Harry Ansell was my father and he died just a few months ago.
His first tour was with 61 Sqn and he transferred to 83 Sqn without a rest between tours. Dresden was I think his last raid and he ended the war was WO in the Air Force Police at York and was awarded a DFM.
He stayed in the RAF, marrying my mother who was a WRAF police Cpl at the end of 1947. He then joined London Fire Brigade and then the City of London Police. He moved back to Boston area in the early 80s with his second wife.
He told me that their mid upper gunner was Welsh and died of heart attack on the night of VE Day when celebrating in Boston. I know his Navigator died in the late 60's as Dad worded as head of security for Labrooks the bookies and when he left, made sure his Nav got the job. Sadly the Nav (just cannot remember his name) died within a few months of taking the job.
The Nav from his first crew is buried in Romford and he said they lost the rear gunner and the navigator to a night fighter. He told me a bit when I was a kid and sadly forgot the names. My sister has some of the crew pictures but not sure if 61 Sqn crew or the 83 Sqn crew.
stephen cleland