 2 V-Force reunions that have been held so far.

Source : John Gulliver

Date record last updated : 30 January 2011

MACPHEAT, I A

SAC Ian Anderson 'Mac' MacPheat, C8086497, Ground Crew, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

Born 19 December 1952

Born in Liverpool

"I had the pleasure of serving on 'Do One More,' as an Air Radar Mechanic from August 1971 to September1974 at Marham, or as we knew it, 'El Adem with grass. Halcyon days long gone and sadly missed."

Source : Ian MacPheat

Date record last updated : 22 June 2014

MADDOX, H C

FS Horace C 'Duke' Maddox, Air Gunner, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB817 BU-G
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ101 BU-H
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ114 (02-May-1945) BU-B

Source : Ian Hunt and Alan Mercer

Date record last updated : 16 May 2009

MADGWICK, N V

Sgt Norman Victor Madgwick, 1606117, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 6 November 1944, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB788 (06-Nov-1944) BU-B

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 13. D. 9.

Named on the following Memorial : No. 100 Group Bomber Command Roll of Honour in the RAF Window in Ely Cathedral.

Grandson of Soloman C. and Florence Gertrude Martin, of Felpham, Bognor Regis, Sussex.

Source : CWGC and Chas Chambers and Matt Baars

Date record last updated : 23 August 2009

MAILEY, R

Sgt Richard Mailey, 1045726, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 4 July 1943, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE882 BU-J

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 158.

Son of John Mailey, and of Mary R. Mailey, of Bangor, Co. Down, Northern Ireland.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 22 August 2019

MAIR, A P

Cpt Alfred Peter Mair, 64403, Air Gunner, Royal Artillery, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 26 March 1942

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

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

Captain Mair was attached to 214 Squadron from the Royal Artillery.

Source : CWGC and Hans J. Kobes, Vriezenveen (NL) and Jan Nieuwenhuis (World War II Allied Aircraft Crashes in The Netherlands and North Sea)

Date record last updated : 24 May 2019

MALACH, S

Sydney Malach, J45149, Air Bomber

Sydney Malach, was in 214 Squadron at Oulton, between June, 1944 and August 1945. He survived the war but passed away at the early age of 44. He had four daughters who would love some information on his service. Sydney played on the football team and he was an air bomber who flew in a Fortress aircraft. Does anyone remember him?

Source : Gaye Cash (daughter)

Date record last updated : 14 June 2009

MALLEN, I

Flt/Lt Ian Mallen, 4232644, Air Electronics Officer, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

Born 26 April 1943

Born in Dudley, England

Son of Joshua and Nancy Mallen

Ian flew in the following aircraft during his RAF career:

Vulcan with 12 Squadron at Cottesmore
Shackleton 3.3 with 42 Squadron at St Mawgan
Shackleton 2.3 at Ballykelly and Honington
Victor K1 & K2 at Marham with 214 Squadron and 55 Squadron.

2010 : Ian has recently retired from BMI (British Midland), along with one of their Captains, John (Dan) Gurney. Ian was his AEO on the last flight he made in the RAF.

Source : Ian Mallen and Caroline Mallen (Daughter of Flt/Lt Ian Mallen)

Date record last updated : 22 October 2021

MALLETT, D E

Flt/Lt David Edwin Mallett, 4233195, Pilot, KIA 6 January 1977

Brian Bines wrote:
"Is there any record of David Mallett serving as a Victor Tanker pilot with 214 Sqd. circa 1960/70's . I lost touch with David in the 1970's and recently got in touch with a mutual friend from our ATC days, he told me following his RAF service David had been killed with the Rhodesian Air Force - from the web 4382 F/L David Edwin Mallett KIFA on 6 January 1977 as pilot of Dakota R7034 of No. 3 Sqd. at Buffalo Range area in a flying accident. He was cremated at Warren Hills Cemetery Salisbury."

Flt/Lt Mallett is mentioned in " A pride of Eagles" by Beryl Salt and he evidently was part of Parachute Training School and is recorded as flying Dakota 7034 on Sept 28th 1976.

D E MALLETT is listed in the AIR FORCE LIST 1977 as a Flt Lt (P) in the RAF Reserve of Officers.

Source : Brian Bines and Tom Robson

Date record last updated : 17 April 2010

MALOFIE, D

Plt/Off Daniel Malofie, J/8596, Air Observer, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 3 July 1942, Aged 31

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I BF313 BU-T

Buried in WESTERNIELAND GENERAL CEMETERY, DE MARNE. Reference : Grave N.471

Son of Wasyl and Anna Malofie. Schoolmaster.

Before the war Daniel Malofie was a schoolmaster.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Steve Oudshoorn

Date record last updated : 22 June 2014

MANGLESEN, F

Sgt F Manglesen, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, Date taken POW 3 March 1943, POW number 1015

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

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 1 - Barth, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 6 - Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Stalag 357P - Thorn (Torun), Poland

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Sole survivor

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

Date record last updated : 20 November 2020

MANNERS, N W

Fg/Off N W Manners

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB765 (14-Mar-1945) BU-R
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB779 (08-Feb-1945) BU-K
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB796 (20-Feb-1945) BU-T
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB801 (13-Mar-1945) BU-T
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB819 (13-Feb-1945) BU-U
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KH999 (18-Apr-1945) BU-M
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ107 (03-Feb-1945) BU-N

Source : Ian Hunt and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 23 May 2025

MANSON, K

Sgt Kenneth Manson, 40654, Royal New Zealand Air Force, KIA 8 April 1941, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1380 BU-?

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 64.

Son of Nedby Mayhew Manson and Winnifred Manson.

Martin Blackmore writes :
'Sgt K Manson is listed as part of crew on R1380.
Ken Manson was my deceased Uncle, my Mother's (also deceased) Brother. I recall my Mother, who was adopted, believing that Ken and his two brother's were her cousins until aged 21, she was told they were in fact her brothers.
Ken enlisted in the RNZAF, visited my Mother in Wellington, New Zealand just prior to going overseas, turned and saluted her at the entrance of her shop, and she never saw him again.......she had known he was her brother for only a couple of months!
I have Ken's service medal, I have no idea what it is, have no idea what year he left NZ or the day he went missing and are attempting to fill in some gaps.'

Can anyone help with any information?

Source : CWGC and Martin Blackmore (nephew)

Date record last updated : 1 December 2017

MARK, H

H Mark, Pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB819 (11-May-1945) BU-U
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB819 (12-May-1945) BU-U

Source : F A Wilkes

Date record last updated : 16 January 2014

MARKS, E M

Plt/Off Edward Michael Marks, J/15139, Air Gunner, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 7 June 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I N3761 BU-E
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9317 (03-Jun-1942)

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 101.

Son of Ernie and Catharine Marks, of Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

Plt/Off Marks, air gunner on N3761 had been posted to No 214 Squadron on 20 May 1942, from No 410 (Fighter squadron). Details retrieved from the National Archives in Ottawa by Kate Brettell.

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

Date record last updated : 22 June 2014

MARSH, M M

Fg/Off Marcus M Marsh, Date taken POW 9 May 1941, POW number 1344

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

Imprisoned at POW camp Dulag DL - Dulag Luft (Oberursel), Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 3 - Sagan (Zagan) and Belaria, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Oflag 9A/H - Spangenberg bei Kassel, Germany

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Before and after World War 2 he was a famous racehorse trainer and had several famous winners. 1932 Epsom St Leger - Firdauss-Jockey was Freddy Fox - Owner was 6th Earl of Rosebery
1950 Epsom St Leger - Scratch - Jockey was Rae Johnstone - Owner was Marcel Boussac
1934 Epsom Derby - Windsor Lad - Jockey was Charlie Smirke - Owner was Maharaja of Rajpipla
1952 Epsom Derby - Tulyar - Jockey was Charlie Smirke - Owner was HH Aga Khan 3rd
Fg/Off Marcus Marsh wrote his autobiography called Racing with the Gods - Pelham Books - 1968, complete with a total of 19 black and white illustrations.It is a fascinating account of his life as a Racehorse Trainer,his life in the Casino's of the Riviera,his owners the Maharaja of Rajipla,The Aga Khan and Prince Aly. It reveals the secrets of the big race riders,and his time spent in a German Prison Camp during the War.

It appears from the records that he spent two spells in Spangeberg by Kassel and Dulag Luft.

Source : Wim de Meester of The Netherlands and Chorley and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and John Baines (Son of WO Harold Baines)

Date record last updated : 6 October 2019

MARTIN, L

Sgt Lionel Martin, 1294190, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 24 May 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III MZ261 BU-T

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 3. C. 16.

Son of George and Elizabeth Martin, of Stowmarket, Suffolk.

On the 23 May 1943 at 23.15, Stirling MZ261 coded BU-T lifted off from Chedburgh, in Suffolk on the nights operations. The target for the night was a bombing raid on Dortmond which included several other 214 Squadron aircraft. This was destined to be their last flight. It is unknown exactly what happened, possibly flack or a nightfighter, but Stirling MZ261 crashed at Unna about 15km ENE of Dortmund. Initially the crew were buried here but they were later taken re-interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

Martin_Lionel_Group

Can any one provide information on the other people in the picture and where/when it was taken?

Source : Martin Alford, nephew of Donald Alford & CWGC & Claire Old (Great niece of Lionel Martin)

Date record last updated : 10 November 2017

MARTIN, R G

Sgt Reginald George Martin, 1171555, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 27 March 1943

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I BF453 BU-L

Buried in HANOVER WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 10. B. 9-12.

Sources : Ian Hunt and CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 September 2020

MASON, A

Sgt A Mason, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, Date taken POW 23 May 1943, POW number 1252

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BF528

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 1 - Barth, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 6 - Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Stalag 357P - Thorn (Torun), Poland

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

Date record last updated : 28 January 2008

MASON, E

Sgt Eric Mason, 1167277, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 15 April 1942, Aged 32

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

Buried in HEVERLEE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 3. E. 15.

Son of Edward and Margaret Anne Mason, of Derby.

Source : Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 28 February 2010

MASON, J C

Sgt J C Mason

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z8858 BU-B

Source : Malcolm Brown (son of John Merlin Brown) and Chorley

Date record last updated : 24 January 2010

MATHER, S

FS S 'Sam' Mather, Navigator, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Peden
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III SR377 (28-Jul-1944) BU-M
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II 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 and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 14 March 2025

MATHEWS, J V

FS John Vincent Mathews, 428920, Wireless Operator, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian, Date taken POW 7 March 1945, POW number Unknown

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ106 BU-G

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

POW camp not known.

FS Mathews was from Hornsey, New South Wales, Australia.

FS Mathews was interviewed by Mat Hardy of Australia for a possible research paper in 2004. Here is a link to the interview transcript :
http://www.australiansatwarfilmarchive.gov.au/aawfa/interviews/1866.aspx

Source : "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and David Champion (researcher)

Date record last updated : 23 February 2018

MATHEWS, S J

Passport photo of Sidney Mathews taken in 1949.

Sidney John 'Sid' Mathews BEM, 125001, Ground Crew, Nationality : United Kingdom

Born 10 May 1920

Born in 91 East St, Walworth Rd, Southwark, London, UK

Sidney enlisted on 27 May 1940. His civilian occupation was as a sheet metal worker.

Sidney was with 214 Squadron in the war in the periods of 07 February 1941 to May 1943. He was then transferred to 97 Squadron.

His son Leon writes "My Father used to talk to me about the all of the Wimpy (Wellington) and Lancasters that he worked on and serviced in the war. He used to tell me many stories about the planes and the men that he was with in that time. Unfortunately like many children of my time we did not utilise a Dictaphone or diligently write down what was said by our fathers but only listened, to which many stories were subsequently forgotten."

He was awarded the BEM on 14 March 1944, for "prompt and courageous action saving the life of a wireless operator and rendering valuable assistance in most harrassing and difficult circumstances".

See the following link http://www.firebynight.co.uk/Intro%20K-King.html which has a very interesting account of his life and career.

Sidney was released from the Airforce on 28 May 1946.

Sidney died on the 17th February 2005, aged 84. His ashes were dispersed in the wind below Sir Lowry's Pass on a beautiful part of the Helderberg Mountains near Gordons Bay in Cape Town where his home was.

Source : Leon Mathews (son)

Date record last updated : 1 January 2010

MATTHEWS, A

AC1 Arthur Matthews, 534864, Royal Air Force, KIA 6 November 1939, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I L4345 BU-?

Buried in MAESTEG CEMETERY. Reference : lock G. Grave 6674.

Son of Thomas John and E. Matthews, of Nantyffyllon, Maesteg.

Source : CWGC and Chorley and Nightjar Newsletter and Brian Bouchard

Date record last updated : 1 December 2017

MATTHEWS, F G

Plt/Off Frederick George Matthews, 412465, Pilot, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian, KIA 13 August 1943, Aged 25

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

Named on the following Memorial : Australian War Memorial Panel 127

Buried in LA BUSSIERE-SUR-OUCHE COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 1

Son of Jewell and Lydia Jane Matthews, of Yanco, New South Wales, Australia.

Fred grew up in Yanco New South Wales Australia and Stephen recalls that Fred trained at Narrandera on Tiger Moths.

Stephen would like to hear from anyone who may have known his uncle. Please contact him through this website.

Source : Stephen Matthews (nephew) and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Summer / Autumn 2003 and J. Michael Townsend, Chairman of the RAFA French Riviera Branch and Australian War Memorial

Date record last updated : 26 March 2021

MATTHEWS, S C

Flt/Lt Sidney Clayden Matthews DFC MiD, Non Com 1375209 Com 142217, Rear Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 17 March 1945, Aged 25, Date taken POW 15 March 1945, POW number Unknown

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB799 (14-Mar-1945) 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 : No. 100 Group Bomber Command Roll of Honour in the RAF Window in Ely Cathedral.
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.

Born 15 November 1920

Matthews_Sidney_Clayden_grave

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 9.H.3.

Son of Alfred James Matthews and Maud Louise Matthews; husband of Iris Matthews, of Canons Park, Edgware, Middlesex.

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

He lived at 26 Crawford Avenue Wembley before his marriage.

Sidney was a former pupil of Wembley Hill School and assisted his father in business at Harlesden until 1940 when he joined the RAF. A Boy Scout and avid swimmer, he held several medals and certificates for swimming.

He was made a Pilot Officer on probation (emergency) from 6 February 1943, recorded in the London Gazette on 27 April 1943.

He was then promoted to Flying Officer on probation from 6 August 1943, recorded in the London Gazette on 27 August 1943.

Matthews_Sidney_Clayden_3

Married on 10 October 1943, at St Lawrence Church, Whitchurch Lane, Canons Park, Edgware, Middlesex, he was the husband of Mrs Iris Minnie Blanche Matthews (Farr) residing at 12 Cornbury Road, Edgware, Canons Park UK.

Matthews_Sidney_Clayden_Newspaper_5

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 5 September 1944, which was recorded in the London Gazette on 15 September 1944. He was serving with 9 Squadron at that time.

By the time he won his DFC at the young age of 23, he had already flown an incredible 57 Operations, which included several over the heaviest defended target in the heart of Germany, Berlin. Among others were attacks on two of Germany’s greatest battleships, the Scharnhorst and the Geneisenau at Brest.
(Note the Scharnhorst was sunk on 26 December 1943 in the Polar Sea in battle with British naval forces. Of the more than 2,000 men aboard only 36 survived. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/scharnhorst_01.shtml for the full story)
All of this was while serving with 9 Squadron.

Matthews_Sidney_Clayden_and_unknown_crew

Matthews_Sidney_Clayden_and_unknown_crew

Sidney with unknown crew

During the later part of World War 2 he was an Air Gunner in a B17 Flying Fortress HB799 BU-K as part of 214 Squadron based at RAF Oulton, nr Aylesham, Norfolk.

On 6 February 1945 he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. This was recorded in the London Gazette on 2 March 1945.

He had it all, honour, rank, one of the highest awards an airman can receive, and a wife waiting at home. Truly a son any parent would be fiercely proud of.
Given the number of operations and that many were essentially suicide missions from which most never returned, it is inconceivable how Flt/Lt Matthews could have survived as long as he did. It makes one wonder why the hand of fate kept him safe despite insurmountable odds, only to steal his life in "the last months of the war" in such a cruel and senseless manner.

Matthews_Sidney_Clayden_Telegram

On 16 March 1945 his wife, Iris, received a telegram saying he was reported missing as a result of air operations on the night of 14/15 March 1945. He was known to have abandoned the aircraft overland but his whereabouts were unknown.

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

On 25 March 1945, Iris received a letter from the pilot of the plane (Johnny Wynne) from the Officers Mess, RAF Station, Oulton, nr Norwich, Norfolk, explaining what had happened on that night.

Matthews_Sidney_Clayden_Letter_1

On 26 March 1945 a letter was received from the Air Ministry confirming him missing as result of air operations.

Matthews_Sidney_Clayden_Letter_3

On 7 January 1946 a letter was received from the Air Ministry confirming the discovery of five graves at Huchenfeld, Pforzheim, Germany and requesting help with identification of the bodies by laundry marks on their clothing. Iris wrote back to confirm these details on 8 January 1946.

Matthews_Sidney_Clayden_Letter_5

On 18 January 1946 the Air Ministry wrote to express their great regret at the loss of his life whilst in enemy hands.

Matthews_Sidney_Clayden_Letter_6

On 24 January 1946 the Air Ministry wrote to confirm that laundry marks below a collar band of a shirt worn by an officer in grave number three had matched the laundry markings that Iris had provided. They also confirmed that Mrs Frost, another of the widows had also been able to confirm laundry markings.

On 17 February 1946 another letter was received from Johnny Wynne now stationed at RAF Digby, Lincoln.

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

Matthews_Sidney_Clayden_Newspaper_1

In July 1946 there were several newspaper articles clarifying what had happened.

On 20 September 1946 Iris was requested to go to Buckingham Palace on 29 October 1946 to collect Sidney's Distinguished Flying Cross. She went with Sidney's mother Maud Louise Matthews and her own father William Baden Farr.

Matthews_Sidney_Clayden_Letter_7

On 30 September 1946 the Air Ministry wrote with the results of the trial, heard at Essen between 14 August 1946 and 3 September 1946. 22 accused were tried, of which 5 were acquitted, 3 were sentenced to death by hanging, 1 to life imprisonment and the rest had sentences varying from two to fifteen years. There were 5 more to be apprehended and brought to trial.

Iris was sent a photograph of the five graves at Huchenfeld. After the war the bodies were exhumed and buried at the Durnbach War Cemetery in Southern Germany.

Fortress_HB799_Temporary_Graves_Huckenfeld

Fortress_HB799_Temporary_Graves_Huckenfeld

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.'

On 25 November 1992 an article appeared in the Daily Mirror telling this story because the people of Huchenfeld wished to bury its Nazi ghost. Mrs Frost (now Mrs Taylor) attended the unveiling of a plaque in the village, in memory of the five who were killed. After seeing Sidney's name on the plaque John Edwards contacted the Daily Mirror. The reporter sent copies of photographs taken at the unveiling, Mrs Taylor's address and the proofs of the original story that he had filed, including an interview with the pilot Johnny Wynne who is still alive and living in Wales.

Mrs Taylor (Frost) was sent a copy of the letter sent to the Daily Mirror by John Edwards and she rang as soon as she received it on 4 March 1993. Copies of the letters from the pilot, Johnny Wynne were sent to her on 9 March 1993.

On 24 May 1998 John and Carol Edwards visited Durnbach War cemetery and took photos of the gravestones of all 5 crew members of HB799 BU-K who were buried there.

On 25 May 1998 John and Carol Edwards visited Huchenfeld Village where Sidney and the other four crew members were murdered. They visited the local church where the plaque is hung and also visited the grave of the Mayor of Huchenfeld who they understood had instigated the killings.

On 21 August 2009 John and Carol Edwards visited Ely Cathedral to see Sydney's name in the memorial book for 100 Bomber Group. Unfortunately his record was incorrect as the book states that he died in 1944 when it was actually 1945.
Click on this link to see the photos we took at Ely Cathedral

Please click on this link to see a document produced by the Squadron Association regarding this crew and the reconciliation between former enemies

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

Date record last updated : 13 January 2023

MAUGHAN, E H

Sgt E H Maughan, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK659 (14-May-1943) BU-N

Source : Alan Beevor (son Flt/Lt Arthur Beevor DFC) and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 25 September 2020

MAUNDERS, D

Flt/Lt Dennis Maunders, Plotter

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor K Mark I XH588 (04-Jun-1967)

Attended the 62 Victor Mk1 Course. See photo album 4 for photograph taken 24 November 1965.

Source : John Brown

Date record last updated : 17 April 2010

MAWBY, A J

Wg/Cdr Alan John Mawby OBE

Born in 1944

John Gulliver writes :
Alan and I were on the same Victor K1 conversion course in 1971 and were subsequently crewed together on 214 Squadron - so he gained a first tourist Nav Plotter.
Subsequently, many years later, he became Chairman of 214 Squadron Association until it wound up in 2017.
He had been ill for a considerable time with Parkinson’s Disease, but it is still sad to hear of his passing.

Died 5 July 2025.

Source : Joanna Mawby (daughter of Wg/Cdr Alan John Mawby) and John Gulliver

Date record last updated : 30 January 2026

MAY, R H

Flt/Lt Reginald Hubert May, 60822, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 3 September 1941, Aged 28

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1717 BU-Z?

Buried in DUNKIRK TOWN CEMETERY. Reference : Plot 2 Row 2 Grave 19.

Son of Sidney and Florence Beatrice May; husband of Catherine Esmee May, of Paddington, London.

Source : Captain Glen McKay Retd (Canadian Armed Forces), (nephew of FS James Patrick McKay) and CWGC

Date record last updated : 29 December 2010

MCANALLY, J

Plt/Off John McAnally, 62291, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 7 July 1941, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2992 (07-Jul-1941) BU-J

Named on the following Memorial : Hethersett Village Memorial Norfolk

Buried in AS COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 3

Son of the Revd. James Mortimer La Fontaine McAnally, M.A., and Francisca Sybil McAnally, of Alton Barnes Rectory, Wiltshire. B.A. (Cantab.): Gonville and Caius College.

Source : CWGC and grave photograph by Ivo Swinnen of As, Belgium

Date record last updated : 2 October 2009

MCCALL, K M

Fg/Off Keith Martin 'Mac' McCall, 429614, Navigator, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB785 (07-Jan-1945) BU-A
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB790 (14-Jan-1945) BU-Q
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB793 (02-Jan-1945) BU-S
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB793 (28-Jan-1945) BU-S
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB801 (27-Nov-1944) BU-U
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB820 (14-Feb-1945) BU-P
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ107 (21-Feb-1945) BU-N
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ107 (05-Jan-1945) BU-N
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ107 (06-Jan-1945) BU-N
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ110 (01-Feb-1945) BU-B

Born 7 April 1922

Born in Finch Hatton, Queensland, Australia

Husband of Margaret Jones

Flying Officer Keith Martin McCall underwent initial training in Canada, along with his brother Cyril (Cam), and final training with no.12 OTW at Chipping Warden and its satellite Edgehill, ending up at no 1657 HCW Shepherds Grove, Suffolk.
On arrival in Britain the brothers were posted to different Squadrons and Cyril was killed on his first bombing operation, shortly before Keith's first op.
His pilot on Wellingtons and Stirlings was Flt/Lt Ken Wyver and he transferred with him in early September 1944 to 214 Squadron. His first op was with another pilot - S/Ldr Miller - on 6 Oct. 1944 and the remainder of his 28 ops were with Ken Wyver, ending on 21 Feb. 1945.

Most of his crew attended his wedding at St Mary's Preston Park, Brighton in April 1945 to Margaret Jones.

After being discharged from the RAAF in 1946 he took a degree at Wadham College Oxford and joined the RAF as an English instructor, being seconded to his third airforce the Royal Pakistan Airforce (RPAF) in March 1951 in the same capacity. He served three years before moving to civilian life as a teacher, in Pakistan and later in the Seychelles and Tanzania.

Source : John McCall (son of Keith McCall) and Sqn/Ldr John McLelland (Rtd) (Son of Fg/Off McLelland) and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 17 April 2020

MCCARTHY, A

Plt/Off Arthur McCarthy, 411222, Air Gunner, Royal New Zealand Air Force, KIA 5 September 1942, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I BF337 (04-Sep-1942) BU-B

Buried in STAPHORST (ROUVEEN) NEW GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 5

Son of Fred Heap McCarthy and Kate Elizabeth McCarthy, of Portsmouth, England; husband of Margaret Robertson McCarthy, of New Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and R.Groeneveld (researcher)

Date record last updated : 20 November 2020

MCCARTHY, J J

Fg/Off John Joseph McCarthy, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : Irish, KIA 29 April 1937, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Harrow (model unknown) K6945

Buried in St Nicholas Churchyard, Feltwell, Norfolk

John McCarthy was born in 1913. He came from Dublin, Ireland (News paper clipping says he was from St John's, Berilon Close, Westcliff

Source : Jock Whitehouse and Peter Garside (relative of AC1 Thomas Garside) and Simon Glancey (Researcher)

Date record last updated : 24 August 2018

MCCLEARY, G F

Fg/Off George Frederick McCleary, J/20104, Air Gunner, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 26 July 1943, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK686 (26-Jul-1943) BU-C

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 6. C. 16.

Husband of Melaine McCleary, of Port Kells, British Columbia, Canada.

Source : CWGC and Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 8 August 2009

MCCLUNG, K G

Sgt K C McClung, 1058693

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 15 OTU Harwell.

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

Source : Colin Burningham

Date record last updated : 29 May 2010

MCCLYMONT, H M

FS Hugh McClure McClymont, 1681945, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 7 March 1945

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ106 BU-G

Buried in BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Plot 14. Row D. Grave 13.

FS McClymont was from Glasgow.

Source : CWGC and David Champion (researcher)

Date record last updated : 23 February 2018

MCCORMACK, T F

FS Terence Francis McCormack, 429183, Air Gunner, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, KIA 16 November 1944, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB787 (16-Nov-1944) BU-J

Born 6 May 1920

Born in Taradale, New Zealand.

Buried in CAMBRIDGE CITY CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 15353.

Son of Thomas and Mary Elizabeth McCormack, of Hastings, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.

Worked as a shepherd for J.A. McFarlaneat the Narrow ion Hastings prior to service.

After 2 years in the territorial army enlisted at Masterton on the 17 August 1942 into the RNZAF.

Embarked for Canada on the 17 May 1943.

Awarded his wireless operator badge and promoted to sergeant on the 10 March 1944.

Embarked for England on the 4 April 1944.

Further training with No. 11 Operational Training Unit flying on Wellingtons then to No. 1657 Heavy Conversion Unit on the 3 August 1944 on Stirlings.

Joined 214 squadron on the 20 September 1944. A total of 190 flying hours logged. On his 3rd operational sortie.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Kelvin Youngs http://aircrewremembered.com

Date record last updated : 13 August 2021

MCCOY, W C

Sgt W C McCoy, 631478, Flight Engineer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7538 (26-Jun-1942) BU-T

Wounded during the fighter engagement.

Source : Richard Maddox (researcher) and The National Archives

Date record last updated : 24 February 2023

MCCULLOCH, C

Sgt Charles McCulloch, 745703, Observer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 5 November 1940, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2470 (05-Nov-1940) BU-K

Buried in ORWELL CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 104.

Son of George and Kate E. B. McCulloch, of Milnathort.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 27 September 2009

MCCUTCHAN, J E

Sgt James Edward 'Jim' McCutchan, Waist Gunner, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, Date taken POW 24 May 1944, POW number 39

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR384 BU-A

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 7 - Bankau (Bakow), Poland

Born 7 June 1913

Born in Kenora, Ontario, Canada

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Another source states that James was from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Source : Ryan Dudley (nephew of Allan Hockley) and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Roz Glenn (daughter-in-law of FS Thomas Glenn)

Date record last updated : 28 February 2010

MCDERMID, A

Sgt Alistair McDermid, Waist Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB780 (06-Nov-1944) BU-C
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB815 (04-Mar-1945) BU-J

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

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

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

See the chapter named OULTON AIRBASE

He is a member of the Squadron Association and a regularly attends the Squadron reunion (March 2008)

Alistair died on 23 February 2017 aged 92

Source : Nightjar Newsletter and BBC website WORLD WAR 2 - PEOPLE'S WAR and Linda McDermid

Date record last updated : 31 August 2017

MCDONALD, G

Plt/Off Gorgon McDonald, Wireless Operator, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian

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

MCDOUGALL, M

Wg/Cdr Murray McDougall, R149985, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force

He was the pilot for 3 Fortress flights between April 1944 to May 1945 (actual operational take-offs. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc.)

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 7 December 2018

MCFARLANE, J

WO James McFarlane, 994024, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 22 March 1945, Aged 23

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

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 269
Named on the following Memorial : Wellington Square War Memorial, Ayr, Scotland

Born in Ayr, Scotland

Son of Frank McFarlane and of Helen Weir McFarlane (nee Graham), of Ayr.

McFarlane_James_Letter_from_Lady_Wynford_to_Mr_plus_Mr_McFarlane_Page_1

McFarlane_James_Letter_from_Lady_Wynford_to_Mr_plus_Mr_McFarlane_Page_1

McFarlane_James_Letter_from_Lady_Wynford_to_Mr_plus_Mr_McFarlane_Page_2.

Letter from Lady Wynford (Mother of Flt/Lt William Donald Allies)

McFarlane_James_Letter_from_Wing_Commander_D_D_Rodgers

Letter from Wg/Cdr D D Rogers

McFarlane_James_ref_Braithwaite_Letter_from_R_Braithwaite_page_1

McFarlane_James_ref_Braithwaite_Letter_from_R_Braithwaite_page_2

Letter from the family of FS Charles Roberts William Braithwaite

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

Date record last updated : 27 July 2010

MCGARVEY, A A R

WO Alexander Alistair Robert McGarvey GM, 1345818, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : British, Date taken POW 2 August 1943, POW number 1325

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

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 1 - Barth, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 6 - Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Stalag 357P - Thorn (Torun), Poland

Born in Scotland

On 2/3 August, 1943, this airman was pilot of an aircraft returning from an attack on Hamburg. His aircraft was hit by electrical storms and severe icing and became uncontrollable. At approximately 0200 hours he gave orders to abandon the aircraft off Wilhemshaven. He alighted in the sea near to his navigator, Sgt A B Grainger, who was a poor swimmer and had been wounded. Despite his own wounds, which rendered his legs almost useless, Warrant Officer McGarvey (who was a Sergeant at the time) swam towards the navigator, who was blowing his whistle. Searchlights were being played on them and they tried to swim to the nearest shore position, Warrant Officer MoGarvey towing the navigator who, after a time, could barely help himself along and relapsed into periods of unconsciousness. When dawn broke they set course for a light vessel which could be seen in the distance. The tide was, however, carrying them- away from the vessel. The navigator was only just conscious and Warrant Officer McGarvey, discarding his " Mae West," swam to the light vessel to obtain assistance. At 10.30 hours the navigator was rescued in an unconscious condition but recovered after artificial respiration had been applied. Warrant Officer McGarvey had assisted him for 8½ hours, eventually saving his life in most difficult and dangerous circumstances. He won the George medal for this incredible feat. Both survived as Prisoners of War. Five other members of the crew were drowned.
(London Gazette - 14 August 1945)

He is thought to have died in 1973.

Source : London Gazette 14 August 1945 and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 11 February 2008

MCGARVIE, D

Fg/Off Doug McGarvie, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

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

Born in Glasgow, Scotland

Source : Graeme Walsh (Friend of Fg/Off John Lyall)

Date record last updated : 31 August 2018

MCGILL, W

Sgt Walter McGill kneeling second left. Does anyone recognise the other personnel in the photograph?

McGill_Walter_group_2

Sgt Walter McGill crouching left with Officer. Does anyone recognise the other personnel in the photograph?

McGill_Walter_group_3

Sgt Walter McGill second from left. Does anyone recognise the other personnel in the photograph?

McGill_Walter_group_4

Sgt Walter McGill fourth from left. Does anyone recognise the other personnel in the photograph?

Sgt Walter McGill, Air Gunner

Russell Ives writes :
My step-father was Sgt Walter McGill, Air Gunner, He did his first tour with 214 Sqn on Stirlings and his second tour with 622 Squadron on Lancasters at Mildenhall.
The above photos were taken at RAF Chedburgh I think and are of 214 Sqn personnel. If anyone recognises Sgt Walter McGill can you please get in touch with me.

Source : Russell Ives (step son of Sgt Walter McGill)

Date record last updated : 22 June 2018

MCGINN, B J

Sqn/Ldr B J McGinn, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2893

Survived crash on 30 November 1940 but was injured.

The pilot, Sqn/Ldr B J McGinn, a highly experienced pilot with more than 4200 hours to his credit, was from 70 Squadron based in Egypt and was one of the pilots of this squadron who went to Britain to collect the first Wellingtons with which the squadron was re-equipping. He had flown one operation with 214 Squadron on the 14th, a raid to Schiphol airfield.

Source : Chorley and Aviation.net

Date record last updated : 8 January 2021

MCGLINN, D J

Wg/Cdr Desmond J McGlinn, 37294, Pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) FEN959 (04-Nov-1943) BU-?

Commanding Officer of 214 Squadron from 1943-1944.

He was the pilot for 5 Fortress flights between April 1944 to May 1945 (actual operational take-offs. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc.)

Source : Donald MacGilchrist and Tom Raine and Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 7 December 2018

MCGLOIN, E

Sgt Edward McGloin, 1560563, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 4 April 1943, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7621 (04-Apr-1943) BU-G

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 157

Son of Hugh McGloin, and of Julia McGloin, of Greenock, Renfrewshire.

Source : CWGC and Nils Hempel of Kiel Germany

Date record last updated : 24 March 2009

MCGOWEN

Sgt McGowen

No further information available yet.

Date record last updated : 3 October 2010

MCGRATH, P G

Sgt Patrick Gerald McGrath, 1081837, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 31 May 1942

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

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 19. E. 7-14.

Sgt Patrick McGrath served with 214 at Stradishall.

Source : Emrys Jones and CWGC

Date record last updated : 5 September 2010

MCGREGOR, W J S

Sgt William James Stephen McGregor, 990467, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 9 May 1941, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1623 (10-Apr-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2918 (25-Apr-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R3208 (09-May-1941)

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 47

Son of James White McGregor and Emma Stephen McGregor, of Aberdeen.

Was involved in three crashes. These were :
First crash Wellington R1623 (10-Apr-1941)
Second crash Wellington T2918 (25-Apr-1941)
Third and fatal crash Wellington R3208 (09-May-1941)

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Autumn 2005 and Chorley and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 2 October 2026

MCHARDY, A J

Sgt Alexander John McHardy, 973376, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 9 April 1941, Aged 33

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2542 (09-Apr-1941)

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

Son of Alexander and Helen Smith McHardy, of Durris, Kincardineshire.

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

Date record last updated : 4 October 2009

MCILROY, D

Sgt D McIlroy

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z8858 BU-B

Source : Malcolm Brown (son of J M Brown) and Chorley

Date record last updated : 27 November 2009

MCKAY, J P

FS James Patrick McKay, R/58824, Navigator, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 3 September 1941, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1717 BU-Z?

Buried in DUNKIRK TOWN CEMETERY. Reference : Plot 2 Row 2 Grave 24.

Son of James McKay and of Brigid Frances McKay (nee Garvey). B A., B.Sc.

In the photo above, FS McKay is on the left, the fellow on the right is V.V. Havilicek

Glen McKay has his Ops Record Book (ORB).

Source : Captain Glen McKay Retd (Canadian Armed Forces), (nephew of FS James Patrick McKay) and CWGC

Date record last updated : 29 December 2010

MCKEAND, G

Sqn/Ldr McKeand at Buckingham Palace presumably to receive his DSO

McKeand_George_obituary

Obituary thought to be from the Glasgow Herald

Sqn/Ldr George McKeand DFC DSO, 101511, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) ??McKeand (1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2819 (04-Feb-1941)

George McKeand joined 214 Squadron in January 1941 as a young sergeant pilot.

From London Gazette Issue 35247 published 15 August 1941 he was promoted to Flight Sergeant.

Like several 214 Squadron pilots, he was then rested at 21 OTU Moreton-in-Marsh.

From London Gazette Issue 36148 published 24 August 1943

On 27 July 1943 he was promoted to Squadron Leader.

He returned to operations in 1944, flying Mosquitos with 692 Squadron of the Light Night Striking Force in 8 Group.

From London Gazette Issue 36560 published 9 June 1944
"One night in May, 1944, several crews of Mosquito aircraft were detailed for a difficult and dangerous mine-laying mission. The operation called for the highest standard of skill and accuracy. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, balloon defences and .considerable searchlight activity the attack was pressed home with great precision from low level. That complete success was achieved in spite of such hazards is a high tribute to the calm courage and iron determination shown by the following officers who participated in various capacities as leaders and members of aircraft crew."

He was awarded the DFC.

He was the first pilot to drop a 4,000 pound cookie from a Mosquito.

In all he flew 81 bombing operations

From London Gazette, Issue 36873 published 29 December 1944:
"Acting Squadron Leader George MCKEAND, D.F.C.
(101511), R.A.F.V.R., 692 Sqn. Awarded DSO.
This officer has completed a very large number of sorties, involving attacks on a wide range of heavily defended targets in Germany. 'He has displayed conspicuous gallantry and determination in pressing home his attacks and has set an example of a high order. His achievements have been worthy of the highest praise."

From London Gazette Issue 37895 published 28 February 1947.
He was commisioned to Pilot Officer from 18 December 1946.

From London Gazette Issue 38861 published 14 March 1950.
He received promotion to Flying Officer from 1 April 1947.

From London Gazette Issue 39135 published 26 January 1951.
he resigned his commission on 26 September 1950.

He survived the war and lived in Edinburgh.

Died 22 April 1996 aged 79

Source : Christopher Jary, Author - Portrait Of A Bomber Pilot and London Gazette (various issues) and Joy Dunn (relative of Sqn/Ldr McKeand) and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 19 February 2021

MCKEE, T V

Fg/Off Terrance Valleau McKee, J/37716, Air Bomber, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 17 January 1945, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ103 BU-M

Buried in BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY. Reference : 56. E. 5.

Son of Norman Frederick and Josephine Adrien McKee, of Hull, Province of Quebec, Canada.

Was cousins with Fg/Off Robert Valleau Houston another crew member he flew with.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and David Champion (researcher)

Date record last updated : 19 January 2018

MCKENZIE

Sgt McKenzie

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1341 (14-Jul-1941)

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 31 August 2020

MCKENZIE, J I

Plt/Off John Irvine McKenzie

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9165 (20-Nov-1942) BU-Y

Source : 214 Squadron ORB and Chorley

Date record last updated : 28 April 2023

MCKNIGHT

Sgt McKnight, Air Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (13-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (15-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (17-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (19-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (23-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (29-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (07-Dec-1940) BU-D

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 28 August 2023

MCLAREN, W A

FS William Alistair McLaren, 1672260, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 16 November 1944, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB787 (16-Nov-1944) BU-J

Buried in CAPUTH CEMETERY. Reference : Plot 365. Grave 1077.

Son of William and Margaret McLaren, of Murthly, Perth and Kinross, Scotland.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Kelvin Youngs http://aircrewremembered.com

Date record last updated : 13 August 2021

MCLAUGHLIN, A

FS Alexander McLaughlin, 422972, Air Gunner, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, KIA 16 November 1944, Aged 27

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB787 (16-Nov-1944) BU-J

Born 20 September 1917

Born in Moss-side, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Buried in MOSSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHYARD. Reference : Grave 169.

Son of Patrick and Catherine McLaughlin; husband of Phyllis McLaughlin (Gillan). Husband of Phyllis Mona McLaughlin (née Potts - later Mathews).

Originally came from Ireland then emigrated to New Zealand.

Worked as a farmer for W.A. Gault at Opotiki prior to service.

Enlisted on the 6 May 1942 at Hobsonville.

Embarked for Canada on the 12 February 1943.

Awarded his air gunner badge and promoted to sergeant on the 10 March 1944.

Embarked for England on the 4 April 1944.

Further training with No. 11 Operational Training Unit flying on Wellingtons then to No. 1657 Heavy Conversion Unit on the 3 August 1944 on Stirlings.

Joined 214 squadron on the 20 September 1944.

A total of 160 flying hours logged. On his 3rd operational sortie.

The brother of Phyllis Mona McLaughlin (née Potts - later Mathews), Plt/Off Donald Norman Potts NZ/412267 RNZAF was listed as missing believed killed flying as second pilot on 75 Squadron Wellington III X3557 during a raid on Wilhelmshaven on the 08/09 July 1942.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Cymon Hewitt (relative of FS Colin James Ashworth) and Kelvin Youngs http://aircrewremembered.com

Date record last updated : 13 August 2021

MCLELLAND, T A

Fg/Off Neil Scott (right) on leave with Fg/Off Alec McLelland (left).

Flt/Lt (Acting) T A 'Alec' McLelland, 408477, Special Operator, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB785 (07-Jan-1945) BU-A
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB793 (02-Jan-1945) BU-S
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB793 (28-Jan-1945) BU-S
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB801 (27-Nov-1944) BU-U
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB820 (14-Feb-1945) BU-P
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ107 (05-Jan-1945) BU-N
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ107 (06-Jan-1945) BU-N
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ110 (01-Feb-1945) BU-B

Fg/Off McLelland is recorded as a regular crew member with Flt/Lt Wyver and Fg/Off Keith McCall.

Wounded 14 February 1945.

John McLelland writes :
My father TA (Alec) McLelland was a special ops officer with the squadron and flew 29 sorties over the period 1944/45. During the last sortie my father was injured and the aircraft badly damaged. As a result the crew was not required to complete the last sortie and were recorded as having completed a tour of duty.

Source : John McCall (son of Keith McCall) and Sqn/Ldr John McLelland (Rtd) (Son of Fg/Off McLelland) and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 17 April 2020

MCLENNAN

Sgt McLennan

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) X3206

Source : Colin Burningham and W.R.Chorley

Date record last updated : 17 November 2008

MCLEOD, G A

Fg/Off G A McLeod, J124920, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II HB386 (06-May-1944) BU-N

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 14 March 2025

MCNAMARA, A J

Sgt Anthony John McNamara, 1582886, Special Wireless Operator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 26 August 1944

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB763 (25-Aug-1944) BU-T

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

Is listed on Battle Orders for 22 August 1944.

CWGC says he was an Air Gunner.

Source : George Mackie and CWGC

Date record last updated : 28 March 2015

MCNAMARA, P J

WO P J McNamara, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Date taken POW 19 September 1942, POW number 1327

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9356 (20-Sep-1942) BU-U
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) W7577 (07-Aug-1942) BU-P

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 1 - Barth, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 4 - Gross Tychow (Beninia?), Poland
Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 6 - Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Chorley and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton Brock and 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

MCNEIL, R

WO/II Roderick McNeil, R/88342, Air Gunner, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 23 June 1943, Aged 23

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

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 20. E. 1-3.

Son of Joseph D. and Christie McNeil, of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 20 June 2010

MCSHANE, T H

Sgt T H 'Paddy' McShane, Flight Engineer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) ??Dixon
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK663 (29-Mar-1943) BU-T
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EF403 (27-Jul-1943) BU-G

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

Source : John Jewsbury (son of R F Jewsbury) and Walter Rowley and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 10 March 2023

MEADOWCROFT, S D

Flt/Lt Sidney Dobson 'Tich' Meadowcroft, 102104, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 2 June 1944, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2800 (15-Jan-1941) BU-P
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2800 (22-Jan-1941) BU-P
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2800 (04-Feb-1941) BU-P
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2800 (10-Feb-1941) BU-P

Buried in BENGHAZI WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 3.A.12

Son of Herbert and Edith Meadowcroft; husband of Gladys Maud Meadowcroft, of Salford, Lancashire.

Flt/Lt Meadowcroft was killed in Libya while serving with 38 Squadron.

Source : Sheila Scott Byrne (daughter of Wg/Cdr Peter Doig Scott) and Jock Whitehouse and CWGC and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 18 February 2022

MEADOWS, F C

The origin of the above group photos is not known but could be 214 Squadron. Can anyone help please with identifying who they are?

Flt/Lt Frederick Charles 'Freddie' or 'FC' Meadows Air Crew Europe star, 39-45 star, War and Defence Medal, Non Com 742555 Com 147965, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : British

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) L7869 (14-Feb-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2776 (09-Jan-1941) BU-G
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R1376 (21-Mar-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1447 (12-Mar-1941) BU-A
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1447 (27-Mar-1941) BU-A
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R3233 (23-Mar-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (13-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (15-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (17-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (19-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (23-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (29-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (07-Dec-1940) BU-D

Born 11 June 1915

Born in Pucklechurch, Gloucester

Son of William John Meadows and Clara Meadows

Dan Stephens writes :
Medical board took him off flight crew after 11 missions in late April 1941. Unclear why, but he was promoted to Flight Sergeant shortly afterwards and sent to 21 OTU in Moreton in Marsh.

Only flew in Wellingtons.

Died in August 2002 in Spain aged 87

Source : Ian Hunt and Dan Stephens (Great Nephew of Flt/Lt Frederick Charles Meadows)

Date record last updated : 18 November 2022

MEADOWS, L F

Sgt Leslie Frank Meadows, 1381714, Navigator / Bomber, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 15 October 1942, Aged 28

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9146 (15-Oct-1942) BU-S

Buried in UDEN WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 4. B. 7.

Son of Frank and Ethel Meadows; husband of Joan Mary Meadows, of Coleman's Hatch, Sussex.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

MELDRUM, R

Ron Meldrum

Robert Stocker writes:
"My best mate in 214 was a guy called Ron Meldrum, but I've had no joy in trying to locate him. We often went to the band-room (the other side of the perimeter track, out of ear-shot,) and play about on his 4-track tape recorder. (Of course, we were MUCH younger then!)
My great sadness is losing contact with Ron.We spent many a happy hour in a King's Lynn pub called The Golden Ball, affectionately known as (if you will excuse the R.A.F. vernacular) The Rusty Knacker. Memories, memories. "

Source : Robert Stocker

Date record last updated : 7 August 2010

MELROSE, J D F

Jack Melrose is 2nd from the left in the front row

Sgt John D F 'Jack' Melrose, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 13 October 1942, POW number 842

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

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 1 - Barth, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 4 - Gross Tychow (Beninia?), Poland
Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 6 - Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Please click on the following link for a history of Sgt Jack Melrose : Jack Melrose Military History

Source : "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Chorley and Lola Christie (Jack's daughter)

Date record last updated : 20 September 2011

MELTON, G B

Sgt George Bullimore Melton, 1014741, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 17 September 1942, Aged 29

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9350 (07-Aug-1942) BU-T
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9350 (17-Sep-1942) BU-T

Buried in HEVERLEE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 2. J. 1.

Son of George and Eva Melton, of Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire.

Graham Melton writes :
I have copies of: the original 'MIA' telegram, presumably sent to my grandparents, which contains precise addresses for all next-of-kin; letters from the Air Ministry to my grandfather informing him of my uncle's burial in Belgium and then in 1945 of the number of the grave; and two letters from my uncle to my grandparents in 1942, one written six days before his death which poignantly begins "Here's a line to show we're still alive & kicking." The letter continues: "Hope you're all OK too. Since we got back, we've been well occupied - "on" 3 nights but "scrubbed" 2 nights at the last minute".

Source : Robert Sharp (son) and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004 and Chorley and Graham Melton (Nephew of Sgt George Bullimore Melton) and 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

MELVILLE, D A

Sgt Douglas Archer Melville, 913638, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 20 June 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I N3762 BU-C
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9322 (01-Jun-1942) BU-C

Buried in OMMEN GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 5

Source : CWGC, Chorley and Ian Hunt and Don MacDonald

Date record last updated : 22 June 2014

MERCER, A F

WO Alan F Mercer, 1626081, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB817 BU-G
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ101 BU-H
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ114 (02-May-1945) BU-B

Born 3 August 1924

Born in London, England

Son of Frederick Mercer and Winifred (nee Bawden)

Alan Mercer has contributed some reminiscences and a photo of Sgts White and Langhorn with 'their' B-17 in a book about 100 Group which came out about a year ago: "Even When The Sparrows Are Walking" by Laurie Brettingham.

Alan quotes " I was the Navigator with Gee fixes and a picture of the coastline on my H2S radar screen" (21 February 2009"). Alan still meets "Chalky" White regularly.

Nearly Operational

I was posted to an Operational Training Unit. My purpose in the RAF was coming into sharp focus. It was in November 1944 that another bomber crew was starting to be formed as we came together at No 11 Operational Training Unit, at Westcott & Oakley, Bucks.
We were F/O Ken Kemmett, Pilot, Sgt Alan Mercer, Navigator, F/O "Lofty Baumfield (NZ), B/A, F/Sgt Steve Spregg, W/OP, Sgt "Duke" Maddox (NZ), R/AG and Sgt "Curly" Herlihy (NZ), MU/AG. Ken was about 23 years old an ex instructor, Steve starting his second tour of ops was about 30, the rest of us were around 20 years old.
I had managed to get home for Christmas and Boxing Day plus a couple of other weekends, achieved by either getting a taxi, if available, from the airfield to the main A40 road into London and hitch hiking, or if there was no taxi then I took a walk across two or three fields to the A40.
Some fourteen weeks later and some 87 hours flying in Wellingtons and a great deal more ground training found ourselves a "qualified" bomber crew. We had experiences of being diverted to other airfields, landing at Newmarket racecourse (gate crashing an Army dance dressed in our flying clothing and boots), sleeping overnight in deserted Nissen huts.

On one flight, we had to call for assistance from Darky (night time emergency radio network) because our navigation aids had packed up, and we were too close to Rugby radio masts about 1200 ft high, with a cloud base lower than that. We were guided into Polebrook, a USAAF airbase, given supper in a "film set" dining hall, sleeping in hospital beds as there were no other empty beds. Flying at night when the weather was good meant that at the end of the flight near to base we could look out for the airfield identity beacon flashing its code in the darkness.
I have memories of walking miles in snow to go to local pubs, coming back to a Nissen hut with a white hot stove in the middle, ideal for toast after some beers or trying to open a soldered tin containing cake sent to the Kiwis in our crew.
This was a satisfying period of training (and other life) marred only by the news that my friend Eric Thurston had been killed in a mid air collision at another OTU in Scotland.
At the end of the course our Pilot told us that we had been posted to a special duties squadron in Norfolk. We arrived at RAF Oulton near Aylsham. I think we were picked up from Norwich railway station and driven to Oulton. Just outside the airfield were the scattered remains of a crashed B-17 Flying Fortress, shot down by a German intruder a night or two previously, not the best of welcomes! I learned some years later that 8 of the crew were killed in that crash and I met one of the survivors, an AG at a reunion in 1994.

We flew in Fortresses

Before joining the Squadron, we had to spend four weeks at No 1699 Heavy Conversion Unit, also at RAF Oulton, gaining two more AGs, Freddie Langhorn and "Chalky" White, 18 year old Sergeants, plus Sgt "Smithy" Smith, Flight Engineer and P/O "Olly" Green, Special Radar Operator in our crew. One of the staff pilots at the Conversion Unit was Murray Peden who checked our crew. He wrote a very good book later called "A Thousand Must Fall". I have it on my bookshelf.
It was the beginning of April 1945 before we joined 214 Squadron. A week was spent pottering about, then our first operation to Schleisweg Holstein on a spoof raid, dropping window, and jamming German RDF etc. We learned a few days later, in an intelligence report, that a squadron of German night fighters had taken off to come after our few Fortresses (looking like a large number of bombers on the German Radar screens). That meant one lot of night fighters less going after the main force which was our raison d'être. What an experience that first op was!
The B/A and myself attended a separate navigation briefing almost like a classroom exercise or exam. With our routes mapped out etc. we went for the traditional aircrew supper, fried egg, bacon and chips, not the best pre flight meal but eggs were a luxury in wartime. Afterwards we went to the Sergeant's Mess where I brought out two half pints of beer as a mock bravado gesture of insurance against our not coming back. An hour later we were drawing our parachutes, Mae West's etc, riding in a truck to dispersal, having a pee on the back wheel, finally getting airborne around sunset. Another hour later we were over Germany (not much left of the opposition as the invasion was going well but still plenty of night fighters left).
My navigation equipment was working perfectly, a bit of jamming on the Gee set but still clear pulses to give me position fixes. The gunners reported vapour trails, we were flying at 22,000 ft, puzzling because our squadron aircraft were flying at staggered intervals about 20 miles behind each other. Obvious conclusion? Then some searchlights came near to us, so our skipper started to weave, well I reckon that we actually corkscrewed for half an hour. I was airsick for the first (and only) time in my life, fried egg and chips etc beer, and butterflies transferred rapidly from my stomach to one of the spare charts rather neatly and with my oxygen mask back on, I was then able to carry on. Six of the other crew were also sick, but at least we were still alive.

On one op, cruising fairly calmly at 22,000 ft there was a burst of gunfire from the Mid Upper. The Pilot's reaction was to stand the plane on its nose and lose a few thousand feet straight away. The M/U then apologised! He claimed to have caught his parachute harness on the triggers, which did not have trigger guards. We all reckoned that he had fallen asleep, waking up with a jerk, thus catching his harness that way.

On the 22nd April 1945, our crew was scheduled as standby crew, this meant extra work for me as Navigator as I had to prepare three flight plans in case we had to take the place of any of the other crews. Again it was Supper, the flying gear, etc. and then out to dispersal to wait and see if we were required or not. All the aircraft took off all right so we were able to go back to whatever we wanted to do! I had three useless flight plans, left to tear up in little pieces!!!

The Flying Fortress was chosen for Radar Counter Measures for a number of reasons: it could fly high and it had a spacious compartment for the W/Op and Special Operator together with their radar receivers and transmitters. The internal bomb bays were an ideal shape and size for the pillar-box sized transmitters we carried for jamming purposes. (Stirlings previously used had a difficult job to get much above 15,000 ft). The Rear Gunner had a very tight squeeze towards the rear with only a saddle type seat to sit on for the total time airborne. Further forward, the Mid Upper Gunner had a reasonable position and of course the Pilot and Engineer enjoyed armchair comfort (?). The B/A and myself had our little office in the nose, a chart table 3 ft by 2 ft, with the Gee set to the left, Air position Indicator (Heath Robinson box of gears and cogs, but it worked), and H2S (radar picture of the ground, fine but Germans could home onto it) on the right hand side of the table. The B/A worked on some Radar gear when we reached the target area so we had no need to look out, our windows were curtained, and we declined the Pilots' suggestion to look out, as we were too cosy inside to bother about the war outside.
The B/A and I had to stand behind the Pilot and Engineer for take offs and landings and one night returning from an op, I saw the red exhaust flames of a plane crossing in front of us from left to right, slightly above us about twenty feet away. "Not one of ours" said the skipper sticking the nose down to touch the runway quicker. This was the only time I had seen the enemy and only 2 seconds separated us from being in his gun sight.

On one of our air tests, I had a look back from the astro-dome at the Pilot, Engineer, and behind them, the Mid Upper Gunner who, naturally, had a very good view all around, Curly depressed his guns and fired at me, well perhaps 12 inches above the astro-dome, I couldn't help ducking! Another time on an air test, he test fired his guns, then against the rules, he centralised his guns rearward before clearing a live round from the breech block, the live round cooking in the hot gun went off hitting our own tail about 12 inches above the Rear A/G's head. The Pilot wasn't told until after landing and wasn't amused at the news; he had felt that the controls had become stiff during landing.
Sometimes I would join the two waist gunners for takeoff and try to keep my head out of the window but as speed increased I had to give way, and get my head back in.
On another occasion, whilst sitting around on the grass at the dispersal point, dressed in our flying clothing, waiting for takeoff time, another Fortress's waist gun started firing. It appeared that the Waist Gunner had left his gun strap on the gun trigger so that the vibration of the engines starting up swung the gun around and pulled the strap tight on the trigger. The episode was good for a laugh just before takeoff.

Some of the lighter parts of living on the airfield were very good. There was a large lake in the grounds of nearby Blacking Hall, ideal for dinghy drill practice, especially as the Spring weather was getting better. We found that swimming around the lake towing the dinghy made better speed than paddling the thing in the approved manner. Afterwards, we used the showers in the officer's quarters, which were in the grounds, to wash the pondweed off ourselves.
Our NZ B/A had a visit from his brother Ben in the NZ navy; we found Sgt's uniform for Lofty and his brother so that we could all eat together in the Sgt's Mess.
I had a go at flying the Fortress. I'd had the controls of a Tiger Moth, Anson, and Wimpey before. I was doing reasonably well despite wisecracks from the Rear A/G, but losing patience with him, I started kicking the rudder bar to and fro which must have knocked his head in a similar to and fro inside the small headroom. I wasn't allowed to continue the treatment for long, as the Skipper took control back again.
We had a fire during an air test once, well a lot of smoke anyway. One of the electric motors in the bomb bay started giving off a lot of smoke, so a couple of us went to town with the fire extinguishers and put out the smoke by the time we landed. On these air tests we were supposed to take our parachutes with us and usually we did so as a matter of course. It was amusing to see the two crew members who did not bother to take their 'chutes had the whitest of faces while the rest of us could see the joke.
At our working altitudes of 20,000 ft we obviously were on oxygen. The oxygen mask after a couple of hours began to chafe our faces and it was quite a relief to take it off for a few seconds in order to have a quick swig of coffee from the flask or a bite of a sandwich neatly wrapped in newspaper. There was always a drop of condensation falling from the mask and this dropped to form a blob of ice on the chart until we returned to a lower altitude and thawed out, then the chart became rather soggy in places. We had electrically heated flying suits and what with plugging that in, plus the oxygen, plus the intercom, and our seat belts, I was well trained for the car seat belt laws of later years.
Life on the Squadron was easy. If flying the night before, we didn't book in until about mid-day at our sections, otherwise we signed on around 9 am, had a chat, looked at notices, maybe went to an odd lecture. A few minutes away from the Nav section were the camp gates, which were always open, and a village PO/General shop/tea room provided a meeting point as an alternative to the NAAFI wagon. If a few days had elapsed since an op or exercise, then the Navs had to see the Nav Leader who had marked our charts and duly praised or criticised our performance.
We, the NCOs shared a Nissen hut with the NCOs of two other crews, one crew had come with us from OTU, the other crew failed to return one night. When we woke up in the morning, there were five or six empty beds, later in the day their belongings had been cleared out.
My late arrival on an operational Squadron, flying only 3 operations was a very good reason for surviving the war, some 8 Fortresses were lost from 214 Squadron in the last three months of the war (some 60 lives lost). Let us not forget that some 55,000 other lads in Bomber Command also failed to make it, whilst some 70,000 came through more or less OK.
By this time our Pilot had got his second ring (Flt/Lt), Steve got his commission after W/O, and we senior Sgts became F/Sgts, the Skipper did nag me to apply for a commission the same as Steve, but I felt that my W/O would be due soon and it wasn't worth while becoming an officer for the "short time" before I was demobbed. A W/O Navigator was paid more than a P/O and about the same as a F/O.
V.E. Day came. We celebrated on the airfield. An ox or sheep was roasted on a spit. We had some beer, I think! I don't remember much of that evening. The next day, we elected for a quiet evening at the pictures, our usual mode of transport was by bike, and if our issued bike had been taken we took the nearest one or doubled up on one bike. Returning to camp, sitting on the handlebars of Chalkys bike, we met 2 WAAFs riding bikes, and we became "tangled". I ended up in hospital with concussion! Nevertheless, I returned to flying in 4 weeks.
After the war ended we had a lot of surplus ammunition to dispose of by taking a flight over the North Sea, opening bomb doors and dropping it. There was a catwalk through the bomb bay for us to walk from front to rear and it felt strange to stand on an 18" gangway with the sea a hundred feet below us. Coming back from this little task we found a Lancaster had formated beside us, after exchanging the usual victory signals, the Lancaster shut off one engine and then started pulling away from us despite our Pilot trying to push our throttles as hard as he could. The Lancaster continued on three engines to leave us well behind. We took part in a couple of exercises in July called Post Mortem, to test the effectiveness of the German Radar, flying up and down the North Sea and in and out of Denmark. One of those flights was 7 1/2 hours, the longest time I had been airborne in the RAF (but nothing to compare with the Catalina in Coastal Command).

The Squadron split up, we all went on leave.

NOTE: The final operation was also Bomber Command's last op of WWII, which was the subject of a recent book: "The Final Fling" by William J Rees.

Sadly Alan passed away on Saturday 6th June 2009.

Please click on this link to see an article from the Heroes of our time website about WO Alan F Mercer

Source : Alan Mercer and Karen Callister (daughter) and Ian Hunt and Jennifer Baumfield and Heroes of our time website

Date record last updated : 28 February 2025

MERCER, C H R

FS Cecil Harry Reuben Mercer, 968118, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 8 April 1941, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1380 BU-?

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 48.

Son of Harry and Mary Elizabeth Mercer, of Barnes, Surrey.

Source : CWGC and Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 1 December 2017

MERCER, G

FS G Mercer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB803 (15-Mar-1945) BU-L

Source : Chorley

Date record last updated : 1 December 2017

MERCER, W G

Sgt W G Mercer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ125 BU-J

Source : 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Heath (grandson of Sgt Harold James Heath)

Date record last updated : 15 December 2017

MEREDITH, E

Sgt Elwyn Meredith, 568070, Air Gunner / Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 5 September 1942, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I BF330 (07-Aug-1942) BU-H
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I BF337 (04-Sep-1942) BU-B

Born 7 November 1919

Born in Tredeger, Bedwelty, Wales

Buried in STAPHORST (ROUVEEN) NEW GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : 6

Son of Jacob Elwyn and Eleanor Edith Meredith of Newport, Wales

He enlisted in the RAF on the 20 August 1935.

Sgt Meredith was flight engineer in the crew of Plt/Off John G Smith, Stirling BF337 BU-B. Killed with two other crew members on 4th of September 1942. No other details known.

Family contact: D.B. Meridith, Well House Service Station, Ynsddu, Gwent, NP11 7LJ 01495 200284

Source : CWGC and Chorley and R.Groeneveld (researcher) and 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

MERRYWEATHER, G E

Sgt George Edward Merryweather, 547673, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, 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 George Henry and Clara Merryweather, of Blankney Fen, Lincolnshire.

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

Date record last updated : 31 December 2014

METCALFE, C

Sgt C Metcalfe

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE899 (24-Jul-1943)

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 10 March 2023

METCALFE, R A

Sgt Ronald Arthur Metcalfe, 1459019, Air Bomber, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 22 September 1943

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9258 BU-W

Buried in HANOVER WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 10. D. 5-8.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 13 August 2017

MICHAELS, P

Phil Michaels, Pilot

Extracted from the writings of Flt/Lt John Valentine Swan. May not be correct as some of the writing is hard to decipher.

Source : Lynn Mortimer (daughter of Flt/Lt John Valentine Swan)

Date record last updated : 3 January 2020

MICKLEWRIGHT, G

Gerry 'Red' or 'Ginge' Micklewright

Source : Ian Micklewright (son)

Date record last updated : 20 July 2011

MIFLIN, C S

Plt/Off Charles S 'Chas' Miflin, Special Operator, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB803 (06-Oct-1944) BU-L
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB819 (14-Feb-1945) BU-U

Operated the jamming equipment.

Source : Ian Hunt and Angus Cameron and Sqn/Ldr John McLelland (Rtd) (Son of Fg/Off McLelland)

Date record last updated : 27 October 2019

MILES

Sgt Miles

Was a regular crew member with Gp/Capt John Aidan Field

Source : Richard Field (son of Gp/Capt John Aidan Field)

Date record last updated : 24 May 2019

MILES, C G

Wg/Cdr Cyril George Miles, Pilot, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C DV518 BU-C
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z8858 BU-B

Buried in EXETER CREMATORIUM

Cyril served with 214 during WWII, as a Squadron Leader, from October 1941, leaving for 156 Squadron around May 1942. He later went on to become a Wing Commander.

He sadly died in the early hours of 27 January 2011 at the age of 95.

The following personal message was found in the Sidmouth Herald 24, online:

"Miles Cyril George (wing commander retired). Elsa and family wish to thank everyone who attended Cyril's funeral, sent cards and donations, also to Radway Lodge, Dr Morris and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for their care and attention. Steve at Potburys for the arrangements, the Reverend Angie Gammon for a beautiful service and Abbeyfield Court for all their help and support."

Cyril helped the authors of "Royal Air Force Stradishall" 1938-1970.

Source : Chorley and Peter Barrow (grandson of Cyril Miles) and Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 28 March 2015

MILLER, C K

Sgt Charles Kenneth Miller, 1497411, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Nationality : United Kingdom. KIA 24 June 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE883 BU-T

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 159.

Son of Charles Albert and Eleanor Miller, of Liverpool.

He has no known grave.

Source : Ian Hunt and CWGC

MILLER, D F

FS Donald Fraser Miller, 1809260, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 21 March 1945

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB785 (21-Mar-1945) BU-A

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Joint grave 7. D. 9-10.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Chris Edwards from Garmisch

Date record last updated : 28 June 2014

MILLER, E V

MILLER, L R

Leslie R Miller

1947/48 Leslie was with 214 at RAF Upwood.

Source : Leslie Miller

Date record last updated : 3 October 2010

MILLER, S A

Sgt Stuart Alexander Miller, 634701, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 13 October 1942, Aged 30

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

Buried in KIEL WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 1. C. 4-7.

Son of Thomas William Frederick and Elizabeth Jane Miller; husband of Edith Florence Emily Miller, of Shilton, Oxfordshire.

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

Date record last updated : 27 February 2010

MILLER, S J

Sgt Samuel James Miller, 1180027, Pilot / Qualified Flying Instructor, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 29 November 1941, Aged 30

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9752 BU-?

Buried in BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY. Reference : 24. A. 16.

Son of John Russell Miller and Elizabeth Miller; husband of Doris Miller, of St. John's Wood, London.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 30 October 2020

MILLS, F

Sgt Frederick Mills, 1048627, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : British, KIA 26 June 1943, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK767 BU-L

Buried in AALTEN (BERKENHOVE) GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 589/2.

Son of Herbert Edwin Mills and Annie Mills of Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts, England

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Peter Rhebergen from Aalten, The Netherlands

Date record last updated : 13 April 2022

MILLS, J C

Believed to have been taken when he signed up in 1928

Mills_James_Constant_2

Taken while with 214 Squadron.

Mills_James_Constant_and_crew_1937_to_1939

Taken while with 214 Squadron. Can anyone identify the rest of the crew?

Sqn/Ldr James Constant Mills DFC, 43016, Rear Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Virginia X K2657 (04-Feb-1937)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C L4358

Born 29 November 1908

Born in Northolt, Middlesex, UK

Son of D L Mills (father)

Enlisted 1 October 1928 as Torpedo Fitter at RAF Gosport

(Logbooks missing for 1928 to 1936)

James Constant Mills served with 214 Squadron between 1937 to 1939, being transferred to another squadron just prior to the start of hostilities of World War 2. Ashley Woods (grandson) has copies of his logbook for the time he served with 214 Squadron.

Click on this link to see his logbook for 1937 to 1939 (this is a large file)

214 flight records only :

Vickers Virginia K2657

Handley-Page Harrow - All with Prefix ‘K’
Mk1: 6937, 6941, 6942, 6943, 6948, 6953, 6954
Mk2: 6972, 6984, 6985, 6986, 6987, 6988, 6989, 6990,6993, 6996, 7009, 7010, 7011

De Havilland - DH86 L8037

Miles Magister - 5926 (No prefix recorded)

Vickers Wellington - Mk1a - All with Prefix ‘L’
4341, 4344, 4358, 4345

Pilots flown with during 214 Squadron service :

F/LT : Fry
F/O : Black, Bufton, Dupont, Gilbert, Kaufmann, Poultney, Sellick
F/SGT : Blake, Duffy
P/O : Appleby, Appleton, Briden, Bufton, Carter, Gilbert,Jones (G), Pickard, Poultney, Sellick, Simmons
S/L : Biggs, Constantine (Hugh Alex Constantine I believe him to be, later Air Chief Marshal), Harris, Pain
SGT : Blake, Cooper, Gray, Rolfe, Sach, Sands, Sibbett, Styles
W/C : Bryson, Drew, Lucking

Whilst at 214 Squadron (Corporal/Sergeant) flew in Formation Flypast for German Mission visiting RAF Mildenhall on 19 October 1937 (see page 8 of his logbook - please see the link above to logbook)
Click on this link to see more information about this

A British Pathe YouTube video about the visit

Also whilst at 214 Squadron James took part in the "Westland" force air defence exercises in August 1939
Click on this link to see more information about this

First Operational Tour completed whilst posted to General Duties Branch in 1940

Second Operational Tour completed with 115 Squadron based at RAF Marham in 1941 (Jan-Jul)

Awarded DFC (Shot down ME110)
Citation for DFC awarded :

"Pilot Officer James MILLS (43016), No. 115 Squadron. In February, 1941, this officer was the rear gunner of an aircraft engaged in a bombing operation over enemy occupied territory. Whilst over the aerodrome at Morlaix, a Messerschmitt was encountered and Pilot Officer Mills' skilfully directed his pilot into an attacking position and then, with great coolness and skill, shot down the enemy aircraft. Since September 1939 this officer has participated in numerous operations and has displayed determination and gallantry on all occasions."

Gained membership during 115 Squadron service to both the Goldfish Club (Overnight accommodation in dinghy in the North Sea) and Caterpillar Club (Bailed out over Cromer, Norfolk)

Chief Instructor at No10 A.G.S. at RAF St Athan in 1943

Lectured at USAAF Air Gunnery Schools in USA in 1944

Posted to Air Ministry 1948

Posted as RAF Liaison Officer to Woomera Missile Range, Australia 1952-54

Posted as RAF Liaison Officer to White Sands Missile Range, USA, for the NIKE missile program 1954

Retired after 32 years in the RAF on 1st November 1960 (2,950 flying hours).

Sadly he died on 11 September 1981 aged 72.

Source : Ashley Woods (grandson) and www.rafcommands.com and www.key.aero and London Gazette

Date record last updated : 16 April 2021

MILLS, J T

Fg/Off John Tudor 'Johnny' Mills, Non Com 1851156 Com 197967, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Haynes (16-Apr-1945) BU-H
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II ??Van Den Bok (Dec-1944) BU-C
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KH999 (08-Mar-1945) BU-M
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ107 (21-Feb-1945) BU-N

Born 24 April 1924

Born in Satwell, Henley, Oxfordshire

Son of William and Doris Mills

1942/3 "ab initio" and Gunnery training.

He flew with 214 Squadron from RAF OULTON in 1944-45. He always flew, apart from 1 or 2 odd occasions, with the same crew - Pilot Sqn/Ldr Van Den Bok, and two Canadians - Smithy and Al Schaeffer. His rank in this crew was Flight Sergeant.

His number of operations flown with 214 was 18 (19 take-offs).

Roger notes that his father also flew,but not on "Operations",with:
Flt/Lt Bayliss on 30 November 1944 in Fortress "S", Oulton to Manston.
Plt/Off or Fg/Off Mark on 10 February 1945 in Fortress "U" ,Oulton to Juvincourt,France.
Wing Commander Bowes DFC on 6 June 1945 in Fortress "W",Oulton to Earls Colne and return.

His very last Fortress trip with 214 was with Flt/Lt Wynne DFC on 23 June 1945 in Fortress "P", Oulton to Riccall,to join 1332 HCU.

After the war he moved to Transport Command, flying as an Fg/Off in Liberators and then Avro Yorks, operating from Waterbeach and Stradishall with Nos 220 and 51 Squadrons. When he operated from Waterbeach he brought back troops from India. His aircraft, York MW 208, crashed at Dum Dum, killing several on board, including a senior Group Captain G H Foss, OBE, S/Ldr The Rev A J Hepburn, and S/Ldr The Rev I W M Taylor.

He then called it a day although he spent the rest of his life wishing he had stayed in the RAF. He retired from Strike Command, High Wycombe as Second -In-Command of Civilian Radio Operators,after many years service at RAF Fylingdales, RAF Bampton, and RAF Pitreavie.

Sadly he died unexpectedly in 1987, the day before he was due to go up to London to meet Al Schaeffer, who had just flown over from Canada.

Buried in Reading Crematorium, Caversham

The site administrators have copies of his Log book showing flights with Sqn Ldr Van Den Bok.

Please click on this link to see an article from the Heroes of our time website about Fg/Off John Mills

Source : Roger V Mills (son) and John Tudor Mills Log Book and Heroes of our time website and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 23 May 2025

MILLS, N E

Sgt Norman Evans Mills, 1113963, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 7 August 1941

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

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 48

CWGC quotes death date as 7 September 1941, which is incorrect.

Source : Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 10 October 2009

MILNE, W

Fg/Off W Milne, Special Operator, Royal Air Force, Date taken POW 11 July 1944, POW number 472

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR382 BU-B

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 7 - Bankau (Bakow), Poland

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Fg/Off Milne was one of several crew from Fortress BU-B to bail out and be taken prisoner of war, he was repatriated during 1945. It is believed Fg/Off Milne was responsible for the electronic jamming equipment aboard the aircraft. (No further details are known.)

Further information received from Mr Joop Thuring a war researcher from the Netherlands as follows :
Fortress, SR 382, 22 June 1944, F/Sgt W. Milne escaped but was captured on 11 July 1944.Crash-site Bergharen, NL. Flying Officer W Milne was assisted by Dutch patriots but when placed on the escape line towards Belgium nothing was heard since. No information about the fate of other crew members. I have spoken recently with a Dutch patriot who has given assistance to him after he was able to escape by parachute and before he had been made POW most likely in or near the town of Antwerp (BE).

He was captured several weeks after the aircraft came down on 11 July 1944.

Source : John Cripps (nephew of Sgt Sydney Bryant) and Joop Thuring and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 20 November 2020

MILTON, A F H

Fg/Off A F H Milton

Was an occasional replacement for crew members of HB774 BU-G

Source : David Wright (son of Flt/Lt George Wright)

Date record last updated : 4 August 2009

MILTON, P G

Sgt Peter Gray Milton, 997221, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 28 January 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9890 (28-Jan-1942) BU-F

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 89.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 September 2020

MILTON, P H

MINTON, A R

Flt/Lt Arthur Reginald Minton, Navigator, Nationality : British, Date taken POW 13 May 1943, POW number 1412

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9242 (14-May-1943) BU-O

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 3 - Sagan (Zagan) and Belaria, Germany

Born 14 June 1912

Son of Ernest Arthur Minton

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Arthur died on 8 March 1999.

Source : Chorley and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Bruce Minton (son)

Date record last updated : 20 November 2020

MITCHELL, A

WO Archibald 'Jim' Mitchell DFC, Navigator

He flew with Eric Morrison's crew Stirlings/Fortresses.

W/O Archibald 'Jim' Mitchell Navigator DFC died 5th April 2013 aged 92.

Source : RAF 100 Group

Date record last updated : 28 February 2025

MITCHELL, H

Sgt Hugh Mitchell, 525420, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 1 April 1942, Aged 25

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1052 (01-Apr-1942)

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

Son of James and Mary A. Mitchell, of Carnlough, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Mitchell_Hugh_letter_1

Hugh wrote to his brother Jim though revealed almost no details on the war, shortly before he was KIA. Jim received these letters after his death.

Source : Ian Hunt and CWGC and Ryan Mitchell (great nephew)

Date record last updated : 4 March 2012

MITCHELL, R MCD

Fg/Off R McD Mitchell, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, Date taken POW 19 June 1942, POW number 295

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

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 3 - Sagan (Zagan) and Belaria, Germany

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

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

Date record last updated : 20 November 2020

MITCHINSON, C

FS Colin Mitchinson, Rear Gunner, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR388 (02-Jun-1944) BU-H

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

Date record last updated : 31 August 2011

MOFFATT, G W

Sqn/Ldr Godfrey W 'Moff' Moffatt, Pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor Mark I - 3 point tanker End of 214 (2)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor Mark I - 3 point tanker XA927 (21-Dec-1976)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor Mark I - 3 point tanker XA937

Was a Flt/Lt when Captain on XA937

Moff was a member of the 214 Squadron Association Committee

Died 26 April 2024 aged 87

Buried in Salisbury Crematorium

Source : Tom Robson and Flt/Lt David Card and Vic Pheasant (former member of the 214 Squadron Association Committee)

Date record last updated : 12 July 2024

MONEYPENNY, R F

Sgt R F Moneypenny

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9350 (07-Aug-1942) BU-T

Source : 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

MONK, R W

Cpl Roy William Monk Kenya Medal, 1923810, Engine Fitter, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

Born 18 January 1935
Born in Crayford, Kent

Son of William and Florence Monk

He served at RAF Marham from January 1951 to January 1961. He was a Boy Entrant into the RAF.

Source : Roy Monk

Date record last updated : 29 December 2008

MONK, W G

LAC William George Monk MiD, 1713622, Ground Crew, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Born 9 January 1914

John Monk writes :
Initially he was designated 'WOM' (Wireless Operator mechanic) and assigned the rank or Aircraftsman 2 then promoted to Aircraftsman 1 whilst training at the Science Museum in April 1943. He was posted to 214 Squadron in March 1944 at RAF Sculthorpe and promoted to Leading Aircraftsman in April 1944. By that time he had become proficient at servicing, maintaining and repairing the specialised and highly secret radio countermeasures equipment carried in the 214 squadron aircraft.

Dad was an artist having studied at the Hornsey School of Art pre-war. My brother has a sketchbook of his which includes a couple of pencil drawings showing the medical centre at Blickling Hall and Nissen huts at RAF Oulton

Mentioned in Despatches. Click on this link to see the entry in the London Gazette number 36866 published on 1-Jan-1945

John Monk has obtained his service record which is as follows :

Date	Unit	Location	Notes
28/10/1941	Edgware CRC	Edgware ?
29/10/1941	Res	?
09/12/1941	3 RC	Padgate Lancashire and/or Paignton Devon	This was a major intake and processing hub for new airmen. This entry marks the beginning of their service, where they received their uniform, kit, service numbers, and initial medical checks.
28/03/1942	3 Signal School	Compton Basset, Wiltshire	Trained wireless operators and mechanics in crucial ground and air communication skills, including high-speed Morse code proficiency and equipment maintenance.
16/09/1942	28 Operational Training Unit	RAF Wymeswold, Leicestershire
10/03/1943	7 Radio School	Science museum, South Kensington	Trained ground crew personnel, such as wireless mechanics, in essential technical and radio principles for wartime service.
16/06/1943	I R School	RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire	No. 1 Radio School at Cranwell. The school specialized in training the ground personnel and aircrew (such as Wireless Operator/Air Gunner units) essential to maintaining tactical airborne communications during WWII.
09/09/1943	28 Operational Training Unit	RAF Wymeswold, Leicestershire
19/02/1944	101 Squadron	RAF Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire	In February 1944, No. 101 Squadron RAF was flying Avro Lancaster bombers equipped with top-secret "Airborne Cigar" (ABC) radio-jamming equipment.
04/03/1944	Sculthorpe	RAF Sculthorpe, Norfolk	In March 1944, RAF Sculthorpe was a vital center for top-secret Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) and radio-jamming operations managed by No. 100 Group RAF. No. 214 Squadron RAF: Having arrived at the base in January 1944, this squadron spent March preparing and flying modified Boeing Fortress II (B-17) bombers. Rather than carrying traditional payloads, these aircraft were fitted with specialized, top-secret airborne radar-jamming equipment (such as Airborne Cigar or ABC) designed to disrupt German night-fighter communications during Allied bombing raids.
09/03/1944	214 Squadron	RAF Sculthorpe, Norfolk
08/08/1944	West Raynham	RAF West Raynham, Norfolk	Because Sculthorpe was managed under the West Raynham base umbrella at the time, records from personnel often mention the two stations interchangeably.
12/08/1944	214 Squadron	RAF Oulton, Norfolk
31/03/1945	Oulton	RAF Oulton, Norfolk
18/06/1945	North Creake	RAF North Creake, Norfolk
26/06/1945	Oulton	RAF Oulton, Norfolk
01/08/1945	9 I S		'IS' = Station Intelligence Section. As hostilities ended in 1945, many station intelligence sections shifted toward recording unit histories, assessing bomb damage, or assisting with demobilization.
30/08/1945	Foulsham		Foulsham, like many of its counterparts in this region played a major part in the electronic war, monitoring and jamming radar transmissions for larger formations of bombers.
30/08/1945	R W E	RAF Swanton Morley, Norfolk or RAF Watton, Norfolk	The Radio Warfare Establishment (RWE) was a highly classified unit formed by the RAF toward the end of World War II to centralize electronic warfare and radar countermeasures. On July 21 1945 The RWE was officially established at RAF Swanton Morley in Norfolk. The RWE was tasked with transitioning wartime electronic breakthroughs into a dedicated post-war research, intelligence, and calibration program. In its aircraft fleet It included 7 B17 Fortress aircraft.
30/11/1945	HQ 60 Group	Leighton Buzzard	Personnel were assigned a Release Group Number based on their age and length of service. The lower the number, the earlier they were sent home. Demobilisation across the RAF officially began in June 1945.
01/12/1945	100 P D C	Uxbridge	In RAF service records from 1945, 100 P.D.C. stands for No. 100 Personnel Despatch Centre. It served as a transit and processing station where airmen and personnel were sent at the end of World War II to be demobilised.

Source : John Monk (son of LAC William George Monk) and London Gazette

Date record last updated : 10 October 2026

MOONEY, R E

Sgt Richard Edmond Mooney, R/261225, Air Gunner, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 16 November 1944

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB787 (16-Nov-1944) BU-J

Named on the following Memorial : Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Born 6 June 1913

Buried in BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY. Reference : 51. D. 4.

Son of Vincent Charles Mooney (died 15 December 1947 age 68) and the late Ellen 'Nellie' Mooney (née Ferry - died 3 December 1926 age 45). Husband of Christine Mooney of Windsor Ontario, Canada. Father of Betty Ellen and Michael Richard.

Worked as a fruit farmer and also for the Chrysler Corporation of Canada prior to service.

Enlisted on the 29 July 1943 at Edmonton.

Brother of Angela Maria Barnes (née Mooney - died 21 July 2001 age 91).

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Kelvin Youngs http://aircrewremembered.com

Date record last updated : 13 August 2021

MOORBY, R V

Sgt Robert Victor Moorby, NCO 1287570 COM 185918, Wireless Operator, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BF516 PX-E

After volunteering for service Robert was sent for training to the Signals Schools in Blackpool and Yatesbury. After 6 months wait he was then posted to the Gunnery School in South Wales.
He was then posted to Egypt for 12 months in 1942.
Further postings were at :
9 AFU in North Wales
North Luffenham (OTU)
Stradishall (HCU)
He then joined 214 Squadron at Chedburgh. Robert was on the crew of Flight Sergeant Harry Hall flying mining trips to the Frisian Islands and the Gironde River in the South of France. This was followed with main laid targets at Hamburg, Essen & Nuremburg.
On the Nuremburg mission they lost 2 engines and ditched into Pevensey Bay after running out of fuel.
After he was rescued Robert was taken to Naval Sick Quarters in Lewes, where he stayed for 2 weeks. 2 crew members died and the rest of the crew went back to the Squadron.
His letter of thanks to the Air Sea Rescue Launch captain for being saved from the crash is in the small museum at Brenzett, near New Romney in Kent, along with parts of the Stirling.
When he later returned to the Squadron he flew with Flight Lieutenant Bray.
On a mission to Mannheim they were badly shot up on the bombing run and had to make an emergency landing at West Malling in Kent. It was later discovered that they had landed with ¾ of the bombs still on board. Air Traffic Control at West Malling said that if they had realised they would have ordered them to set the plane on course for the sea and the crew would have had to bail out over land.
Further missions were made to Berlin.
214 Squadron formed into the 100 Group in 1943 for special operations to be carried out. Robert flew with George Mackie DFC. He finished his tour on B17's in September 1944.
He then became a Briefing Officer with Transport Command.

Sgt Robert Moorby died in January 2008

Please click on this link to see an article from the Heroes of our time website about Sgt Robert Moorby

Please click on this link to see another article from the Heroes of our time website about Sgt Robert Moorby

Source : Robert Moorby and Shirley Whitlock and Heroes of our time website

Date record last updated : 28 February 2025

MOORE

'Paddy' Moore, Rear Gunner

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

Joined the crew after VE Day

Source : Leslie Bostock

Date record last updated : 27 October 2009

MOORE, A D

Plt/Off Anthony David Moore, 67079, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 26 November 1941, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark II Z8373

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 33

Son of Alfred Edgar and Florence Daisy Moore, of Harrow, Middlesex.

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2005 and CWGC

Date record last updated : 10 August 2009

MOORE, D

FS Delbert 'Dinty' Moore GM, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9358 (09-Mar-1943) BU-A

Gallantry Medal awarded for his bravery in rescuing Sgt Flack from a crashed aircraft on 9th March 1943

Source : John Jewsbury (son of R F Jewsbury) and Walter Rowley

Date record last updated : 7 July 2009

MOORE, P

Fg/Off Paddy Moore, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : Irish

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

Born in Dublin, Ireland

Source : Graeme Walsh (Friend of Fg/Off John Lyall)

Date record last updated : 31 August 2018

MOOREBY

WO Mooreby, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR378 BU-D

Is listed on Battle Orders for 22 August 1944.

Is also listed on returning operational aircrew on 31 August 1944

George Mackie names him as Moorby.

Source : George Mackie

Date record last updated : 6 August 2008

MORAN, L

Fg/Off L Moran

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB803 (15-Mar-1945) BU-L

Source : Chorley

Date record last updated : 1 December 2017

MORGAN, J L

Sgt Joffre Liege Morgan, 1403486, Rear Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 22 September 1943, Aged 29

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I EF393 BU-R

Buried in HANOVER WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 12. B. 11.

Son of Mrs. C. Morgan, of Bullo Cross, Gloucestershire.

Source : CWGC and John Fowler

Date record last updated : 5 August 2009

MORRELL, F W

Sgt Francis William Morrell, 1750577, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 4 July 1943, Aged 35

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE882 BU-J

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 159.

Son of Arthur Frederick and Beatrice Marion Morrell.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 22 August 2019

MORRIS

FS Morris, Air Bomber

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II 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

MORRIS

Sgt Morris

Was a regular crew member with Gp/Capt John Aidan Field

Is possibly Kenneth Morris.

Source : Richard Field (son of Gp/Capt John Aidan Field)

Date record last updated : 24 May 2019

MORRIS, A R A

Sgt A R A Morris, Waist Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ119 (02-May-1945) BU-O

Source : Ian Hunt and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 23 May 2025

MORRIS, J

Sgt Johnny Morris, Navigator, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR388 (02-Jun-1944) BU-H

Born in Wales

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

Date record last updated : 31 August 2011

MORRIS, K

Sgt Kenneth Morris, 985066, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 29 August 1941, Aged 19

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1604 BU-?

Buried in FLUSHING (VLISSINGEN) NORTHERN CEMETERY. Reference : Row B Grave 6

Son of Louisa Morris and stepson of Joseph Bell, of Leeds, Yorkshire.

Please click on this link to see other documents related to Sgt Kenneth Morris.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Tony Mann (Great nephew of Sgt Kenneth Morris)

Date record last updated : 19 December 2024

MORRIS, L F

FS Leslie Francis Morris, 414887, Navigator, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, KIA 25 July 1943, Aged 35

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE902 (25-Jul-1943) BU-P

Buried in BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 20. A. 10.

Son of Soloman and Lena Annie Matilda Morris, of Hornchurch, Essex, England; husband of Mollie Morris, of Ngaio, Wellington, New Zealand.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 22 August 2019

MORRISON, J E

Flt/Lt John (James) Eric Morrison DFC, 29063, Pilot, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian

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

Named on the following Memorial : Australian War Memorial (Honours and Awards)

Mentioned in the Flying Log Book of Sgt Fulton James Logan

Joined 214 from 513 Sqn 21 November 1943
Promoted to WO Date?
First Op (Stirling) 04 December 1943
Promoted to Plt/Off 23 May 1944
Promoted to Acting Fg/Off 04 July 1944
Promoted to Fg/Off Date?
Promoted to Flt/Lt Date?
Last Op 31 December 1944
Posted to 21 OTU 18 January 1945

Flew 37 operational take-offs in Fotresses.

Awarded the DFC on 13 April 1945 : Click on this link to see the entry in the London Gazette

Source : Ron Belanger (son in law of Sgt Fulton James Logan) and Ian Hunt and Nightjar Newletter August 2014 and London Gazette and Australian War Memorial

Date record last updated : 26 March 2021

MORRISON, S G

FS S G Morrison, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 22 June 1943, POW number 216

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

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 6 - Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Stalag 357P - Thorn (Torun), Poland

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

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

Date record last updated : 20 June 2010

MORROW

Chf/Tech Morrow, Crew Chief

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor Mark I - 3 point tanker XA936

Source : Tom Robson

Date record last updated : 23 January 2010

MORTON, G D

Sgt G D Morton, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 11 June 1942, POW number 342

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9326 BU-G

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 6 - Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 3 - Sagan (Zagan) and Belaria, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Stalag 357P - Thorn (Torun), Poland

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

The crew of R9326 were filmed as part of a Pathe News Gazette wartime film called 'Take it on the Chin' about the bombings raids over Germany, which they took part in. This can be viewed by visiting : https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/81738/

Source : Ian Tonkin and Nightjar Newsletter Summer / Autumn 2004 and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 3 October 2008

MORTON, J A

Fg/Off J A Morton

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB803 (15-Mar-1945) BU-L

Source : Chorley

Date record last updated : 1 December 2017

MORTON, R S

Fg/Off Roger Stanley Morton, Co-pilot, 4232298, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British. KIA 19 August 1968 Age 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor XH646

Date of Birth 12 August 1942.

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

Born in Harrow, Middlesex. Stationed at RAF Marham.

Source : Jock Whitehouse and Armed Forces Memorial

MOSELEY, R

WO Reginald 'Mo' Moseley, Rear Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB785 (07-Jan-1945) BU-A
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB790 (14-Jan-1945) BU-Q
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB793 (02-Jan-1945) BU-S
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB801 (27-Nov-1944) BU-U
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ107 (05-Jan-1945) BU-N
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ107 (06-Jan-1945) BU-N

Mo clocked up an amazing 58 sorties serving in nos 9, 106 and 214 Squadrons all as tail gunner.

Clive Smith writes :
He also flew his last tour with 214 Squadron as a B-17 Gunner between October 1944 and January 1945 with Flt Lt Ken Wyver's crew.
He flew 28 SD Patrol Ops with the crew. Can you tell me what 'SD' stood for?
Moseley came together with some of the crew (Including Wyver) at 12 OTU Chipping Warden flying together on 16/6/44, before transferring to 1657 CU Shepherds Grove and then 1699 CU at Oulton.

Source : Sqn/Ldr John McLelland (Rtd) (Son of Fg/Off McLelland) and Clive Smith and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 17 April 2020

MOUNSEY, H G P

Plt/Off Harold George Pete Mounsey, 148050, Air Bomber, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 1 September 1943, Aged 33

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

Born 28 September 1908

Born in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, England

Buried in BERLIN 1939-1945 WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 5. F. 24-29.

Son of Oswold Robart Mounsey and Margaret Caroline Mounsey; husband of Margaret Anne Mounsey.

Adrian Lee believes that he was from a family living in Argentina, South America, but as his roots were in England and he held a British passport, he joined up. Adrian understands that he was from a wealthy family and his father was also connected with the RAF

Mark Heath writes :
He was married in June of 1943 to Margaret Anne GORDON-DEAN at North Buckinghamshire.
From what I can see on the LDS (Latter Day Saints, a free to use research site) His father was a Financier living in Britain in 1911 at Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire with a family, including Harold and his four siblings. There were also a couple of travel documents to Argentina in 1935 (his occupation was listed as ‘Farming’) and Brazil in Oct 1940, where he is making his way home to Britain. I’ve attached his visa picture which is very similar to his likeness on the flight crew picture that you already have.
Administrators note : The Visa photo and a photo of his gravestone can be seen at the link below :
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18404454/harold-george-mounsey

Source : Adrian Lee (son of Frank Lee) and Chorley and CWGC and Mark Heath (researcher)

Date record last updated : 23 December 2022

MOSS, R

Flt/Lt Roland 'Roly' Moss, 2738371, Navigator / Plotter, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

Born 10 September 1932

Born in Karachi

Buried in St Michaels and All Angels, Thursley, Surrey

Son of William Edwards Moss and Winifred Lucy Jewell

Sally Bird writes :
"Dad was a nav plotter on 214 squadron in 1962-1964 on Valiants and in 1971-1975 on Victors. I believe he was the first member of aircrew to get Command Crew category in 1974.
Served two tours on 214; in early 1960s (on Valiants) and in early 1970s (on Victors)."

Flew Valiant B(K)1, Victor K1 and K1A

Husband of Elsie Jane.

He died on 9th August 2023, aged 90

Source : Sally Bird (daughter of Flt/Lt Roland Moss)

Date record last updated : 28 August 2023

MOUNT, R V

Sgt Reginald Victor Mount MiD, 904439, Pilot / Qualified Flying Instructor, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 29 July 1941

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) X9689 (28-Jul-1941)

Imprisoned at POW camp Aumale prison camp near Algiers

Buried in BONE WAR CEMETERY, ANNABA. Reference : III. D. 3.

Source : CWGC and Kelvin Youngs http://aircrewremembered.com

Date record last updated : 17 July 2026

MOUSDALE, W H

Flt/Lt W H Mousdale

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB799 (02-May-1945) BU-L

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 4 September 2026

MUGFORD, G J

Sgt Gilbert James Mugford, 1265929, Observer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 25 June 1942, Aged 29

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

Buried in HAVERHILL CEMETERY. Reference : Sec. U. Grave 142.

Son of James Henry and Emma Ethel Mugford, of Ealing, Middlesex.

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

Date record last updated : 20 August 2009

MUIR, C H

FS Clarence Henry Muir, 400481, Co-pilot, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian, KIA 31 May 1942, Aged 22

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

Named on the following Memorial : Australian War Memorial Panel 127

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 19. E. 7-14.

Son of Clarence Norman and Agnes Earl Muir, of East Brunswick, Victoria, Australia.

FS Clarence Muir served with 214 Squadron at Stradishall.

Source : Emrys Jones and CWGC and John Cripps and Geoff Swallow (Australian Researcher) and Australian War Memorial

Date record last updated : 26 March 2021

MULHALL, V A

Flt/Lt Victor Allen Mulhall (J4757)

Distinguished Flying Cross - No.214 Squadron - Award effective 7 May 1943 as per London Gazette dated 13 May 1943 and AFRO 1035/43 dated 4 June 1943. Born in Regina, 1918; home in Saskatchewan; member of Militia (Weyburn Regiment), 1934 to 1937 and of RCMP (1937-1940); enlisted in Ottawa 11 May 1940. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 21 June 1940, No.1 EFTS (graduated 16 August 1940), No.1 SFTS (ceased training 7 October 1940), No.1 BGS (graduated 17 February 1941), No.1 AOS (graduated 3 January 1941) and No.1 CNS (graduated 20 March 1941). Commissioned 1941. Medal presented at Buckingham Palace 7 December 1943.

Flight Lieutenant Mulhall has been navigation officer in his squadron for eleven months, during three months of which he has also performed the duties of bombing leader. Despite his duties as squadron navigation officer, Flight Lieutenant Mulhall has taken part in a large number of operational sorties. Twice on recent occasions he has returned with excellent photographs of the aiming point. The high standard of navigation attained in the squadron is largely owing to the untiring efforts of this officer, while his personal example has been a source of inspiration to his fellow navigators.

NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/8950 has recommendation drafted 21 March 1943 when he had flown 32 sorties (173 hours 35 minutes). Sortie list and text add to the record:

23 Aug 41 Le Havre
25 Aug 41 Karlsruhe
28 Aug 41 Duisburg
31 Aug 41 Cologne
07 Sept 41 Kiel
12 Sept 41 Frankfurt
28 Sept 41 Genoa
14 Oct 41 Nuremberg
20 Oct 41 Bremen
24 Oct 41 Brest
01 Nov 41 Brest
07 Nov 41 Berlin
23 Nov 41 Brest
25 Nov 41 Essen
11 Dec 41 Cologne
15 Dec 41 Brest

10 Feb 42 Brest
12 Feb 42 Sweep for cruisers, North Sea
08 Mar 42 Essen
09 Mar 42 Essen
10 Mar 42 Essen
23 Mar 42 GARDENING
25 Mar 42 Essen
28 Mar 42 Lubeck
02 Apr 42 Poissy
17 May 42 Vichy (Nickel raid)
04 Sep 42 Bremen
13 Sep 42 Bremen
17 Dec 42 GARDENING
13 Feb 43 Lorient
01 Mar 43 Berlin
08 Mar 43 Nuremberg

Flight Lieutenant Mulhall has been Navigation Officer in this squadron for over eleven months, during three months of which he has also performed the duties of Bombing Leader. He has carried out 32 operational sorties (involving 173 hours 35 minutes) and is an excellent practical navigator. His work in this squadron has been of a high order, and it has been largely due to his untiring efforts that the standard of navigation has reached such a high level, particularly in astro work. Despite the fact that his work as a Squadron Navigation Officer has entailed his being on duty for long periods, he has continued to operate.
Twice in his recent sorties he has been responsible for obtaining excellent photographs. These were obtained in Bremen on two different occasions and were both close to the aiming point. Flight Lieutenant Mulhall's personal example has been an inspiration to the navigators of this squadron.

MULHALL, W P

Sgt William Peter Mulhall, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 7 March 1945, POW number Unknown

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ106 BU-G

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

POW camp not known.

Is named as PW Mulhall in Clutton-Brock's book.

Sgt Mulhall was from Preston, Lancashire.

Source : "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and David Champion (researcher)

Date record last updated : 23 February 2018

MULLARKEY, D

Wg/Cdr David 'Captain Moonlight' Mullarkey OBE

Died on 7 October 2009 aged 81 at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, after a long courageous fight against Alzheimer's. Adored husband of Carol and much loved father of the late Melanie.

He was OC in the late 1960's.

Source : John Brown and Telegraph newspaper announcements 6 November 2009

Date record last updated : 24 January 2010

MULLENGER, F M

Plt/Off Fred M Mullenger, 1399881, Navigator

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB774 BU-G

Service number changed to 184459 from 1944.

Is listed on Battle Orders for 22 August 1944.

Is also listed on returning operational aircrew on 31 August 1944

Fred survived the war although he had been shot down, likely over Germany, on the 7/8 of March 19??

Transferred to 238 Squadron in February 1945, along with Flt Lt Wright and FS John Bates, serving in the Far East and then Australia.

The aircraft photo was given to Paula by her grandmother who said it was a photo of Fred's plane while he was engaged in operations dropping window. (anti radar material)
Mullenger_Fred_M_plane

Source : Paula Benn (granddaughter of Fred Mullenger) and David Wright (son of Flt LT George Wright) and George Mackie

Date record last updated : 28 July 2008

MUNDAY, J H

Sgt John Henry Munday, 1375601, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 31 May 1942

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

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 19. E. 7-14.

Sgt John Munday served with 214 at Stradishall.

Source : Emrys Jones and CWGC

Date record last updated : 5 September 2010

MURDOCH

'Jock' Murdoch, Waist Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB815 (07-Feb-1945) BU-J

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

Date record last updated : 5 August 2009

MURDOCH, W M

WO/II William McKenzie Murdoch, R/79291, Air Observer, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 3 February 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9165 (20-Nov-1942) BU-Y
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9197 (03-Feb-1943) BU-V

Buried in AMERSFOORT (OUD LEUSDEN) GENERAL CEMETERY. Plot 13.Row 5. Grave 82.

Son of George D. and Catherine Murdoch, of Brownsburg, Province of Quebec, Canada.

Source : CWGC and 214 Squadron ORB and Chorley

Date record last updated : 28 April 2023

MURPHY, C

Fg/Off Cecil Murphy, Bomb Aimer, Royal Canadian Air Force

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

Source : Graeme Walsh (Friend of Fg/Off John Lyall)

Date record last updated : 31 August 2018

MURPHY, J

Sgt James Murphy, 1165663, Observer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 1 April 1942, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1052 (01-Apr-1942)

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

Son of James and Kate Murphy, of Aston, Birmingham.

Source : Ian Hunt and CWGC

Date record last updated : 13 September 2009

MURPHY, R G

Sgt Robert George Murphy

Born Belfast, Wop/Ag serving with 214 Squadron at Stradishall, 22 July 1940 until 23 Jan 1941 (22/07/1941 to 23/01/1941). He later served with 42 air school Port Elizabeth S.A, 71 Air School, 5 Air School, South African Air Force station at Allahabad, then RAF S (Special) FORCE chindits burma. From records released recently, marked top secret, he served at White City burma but it is not certain what his role may have been. He was later admitted to Comilla hospital then transferred to 18 british general hospital. Following discharge from the hospital he then joined 52 Squadron at dum dum. He was demobbed in Jan 1945 while at 226 Maint Unit, Mallusk.

NOTE: A(On 1 July 1944, C and D Flights of 353 Squadron at Dum Dum, Calcutta were re-designated 52 Squadron and equipped with Dakotas for general transport duties in India.) B(White City is a landing ground located near Indaw Burma. See http://www.hglambert.co.uk/Burma.htm for further info on White City.)

Sgt Murphy remained in the Middle East following the war and served in the palestine police. He then emigrated to Australia when his son Mike was about 5 or 6, where he enlisted in the RAAF. serving a tour of duty in Vietnam. (Robert obviously had a love for the far east or something that pulled him there considering he stayed there after the war and years later went back to the same area to serve in a different war. Sgt Robert George Murphy passed away in 1990.

His son Mike currently holds all of his medals, silk escape scarf burma, an original chindit cloth badge, plus a book about the chindits, dated india 1944.

Source : Mike Murphy, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Policing and the RAF is in the Murphy blood, Mike himself spent his life in the RAF and Policing as did his father. Mike is rtd RAF REGT, 27 laa sqn, 1966 1971, Royal Military Police 1971 1989, retiring from HMP after 10 yrs service.

A photo of Sgt Murphy taken with his sister exists and it is hoped to add this to the site soon.

MURRAY, F

Plt/Off Frank Murray, A8403, Pilot, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KH999 (08-Mar-1945) BU-M

First Operation was on 30 November 1944.
Promoted to Temp W/O on 1 January 1945
Promoted to Pilot Officer on 26 March 1945
Last operation was on 22 April 1945

23 Fortress operations were flown from November 1944 to April 1945. These are actual operational take offs, but do not disregard aborted operations, early returns etc.

Source : Ian Hunt and Roger Mills (son of John Tudor Mills) and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 23 May 2025

MURRAY, G D

FS George Douglas Murray, R/93062, Air Bomber, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 13 October 1942, Aged 20

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

Buried in KIEL WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 1. C. 4-7.

Son of Ambrose and Eva Murray, of Enniskillen, Ontario, Canada.

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

Date record last updated : 27 February 2010

MURRAY, J C D

Sgt J C D Murray, Co-pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BF318 (20-Dec-1942)

Born 3 May 1922
Born in Charlton, London, UK

During a mission on 20/21 December 1942 after being attacked by an enemy fighter, his left ankle was shattered. Even so he managed to hobble to the rear turret and got the injured gunner out. Then he attended to the wireless operator, stopping his bleeding and treating his wounds. It was only when the navigator noticed pools of blood on the floor that the crew discovered that Murray was wounded himself and had collapsed from loss of blood.

Source : 214 Squadron ORB and http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2-1RAF-c13.html.

Date record last updated : 29 December 2008

MURRAY, J W

Plt/Off James Walter Murray, 104453, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 11 April 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C HF856 BU-?
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1114 (01-Apr-1942) BU-A

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 19.F.4

Source : Alan Butterworth (nephew of Cpt Butterworth) and Ian Hunt and Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 20 November 2020

MURRAY, R

Sgt Robin Murray, 751660, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 12 February 1942, POW number 24850

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1081 BU-B

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

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

He was the sole survivor after spending several days in a dinghy with four other crew members after the aircraft ditched on 12 Februray 1942.

Source : "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Sgt F A Wilkes and John Jones (researcher)

Date record last updated : 10 May 2019

MUSGROVE, J D

Sgt J D Musgrove, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 27 September 1943, POW number 597

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EF402 BU-E

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 4 - Gross Tychow (Beninia?), Poland
Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 6 - Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

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

Date record last updated : 8 August 2011

MUTCH, R

Sgt R Mutch, Date taken POW 12 October 1941, POW number 24388

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9762 (12-Oct-1941) BU-?

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 6 - Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Stalag 8B(G) - Lamsdorf (Lambinowice), Germany - until 1943 when it became Stalag 344
Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 3 - Sagan (Zagan) and Belaria, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Stalag 357P - Thorn (Torun), Poland

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Chorley and 214 Squadron ORB and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 30 October 2020

MYERS, J B

Sgt Joseph Barnby Myers, 947280, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 15 January 1942, Aged 27

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1759 (15-Jan-1942) BU-L

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 90.

Son of S. B. and Louie Myers, of Headingley, Leeds, Yorkshire.

After his aircraft crashed into the North Sea off Whitby Yorkshire, his body was never recovered.

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

Date record last updated : 9 March 2009

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