|
Those who Served
|
If you enjoy this siteplease consider making a donation.
Home
Add Your Story
Features
Submissions
Schools
Information
World War 2 Two II WW2 WWII
Those who Served
Able Seaman Edward Charles Badcock . Royal Navy HMS Forfar from Abingdon, Berkshire)
(d.2nd Dec 1940)
Temp. Sub Lt. Eng. E. J. L. Bailey . Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve HMS Forfar
Sub Lt Bailey was amongst the survivors of the Forfar.
Staff Sergeant Eugene G Bailey . US Army 28th Division 112th Infantry
My Dad, Staff Sergeant Eugene G. Bailey served with the 28th Division 112th Infantry. He was captured on December 17, 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge. He was sent to Stalag IXB and then transferred to Stalag IXA on January 25, 1945. I have a group or unit picture taken in Paris after the liberation dated April 1945. This site is a great way to honor our WWII heroes. Diana Thomas, a very proud daughter
Staff Sergeant Eugene G Bailey . US Army Company K 28th Infantry Division, 112th Regiment
My dad, Eugene G. Bailey, was a Staff Sergeant in the US Army, 28th Infantry Division, 112th Regiment, Company K during WW2. He was in four campaigns including the Battle of the Bulge where he was taken prisoner on December 17, 1944. He arrived in Bad Orb Stalag IX B on December 29, 1944 and remained there until late January 1945 when he was transferred to Stalag IXA. This information is from a journal he wrote during his time just before the Battle of the Bulge. The dates of this journal are from December 13, 1944 until the end of March 1945. However, there are not any entries for Feb.
My dad did not talk about his time in the service or about being a POW. I do know that he weighed only 79 pounds upon his return to the states.
Staff Sgt. Eugene G. Bailey . US Army Company K 112th Infantry Regiment
My Dad, Staff Sergeant Eugene G. Bailey 28th Division 112th Infantry Company K. Was caputured during the Battle of the Bulge on December 17th, 1944. He never talked about his time in the war. However, he was in four campaigns, Normendy, Northern France, Rhineland and the Ardennes. He received a bronze metal for following a line which lead to a Germen Bunker. In turn the bunker was taken out. As a pow he was held at both Stalags IXB and IXA. He arrived at Stalag IXB on December 26, 1944 and was transfered to Stalag IXA on January 26, 1945. I found in his Bible a picture of a group of men all in uniforms on the back of the picture it is written it was taken in April 1945 after liberation of pow camp. I really would like to know who the other men are in the picture and if they remember my dad. I do not know if this was his unit or the other men from the Stalag IXA.
Eugene Bailey (back row, fifth from the right) after his liberation, in Paris during April 1945
I also have his hand written journel it reads:
December 12th 1944 - left for Paris
December 13th 1944 -arrived Paris
December 14th 1944- sick
December 15th left Paris stayed in Reames
December 16th arrived Orwen on Belgium Luxburg Germany Boarder - Heavy Arty-bombing
December 17th Heavy arty, bombing 2000 - Town surrounded 2010 - Captured Watch taken Walked all night
December 18th walked all day- 1/3 Loaf bread cheese, marmalade
December 19th in PW cage
December 20th walked all day
December 21st walked all day
December 22nd walked all day
December 23rd Boarded train no food
December 24th on train no food no water
December 25th on train no food little water
December 26th 1/6 loaf, little meat 0100 on train
December 26th left train at 0900 Bad orb Stallager (IXB) Stew at 1200 Bread 1/6 at 1600
December 27th Life in Pw Stew ¾ lieder per day Bread 1/6 loaf …… No recreation at all
December 28-31 Same
Jan 1-24 continue Same-meat -cottage cheese - marmalade One or twice a wk
Jan 25th 1945 Boarded train
Jan 26th Arrived STL. 9A No food
Jan 27th- Stew & Bread Food Tea better
Jan 28th Same
Jan 29th Same Food Better but very insufficient French PW donating a few smokes From RC packages
Jan 30th Situation unchanged Getting very thin & weak News excellent Russians - 65 miles from Berlin
Jan 31 Food same-cottage cheese no butter A break in the weather thawing
At this point in the journal I do not know if the dates are for Feb. or March the first entry looks to me like it is
3-1 Situation unchanged
2-3 same
3-4 shaved 1st time since Dec 14 1944
5 war news0 rosins 25miles from Berlin
6 situation unchanged
7 2 letters one card
8 red cross Box 1 per 4 men
9 dined well, smoked well
10 same
11 grub gone smokes too.
12 -20 grub poor-no smokes recreation (I can not tell what it says)
This ends the dates however there is more on the paper.
Marshall imaan 19098805
Blankets-NO GI Bed NU 8
Alex Justus = 36376532=2456
Blankets=No-GI Bed
Ndill Landberg+36220111=2430
Blankets (unreadable)
Lam Mrchunee=20320737=24015
Blankets NO GI Bed NO 108
Wed- 1000-1100 Stockseb by Bolger
Sat. 1000- 1100 making up of a newpaper by jones
Thur Quiz contest 1000-1100
I cont from each section
Fri. winners- Fri.
There are other man named in my dads journal. I have researched the names some are from Stalag IXB. My dad was almost 6 feet tall and weigh in 1979. Reseaching all of this has made me a very proud daughter. Thank you for your time.
Sgt. Garnet James Bailey . RAF 106 Squadron
Looking for details of Sgt.G J Bailey RAAF, lost on Gardening mission off Bordeaux 25/26 July 1942. I have details from CWGC and AUS. Roll of Honour but can't find his Aircrew Category or the cause of the loss of the aircraft, Lanc R5680 based at Coningsby at the time it was lost. Two of the crew became POW, and the body of one other was recovered and is buried at Pornic in France. The other four crew members were not found. Any information would be appreciated.
Sergeant J. Bailey . RAF 149 Squadron
I am looking for any relatives or friends who knew or served with the crew of Wellington bomber R3163 G for George of 149 Sqn:
Sgt. J Bailey 511887 Sgt. H G Barnes 652148 F/O H Burton Sgt. A R Peacock 652031 P/O G M R Smith 42900 P/O D A McFarlane 79377 The plane was lost on the 5th of September 1940. I have some information including that they were POWs at Stalag 3 but would be very greatful if anyone has any other information to share.
Stewardess Hannah Baird . Merchant Navy SS. Athenia (d.3rd Sep 1939)
C.P.O. A. E. Baker . Royal Navy HMS Forfar
C.P.O. Baker was one of those to survive when HMS Forfar was tordeoded and sunk in December 1940.
Sgt. Charles Henry Baker . Royal Air Force navigator 115 Sqd. (d.16th Mar 1944)
Doris Baker . Land Army
Maggie Baldry . Land Army
It was avery healthy life in the open air, I can remember I was always hungry. It is so long ago, and as I was only 16 and a half in 1945 when I joined, I didnt keep any records. I was in a hostel near Woodbridge,on field work.
Fusilier Leonard Ballantyne . Army Royal Fusiliers
My Grandfather, Leonard Ballantyne was one of the prisoners at Stalag 7a and also Stalag 344. He was captured on the 16/02/1944, ironically on his birthday, at Anzio. He was a Fusilier with the Royal Fusiliers. His prisoner of war number was 128717.
According to information I have received from the Red Cross he arrived in Stalag 7a on 07.04.1944. He left Stalag 7a for Stalag 344 on 02.06.1944 and was present in Stalag 344 on the 06.06.1944 . He eventually managed to escape from Stalag 344 on his second attempt. At this point I do not have any more information.
Since my grandfather passed away in 2000 I am having to trace his war through official records which is a very lengthy process. However I have found the Red Cross a surprising source of Prisoner of War information and through our National Archives am hoping to see his Escape and Evasion interview. If anyone has any further information, photos, stories, anything, it would be greatly appreciated.
Lt. Cmdr.(E) Charles Harold Bamber . Royal Naval Reserve HMS Forfar (d.2nd Dec 1940)
Corporal William Bamforth . Army Royal Signals Corps from Glossop)
Leopold Bandurka . Polish Army 5th Rifles Regiment from Sanok, Poland)
My father, Leopold Bandurka, was born in 1922 in Sanok, south-eastern Poland. He was 17 when the Nazis invaded in September 1939, and he escaped over the border to Slovakia and travelled to France to join up the Polish Army which was assembling there. After fighting with the 5th Rifles Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Rifles Division of the Polish Army in France, in June 1940 he was captured and imprisoned in Stalag XIIA near Limburg, then Stalag XIIF near Forbach in France, where he was given prisoner number 32325 and 1052B (his name was wrongly spelt Bandarka). Some time later he was transferred to Stalag VIIB near Gneixendorf and Krems in Austria.
After the war he came to Scotland (Fraserburgh) then Mansfield, England where he eventually located to Shirebrook in Nottinghamshire,married and had one child. He passed away in 1984. He had several stories to tell about these experiences - some repeatable, others rather less so.
I am anxious to contact anyone who may have known him during his period in the Polish Army and as a POW.
Elizabeth "Betty" Banks . ATS 11th Caithness Company
My Nana, Elizabeth "Betty" Banks, who brought me up, was in the ATS from Feb 1939 until the war ended, Her number was W/9265. She would love to contact anyone who was in her unit or any of the courses she went on as a PT instructor. I'm hoping to get some photos from her that you can put on your website but wondered if anyone could point me in the right direction to get her some information.
The details I have are: 11th Caithness Company, then sent to Orkney for 3 years, then Inverness Cameron Barracks, then Redford Barracks Edinburgh, then became PT instructor and attended courses in Scotland and Durham, Aldershot and Newton Abbot.
Lillian Rose Banks . Land Army
Sgt Major Gordon Bannerman . Canadian Army 60th Field Battery Royal Canadian Artillery
Sgt. Cecil Bardill . RAF(VR) 101 Sqd. from Horsley Woodhouse, Derbyshire.)
(d.1st Sep 1943)
LAC. John Arthur Bardill . Royal Air Force No 34 Service Flying Training School
I noted with great interest the book of David Carter "Wings on the Pararie" about the Service Flying Training School in Canada during the war years. According to his service record which I have my father John Arthur Bardill was at the base from 24.2.1941 till about 9.1.1944 as an LAC. Does anyone have any records or photographs of ground crews who serviced the training aircraft? In addition Dad was apparently a noted goalkeeper in the base soccer team who I think were called the "Red Stars" or something like that. The team were apparently were undefeated champions either locally or as my mother always used to tell me of Alberta. There were numerous photos and newspaper references to this segment of my father's stay in Canada, but these were lost in the many moves both in the UK and eventually to Australia. I have tried unsuccessfully to research the sporting achievements of dad without success, but beginning I would be very interested if anyone has any information/photos of the ground crews? Or if anyone may be able to advise me in what direction I could take to research the base and its history.
Ivy May Bareham . Land Army from Colchester)
During the war I was a young lad....now long retired... I had a favourite auntie who was in the Women's Land Army. Her name was Ivy May Bareham and her home was in Colchester, Essex. Is there any way I can see her name on an official document or register. Or is there any record of her. She died from an illness after the war....she was only in her thirties and by that time I had joined the Navy as a boy recruit at HMS Ganges. She is laying in the churchyard at Mistley, Essex and even after all these years I still think fondly of her. Any information would be very warmly welcomed Sincerely Robert Woods, Somerset UK
Isa Barker . Land Army
This is such a great site! I am proud that my mother, Isa Barker, served in the Scottish Women's Land Army. I know from her stories what a very hard life it was, and for the contribution that so many women made during that time to have gone unrecognised for so long is a disgrace. I am delighted that this is now changing and these wonderful women are to be acknowledged at last.
Joyce Mildred Iris Barker . Land Army from 32 Eva Road, Warley, Oldbury, Birmingham)
My name is Joyce Barker, and my daughter is typing this for me in Hampshire, and I'm living in St.Austell, Cornwall now, and we're doing this via a telephone. Kathleen Strong, was my best friend, we took a day off from work and went to Birmingham, where we saw a lorry full of land army girls in bales of hay with a fork in their hand. We liked the uniform so much, Kath and I said, thats it we're going to join up. We went to the cart and asked them what we had to do, and we went and joined up straight away. We had to wait to three weeks. The place they sent us to was a hostel in Small Heath, Dudley. We think there was about 30 other girls there too. The next day we went on a lorry to a farm and we went potato picking, our first day, very hard work. Other days we went thrashing, fruit picking and sprout picking, we got frost bite through sprout picking and had to go hospital, off sick for about a week.
We loved our nights out at the local dance and the pub. The pub was called the Yew Tree with a big dance hall at the back. I've got some really funny tales of our dances and doing the jitterbug! We went to an RAF station dance, the whole hostel was invited. We went on a lorry! Next day, after the vaseline had worn off from our faces from the good sleep, back to work again! I drove a tractor and a milkround, milking cows, this was at Chadersley Corbett at 5 o.clock in the morning!
Asst.Steward J. J. Barnbrock . Naval Auxiliary Personnel HMS Forfar
Barnbrock was amongst the men to survive the sinking of the Forfar, he had served onboard when she was the Montrose and transferred under the T124X agreement.
Sergeant H G Barnes . RAF 149 Squadron
Trimmer J. Barnes . Naval Auxiliary Personnel HMS Forfar
Trimmer Barnes survived the sinking of HMS Forfar.
Greaser John Barnes . Naval Auxiliary Personnel HMS Forfar (d.2nd Dec 1940)
Myra Barnish . Munitions Factory Worker Swynnerton
I worked at Swynnerton filling factory during WW11, and have often wondered where all my friends from those years are now, I now live in Canada.
Jenny Baron . WAAF from Wrekenton, Co Durham)
Asst.Steward M. Baron . Naval Auxiliary Personnel HMS Forfar
Baron was brought ashore after the sinking of HMS Forfar. He was one of the crew to have remained with the ship under the T124X agreement when she was requisitioned for Naval Service in 1939.
Sgt V H Barr . RAF 102 Squadron
F/O Elgar Barratt . Royal Air Force pilot 106 Sqd (d.16th Dec 1944)
Avro Lancaster ND682 was shot down by a night fighter at 03:54 hours while flying at 2300 metres in the southeast part of the sea of Kattegat by a German JU 88 night fighter of 3./NJG 3. The JU 88 was piloted by Hauptmann Eduard Schröder with the crew of Hessenmüller, Zeinert and Brunsendorf.
The body of Pilot F/O Elgar Barratt was found washed ashore at Kulla Gunnarstorp north of the Swedish town Hälsingborg and was laid to rest in Hälsingborg Municipal Cemetery.
Sub.Lt.(E) James Gordon Barre . Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve HMS Forfar from Barrie, Ontario, Canada)
(d.2nd Dec 1940)
Kenneth L Barry . US Army
I am currently renovating a house in the north of England, and while digging the garden last week I found a dog tag for a US serviceman by the name of Kenneth L Barry. Research via the internet shows that he was captured in France and was sent to Stalag 3A and was also liberated by the Russians.
I'm wondering if anyone out there has any memories of this guy or better still knows kept in touch with him after the War. I would love to get to the bottom of this mystery.
E. C. Bartlett . Naval Auxiliary Personnel HMS Forfar
Bartlett was counted anmongst the survivors when HMS Forfar was lost. He had transferred under the T124x agreement as a crew member of the Montrose.
Sergeant W H Bartlett . RAF No. 12 Squadron (d.7th July 1943)
Does anyone know if Lancaster ED548 of No. 12 Squadron was recovered from the River Forth after crashing near the Kincardine Bridge on the 7/7/1943 whilst taking part in a cross country flight?
I know that Sgt W H Bartlett (air gunner) and Sdn Ldr R G L Baxter, pilot both died in the accident and are both buried in Gransable cemetery.
The reason I am asking is that I am a interested in aircraft and have my own company using ROVs to do under water videos and inspections, and if this Lancaster is still down at the bottom of the Forth I would like to film it for future archives.
Flight Officer Frank White Bartlett jr. . U.S. Army Air Force 847th Bomber Squardon 489th Bomber Group Heavy from Pen Yan, New York)
(d.29 May 1944)
I am inquiring for information, My Uncle, Frank White Bartlett, was in England, at Halesworth Air Base in April 1944 with the 847th. Bomber Squardon. He was a Flight Officer. He was killed in a plane crash prior to D-Day. The story I have heard was they were having an aircraft fly by for some VIP's prior to D-Day when the wing tips touched and at least 4 planes in formation crashed. I have not been able to find any details of this and hoping someone might point me in the right direction or have been there. I never knew him and I was in the Air Force in Veit Nam, I want to take my Mother to England to see her brother's markers at Cambridge Cemetery. She is 80 years old and in very good shape. Thanks for hearing my story.
Mike Bartman . RCAF navigator 408 Sqd.
Ldg Wren Margaret Elsie Claire Batchelor . Womens Royal Naval Service HMS Merlin from South Croydon, Surrey.)
(d.9th Jun 1944)
Flight Sergeant Howard Joseph Bate . Royal Air Force 15 Sqd. from Small Heath, Birmingham)
(d.16th Nov 1944)
Mr. Bate's widow is a friend of mine and she has told me how she never knew what has happened to him. I find that really sad and in this day and age, surely someone knows. She thinks that he was shot down over Heinzburg in Germany on 16th November 1944 and has heard nothing since apart from a letter sent on 26th September 1945 by the Ministry of Defence to tell her he was presumed dead. I have tried the British Legion . The R.A.F. etc and would really like to tell her what happened to him. She is an elderly lady now and I think that before she herself dies, she would find comfort in tracing where he lies.
update:
Howard Bate flew with the crew of Lancaster LS-U of 15 Squadron, serial number PB137. They took off as lead bomber from RAF Mildenhall at 13:35 on the 16th of November 1944 on a mission to Heinsburg. The aircraft was shot down by a German fighter and was set on fire, the aircraft broke up in mid air, only the pilot survived. The crew were:
Wing Commander William David Gordon-Watkins DSO DFC DFM was the pilot. He was the Commanding Officer of 15 Sqd. He had completed over 50 missions and had previously served with 149 sqd. He was captured and held as a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft 1. He passed away in 1965.
The rest of the crew are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery:
- Sgt Howard Joseph Bate
- F/O C.Stevenson RNZAF
- F/Lt F.G.Sanders RNZAF
- Sgt A.S.Booth
- Sgt J.J.Franklin
- Sgt H.Clayton
- F/S Douglas C.N.Hearn
Rfm. Ernest Bates . Army 9th Btn. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) from Hammersmith, London.)
(d.16th Feb 1945)
Able Seaman Frederick Percy Bath . Royal Navy HMS Forfar (d.2nd Dec 1940)
Squadron Leader R G L Baxter . RAF No. 12 Squadron
Does anyone know if Lancaster ED548 of No. 12 Squadron was recovered from the River Forth after crashing into the river near the Kincardine Bridge on the 7/7/1943 whilst taking part in a cross country flight? I know that Sgt W H Bartlett (air gunner) and Sdn Ldr R G L Baxter (pilot) both died in this accident and are both buried in Gransable cemetery.
The reason I am asking is that I am a interested in aircraft and have my own company using ROVs to do underwater videos and inspections, and if Lancaster ED548 is still down at the bottom of the Forth I would like to film it for future archives.
F/S S. Baxter . Royal Air Force 514 Sqd.
Having been shot down on the 3rd of August, Sgt Baxter evaded capture until the 9th when he was captured in Paris. He was incarcerated in the notorious Parisian Prison at Fresnes and eventually transported to Buchenwald. Luftwaffe officers obtained his release and he was interned in Stalag Luft 3.
Able Seaman. T. Beardsell . Royal Navy HMS Forfar
Beardsell is listed as one of the survivors of the sinking of HMS Forfar He is also listed in the chorus of the revue "Get Sailing" which was performed onboard the Forfar on the 19th of June 1940.
James Beatle . Army
Jimmy was in Stalag 8b with my Father, Arthur Booker, if anyone remembers him or his fellow POW's please get in touch.
Assistant Engineer Ernest Arthur Beecham . Naval Auxiliary Personnel HMS Forfar (d.2nd Dec 1940)
Sgt. Stanley Beedle . RAF 101 Sqd. (d.3rd Nov 1943)
My uncle, Stanley Beedle, aged 23 was shot down in a Lancaster over Germany in 1943, his date of death is 03/11/1943. He was based at Holme on Spalding Moor, 101 bomber squadron. He is now at rest in the Rheinberg war cemetary. Any infomation about him, his plane ,anything ,would be greatfully received.
Update:
Lancaster LM635 SR-H took off at 17:11 on the 3rd of Nov 1943 from Ludford Magna en-route to Dusseldoft. The aircraft was shot down and crashed in the vicinity of Manchengladbach, where all the crew were buried on the 6th of November 43. Subsequently they were re-interred in the Rheinberg War cemetery.
- Sgt J.M.Cummings
- Sgt S.Beedle
- Sgt E.G.Wall
- Sgt N.J.Shakespeare
- Sgt J.H.Harper
- Sgt G.F.S Maunders (ABC operator)
- Sgt C.J.Poulton
- Sgt J.Parsons
Ida Joyce Beeson . Land Army
My mother was in the land army and she had very fond memories of her time in the land army which she shared with myself and my sister. Unfortunately my mother passed away in 1995 and I have no other further details.
Lt Col Ian E. Begg . 4th Btn Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Early in 1942 this unit along with the 2nd BN Shropshire Light Infantry was transported by train from New Orleans to Halifax NS. From 21 Feb-9 Mar 1942 these two BNs were stationed at Ft Slocum, NY, an installation of the New York Port of Embarkation located in Long Island Sound near New Rochelle, NY (just north of the Bronx line. Because of wartime secrecy little is known about this episode. I am the historian of Ft. Slocum. I would be grateful if anyone could provide more information about Lt/Col Begg and/or his unit.
Able Seaman Jack William Begg . Royal Navy HMS Forfar from Manningtree, Essex)
(d.2nd Dec 1940)
Ornance Articifer 4th Cls Albert Thelus Farlam Bell . Royal Navy HMS Forfar from Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire)
(d.2nd Dec 1940)
Elsie Bell . Land Army
Howard Bell . US Navy 103 Sqd. Fleet Air Wing 7
Sub Lt. James Black Bell . Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve HMS Prunella (d.21st Jun 1940)
My uncle, Sub-Lt James Black Bell was killed because of the torpedoing of HMS Prunella - ex mercantile Cape Howe. It is my understanding that he got off the ship on one of the lifeboats, but that in the storm that came up that night this boat was lost. If anyone has any more information on this event I would be grateful if you could share it with me.
Ord, Seaman Reginald Patterson Bell . Royal Navy HMS Forfar (d.2nd Dec 1940)
Cpl. Robert Stirling Bell . Canadian Army North Nova Scotia Highlanders
Cpl Sterling Robert Bell served with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. He landed in Normandy on June 6th 1944 and was captured at Authie on June 7 1944. He was held as a pow in Stalag 357 until May 1945.
Sgt. Sidney Bell . Royal Air Force flight eng. 106 Sqd.
Sidney was taken as a Prisoner of War on the 30th of August 1944 and was held in Stalag Luft 7.
Tom Bell .
My father-in-law, Tom Bell,(now deceased) was captured after the invasion in 1944 and then paraded through the streets of Paris (the French were not friendly). He was then shipped to Stalag 4B. Anyone who remembers him please contact me.
Gunner William Harold Bell . Royal Navy HMS Forfar from Bebbington, Cheshire)
(d.2nd Dec 1940)
William Bell was lost when HMS Forfar was lost on the 2nd of December 1940, he was 57 years old.
Marjorie Benham . Land Army
This is a picture of my aunt Marjie (was Marjorie Benham, now Macdonald). She is the one at the front right-hand side of the attached picture. The lady to her left in the white shirt/blouse was Helen Clixby. She would love to make contact with anyone who remembers her from those days in Devon. She now lives in Essex.
Anyone wishing to make contact can do so by contacting me first and I will pass on their details so she can make contact with them direct. She is not on the Internet herself.
I have given her the 0800 phone number to call with regards to the WLA commemorative badges. Thanks,
Bill Benlen . US Red Cross driver
Bill Benlen was a driver with the US Red Cross at Dunkeswell 1944/5
George Ronald Bennett . Royal Navy HMS Rosneath from London)
I am trying to trace the deatils of my late father-in-law who servived at HMS Rosneath during World War 2. He was also on a ship in the Baltic Sea for part of this time and he worked in the boiler room or engine room of this vessel. Any information would be greatly appreciated as his grand-daughter is trying to piece together the history of her grandparents. Thank you
Able Seaman. H. Bennett . Royal Navy HMS Forfar
Able Seaman Bennett was one of those brought ashore after the sinking of HMS Forfar.
Assistant Steward James Bennett . Naval Auxiliary Personnel HMS Forfar (d.2nd Dec 1940)
Asst.Stores. T. J. Bennett . Naval Auxiliary Personnel HMS Forfar
T.J.Bennett survived teh sinking of HMS Forfar, he had been a member of the ship's crew when she was a passengerliner and had remained with her under the T124x agreement.
Sgt William Bennett . RAF navigator 44 Sqd.
Sgt Bill Bennett was the navigator with Merrick Heath's crew, flying R for Robert PB417 with 44 Rhodesia Squadron based at RAF Splisby.
Sgt. William Bennett . RAF(VR) 101 Sqd. from Connah's Quay, Flintshire.)
(d.1st Sep 1943)
Trimmer Allan Bennie . Naval Auxiliary Personnel HMS Forfar (d.2nd Dec 1940)
Rita Benson . Land Army
Leading Seaman Jesse Bentley . Navy HMS Halstead from Rowlands Castle, Hampshire)
(d.11th June 1944)
Leading Seaman Jesse Bentley was killed on the 11th June 1944 on board HMS Halstead. He was aged 32 and lived with his wife and child at Rowlands Castle, Hampshire.
Ralph Maurice Bentley . Royal Air Force
My late father, Ralph Maurice Bentley, was discharged from the forces, but I do not know why. It must have been serious as Britain needed every man they could at the time. My father said he was in Lockheed Hudsons, and when discharged was put in charge of German prisoners of war. All I want is the truth of what my father did or didn't do and what his illness was.
Albert Frederick Benton . Royal Marines Turret Gunner HMS Mauritius/HMS London
I learned recently that my wife's uncle - Albert Frederick Benton - served in the Royal Marines (turret gunner) on HMS Mauritius and on HMS London. I would love to know more, as would his son who never managed to talk to Bert about his war service.
"Bergie" Bergman . RCAF w/op 408 Sqd.
Gnr. Richard Berryman . Army Royal Artillery
Dick Berryman was in Stalag 8b with my Father, Arthur Booker, if anyone remembers him or his fellow POW's please get in touch.
Robert "Bob" Best . RAF 48 Squadron
George Henry Beynon . British Army 1st Parachute Regiment
My father, George Henry Beynon of Aberavon, South Wales, was in the 1st Parachute Regiment. (1st Battalion I believe) He fought at Arnhem in September 1944. He was captured and sent to Stammlager 357 - Hut E4. I would appreciate any information your readers can supply.
George Henry Beynon . Army 1st Battalion 1st Parachute Regiment from Aberavon, South Wales)
My father George Henry Beynon of Aberavon, South Wales was in the 1st Parachute Regiment (1st Battalion I believe) He fought at Arnhem in September 1944. He was captured and sent to Stammlager 357 - Hut E4. I would appreciate any information your readers can supply.
Able Seaman Alex Biggam . Royal Navy HMS Nigeria
My father Alex Biggam served on HMS Nigeria as an able seaman. He would not talk much about his time during the war but did tell me of the extreme cold of the Russian convoy. He was also on the Malta convoy when the ship was hit by a torpedo. The ship was sent to Charleston, South Carolina for repair. He would talk about his time there and how well the Americans treated the crew and the interest they had shown about the war.
Thank you, this is a very informative site.
Sgt. Dennis Roland Billson . RAF(VR) air gunner. 101 Sqd. from Birstall)
(d.31st Mar 1944)
W/O Hector Binder . RCAF 626 Squadron
Sgt. Tommy Birch . RAF rear gunner 101 Sqd.
Austin Bird . RAF ground crew
My grandfather, Austin Bird and my uncle, Morton Bird, both worked at Silloth on the ground.
Morton Bird . RAF ground crew
My uncle, Morton Bird and my grandfather, Austin Bird worked at Silloth on the ground.
P/O James Douglas Bishop . RCAF air gunner. 50 Sqd (d.8th Jul 1944)
Leonard Blackman . Royal Navy HMS Manchester
Pte. William "Blackie" Blackwood . Army 9th Btn. Durham Light Infantry from Sunderland, Co Durham)
I can only speak on behalf of my father who would never talk much about his days in World War 2. He served in North Africa he used to say to me he wasn't frightened of anyone he was fighting apart from a tribe named the Fuzzy Wuzzys, he told me they scared him to death. He used to say about the maggots that were in his cigarrettes and food and how he dreamt of his roast beef yorkshire pudding dinners. My dad went into the army after being ill with pernicious anemia, at that time there was very little cure for it, he eventually got well but was still weak and told that he should not join the army, he made sure he joined to fight for his country. The sadness of all this is when he returned home there wasn't many jobs to seek. It saddens me that I did not find out more about his days in World War 2 as I was quite young when he died. I have photographs of him with his friends in Africa but would love to hear from anyone who served there with him.
Captain Blades . USAAF 44th Heavy Bomb Group 66th Squadron
My Dad, La Verne L. Carvo, would like to know if there is anyone who has information about the armorer personnel who serviced the guns on the B24 bombers headed by Captain Blades.
Sgt. P. Blake . RAF air gunner. 578 Sqd (d.2st Feb 1945)
My uncle Sgt P. Blake was a gunner with 578 sqdn he died on 21.02.1945 while flying on a raid over Germany bombing the Rhenania Ossag oil refinery at Dusseldorf. They flew out of Raf Burn. He was the son of David and May Blake of Edinburgh.
Ord, Seaman John Blanchfield . Royal Navy HMS Forfar from Bradford, Yorkshire)
(d.2nd Dec 1940)
Francis "Bud" Blankley . US Navy USS Boise
Sub Lt. (E) Blood . Royal Navy HMS Forfar
The above photo is from the album of Sub Lt Broadhurst, a boxing tournament on board HMS Forfar, Sub Lt Blood weighed in at 142lbs and OS. Walker at 141lbs. The contest was won by Walker with a technical knockout in the third round. On the horrizon the ship whihc the Forfar was escorting at the time can be clearly seen.
Sgt. J. H. Bloomer . Royal Air Force 138 Sqd.
Margaret Blower . Land Army
My sister in law Margaret Mogford nee Blower served in the land army during ww2. She likes talking of her bit she did as a land army girl.
Private Edward Frederick David Blundy . Army from Coventry)
I am writing as Ted Blundy's second son....he sadly died back in '80. Now that I am in my 50's, I am keen to learn more of his war service from anyone who knew him and served with him. Our family has a lot of Dads's war photos from the desert campaigns but there a many gaps in our knowledge. Can you help? Alan Blundy
Ldg Seaman. H. Blythe . Royal Navy HMS Forfar
Ldg Seaman Blythe survived the sinking of the Forfar.
Louise "Pip" Blythe . Land Army
F/S J. G. S. Boanson . Royal Air Force 514 Sqd. (d.8th Jun 1944)
F/S Boanson was killed when Lancaster DS822 JI-T came down at La Celle Le Bordes France on the 8th of June 1944 whilst on a bombing raid to Massy Palaiseau.
Tech 5th grade T/5 Armand F. Boisseau Purple Heart. US Army 1st Bn. Hq Bty wire detail 941st Field Artilery Rgt. from Manchester, New Hampshire, USA)
The N.H. Army National Guard 1940 - 1943 2nd Bn. 172nd FA Rgmt. (hvy) truck-drawn 155mm Gun part one: In a re-organization after the First World War, the NH National Guard departed from its infantry roots to become the 172nd Field Artillery and the 197th Coastal Artillery. A generation later both were at war, the 172nd in Europe and the 197th in the Pacific. The 172nd Field Artillery traces its origins back to Capt. Waldron's Minute Company, 2nd N.H. Regiment, organized in 1775. During the Revolutuionar War this regiment served in the Continental Army as part of the 8th Continental Regiment, which earned battle credits for the Boston, Canada, Lake Champlain, Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga, Monmouth, Iroquois & Northern Dept. campaigns. Also credited with participation in the Civil War, WWI and WWII. The battalions saltire in the DUI of the 172nd FA is for Civil War service; the cactus for the Mexican border service; and the fleur-de-lis for service during WWI.
It all started for me when I joined the N.H. Army National Guard 4 Oct 1940 at 19. Assigned & assembled to the 2nd Bn 172nd FA Rgmt. 155mm Fld Guns (Heavy) truck-drawn. Commanding Officer was LtCol John F. Ahern, XO. Maj Thomas C. Werner and M/Sgt Mathew H. Korzyniowski as battalion Senior Sergeant. I was assigned to D Bty as an assistant prime-mover truck driver towing 155mm Field Guns using GMC's and Diamond Mfg 4x6 heavy-duty trucks and on occasion the M3 Armored Halftrack tracked truck in Motor Pool Platoon. This was an excellent artillery battalion lead by smart hard working officer's that always set the best example, mature and educated they were attuned to the needs of both the Army and the men under their command. Our training was good very good, Col. Ahern insisted on lots of drill time and as much field maneuvers as the Army could afford to give us. Most of the men that made up the battalion were from Manchester, others were from either Concord, Dover ,Portsmouth and Nashua. From the time I joined the Guard till the time we were inducted into federal service we held most of our field maneuvers in the southern training camps, Camp Blanding Florida, Camp Shelby Mississippi, the Great Louisiana Maneuvers also known as "The Big One" where half a million men & 19 Army Divisions trained prepairing to enter WWII and Camp Bowie Texas.
After the Japanise Empire attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec 7th 1941 rumors of activation into federal service started to spread throughout the battalion and our outfit were sure we were going to war. Camp Blanding and Camp Shelby under Third Army Southern Defence "training" Command were our first and most frequented training camps, it was at these two camps we trained the most and became very proficient at move, setup and direct fire support missions in the worst possible weather conditions. Deep thick forrest,raining swamps, snakes and mosquitoes we would move our guns, equipment and service batteries stop again and set-up for another firing mission, break position/camp and move out again again and again, over and over it didn't seem to stop for any long period of time. They were very few to little complaints and every man I knew did the best he could and we never left anyone behind left alone to do his job, we were a team. .
Most all of us were from New Hampshire and spoke french frequently together off duty and after hours. The Colonal whom also spoke french insisted we all maintained speaking english during all active duty drill assignments and official working hours, he would impose a heafty fine if we disobeyed this order..
Camp Bowie Texas just outside Brownwood was another training camp that was to introduce us to the hot sandy desert, it was here we started to receive our new guns the 4.5". Learning later that they were a US modified British design of a 155mm to accomindate US Artillery units with larger rounds using the same guns leaving for the Theather of Operations, I didn't pay much attention to them because my job was to to "gettum" there!..
In between maneuvers the battalion returned to New Hampshire for stand down, so HQ's can start planning the next field maneuvers. Home always seemed too far away when you were not there. My Dad, wife and brothers were always waiting for me at the train station like so many other guardsmen there when the unit did come home. Families reunited, birthday wedding parties planned, and buisnesses to run. We had no idea our next training maneuver would be the toughest, longest and our last, the Southern California desert, Camp "Iron Mountain"..
172nd Field Artillery Regiment (155mm How)(Truck-D) N.H. National Guard 24Feb41 inducted into federal service at Manchester N.H.; transferred to Cp Blanding Fla.14Feb41 & assigned to IV Army Corps; arrived at Cp Shelby Miss 27Mar42 where HHB redesignated HHB, 172nd Field Artillery Group 1Mar43. 1st and 2nd Bns. redesignated 172nd and 941st Field Artillery Battalions, respectively.
F/O Leslie Claude William Boivin . Royal Air Force pilot 106 Sqd. (d.30th Aug 1944)
F/O Boivin lost his life on the 30th of August 1944 when his Lancaster ND331 was lost on ops.
The crew were:
- F/O L.C.W.Boivin
- Sgt S.Bell
- Sgt W.S.Bryson
- F/S J.P.Nicol
- F/S R.H.McLean
- Sgt E.G.L.Parker
- Sgt H.Hargill
Able Seaman Walter George Bolton . Royal Navy HMS Forfar from Boston, Lincolnshire)
(d.2nd Dec 1940)
F/S W. S. Bonell . RCAF 514 Sqd. (d.30th Jul 1944)
F/S Bonell was lost without trace over the English Channel on the 30th of July 1944 when the aircraft failed to return to Waterbeach after a raid on Caen.
Pte. Arthur J. Booker . Army Royal West Kent Regiment
Back row (left to right): 1) unknown 2) Wally Symes 3) Arthur Booker, 4) unknown 5) Mick Dowling
Front row (left to right): 1) Gerry Rush 2) Dick Berryman 3) Les Botcher 4) Ginger Kett 5) Jimmy Beatle.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
- I joined the British Army in Nineteen Thirty-Nine
- I really did enjoy myself and thought that life was fine
- But in France I was captured a Royal West Kent
- Pride of the Army but to Deutschland I went.
- Into a big Stalag they called it VIII B
- We had breakfast, no dinner and no blooming tea
- They sent us out working we were just skin and bone
- And Mittenbruck Silesia became our new home
- There I met lots of pals t'was long, long ago
- But where are they now that's what I'd like to know
- Gerry Rush and Mick Dowling slept in the next bed
- And a fellow called Andrews he slept overhead.
- Sgt. Don Eager or Edgar I'm never quite sure
- He helped me a lot when conditions were poor
- And young Ginger Kett with his mout organ band
- Called Kat and his Kit-Kats were really quite grand
- And to all other chaps who were held by the "Hun"
- In that little old camp called E91
- If you remember ole Book and Benny his mate
- Then let's get in touch before it's too late!
This is a poem written by my Father, Arthur Booker, if anyone remembers him or his fellow POW's please get in touch.
Sgt. Alfred Stanley Booth . RAF bomb aimer 15 Sqd (d.16th Nov 1944)
Sgt. AW Booth . RAF 10th Squadron (d.1943-06-29)
My father's cousin, Sgt A.W Booth, was stationed at Melbourne. He was an air gunner and flew with the 10th Squadron from Melbourne on the raid on Cologne on the 28th of June 1943. The Halifax was shot down near Limburg in the early hours of the 29th. The only survivor was Flt Sergeant Shannon who was captured. The dead are buried at Jonkerbos War Cemetery in Holland. I would be very interested to find out if anyone is still around who may have known Sgt Booth.
Flt Lt Neville George Richardson Booth . Royal Air Force pilot 20 O.T.U. from Denshaw, Yorkshire.)
(d.18th May 1942)
My uncle Flt Lt. Neville George Richardson Booth a pilot, flew during WWII in 15 Squadron, RAF. Tragically he stepped in to assist in a mission over Denmark and was killed in action.
My father was born 15 days before Neville died and was due to be christened Nicholas, but the family were so distraught over the death of Neville that they christened my father Neville out of respect for Neville.
I did have the privilege of meeting and spending many summers with his brother, Kenneth E. R. Booth who was also a Pilot and Navigator and we are trying to locate his Squadron and Airfield. But we have some way to go yet. Squadron Leader Kenneth Edward Richardson Booth (DFC), was a pilot like his brother but he often flew as the navigator. Ken’s missions were mostly in Mosquito’s; any information anyone may have would be gratefully received.
The crew were:
- F/O Ryan
- S/L J.C.Hall DFC MiD
- F/L N.G.R.Booth
- Sgt A.Spriggs
- F/O J.P.Ryan RCAF
- Sgt R.Maycock
- Sgt J.B.Butterworth
- Sgt F.L.Sharp
- Sgt R.Nicholson
- Sgt D.J.Jeffs, the only survivor was taken PoW and held in Stalag 8b.
Update: F/L Booth was a not a member of 15 Sqdn. It was said that he had been visiting Wyton and, on impulse, had asked to join the crew. But, Sgt Jeff's son tells us that F/Lt Booth was assigned to W7531 for that flight, not as a guest on impulse, but as an official observer of the new GEE Radar System. The rest of the crew were forbidden to talk about this late entry.
Thomas O Booth . Army Royal Signals Corps from Glossop)
Cpl. Leslie J. S. Botcher . Army Royal Engineers
Les Botcher was in Stalag 8b with my Father, Arthur Booker, if anyone remembers him or his fellow POW's please get in touch.
Sgt Harry Botchin . Army Middlesex Reg from Tynemouth.)
Hello just a 2 1/2" with the bronze disc that I found amongst my late fathers items along with his Army no. tag and medals service records etc.I am wondering what it is, perhaps you could throw some light on it. Stamped with BS31 then under, WARSPITE ,under 130805,and at bottom MC. is it perhaps from a kitbag? a navy friend a relative? Perhaps nothing. Dad had a huge amount of war stories to tell and only left after being wounded and discharged in 1945.He did leave some rather poor quality mini-"dictotape" type recordings which (when I can bear to listen to them) may have some war stories on and be be worth sending on, sadly I have only 2 regimental type photos from that war period as I believe the rest were all taken away by other family members.
Pte. Henry James William Botton . Army 2nd Bttn Royal West Kent Rgt from London)
I would like to hear from anyone who remembers my farther Henry Botton, he spent most of the war in Stalag VIIIB after being captured as part of the BEF. He passed away when I was still young so details are sketchy, that is why I would like to hear from anyone. Thank You
Carpenters Mate Thomas Boulton . Naval Auxiliary Personnel HMS Forfar from Newcastle-upon-Tyne)
(d.2nd Dec 1940)
Corporal Gerald Edmond Bourassa . RCAF 428 Ghost Squadron
My Father, Gerald Edmond Bourassa was a corporal in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Ghost Squadron. What I remember of what he told me was that he was ground crew, and they were responsible for loading ammunition, guns and bombs. He had also told me that he had many friends.
I wonder if anyone has any pictures or stories that included my Dad?
Capt. Henry Hugh Bousfield . Royal Navy HMS Manchester
Hugh Bousfield was captain of HMS Manchester from the 17th of January 1938 until the 13th of April 1940.
Sergeant Brian Bowditch . RAF 626 Squadron
C. O. Bowen . Civilian passenger SS. Athenia (d.3rd Sep 1939)
Steward John Bowen . Naval Auxiliary Personnel HMS Forfar (d.2nd Dec 1940)
Lt W. Bowen . Army 5th Btn. The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
F/O C. Frank Bowker . RCAF instructor 34 SFTS from Medicine Hat, Canada.)
My father, C. Frank Bowker, was an instructor at #34 SFTS with the rank of Flying Officer sometime during the period 1942-1944. He had broken his back as a young man and so was not allowed active duty, but somehow joined the RAF anyway. I was a baby at the time, and so I know nothing of what he taught, indeed I don't recall him being absent from home, and he never talked about his role in the RCAF. He lived at home in Medicine Hat, and had a full-time job with a local flour company, so he may have been a part-time instructor.
Elizabeth "Bessie" Bowman . Land Army
Bessie married after the war to a Polish solder. They emigrated to the states where her sister, Millie, who had married a Dutch solder had already emigrated. Bessie and Stan had two children, Michael and Cathy. Over the years Bessie has suffered from ill health and has been confined within her home in Conneticut. Tragically she lost her daughter to cancer and in turn her son-in-law also died. They left an only daughter Jennifer. I am trying to gather memories of anyone who may have known her grandmother during her time as a land girl. I am also trying to find out more details such has her service number so i can apply for the new medal of recognition the Land Girls have now received for their service so i can put it together with any stories and present it to her granddaughter. Please can anyone out there offer information or advice?
Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Henry Cyril Francis "Harry" Bowman DFC. RAF (VR) 129 Squadron from Ilford, Essex)
(d.28 July 1942)
This is my Grandad. My grandmother was pregnant with my dad when my grandad died and therefore my dad never knew his dad and I never knew my grandad. I was wondering if there was anyone out there that served with him or is family of someone that served with him that could tell me anything about him
Update: His Father Rfn. Henry Frederick Bowman, the King's Royal Rifle Corps was killed in action in France, 23rd April, 1917. Henry was a member of Hertfordshire and Essex Flying Club.
Squadron Leader Ronald Bows . RAF 166 Squadron from Nettleham, nr Lincoln)
(d.20th February 1944)
I have just started looking into my uncle's history and have come upon your website. He was Squadron Leader Ronald Bows, Squadron 166 at Kirmington. He died on 20th February 1944. He never returned from his mission and was never found.
If anyone knows any details or photos of him I would be delighted to receive them. His widow Thelma Bows never remarried and died several years ago. He lived at Chapel Lane, Nettleham, near Lincoln. He flew Lancasters I believe.
Third Electrician William Newell Boyd . Naval Auxiliary Personnel HMS Forfar from Netherton, Lancashire)
(d.2nd Dec 1940)
P/O Ernest Elroy Boyle . RCAF air gunner. 101 Sqd. from Kimberley, Ontario, Canada)
(d.21st Jun 1944)
Graham Boytell . RAAF special operator 101 Sqd.
Daphne Olga Bradbrook . Land Army from Clacton)
i would like to know if anyone remembers my mother during second world war.Daphne was stationed at boxted nr colchester in the land army.
Sgt. William Leslie Bradley . RAF(VR) pilot 103 Sqd. from Selby, Yorkshire.)
(d.20th Feb 1944)
P/O Reginald Eric Bradshaw . Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve air bomber 10th Squadron (d.1943-06-29)
Petty Officer Frank Brady . Royal Navy air mechanic HMS Formidable
My Father-leading seaman promoted to Petty Officer air mechanic Frank Brady served on H M S Formidable for the bulk of WW2. He was assigned to maintain the aircraft of 895 Pursuit Squadron, the aircraft included U.S. built Grumman F4F Wildcats, known in the Royal navy as Martlets. While preparing for Operation “Torch” Frank painted U.S. white star markings over the British roundels on the fuselage and wings of the aircraft on the flight deck of the carrier and had photographs of the painting taking place at sea.
Leading Seaman Frank Brady and LACW Mary Elizabeth Needham (my mother)
My Father put together quite a photograph album of his sorties around the world, Arctic, North Atlantic, in the Med and the Pacific. Unfortunately the album was lost just before he died in 1996. I would like to hear from anyone who remembers my father or may have photographs of any of the ships company.
Able Seaman. F. Bragg . Royal Navy HMS Forfar
Able Seaman Bragg survived the sinking of the Forfar.
Corporal George Braidwood . Army 75 Company Pioneer Corps (d.17th june 1940)
My grandfather, Cpl George Braidwood, 75 Coy Pioneer Corps, lost his life on the Lancastria.
Seaman C. B. Branch . Royal Naval Reserve HMS Forfar
C.B.Branch is listed as one of the crew members who survived the sinking of HMS Forfar in December 1940.
B Brandon . Land Army
I joined the W.L.A. in September 1944, training at Ravensden, Beds., then to Wrest Park Lodge, Silsoe, Beds. There were about 30 girls at the hostel, 6 to a bedroom. We went out daily to various farms at 7.30 a.m. doing a variety of jobs, cleaning out cattle sheds, spreading fertilizer, fruit picking, vegetable picking, haymaking, working late in the summer months, also threshing which was back breaking and dirty work, then having to queue up for a bath when we returned to the hostel, no showers in those days.
I learned to drive while being in the L.A. we had different size vehicles, from a small Hillman van to a large Bedford lorry. I was also in a pruning gang during the winter months, it was very hard work in all weathers, but I enjoyed my 2 years and made some very good friends. I left in June 1946 to get married
Florence Docie Bray . Women's Land Army from Eardisland, Herefordshire)
My mother was in the Womens Land Army from 26 June 1944 until 8 March 1947. We have recently found details of this and a pesonal message signed by HM The Queen as my mother passed away on 1 July 2008. Her Number was 146332.
Hugh Elliott Breach . British Army Royal Artillery
My father, Hugh Elliott Breach of the Royal Artillery was captured in Italy in September or October 1944. He became prisoner number 138048 at Stalag 7a, and he was liberated by American forces in May 1945. Like so many others my father never spoke about his war experiences. I know he made friends with a Canadian, Al McLennon? who lived in Vancouver, but anything else is a mystery.
Mr. Bree . Royal Navy Boatswain HMS Forfar
Mr Bree, the boatswain, was one of the survivors when HMS Forfar was sunk on the 2nd of December 1940
Signaller. Breeze . Royal Navy HMS Forfar
Sig. Breeze He is listed in the cast of the revue "Get Sailing" which was performed onboard the Forfar on the 19th of June 1940.
Sgt. J. T. Breeze . Royal Air Force 138 Sqd.
Stirling LJ999 NF-Q crashed on Operation Tablejam on the 5th of March 1945.
Mary Theresa Brennan . ATS
My mother, Mary Theresa Brennan, served in the ATS during World War Two. I am looking for her ATS service number, so that I can apply for further information about her.
F/O Clarence Samuel Brest . Royal Canadian Air Force pilot 434 Sqd. (d.20th Jan 1944)
Sgt Frank Herbert Briant . Army Recconnaisance Corp from Boscombe)
I was born on 20th August 1939 and two weeks later my father went to war with the 2nd Battalion. He became a Dunkirk veteran. In March 1941 he was in the Recconnaisance Corp
and later that year he became a sergeant. In 1943 he was in North Africa and in 1944 remained with 1st Battalion although he transferred to the Royal Armoured Corp. He was later demobbed and in January 1946 drowned off Hengistbury Head with two other mates whilst fishing. As I was only 6 years old at the time I only have two memories of him therefore my question is very relevant.
I have a newspaper photo taken in the Middle East dated 6th August 1945 which shows a group of Sgts an S.S.M and a S.Q.M.S The names of these men are:- Sgts Brookes, Kenchington, Scarth, Nelson, Cresswell, Lorryman, Lance, Harding, Stratton, Briant, Penny, Hancock, Morris, Masterman, Barrison, and Cole. The SQMS's name is STRIDE and the SSM's name is DENNIS, can anyone tell me more about these men ie personal memories particularly if they involved my father.
There was another photo of my father standing in front of the Sphinx with another soldier but this photo has been lost over the years, does anyone know about that photo?
Pte. Percy James "Jim" Bridger . Army Royal West Kent Regiment
I'm trying to find out more about my Grandfather's time as a POW. All I know is that he was captured at Dunkirk, he was in The Royal West Kent Regiment he was sent to the coal mines in Poland, then taken to Germany and marched back to Poland. Sadly he is no longer with us, so we can't ask. His name was Percy James Bridger but everyone called him Jim
Sgt. Elvira Bringes . WAAF RAF Middleton St George
I am writing this note on behalf of my mother who is trying to contact Elvira Bringes - last known address - #1, Glaston Court, St. Mary's Road, London, England.
Elvira was a Sergant in the RAF during the same period, also at Middleton St. George 1943-45 and served with my father. My mother and Dad travelled to England numerous times after the war and always tried to see Elvira when they were there. Dad passed away in April of 1997. Since that time, my mother has kept in contact with Elvira via Christmas cards, however, the last card was neither delivered or returned. Can you help us find Elvira? Thank you. On behalf of Rosalie Gant, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Sgt. Don Brinkhurst . Royal Air Force mid upper gunner 101 Sqd.
Able Seaman. Henry Gordon Brinston . Royal Navy HMS Forfar from Lark Harbour, Newfoundland)
(d.2nd Dec 1940)
I am Henry Gordon Brinston's great nephew. He was from Lark Harbour, Newfoundland. A small fishing village on the West Coast of Newfoundland. He was on the Forfar when she was lost. He did not survive, he was 28 years old. Three of his shipmates and friends from Lark Harbour were also on the Forfar and survived. They were Walter Darrigan, Stanley Darigan, and Leanord Vokey.
Able Seaman. J. Britt . Royal Navy HMS Forfar
Able Seaman Britt was amongst those who survived when the Forfar went down.
Sub Lt. Thomas A. V. Broadhurst . Royal Naval Reserve HMS Forfar
I have just read with interest, Mr Kerr`s report on the sinking of the H.M.S Forfar, in which he mentions my father Broadhurst. I then remembered that I had an old photo album of my father's in which there are many pictures, including some with Mr. Kerr, menus , boxing matches, band programmes recording some of the life on the Forfar. After the sinking of the Forfar, my father was reappointed to the H.M.S Reading. After leaving the Royal Navy he later became a founder member Of the British Sub Aqua Club.
Boxing program 10th July 1940
Telegram sent home after the ship was lost.
Sgt W. A. J. Brock . RAAF 21 OTU
Asst.Steward G. Brocklebank . Naval Auxiliary Personnel HMS Forfar
Brocklebank was amongst the men to survive the sinking of HMS Forfar. He had served aboard the ship when she was the Montrose and transferred under the T124x agreement.
Mary Pauline Bromley . Land Army
At the time my name was Mary Pauline Savage. My date of birth is 15 February 1926 so as you can see I will soon be 82. I lived in Sheffield and joined the Land Arm in 1944 not long after I turned 18. They sent me to Worcester for training. The training involved general farm work, but also learning specialist skills in handling poisons and pest control which stood me in good stead in later life. I was stationed in Alvechurch, Malvern and Evesham but later I was able to transfer to Otley. Being back in Yorkshire I was able to go home more and there I met my future husband, Tom Bromley, who was a pilot in the RAF. We were married on 15th August 1947. My husband reckons that all that rat catching helped me to catch him!!! We were blessed with 2 sons and a daughter, and together we celebrated our Diamond Wedding Anniversary last year. At the beginning of this year we were presented with our first great grandchild, a daughter. My husband also has a few stories to tell about him being still really being only a boy when he had to learn how to fly aeroplanes to North Africa and the near-misses he had. If anyone is interested we would be delighted to try and recollect our experiences of our time during the war.
Cpl. Brooks . Army
P/O Sam Brooks . Royal Air Force special operator 101 Sqd. from London. England.)
They always say you should never go back, nor seek to renew old acquaintances - you will only be disappointed. I don't really believe it, but then a lot happens in a lifetime, and one is sometimes tempted not just to look ahead...
In the spring of 1943 I was called up and chose to join the RAF for training as aircrew. They said I could elect to be trained as a pilot and wait to join up for a year. Alternatively, they had vacancies for rear gunners - come next Monday. I was keen to get started but... ummm. There was a third choice, be a wireless operator and come in three months. That sounded like a reasonable compromise, and I took it. August Bank holiday 1943 found me reporting to the ACRC (Air Crew Reception Centre), at Lord's cricket ground for induction and training.
I joined a squad of 30 likely lads, all destined to train as wireless operators, and we started initial training. Three weeks of inoculations and square bashing to commence. We lived in commandeered luxury flats along Prince Consort Road, marching to be fed in a similarly commandeered cafe at the zoo just across the road in Regents Park.
Then to Bridgnorth to 19 ITW (Initial Training Wing), where we started the rudiments of wireless training and began to absorb Morse code. November came and we moved to Number Two Radio School at Yatesbury in Wiltshire - a huge wooden-hutted camp in the middle of nowhere but with a small grass airfield next door, from which we would be flown to do our training for wireless operating in the air. The course we were embarked upon had been of two years duration before the war. Now it had been condensed into six months because of the enormous demand for aircrew in RAF Bomber Command. Enormous? Yes, the Bomber Command strength had built up to an ability to deliver 1,000-bomber raids over Germany on a nightly basis. Losses were significant, sometimes tragically large. They needed Aircrew.
We were all desperately keen and training classes went on from 8am to 6pm, six days a week - Sundays off. Phew! During this time I became friendly with another trainee in the group, Keith Gosling. We were very alike in character and background - Grammar school boys from stable homes, imbued with an ethic for hard work. Middle class, I suppose you would have had to call us. We had similar interests and abilities. Did I say 'desperately keen'? It's worth repeating. We, and most of the other lads around us, were entirely and selflessly committed to becoming the best wireless operators ever! Neither Keith nor I had the slightest difficulty with the theoretical side of the course, but both found it extremely difficult to conquer the required speed barriers in Morse. I came from suburban London; Keith came from Frizinghall, Bradford.
The course ended in the spring and we both passed with excellent marks. My mark on the theory side was 95%, and for operating in the air it was 85%. We proudly became sergeant wireless operators and stood by for posting to OTU (Operational Training Unit), the next stage towards operational flying.
During this time, waiting to be posted, two unusual things happened. First we were both asked to go before a commissioning board with a view to becoming officers. We were not told the results and suspected that we were not selected. The second strangeness came one morning on parade when the NCO in charge called on all those who had learned German at school to step forward. After a moment's hesitation, I did so. So did Keith with two others from the group.
Within a week we four were called in and told that the remainder of our training would be cut by some months - we would be posted to a familiarisation unit to get used to flying in heavy bombers. That we would probably be flying on operations within a month! The job we were to do would be to fly in Lancasters as an extra crew member with the specific task of operating special jamming equipment designed to prevent the Luftwaffe night-fighter pilots from hearing directions from their ground controllers.
It was a very exciting time. We were sent to No.1 LFS (Lancaster Finishing School) at Hemswell, north of Lincoln, to fly for 10 hours as passengers in Lancasters, and familiarise ourselves with being carried in large four-engined bombers. This was quite necessary as our air experience previously had been in the stately Dehaviland Dominie and tiny Percival Proctors. The Lancaster was large, loud, fast, and fierce. While we were there, the second front opened with D-Day on 6 June 1944.
Very soon now we went on to No.101 Squadron at Ludford Magna on the Lincolnshire Wolds. 101 was a three-flight squadron, flying up to 24 Lancasters in the bomber stream, armed and loaded with bombs just like the other heavy bombers but with an extra crew member in each squadron aircraft to do the jamming.
Upon arrival the first thing was a few day's introduction to the equipment we were to operate. It went under the codename 'ABC', which stood for Airborne Cigar; I have no idea why they named it that. It consisted of three enormous powerful transmitters covering the radio voice bands used by the Luftwaffe.
To help identify the place to jam there was a panoramic receiver covering the same bands. The receiver scanned up and down the bands at high speed and the result of its travel was shown on a timebase calibrated across a cathode ray tube in front of the operator. If there was any traffic on the band it showed as a blip at the appropriate frequency along the line of light that was the timebase. When a 'blip' appeared, one could immediately spot tune the receiver to it and listen to the transmission. If the language was German then it only took a moment to swing the first of the transmitters to the same frequency, press a switch and leave a powerful jamming warble there to prevent the underlying voice being heard. The other two transmitters could then be brought in on other 'blips'. If 24 aircraft were flying, spread through the Bomber stream, then there were a potential 72 loud jamming transmissions blotting out the night fighters' directions.
The Germans tried all manner of devices to overcome the jamming, including having their instructions sung by Wagnerian sopranos. This was to fool our operators into thinking it was just a civilian channel and not worth jamming. I think ABC probably did a useful job, but who can say what difference it made. Anyway, it was an absorbing time for keen, fit, young men who thought only of the challenges and excitements of their task and little of the risks they were about to run.
Next step was to get "crewed up". The normal seven-man crews for Lancasters had been made up and had been flying together for months before arrival at the Squadron. We Special Duty Operators now had to tag on to established crews and it was left largely to us to find out with which pilot we, in our ignorance, might wish to fly.
Just before this process started both Keith and I were called into the Squadron Adjutant's office one morning and told that we had been commissioned as Pilot Officers. The Adjutant, a kindly, ageing Flight Lieutenant, advised us to go to Louth, the local town, see a tailor and order an officer's uniform. We were to get the tailor to remove our Sergeant's stripes and replace them with the narrow pilot officers shoulder bands on our battle-dresses. He should finally provide us with an officer's hat! The adjutant gave us vouchers to hand to the tailor to assure him he would be paid! We were told to move our kit from the NCOs' quarters to officers' accommodation and the Adjutant would see us in the Officers' Mess at 6pm to buy us each a beer.
I had imagined that becoming an officer would include some kind of OTU or training course to instruct us what sort of behaviour might be expected of us. Not so, not for newly commissioned aircrew on a Bomber station in Lincolnshire in the middle of 1944. What is described in the previous paragraph is all that happened. Looking back I can see that all the things we were experiencing at this frenetic time were tremendous shocks to our systems. They left us ill equipped to take the apocalyptic decisions we were about to make and which, as it happened, would decide whether we lived or died.
Crewing up was to follow shortly, but on our first evening in the officers' mess we had met two Canadian pilots, Messrs Meier and Hodgkinson, newly arrived on the squadron with their crews and eager to find their extra ABC wireless operators. Our decisions were made that night. I got on well with both of them, but perhaps had marginally more in common with Gordon Hodgkinson than Meier. Keith felt perhaps closer to Meier and so our choices were made, almost by the toss of a coin: me for Hodgkinson; Keith for Meier.
I started flying with Hodgkinson who, as it happened, did not find it easy to settle down to the conditions over a hostile Germany. Our first operational flight was on 30 June 1944. 'Hodge' managed seven operations, but remained unsettled and had turned back unwell on two occasions. He was finally taken off flying and went back to Canada. I was re-crewed with a succession of other crews and completed my tour of 30 operations on 6 January 1945.
Keith started flying with Meier about the same time as I started. Our other two sergeant colleagues from Yatesbury also joined crews of their choice. One of them, Englehardt, died I believe in a raid on Stettin in Aug
.jpg)
