No. 9 Squadron
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No. 9 Squadron formed as a Royal Flying Corps (RFC) unit at St Omer, France on 8 December 1914. Between the wars the squadron continued in service.
In the Second World War No 9 Squadron was a heavy bomber squadron flying Vickers Wellingtons and later Avro Lancasters. It conducted day-light anti-shipping sweeps over the North Sea in late 1939, then concentrated on night time operations. A detachment from No. 9 moved to Lossiemouth in Scotland in April 1940 to support the Allied expedition to Norway. In September 1942 9 Squadron received Lancasters and later in the war specialised in dropping large bombs, flying Lancaster B.Mk I Specials, modified to carry the 12,000lb Tallboy bomb. 9 Squadron crews took part in the successful mission to sink the German battleship Tirpitz in 1944. In January 1945, Flight Sergeant George Thompson was awarded the Victoria Cross for saving the lives of 2 crewmembers when his Lancaster caught fire on mission to bomb the Dortmund-Ems canal.
The squadron arrived in India in January 1946 where it conducted photographic surveys.
No:9 Squadron continue to serve with the RAF today.
Airfields at which No. 9 Squadron were based:
- Honington. 1939 to 2 Apr 1940 and 15 Apr 1940 to 7 Aug 1942.
- Lossiemouth 2 Apr 1940 to 15 Apr 1940
- Waddington. 7 Aug 1942 to 14 May 1943 and from 6 Jul 1945
- Bardney. 14 May 1943 to 6 Jul 1945
- Woodhall Spa. 26th Aug 1943 Detached.
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List of those who served with
No. 9 Squadron
during The Second World War
- Wing Commander Roy George Claringbould Arnold. pilot Read his Story
- Sgt R H Barratt
- Sergeant Alex Frederick Backler. w/op.
- Sgt R H Barratt Read his Story
- F/O T A Bax Read his Story
- Wilfred Frank Belben. flt eng.
- Sergeant William Henry Bowers
- Bill 'Jock' Brownlie. wireless operator. Read his story
- F/O D Bruce Read his Story
- Richard Henry "Dickie" Bunker. pilot. Read his Story
- Sgt William Leslie Cooke. airgunner
- Flying Officer H Denton
- W/O George Francis Dohaney. airgunner. RCAF
- Flt Lt John Joseph Dunne DFC RAAF. pilot.
- Flt Sgt Thomas Santola Fletcher. bomb aimer.
- Leslie Norman Furlong.
- Bill Gabriel. Rear Gunner. Read his story
- Sgt. W A Gall. bomb aimer. Read his Story
- Frank A Garbas
- Sgt Edgar Alexander Gauld. W/op.
- Sgt Patrick Hall. Flt Engr. Read his Story
- Sgt Leslie Joseph Hambly. Rear Gunner. (d. 24th Sept 1944.) Read his story
- Flt Sgt Louis Arthur Harding. nav.
- Flight Lieutenant Ray Harris. Pilot. Read his story
- Sergeant Harold Joseph Hawkridge. bomb aimer.
- Sgt. F G Hayler Read his Story
- Sgt Maurice Edward Hayward. W/op
- Ronald James Hewett
- Pilot Officer R P Hoult
- F/Sgt John Frederick Jordan. airgunner.
- F/Sgt James William Knight. w/op.
- F/Sgt L W Langley
- Sgt. H Laws nav.
- Sgt. J Lever. miduppergunner Read his Story
- F/O James Gordon Richmond Ling. pilot.
- Sgt. R G Lomas. rear gunner Read his Story
- Sergeant Robert James Trstem Lovell
- Donald Macintosh. pilot. Read his Story
- Sgt. Leonard Moss. flt eng.
- B N Mulholland
- Sgt Horace John Ockerby. flt eng.
- Sgt John Elwyn Owen. flt eng.
- Jim Parsons. Bomb aimer. Read his story
- Sergeant Douglas William Peacey
- F/O Cuthbert Lawson Philpott. bomb aimer.
- Sgt J M Pinkham Read his Story
- Sgt Thomas Geoffrey Porter
- Sgt. W Possee. nav. Read his Story
- Sgt. Italo Prada. airgunner.
- P/O J Prior. w/op Read his Story
- F/O Jonah Bruce Reeves. nav. RCAF
- Alan Lestocq Roberts Read his Story
- P/O John Thomas Rose. airgunner. RCAF
- P/O Edward James Rush. airgunner.
- Sgt Frank Alfred Saunders. airgunner.
- Thomas Scotford (Tom)
- Flt lt. Charles Berrie Scott. pilot.
- Leslie Harold Seager
- John Searby
- Sgt Jack Edward Simkin. flt eng.
- Pilot Officer Maurice Joseph Thain. nav.
- Flight Sergeant George Thompson. VC.
- Acting Flight Lt. John Alfred Wakeford. pilot.
- John Ord Wilson. airgunner.
- Sergeant Leonard Wilson. airgunner.
- Mac Williams. Upper Gunner. Read his story
- Sgt H A Wink Read his Story
- Pilot Officer Thomas William Warwick Woodford
- 'Doc' Young. Navigator. Read his story
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Ron Bicker 9 Squadron My father, Ron Bicker, served with 9 Squadron. I am unable to tell you his rank but he was a rear gunner. Sadly he passed away a few years ago. |
Sgt. Edward Sullivan DFM. 9 Squadron I would like to hear from anyone who would remember me, from 9 Squadron. My
skipper was Squadron Leader J.N. Darbishire, my navigator was Ken Gill,
our radio operator was called Eric, bomb aimer was Tom Overend, the
mid upper gunner was Ted Cole and our rear gunner Fred Parsons. |
Sgt. Walter Maurice Rimscha (d.10th Dec 1942) Walter Rimscha is my only uncle on my father's side of my family. I have a photos of him as a young man and wish to know more of what may have happened to him during his flight over Marolles Sur Seine, France. I have his death and birth certificates, which I obtained GRO England. I live in New Zealand and I am interested in 9 Squadron where he served giving his life for his country. He was 21 years old when he went missing. Any information would be most appreciated. |
Warrant Officer Kenneth Edward Dawes 9 Squadron My father Kenneth Dawes,served with 9 Sq. his aircraft crashed on take-off at 07:50 1st Jan 45.
On 1st Jan, Bomber Command Diary read, "January 1st Dortmund-Ems Canal again breached by aircraft of No.5 Group. Following night Mitteland canal also breached" Actually the Dortmund-Elms canal had been drained three times but, such was its importance, that the Germans repaired it at once, and a fourth attack was ordered for the 1st January.
At Bardney, No.9 Squadron were notified of the operation, after a night of great celebrations, and when no operations had been expected. Ten crews were briefed, but two crashed on take off, Lancaster PD368 WS-A, which had completed only six operational trips was one of four Lancasters lost on this operation. They took of at 07:50 from Bardney to attack the Dortmund-Ems Canal. PD368 crashed immediately. Sgt.Dawes was slightly injured.
The crew were:
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F/O J.W.Buckley, RAAF
- Sgt K.E.Dawes
- F/O Nolan
- F/S I.L.Moore, RAAF
- Sgt R.G.Round
- Sgt R.A.C.Copperwaite
- F/O W.C.Shutler
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Sqd. Ldr. Harry Ledger 9 Sqnuadron (d.29th July 1942) |
Sgt Frank Bolton 9 Sqd. (d.22nd Mar 1944) I am trying to collate information about my uncle Frank Bolton for my mum and would be grateful if anyone has any memories of him or information to give. |
Sgt Arthur Bailey 9 Sqdn (d.8th Oct 1943) I don't really know much, but I was told that Arthur Bailey was a wireless operator airgunner and was shot down over France. I was told this when I was 10 year's old, I am now 54 years old, and have found out, through the internet that he was actually shot down,in Germany near Kiechlinsbergen and is buried in Durnbach War Cemetery, outside Munich. I am going to visit his grave soon. His own mother did not know this information,so no one has ever visited.
Editors Note:
The crew were:
- Lt E.G.Roberts, USAAF
- Sgt P.Shaw
- F/O F.G.Arliss
- P/O W.Chadwick
- Sgt A.Bailey
- Sgt T.H.Tibbles
- Sgt R.J.Darby
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W/O Thomas William Johnson DFM. 9 Squadron (d.2nd Jan 1945) I would be interested to learn about air gunner Thomas Johnson, the award of his DFM in August 1943 and his death in January 1945. I have photographed his CWGC headstone at Allerton Cemetery in Liverpool and am writing up stories of the men who lie there. |
Flt.Sgt. Sidney Lascelles Fereday 9 Squadron (d.22nd Mar 1944) My uncle, Sidney Lascelles Fereday, flew on Lancasters with 9 Squadron as a Flt Sgt. He died on March 22nd 1944 killed over Morscheid Germany after op to Frankfurt from RAF Bardney. His pilot was Angus J Jubb. On 18/3/44 he was flying with P/O Young and plane made crash landing over Kent.
After his death family received a letter from a WAAF saying that she was having Sid's baby. His mother, Nellie, refused to believe it and burned the letter. Recently we have found out that Sid's name appears on the Bilston War Memorial, Wolverhampton although he had no known connection to Bilston. I am visiting Sid's grave in Rheinberg in Nov 2010 with his now 80 yr old brother Terence. Would love to know if anyone remembers Sidney or has any information about him.
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Sgt. Henry John Hannaford 9 Sqd. (d.29th Jul 1942) My great uncle Henry Hannaford was killed on 29th July 1942 on the return from a raid. This was over the North Sea as is recorded in the squadron records I was wondering if anyone knew him or his crew and if there are any photos of his crew. |
Flt.Lt. Harold Blow DFC. No. 9 Squadron My father, Harold Blow was a Lancaster pilot during the war and flew 30 missions, including 13 raids on Berlin whilst based at R.A.F Bardney. He continued to fly after the war with 616 squadron R.Aux.Air Force based at R.A.F. Finningley. Unfortunately he was killed in a flying accident in May 1954. I would like my father's name to be remembered. |
Sgt. Harry Goodwin Jenkins No. 9 Sqn (d.17th Jan 1943) My Grandfather, William Jenkins was serving with the 10th btn rifle Brigade when he heard of the death of his brother. He was told of Harry's death by his Mother by letter, a letter which also informed him of the death of his best childhood freind who was then serving with the 2nd Hampshires, also in North Africa.
Harry's plane was lost on a raid on Berlin, it was neve found and he has no known grave. If anyne has any memories orf Harry it would be a joy to share them with William who is now 91. |
Sgt. Henry T. Jolliffe 9 Squadron Sgt H T Jolliffe, Bomb Aimer was serving at RAF Bardney,with 9 Squadron in January 1944 and was shot down in Lancaster ED721( WS-S) whilst on an operation to Brunswick on 14th /15th January 1944. He and the Flight Engineer Sgt W Lyons were the only survivors and they were taken as Prisoners of War to Stalag IVB and incarcerated until the end of the war.
Henry had been due to go on Leave the next day and the crew had sought replacements after their bomb aimer had been injured whilst they were ditching Lancaster, ED700 in the North Sea off Gt Yarmouth, persuading Henry to stand in for him!
Henry is still alive but in poor health and I value his friendship and his amazing survival story.
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Flt.Sgt. Fred Hooper 9 Squadron Fred Hooper was my brother-in-law. He married a Land Army girl in Sheffield
later moved to Skegness, Lincs. Fred was a Rear Gunner on a Lancaster and took part in the bombing of the Turiptz. Fred would sometimes spend up to 10 hours in the rear gunner position. On the 12th Nov 1944 British Lancasters equipped with 12000 tall boy bombs destroyed the Terpitz. The attack was by RAF operating from Yagodnik near Archangel in Rushia. No. 9 and 617 Squadrons took part.
Fred's ashes and memorial are at East Kirkby, Lincolnshire along with others, his log books are fully detailed and held by his sons. |
Douglas Alan Jennings 57 Squadron My uncle, Dougls Jennings, joined the RAF in November 1941. After training as a bomb aimer he joined 57 Squadron in 1943 flying in Wellingtons.
His crew was.
- Sgt. Guilyn (Ginger) Guy - Pilot
- F.O. Victor Spalding - Navigator
- Sgt, Grenville (Lofty) Hyde - Wireless Operator
- Sgt. Eric (Taffy) Raffels - Rear Gunner
- Ft Lt Douglas Jennings - Bomb Aimer
Later they converted to 4 engine Sterlings and then Lancasters.
This required 2 extra crew
- Joe Hatter - Flight engineer
- Alan (Al) Applegarth - Mid-upper Gunner
On or about their 18th operation on the 21st June 1944 they were shot down over Belgium. Ginger saved his crew by remaining at the controls whilst the others bailed out, but didn't make it himself and was killed. My uncle met up with the Belgium resistance and was hidden by them until they were liberated.
On return to England, he joined 9 Squadron which flew similar raids to the more famous 617, dropping 12,000lb Tallboys. After the war he returned to civilian life and lives today on the South Coast.
In 2005 he published a book
"Jump or Die" chronicling his experiences. |
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Wondering if you can help - we have been asked to find out anything about one Alan Lestocq Roberts who apparently was DFC* non-commissioned pers no 1169273 and commissioned no 115023. He apparently flew with 514 and 9 Sqn and is the father of one of our supporters.
Public Affairs and Service Liaison
Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund
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I am looking for information about my uncle,his name was Patrick Hall 9sqdn Sgt Flt/Engr, his Lancaster flight took off from Bardney 22:23 16/17/06/1943 target Cologne they were shot down over Belgium, four killed, three Pow. He was killed and is buried at Schoonselhof Cemetery Belgium. I have one photograph of my uncle in uniform. Any help you could give me on this would be appreciated.
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My Father, Wing Commander 40668 Richard Henry Bunker (Dickie) DSO DFC and Bar He joined the RAF in 1938 and was posted to RAF Thornaby with 185 Squadron and then with 83 Squadron at RAF Scampton where he joined Guy Gibson. From 83 Squadron he went to Canada to train pilots and on return to England was posted to 9 Squadron as Flight Commander, leading a raid on Pennemunde from RAF Bardney.
His crew were:
- Sgt. W Possee. nav.
- Sgt. W A Gall. bomb aimer.
- P/O J Prior. w/op
- Sgt. J Lever. miduppergunner
- Sgt. R G Lomas. rear gunner
- Sgt. F G Hayler
In 1944 he went to 620 Squadron at Fairford leading a troop drop at Arnhem. In October 1944 he was posted to 190 Squadron at Great Dunmow as Commanding Officer and in April 1945 he along with the rest of crew were reported killed in action when their Stirling crashed near Windlesham.
If you remember Wing Commander R.H. Bunker I would like to hear from you.
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I am seeking anyone who may have known the crew of Wellington Ic serial R1758 code WS from 9 Squadron which took off from RAF Honington at 1530 on 09.06.1941 for an armed recognisance of the French and Belgium coasts and was intercepted NE of Calais by Me 109's and shot down into the sea off Zeebrugge.
The crew were;
Wing Commander (Pilot) Roy George Claringbould Arnold. Son of James and Daisy Arnold; husband of Vera Constance Arnold, of Daventry, Northamptonshire he is buried at Blankenberge town cemetery.
928273 Sgt J M Pinkham taken POW pow no. 18298 Stalag 357 Kopernikus
45272 F/O D Bruce AFM taken POW pow no.1356 Oflag O4C Saalhaus Colditz
627802 Sgt H A Wink taken POW pow no. 18297 Stalag 357 Kopernikus
Sgt R H Barratt taken POW pow no. 18299 Stalag 357 Kopernikus. Exchanged identity with rifleman G.S. Godden of the Rifle Brigade.
F/O T A Bax taken POW
Does anyone have a picture of Sqn.Ldr Arnold or does anyone know any of the survivors of R1758
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