I just came across a newsletter on the internet while doing some research on my Grandfather Bruce Waller and found an article about the passing of a fellow crew mate of his:
“Tommy and I were together from A.C.R.C. St Johns Wood to our screening op on the 30th October 1944. We were Co Gunners and flew with Dick Smith, a New Zealander from Tauranga. On the 13th of March 2012, Dick, regretfully, passed on, and now I have lost Tommy, which I believe leaves me as the remaining survivor of our crew I know little of his pre RAF life, other than he was interested in art, and was in fact a pretty good water colours artist. In later life, he became a successful Sign writer, running his own business in West Yorkshire. He was a keen cyclist and a member of one of his local cycle clubs, certainly more than he was when at Holme, when he would borrow my bike when he felt like a ride. As co gunners, we gelled pretty well together and defended our crew to the best of our ability. I couldn’t have wished for a better partner, who loved his pint of stout. Rest in Peace, Tommy, We’ll meet again,Jimmy Bage”.
My Grandfather was Bruce Waller and he was the Navigator on the same crew with Jimmy Bage and Tom "Bobby" Breen, Pilot Dick Smith as well as "Corky" Corkrum and Sandy Saunders.
He was with 76 Squadron from August 43-Dec 44 and flew on the Halifax called "The Gen" (based on one of the photos I have).
Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away in 1991. I am trying to see if Mr Jimmy Bage still around? It would be truly amazing to get in touch with him to see if he remembers my grandfather.
I have my Grandfather's Flight Log book which shows he flew over 70 missions with Pilot Dick Smith and I have a photo of "The Gen" crew with all the crew names listed above written on the back.
I also have a very nice hand painted 76 Squadron "Resolute" Bomber crest signed by T.Breen in Dec 1946.
Any assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated.
