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No: 7 Squadron
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No: 7 Squadron
No: 7 Squadron was at Doncaster at the outbreak of the Second World War, engaged in training crews flying Hampdens to operational standard as part of 5 Group. In April 1940, 7 Sqd lost its identity by being absorbed into No.16 OTU. The squadron was re-formed at Finningley at the end of April but was disbanded three weeks later. It was re-formed in August 1940, at Leeming and became the first squadron in Bomber Command to fly four-engined bombers, being equipped with Short Stirlings. They began operations in Feburay 1941. In 1943 it was one of the five squadrons selected to form the he Pathfinder Force and converted to Lancasters in May 1943. One of the most famous raids for 7 squadrom was Peenemunde in August 1943.
Airfields No: 7 Squadron flew from.
- Doncaster, Yorkshire. Sept 1939
- Finningley, Yorkshire 15th Sep 1939 to 23rd Sep 1939
- Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire 23rd Sep 1939 to 8th April 1940
- Finningley Yorkshire 30th April 1940 to 20th May 1940
- Leeming Yorkshire 1st Aug 1940 to 29th Oct 1940
- Oakington Cambridgeshire 29th Oct 1940 to 24th Jul 1945
List of those who served with No: 7 Squadron during The Second World War
- F/O Thomas Archibald pilot (d.13th May 1943) Read his Story.
- Sergeant H G Bjoroy Read his Story.
- Sgt. Reginald George Brown (d.29th Jan 1944)
- Sgt. D. A. Clark
- W/O N. J. Clifford pilot Read his Story.
- Flt. Sgt. Alfred Ross Currie air gunner (d.22nd June 1943) Read his Story.
- Sgt. J. Currie
- Niels Christian "Kiss" Evensen (d.17th December 1944) Read his Story.
- Sgt. William Fraser navigator (d.29th Jan 1944)
- Flight Sargeant Norman Leslie Ernest Gale DFM (d.19th July 1944) Read his Story.
- Sgt. John Gardner Read his Story.
- Flying Officer John Rober Garling (d.17th December 1944) Read his Story.
- Sgt. J. Gerry
- T/Sgt Leslie Coulton Goodhead 1473 Flight Read his Story.
- James Gilroy Gregson Read his Story.
- W G Gulliksen Read his Story.
- P/O A. Hagan Read his Story.
- Sgt. F. G. Hawthorne Read his Story.
- Sgt. C. Hewitson
- F/S S. Jarvis pilot Read his Story.
- W/O Rolph Henry King air gunner (d.22nd June 1943) Read his Story.
- Flight Sargent Stanley Melville Liddle (d.29th Jan 1944) Read his Story.
- Sgt. G. Marlow
- Sgt. S. H. A. Nicholson Read his Story.
- Sgt. S. H. A. Nicholson Read his Story.
- Sergeant A R Powell (d.6th January 1945) Read his Story.
- Sergeant D S Scott Read his Story.
- Sgt. Gerard Scully bomb aimer (d.13th May 1943) Read his Story.
- Sgt. Ralph George Sharp pilot Read his Story.
- Sgt. F. K. Smith
- Stevens pilot Read his Story.
- Edward Sutton DFM Read his Story.
- Warrant Officer Albert Thomason Read his Story.
- Sgt. R. W. Wilmott (d.29th Jan 1944)
Sgt. Gerard Scully bomb aimer 77 Sqd. (d.13th May 1943)
The the 13th of May 1943 at 06:20 on return to Elvington Halifax KN-K (JB 865) crashed in a field at High Belthorpe farm at Bishop Wilton killing the Pilot F/O Archibald and the Air Bomber Sgt Scully. The remainder of the crew, Sgt C.Hewitson, Sgt J.Gerry, Sgt G.Marlow, Sgt F.K.Smith and Sgt J.Currie, had only minor injuries.
Sgt Scully was taken to his home town and buried at Olton Franciscan Cemetery, Solihull. He was 21 years old, his parents were Thomas and Freda Veronica Scully, of Edgbaston, Birmingham.
F/O Thomas Archibald pilot 77 Sqd. (d.13th May 1943)
The the 13th of May 1943 at 06:20 on return to Elvington Halifax KN-K (JB 865) crashed at Bishop Wilton killing the Pilot F/O Archibald and the Air Bomber Sgt Scully. The remainder of the crew, Sgt C.Hewitson, Sgt J.Gerry, Sgt G.Marlow, Sgt F.K.Smith and Sgt J.Currie, had only minor injuries.
This aircraft crashed in a field at High Belthorpe farm. I was almost 14 years of age at the time and helped my mother to take care of the surviving members of the crew. F/O Archibald is buried in Barmby-on- the-Moor at St Catherine's Churchyard, he was 32 years old, the son of John and Janet Archibald and husband of Perla Doris Archibald. Sgt Scully was taken to his home town.
My mother received a letter of thanks from the Commanding Officer of No. 77 Squadron which my brother gave to the Museum at Elvington. There was also a later letter in which he said that the survivors were all flying again, and I would like to know if they survived the rest of the war.
Flight Sargent Stanley Melville Liddle 7 Squadron (d.29th Jan 1944)
My Wife's brother Stanley Liddle was killed in the crash of Lancaster JA-718 in Northern Germany on the 29th of January 1944, there were two survivors, the Pilot W/O N J Clifford and F/S S. Jarvis. They became POWs in Stalag Luft 6 and Stalag 357. From letters written by Stanley before his death in that crash, we believe that these two RAF members were English. It is our hope that we find either or both of these men so that we can learn more about that period of Stan's life.
The crew were:
- Sgt W.Fraser
- Sgt R.W.Willmott
- Sgt R.G.Brown
- F/S S.M.Liddle RCAF
- Sgt R.G.Sharp
- W/O N.J.Clifford
- F/S S.Jarvis
Sgt. Ralph George Sharp pilot 7 Sqd.
W/O Clifford was the pilot of Lancaster JA-718, he survived the crash on the the 29th of January 1944 and was held as a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft 6 and Stalag 357. We would love to hear from him or his family as my wife's brother Stanley Liddle was one of his crew.
F/S S. Jarvis pilot 7 Sqd.
F/S Jarvis survived the crash of Lancaster JA-718 on the the 29th of January 1944 and was held as a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft 6 and Stalag 357. We would love to hear from him or his family as my wife's brother Stanley Liddle was one of his crewmates.
W/O N. J. Clifford pilot 7 Sqd.
W/O Clifford was the pilot of Lancaster JA-718, he survived the crash on the the 29th of January 1944 and was held as a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft 6 and Stalag 357. We would love to hear from him or his family as my wife's brother Stanley Liddle was one of his crew.
Stevens pilot 17 Sqd.
Could anybody help to find info on this pilot who flew a Hurricane with popeye on port side YB-J N2359, from Debden in Essex. We would like to know of any history of the pilot or plane, thanks.
Sgt. John Gardner 77 Sqd.
My father was John Gardner, he was shot down in 1943 and survived by using his parachute and is consequently a member of the caterpillar club. He was repatriated at the end of the war.
Update:
Lancaster JD205 KN-Y took off at 23:50 on the 21st of June 1943 from Elvington. It was shot down by a night-fighter flown by Hptm Manfred Meurer, of 1./NJG1, and crashed at 02:04 at Esch, Noord Brabant, near Boxtel, Holland. The two airgunners lost their lives,and P/O A.Hagan evaded capture, Sgt Hawthorn initially evaded but was captured in Brussels on the 11th of August 1943 the rest of the crew were taken as Prisoners of War. Sgt Gardner was confined in Hospital due injuries.
The crew were:
- Sgt J.Gardner
- Sgt S.H.A.Nicholson
- Sgt F.G.Hawthorne
- P/O A.Hagan
- Sgt D.A.Clark
- Sgt R.H.King RCAF airgunner
- Sgt A.R.Currie RCAF airgunner
Flt. Sgt. Alfred Ross Currie air gunner 77 Sqd. (d.22nd June 1943)
Alfred Currie was an airgunner in the same crew as my father, John Gardner. Alfred lost his life in the early hours of the 22nd of June 1943 when their Lancaster was shot down over Holland, he was 33 years old.
W/O Rolph Henry King air gunner 77 Sqd. (d.22nd June 1943)
Rolph King was an airgunner in the same crew as my father, John Gardner. Rolph lost his life in the early hours of the 22nd of June 1943 when their Lancaster was shot down over Holland.
P/O A. Hagan 77 Sqd.
P/O Hagan was in the same crew as my father John Gardner. Their Lancaster was shot down over Holland in the early hours of the 22md of June 1943. P/O Hagan evaded capture, the other survivors were taken as prisoners of war.
Sgt. F. G. Hawthorne 77 Sqd.
Sgt Hawthorne was in the same crew as my father John Gardner. Their Lancaster was shot down over Holland in the early hours of the 22md of June 1943. Sgt Hawthorn initially evaded but was captured in Brussels on the 11th of August 1943.
Sgt. S. H. A. Nicholson 77 Sqd.
Sgt Nicholson was in the same crew as my father John Gardner. Their Lancaster was shot down over Holland in the early hours of the 22md of June 1943.
Sgt. S. H. A. Nicholson 77 Sqd.
Sgt Nicholson was in the same crew as my father John Gardner. Their Lancaster was shot down over Holland in the early hours of the 22nd of June 1943.
Flight Sargeant Norman Leslie Ernest Gale DFM 57 Squadron (d.19th July 1944)
My great uncle flew (and died) with 57 Sqd in WW2: Flt Sgt Norman Leslie Ernest Gale DFM, No 1297387 Flight Engineer from Sway, Hampshire. Died 19/7/44 over France - buried with 3 other members of crew in Bassevelle (East of Paris) They are the pilot, Flt Lt John Alec Bulcraig DFM, wireless operator Sgt Thomas Loughlin from Liverpool, and bomb aimer F/O Edward Chatterton Robson who was from Blackpool. The surviving crew members were, Sgt L.E.S.Manning and Sgt F.J.D.Taylor who both evaded capture and F/O E.H.Ruston who was taken POW and held in Stalag Luft 1.
I'm trying to find out circumstances of both raid my great uncle died on and his DFM
UPDATE:
The Lancaster, DX-L took off at 22:56 on the 18th of July 1944 from East Kirkby to bomb the key railway junction at Revigny. It was coned by searchlights soon after crossing the French coast and while escaping the beams wandered off course. The aircraft was shot down by a night-fighter and crashed at Bassevelle (Seine-et-Marne)
Sgt Gale had gained his award in the most hazardous circumstances while serving with No.106 Sqdn, his DFM Citation was Gazetted 28th Sep 1943. His Lancaster, JB146 had taken off at 20:10 on the 31st of Aug 1943 from Syerston and was hit by Flak over Berlin. The pilot F/O Harry Ham and w/op Sgt James Weight were wounded when the Flak struck their aircraft and both later died as a result of their injuries. The crew managed to get the aircraft home but crash-landed at 03:00 on the 1st of Sept on the Romney Marshes in Kent.
The crew were:
- F/O H.D.Ham
- Sgt N.Gale
- F/O C.Pitman
- Sgt J.E.Jones
- Sgt J.W.Weight
- F/S N.D.Higman
- Sgt T.Waller
15 years ago, Anne-Marie and Bernard Langou of Bassevelle - 77750 France have found the survivors and the families of them and the families of the people who died on 19 july 1944 when the Lancaster JB318 crashed here. We wrote a booklet (80 pages). I wrote to Ivor GALE, the uncle of Norman, many times and Leonard MANNING, the air gunner, too, but only one answer, (I have a copy for you), after no contact. Here, at Bassevelle, we had commemorations on 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2009 with many flags, music, and english families of the crew who are now our friends (families MANNING, RUSTON, BULCRAIG, TAYLOR and ROBSON). We have made a memorial, a panel and other things. the last ceremony : 18 july 2009.
I can give M. Padgett, what we have collected during these fifteen years and perhaps we can answer a little. We will be honored to receive you and your familie in the village like the other families.
Edward Sutton DFM 77 Squadron
I am looking for any information on my grandad, Edward Sutton, a Rear Gunner with 77 Squadron, who was awarded the DFM by King George in 1944.
T/Sgt Leslie Coulton Goodhead 1473 Flight 11 FTS 109 Squadron 77 Squadron
My father served with 77 Squadron from 24/10/42 to 13/1/44, when he was discharged unfit for further service.
He joined the RFC as a boy, serving from 25/9/1917 to 26/4/19, training as a fitter. He re-enlisted 3/5/1921 to 1/2/1927 becoming an engine fitter and serving in Egypt and Aden. He was in E class reserve and was recalled to service 25/8/1939. He served in France 27/4/1940 to 17/6/1940, when he was able to get a ship to the UK from Brest.
Prior to 77 Sqdn. he served at 11 FTS, 109 Sqdn., Leuchars, and 1473 Flight.
He died in 1967. I have his service papers and a number of photographs from the 1920s of various subjects, plane crashes, Aden countryside, sports teams, etc.
Niels Christian "Kiss" Evensen 57 Squadron (d.17th December 1944)
I am looking for information about my uncle, Niels Christian Evensen (nicknamed Kiss). He was shot down near Dieppe, France on 17/12/1944. Is there anyone who remembers him?
The crew were:
Capt N.C.Evensen RNAF F/S W.G.Gulliksen RNAF F/O John Roger Garling RAF, 154595 (name on Runnymede Memorial) Sgt H.G.Bjoroy RNAF W/O Albert Thomason RAF VR 1117171 (buried Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery) Sgt A.R.Powell RCAF Sgt D.S.Scott RAF
W G Gulliksen 57 Squadron
I am looking for information about my uncle, Niels Christian Evensen, shot down near Dieppe, France on 17/12/1944. Is there anyone who remembers him?
The crew were:
Capt N.C.Evensen RNAF F/S W.G.Gulliksen RNAF F/O John Roger Garling RAF, 154595 (name on Runnymede Memorial) Sgt H.G.Bjoroy RNAF W/O Albert Thomason RAF VR 1117171 (buried Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery) Sgt A.R.Powell RCAF Sgt D.S.Scott RAF
Flying Officer John Rober Garling 57 Squadron (d.17th December 1944)
I am looking for information about my uncle, Niels Christian Evensen, shot down near Dieppe, France on 17/12/1944. Is there anyone who remembers him?
The crew were:
Capt N.C.Evensen RNAF F/S W.G.Gulliksen RNAF F/O John Roger Garling RAF, 154595 (name on Runnymede Memorial) Sgt H.G.Bjoroy RNAF W/O Albert Thomason RAF VR 1117171 (buried Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery) Sgt A.R.Powell RCAF Sgt D.S.Scott RAF
Sergeant H G Bjoroy 57 Squadron
I am looking for information about my uncle, Niels Christian Evensen, shot down near Dieppe, France on 17/12/1944. Is there anyone who remembers him?
The crew were:
Capt N.C.Evensen RNAF F/S W.G.Gulliksen RNAF F/O John Roger Garling RAF, 154595 (name on Runnymede Memorial) Sgt H.G.Bjoroy RNAF W/O Albert Thomason RAF VR 1117171 (buried Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery) Sgt A.R.Powell RCAF Sgt D.S.Scott RAF
Warrant Officer Albert Thomason 57 Squadron
I am looking for information about my uncle, Niels Christian Evensen, shot down near Dieppe, France on 17/12/1944. Is there anyone who remembers him?
The crew were:
Capt N.C.Evensen RNAF F/S W.G.Gulliksen RNAF F/O John Roger Garling RAF, 154595 (name on Runnymede Memorial) Sgt H.G.Bjoroy RNAF W/O Albert Thomason RAF VR 1117171 (buried Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery) Sgt A.R.Powell RCAF Sgt D.S.Scott RAF
Sergeant A R Powell 57 Squadron (d.6th January 1945)
I am looking for information about my uncle, Niels Christian Evensen, shot down near Dieppe, France on 17/12/1944. Is there anyone who remembers him?
The crew were:
Capt N.C.Evensen RNAF F/S W.G.Gulliksen RNAF F/O John Roger Garling RAF, 154595 (name on Runnymede Memorial) Sgt H.G.Bjoroy RNAF W/O Albert Thomason RAF VR 1117171 (buried Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery) Sgt A.R.Powell RCAF Sgt D.S.Scott RAF
Sergeant D S Scott 57 Squadron
I am looking for information about my uncle, Niels Christian Evensen, shot down near Dieppe, France on 17/12/1944. Is there anyone who remembers him?
The crew were:
Capt N.C.Evensen RNAF F/S W.G.Gulliksen RNAF F/O John Roger Garling RAF, 154595 (name on Runnymede Memorial) Sgt H.G.Bjoroy RNAF W/O Albert Thomason RAF VR 1117171 (buried Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery) Sgt A.R.Powell RCAF Sgt D.S.Scott RAF
James Gilroy Gregson 57 Squadron
My father, James Gilroy Gregson, served in 57 Squadron at East Kirkby during WW2 as an armourer, reloading planes' guns and ensuring they fired properly etc. Sadly he died in 2005 aged 91 but thankfully I was able to take him a few years ago, when my mother was alive, to visit East Kirby museum. He was particularly delighted to find a photograph of himself and three pals in front of a gate in the countryside - this was found downstairs in the control tower.
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