Wanted for use on this Tribute Website – scans of photos of Air Crews or individuals (including ground staff) who served with 462 Squadron at Driffield 1944, or Foulsham 1945; or Middle East and North Africa 1942-1944; also scans of photos of Halifax aircraft, equipment, buildings, daily life or events at those locations during that time, or of any other 462 Squadron memorabilia – no original photos or items, thank you. Please also advise if you can identify any person or location in photos on this site, or if you notice any factual or typographical errors.
If you can assist, please make contact. All contributors will be listed in the acknowledgements.
Where this writer has made corrections to identification, dates, photographs, or other written information relating to 462 Squadron, as previously published by other authors in other sources, no offence to those original authors is intended or implied. No offence will be taken if you wish to make corrections to this site.
Some material has not yet been added – it is safely on file awaiting processing. However if you have sent something and have not seen it on this Tribute site yet, and are a little anxious, make contact again with a reminder.
No changes and no additions to this site, due to ongoing "technical problems" on the Host Server.
Thank you for your perseverance and patience. Please refer to the Site Map for an overview of pages available.
06 February 2023 – Addition of 2 photos of Pilot GALLOP to the GALLOP Crew page;
one photo of Pilot FRAZER to a new FRAZER and Crew 56 page;
one photo of Pilot McGINDLE to his McGINDLE page (in Other Personnel). Digital photos were kindly supplied by Mark Weate, after he had arranged with the National Archives of Australia (NAA) for quality prints to be made from the original negatives on file. Thank you, Mark.
February was the month of highest fatalities for 462 Squadron.
Middle East – on the night of 5/6 February 1943, S/Ldr FORDHAM and crew in Halifax W7848 crashed while returning to Solluch from an Op to Palermo; the Observer later died from his of injuries; the other crew members survived.
Middle East – on the night of 8/9 February 1943, Captain Sgt GREEN and crew, all seven died when their Halifax DT495 crashed into the sea while returning to Solluch after an Op to Palermo.
Please also refer to 462 Squadron Middle East page; and the Middle East Memorial page.
Foulsham, Norfolk, UK – on the night of 24/25 February 1945, the loss of four Crews and aircraft, on an Op to the Ruhr.
Halifax PN429 Z5-E TOOTAL Crew 57; crew of 8, all died.
Halifax MZ447 Z5-A RATE Crew 13; crew of 8, seven died; one Prisoner of War.
Halifax MZ448 Z5-W RIDGEWELL Crew 37; crew of 8, four died; four Prisoners of War.
Halifax MZ461 Z5-O ELY Crew 39; crew of 8, all died.
Paintings of these four aircraft, titled "Requiem for a Halifax Squadron", may be viewed on the Halifax page.
As for December 2022, and throughout January 2023, up to and including Mon 06 Feb 2023 – there have been ongoing "Host Server" problems.
I apologize, but it is out of my control. All information and photos should now be back in place. Please contact if you believe items are still "missing". Because of the ongoing "Host Server" issues, some items have not yet been added to the site.
06 January 2023 – Creation of page for EVANS Crew 08 at Driffield, UK, with thanks to 466/462 Squadrons' Association for Crew photo, and NAA, London Gazette, Air Force Lists, Papers Past NZ, for information.
Update names in Tables on pages for Squadron Crews UK;
Update links on Site Map;
Additions to 462 Squadron Crews Middle East – Names, Service Numbers and Air Force for POTTS and WHEELER Crews, as well as for various Pilots. Identification of 462 Squadron personnel (Middle-East) is on-going.
January Losses
Loss of two Crews and aircraft of 462 Squadron, 100 Group, flying from Foulsham, UK:-
Night of 6/7 January 1945, Halifax MZ469 Z5-N; ROHRLACH Crew 48; seven KIA; one survivor/PoW W/OP LAWRENCE;
Evening of 14 January 1945, Halifax LL598 Z5-A; ASTILL Crew 52; aircraft caught fire and crashed soon after take-off, six KIA; two survivors (F/Eng SANDAY, and R/AG REED).
This Crew had previously flown with Pilot FRIEND, Crew 36, in September and October 1944.
R/AG REED had previously survived an incident with Pilot COOKSON, Crew 23, Halifax MZ296 14/15 0ctober 1944, all safe.
F/Eng SANDAY was later KIA with Pilot ELY, Crew 39, Halifax MZ461 Z5-O, 24 February 1945, eight KIA.
Night of 15/16 January 1944, flying from El Adem, Middle East:-
Pilot F/Sgt Kenneth Alan POTTS (412683 RAAF) and Crew in Halifax W7702; Op to attack harbour installations at Piraeus; intense icing and weather conditions; crash-landed on return, crew safe, however Navigator Sgt W A GRIFFITHS was injured. (No crew page as yet.)
Pilot F/Sgt Anthony Townson WHEELER (420331 RAAF) and Crew in Halifax JN913; same Op as POTTS Crew; diverted to Gambut on return, aircraft swung on landing and undercarriage collapsed, crew safe, no recorded injuries.
(No crew page as yet.)
If you can assist with photos or information on either crew, please make contact.
Regular visitors to this site may have noticed "problems" between 22 December 2022 and 04 January 2023. I regret to inform that the Host Server was hacked twice, with re-direction files maliciously created by persons unknown. In the first event, this site was re-directed to Thailand. A few days later, in the second event, the site was re-directed to Malaysia/Indonesia. Log-in password was repeatedly rejected and required replacement, only to be rejected again soon after. The Host Server eventually uploaded a "clean back-up", however it was the November 2022 version, not the December 2022 version. This has since been rectified, but with a few photos missing. The Host Server staff are closely monitoring the situation, and have advised that it is a Server problem under investigation, with others websites on the same Server having similar problems. I apologise for these problems, however the attacks were not to, or from, my computer.
I have tested, checked, and completely re-uploaded this site as of 06 Jan 2023.
If anyone notices missing photos (other than the Association Crest), or missing attachments, or broken links, or any other problems, please make contact.
06 December 2022 – addition to the ANDERSON Crew page – information on training of Flight Engineers, written by F/E NEWSTEAD of that crew – Thank You.
Additions to CAIRNS Crew page – Some RAAF Service information for Pilot CAIRNS, from News articles in Trove (digitised newspapers online, National Library of Australia); also
RAAF Service History for Crew's Navigator Andrew Ernest John SCOTLAND, 430983, as well as his enlistment photo (information and photo from the National Archives of Australia); also addition of 38 photos from the photo collection of the Crew's Wireless Operator Edwin James PARKER, kindly supplied by his nephew Graeme Pettman – Thank you. Not all locations, and not all people, in those photos have been identified – any assistance would be appreciated (via Contact).
Additions to 462 Squadron Crews Middle East lists, with names and Service Numbers – Crews for Pilot/Captain BUSKELL, and VERTICAN.
Please note that this crew list is a "work in progress" – more names for 1943 and 1944 crews to be added when identified.
Update Acknowledgements.
No losses in December of any year, Middle East or UK. Please refer to Site Map for complete list of website pages for viewing.
06 November 2022 – addition of 2 photos of Bomb Aimer Vivian DICKSON, to the LAWSON Crew page (Middle East);
Addition of RAAF Service File details for Pilot LAWSON, to the LAWSON Crew page (Middle East);
Addition of 2 photos to the COLEMAN Crew page (Driffield, UK), from the 2022 visit to Germany by Peter and Julia Muxlow;
Addition of Crew Ops to CROOT Crew page (Middle East), with some corrections to previous information;
Addition to Foulsham Memorial page – unveiling of Granite Stone Memorial, Saturday 28 August 2022 – The Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust (ABCT) Marker 201, Foulsham (photos and information);
Additions to 462 Squadron Crews Middle East lists, with names and Service Numbers for the remainder of the Crews from September 1942 to December 1942, in sequence of Crew's first Op and listed by Crew's Captain/Pilot – SEYMOUR-PRICE, WICKHAM, BICKERDIKE, RAYMOND, RENAUT; addition of separate list of Pilots posted for "Second Pilot" duties only in 1942; also correction or addition of names or numbers listed previously. Please note that this is a work in progress – more names for 1943 and 1944 crews to be added when identified.
Update Acknowledgements;
Please refer to the Site Map for an overview of all current pages, with links; additional pages yet to be created are also listed.
11 November, Remembrance Day – please take the time to remember those from 462 Squadron who lost their lives, or who survived as Evaders or PoWs; and also those who returned safely to help record the Squadron's story (Middle East, or Driffield, or Foulsham).
November losses –
Squadron Crews UK
02 November 1944 – Driffield, Halifax MZ401 Z5-D; MITCHELL and crew; 2 KIA, 4 PoWs, 1 Evader.
02 November 1944 – Driffield, Halifax LL610 Z5-U; JUBB and crew; 6 PoWs, 1 Evader; crew page to be created.
Memorials Middle East
10/11 November 1942 – Middle East, Fayid – Halifax DT498; GOLDSTON and Crew, 3 KIA, 2 PoWs, 1 evader who returned to 462 Squadron, Fayid; crew page to be created.
20 November 1943 – Middle East, Terria – 11 ground crew accidentally killed (at 1300 hrs) in an aircraft ground explosion at dispersal, during "bombing-up" for night Op. The Op was cancelled.
06 October 2022 – Update Acknowledgements;
Correction of crew names and correction of formatting errors in various tables, including those for UK Crews, and Middle East Crews;
Addition of newly identified names to the same Crew tables;
Addition of photo and RAAF service details for Gilbert CROOT, Pilot of the CROOT Crew, Middle East;
Addition of information for Flight Engineer Lemuel Ferdinand GABOUREL, of the DONALDSON Crew, UK;
Addition of photos and RAAF Service details for Henry Joseph BEVEN, original Tail Gunner of the LAWSON Crew, Middle East.
Some format changes to the above three crew pages.
October is a sad month with the Anniversaries of the loss of many aircraft and crews of 462 Squadron, UK and Middle East.
06 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax NP990 Z5-L; McGINDLE and Crew 19, returned damaged, 2 injured, 2 PoWs;
06 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax "V"; Breusch & Crew 160 at 466 Squadron (previously BREUSCH and Crew 30 at 462 Squadron), flak damage, Rear Gunner KIA;
09 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax MZ400 Z5-J; COLEMAN and Crew 29, 7 KIA;
09 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax LL604 Z5-D; BLACK and Crew 25, 4 PoWs, and 3 Evaders;
10/11 October – 1942, Middle East, Halifax W1183:M; Warner and Crew, crash landed, with injuries (WARNER and second Crew, 14 July 1943, 4 KIA, 2 survivors);
11/12 October – 1943, Middle East, Halifax BB417; HALL and Crew, 6 KIA;
12/13 October – 1943, Middle East, Halifax BB333:J (?); MARSH and Crew, 6 KIA;
15 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax MZ296 Z5-L; COOKSON and Crew 23, all baled, all safe, some injuries;
15 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax NA619 Z5-Q; Cockerill and Crew 20, flak damage, landed away, Pilot injured;
23 October – 1942, Middle East, Halifax W7659:F; DECLERCK and Crew, 5 KIA, 1 survivor;
23 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax LL599 Z5-E; NELDER and Crew 28, 6 KIA, 1 PoW.
06 September 2022 – Anniversary of the creation of this website thirteen years ago, going live on 6 September 2009 (also Father's Day in Australia on that day in 2009). To contributors and readers of this site – thank you all.
Sunday 04 September 2022 was Father's Day in Australia – To all the fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, uncles, great-uncles, brothers, husbands who were once in 462 Squadron, and are still with us – belated Happy Father's Day; and to those who now live on in our memories – we salute you all, and thank you for your service.
Corrections – 462 Squadron Crews Middle East lists .....
Corrections to ALCOCK Crew – J H HART, MORTHAM; and ORAM;
Correction to YOUNG Crew – surname of SPRIGGE;
Additions – 462 Squadron Crews Middle East lists, names and Service Numbers for some of the Crews from September 1942 to December 1942; in sequence of Crew's first Op and listed by Crew's Captain/Pilot – BRYAN, HACKING, BROWN, YOUNG, KNOX, ALCOCK, J S THOMAS, GRIBBIN, KENNY; WARNER (1942 posting and Crew); WYATT, CLACK.
Please note that this is still a work in progress, with more names to be added when identified.
Correction to names for some of the CROOT Crew, Middle East, (F/Eng LEWIN, Nav DAVY), and their identification in one photo, with thanks to Tim CROOT, information forwarded by Ted ISAACS;
Correction to names and service numbers for KENNY Crew, Middle East (2nd Pilot BRAMLEY, W/Op STROUTS, and various listed in the crew substitutions); KENNY was Commissioned to rank of Pilot Officer from rank of Leading Aircraftman (corrected from Sergeant).
Losses for the month of September – Nil in UK 1944, 1945
05/06 September 1942 – Pilot BRYAN and Crew, Halifax W1144, Fayid, Egypt; two KIA, four PoW. Members of this crew had just been posted to the newly formed 462 Squadron from 76 Squadron.
05/06 September 1942 – Pilot HACKING and Crew, Halifax W7679, Fayid, Egypt; three KIA, one PoW, two Evaders. Members of this crew had just been posted to the newly formed 462 Squadron from 10 Squadron.
Both Crews were on an Op to target Heraklion Aerodrome, Greece, taking off on the afternoon of 05 September 1942, BRYAN Crew at 1556 and HACKING Crew at 1605. For further information, please refer to the pages for Memorials Middle East and Middle East Crews. Pages for these two crews are yet to be created.
06 August 2022 – Happy *** 97th *** Birthday on the 09 August to Duke NEWSTEAD, former Flight Engineer of the Anderson Crew 45, and thanks again for your emails, photos, information on 462 Squadron, and for your continuing support and encouragement.
Addition of information regarding the Distinguished Flying Medal awarded to Rear Gunner Charles Henry REES of Crew 12, Pilot Donald Maxwell TAYLOR; the crew's information is currently included on the original page for that Crew's Navigator Max A SMITH; identification of Rear Gunner Charles Henry REES and this crew's Mid-Upper Gunner Dennis P SOMERVILLE in the group photo of Gunners of "A" Flight on the 462 Squadron Foulsham page; thanks are extended to Graeme MAY, son-in-law of Nav SMITH, for this information.
Creation of page for Pilot Gilbert CROOT and Crew, Middle East, with photos and information from the crew's Bomb Aimer Edmund Seymour ISAACS as supplied by his son Ted ISAACS – Thank you, Ted.
Update 462 Squadron Crews Middle East table with names for CROOT, CRAIG, DALTON and LANDON crews.
Losses for August, Middle East –
18/19 August 1943 – BIRMINGHAM and crew, five killed; refer also to Memorials Middle East.
Update Acknowledgements and Site Map.
06 July 2022 – no new pages, and no additions to existing pages.
Ongoing research – identification by given name and service number of the many Middle East NCO crew members, who were only listed in the Squadron record books by rank and surname, and usually (but not always) by AIr Force. RNZAF (3 pilots only) are completed; RAAF (32 aircrew of various crew positions) are almost finished. However RCAF (28 aircrew of various crew positions) and RAF/RAFVR (about 170) are proving more difficult.
Correction of various spelling errors and typos throughout website;
correction of format errors in Tables on pages for Squadron Crews UK; and Squadron Crews Middle East;
and Special Duties WINDOW;
and Special Duties RCM.
Due to unauthorised use of the Association Crest by 'others', it has not yet been returned to its position in the top-right of each page.
Losses for the month of July
Middle East – 13 July 1943 – death of LAC Donald Byron CAMERON, 1274566 RAFVR, Instrument Repairer; died of injuries after accident while cleaning rifle; buried in Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya.
Middle East – 14 July 1943 – loss of Halifax W.7758, Pilot W/Cdr WARNER; 4 of the Crew were KIA and are listed on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt; and 2 were survivors – details on the WARNER Crew page.
Middle East – 16 July 1943 – death of LAC Samuel LEHRER, 774987 RAFVR, Maintenance Assistant; died of Typhus in RAF Benghazi Hospital; buried in Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya.
Please refer to Memorials Middle East for more details.
Losses for the month of July – UK – nil.
06 June 2022 – No losses in the month of June for 462 Squadron in Middle East (1943), or in the UK (1945). The Squadron was not in existence in June 1942, or June 1944.
Additions to the web page for Pilot ANDERSON and Crew 45 –
RAAF Service History for Wireless Operator Bruce Alfred BELL (Dinger), with thanks to the NAA for access to digitised Service File; and
"True Stories of Bomber Command During WW2" written by former Flight Engineer NEWSTEAD – Thanks Duke.
Addition to the web page for Pilot BROPHY and Crew 03 –
RAAF Service History for Rear Gunner Wesley Colwyn LEWIS, including two photos – one at enlistment and one during training. Thanks again to the NAA for access to digitised Service File; to Framewarehouse and their client Matt Lewis; to WW2 Nominal Roll online; and to the NLA for use of Trove digitised newspapers.
Update Acknowledgements
Except for the 466/462 Squadrons' Association Crest (previously top right of each page), all other photos and attachment have now been re-uploaded to this website. That material had been completely taken down from this website on 06 June 2021, because of repeated theft and unauthorised reuse by others. Please note that this website is now covered by Terms of Use – It is important that all visitors to this site (www.462squadron.com) read and understand the Terms of Use. You must either agree with those Terms of Use, and therefore be legally bound by them; OR if you do not agree with the Terms of Use, you must leave this site, and not use it. Please refer also to Latest news on 06 Feb 2022 below.
06 May 2022 – No losses for 462 Squadron for May in Foulsham UK 1945, or in Middle East 1943/1944.
Additions to web page for Pilot ANDERSON and Crew 45 –
RAAF Service History for Pilot ANDERSON;
"Prelude to a Bombing Operation" written by F/Eng NEWSTEAD;
"Crash Report" for the loss of Halifax PN427 Z5-A on the night of 14/15 April 1945, also written by F/Eng NEWSTEAD (Crew of 8 survived, Pilot injured, all safe);
also photos of wreckage in Belgium which proves the identification of the aircraft. Thank you to contributors Duke NEWSTEAD, John DANN, and Dom HOWARD (all UK), and Maxime NOEL & Sinibaldo BASILE (deceased) of Belgium, and the NAA for access to digitised Service File.
Addition of Service History for John HEGGARTY, German-speaking Special Duties (RCM) for Pilot BALL and Crew 59 – with thanks to Viv Brundell (UK) who applied for John's RAF Service File and emailed a copy to me.
Update of Acknowledgements;
With some apprehension – return of photos to the following pages:
462 Squadron Middle East; and 462 Squadron Driffield; and 462 Squadron Foulsham;
Bomber Command Memorial, London; and Driffield Memorial; and Ely Cathedral Memorial; and Foulsham Memorial;
and International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln:
F/Eng Tom Walker; and ASTILL Crew 52; and COLEMAN Crew 29; and MITCHELL Crew 21; ....... More next month
Please refer to Terms of Use and note that visitors to this site are not permitted to take and use these photos elsewhere.
Work is ongoing in attempting to identify airmen in 462 Squadron, Middle East – the ORB Forms 540 only list Officers in Postings to and from the Squadron; Ops Forms 541 usually record only Rank, Surname, and crew position. Lower ranks were only listed with initials and Service Numbers if they received an Award (DFM, MiD), or were injured, or became a PoW, or died. Any assistance would be appreciated (Contact).
06 April 2022 – For the pages listed below in the April Losses, some (not all) of the photos have been returned to this website.
Please refer to Terms of Use and note that visitors to this site are not permitted to take and use these photos elsewhere.
If you like my work and that of my Contributors, please don't steal it – instead, create a link from this site to yours. (or Contact)
APRIL Losses – a sad month for losses from 462 Squadron, Middle East and UK.
Middle East, 12 April 1943 – Francis Leo BAXENDALE, a Fitter-mechanic in the Ground Staff, was killed instantly after stepping on an enemy mine, while at a rest stop in the Marble Arch area, during road travel between Cairo and Misurata. He now lies buried at Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya.
Middle East, 20 April 1943 – Twelve personnel from the Ground Staff were killed as a result of two consecutive explosions which occurred during the "bombing up" of an aircraft scheduled for Ops that night. All 12 were initially buried at the Misurata Cemetery, but now lie at the Tripoli War Cemetery, Libya.
Names for the 1943 Middle East losses are listed at Memorials, Middle East, with the Ground Staff "trade" now included.
Foulsham, 10 April 1945 – Halifax NA240 Z5-V, Pilot BALL and Crew 59 (7 KIA and 1 survivor/PoW). Crew photos, and links to the individual crew members are at Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V;
crew photos also at 27 OTU Church Broughton, 1652 HCU Marston Moor.
The crash details page for NA240 has links to photos and information about the crash site, aircraft loss file, crash investigation, wreckage disposal, and graves. A Memorial is at Zaasch where NA240 crashed. The names of the crew who were KIA are included in the Books of Remembrance at St Clement Danes.
Foulsham, 14/15 April 1945 – Halifax PN427 Z5-A, Pilot ANDERSON and Crew 45 (Crew of 8 safe, all survived, Pilot injured).
Foulsham, 16/17 April 1945 – Halifax MZ467 Z5-C, Pilot LODDER and Crew 44 (5 KIA and 3 survivors/PoWs).
Those KIA are commemorated at various Memorials, and in particular at the Australian War Memorial.
25 April 2021 – ANZAC Day, a day of Remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders. Please refer to the Australian War Memorial website for details of ANZAC Day events at the Memorial in Canberra. Some will be broadcast nationally live.
06 March 2022 – This date is the 97th Anniversary of the birth of the two gunners in the Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V, which failed to return to Foulsham from a night Op on 10 April 1945. Mid-Upper Gunner F/Sgt John Mickle TAIT, who was KIA that night, and sole survivor Rear Gunner F/Sgt Maxwell James HIBBERD were both born on 06 March 1925. Max died on 13 March 1988, a week after his 63rd Birthday. This Tribute Website was initially created in memory of that crew.
This day is also the 13th Anniversary of the registration of the Domain Name 462squadron.com and purchase of host server space for this website on 06 March 2009. To those who have contributed in any way to the continued growth of the site – thank you all.
Robert Venters JUBB passed away on 21 January 2022, aged 99 – he would have reached his 100th Birthday on 27 Aug 2022. He was the Pilot and Captain of Crew 4, having been posted to 462 Squadron in August 1944. He and his crew failed to return from an evening Op on 02 November 1944, in Halifax LL610 Z5-U – with JUBB an Evader, and the other 6 members of the crew PoWs. (No crew page as yet.)
No changes and no additions to this site, and the "temporarily removed" photos are yet to be returned to their former locations.
There have been many emails from new and regular readers, with additional information to be included in following months.
Thank you for your perseverance and patience.
March Losses
Foulsham, Norfolk – 08 March 1945 – Loss of Halifax MZ370 Z5-L, Pilot Frank Herbert JAMES and Crew 24, eight PoWs. (No page yet for JAMES Crew – please make contact if you can assist with photos or crew information.)
Foulsham, Norfolk – 13 March 1945 – Halifax RG384 Z5-M, Pilot Thomas Ian PALTRIDGE and Crew 58; forced landing at Juvincourt due to flak damage; Flight Engineer Charles Gallacher WELSH killed by FLAK; Nav Kevin Joseph SHANAHAN injured; W/Op Kevin John DENNIS severely injured, but continued to carry out his duties, for which he later received the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Gazetted 13 July 1945).
Middle East – 15/16 March 1944, LAWSON Crew, of the newly reformed 614 Squadron, previously of 462 Squadron, and flying in Halifax BB446 formerly flown by them at 462 Squadron. Lawson and crew had carried out Ops for 462 Squadron while based at Terria in November/December 1943 and El Adem in January/February 1944. They had transferred with 462 Squadron on 01 March 1944, when it relocated to Italy and was renamed 614 Squadron, thus 462 Squadron officially ceasing to exist.
06 February 2022 – Addition of Terms of Use – It is important that all visitors to this site (www.462squadron.com) read and understand the Terms of Use. You must either agree with those Terms of Use, and therefore be legally bound by them; OR if you do not agree with the Terms of Use, you must leave this site, and not use it.
Addition of Privacy Policy.
Both documents were compiled by Dundas Lawyers, of Brisbane, Queensland (with thanks to Malcolm Burrows and Ashleigh Boyce).
The site is protected by Copyright Law where applicable; and by Contract Law where Copyright has expired on Historical photos or documents from Private Collections.
Addition of an About page (this last one is still a work-in-progress, and will provide information about this Site, and the Owner/Author).
Relocation of Crew 59 Rear Gunner M J HIBBERD's Log Book – removed from the header rows, and now located with the Rear Gunner files on the Crew 59 home page. All links updated.
Re-format font sizes in tables on the 462 Squadron Middle East page.
Update Acknowledgements (inclusion of Dundas Lawyers); Update Site Map.
In header – reposition named web pages and links.
In footer – update Copyright notice for 2022, with addition of links (as above) to Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, Site Map, and About.
February was the month of highest fatalities for 462 Squadron.
Middle East – on the night of 5/6 February 1943, S/Ldr FORDHAM and crew in Halifax W7848 crashed while returning to Solluch from an Op to Palermo; the Observer later died from his of injuries; the other crew members survived.
Middle East – on the night of 8/9 February 1943, Captain Sgt GREEN and crew, all seven died when their Halifax DT495 crashed into the sea while returning to Solluch after an Op to Palermo.
Please also refer to 462 Squadron Middle East page; and the Middle East Memorial page.
Foulsham, Norfolk, UK – on the night of 24/25 February 1945, the loss of four Crews and aircraft, on an Op to the Ruhr.
Halifax PN429 Z5-E TOOTAL Crew 57; crew of 8, all died.
Halifax MZ447 Z5-A RATE Crew 13; crew of 8, seven died; one Prisoner of War.
Halifax MZ448 Z5-W RIDGEWELL Crew 37; crew of 8, four died; four Prisoners of War.
Halifax MZ461 Z5-O ELY Crew 39; crew of 8, all died.
Paintings of these four aircraft, titled "Requiem for a Halifax Squadron", may be viewed on the Halifax page.
Over the next few months, the plan is to systematically return the photos and documents which, due to the action of others, had been temporarily removed from this site. That material may require additional or changed watermarks, and the addition of a proposed Site Logo (to be Registered as a Trade Mark, i.e. ®™ ). Unauthorised use of my watermarks and my Trade Mark is not permitted (Items 2, and 7 (g) of Terms of Use).
06 January 2022 – No changes, and no additions to site.
There is a backlog of emails received from readers – please be patient and I will reply to all.
For an overview of all pages, please visit the Site Map – all pages currently show words only, no photos.
January Anniversaries of the loss of two Crews and aircraft of 462 Squadron, 100 Group, flying from Foulsham, UK:-
Night of 6/7 January 1945, Halifax MZ469 Z5-N; ROHRLACH Crew 48; seven KIA; one survivor/PoW W/OP LAWRENCE;
Evening of 14 January 1945, Halifax LL598 Z5-A; ASTILL Crew 52; aircraft caught fire and crashed soon after take-off, six KIA; two survivors (F/Eng SANDAY, and R/AG REED). This Crew had previously flown with Pilot FRIEND, Crew 36, in September and October 1944.
REED had previously survived an incident with Pilot COOKSON, Crew 23, Halifax MZ296 14/15 0ctober 1944, all safe.
Sanday was later KIA with Pilot ELY, Crew 39, Halifax MZ461 Z5-O, 24 February 1945, eight KIA.
Night of 15/16 January 1944 – flying from El Adem, Middle East:-
F/Sgt Kenneth Alan POTTS (412683 RAAF) and Crew in Halifax W7702; Op to attack harbour installations at Piraeus; intense icing and weather conditions; crash-landed on return, crew safe, however Navigator Sgt W A GRIFFITHS was injured. (No crew page as yet.)
F/Sgt Anthony Townson WHEELER (420331 RAAF) and Crew in Halifax JN913; same Op to attack harbour installations at Piraeus; intense icing and weather conditions; diverted to Gambut, aircraft swung on landing and undercarriage collapsed, no recorded injuries. (No crew page as yet.)
06 December 2021 – My apologies once again, as there are no changes, and no additions to this site.
As stated when photos were removed on 06 June 2021, and repeatedly stated since then – breach of Copyright, photo theft, and plagiarism by others, remain issues.
It was very pleasing to note that even in its current "no-photos" state, this 462 Squadron website has been NUMBER 1 in Google rankings daily since 28 Nov 2021, up to and including today, 06 Dec 2021.
There were no listed casualties for personnel of 462 Squadron during the months of December 1942 (LG167, LG237, Middle East), or December 1943 (Terria, Middle East), or December 1944 (Driffield, UK).
Some photos of Christmas 1943 celebrations at Terria, were previously shown on the 462 Squadron Middle East page, now words only; and a transcription of the Christmas 1943 Menu, and list of signatures of many of the attendees, may be read on the HOGAN Crew page.
For an overview of all pages, please visit the Site Map – all pages show words only, no photos.
Thank you to all who have contacted me to offer your kind thoughts. It is much appreciated.
06 November 2021 – No changes or additions to this site, and photos remain temporarily removed. For reasons – please see details in previous monthly site updates below. I again extend my apologies to all. Please refer to the Site Map for an overview of all current pages.
11 November, Remembrance Day – please take the time to remember those from 462 Squadron who lost their lives, or who survived as Evaders or PoWs, also those who returned safely to help record the Squadron's story (Middle East, or Driffield, or Foulsham).
November losses –
Squadron Crews UK
02 November 1944 – Driffield, Halifax MZ401 Z5-D; MITCHELL and crew; 2 KIA, 4 PoWs, 1 Evader (Wireless Operator);
02 November 1944 – Driffield, Halifax LL610 Z5-U; JUBB and crew; 6 PoWs, 1 Evader (Pilot).
Memorials Middle East
10/11 November 1942 – Middle East, Fayid – Halifax DT498; S/Ldr GOLDSTON and Crew, 3 KIA (Pilot, MU/AG, R/AG), two PoWs (W/OP, F/Eng); one survivor/swimmer/evader (Obs/Nav WATTS) who returned to 462 Squadron at Fayid.
20 November 1943 1300 hrs – Middle East, Terria – 11 ground crew accidentally killed in an aircraft ground explosion at dispersal, during "bombing-up" for night Op. The Op was cancelled. Deceased included Cpl Harry FREEMAN 25093 RAAF of Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
06 October 2021 – There are no additions or changes for 06 October 2021, and photos remain temporarily removed. Please refer to the statement of 06 June below. Apologies to all – and in particular to those who have submitted material for use on this site. It is safely filed for future use.
Please refer to the Site Map for an overview of pages currently available.
October is a sad month with the Anniversaries of the loss of many aircraft and crews of 462 Squadron, UK and Middle East.
06 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax NP990 Z5-L; McGINDLE and Crew 19, returned damaged, 2 injured, 2 PoWs;
06 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax "V"; Breusch & Crew 160 at 466 Squadron (previously BREUSCH and Crew 30 at 462 Squadron), flak damage, Rear Gunner KIA;
09 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax MZ400 Z5-J; COLEMAN and Crew 29, 7 KIA;
09 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax LL604 Z5-D; BLACK and Crew 25, 4 PoWs, and 3 Evaders;
10/11 October – 1942, Middle East, Halifax W1183:M; Warner and Crew, crash landed, with injuries (WARNER 14 July 1943, 4 KIA, 2 survivors);
11/12 October – 1943, Middle East, Halifax BB417; HALL and Crew, 6 KIA;
12/13 October – 1943, Middle East, Halifax BB333:J (?); MARSH and Crew, 6 KIA;
15 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax MZ296 Z5-L; COOKSON and Crew 23, all baled, all safe, some injuries;
15 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax NA619 Z5-Q; Cockerill and Crew 20, flak damage, landed away, Pilot injured;
23 October – 1942, Middle East, Halifax W7659:F; DECLERCK and Crew, 5 KIA, 1 survivor;
23 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax LL599 Z5-E; NELDER and Crew 28, 6 KIA, 1 PoW.
06 September 2021 – Anniversary of the creation of this website twelve years ago, going live on 6 September 2009 (also Father's Day in Australia on that day in 2009). To contributors and readers of this site – thank you all.
Sunday 05 September 2021 was Father's Day in Australia – To all the fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, uncles, great-uncles, brothers, husbands who were once in 462 Squadron, and are still with us – belated Happy Father's Day; and to those who now live on in our memories – we salute you all, and thank you for your service.
And to former Flight Engineer Duke Newstead of the Anderson Crew, who was 96 in August – Happy Birthday, and thanks for your emails, photos, information on 462 Squadron, and for your continuing support and encouragement.
Losses in September –
05/06 September 1942 – Pilot BRYAN and Crew, Halifax W1144, Fayid, Egypt; two KIA, four PoW. Members of this crew had just been posted to the newly formed 462 Squadron from 76 Squadron.
05/06 September 1942 – Pilot HACKING and crew, Halifax W7679, Fayid, Egypt; three KIA, one PoW, two Evaders. Members of this crew had just been posted to the newly formed 462 Squadron from 227 Squadron.
Both Crews were on an Op to target Heraklion Aerodrome, Greece, taking off on the afternoon of 05 September 1942, BRYAN crew at 1556 and HACKING crew at 1605. For further information, please refer to the pages for Memorials Middle East and Middle East Crews. Pages for these two crews are yet to be created, with information and photos received with thanks from Pilot BRYAN's family.
Apologies to all – there are no additions or changes for 06 September 2021, and photos remain temporarily removed.
Please refer to Statement below for 06 June 2021, and copyright problems previously mentioned on 06 May 2021, 06 Feb 2021, 06 Dec 2020, and 06 Oct 2019. (Interestingly, even without photos for visitors to view, this website continues to have monthly web-stats similar to previous months – i.e. numbers of unique visitors, numbers of pages viewed, repeat visitors, time spent on the site, etc. Also Google ranking remains at either position 1, or 2, or 3, using search term "462 Squadron". Thanks go out to all who have visited the site.)
06 August 2021 – No changes or additions to
this website. Please refer to statement for 06 June 2021 below.
Squadron losses for July and August – please refer to Memorials 462 Squadron Middle East, also Squadron Crews Middle East, and to the crew pages as listed below;
13 July 1943 – CAMERON, ground crew, death by accident;
14 July 1943 – WARNER and crew, failed to return from Op, four were killed, and 2 were survivors rescued by British Navy vessels;
16 July 1943 – LEHRER, ground crew, death from illness;
19 August 1943 – BIRMINGHAM and crew, five killed.
06 July 2021 – No changes or additions to
this website.
06 June 2021 – No losses in the month of June for 462 Squadron in Middle East, or in the UK.
It is with regret that all photos from this Tribute website have been temporarily removed
– photos with current Copyright;
– historic photos from private collections;
– as well as those from the Public Domain (AWM, NAA, etc).
Also temporarily removed are
– all previously attached *.pdf Memoirs and other documents from veterans of 462 Squadron;
– and the 466/462 Associations' Crest.
It is intended that this Tribute website will be restored, hopefully sometime in the near future.
In the meantime, links to attachments will not work, and pages will have words only.
I apologise to all of my Contributors, past and present.
To those who have sent me new material in the last few months, be assured that it has be saved and filed for future use.
The above has been carried out due to the actions of others.
06 May 2021 – No losses for 462 Squadron for May in Foulsham UK 1945, or in Middle East 1943.
Minor corrections in various pages (spelling and punctuation errors);
Correction to details of one photo of Nav GODWIN, on the BREUSCH Crew 30 page; with thanks to Brendon GODWIN, and David KING (sons of crew members).
There is a backlog of contributed material, awaiting processing and addition to this site. Please be patient.
In the meantime, a full list of pages is on the Site Map for your viewing.
Plagiarism, Copyright and photo theft – again
During March/April 2021, more breaches of this website's Copyright were found, with NO contact from anyone requesting permission for use of that material. I have not named either site, as I have no intention of increasing their internet traffic, thereby raising their Google rankings. Watermarks make my site's material easily identifiable.
– One English site, photos, and exact words, with however my contact details removed and replaced by theirs.
– South Australian site on another two of their pages – they having now taken photos from 462squadron.com and re-publishing on their site, without permission, on three occasions. That group was well aware of correct procedures, as they have many "Terms and Conditions" for visitors to their website. However they had not given the same respect to my Tribute site.
Why is this happening? Simple courtesy, as well as observance of Copyright Law, would dictate that they make contact to obtain permission to use any material from 462squadron.com website. I would then have forwarded any such requests to my original sources for approval or rejection. (Owners of original historic or Copyright photos may choose to publish their photos elsewhere, but without the watermark 462squadron.com )
In emails regarding this non-permitted usage, I was asked why I was not sharing and why was I not honouring our veterans. The veterans and/or their families, and I, have already shared the historic photos with the world through www.462squadron.com – and the whole website honours the veterans.
Definition of "STEAL" – from Concise Oxford Dictionary – "Take away for one's own use without right or leave, take feloniously" – that is – to take without permission. If you take historic photos from this website without permission from me, and from the veterans, or their families – that is stealing, i.e. THEFT.
Would they steal the photos from the home of a Veteran?
Would they steal the same photos if they were displayed in a Museum or Memorial?
Why steal them from this Tribute website? My site is small, but is performing well in Google rankings and website stats.
Is it their professional jealousy?
It is certainly unethical, it is unprofessional, it is arrogant. It is theft.
I will continue to protest whenever material is stolen from this Tribute website.
REMINDER –
I am the author/creator of this Tribute site (www.462squadron.com).
I claim Moral Right and Copyright for my words and personal photos.
For words/documents written by other authors and published on my site with their permission, Copyright is retained by those authors.
Similarly, Copyright of photos is also retained by the named photographers.
Historic material from various Family collections/archives is owned by the persons named.
Permission must be requested and obtained before any Historic or Copyrighted material is taken and published elsewhere, whether in print or electronic form. Please make Contact and your request will be forwarded to relevant person for their decision.
Items which are in the "Public Domain", and sourced from the Australian War Memorial (AWM), or the National Archives of Australia (NAA) or other Museums or repositories, have been used here with their permission. Such items can be freely down-loaded from the relevant websites, then cropped, straightened, repaired, watermarked, etc, to suit your own use. Do not take and use material from this site.
All items have been clearly water-marked to identify the source.
Australian Copyright protection currently lasts for the creator's life plus 70 years. As I am still alive, Copyright will be in force until at least 2090. Similarly, any photos or documents used on this site, but created by others (still alive), are also protected by Copyright until at least 2090.
Please refer to Australian Copyright Council – www.copyright.org.au
06 April 2021 – Amendments to existing page for BREUSCH and Crew 30 at Driffield, with addition of service history and photos for Pilot BREUSCH, Navigator GODWIN, and Wireless Operator KING, with thanks to the National Archives of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, and the London Gazette.
Creation of new page for FORDHAM and Crew, Middle East, who crashed on the night of 5th / 6th February 1943, their first Op at 462 Squadron, with injuries to the crew, and the death of Observer Ronald MOORHOUSE; thanks go to Derek of the Police Remembrance Trust, UK, for photos and information, and to CWGC for burial details.
Update links on Squadron Crews Middle East; addition of names of most of the Pilots, but many crew members names yet to be added.
Information confirming the route of the British troopship SS ANDES added to Rear Gunner ex-PoW M J HIBBERD's Service History (see section dated 29 June – 28 July 1945), with thanks to James Oglethorpe, of 3 Squadron Association.
Amendments to existing page for Rear Gunner Neville Owen REED, to fix formatting errors.
Amendments to existing page for Nav Maxwell Arthur SMITH, to fix formatting errors.
Update links on Site Map; and names in Acknowledgements.
Late news – 31 March 2021 – 100 year Anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force, one of the oldest Air Forces in the World. At 11am on 31 March 2021, Queen Elizabeth arrived at the Air Forces Memorial at Runnymede, to honour the Australians whose names are listed there. Names from 462 Squadron with no known grave, listed at Runnymede – three from the ELY Crew 39; and three from Ridgewell Crew 37.
APRIL Losses – a sad month for losses from 462 Squadron, UK and Middle East
Foulsham, 10 April 1945 – Halifax NA240 Z5-V, Pilot BALL and Crew 59 (7 KIA and 1 survivor/PoW). Crew photos, and links to the individual crew members are at Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V;
crew photos also at 27 OTU Church Broughton, 1652 HCU Marston Moor, and 462 Squadron Foulsham.
The crash details page for NA240 has links to photos and information about the crash site, aircraft loss file, crash investigation, wreckage disposal, and graves. A Memorial is at Zaasch where NA240 crashed. The names of the crew who were KIA are included in the Books of Remembrance at St Clement Danes.
Foulsham, 14/15 April 1945 – Halifax PN427 Z5-A, Pilot ANDERSON and Crew 45 (Crew of 8 safe, all survived, Pilot injured).
Foulsham, 16/17 April 1945 – Halifax MZ467 Z5-C, Pilot LODDER and Crew 44 (5 KIA and 3 survivors/PoWs).
Those KIA are commemorated at various Memorials, and in particular at the Australian War Memorial.
Middle East, 12 April 1943 – Francis Leo BAXENDALE, a Fitter-mechanic in the Ground Staff, was killed instantly after stepping on an enemy mine, while at a rest stop in the Marble Arch area, during road travel between Cairo and Misurata. He now lies buried at Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya.
Middle East, 20 April 1943 – Twelve personnel from the Ground Staff were killed as a result of two consecutive explosions which occurred during the "bombing up" of an aircraft scheduled for Ops that night. All 12 were initially buried at the Misurata Cemetery, but now lie at the Tripoli War Cemetery, Libya.
Names for the 1943 Middle East losses are listed at Memorials, Middle East, with updated links to crews.
25 April 2021 – ANZAC Day, a day of Remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders in their home lands, and around the world. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please comply with all restrictions, or carry out your personal Remembrance at home. Please refer to the Australian War Memorial website for the latest details on AWM ticketed events for ANZAC Day.
06 March 2021 – This date is the 96th Anniversary of the birth of the two gunners in the Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V, which failed to return to Foulsham from a night Op on 10 April 1945. Mid-Upper Gunner F/Sgt John Mickle TAIT, who died that night, and sole survivor Rear Gunner F/Sgt Maxwell James HIBBERD were both born on 06 March 1925 (HIBBERD photos, RAAF Service History, PoW, Caterpillar Badge).
This Tribute Website was initially created in memory of that crew. (Aircraft crash details).
This day is the 12th Anniversary of the registration of the Domain Name 462squadron.com and purchase of host server space for this website on 06 March 2009. To those who have contributed in any way to the continued growth of the site – thank you all.
Correction of Service Number for Colin Campbell KANE in photo caption on 462 Squadron Middle East location page; extra information for a group photo on that page; also addition of 4 "Crew" photos, possibly staged for publicity/morale purposes.
Creation of page for Frederick Brook BIRMINGHAM and Crew, Middle East, all KIA on night Op 18/19 August 1943;
Creation of page for William Charles Ernest CRAIG and Crew, Middle East;
Creation of page for William James DALTON and Crew, Middle East;
Creation of page for Edward Peter LANDON and Crew, Middle East.
These last 4 pages were created to use available portraits, and are still "work in progress" with more information to be added. Thank you to the AWM and Aviation Heritage Museum of WA for photos.
Removal of incorrect identification of F/Eng John Hewson THOMAS, for photo on the page for Robert Hilary Vivian THOMAS and Crew, Middle East – info from John's nephew, Robert, along with additional photos which will be added in a future page upgrade (thank you, Robert).
Identification of personnel for 462 Squadron Middle East Command is continuing; Update links on the Middle East Memorial page.
Update links on Site Map, and Acknowledgements.
March Losses
Foulsham, Norfolk – 08 March 1945 – Loss of Halifax MZ370 Z5-L, Pilot Frank Herbert JAMES and Crew 24, eight PoWs.
Foulsham, Norfolk – 13 March 1945 – Halifax RG384 Z5-M, Pilot Thomas Ian PALTRDGE and Crew 58; forced landing at Juvincourt due to flak damage; Flight Engineer Charles Gallacher WELSH killed by FLAK; Nav Kevin Joseph SHANAHAN injured; W/Op Kevin John DENNIS severely injured, but continued to carry out his duties, for which he later received the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Gazetted 13 July 1945).
No page for JAMES Crew – please make contact if you can assist with photos or crew information.
Middle East – 15/16 March 1944, Lawson Crew, of the newly reformed 614 Squadron, previously of 462 Squadron, and flying in Halifax BB446 formerly flown by them at 462 Squadron. Lawson and crew had carried out Ops for 462 Squadron while based at Terria in November/December 1943 and El Adem in January/February 1944. They had transferred with 462 Squadron on 01 March 1944, when it relocated to Italy and was renamed 614 Squadron, thus 462 Squadron officially ceasing to exist.
06 February 2021 – Corrections made to WARNER Crew Middle East 1943 – ("resumed missing" corrected to "presumed missing"; date "operations on 15/15 July, 1943" corrected to "operations on 14/15 July, 1943"; some "
Up times" and "Down Times" corrected; aircraft for BUSKELL Crew corrected to BB333; other aircraft now confirmed as correct.) Access to the 462 Squadron ORB for July 1943 from TNA UK enabled corrections to be made – the ORB from NAA Australia was not as legible, hence the previous transcription errors.
For the Rodgers Crew 10 (Driffield) – Identification of one additional person in the photo taken at the 1986 Annual Reunion Dinner for the "466-462 Squadrons' Association", with thanks to Geoff Russell for the ID; minor reformat of that Crew's page, and addition of links.
"Alt tag" changed for the Crest shown at the top right of each of this site's pages – The crest is that of the "466-462 Squadrons' Association", and is NOT (and never was) the Crest for 462 Squadron RAAF, nor for 466 Squadron, during World War 2. The Crest was designed by Association Members in the late 1980s, and used since the early 1990s by the Association for letter-heads, newsletters, and memorial plaques. Special permission for use of the Associations' Crest on this Tribute site was granted by John McManus DFC, the then Secretary of the Associations' Executive, and former Pilot of 466 Squadron. It has been used here with that permission, since this site went live on 06 September 2009.
Identification of personnel for 462 Squadron Middle East Command is continuing.
Update Acknowledgements page.
Addition of Copyright statement to the end of each web page, due to repeated plagiarism – refer to following paragraph.
February losses listed below, with links to the crew pages.
Breach of 462squadron.com Copyright – again
During January 2021, another breach of this website's Copyright occurred. A Victorian (Australia) group took 11 photos from 462squadron.com and re-published them on 6 pages of their website – without my permission; without any acknowledgement to 462squadron.com, and without acknowledgement to my various sources. That group was well aware of correct procedures, as they have many "Terms and Conditions" for visitors to their website. However they had not given the same respect to my Tribute site. I contacted the group requesting immediate removal of the plagiarised photos from their website – all 11 photos were clearly watermarked in 2 places with my source's details and website name. The photos were subsequently removed.
However, why had this happened? Simple courtesy, as well as observance of Copyright Law, would dictate that they make contact to obtain permission to use any material from 462squadron.com website. I would then have forwarded any such requests to my original sources for approval or rejection. I was initially shocked, then angry, then disgusted that any Aussie group would do this to a fellow researcher of WW2 RAAF Veterans – it is so un-Australian. They should be honouring our Veterans, not stealing their photos. It is insulting to me, and the Veterans and their families who have provided material for use on the 462squadron.com pages. A South Australian group had also plagiarised photos on two previous occasions – mid-2019, and again in late 2019. I have not named either of these two groups, as I have no intention of sending visitors to their sites, thereby increasing their internet traffic and raising their Google rankings.
I am the author/creator of this Tribute site (www.462squadron.com).
I claim Moral Right and Copyright for my words and personal photos.
For words/documents written by other authors and published on my site with their permission, Copyright is retained by those authors.
Similarly, Copyright of photos is also retained by the named photographers.
Historic material from various Family collections/archives is owned by the persons named.
Permission must be requested and obtained before any Historic or Copyrighted material is taken and published elsewhere, whether in print or electronic form. Please make Contact and your request will be forwarded to relevant person for their decision.
Items which are in the "Public Domain", and sourced from the Australian War Memorial (AWM), or the National Archives of Australia (NAA) or other Museums or repositories, have been used here with their permission. Such items can be freely down-loaded from the relevant websites, then cropped, straightened, repaired, watermarked, etc, to suit your own use. Do not take and use material from this site.
All items have been clearly water-marked to identify the source.
Australian Copyright protection currently lasts for the creator's life plus 70 years. As I am still alive, Copyright will be in force until at least 2090. Similarly, any photos or documents used on this site, but created by others (still alive), are also protected by Copyright until at least 2090.
Please refer to Australian Copyright Council – www.copyright.org.au
February was the month of highest fatalities for 462 Squadron.
Middle East – on the night of 5/6 February 1943, S/Ldr FORDHAM and crew in Halifax W7848 crashed while returning to Solluch from an Op to Palermo; the Observer later died from his of injuries; the other crew members survived.
Middle East – on the night of 8/9 February 1943, Captain Sgt GREEN and crew, all seven died when their Halifax DT495 crashed into the sea while returning to Solluch after an Op to Palermo.
Please also refer to 462 Squadron Middle East page; and the Middle East Memorial page.
Foulsham, Norfolk, UK – on the night of 24/25 February 1945, the loss of four Crews and aircraft, on an Op to the Ruhr.
Halifax PN429 Z5-E TOOTAL Crew 57; crew of 8, all died.
Halifax MZ447 Z5-A RATE Crew 13; crew of 8, seven died; one Prisoner of War.
Halifax MZ448 Z5-W RIDGEWELL Crew 37; crew of 8, four died; four Prisoners of War.
Halifax MZ461 Z5-O ELY Crew 39; crew of 8, all died.
Paintings of these four aircraft, titled "Requiem for a Halifax Squadron", may be viewed on the Halifax page.
06 January 2021 – Addition of details for Pilot Jeffrey BRYAN and WOP/AG Alan POTTS to Memorials Middle East, with additional descriptive information for Pilot HACKING and Crew; no crew pages have been created for those two crews, which could be regarded as the first losses for 462 Squadron in 205 Group; or the last losses for 76/454 Squadron, and 10/227 Squadron); partial re-format of that page.
Addition of crew names to Squadron Crews Middle East page; including BRYAN Crew and HACKING Crew, and operational Crews which served from September to December 1942; the Pilots have been listed, and their crew members names will be added after verification. There were about 24 operational Crews, originally from 10 and 76 Squadrons (excluding BRYAN and HACKING). All survivors were subsequently posted FROM 462 Squadron on 02 January 1943 as operationally tour expired. New crews were posted TO 462 Squadron from January 1943 to mid February 1944. There were about 70 crews which served in 462 Squadron, 205 Group, so it will be an ongoing project to identify them all by full names, Service Numbers, and Air Force.
Correction of various spelling errors; update links.
Please do the right thing, and adhere to Copyright for this site – see comments below (06 Dec 2020).
January Anniversaries of the loss of two Crews and aircraft of 462 Squadron, 100 Group, flying from Foulsham, UK –
Night of 6/7 January 1945, Halifax MZ469 Z5-N; ROHRLACH Crew 48; seven KIA; one survivor/PoW W/OP LAWRENCE;
Evening of 14 January 1945, Halifax LL598 Z5-A; ASTILL Crew 52; aircraft caught fire and crashed soon after take-off, six KIA; two survivors (F/Eng SANDAY, and R/AG REED).
06 December 2020 – Creation of a page for John Henry KENNY and Crew based at Fayid and LG237 (Kilo 40), Egypt, from the initial formation of 462 Squadron in early September 1942, until 10 December 1942 when all operationally tour-expired aircrew were returned to the UK; photos and Service Information for the crew's Nav/Obs BURGESS supplied by his son Martyn – thank you.
Addition of KENNY and Crew details to Squadron Crews Middle East page; and to Site Map; update Links;
Amendment to Home page, to show 462 Squadron's position in Groups, Commands, locations, and time scale for each.
There were no listed casualties for personnel of 462 Squadron during the months of December 1942 (LG167, LG237, Middle East), or December 1943 (Terria, Middle East), or December 1944 (Driffield, UK).
Copyright reminder
I am the author/creator of this Tribute site (www.462squadron.com).
I claim Moral Right and Copyright for my words and personal photos.
For words/documents written by other authors and published on my site with their permission, Copyright is retained by those authors.
Similarly, Copyright of photos is also retained by the named photographers.
Historic material from various Family collections/archives is owned by the persons named.
Permission must be requested and obtained before any Historic or Copyrighted material is taken and published elsewhere, whether in print or electronic form. Please make Contact and your request will be forwarded to relevant person for their decision.
Items which are in the "Public Domain", and sourced from the Australian War Memorial (AWM), or the National Archives of Australia (NAA) or other Museums or repositories, have been used here with their permission. Such items can be freely down-loaded from the relevant websites, then cropped, straightened, repaired, watermarked, etc, to suit your own use. Do not take and use material from this site.
All items have been clearly water-marked to identify the source.
Australian Copyright protection currently lasts for the creator's life plus 70 years. As I am still alive, Copyright will be in force until at least 2090. Similarly, any photos or documents used on this site, but created by others (still alive), are also protected by Copyright until at least 2090.
Please refer to Australian Copyright Council – www.copyright.org.au
06 November 2020 – Major upgrade of page for CUTTRISS and Crew 7 – addition of a photo of Wireless Operator John Daniel TROWBRIDGE, with thanks to his daughter Ann Young; also addition of service information for all members of this crew, sourced the National Archives of Australia, London Gazette, RAF Lists, Veterans UK Roll of Honour (Ministry of Defence), Ancestry, and Ann Young;
Addition of photos and service information for Henry O'Connell Jacques VAN GEFFEN to the page for Special Duties – RCM, with thanks to Colin van Geffen;
Correction for Officers Assessment Report – "I. K." meaning "Insufficient Knowledge", not "I concur" as previously recorded for R/AG STAFFORD on the JACKSON Crew 14 page; and for a similar report for Bomb Aimer MANN on the Thomas Crew 06 page.
[Instructions for completing Form 1369, Item 2 (v) – "If for any reason the reporting officer feels that he has an insufficient knowledge of the officer under report to assess him in any of the items in Sections 9 and 10, he should put the letters "I. K." in place of an assessment". An instruction sheet for Form 1369 was recently located in another Officer's RAAF A9300 Service File, but was not included in files for STAFFORD or MANN. I apologise for any confusion caused by the previous incorrect definition.]
Fix broken link to pdf of Memoirs by Ralph DAUGHTERS, Robertson Crew 18 (pdf is 13.8 MB so please be patient);
Update Acknowledgements, update various links; correction of various spelling errors.
11 November, Remembrance Day – please take the time to remember those from 462 Squadron who lost their lives, or who survived as Evaders or PoWs, also those who returned safely to help record the Squadron's story (Middle East, or Driffield, or Foulsham).
November losses –
Squadron Crews UK
02 November 1944 – Driffield, Halifax MZ401 Z5-D; MITCHELL and crew; 2 KIA, 4 PoWs, 1 Evader (Wireless Operator);
02 November 1944 – Driffield, Halifax LL610 Z5-U; JUBB and crew; 6 PoWs, 1 Evader (Pilot).
Memorials Middle East
10/11 November 1942 – Middle East, Halifax DT498; GOLDSTON and Crew, 3 KIA, 2 PoWs;
20 November 1943 – Middle East, 11 ground crew killed in an aircraft ground explosion.
06 October 2020 – Major upgrade of page for JACKSON and Crew 14, with addition of photos of Pilot JACKSON, Bomb Aimer SMITH, and W/Op TURNER; additional information for all members of this crew, sourced the National Archives of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, the London Gazette and the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette; details of Gallantry Awards – DFC for Pilot JACKSON, DFC for Navigator HALL, DFM for Flight Engineer ROSE, and Croix de Guerre for Rear Gunner STAFFORD. A big thank you goes to Mark Weate for STAFFORD's photos and information, and for obtaining photos of crew members from the NAA.
Creation of a basic page for the KOFOED Crew (1942) based at Fayid and LG237 (Kilo 40), Egypt, from the initial formation of 462 Squadron in early September 1942, until 10 December 1942 when all operationally tour-expired aircrew were returned to the UK; photos supplied by Mark Sewell (thank you), grandson of the crew's Flight Engineer Sgt Thomas LATHAM (later Flying Officer, DFC). Pilot KOFOED returned to 462 Squadron in February 1943, to fly another 29 Ops with a different crew, until posted from 462 Squadron in mid-October 1943.
Update Crews of 462 Squadron, Middle East page with additional names.
Update the Middle East location page, with addition of a group photo of personnel at 462 Squadron, Fayid, late 1942 – thanks to Mark Sewell for the photo; and to Martyn Burgess for identifying his father, Nav/Observer Robert George Albert BURGESS of the KENNY Crew. If you can assist with identification of the other men not named in the photo – please make contact.
Update Site Map, Acknowledgements, and various links.
October is a sad month with the Anniversaries of the loss of many aircraft and crews of 462 Squadron, UK and Middle East.
06 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax NP990 Z5-L; McGINDLE and Crew 19, returned damaged, 2 injured, 2 PoWs;
06 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax "V"; Breusch & Crew 160 at 466 Squadron (previously BREUSCH and Crew 30 at 462 Squadron), flak damage, Rear Gunner KIA;
09 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax MZ400 Z5-J; COLEMAN and Crew 29, 7 KIA;
09 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax LL604 Z5-D; BLACK and Crew 25, 4 PoWs, and 3 Evaders;
10/11 October – 1942, Middle East, Halifax W1183:M; Warner and Crew, crash landed, with injuries (WARNER 14 July 1943, 4 KIA, 2 survivors);
11/12 October – 1943, Middle East, Halifax BB417; HALL and Crew, 6 KIA;
12/13 October – 1943, Middle East, Halifax BB333:J (?); MARSH and Crew, 6 KIA;
15 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax MZ296 Z5-L; COOKSON and Crew 23, all baled, all safe, some injuries;
15 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax NA619 Z5-Q; Cockerill and Crew 20, flak damage, landed away, Pilot injured;
23 October – 1942, Middle East, Halifax W7659:F; DECLERCK and Crew, 5 KIA, 1 survivor;
23 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax LL599 Z5-E; NELDER and Crew 28, 6 KIA, 1 PoW.
06 September 2020 – Father's Day in Australia, and Anniversary of the creation of this website eleven years ago, going live on 6 September 2009 (also Father's Day in Australia on that day in 2009). To contributors and readers of this site – thank you all.
To all the fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, uncles, great-uncles, brothers, husbands who were once in 462 Squadron, and are still with us – we salute you – Happy Father's Day.
Additions to MITCHELL Crew 21 – new photos, and extra information for Bomb Aimer LATIMER (see also 06 August 2020 notes below, all previous naming errors now corrected).
Identification of MU/AG Terry CASTLE in Gunners of B Flight March 1945, on the Foulsham page (info from his son Steve Castle); perhaps R/AG PATTERSON (of the same crew) is also in the photo but not yet identified. Both were gunners for Pilot SHERREN, Crew 50, however no crew photo has been located.
Addition of birth details for Bomb Aimer BALMFORTH on the GREEN Crew Middle East page (info from Ken Hale).
Correction to name of R/AG Ray FENNELL's father on the HALL Crew Middle East page (info from John Fennell).
Creation of page for WAAFs at Driffield and Foulsham, although WAAFs were not posted to the Squadron, but to the RAF Station where they served. Names added to the Squadron Crews UK page, linked to the new WAAF page, which contains photos and further details. The list is incomplete, and some WAAFs in the photos are not identified. Your assistance to name the faces would be appreciated (Contact). Photos and information kindly supplied by 94 year-old ex-WAAF Winifred Joan HAWGOOD (Signals, Foulsham) and her son Bill HALL; and also by 101 year-old ex-WAAF Catherine Josephine WOOD-BROWN (Met Office, Driffield) and daughter Beatrice JACKSON. For photos received, thanks also go to the 466/462 Squadrons' Association, the Aviation Heritage Museum of WA, and the Australian War Memorial.
Losses in September – 06 September 1942 – Pilot HACKING and crew, Halifax W7679, Fayid, Egypt; three KIA, one PoW, two Evaders. Members of this crew had just been posted to the newly formed 462 Squadron from 227 Squadron. No Crew page as yet, but if anyone can assist with photos/details – please make contact. For further information, please refer to the Memorials Middle East page.
Corrections of format errors in Ops Tables for PALTRIDGE Crew 58 and CAIRNS Crew 69 pages, and for Z5-J Ops on Halifax page;
Correction to format errors on Jackson Crew 14 page.
Update Site Map, and Acknowledgements and various links.
06 August 2020 – with great sadness, Colin and Katrina Carr have advised of the death of James Ferguson LATIMER, the usual Bomb Aimer in MITCHELL Crew 21. Jim passed away peacefully at his home on 10 July 2020, aged 96. His Funeral Service was held on 22 July 2020, with a Guard of Honour by The RAF Veterans' Association at the Church. The route into the Crematorium Chapel was lined by the Airborne Forces Motorcycle Club and the local RAF Cadets Squadron. Jim was a wonderful caring father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and was well loved by his family and friends. Photos, further information, and an Obituary, have been provided by his family, and will be added to the crew page in the future. Jim had previously been named on this site as James Fergus LATIMER, but written references to him have now been corrected to James Ferguson LATIMER. (Watermarks on his photos, and in his "RAF Career" pdf document, are yet to be corrected.)
Correction of name for Pilot Jack Marshall CAIRNS, in CAIRNS Crew 69 (where he had been named twice in error as Pilot MARSHALL).
Losses for July and August – please refer to Memorials 462 Squadron Middle East, also Squadron Crews Middle East, and to the crew page as listed below;
13 July 1943 – CAMERON, ground crew, death by accident;
14 July 1943 – WARNER and crew, failed to return from Op, four were killed, and 2 were survivors rescued by British Navy vessels;
16 July 1943 – LEHRER, ground crew, death from illness;
19 August 1943 – BIRMINGHAM and crew, five killed (no crew page as yet).
Due to a recent bereavement in my family, no other changes or additions were made to this website for August 2020 – please be assured that material already received has been safely stored, and is in a "holding pattern" ready for processing and publication in future upgrades to the site. Please accept my apologies for the delay.
06 July 2020 – No changes or additions to
this website.
06 June 2020 – No losses in the month of June for 462 Squadron in Middle East, or in the UK.
Addition of a crew photo to each of the following pages – COOKSON Crew 23, UK; SWANN Crew 55, UK; FERGUSON Crew 66, UK; FULLER Crew 68, UK, each photo received from the 466-462 Squadrons' Association (thanks John).
Amendment of genealogy/family-history for Mid-Upper Gunner F/Sgt John Mickle TAIT, of Crew 59, Pilot BALL, with thanks to Jeanette R.
Addition of information and photos of Thornton War Memorial, West Yorkshire, on which the name Thomas Edward MACKRILL is recorded; Thomas MACKRILL was Tail Gunner for Pilot Humphrey Ralph GREEN and Crew, of 462 Squadron, Middle East; that crew failed to return on the night of 07/08 February 1943, and as they had no known graves, all seven crew members are commemorated on the Alamein Memorial in Egypt, details on page for Memorials Middle East; thanks for the Thornton additions go to Clive Richardson, who has researched the names listed on the Memorial, and created a website for the village of Thornton.
Some format changes to each of the above-mentioned pages.
Missing pages of the ORB for all of September 1942, and 3 weeks of April 1943, were received from John D in the UK – Thank you, John.
Several of the pages for Middle East crews therefore require additions of Ops.
The page for WARNER Crew Middle East, has had a small update; WARNER had at least 3 crews (with variations) during his two postings to 462 Squadron (September-October 1942, and January-July 1943); however details for his Crew as currently listed are not affected (they failed to Return from an Op on the night of 14 July 1943, 4 KIA, 2 survivors); his previous crews and their Ops will be added in the future.
For the M F HALL Crew Middle East, Crew Ops were updated with extra April 1943 information; and some of the people in the Bombardier Melbourne Glaister FRASER's photos have been identified – Thank you, Robin GRANT.
Addition of 7 Ops for September 1942 for DECLERCK Crew, Middle East, taking their Ops total from 5 to 12; Failed to Return from Op 12.
Relocation of page for Pilot Bruce Kempton DRINKWATER of Crew 49, UK, moving it from Other Personnel to Squadron Crews, UK; with major format changes; now including information about his crew, and listing the Crew's Ops, a 'landing away', and post-war non-operational flying; also the addition of a photo of Bruce taken at Manchester, October 1944; thanks go to Robin Bubner who 'found' the photo with an accompanying card, realised its historic value, then conducted her own research on the name, located him on this Tribute site, and then took the time to make contact and offer the photo for use here. Thank you, Robin.
Update Site Map, and Acknowledgements.
06 May 2020 – No losses for 462 Squadron for May in Foulsham UK 1945, or in Middle East 1943/1944.
Addition of photos of model of Halifax MZ400 Z5-J, with thanks to Peter MUXLOW; also added is a list of crews and Ops for this aircraft, which included COLEMAN and Crew 29 on its last fatal flight;
Addition of photos, and personal information for Melbourne Glaister FRASER, KIA with the HALL Crew (Middle East), with thanks to FRASER's relatives David McDONALD and Robin GRANT, also thanks to to Ursula Mitchel and Joy Guthrie of Queen's University Belfast; addition of Ops and some reformatting of that crew's page; please refer also to Memorials Middle East; and Squadron Crews Middle East.
Creation of page for Thomas Ian PALTRIDGE and Crew 58, with thanks to Cath DAVIES and Colin WELSH for documents, information, and photos of this crew's Flight Engineer Charles Gallacher WELSH; on the evening of 13 March 1945 in Halifax RG384 Z5-M WELSH was KIA, Navigator SHANAHAN was injured, and Wireless Operator DENNIS severely injured; the Pilot and Nav were Mentioned in Despatches; the W/Op later received a Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for his actions; also for this crew, photos and documents from the National Archives of Australia, and the Australian War Memorial; thanks also to John Dann and Tiana Walker Adair for 466-462 Squadrons' Assoc photos; and to John Dann for providing the missing pages of the 462 Squadron ORB, and for CWGC cemetery information;
Update links on Site Map; names and links on Squadron Crews UK; names in Acknowledgements, and links on various pages.
06 April 2020 – The sad news was received from Robert CLARK of the recent death of his father, former Flight Engineer James CLARK, of the Charlie WEEKS Crew, 77 Squadron, who previously trained with Alf BALL and Crew at 1652 HCU Marston Moor;
Addition of recent photo of Kenneth MITCHELL, now aged 96, former Flight Engineer of the FORTE Crew, and also a written transcription of a "No Brakes" event, with thanks to Ken and his son-in-law Peter DICKINSON;
Addition of information about Colin Ronald LYNCH, Bomb Aimer of the SANDERSON Crew 27, with thanks to his son Robert Colin LYNCH;
Addition of photo of six Sergeant Pilots in Canada, including Murray FRANK and Kelvin Kenneth WELSH, with thanks to Ken's son James WELSH; Murray FRANK was Bomb Aimer for Crew 59, April loss details below; partial reformat of Murray's page;
Addition of name of previously unidentified Wireless Operator, Frederick James WHEELER of TRIGGS Crew 35, with thanks to the 466/462 Squadrons' Association; also minor reformatting and some extra information on that page;
Addition of names of all Wireless Operators, March 1945, 462 Squadron, Foulsham, with thanks to the 466/462 Squadrons' Association; also update various other names and links on that page;
Creation of page for Bruce Anthony SIMMS and Crew 38, with thanks to Mark WEATE for Pilot's photo from the National Archives of Australia; and thanks to Nicholas EVANS for photos and information from the Estate of Flight Engineer Maurie Albert HEWLETT;
Addition of HEWLETT's photo of Halifax MZ479 Z5-B to the Halifax aircraft page;
Update links on Site Map; names and links on Squadron Crews UK; and names in Acknowledgements.
APRIL Losses –
Foulsham, 10 April 1945 – Halifax NA240 Z5-V, Pilot BALL and Crew 59 (7 KIA and 1 survivor/PoW). Crew photos, and links to the individual crew members are at Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V;
crew photos also at 27 OTU Church Broughton, 1652 HCU Marston Moor, and 462 Squadron Foulsham.
The crash details page for NA240 has links to photos and information about the crash site, aircraft loss file, crash investigation, wreckage disposal, and graves. A Memorial is at Zaasch where NA240 crashed. The names of the crew who were KIA are included in the Books of Remembrance at St Clement Danes.
Foulsham, 14/15 April 1945 – Halifax PN427 Z5-A, Pilot ANDERSON and Crew 45 (Crew of 8 safe, all survived, Pilot injured).
Foulsham, 16/17 April 1945 – Halifax MZ467 Z5-C, Pilot LODDER and Crew 44 (5 KIA and 3 survivors/PoWs).
Those KIA are commemorated at various Memorials, and in particular at the Australian War Memorial.
Middle East, 12 April 1943 – Ground Staff, Fitter-mechanic who was killed instantly after stepping on an enemy mine, while at a rest stop in the Marble Arch area, during road travel between Cairo and Misurata. He now lies buried at Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya.
Middle East, 20 April 1943 – Ground Staff, 12 personnel, killed as a result of two consecutive explosions which occurred during the "bombing up" of an aircraft scheduled for Ops that night. All 12 were initially buried at the Misurata Cemetery, but now lie at the Tripoli War Cemetery, Libya.
Names for the 1943 Middle East losses are listed at Memorials, Middle East.
25 April – ANZAC Day, a day of Remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders in their home lands, and around the world. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please comply with all restrictions, and carry out your personal remembrance at home. The Australian War Memorial is closed, but for ANZAC Day, will hold a private, televised Commemoration, which will be broadcast live across Australia by the ABC, and streamed online. Please refer to the AWM website for further details.
06 March 2020 – This date is the 95th Anniversary of the birth of the two gunners in the Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V, which failed to return to Foulsham from a night Op on 10 April 1945. Mid-Upper Gunner F/Sgt John Mickle TAIT, who died that night, and sole survivor Rear Gunner F/Sgt Maxwell James HIBBERD, were both born on 06 March 1925. This Tribute Website was initially created in memory of that crew.
This day is the 11th Anniversary of the registration of the Domain Name 462squadron.com and purchase of host server space for this website on 06 March 2009. Thank you to all who have contributed in any way to the continued growth of the site.
Addition of photo of Crew 13, Pilot Allan John RATE, with thanks to former Flight Engineer Sgt 'Duke' Newstead; links updated on this page, and some minor reformatting;
Creation of page for Crew 02, Pilot Bernard John MacDERMOTT, with photos from the Australian War Memorial;
Update links for Crew 25, Pilot BLACK (MU/AG SHOEMAKER originally from Crew 02, was later "Missing" as R/AG with Crew 25)
Update links on Site Map, and Squadron Crews UK , also addition or correction of some names and/or Service Numbers on this page;
Update links at 462 Squadron Driffield.
March Losses
Foulsham, Norfolk
– 08 March 1945 – Loss of Halifax MZ370 Z5-L, Crew 24, Pilot Frank Herbert JAMES, with 8th crew member for Special Duties WINDOW. All eight became Prisoners-of-War.
Foulsham, Norfolk – 13 March 1945 – one casualty for 462 Squadron, Foulsham, with the death of Sgt Charles Gallacher WELSH, Flight Engineer of Crew 58, Pilot Thomas Ian PALTRDGE, Halifax RG384 Z5-M. WELSH was killed by FLAK. Nav Kevin Joseph SHANAHAN was injured. W/Op Kevin John DENNIS was severely injured, but continued to carry out his duties, for which he later received the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Gazetted 13 July 1945). Due to aircraft damage, the Pilot was forced to land at Juvencourt Airfield (sic), France. WELSH was buried at the Clichy Northern Cemetery, Hauts-de-Seine, France.
The name SERGEANT CHARLES GALLACHER WELSH, was recorded on the Crew Arrival Form, in his own hand-writing, with very different letters "'G" and "C", and signed by him on 14 February 1945. This spelling is also included in an Ancestry Family Tree. However CWGC records WELSH's middle name as Gallagher, as do other Ancestry Family Trees. Recent email advice (04 March 2020) from his family is that "GALLACHER" is correct, as per his birth certificate.
No pages for JAMES or PALTRIDGE Crews – please make contact if you can assist with photos or crew information.
Middle East – 15/16 March 1944, Lawson Crew, of the newly reformed 614 Squadron, previously of 462 Squadron, and flying in Halifax BB446 formerly flown by them at 462 Squadron. Lawson and crew had carried out Ops for 462 Squadron while based at Terria in November/December 1943 and El Adem in January/February 1944. They had transferred with 462 Squadron when it relocated to Italy, where, on 01 March 1944, it officially ceased to exist, and became 614 Squadron.
06 February 2020 – Creation of page for Crew 66, Pilot Colin Allan FERGUSON, with photos and Service File information from the National Archives of Australia; possible identification of that crew's Nav BARWICK, in group photo on 462 Squadron Foulsham page;
Creation of page for Crew 25, Pilot William Stowell BLACK, with thanks to the National Archives of Australia for photos, Service File and PoW information for Bomb Aimer LAND; thanks to the 466-462 Squadrons' Association for photos of Pilot BLACK and Rear Gunner GLENISTER; and thanks to Duke Newstead for photo of F/Eng MacPHERSON from Flight Engineers photo of June 1945; BLACK and Crew in Halifax LL604 Z5-D Failed to Return from an Op to Bochum on the night of 9/10 October 1944 – four became Prisoners of War, and three were evaders.
Update links on Site Map, and Squadron Crews UK; and update names and links on 462 Squadron Foulsham
February was the month of highest fatalities for 462 Squadron.
Middle East – on the night of 5/6 February 1943, S/Ldr FORDHAM and crew in Halifax W7848 crashed while returning to Solluch from an Op to Palermo; one died of injuries; the remainder survived (no crew page as yet – can you assist with photos? If so, please Contact).
Middle East – on the night of 8/9 February 1943, Captain Sgt GREEN and crew, all seven died when their Halifax DT495 crashed into the sea while returning to Solluch after an Op to Palermo.
Please also refer to 462 Squadron Middle East page; and the Middle East Memorial page.
Foulsham, Norfolk, UK – on the night of 24/25 February 1945, the loss of four Crews and aircraft, on an Op to the Ruhr.
Halifax PN429 Z5-E TOOTAL Crew 57; crew of 8, all died.
Halifax MZ447 Z5-A RATE Crew 13; crew of 8, seven died; one Prisoner of War.
Halifax MZ448 Z5-W RIDGEWELL Crew 37; crew of 8, four died; four Prisoners of War.
Halifax MZ461 Z5-O ELY Crew 39; crew of 8, all died.
Paintings of these four aircraft, titled "Requiem for a Halifax Squadron", may be viewed on the Halifax page.
Of the ten aircraft and crews from 462 Squadron on Ops that night, the loss of four aircraft and crews must have been a terrible shock for all staff at RAF Foulsham, for the personnel of 462 Squadron, and in particular for recently arrived crews yet to commence flying on Ops – Paltridge and Crew 58 were posted TO 462 Squadron on 13 Feb 1945, BALL and Crew 59 on 16 Feb, and FLEMING and Crew 60 on 23 Feb.
06 January 2020 – Addition of photos at Bredenscheid Memorial, and Reichswald Cemetery in Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the loss of the Pilot Gerald COLEMAN and Crew 29, Halifax MZ400 Z5-J, on 09 October 1944 – with thanks to Peter Muxlow for photos.
Addition of scans of Log Book for Rear Gunner James "Jock" WHYTE, WHATLING Crew 42, with some re-formatting of this web page and refreshing of information – with thanks to Jock's son James C Whyte, and John Dann for providing scans.
Creation of page for Crew 62, Pilot Harold Eric GRANT – with thanks to Mark Weate for photo of Pilot GRANT; to the NAA for A9301 RAAF Service File and photos of Wireless Operator Robert STOREY; and to Duke Newstead for the Flight Engineers photo of June 1945, which included F/Eng W S COLLINS.
Creation of page for Crew 50, Pilot Philip Stuart SHERREN – with thanks to Mark Weate for photo of Pilot SHERREN; to Duke Newstead for the Flight Engineers photo of June 1945, which included F/Eng MacPHERSON; and to the RAAF Museum for photo of Bomb Aimers, which included Bomb Aimer Wilfred Alan QUYE; and to Patricia, wife of Alan QUYE, for information.
Update new links to Site Map; correct some names at Squadron Crews UK and at 462 Squadron Foulsham and update links on both;
Anniversaries of the loss of two Crews and aircraft of 462 Squadron from Foulsham –
Night of 6/7 January 1945, Halifax MZ469 Z5-N; ROHRLACH Crew 48; seven KIA; one survivor/PoW W/OP LAWRENCE;
Evening of 14 January 1945, Halifax LL598 Z5-A; ASTILL Crew 52; aircraft caught fire and crashed soon after take-off, six KIA; two survivors (F/Eng SANDAY, and R/AG REED).
06 December 2019 – Creation of page for Pilot W J HINTON and crew, with photos and information received from Pat KORNC, the younger sister of Mid-Upper Gunner Thomas Charles ANDERSON, Thank you, Pat. Thanks also to Dave SPRATT, son of Navigator F G SPRATT; and Bob ROBINSON, for their past assistance in matching names to crew positions. This Crew was Non-Operational, being posted TO 462 Squadron in late April 1945.
Addition of photo of Alan Edwin ASTILL, Pilot of Crew 52 (his crew members were inherited from Crew 36, Pilot FRIEND, after FRIEND was posted Non-Effective Sick); also some reformatting of the ASTILL crew page.
Addition of photo of Bruce FORTE, Pilot of a non-operational Crew, posted TO 462 Squadron in June 1945; also some reformatting of the FORTE crew page.
The photos of Pilots ASTILL and FORTE, were kindly supplied to this Tribute website by Mark WEATE, after he ordered them from the relevant RAAF Service Files at National Archives of Australia. Thank you, Mark.
Update new links to Site Map, and Squadron Crews UK, and names in Acknowledgements.
There were no listed casualties for personnel of 462 Squadron during the months of December 1942 (LG167, LG237, Middle East), or December 1943 (Terria, Middle East), or December 1944 (Driffield, UK).
06 November 2019 – Creation of page for Crew 55, Pilot Alan Gibson SWANN, Driffield and Foulsham.
Update links, including Site Map, and Squadron Crews UK, and 462 Squadron Foulsham.
Correction of dating information for the two photos of the JACKSON Crew 14 – based on the presence of Bomb Aimer Ronald James SMITH, both photos must have been taken before 02 November 1944 – on that date he flew with the MITCHELL Crew 21, in MZ401 Z5D, which Failed to Return, and SMITH was subsequently taken PoW.
Clarification of Op details for BREUSCH Crew 30, who carried out 4 Ops with 462 Squadron, Driffield (September 1944), and were then posted to 466 Squadron, Driffield – on their 2nd Op at 466 Squadron on 06 October 1944 (not 462 Squadron), their Rear Gunner James/Jimmy HIGGISON died of head injuries, after the aircraft was hit by flak.
Clarification of terminology for John W HARRIS, the Bomb Aimer / Observer / Navigator for WHATLING Crew 42 – John's RCAF "Flying Log Book for Aircrew other than Pilots" had been issued at commencement of his training in Canada, and the inside-rear page was headed "Units at which served as Observer or Air Gunner" – in John's case this section referred to his service as Observer, not Gunner. My apologies for not making this clear in the section "Log Book Details" – John's web page has also had some re-formatting, and is currently grouped with Other Personnel.
05 November 1949/2019 – 70 years since the marriage of Maxwell James HIBBERD (Crew 59 Pilot Alf BALL, Rear Gunner, sole survivor and PoW, Halifax NA240 Z5-V, which Failed to Return from night Op 10/11 April 1945). A photo of Max and his Bride on their Wedding Day may be seen on the Caterpillar Club page, with Max's Caterpillar Badge in view on his tie. He died on 13 March 1988, but his Widow recently reached her 89th birthday. (Had he not survived in 1945 – no Caterpillar, no marriage, no children, no 462 Squadron Tribute web page.)
11 November, Remembrance Day – please take the time to remember ALL 462 Squadron who lost their lives, or who survived as Evaders or PoWs, from operations in the Middle East, or Driffield, or Foulsham; also those who returned safely to help record the Squadron's story.
November losses –
Squadron Crews UK ......
02 November 1944 – Driffield, Halifax MZ401 Z5-D; MITCHELL and crew; 2 KIA, 4 PoWs, 1 Evader (Wireless Operator);
02 November 1944 – Driffield, Halifax LL610 Z5-U; JUBB and crew; 6 PoWs, 1 Evader (Pilot).
Memorials Middle East ......
10/11 November 1942 – Middle East, Halifax DT498; GOLDSTON and Crew, 3 KIA, 2 PoWs;
20 November 1943 – Middle East, 11 ground crew killed in an aircraft ground explosion.
06 October 2019 – Creation of page for Crew 01, Pilot David Eliot Strachan SHANNON, and possible identification of this crew's R/AG Whitehead and MU/AG Godsall in the Gunners of "B" Flight at 462 Squadron, Foulsham. Please contact if you can confirm or correct ID.
Update links, including Site Map, and Squadron Crews UK, and 462 Squadron Driffield.
Correct some formatting errors; correct the spelling of town of Victor Harbor, South Australia, not Harbour as previously written on several pages on this website – my apologies to South Australians, and to anyone who trained at 4 Initial Training School, Victor Harbor, SA.
October is a sad month with the Anniversaries of the loss of many aircraft and crews of 462 Squadron, UK and Middle East .....
06 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax NP990 Z5-L; McGindle and Crew 19, returned damaged, 2 injured, 2 PoWs;
06 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax "V"; Breusch & Crew 160 at 466 Sqdn (previously Crew 30, 462 Sqdn), flak damage, Rear Gunner KIA;
09 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax MZ400 Z5-J; Coleman and Crew 29, 7 KIA;
09 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax LL604 Z5-D; Black and Crew 25, 4 PoWs, and 3 Evaders;
10/11 October – 1942, Middle East, Halifax W1183:M; Warner and Crew, crash landed, with injuries (Warner July 1943, 4 KIA, 2 survivors);
11/12 October – 1943, Middle East, Halifax BB417; Hall and Crew, 6 KIA;
12/13 October – 1943, Middle East, Halifax BB333:J (?); Marsh and crew, 6 KIA;
15 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax MZ296 Z5-L; Cookson and Crew 23, all baled, all safe, some injuries;
15 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax NA619 Z5-Q; Cockerill and Crew 20, flak damage, landed away, Pilot injured;
23 October – 1942, Middle East, Halifax W7659:F; Declerck and crew, 5 KIA, 1 survivor;
23 October – 1944, Driffield, Halifax LL599 Z5-E; Nelder and Crew 28, 6 KIA, 1 PoW.
NEWS regarding Copyright and plagiarism (September and October 2019)
Between May and late August 2019, another website took some photos from this Tribute site (www.462squadron.com) without prior discussion, and without my permission (one with my watermark; another with watermark blacked out; and another cropped from a crew photo on my site complete with identifying caption). That site also had several factual errors in relation to 462 Squadron. I don't wish to give that site any publicity, so it shall remain un-named.
That site lists the names of many staff and volunteers involved, as well as listing comprehensive Terms & Conditions relating to the use of that site's material.
Why plagiarize my Tribute site's material?
After multiple emails about the issue, the photos were eventually removed from that site in late August.
I am the author/creator of this Tribute site (www.462squadron.com). Contact with the original donors (who had permitted me to use their photos on www462squadron.com) revealed they had not given permission for the other site to take and re-use them.
I claim Moral Right and Copyright for my words and personal photos. For words/documents written by other authors and published on my site with their permission, Copyright is retained by those authors. Similarly, Copyright of photos is also retained by the photographers. Historic material from various Family collections/archives is owned by the persons named, and permission must be requested from them (direct, or via me – Contact), before such material is taken and published elsewhere. All items have been clearly water-marked to identify the source.
Items which are in the "Public Domain", and sourced from the Australian War Memorial (AWM), or from the National Archives of Australia (NAA) or other Museums, have been used here with their permission. Such items can be freely down-loaded from the relevant websites, then cropped, straightened, repaired, watermarked, etc to suit your own use. Do not use my work.
06 September 2019 – Anniversary of the creation of this website ten years ago, going live on 6 September 2009 (also Father's Day in Australia on that day). To contributors and readers of this site – thank you all.
Losses in September – 06 September 1942 – Loss of the HACKING crew, flying in Halifax W7679 from Fayid, Egypt. Three of crew were KIA, two were Evaders, and one became a PoW. Members of this crew had just been posted from 227 Squadron to the newly formed 462 Squadron. Please refer also to the Memorials Middle East page for further information. I would be happy to add photos/details for this crew. If anyone can assist, please make contact. Photos on the 462 Squadron Middle East page would not include anyone from this crew.
Additions to MITCHELL Crew 21 – enlistment photo of Rear Gunner Albert Eric THORNTON; news clipping relating to him and Pilot Robert Richard MITCHELL; and THORNTON's service history from his recently digitized RAAF Service File.
Creation of page for Crew 68, Pilot George Ward FULLER.
Update new links to Site Map, and Squadron Crews UK.
06 August 2019 – In June, the very sad news was received from Gary Walker that his father, Sergeant Thomas WALKER 1590544 RAF, had passed away on Saturday 15 June 2019 in the Rotherham Hospital, South Yorkshire. Born on 30 March 1925, Tom had reached the grand age of 94 years and 2½ months. His wife Rose pre-deceased him on 12 February 2013, and they had been married for nearly 68 years. Tom was the first veteran of 462 Squadron to make contact after this Tribute website went live on 06 September 2009, with his web page created for 06 February 2010. He was the former Flight Engineer for Crew 61, Pilot Neil Stephen SULLIVAN, 462 Squadron, Foulsham. Tom was always ready and willing to answer my many questions, and I am indebted to him for his assistance. I was honoured and privileged to have met Tom and Rose, and Gary, at the Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington on Sunday 8 July 2012. Fly high, Tom, we will remember you.
Creation of page for Crew 60, Pilot James Gidley FLEMING.
Update Site Map, and various links throughout site.
Correction of spelling errors, and newspaper dates, and correction of some of the format/display problems on the DECLERCK Crew page.
Losses for July and August – please refer to Memorials 462 Squadron Middle East, and to crew page as listed below;
13 July 1943 – CAMERON, ground crew, death by accident;
14 July 1943 – WARNER and crew, failed to return from Op, four were killed, and 2 were survivors rescued by British Navy vessels;
16 July 1943 – LEHRER, ground crew, death from illness;
19 August 1943 – BIRMINGHAM and crew, five killed (no crew page as yet); names added to Squadron Crews Middle East.
06 July 2019 – No changes or additions to
this website.
06 June 2019 – No losses in June for 462 Squadron in Middle East, or in the UK.
This date is also the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and the Normandy landings on 06 June 1944.
Addition to Special Duties, Radio Counter Measures, Foulsham – information for Guenter John GOMAN, RCAF, kindly supplied by David Champion; correction to GOMAN's details on the Squadron Crews UK page.
Addition of photos to pages for ELY Crew 39, also Foulsham Memorial, and 462 Squadron Foulsham (location page), supplied by and used with the permission of the Ogilvie Sisters, nieces of the crew's Mid-Upper Gunner Matthew OGILVIE; they visited Foulsham on the weekend of 23 and 24 February 2019 – of significance because on 24 February 1945, all eight members of this crew were killed on a night Op to the Ruhr area in Halifax III MZ461 Z5-O. Three other crews from 462 Squadron, Foulsham, also failed to return from this Op – RATE Crew 13, RIDGEWELL Crew 37, and TOOTAL Crew 57.
Creation of page for International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), Lincolnshire, with photos supplied by and used with the permission of Harold Dummer, and Peter Muxlow.
Creation of page for Albert George DECLERCK and Crew of 462 Squadron, Middle East, who failed to return from an Op on 23 October 1942, with five KIA, and one survivor/PoW;
Update information and links on Middle East Crews; and Middle East Memorials, and Australian War Memorial;
Update Site Map, the Memorials home page, and various links.
06 May 2019 – No losses for May for UK 1945, or Middle East 1943/1944.
Addition of RAFVR Service information and documentation for Flight Sergeant James WHYTE (known as Jock during his posting to 462 Squadron), Rear Gunner for Whatling Crew 42, with thanks to Jock's son James C WHYTE; also minor amendments to the page for the crew's Bomb Aimer, John William HARRIS; WHYTE's name added to photo, Gunners of A Flight, 462 Squadron Foulsham;
Additions to Special Duties, Radio Counter Measures, Foulsham – photo and information for Robert HOFSTETTER, and obituary for Otto Charles CLEYN, kindly supplied by David Champion;
Amendment to "Help requested" section, Coleman Crew 29, as contact has now been established with all of the crew member's families;
Names added to the photo of the Charlie Weeks and crew at 1652 HCU Marston Moor, with other details on C. H. Weeks web page;
Corrections to captions of four close-up portrait photos, back row, crew sculpture, Bomber Command Memorial, Green Park, London;
Corrections to spelling errors & punctuation for Mitchell Crew 21;
Update information on Squadron Crews UK page;
Update names on Acknowledgements page.
On 25 April, ANZAC Day, this website's statistics indicated highest number of visitors ever, for any one day. Thank you all for visiting.
06 April 2019 – Due to "outside forces", no new pages for this month. However material has been received for addition in later site updates, with thanks to those contributors.
Addition of given names and corrections of surname spelling for Robert HOFSTETTER, RCAF and Otto Charles CLEYN, RCAF, who were both posted to 462 Squadron, Foulsham for Special Duties Radio Counter Measures, with thanks to David Champion for this information. Correction to country of location for David's name in Acknowledgements page; spelling corrections on various pages.
Most crews for 462 Squadron in the UK now added to the Site Map, with many crew pages yet to be created. Crew photos always welcome.
12 April 2019 – 12 month Anniversary of the opening of the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), Lincolnshire. A page for the IBCC will be created on this website, using contributed photos.
Losses in 1945 (Foulsham), and 1943 (Middle East) –
10 April 1945 – the loss of Halifax NA240 Z5-V, Pilot Ball and Crew 59 (7 KIA and 1 survivor/PoW), who were the inspiration for the creation of this Tribute website. Thanks go to families and friends of the crew, and to former 462 Squadron veterans who have helped to keep their stories alive. Crew photos, and links to the individual crew members are at Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V;
crew photos also at 27 OTU Church Broughton, 1652 HCU Marston Moor, and at 462 Squadron Foulsham.
The crash details page for NA240 has links to photos and information about the crash site, aircraft loss file, crash investigation, wreckage disposal, and graves. A Memorial is at Zaasch where NA240 crashed. The Books of Remembrance at St Clement Danes include the names of the crew who were KIA.
16/17 April 1945 – the loss of Halifax MZ467 Z5-C, Pilot Lodder and Crew 44 (5 KIA and 3 survivors/PoWs).
Both crews are commemorated at various Memorials, and in particular at the Australian War Memorial.
12 April 1943 – Middle East Ground Staff, loss of a Fitter mechanic who was killed instantly after stepping on an enemy mine, while at a rest stop in the Marble Arch area, during road travel between Cairo and Misurata. He now lies buried at Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya.
20 April 1943 – Middle East Ground Staff, loss of 12 lives, as a result of two explosions which occurred during the "bombing up" of an aircraft scheduled for Ops that night. All 12 were initially buried at the Misurata Cemetery, but now lie at the Tripoli War Cemetery, Libya.
Names for the 1943 losses are listed at Memorials, Middle East.
25 April – ANZAC Day, with commemorations by Australians and New Zealanders in their home lands, and around the world.
Extract from "For the Fallen" by Laurence Binyon (1869-1943) –
They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.
06 March 2019 – This date is the 94th Anniversary of the birth of the two gunners in the Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V, which failed to return to Foulsham from a night Op on 10 April 1945. Mid-Upper Gunner F/Sgt John Mickle TAIT, who died that night, and sole survivor Rear Gunner F/Sgt Maxwell James HIBBERD, were both born on 6 March 1925.
This day is the 10th Anniversary of the registration of the Domain Name 462squadron.com and purchase of host server space for this website on 06 March 2009. Thank you to all who have contributed in any way to the continued growth of the site.
March Loss Anniversaries – 08 March 1945 – Loss of Halifax MZ370 Z5-L, Crew 24, Pilot Frank Herbert JAMES, with 8th crew member for Special Duties WINDOW. All eight became Prisoners-of-War.
Also – 13 March 1945 – one casualty for 462 Squadron, Foulsham, with the death of Sgt Charles Gallagher WELSH, Flight Engineer of Crew 58, Pilot Thomas Ian PALTRDGE, Halifax RG384 Z5-M. Welsh was killed by FLAK. Nav Kevin Joseph SHANAHAN was also injured. W/Op Kevin John DENNIS was severely injured, but continued to carry out his duties, for which he later received the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Gazetted 13 July 1945). Due to aircraft damage, the Pilot was forced to land at Juvencourt Airfield (sic), France. Welsh is buried at the Clichy Northern Cemetery, Hauts-de-Seine, France.
(No pages for JAMES or PALTRIDGE Crews as yet – please make contact if you can assist with photos.)
Addition of given/first names to those already identified in the group photo of Flight Engineers at Driffield, November 1944; also amendment of a previous "possible" identification, middle row, far right, now positively identified as – 12. Rodney HETHERINGTON (ELY Crew 39), with thanks to his niece Pauline Chantler, who initially made contact on 24 February 2019, the 74th Anniversary of the loss of that crew. The ELY Crew page has also had a partial re-format.
Addition of details regarding "Escape Photos" added to R/AG LYNCH's information (RIDGEWELL Crew 37), and slight amendment to similar "Intelligence Photos" for MU/AG DONALDSON (RODGERS Crew 10), with thanks to Flight Engineer Sgt 'Duke' Newstead. Duke's information may also relate to similar photos of airmen with rank but in "civilian clothes", e.g. photos from the RAAF Service Files for W/Op F/Sgt KANE (SANDERSON Crew 27), and W/Op Sgt GOLDIE (SMITH Crew 51), and B/Aimer Sgt MANN and Nav F/O SCHMIDT (both of THOMAS Crew 06). Duke's notes on his own "Escape Photos" were also added to his RAF Service details (ANDERSON Crew 45), along with corrected information about the Anderson Crew's relocation with 462 Squadron from Driffield to Foulsham on 29 December 1944, and updates to other details about the crew.
Creation of page for Crew 03, Pilot James Thomas BROPHY, with thanks to 466-462 Squadrons' Association (crew photo), Stan Parker and John McManus (book "Brave and True", Australian War Memorial (DFC card), and National Archives of Australia (RAAF Service Files, Squadron ORB), London Gazette.
Correction of various spelling errors; update links throughout site; update names on Acknowledgements page.
06 February 2019 – February was the month of highest fatalities for 462 Squadron, with the Anniversaries of the loss of two crews from Middle East in February 1943, and four crews from Foulsham in February 1945.
Middle East – on the night of 5/6 February 1943, S/Ldr FORDHAM and crew in Halifax W7848 crashed while returning to Solluch from an Op to Palermo; one died of injuries; the remainder survived (no crew page).
Middle East – on the night of 8/9 February 1943, all seven of one crew (Captain Sgt GREEN) were killed when their Halifax DT495 crashed into the sea while returning to Solluch after an Op to Palermo (no crew page).
Please refer to 462 Squadron Middle East page; and the Middle East Memorial page.
Pages could be created for the Fordham Crew and the Green Crew – however information is scarce, and no photos are currently available – if you can contribute, please make contact.
Foulsham, Norfolk, UK – on the night of 24/25 February 1945, the loss of four Crews and aircraft, all on a night Op to the Ruhr.
Killed 27; Prisoners of War 5; Loss of 32 trained crewmen.
Paintings of these four aircraft, titled "Requiem for a Halifax Squadron", may be viewed on the Halifax page.
Halifax PN429 Z5-E TOOTAL Crew 57; all eight killed.
Halifax MZ447 Z5-A RATE Crew 13; seven killed; one Prisoner of War.
Halifax MZ448 Z5-W RIDGEWELL Crew 37; four killed; four Prisoners of War.
Halifax MZ461 Z5-O ELY Crew 39; all eight killed; addition of crew photo to the ELY Crew page, also photos of Mid-Upper Gunner Matthew OGILVIE, and information on his RAF Service, with thanks to his four nieces (sisters Lynn Eyre, Yvonne, Steph and Corrine);
Addition of information to FINLEY Crew 15 for Mid-Upper Gunner Mervyn John COLEMAN, after he was sole survivor from his first crew at 10 Squadron (later posted to 466 Squadron, thence to 462 Squadron), with thanks to Harold Dummer;
Addition of photos for COLEMAN Crew 29, taken during in October 2018 by Peter and Julia Muxlow, during a commemorative visit to the crew's Memorial at Bredenscheid, and to their graves at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery; also addition of news regarding Pilot Gerald COLEMAN's WW2 medals;
Addition of photos and information for BREUSCH Crew 30, with thanks to David King, son of the crew's Wireless Operator Charles Bernard KING; also now included are details of personnel changes in this crew, and the reasons why;
Meanings recorded for some of the abbreviations used in the training section of log book for McCorkindale in MITCHELL Crew 21, with thanks to Colin Carr;
Correction of some format errors in Crew Ops on pages for ANDERSON Crew 45 and BOYD Crew 40;
Update Acknowledgements.
06 January 2019 – another sad month, with the Anniversaries of the loss of two Crews and aircraft of 462 Squadron from Foulsham –
Night of 6/7 January 1945, Halifax MZ469 Z5-N; ROHRLACH Crew; seven KIA; one survivor/PoW W/OP LAWRENCE;
Evening of 14 January 1945, Halifax LL598 Z5-A; ASTILL Crew; aircraft caught fire and crashed soon after take-off, six KIA; two survivors (F/Eng SANDAY, and R/AG REED);
Creation of page for Crew 27, Pilot Russell William SANDERSON; identification of F/Eng Rowe (of this crew) in group photo of Flight Engineers in November 1944 at 462 Squadron, Driffield;
Correction of County (several crew pages) – 21 OTU, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire (not Oxfordshire as previously/incorrectly recorded);
Correction of various spelling errors; update Site Map; Squadron Crews UK; and Acknowledgements; add/update various links on the site.
In the Latest News for 06 November 2018, the losses for that month were not mentioned –
From Squadron Crews UK page –
02 November 1944 – Driffield, Halifax MZ401 Z5-D; MITCHELL and crew; 2 KIA, 4 PoWs, 1 Evader (Wireless Operator SCOTT);
02 November 1944 – Driffield, Halifax LL610 Z5-U; JUBB and crew; 6 PoWs, 1 Evader (Pilot JUBB); no crew page as yet;
From Memorials Middle East –
10/11 November 1942 –
Middle East, Fayid – Halifax DT498/C; S/Ldr Goldston and crew; three KIA (Pilot, MU/AG, R/AG), two PoWs (W/OP, F/Eng); one survivor/swimmer/evader (Obs/Nav WATTS) who returned to 462 Squadron at Fayid; no crew page as yet, names added to Squadron Crews Middle East;
20 November 1943 – Middle East, Terria – ground explosion with loss of 11 ground crew, including Cpl Harry FREEMAN 25093 RAAF of Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
06 December 2018 – No changes to existing pages; no new pages added; no crew losses; more crew pages scheduled for the future;
please visit again.
06 November 2018 – Correction of caption for photo of Rear Gunner Leo Kevin RAHALEY (Cuttriss Crew 7, Driffield); with apologies to his family, and thanks to his daughter Judith for advising of the error;
Addition of photos of souvenir mug to the Foulsham Memorial page, with thanks to Duke Newstead (Flight Engineer, Anderson Crew 45) who kindly posted the mug from Scotland to me in Australia; the page was also re-formatted;
Addition of names to the page for Crews of 462 Squadron, Middle East, also corrections to introductory information on locations and crew;
Creation of page for Crew and Pilot Humphrey Ralph GREEN, who failed to return from Ops on the night of 8 February 1943 (Middle East Command); photos and information received, thanks to Kenneth HALE, the son of the crew's Observer, George Henry HALE, RAF; thanks also to Andrey SADCHIKOV, Russia, for site location of the Luftwaffe Fighter Pilot's claim (information and map);
Creation of page for Crew and Pilot Francis Milford James HOGAN (Middle East Command); photos received thanks to Chris James WARD, son of the crew's Bomb Aimer, James Angus WARD, RAF;
Update 462 Squadron Middle East location page;
Update Site Map; and names in Acknowledgements; and add/update various links on the site.
06 October 2018 – Addition of photos of personal items belonging to Flying Officer Gerald Coleman, Pilot of Crew 29, all seven of whom were KIA on 09 October 1944; information is sought on the history of these items since then ( Contact ); they are now located at the AJEX Museum in London (Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women, UK); thanks go to Martin Sugarman, AJEX Archivist and Historian.
Addition of crew photos; scans of Nav's log book, PoW memorabilia, letters and Memoir; extra crew information, with a re-format of the original page for Crew 21, Pilot Mitchell, with thanks to the family of the crew's Navigator William McCorkindale.
NEWS FLASH – 08 October 2018, late additions of two pdf files, each a compilation of the individual service history of Bomb Aimer Latimer, and of Nav McCorkindale, as supplied by their respective families (Mitchell Crew).
Update Acknowledgements (people and books).
October is a sad month with the Anniversaries of the loss of many aircraft and crews of 462 Squadron, UK and Middle East .....
06 October 1944 – Driffield, Halifax NP990 Z5-L; McGindle and Crew 19, returned damaged, 2 injured, 2 PoWs;
06 October 1944 – Driffield, Halifax "V"; Breusch & Crew 160, 466 Sqdn (previously Crew 30, 462 Sqdn), flak damage, Rear Gunner KIA;
09 October 1944 – Driffield, Halifax MZ400 Z5-J; Coleman and Crew 29, 7 KIA;
09 October 1944 – Driffield, Halifax LL604 Z5-D; Black and Crew 25, 4 PoWs, and 3 Evaders;
11 October 1942 – Middle East, Halifax W1183:M; Warner and Crew, crash landed, with injuries (Warner July 1943, 4 KIA, 2 survivors);
11/12 October 1943 – Middle East, Halifax BB417; Hall and Crew, 6 KIA;
12/13 October 1943 – Middle East, Halifax BB333:J (?); Marsh and crew, 6 KIA;
15 October 1944 – Driffield, Halifax MZ296 Z5-L; Cookson and Crew 23, all baled, all safe, some injuries;
15 October 1944 – Driffield, Halifax NA619 Z5-Q; Cockerill and Crew 20, flak damage, landed, Pilot injured;
23 October 1942 – Middle East, Halifax W7659:F; Declerck and crew, 5 KIA, 1 survivor;
23 October 1944 – Driffield, Halifax LL599 Z5-E; Nelder and Crew 28, 6 KIA, 1 PoW.
Please make contact if you can assist with photos and/or information on the three crews listed above who are currently without a web page on this site – Crew 25, Pilot William Stowell Black; Crew 20, Pilot Albert John Cockerill; and Crew with Pilot Albert George Declerck.
6 September 2018 – Anniversary of the creation of this website nine years ago, going live on 6 September 2009, which was also Father's Day in Australia on that day. Thanks again to everyone who has assisted in any way over the last nine years. I am continually amazed at the Website Statistics which reveal the numbers of visitors to the site.
06 September 1942 – Loss of the HACKING crew, flying in Halifax W7679 from Fayid, Egypt. Three of crew were KIA, two were Evaders, and one became a PoW. Members of this crew had just been posted from 227 Squadron to the newly formed 462 Squadron.
19 August 1943 – Loss of the BIRMINGHAM Crew, in Halifax BB423, flying from Hosc Raui (now in Libya) on the night of 18 August. All 6 of the crew were KIA. This crew missed being mentioned in the site update for 6 August 2018. Members of this crew may possibly be in some of the group photos on the 462 Squadron Middle East page.
Refer also to the Memorials Middle East page for further information on these two crews, and please remember them. I would be happy to add photos and any other information if anyone can assist ( Contact ).
For various reasons, there are no new pages, and no additions to current pages, for this month. Material sent to me has been filed for future use. Thanks go to all donors, and in particular, to the McCorkindale family, who have sent many photos, and detailed information from former Navigator William McCorkindale. This material is yet to be processed and will be added to the page for Crew 21, Pilot Mitchell. In August 2018 the Mitchell crew page had the highest numbers of viewers on this site.
6 August 2018 – Correction to name in watermark for photo of George Arthur Edgar SANDAY on the Astill crew page, with sincere apologies to Sanday's family for the error;
Identification of previously unnamed crewmen in photos of the Lawson Crew (Middle East), with thanks to F/Eng David John (Jack) Lewis's family (Jack's son DJ, and DJ's sister C. Squibb) who identified Jack and other crew members from Jack's same set of photos;
Addition of information on the Robertson Crew page, including the post-war career of Pilot David John ROBERTSON (with thanks to his son Ian); extra photos and post-462 Squadron RAF Service details for F/Eng Ralph Daughters (with thanks to his son Ken); and an update on personal particulars for W/Op Wilson;
Addition of photos of Mid-Upper Gunner Mervyn John Coleman to the page for Crew 15, Pilot Finley, with some new information on Coleman, and the Finley crew at previous postings (with thanks to Harold Dummer, and John Dann).
Update Acknowledgements page; correct a few typos; update all links.
6 July 2018 – Correction to aircraft serial number at the end of the ROHRLACH crew page (previous erroneous listing in last section – "Possible conclusions regarding the loss of Halifax MZ469 Z5-N") – my apologies for the error;
Identification of Charles Owen John SCAFE 435097 RAAF, 466 Squadron – one of four men in a photo on the Neville Owen REED page – thanks go to Robyn Robinson who identified her Uncle (Robyn's mother and Scafe were siblings); information also added regarding the two ex-PoWs from 466 Squadron in that photo; also links to their Pilot Feilberg (KIA) who trained with Astill in Canada (photo on ASTILL page);
Addition of some genealogical information for John HEGGARTY's paternal Great-grandparents William and Mary, with thanks to Viv Brundell (John's page has also been reformatted);
Creation of page for Crew 18, Pilot David John ROBERTSON, with photos and information received from the crew's former Flight Engineer Ralph Kenneth DAUGHTERS (deceased), with thanks to his son Ken Daughters and Ken's wife Janice; also received from Ken were two photos from 12 September 1993 which have been added to the Driffield Memorial page (banner for 462-466 Squadrons, and memorial wreaths); also with photos and summaries of RAAF Service History for three of the crew, with thanks to National Archives of Australia;
Update Acknowledgements page, Site Map, and Squadron Crews UK; update all links.
6 June 2018 – Creation of page for Crew 61, Pilot Neil Stephen SULLIVAN; see also the page for their Flight Engineer Tom WALKER, who was the first person to make contact on 9 September 2009, after this Tribute website went live on 6 September 2009.
Update Site Map; also links on Squadron Crews UK.
6 May 2018 – No losses were recorded for the months of May or June for 462 Squadron, in either the Middle East or the UK.
Creation of page for Crew 69, Pilot Jack Marshall CAIRNS, with information from the National Archives of Australia, and from John Dann, UK. No photos of the complete crew have been located in any of the usual reference books – if you can assist please make contact.
Addition of photos of James Ferguson LATIMER, Bomb Aimer for Crew 21 Pilot MITCHELL, also addition of some RAF and personal information for Jim on that page – he and his wife celebrated their Platinum Wedding Anniversary on 27 March 2018 – Congratulations on 70 years of married life together. Thanks to Jim, and Colin & Katrina Carr for photos.
Addition of photos of Maxwell James MARTIN, Rear Gunner for Crew 06, Pilot Ron THOMAS, flying from Driffield, with thanks to Max's daughter Cecile; also addition of some RAAF service information for Max.
Addition of photos of Albert Edward PERKES, Bomb Aimer for Crew 51, Pilot Jack Roy SMITH, along with a summary of his RAAF Service History, with thanks to National Archives of Australia, received via John Dann, UK; for extra photos of this crew and further information, please refer also to the page for the crew's Rear Gunner Al Oakes. Al's page also includes his Log Book and very interesting Memoirs.
Amendment to enlistment details for Murray FRANK, Bomb Aimer for Crew 59, Pilot A D J Ball – "U. T." or U/T taken as meaning "Under Training" as referenced in the "Abbreviations & Slang" appendix in the book "Phoenix – Book 2: The Reincarnation. The Story of No 462 Squadron RAAF" by A G Batten; and also in various WW2 websites (search for Royal Air Force or WW2 Acronyms and Abbreviations). Thanks also to Ray Bastin for providing a new online reference.
Correct various spelling errors; update Acknowledgements; and Squadron Crews UK page; and Site Map and all links.
6 April 2018 – another sad month with the Anniversaries of losses in 1945 (Foulsham), and 1943 (Middle East).
10 April 1945 – the loss of Halifax NA240 Z5-V, Pilot Ball and Crew 59 (7 KIA and 1 survivor/PoW), who were the inspiration for the creation of this Tribute website. I would like to thank the families and friends of the crew, and also former 462 Squadron veterans who have helped to keep their stories alive. Links to the individual crew members via Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V page; also to photos at 27 OTU Church Broughton, 1652 HCU Marston Moor, and at 462 Squadron Foulsham. The crash details page for NA240 has links to information about the crash site, aircraft loss file, crash investigation, wreckage disposal, and graves. A Memorial is at Zaasch where NA240 crashed, and the crew's names are in the Books of Remembrance at St Clement Danes.
16/17 April 1945 – the loss of Halifax MZ467 Z5-C, Pilot Lodder and Crew 44 (5 KIA and 3 survivors/PoWs).
Both crews are remembered at various Memorials, but in particular at the Australian War Memorial.
12 April 1943 – Middle East Ground Staff, loss of a Fitter mechanic who was killed instantly after stepping on an enemy mine, while at a rest stop in the Marble Arch area, during road travel between Cairo and Misurata. He now lies buried at Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya.
20 April 1943 – Middle East Ground Staff, loss of 12 lives, as a result of two explosions which occurred during the "bombing up" of an aircraft scheduled for Ops that night. All 12 were initially buried at the Misurata Cemetery, but now lie at the Tripoli War Cemetery, Libya.
Names for the 1943 losses are listed at Memorials, Middle East.
Identification of Pilot Lyle Anzac Lawson in Middle East crew photos, has been confirmed by his grand-daughter Sandra.
Creation of page for Crew 40, Pilot John Nelson Bryson BOYD, with thanks to the sons of the crew's Wireless Operator William EVANS, Michael and David EVANS, who forwarded scans of photos, log book, and various documents, and provided additional information.
Names and their Crews added to various group photos on the 462 Squadron Foulsham and 462 Squadron Driffield pages.
Information and links updated on Squadron Crews UK; updated Acknowledgements; and Site Map, and links in relevant pages.
12 April 2018 – scheduled official opening ceremony for the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), Lincolnshire – a ticketed event.
6 March 2018 – the 93rd Anniversary of the birth on 06 March 1925 of Mid-Upper Gunner Johnny Tait and Rear Gunner Max Hibberd (photos or Service File, or PoW File, or Caterpillar File). They were in the Crew of Halifax NA240 which crashed on the night of 10 April 1945.
Three crew members have been identified in group photos on the 462 Squadron Foulsham page ......
..... John MORTIMER in the photo of Navigators March 1945; and William EVANS in the photo of Wireless Operators March 1945; both members of Crew 40, Pilot John Nelson Bryson BOYD; they were identified by Michael EVANS, son of W/Op Bill EVANS. Does anyone have any photos of the Boyd crew? if so please make contact.
..... James Ferguson LATIMER in the photo of Bomb Aimers March 1945, as advised by Jim's son-in-law Colin Carr;
Jim Latimer was the original Bomb Aimer for Crew 21 Pilot Robert Richard MITCHELL, and his photo and extra information about him has been added to his section on the Crew page, with thanks to Colin and Katrina Carr.
Addition of photo of substitute Bomb Aimer Ronald James SMITH to the Mitchell Crew page (photo from the National Archives of Australia), Smith had substituted for Latimer on the night of 02 November 1944 when the Mitchell Crew Failed to Return.
Correction to identification of Bomb Aimer David John Bates MERCER, in the crew photo in front of their Halifax, on the Rodgers Crew page, Mercer has been identified by his son Peter David Mercer.
Addition of Bomb Aimer AINLEY's RAF Service Details to the R H V Thomas Crew page; addition of a series of unidentified photos from the Ainley Archives, possibly from his later postings; also partial re-write/update of information on the Warner Crew page, Ainley having survived crashes with both crews; with thanks to Alan Marr, Karen Ainley and Robert Thomas for file copy and photos.
Creation of page for Ely Cathedral, East Anglia, which has a RAF Memorial Window, and four Memorial books for Bomber Command Groups; with thanks to Karen Ainley for photos taken at the Cathedral, and thanks to Tom Russell & Andrew White & David Bruce of Ely Cathedral, for additional information.
Update Memorials main page; and names on Squadron Crews UK; update Acknowledgements; and Site Map, and links in relevant pages.
6 February 2018 – February was the month of highest fatalities for 462 Squadron, with the Anniversaries of the loss of two crews from Middle East in February 1943, and four crews from Foulsham in February 1945. Please think of them.
Middle East – on the night of 5/6 February 1943, S/Ldr FORDHAM and crew in Halifax W7848 crashed while returning to Solluch from an Op to Palermo; the Navigator/Observer, F/O Ronald MOORHOUSE, later died of his injuries (buried in the Benghazi War Cemetery); the Captain (S/Ldr FORDHAM), WOp/AG (Sgt RICH/RICK?), and Tail Gunner (not named) were admitted to hospital with injuries; the Flight Engineer (Sgt LOOMES) and Mid-upper Gunner (not named) were temporarily admitted to hospital with shock. Only the names of Fordham, Moorhouse, Loomes and Rich/Rick(?) are mentioned in the Form 541 for February 1943. Only Moorhouse (deceased) was mentioned by name in the report of the crash in the Form 540 for that month, the others listed only by duty. F/Eng Loomes was the only crew member who was named in later Ops, so Captain S/Ldr Fordham and Sgt Rich/Rick may have been posted elsewhere after release from hospital. This Crew was not listed for any Ops prior to 5 February 1943, and neither Officer was listed in Postings to the Squadron. The two un-named gunners have not been accounted for, before or after that Op, but may be recorded under their names with other crews; or perhaps they were posted elsewhere after the crash. If anyone can supply their details – please make contact.
Middle East – on the night of 8/9 February 1943, all seven of one crew (Captain Sgt GREEN) were killed when their Halifax DT495 crashed into the sea while returning to Solluch after an Op to Palermo. Their names are recorded on the Alamein Memorial, as they have no known graves.
Please visit the Middle East Memorial page for further details on those KIA; Crew details updated on 462 Squadron Middle East page.
Pages could be created for the Fordham Crew and the Green Crew – however information is scarce, and no photos are currently available – if you can contribute, please make contact.
Foulsham, Norfolk, UK – on the night of 24/25 February 1945, the loss of four Crews and aircraft, all on a night Op to the Ruhr.
Halifax MZ461 Z5-O ELY and Crew 39; all eight killed.
Halifax MZ447 Z5-A RATE and Crew 13; seven killed; one Prisoner of War.
Halifax MZ448 Z5-W RIDGEWELL and Crew 37; four killed; four Prisoners of War.
Halifax PN429 Z5-E TOOTAL and Crew 57; all eight killed.
Paintings of these four aircraft, titled "Requiem for a Halifax Squadron" may be viewed on the Halifax page.
Killed 27; Prisoners of War 5; Loss of 32 trained crewmen.
It is difficult to understand now, how badly this tragic loss of life must have affected everyone in the Squadron, and it must have been a huge shock to newly arriving crews. For example, Crew 59, (Pilot F/O A D J BALL), had been posted to 462 Squadron on the 16 February 1945, fresh-faced from training at 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit, Marston Moor. Eight days later, 32 men from the Squadron failed to return from the night Op to the Ruhr. This surely would have weighed heavily on the minds of these new crewmen, and perhaps they considered their own chances of survival – two months later on 10/11 April, they also failed to return, with 7 KIA, and 1 PoW.
Addition of photo to the page for the Tommy THOMAS crew, Middle East, with corrected identification of members of the crew; photo and information kindly supplied by Robert THOMAS, nephew of the Flight Engineer John Hewson THOMAS.
Update of information for W/Cdr WARNER and Crew, Middle East, whose Flight Engineer Loomes had previously crewed with S/Ldr Fordham, Loomes surviving 2 crashes (with Fordham in February 1943, and with Warner in July 1943), similar to Bomb Aimer Ainley who had also survived the Warner crash in July 1943, and the Thomas crash in September 1943. Loomes and Ainley were two very 'lucky' airmen.
Update Acknowledgements; update links in all relevant pages; and correct a few typos.
6 January 2018 – another sad month, with the Anniversaries of the loss of two Crews and aircraft of 462 Squadron from Foulsham – please take the time to remember them –
On the night of 6/7 January 1945, Halifax MZ469 Z5-N and the ROHRLACH Crew failed to return from a "Protective Patrol" Op, seven of the crew were killed, with W/OP Douglas Henry LAWRENCE being the sole survivor and PoW;
On the evening of 14 January 1945, Halifax LL598 Z5-A and the ASTILL Crew were scheduled for a "Special Duties WINDOW" Op, but the aircraft caught fire and crashed soon after take-off, killing six of the crew, with two survivors, F/Eng SANDAY, and R/AG REED;
Correction to reference used for family history of Ivan Alexander ARCHER (Sandy), Nav for the RODGERS Crew (correct title of book is "But That's Another Story" © 2006, self-published by Colin Mackay ARCHER, my apologies to the Archer family for error);
Posted by Darren and Michelle MAY on Facebook page for Friends of 466/462 Squadrons .... (quote) ....
"Vale Joe Hollins – It is with great sadness that I let you all know that Joe Hollins (RAF) passed away at 8pm GMT on 26 Dec 17. Joe was the Flight Engineer on 462SQN Halifax MZ467, down over Germany on 17 April 1945 and was the last squadron aircraft to be lost for the war. Five of the crew were killed and three survived, and by a twist of fate, Joe was on compassionate leave that day and survived the war. On 17 April 2009, a commemoration Service was held at the crash site to honour the crew of MZ467. It was a great honour and very moving to have Joe in attendance at this service where he paid his respects to the crew, including to SGT John Gray who replaced Joe as Flight Engineer on that fateful night. Let us pause today to remember the passing of another WWII veteran of 462 Squadron. .... (end quote) – Halifax MZ467 Z5-C LODDER Crew.
Creation of page for Pilot Colin William JACKSON and Crew 14, photos from the Archives of the crew's Rear Gunner Michael John STAFFORD via Mark Weate; also crew photo from the 466-462 Squadrons' Association and John McManus; and individual photos from the National Archives of Australia (NAA), (additional information for this crew in later updates);
Creation of page for Pilot Lyle Anzac LAWSON and Crew from 462 Squadron in the Middle East, with photos from the Archives of the crew's Wireless Operator Sgt Frederick Henry WORTHINGTON, with thanks to his son Terry Worthington – this crew and their aircraft was lost without trace from an Op on the night of 15/16 March 1944, just 2 weeks after relocating to Italy with 462 Squadron, their deaths recorded under 614 Squadron, which had been renumbered from 462 Squadron, (additional information for this crew in later updates);
Creation of page for Pilot Peter Hamilton FINLEY and Crew 15, with thanks to the 466-462 Squadrons' Association and John McManus for the crew photo, and the NAA for Finley's photos (additional information for this crew in later updates).
Update Acknowledgements; update links in all relevant pages.
6 December 2017 – Creation of new page for the Marsh Crew Middle East, who all lost their lives on the evening of 12/13 October 1943, when their Halifax crashed soon after take-off from Terria, with thanks to Bob and Janet Lane, and Anthony Tilley and Brian Tilley for photos and information;
Amendment to the Hall Crew Middle East page, Details of Op on night of 11/12 October 1943; Form 541, Detail of Work Carried out, Terria, Appendix 'A', October 1943, corrected to date "11/12 October 1943" (previously incorrectly listed as 12/13 October 1943 – my apologies for this error);
Creation of new page for Pilot Hickey and Crew 09, Driffield, with thanks to Shirley Cockram, wife of the late John Cockram (the crew's Navigator); also possible identification of F/Eng Duchesne in the Flight Engineers group photo, Driffield, November 1944;
Update of page for Britt & Crew 47 with addition of previously unavailable Pay Book pages for Austin James Bruce Cruickshank (the crew's Navigator), with thanks to Doug Cruickshank (new format of double page spread rather than single pages);
Corrections of typing and/or spelling errors on various pages;
Update Crews of 462 Squadron Middle East; and Memorials for 462 Squadron Middle East, with addition of names of Lawson Crew, who were lost without trace from an op on the night of 15/16 March 1944, just 2 weeks after relocating to Italy with 462 Squadron, their deaths recorded under 614 Squadron, which had been renumbered from 462 Squadron (crew page pending);
Update links on Squadron Crews UK page; also Acknowledgements and Site Map.
There were no listed casualties for personnel of 462 Squadron during the months of December 1942 (LG167, LG237, Middle East), or December 1943 (Terria, Middle East), or December 1944 (Driffield, UK).
6 November 2017 – no changes or additions to current pages; no new pages.
On 11 November, Remembrance Day, please think of those men of 462 Squadron who lost their lives, or who survived as PoWs.
Please see Memorials Middle East ......
10/11 November 1942 – Middle East, Halifax DT498; Goldston and Crew, 3 KIA, 2 PoWs;
20 November 1943 – Middle East, 11 ground crew killed in an aircraft ground explosion;
and on the Squadron Crews UK page ......
02 November 1944 – Driffield, Halifax MZ401 Z5-D; Mitchell and crew; 2 KIA, 4 PoWs, 1 Evader (Wireless Operator);
02 November 1944 – Driffield, Halifax LL610 Z5-U; Jubb and crew; 6 PoWs, 1 Evader (Pilot).
Wanted for this website – photos of crews or aircraft of 462 Squadron – if you can assist, please make contact. Thank you.
6 October 2017 – News has been received that Ronald Roy HICKEY, DFC, 425654 RAAF, passed away on 23 September 2017 after a short illness. His funeral service was on Thursday 28 September 2017 at the Landsborough Catholic Church, Queensland. Ron was the Pilot/Captain of Crew 132 at 466 Squadron, Driffield, where he carried out 2 Ops as 2nd Pilot, and a further 15 Ops with his usual crew. On 20 August 1944, they were posted to the newly reformed 462 Squadron, Driffield (Crew 9). Hickey and his crew carried out 21 Ops at 462 Squadron, and they were posted from the Squadron in November 1944 having completed their Tour. Hickey's award of the DFC was published in the London Gazette on 16 February 1945 (Issue 36942, page 933), as was the DFC for Alan George Cuttriss 410634 RAAF (Crew 7, 462 Squadron). My sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Ronald Roy Hickey.
Addition of Service details for Austin James Bruce CRUICKSHANK, 430276 RAAF, the Navigator for Pilot Britt & Crew 47; also included are scans of pages from his Pay Book prior to being granted a Commission; official letters; and an interesting civil "Charge Sheet" involving three members from the Britt crew, one from the Whatling crew, and a fifth airman; with thanks to Doug Cruickshank for those items; also added is a previously unidentified photo of Britt and crew with F/Eng Lakin, with thanks to the 466-462 Squadrons' Association and John McManus.
Creation of page for Pilot BREUSCH and Crew 30, later posted to 466 Squadron when their Rear Gunner was KIA on 06 October 1944; Breusch crew photo also with thanks to the 466-462 Squadrons' Association and John McManus.
Correction to some names, service numbers, and Forces, on the Squadron Crews UK page.
October is a sad month with the Anniversaries of the loss of many aircraft and crews of 462 Squadron, UK and Middle East .....
06 October 1944 – Driffield, Halifax NP990 Z5-L; McGindle and Crew 19, returned damaged, 2 injured, 2 PoWs;
06 October 1944 – Driffield, Halifax "V"; Breusch & Crew 160, 466 Sqdn (previously Crew 30, 462 Sqdn), flak damage, Rear Gunner KIA;
09 October 1944 – Driffield, Halifax MZ400 Z5-J; Coleman and Crew 29, 7 KIA;
09 October 1944 – Driffield, Halifax LL604 Z5-D; Black and Crew 25, 4 PoWs, and 3 Evaders;
11 October 1942 – Middle East, Halifax W1183:M; Warner and Crew, crash landed, with injuries (Warner July 1943, 4 KIA, 2 survivors);
11/12 October 1943 – Middle East, Halifax BB417; Hall and Crew, 6 KIA;
12/13 October 1943 – Middle East, Halifax BB333:J (?); Marsh and crew, 6 KIA;
15 October 1944 – Driffield, Halifax MZ296 Z5-L; Cookson and Crew 23, all baled, all safe, some injuries;
15 October 1944 – Driffield, Halifax NA619 Z5-Q; Cockerill and Crew 20, flak damage, landed, Pilot injured;
23 October 1942 – Middle East, Halifax W7659:F; Declerck and crew, 5 KIA, 1 survivor;
23 October 1944 – Driffield, Halifax LL599 Z5-E; Nelder and Crew 28, 6 KIA, 1 PoW.
We will remember them.
6 September 2017 – Eight year anniversary of this website going live on 6 September 2009. Thanks again to everyone who has assisted.
Corrections on Ron Taylor page – change "10 (Observer's) Advance Flying Unit" to "10 (Observer's) Advanced Flying Unit"; and similarly on the Friend Crew 36 page – changed 3 (P) Advance Flying Unit" to "3 (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit";
Addition of 2 photos of Pilot Gerald Coleman to the Coleman crew page, also addition of his enlistment Service Number (with re-format of page so that photos relevant to each crew member remain together); ongoing research on this crew by Peter Muxlow has been successful, with Peter recently making contact with the Pilot's younger brother, Bernard Coleman, aged 93 years! Information and documentation has been supplied by Bernard to Peter, and will be added to this site for later updates. Meanwhile, the search continues for relatives of that crew's Mid-Upper Gunner, Sgt Archibald James Mouat. He and his wife Edith Rose Mouat (nee Furlonger) had 2 daughters (Sheila C. and Maureen A. Mouat), and it is believed that Archie's widow Edith Rose later remarried. Please make contact if you can assist.
Confirmation has been received from the Australian Nominal Rolls (Statistics & Data Integrity) that the Service Number 407623 as recorded in the 462 Squadron ORB (Middle East) for Ernest Goldsmith PAGE (Ernie), was later changed to O4406, as recorded in the online Nominal Roll (O for Officer, not 0 for zero), and also that his locality on enlistment was Naracoorte, South Australia. Ernie was Observer/Navigator for the RHV Thomas crew, Middle East. The Australian WW2 Nominal Roll site has been amended to include both of his RAAF Service Numbers, and his enlistment locality.
Creation of page for Pilot Stanley James NOURSE and Crew, who served with 462 Squadron in the Middle East from mid-October 1943 to the end of February 1944.
Amendment of titles for the four Middle East crew pages, to make their location clear – all now have the words "Middle East" in the title.
Update Squadron Crews UK page; Update Squadron Crews Middle East; Update Site Map; Update Acknowledgements page.
6 August 2017 – Creation of new page (with some photos) for the 2 groups of personnel for Special Duties (WINDOW), who were Posted TO 462 Squadron, Foulsham in January and April 1945, with the basic lists of their names remaining on the Squadron Crews UK page;
Possible identification of extra man in one of Smith Crew 51 photo with Halifax MZ341 Z5-P (i.e. Stan Tills, Special Duties);
Correction of dates of photos for Errol Dallas Tisdell on Lodder Crew 44 page;
Creation of new page (with some photos) for the 2 groups of personnel for Special Duties (Radio Counter Measures), who were Posted TO 462 Squadron, Foulsham from February to April 1945, with the basic lists of their names remaining on the Squadron Crews UK page;
Addition of photo of 15 year old Denis Roy Muxlow (later Rear Gunner) to the Coleman crew page;
update Site Map; update site links; correct various spelling and formatting errors.
6 July 2017 – Corrections to names for photograph of Pilot Scott and Crew 64 beside their Halifax, with thanks to Michael Pardy, son of Bernard Peter Pardy, the crew's Mid-Upper Gunner; Michael identified his father, and also supplied additional photos of various members of the crew during the War, as well as the crew reunion photo from 1995; thanks also to Rowan Bond for identifying the old motorcycle;
Addition of two family photos to page for John Walker Horridge, and also stereo aerial photos taken during his training at 33 Air Navigation School, Ontario, Canada in November 1943, with thanks to his son Jon;
Addition of photo of Alan Astill (with Ron Feilberg, both training as Pilots in Canada) to the page for Astill and Crew 52, with thanks to Robynne Mitchell (thanks also to John Dann for arranging contact with Robynne), corrections to and addition of Ops details for Astill;
Re-format page for Friend and crew 36, and correct errors;
Addition of photos of the Bomber Command Commemoration Ceremony and Luncheon at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, on Sunday 4 June 2017, with thanks to Lynn Nickols (daughter of Ivan Alexander ARCHER (Sandy), Navigator of Crew 10, Pilot Rodgers), also some corrections on that page;
Addition of photo of Pilot "Tommy" Thomas and his Navigator "Ernie" Page to the R H V Thomas Crew, 462 Squadron, Middle East; with thanks to Quentin Thomas, the pilot's son (thanks also to John Dann for arranging contact with Quentin); Quentin has also identified some of the previously un-named faces in the group photos of that crew's page; addition of RAAF details for Page;
Corrections and minor additions to Warner crew, Middle East;
Update various links throughout the site; Update Acknowledgements.
6 June 2017 – Creation of page for Memorials for 462 Squadron, Middle East Command, which lists those members of 462 Squadron, who lost their lives during 462 Squadron's existence in the Middle East. They are buried in various cemeteries, as detailed on that page. Those with no known grave, have their names listed in the Air Force Panels of the Alamein Memorial in Egypt.
Creation of page with photos of 462 Squadron at various locations, Middle East Command, with thanks to The Aviation Heritage Museum of Western Australia and the RAAFA Bull Creek, WA, for scanning the photos and sending them with associated information.
If you assist with photos of, or information about any of those listed on either Middle East page, please make contact.
Re-format of page for John Walker Horridge with addition of scans of all pages from his Flying Log Book (Bomb Aimer, Carthy Crew).
Update Memorials home page; and Locations home page; and Site Map; and links on various pages; correct typos.
6 May 2017 – Changes to the relevant section of the Squadron Crews UK page, with more information about the Non-Operational Air Crew personnel posted FROM 192 Squadron TO 462 Squadron on 28 May 1945; their crew positions have now been identified, and they have been grouped by crew according to the 192 Squadron ORB, with thanks again to Michael Stark.
Changes to page for John Walker Horridge, Bomb Aimer for the Carthy crew, with extra personal information, details of his RAFVR training and service history sourced from his Log book, and addition of scans of documents and photos from the Horridge Family Archives. This information has also enabled the estimation of the timeline for the crew formation, and their training and postings as a crew.
Changes to page for Carthy Crew 17, with extra crew information (timeline deduced from Horridge's data); a list of the Crew's Ops at 462 and 466 Squadrons (from 462 Squadron ORB, and "Brave and True"); addition of photo of Halifax LW440 Z5-B (Horridge Family Archives); addition of 2 Group photos at Driffield in January 1945 (from 466-462 Squadrons' Association); and information on the post-war career in the RAF of Flight Engineer John Kerr Leyden (from London Gazette).
6 April 2017 – Due to local extreme weather events, little has been added for this month's update, although research has been ongoing.
This month is the Anniversary of the loss of Halifax NA240 Z5-V, Pilot Ball and Crew 59 on 10 April 1945. That crew was the reason for the creation of this Tribute website and I would like to thank the families and friends of the crew, and also former 462 Squadron veterans who have helped to keep their story alive. Links to the individual crew members are via the Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V page. They may also be seen in photos at 27 OTU Church Broughton, 1652 HCU Marston Moor, and in the various group photos at 462 Squadron Foulsham. Links to the crash site, aircraft loss file, crash investigation, wreckage disposal, and graves are via the crash details page. A Memorial is at Zaasch where NA240 crashed, and the crew's names are in the Books of Remembrance at St Clement Danes.
April is also the Anniversary of the loss of Halifax MZ467 Z5-C, Pilot Lodder and Crew 44 on 17 April 1945.
Both crews are remembered at various Memorials, but in particular at the Australian War Memorial.
NA240 (7 KIA and 1 survivor/PoW) and MZ467 (5 KIA and 3 survivors/PoWs) were the last 2 aircraft losses for 462 Squadron.
Details of some Non-Operational air crew personnel POSTED IN during May 1945 have been received and added to the relevant section of the Squadron Crews UK page. Thanks go to Michael Stark for information on ten personnel who were posted FROM 192 Squadron TO 462 Squadron. Both squadrons were located at RAF Foulsham. Information on other postings have been sourced from the National Archives of Australia (NAA). The list of Un-aligned Air Crew personnel (August 1944 to April 1945) on the same page, has also been updated.
Thanks are also extended to John Dann in the UK, for funding the digitization of several (many) RAAF aircrew Service Files at the NAA, thus making available photos and service histories of 462 Squadron personnel.
6 March 2017 – This date is the 92nd Anniversary of the birth of Mid-Upper Gunner Johnny Tait and Rear Gunner Max Hibberd, who were both born on 6 March 1925 (both pages re-formatted); links to other crew members via the re-formatted Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V page;
Identification of a "Sweetheart brooch" from Wireless Operator Ron Taylor's personal effects, with thanks to Lindsay Cheal for this advice;
Addition of photos of Pierre Rene Yan Donaldson, Mid-Upper Gunner of Crew 10, Pilot Rodgers, with only Rodgers and F/Eng Crawford yet to be identified in the crew photo – if you can assist please make contact;
Addition of photos of Flight Engineer Sgt George Arthur Edgar SANDAY and Special Duties (WINDOW) Sgt Leslie Edward MILES to re-formatted page for Crew 52 Pilot Astill;
Addition to Crew 48, Pilot Rohrlach – Memoir "Zebra Five November" written by W/Op Douglas Henry Lawrence in 1995 (Part 1 as a pdf attachment, and Part 2 Supplementary as a transcription on the Crew's web page);
Addition of enlistment photo of Rear Gunner Allan Farmer to Crew 28, Pilot Frank Edward Nelder, as well as RAAF Service information for Nelder and Farmer (sourced from the National Archives of Australia), and some additional information about other members of this crew;
Re-formatting of each of the following crew pages (to correct display errors) – Hall crew (Middle-east); M.J.Hibberd Caterpillar Club page; Pilot Alf Ball of crew of NA240; Navigator Neil Vernon Evans; also Crew 47, Pilot Britt; Crew 23, Pilot Cookson; Crew 13, Pilot Rate; Crew 64, Pilot Scott; and pages for Other Personnel Gordon Robert (Bob) Wilson;
Update Acknowledgements.
6 February 2017 – Addition and/or correction of names for Special Duties (Radio Counter Measures) on Squadron Crews UK page, with thanks to David Champion, researcher of 101 Squadron;
Addition of information and photo of Richard POWELL, Rear Gunner of Crew 41, Pilot Sharp, with thanks to Richard's grandson Robert Hall; and also addition of photos of that crew's Pilot, George Christopher Barr SHARP, with thanks to Chris's niece Jenny Moon;
Addition of personal information on Derrick Edward MILLER (Dusty), Navigator for Crew 26, Pilot Uther page, with thanks to Dusty's son Richard Miller; also photos of the Bomber Command and 462-466 Squadron Banners in the 2016 ANZAC Day Parade Sydney, and information on post war life of the Pilot Don Uther, with thanks to Don's daughter Jane Bannister;
Addition of information from Thomas John Cunningham (Paddy), F/Eng of Crew 06, Pilot Thomas, sent via Tim Dawe, with thanks to Tim and Paddy;
Addition of photos of Nav Keith Thomas Clarke, MU/AG William Edward Dyer and R/AG Leo Kevin Rahaley to Crew 7, Pilot Cuttriss, from their Service Files at the National Archives of Australia; update with extra information, with thanks to the Pilot's daughter Sally-Ann Cuttriss, and the Nav's son Keith James Clarke; information also sourced from "Brave and True";
Addition of photos taken during the weekend of 7th 8th, and 9th October 2016, including the Memorial Service at Bredenscheid on 9 October 2016, the 72nd Anniversary of the loss of Halifax MZ400 Z5-J and all of Crew 29, Pilot Coleman, with thanks to Peter and Julia Muxlow, and John Pettifer; also some re-formatting of that page;
Update Acknowledgements.
6 January 2017 – Addition of photos and documents for Flight Engineer Frederick BROOKES, of Crew 59, Pilot Alf BALL, with thanks to Andy Brookes, Fred's great-nephew;
Creation of page for Crew 51, Pilot Jack Roy SMITH, with thanks for photos supplied by Ian Robert GOLDIE, son of the crew's Wireless Operator Gordon Leo GOLDIE (Bill); due to information received from Ian, the page for crew's Rear Gunner Albert Buckley OAKES has also been updated;
Addition of newly discovered information relating to Coleman Crew 29, and including photos and details of the Memorial Service on 9 October 2016, the 72nd Anniversary of the loss of Halifax MZ400 Z5-J and all of its crew; with thanks to members of the Muxlow family, and their German and UK research contacts;
Addition of photos and information relating to Rohrlach Crew 48, with thanks to the crew's Wireless Operator Doug Lawrence for access to his 1995 Memoirs ("Zebra Five November"), and also to Doug's son John Lawrence, and grandson Aaron Lawrence for their research into the loss of Halifax MZ469 Z5-N; thanks to the three generations of the Lawrence family (including Alison and another grandson Mark), and to the families of the crew in the UK for photos contributed to this Tribute site; thanks also to their research contacts in Belgium and the UK. Please note: 6 January 2017 is the 72nd Anniversary of the loss of Halifax MZ469 Z5-N and seven of its crew on the night of 6 January 1945, with Doug Lawrence the sole survivor and Prisoner of War, and now aged 93 going on 94. We will remember them.
Update
names &/or Service Numbers &/or links on 462 Squadron Foulsham and 462 Squadron Driffield pages, and Squadron Crews UK;
update Site Map and Acknowledgements.
6 December 2016 – Renamed some of the main links on Home page – old "Crash Details" now "Crash Details NA240 Z5-V", as the details relate only to Halifax III NA240 Z5-V and Crew 59, and not to any other aircraft or crew of 462 Squadron;
similarly renamed "Crew" page as "Crew 59 NA240 Z5-V"; and also renamed "Log Book" as "Log Book R/AG Crew 59"; linked pages also renamed (my apologies for any previous confusion);
Addition of photos to page for the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, with thanks to Lynn Nickols for photos of the Bomber Command Memorial and the "466 and 462 Squadrons RAAF" plaque; and thanks to Sheryl Weston for photos of plaques dedicated to "467 and 463 Squadrons RAAF" and to 460 Squadron RAAF;
Addition of 1986 reunion photo which includes David Mercer, the Bomb Aimer for Crew 10, Pilot John Thomas RODGERS, with thanks to the 466/462 Squadrons Association and John Dann;
Addition of photo of AC2 Fennell, and replacement of two group photos on page for Pilot Hall and crew (scans of copies now replaced with scans of original photos, located after the page went online on 6 November 2016, thanks to Avril Browne and John H C Fennell);
Addition of photo of 4 members of the Anderson Crew during the march to the Unveiling of the Driffield Memorial in September 1993; also photos of 3 members (and wives) of that crew at the roll-out of Halifax "Friday the 13th" on Friday 13th September 1996, Elvington (with thanks to former Flight Engineer Duke Newstead);
Identification of Gordon Leo Goldie in photo of "Wireless Operators, March 1945" (462 Squadron Foulsham) confirmed by his son Ian;
Correction to date of birth for W/Op O'Donnell in Scott Crew (error in listing on WW2 Nominal Roll has also now been corrected);
Creation of page for Crew 6, Pilot Ronald James THOMAS, with thanks for photos supplied by Margaret Szalay, daughter of the crew's Navigator J D K Schmidt;
Ongoing additions/corrections to names and Service Numbers on Squadron Crews UK page; update Site Map and Acknowledgements.
Advice has been received from the 466/462 Squadrons Association via John Dann, that Arnold Pearce Derrington passed away in England on 30 October 2016. My sympathy is extended to his family and friends. Arnold Derrington, known as "Derry", was posted from 466 Squadron, Driffield (7 Ops, Crew 139) to 462 Squadron, also at Driffield, in August 1944. He was Navigator in Crew 8 of 462 Squadron (Pilot David Leslie Evans, 405579 RAAF). Derry carried out 24 Ops at 462 Squadron, then his crew was posted back to 466 Squadron in late December 1944, where they carried out a further 6 Ops. He must have shown early signs of "officer potential" as he had been Commissioned from the rank of Leading Aircraftman, 1586658 RAFVR, to the rank of Pilot Officer, 157333, effective 2nd October 1943. He was promoted to Flying Officer effective 2nd April 1944, and was awarded a DFC, gazetted 22 May 1945.
The website was very busy for the weeks around Remembrance Day 11 November, with many email inquiries, and also offers of photos and information for existing and proposed new pages. Thank you all – please be patient as it will all be added as soon as possible.
6 November 2016 – In late September, the sad news was received of the death on 15 September 2016 of former Pilot William John Frazer, aged 93 years & 10½ months. Thanks go to his daughter Sue Hanna for this advice. Frazer and his Wireless Operator Arthur De Leacy had married sisters from County Durham after the War, with both wives later emigrating to Australia on a War Bride Ship (page updated).
Creation of page for Crew 10, Pilot John Thomas RODGERS, with thanks for photos and information supplied by Lynn Nickols, daughter of Ivan Alexander ARCHER (Sandy), the crew's Navigator/Observer; also thanks to John Dann for information on Moyle, the crew's W/Op;
Creation of page for the crew and Pilot F/Sgt M F HALL, of 462 Squadron in 1943 when it was stationed in Egypt/Libya/Tunisia during the Desert War, with thanks for photos and information supplied by John H C FENNELL (Lt Col (Ret'd), Late Royal Engineers), nephew of Raymond LLewellyn FENNELL, the crew's Rear Gunner;
Addition of photos to page for Crew 45, Pilot Anderson, with thanks to former Flight Engineer Duke Newstead, also update crew information;
Update Squadron Crews UK page, Squadron Crews Middle East page; site map and acknowledgements, and all links.
6 October 2016 – Addition of information about Pilot Sydney John Carthy of Crew 17, with thanks to his nephew Mike Jeremy;
Addition of photo of Flight Engineers dated November 1944 to the 462 Squadron Driffield page, with thanks to Duke Newstead, Flight Engineer of the Anderson crew; this photo can be compared with that of Flight Engineers 1945 at 462 Squadron Foulsham;
Creation of page for Crew 63, Pilot Lyle David Robinson, with thanks to Duke Newstead for the photo of Pilot Lyle Robinson and Wireless Operator Bernard Francis Robinson;
Creation of page for Flight Engineer Leader William Folger Readhead, with thanks to Colin Pateman for information; Readhead photos cropped from Engineer's photos Driffield 1944 and Foulsham 1945 (supplied by Duke Newstead);
Creation of page for Crew 45, Pilot Henry Robert Anderson (Andy), again with thanks to Duke Newstead for the crew photos;
Correction to Pegram entry (KIA, Rate Crew) on Squadron Crews UK page; update site map and acknowledgements, and all links.
Reminder that the dedication service for the Memorial Plaque for the Crew of MZ400 will take place at Bredenscheid Church, Germany at 9:30am, Sunday 9 October 2016. It will be 72 years to the day from when Halifax MZ400 Z5-J crashed on the village brickyard and railway embankment. If you are interested in attending, please make contact and your email will be forwarded to the organiser Peter Muxlow, in the UK.
6 September 2016 – Seven year anniversary of this website going live on 6 September 2009. Thank you to all who have assisted.
Addition of details (first names or initials, rank, Service Numbers) to the photo of Flight Engineers at 462 Squadron Foulsham;
Creation of page for Crew 64, Pilot Walter Henry SCOTT, with thanks to John McManus of 466-462 Association, Sydney for crew photo;
Addition of photo of Murray FRANK in group of RAAF trainees at 4 ITS, Victor Harbor; South Australia (photo from AWM);
Addition of photo of PN433 Z5-A to the Halifax page; as well as a list of training and Operational Flights for Halifax NA240 Z5-V; and creation of links to the various aircraft photos, models, and artwork on that page (photo supplied by former Flight Engineer Tom Walker).
6 August 2016 – Addition of photos of Fl/Sgt Philip Hedley Malcolm LEVEY, Navigator of the Coleman Crew, with thanks to Philip's niece Margaret Carlyon (nee Levey) and nephew Frank Levey;
Creation of page for the Donaldson Crew, with thanks to Ann Lee (Skitch) for photos from the archives of Bomb Aimer Mervyn Vivian Murray SKITCH, and to the National Archives of Australia for enlistment photo of R/AG George Arthur Douglas LYNCH;
Identification of Engineer Leader F/Lt William Folger READHEAD as "Tam" by Colin Pateman (thank you); and update references to Readhead in Squadron Crews UK page, to the names for the photo of Flight Engineers on 462 Squadron Foulsham page, and to the transcription of F/Eng Mick MANNING's letter on the Max A Smith page; update acknowledgements and site map and all site links.
6 July 2016 – Addition of four photos of Rear Gunner John George LYNCH of Crew 37 (Pilot Frederick Harold RIDGEWELL), with thanks to Eddie Lynch (J G Lynch's nephew). Four of that crew, including Lynch and Ridgewell, were KIA on 24 February 1945, and four were taken as Prisoners of War.
Addition of enlistment photos of Pilot Frank Edward NELDER and Bomb Aimer John Maurice GRACE, both of Crew 28. Six of that crew were KIA on 23 October 1944, with Grace the sole survivor and Evader; photos from the National Archives of Australia.
Addition of photos of Pilot Mervin Walter ROHRLACH and Wireless Operator Douglas Henry LAWRENCE, both of Crew 48. Seven of that crew were KIA on the night of 6/7 January 1945, with Lawrence the sole survivor and PoW; photos from the National Archives of Australia.
Reformatting of those three crew pages. Update acknowledgements.
Confirmation has been received that the dedication service for the Memorial Plaque for the Crew of MZ400 will take place at Bredenscheid Church, Germany at 9:30am, Sunday 9 October 2016. It will be 72 years to the day from when Halifax MZ400 Z5-J crashed on the village brickyard and railway embankment. If you are interested in attending, please make contact and your email will be forwarded to the organiser Peter Muxlow, in the UK.
6 June 2016 – Creation of page for 462 Squadron, Driffield, Yorkshire (4 Group) covering the time from the Squadron re-formation in August 1944, to the end of December 1944 when it relocated to Foulsham, Norfolk, becoming part of 100 Group. The photo "462 Squadron Officers, Driffield, December 1944" has now been relocated from the 462 Squadron, Foulsham page to the new Driffield page. This new page will include photos of Squadron personnel at Driffield, as well as various aerial and ground photos of RAF Driffield, some from WW2, and some more recent.
Addition of photo to page for Driffield Memorial.
Correction of formatting errors on Squadron Crews UK. Update site links.
6 May 2016 – During April, the sad news was received of the death of former Pilot Leo Britt on 11 April 2016, aged 94½. Thanks go to Leo's grandson Christopher Britt for this advice. Leo's crew page has also had some resizing and repositioning of photos.
Addition of photo of Pilot F/Lt William Bolton Cookson DFC and relevant information, as well as some minor re-formatting to that crew's page (with thanks to Michael Courtenay for providing the photo).
Addition of photo of three Pilots of B Flight to the 462 Squadron page.
Addition of photo to Peter McCallum Paull page, and changes to correct spelling and format errors.
Changes to Noel Victor Hibberd page, and Max A. Smith page to correct display/format errors.
Similar corrections to the John Heggarty page, and the addition of the death of John's cousin Paul Jeffrey Meyvaert, on 6 October 2015, one month before his 94th birthday (refer to the genealogy section of the Heggarty page). An Honorary Associate of Harvard University, Jeffrey and another English cousin Viv, had both been very helpful with Heggarty family information, resulting in new contacts and the location of photos of John and his immediate family.
Contact has now been established with the Australian relatives of Fl/Sgt Philip Hedley Malcolm Levey, Navigator of the Coleman crew. Consequently there are new Levey photos and documents added, and some amendments to the genealogy section of that crew's page. Contact is still sought with relatives of Sgt Archibald James Mouat, Mid-Upper Gunner, and Pilot Gerald Coleman, who were both RAFVR. Negotiations are ongoing for a planned Memorial Service in Bredenscheid, Germany on the 9 October 2016, the 72nd Anniversary of the loss of Halifax MZ400 Z5-J and all seven of the Coleman crew. If you are interested in attending or can assist with locating relatives of Mouat or Coleman, please make contact and your email will be forwarded to the organiser Peter Muxlow, in the UK.
6 April 2016 – Creation of page for Crew 42 Pilot Peter Freston Whatling, with information and photos from the Dennis Claude Coleman Collection kindly provided by his son David Coleman. Sadly Dennis Coleman passed away on 19 December 2015, aged 89. Additional crew information may be viewed on the page for John William Harris, Bomb Aimer for this crew (John's page previously set up for 6 March 2012).
Addition of a recent photo of F/Eng Kenneth Mitchell to the Forte crew page, with thanks to Ken for this photo. He recently celebrated his 92nd birthday (30 January 2016).
Addition of recent photos outside the Respirator Workshop, Driffield, including relatives of 2 members of Crew 29 Pilot Gerald Coleman, with thanks to Peter and Julia Muxlow; a new genealogy section for crew members Mouat and Levey is also now included on that page, as Peter wishes to contact them as soon as possible. Please send an email via this site's contact page and it will be forwarded to Peter immediately.
Creation of page for Crew 26 Pilot Donald Grant Uther, with information and photos received from his daughter Jane Bannister, and her husband Kent.
6 March 2016 – This date is the 91st Anniversary of the birth of F/Sgt J.M.Tait (Mid-Upper Gunner) and F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd (Rear Gunner) who were both born on 6 March 1925. Links to their pages are via the Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V page. It is also the 7th anniversary of the date that the Domain name was registered and host server space purchased for this website (6 March 2009). Thank you to all who have contributed in any way to the continued growth of the site.
The sad news was received of the death in South Australia on 31 January 2016, of Bruce Alfred BELL (Dinger)
417941 RAAF. Bruce was aged 92 and was the Wireless Operator from Crew 45, Pilot Henry "Andy" Anderson. It had previously been thought that only two British members of this crew were still alive. Thank you to Bruce's daughter Anne, for this advice. On the 462 Squadron page, Bruce may be seen in the photo of Wireless Operators, Foulsham, March 1945, front row, left. On the same page, the caption for the photo of Pilots, Foulsham, April 1945 is incorrect, as Pilot O'Malley (in photo, front row, right) and crew were posted to the Squadron in June 1945. Similarly, the caption for the photo of the Flight Engineers, Foulsham, March 1945 is also incorrect, as F/Eng Ken Mitchell (back row, 2nd from right) was posted to the Squadron on/after 31 May 1945 (recorded in ORB as June 1945).
On the Squadron Crews, UK page –
..
addition of a second group of 12 RAAF W/Ops for Special Duties (WINDOW), April/May 1945;
.. addition of 24 un-aligned aircrew personnel from August 1944 to April 1945, who were not recorded in Ops;
.. addition of 6 non-operational crews (42 individuals), April and June 1945;
.. addition of 50 non-operational aircrew personnel not yet grouped by crew or crew position. If you can assist, please make contact;
Creation of page for Pilot/Captain P/O Bruce Forte and crew, which included Flight Engineer Sgt Kenneth Mitchell (with thanks to Ken and his son-in-law Peter Dickinson for the crew photo, and crew information).
6 February 2016 – Identification of P/O Robin Eugene Nicholls 434168 RAAF in the photo of Gunners (A Flight) of 462 Squadron, Foulsham, March 1945 (MU/AG 1944, Crew 35 Pilot/Captain Triggs, and MU/AG 1945, Crew 19 Pilot/Captain McGindle DFC) with thanks to Robin's son Dave;
addition or correction of first names and surnames, service numbers and Air Force on page for Squadron Crews UK;
fix format errors in table on page for Squadron Crews Middle East;
the sad news was received that Kenneth Spriggs passed away peacefully at home on 20 January 2016 – Ken was Mid Upper Gunner for Crew 40 Pilot/Captain Boyd, and is in the photo of Gunners (B Flight) March 1945, 462 Squadron, Foulsham.
Thank you to those who recently sent copies of photos or information, and my apologies that those items were not included this month – they should be added for the 6 March update. The time was instead used to research and answer many queries received regarding air crews and individuals in 462 Squadron, with the possibility of additional material for use on this site in the future – thank you for making contact.
6 January 2016 – Correction to birth date of F/Eng Stewart John Alfred Pegram, Crew 13 Pilot Rate, and addition of some personal information and a mini photo of him (with thanks to Donald Stewart and Jane Belair);
updates to "Additional Crew Information" section on page for Crew 41 Pilot Sharp with details of Postings for W/OP Kenneth Cavalier Peachey which also relate to Crew formation and postings, and also help to identify locations for some of the photos on that page, also some Peachey "family history" (with thanks to Chris Peachey); also correction of date of death for George Christopher Barr Sharp, and addition of personal information for him (with thanks to Sharp's niece Jenny Moon); extra information for the photo of MZ306 Z5-K on the Sharp crew page and the Halifax page;
addition of Halifax Memorial Artwork to the Aus. War Memorial and Halifax pages (thanks to Craig Rowland);
addition of "Requiem for Halifax Squadron" artwork to the Halifax page (original artist/s not yet identified);
corrections and additions to service details for Flight Engineer Dennis Claude Coleman (Crew 42, Pilot Whatling) on Squadron Crews UK and John Harris pages, and addition of photo of Halifax NA148 Z5-Z to Halifax page (with thanks to Dennis Coleman's son David Coleman for the photo and information). Dennis Coleman passed away peacefully in his sleep on 19 December 2015, after a long illness. He was aged 89 and 7 months. More photos and information for the Whatling crew will be added at a later date.
Creation of new Squadron Crews home page; renaming of original page Squadron Crews to 462 Squadron Bomber Command UK;
creation of page for 462 Squadron Middle East when it was stationed in Egypt/Libya/Tunisia during the Desert War;
creation of page for the crew captained by W/Cdr Peter George Batty Warner, which includes Sgt Charles Robert Borden Ainley who crewed with Warner as Bombardier;
creation of page for the crew captained by F/O Robert Hilary Vivian Thomas, which also included Bombardier F/Sgt Charles Robert Borden Ainley (with thanks to Alan Marr and Karen Ainley for photos and Ainley's personal information);
some minor changes to format on all of the above pages; check all links; update site map and acknowledgements (Thank you all).
6 December 2015 – Creation of page for Crew 37 Pilot Frederick Harold Ridgewell;
changes to 462 Squadron page with addition of better quality photo of "Wireless Operators, Foulsham March 1945" (with thanks to Chris Peachey); re-organisation of that page so that group photos are in the sequence of Pilots, Navigators, Bomb Aimers, Wireless Operators, Flight Engineers, Air Gunners A Flight, Air Gunners B Flight, Special Duties, "Top Brass", and other Officers; addition of photo of group of Special Duties Airmen (Window Dispensers), with thanks to Aviation Heritage Museum of Western Australia, RAAFA, Bull Creek; new links added to that page;
addition of information and Halifax photos to Sharp crew page, with the aircraft photos (NR239 Z5-D and MZ306 Z5-K) also included on the Halifax page (with thanks to Chris Peachey & Sandra Peachey, son & daughter of W/OP Kenneth Cavalier Peachey); addition of photo of Halifax LL600 Z5-C to Halifax page (with thanks to Aviation Heritage Museum of Western Australia, RAAFA, Bull Creek);
correction of arrival details for Rate crew (i.e. posted to 462 Squadron Driffield in August 1944, not to Foulsham as previously written, the crew relocating to Foulsham with the Squadron in late December 1944); a similar correction for Harrison-Broadley (Tootal Crew) and a similar correction for all members of the Ely crew (my apologies for these repeated errors);
correction of typographical errors on various pages; update acknowledgements and site map.
6 November 2015 – Creation of page for Crew 41 Pilot George Christopher Barr Sharp (RNZAF), with photos kindly provided by Martin Bland and his brother, nephews of this crew's Navigator, George Sinton Bland;
addition of photos of Halifax LW440 Z5-B and NR284 Z5-Q to the Halifax page, with some added information on other aircraft on that page; addition of list of Radio Counter Measures personnel to Squadron Crews plus amendments to show additional first names (instead of initials) and Force, where these have been verified (new naming details also added to other relevant pages);
minor format changes to various pages; update acknowledgements and site map.
October 2015 – Creation of page for Crew 13 Pilot Allan John Rate; addition of Ops for Britt and crew; addition of Ops for Ely and crew; updates to Ops list for Cookson and crew (verified aircraft Z5 codes and names of 8th crew member for Special Duties), minor format changes to Britt and Ely and Cookson pages; amendment to Squadron Crews to show either KIA, or PoW, or Evader status for members of Black and Ely crews, and on-going correction of various errors in names, numbers and crew positions; addition of first Op as second Pilot for Coleman with total of 11 Ops for him, and 10 for his crew; fix page format error and re-position photos on Reed page; update site map.
6 September 2015 – Father's Day in Australia, and 6 years since this website was first introduced on 6 September 2009 (which was also Father's Day, the first Sunday in September annually). My thanks are extended to all who have contributed to this site.
Amendment to incorrect birth date on Frederick Brookes page;
Identification of crew members in photo on web page for Charlie Weeks and crew, and addition of a photo of the same crew with their Halifax after posting to 77 Squadron, with thanks to that crew's former Flight Engineer James Clark, and his sons Bob Clark and Mike Clark; also addition of extra photos of Charlie Weeks to same page, with thanks to Jeff M Weeks;
Identification of W/O Kenneth Cavalier Peachey 436272 RAAF in the photo of Wireless Operators of 462 Squadron, Foulsham, March 1945 (W/OP for Crew 41, Pilot/Captain George Christopher Barr Sharp, 425509 RNZAF), with thanks to Ken's son Chris Peachey;
Addition of photos of Navigator Edward Windus to page for Lodder and crew with thanks to Edward's niece Christine Corn; as well as photos of Errol Dallas Tisdell in the same crew (photos from the NAA);
Creation of page for Crew 47 Pilot Leo Britt, with crew photo supplied from the Austin James Bruce Cruickshank Archives, with thanks to his son Doug Cruickshank;
Addition of names of 12 Wireless Operators posted to 462 Squadron for Special Duties (WINDOW) to Squadron Crews;
Minor format and spelling corrections on various pages; update various links; update acknowledgements and site map.
6 August 2015 – Correction of birth date for Edward Windus, Navigator in Lodder crew (as advised by Edward's niece Christine); update to the Coleman crew including photos and service record for Rear Gunner Denis Roy Muxlow, a transcription of the 1948 official Crash Investigation Report, and photos and information about the loss of that crew's Halifax MZ400 Z5-J, as researched and reported by Peter Muxlow; more additions & corrections to names, Service Numbers and Air Forces for Squadron Crews, with inclusion of PoW or KIA status where applicable (this crew list is an ongoing project); update acknowledgements.
6 July 2015 – Correction of Op return time for 8 April 1945 on Walker page; on 462 Squadron photo page, addition of rank of F/Sgt for G F Hicks (who remained with the RAF post-war, and later retired at the rank of Squadron Leader), and some minor format changes to that page; correction of transcription error from page 2 of the letter from Mick Manning to Max Smith, (from 'tarts' to 'farts' therefore completely changing the meaning of the sentence); creation of page for Crew 39 Pilot Vivian Clive Ely; additions or corrections to names, Service Numbers and Air Forces for Squadron Crews and update links; update site map.
6 June 2015 – Addition or correction of first names and surnames, service numbers and Air Force to the page listing Squadron Crews, after extensive cross-referencing from various sources (on-going project, if you can correct or add to any of this information, please make contact); addition of letter from F/Eng Mick Manning 1891464/187960 RAFVR to Nav Max Arthur Smith 424803 RAAF in about August 1945, both previously of crew 12 Pilot/Captain Thrasher Taylor 415196 RAAF – this letter gives information about other members of, and events in 462 Squadron after hostilities ceased but before the squadron disbanded. Mick was still at Foulsham, but Max was back home in Australia.
6 May 2015 – No updates to website due to travel to Germany by the owner/author during the past month.
1. The Service to Commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Loss of Halifax NA240 Z5-V was held at St. Ursula's Evangelische Kirche in Zaasch at 10 am on Friday 10 April 2015. Flowers were left under the Memorial Plaque, and an Australian Flag was presented to Pfarrer Matthias Taatz and Bürgermeisterin Frau Ines Möller. After the service, the crash site was visited. Attendees included:-
from Australia – a representative of the Hibberd family;
from England – Terry Cotterill, nephew of the Crew's Flight Engineer, Sgt Frederick Brookes; Peter & Julia Muxlow, relatives of Denis Roy Muxlow of the Coleman Crew;
from Germany – Pfarrer Matthias Taatz of St. Ursula's Evangelische Kirche in Zaasch; Bürgermeisterin Frau Ines Möller (Wiedemar); Ortschronist Herr Hans Dedek of Zaasch; Ms Lorri Miller of Zaasch; Gaby and Mario Teumer of Oschatz; Rolf Schulze of Hohenpriessnitz; people of Zaasch; Press photographers.
from Austria – representing the Royal Australian Air Force, Group Captain Ric Casagrande (former Australian Defence Attaché for Italy).
An article with photo was published in the Leipziger Volkszeitung Lokales on Tuesday 21 April 2015.
2. A symbolic 6km walk from Zaasch to the underground Cells at the Rathaus in Delitzsch was undertaken in memory of the sole survivor of the crew (Rear Gunner and Prisoner-of-War Maxwell James Hibberd). After the crash on 10 April 1945, he was taken Prisoner-of-War on 11 April 1945, and spent his first night as PoW in the Delitzsch cells.
3. A meeting was held with Oberbürgermeister Dr Manfred Wilde and Archivist
Lars Freiberg (both of Delitzsch) and an Australian flag was presented to them, as well as a copy of a book for the Delitzsch Archives ("To See the Dawn Again; A History of 462 Squadron, RAAF") kindly supplied by the new 462 Squadron RAAF.
4. Visit to the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery on ANZAC Day 25 April, to view the graves of seven members of that crew. Small Aussie flags and British Unions Jacks were placed alongside the relevant headstones, along with a poppy each. Graves of other Bomber Command crews lost on the same Op to Leipzig were also visited. As arranged, a meeting was held at the the Cemetery with Mr Philippe Fontaine (Head Gardener of the Commonwealth War Grave Cemeteries, Berlin) as well as with Colonel Russell J. Maddalena (Australian Army, and Defence Attaché, Berlin).
Photos and further details of the Commemorative events will be added to this website in later updates. Thanks are extended to all who contributed to the success of these events, and to those who provided photographs, and verbal and written translations.
6 April 2015 – Identification of Flight Engineer Sgt George Arthur Edgar Sanday, in the photo of Crew 36 Pilot Friend, with thanks to Sanday's grand-daughter Nancy; addition of some service numbers to Squadron crews; update acknowledgements; spelling corrections.
10 April 2015 is the 70th Anniversary of the loss of Halifax NA240 Z5-V. Arrangements have been completed for the Commemorative Service to be held at St. Ursula's Evangelische Kirche in Zaasch at 10 am on Friday 10 April 2015. Zaasch and Delitzsch dignitaries and researchers will attend, as well as representatives of the families of this crew (and others crews) from England and Australia. On ANZAC Day, 25 April, a visit is planned to the Crew's graves at Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery Section 4, Row Z, graves 7 to 13. (Please note that as a Centenary of WW1 Event, the annual ANZAC Day Service in Berlin has been relocated to the Berlin South West Cemetery, Stahnsdorf, to commence at the earlier time of 9.00 a.m.)
6 March 2015 – This date is the 90th Anniversary of the birth of F/Sgt J.M.Tait (Mid-Upper Gunner) and F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd (Rear Gunner) who were both born on 6 March 1925. Links to their pages are via the Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V page. It is also the 6th anniversary of the date that the Domain name was registered and host server space purchased for this website (6 March 2009). Thank you to all who have contributed in any way to the continued growth of the site. Due to unforeseen circumstances (a Category 5 Cyclone), there are no changes or additions to this website this month. My apologies go to those who have recently sent me material for use on this site. That material will be added in later updates. However ...... News Flash ...... 10 April 2015 is the 70th Anniversary of the loss of Halifax NA240 Z5-V.
There will be a Commemorative Service at St. Ursula Ursula Evangelische Kirche in Zaasch at 10 am on Friday 10 April 2015.
The aircraft crash site was on the outskirts of Zaasch, and the church cemetery was the location of the original communal grave for seven of the crew. A Memorial Plaque is now permanently displayed in the church foyer. Anyone with an interest in this crew is welcome to attend, however please advise your intention. Accommodation is available at Delitzsch, or Leipzig.
A representative of the sole survivor of the crew, Rear Gunner F/Sgt Maxwell James Hibberd, will attend the Zaasch Commemorative Service, as well as the annual ANZAC Day Service on 25 April 2015 at the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, where the 7 Crew are buried in Section 4, Row Z, graves 7 to 13.
6 February 2015 – Creation of page for Crew 5 Pilot Aubrey William Lane, with thanks to Leigh Orchard, son of Rear Gunner Alan Wenfred Orchard, and to Joanna Rollinson, God-daughter of Flight Engineer Laurence Beecher; addition of some names and service numbers to Squadron Crews page; update acknowledgements, and site map.
6 January 2015 – addition of wedding photo and relevant information to the Arthur Herbert De Leacy page, with thanks to his English War Bride Nicky, and their son David and daughter Pauline; addition of "Croix de Guerre Attestation" and "Besluit Prins Regent Nr 3424 van 16 januari 1947" documents to Neville Owen Reed page, with thanks to his daughter Janice for obtaining these from the Minister of Defence, Belgium; some changes in format on the Cuttriss crew page, as well as addition of a photo of AC2 Alan George Cuttriss, and identification of Halifax "Good old J" and relevant Op info on that page, with thanks to John Dann for the ID; update acknowledgements.
6 December 2014 – Creation of page for Crew 57 Pilot John Stuart Tootal, who were all KIA in Halifax PN429 Z5-E on 24 February 1945 (one of four crews lost from 462 Squadron on that night); creation of page for Crew 17 Pilot Sydney John Carthy, and creation of page for the Bomb Aimer of Carthy's crew, John Walker Horridge (Jack), with thanks to Jon Horridge who kindly supplied photos and log book information belonging to his father; correction of some names and information on Squadron Crews page (deleting info that Carthy was "later KIA 466 Sq" as that was incorrect); update acknowledgements, and site map.
6 November 2014 – Creation of page for Crew 21 Pilot Robert Richard Mitchell (for the 70th Anniversary of the loss of that crew's Halifax MZ401 Z5-D on 2 November 1944); addition of three photos to Crew 29 Pilot Gerald Coleman page (with thanks to Peter Muxlow), and some amendments to that page. Peter's visit to the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery,
Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany was to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of that crew's loss on 9 October 1944. Update some names and service numbers on the Squadron Crews page; update acknowledgements, and site map.
6 October 2014 – identification of George Hicks (George Frederick Hicks 1803292 RAF) in the Navigator's photo, 462 Squadron (with thanks to Arthur Newstead, Flight Engineer in the same crew); clarification of the description of the Special Duties personnel in Squadron Crews, relative to their temporary and substantive roles; update NAA and AWM photo information on pages for Pilot A.D.J.Ball, Navigator N.V.Evans, Rear Gunner M.J.Hibberd, Mid-Upper Gunner J.M.Tait; update NAA photo and addition of photos from the wartime photo album and of memorabilia belonging to Wireless Operator Ronald Reginald Taylor (with thanks to R.J.Montgomery); update NAA photo information on pages for C.L.Brimblecombe, A.H.DeLeacy, A.L.Harris, N.V.Hibberd, R.B.Philpott, M.A.Smith and C.H.Weeks; update links to crews listed on Honour Roll on Australian War Memorial page; update acknowledgements page.
6 September 2014 – the Fifth Anniversary of this website going live on 6 September 2009. My thanks go out to every person who has contributed in any way to the continued growth of this site. Additions to Neville Owen Reed page (photos, and information on Army service, RAAF service including Pilot training, letters regarding survival in 2 Halifax crashes, award of "Croix de Guerre avec Palme", and his life after WW2); addition of table listing all 35 Ops for Cookson, and some minor changes to that page; addition of 4 photos to the Halifax page (one of LL599 Z5-E over land; one of MZ431 Z5-J; and 2 photos of NA147 Z5-G).
6 August 2014 – addition of 2 photos to page for Crew 29 Pilot Gerald Coleman (headstone of grave for Coleman, and inscription on headstone for Muxlow, both photos supplied by Peter Muxlow); photo of Navigators March 1945 added to the 462 Squadron page (supplied by the Aviation Heritage Museum of Western Australia); minor changes & additions to Ops for Crew 36 Pilot Friend; addition of Ops info and later crew info for Crew 23 Pilot Cookson; minor changes & additions to Ops for Crew 52 Pilot Astill; information added to the Neville Owen Reed page; addition of more names to table on Squadron Crews page; updated acknowledgements.
6 July 2014 – Creation of page for Crew 36 Pilot Friend; creation of page for Crew 23 Pilot Cookson; creation of page for Crew 52 Pilot Astill; creation of page for Rear Gunner Neville Owen Reed, who was rear gunner in each of those three crews, and survived two Halifax losses, one in each of Cookson and Astill crews (photos on several pages supplied by Reed's daughters Robyn Perren and Janice Nesbit); addition of two photos of MZ296 Z5-L to Halifax page; better quality photo of "A Flight" Gunners, as well as a photo of Cookson & other officers (who had parachuted to safety from their damaged aircraft) added to 462 Squadron page (relocated June 2016 to new 462 Squadron Driffield page); modification of contact page; updated site map and acknowledgements page.
6 June 2014 – Addition of three images to the Halifax page – 1. Halifax MZ913 Z5-N from a painting by artist Charles McHugh of Global Aviation Art; 2. Halifax Z5-T from a model by Mark Pilbeam (Modellers of Ballarat Inc.); 3. Halifax Z5-O from a photo of a painting in the De Leacy collection; creation of page for Crew 44 Pilot Allan Morris Lodder, with crew photo supplied by his daughter Jenny Murray, via Greg Weir; creation of page for Crew 29 Pilot Gerald Coleman, with crew photo supplied by Kelvin Youngs (Aircrew Remembered) with assistance from Keith Townsend (Moseleians Assoc.) and permission of Catherine Sutton, relative of Flight Engineer Ronald Charles Stopp; addition of names in the following Squadron Crews for Pilots Paull (53), Scharer (54), Swann (55), Fleming (60), Grant (62), Robinson (63), Scott (64), Hines (65), Ferguson (66), Fuller (68), Cairns (69) – RAAF entries cross-checked with Aus. WW2 Nominal Roll, and NAA; addition of more Service Numbers where able to be verified; updated site map; updated acknowledgements page. Photos and information recently received from veterans and/or their families are yet to be added to this site. I apologise for the delay.
6 May 2014 – Creation of page for Crew 7 Pilot Alan George Cuttriss, with photos supplied by Sally-Ann Cuttriss; addition of names in the following Squadron Crews for Pilots Hancock (31), Hourigan (33), Langworthy (34), Friend (36), Simms (38), Boyd (40), Sharp (41), O'Sullivan (43), Bailey (46), Britt (47), Sherren (50) – RAAF entries cross-checked with Aus. WW2 Nominal Roll, and NAA; correction of spelling for John Newton Tresidder in Coleman crew (info received from Tresidder family); correction of name of Wireless Operator from W A Turner to W A Bowden in Jackson Crew (14); addition of more Service Numbers where able to be verified; updated site map; updated acknowledgements page.
6 April 2014 – Creation of page for Crew 35 Pilot Thomas Walter Triggs, with Crew and Pilot photo supplied by Ruth Triggs, and Nicholls photos supplied by Kevin Hyde; addition of names for Shannon, Uther, Sanderson and Breusch Crews in the list of Squadron Crews – (RAAF entries cross-checked with Aus. WW2 Nominal Roll, and NAA); amendment to Flight Engineer's listing in Cuttriss crew (info received from Cuttriss family); addition of more Service Numbers where able to be verified; updated site map; updated acknowledgements page.
6 March 2014 – This date is the 89th Anniversary of the birth of F/Sgt J.M.Tait (Mid-Upper Gunner) and F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd (Rear Gunner) who were both born on 6 March 1925. Links to their pages are via the Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V page. It is also the 5th anniversary of the date that the Domain name was registered and host server space purchased for this website (6 March 2009). Thank you to all who have contributed in any way to the continued growth of the site.
Addition of more names to the list of Squadron Crews and changes to spelling of some already listed names (cross-checked with Aus. WW2 Nominal Roll, and NAA); correction of gunner's roles in Jubb crew (info received from Jubb family); addition of more Service Numbers where able to be verified.
6 February 2014 – Addition of more names to the list of Squadron Crews (crews listed alphabetically by name of Pilot/Captain); where able to be verified, each crew member's given name/s and Service Number have now been included. This list will be an ongoing project. Please advise if you find any errors. In the last month, contact was made by family members of several 462 Squadron veterans, and their contributions should be added to new pages in the future. Thank you all.
6 January 2014 – Addition of Bar Manager photo to Tom Walker page; update to page for Crew 48 Pilot Rohrlach, with additional service information for Mannell, and the addition of two Memorial photos (one supplied by Andy Baker, nephew of Rear Gunner Eric Gordon Baker, and the 2nd by the Himley Road Methodist Church); creation of page for Crew 67 Pilot Ross Gallop, with crew photo supplied by Peter Meade, son of the Rear Gunner Bryan Douglas Meade; creation of page for Crew 28 Pilot Frank Nelder, with crew photo supplied by Simon Tout, nephew of Wireless Operator Edward Phillip Austin; addition of names on Squadron Crews page (for Crew 32, Pilot Noel Edward Marchant) on update of links on Squadron Crews, and site map. Headstone photos were supplied by John Dann, UK.
6 December 2013 – Creation of new page for Squadron Crews (each Crew listed by the Pilot's name, and links to existing crew pages included); creation of crew page for Crew 48 Pilot Rohrlach (a page for each crew is planned, this will be an ongoing project). The crews were posted to 462 Squadron RAAF, No. 4 Group at Driffield in Yorkshire from August to December 1944, or to 462 Squadron RAAF, 100 Group, Foulsham in Norfolk from January to September 1945. If you can assist with photos of crews or individuals, please make contact.
6 November 2013 – Updates to John Heggarty page – addition of new photos kindly supplied by Michael Wilkinson (of John as a Leading Aircraftman in 1941, and of John's sister Annie and her husband Isaac Wilkinson); addition of Ops from April to July 1943 during John's posting as Rear Gunner to 76 Squadron; updates to family information, genealogy and 1911 census data.
6 October 2013 – Creation of page for F/Sgt (later W/O) Arthur Herbert De Leacy, WOP/AG in the Crew of Pilot P/O (later F/O) William John Frazer. Addition of newly acquired information in the section on the post-war life of John W. Harris. Update of site links.
Help wanted. From De Leacy's logbook details, this crew flew frequently in Halifax III PN426 Z5-O. A photo of a coloured painting of this aircraft on a day flight over land was found in the personal effects of Arthur De Leacy after his death. The original painting appears to be unsigned and undated, and was not commissioned by either former Pilot Frazer, or by De Leacy. His family are not aware of its origins. The photo is suitable for use on this website, either on De Leacy's page or the Halifax page. If you are the Artist, or know who was, please make contact so that Copyright details may be recorded, and permission requested for its use. Thank you.
6 September 2013 – This website went live on 6 September 2009 so has now reached the 4th Anniversary. My thanks go to all who have assisted with donations of photos or information; those who made me welcome during my visits to Germany (2005) and the UK (2012); and to anyone who has assisted me in any other way. Although originally created as a Tribute to the Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V, this site has gradually expanded to become a tribute to all who served in 462 Squadron RAAF Driffield and Foulsham, during WW2. If anyone has photos of other crews of 462 Squadron not already shown, please make contact so that additional pages can be created for those crews.
On page for F/O A.D.J. Ball, photo 9 (four Airmen at Castle), identification of F/Sgt Jim Townley verified by Jim's nephew Christopher; creation of memorial page for St Clement Danes, the Central Church of the Royal Air Force, London.
6 August 2013 – Creation of page for the Driffield Memorial in Yorkshire for 462 Squadron RAAF and 466 Squadron RAAF.
6 July 2013 – Creation of page for the Bomber Command Memorial, Green Park, London; reformat of Other Personnel page to differentiate between personnel of 462 Squadron, and personnel of the Army or other RAAF/RAF Squadrons who also had connections to the Crew of Halifax NA240, Z5-V; update of Acknowledgements page and site map.
6 June 2013 – Creation of page for Holt, PoW, Stalag IV-G, Oschatz. Creation of page for Private Charles (Charlie) Dunn 2978180, 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders; PoW 12414, Stalag IV-G, Oschatz. Both were British Army Prisoners of War, and were in the same PoW group as F/Sgt M.J. Hibberd 435342 RAAF. Update of the Hibberd Pow page; addition of new names & links to Other Personnel page; and update of the site map.
6 May 2013 – Completion of page for F/O C.L.(Lou) Brimblecombe, with addition of photo, Service History, Memoirs and other information. Contact form updated.
6 April 2013 – Identification of W/O Wilfred Alan Quye 1802290 RAF in the Bomb Aimers photo on the 462 Squadron Foulsham page. Known as Alan, he was identified by his wife, who also confirmed his rank and RAF service number. Alan had been the Bomb Aimer mainly in the crew piloted by F/O Philip Stuart Sherren 419622 RAAF. In some published references, Alan Quye's surname has been incorrectly spelt as Ouye or Guye; also, in one reference book, his service number has incorrectly been recorded as that of another 462 Squadron Bomb Aimer (i.e. then F/Sgt Lionel Dittmann 429529 RAAF). Alan Quye died in December 1993.
Identification of Flight Engineer Sgt R.W.Johnston (Ron), 1596218 RAF in photo 9 on Philpott page (Pilot Ross Gallop). Ron Johnston was identified by Peter Meade, son of Bryan Meade (that Crew's Rear Gunner).
Creation of Foulsham Memorial page for 462 Squadron RAAF and other Squadrons and Units based at Foulsham, Norfolk during WW2; and upgrade of links on Memorials page;
Addition of 7 photos to the Sgt Tom Walker page (Flight Engineer in F/O Neil Sullivan's crew); and sadly, the news was received that Tom's dearly loved wife Rose died on 12 February 2013. She is sadly missed by her family, and all who knew her.
Creation of page for Flying Officer Charles Louis (Lou) Brimblecombe, 425592 RAAF, Navigator in crew piloted by F/O N.V.Hibberd (brother of F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd R/AG 5-V, 462 Squadron). Amendment to N.V.Hibberd's page now that Lou Brimblecombe's family have made contact, and addition of new name and link to Other Personnel page.
Addition of new pages and links on site map; additions of names, reference sources and websites to Acknowledgements page; minor corrections to spelling and format on various pages; re-wording of various photo alt-tags.
6 March 2013 – This date is the 88th Anniversary of the birth of F/Sgt J.M.Tait (Mid-Upper Gunner) and F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd (Rear Gunner) who were both born on 6 March 1925. Links to their pages are via the Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V page. It is also the 4th anniversary of the date that the Domain name was registered and host server space purchased for this website (6 March 2009). Thank you to all who have contributed in any way to the continued growth of the site.
Addition of 4 photos to the Australian War Memorial page (photos supplied by C.M.Hibberd); additions of names and reference sources to Acknowledgements page;
After a lot of research and with the assistance of many people, for the first time there are now photos of F/O John Heggarty on this website. As well there is information about John's pre-WW2 education at St Anselm's College, Birkenhead, and details of an Op to Hamburg on 27 July 1943, during his posting to 76 Squadron RAF, Holme-on-Spalding Moor, Yorkshire. In the genealogy section, the sequence of events in obtaining photos of John is included, and Probate records for John and his Aunt Louisa May Ledger have been added to the Genealogy/BDM section, confirming family relationships. Some amendments have been made to various other sections of John's page. More detail will be added for later updates.
6 February 2013 – No changes, no additions.
6 January 2013 – Corrections to names for the last photo on the 462 Squadron page, and addition of Service Numbers:- Group Captain C.V.D. Willis D.S.O., D.F.C. expanded to Group Captain Charles Victor Douglas Willis, D.S.O., D.F.C., 33354; and Air Vice Marshall C.B. Addison C.B., C.B.E. changed to Air Vice Marshall Edward Barker Addison, O.B.E., 15065 (information sourced from the London Gazette online); minor corrections to spelling and format on various pages.
6 December 2012 – Addition of group photo of Navigators to F/Sgt Neil Vernon Evans page, and also to the 462 Squadron page with identification of all Navigators (photo supplied by Richard Selwood on behalf of the Evans family), with the previous group photo of Navigators on that page to be removed at a later date; also on 462 Squadron page, replace incorrect name of Squadron Leader Alan D. Swan with Squadron Leader Alan Gibson Swann 401175; addition of location information for 6th photo on F/O Alfred Desmond John Ball page (as advised by Christina Ball); amendment of links and addition of 2 photos to the Australian War Memorial page (photo supplied by J.R.Hibberd).
6 November 2012 – acknowledgements page updated (names of people, and reference book details);
Addition of two photos to the page for F/Sgt John Mickle Tait (supplied by and used with the permission of the Tait Family);
Addition of two photos to the page for F/Sgt Neil Vernon Evans (supplied by and used with the permission of Kerry Puttick on behalf of the Evans Family), addition of Neil's Army Service record, and corrections to Evans Family genealogy (information supplied by Kerry Puttick, Richard Selwood and Bruce Whyatt);
Addition of eight photos to the page for F/O Alfred Desmond John Ball (supplied by and used with the permission of Dorothy Dawson, and R.J.Montgomery), including relevant log-book information, and corrections to the Ball Family genealogy (information supplied by Dorothy Dawson and Christina Ball);
Addition of one photo to the page for W/O Ronald Reginald Taylor (supplied by and used with the permission R.J.Montgomery);
Correction to Log Book details on the F/Sgt A.B.Oakes page, originally written as Highercall, previously published as High Riccall, now changed to High Ercall (site of 60 O.T.U.);
Information updated for photos on 27 OTU page;
Changes to the page for Memorials; linked to the Memorial to the Crew of NA240 Z5-V at Zaasch and to a new page for the RAAF Squadrons at the Australian War Memorial with some information about those honoured;
Site map updated with new pages and links.
6 October 2012 – Due to travel by this website's Author, there were no new pages added for 6 April 2012, through to 6 October 2012.
Emails received via the Contact page during that time were saved and stored, and will be replied to when time permits. Contact has now been re-established.
Pages will be updated, or created, with the addition of photos and information gathered or received during the last six months.
To all who assisted with their time, research expertise, vehicles (with chauffeur), computer use, meals or anything else during my travel – please accept my grateful thanks – I would not have achieved what I set out to achieve, without your assistance.
Please visit again on 6 November 2012 and thank you for your patience.
6 March 2012 – Addition of page for John William Harris (Jack), 1337631 RAFVR, Observer/Air Bomber for Crew piloted by W/O (later P/O) Peter F. Whatling, 1389305 (195582) RAFVR, in 462 Squadron, based initially at Driffield and later at Foulsham. Information is also included on other members of Whatling's Crew. Photos and log book details were kindly supplied by Jack's Widow, via friend and neighbour of the Harris's, Tony Foster, and are used with her permission. Photos taken at the York Air Museum were supplied by, and used with the permission of Tony Foster (Copyright 2008).
On the 462 Squadron page – addition of name of Alf Perkes to Bomb Aimers photo, and upgrade of name of W. T. (Wilf) Parker to Flight Engineer's photo (both were in Pilot Jack Roy Smith's crew, and that Crew's details are included on the Oakes page).
This date is the 87th Anniversary of the birth of F/Sgt J.M.Tait (Mid-Upper Gunner) and F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd (Rear Gunner) who were both born on 6 March 1925. Links to their pages are via the Crew of Halifax NA240 Z5-V page.
6 February 2012 – Addition of page for Albert Buckley Oakes (Al), 1880661 RAF, Rear Gunner for Crew piloted by W/O (later F/O) Jack Roy Smith, 427264 RAAF, in 462 Squadron, based initially at Driffield and later at Foulsham. Information is also included on other members of Smith's Crew. Photos, log book details and "Recollections of War" by Al Oakes were kindly supplied by Al's son Patrick, and used with Patrick's permission.
Advice was received that former Pilot with 462 Squadron F/O Bruce Anthony Simms, 424925 RAAF, had passed away at age 87, with his funeral held on Friday 20 January 2012. Simms (then F/Sgt) may be seen on the 462 Squadron page, in the photo of "Pilots of 462 Squadron, Foulsham, March 1945", back row, 2nd from right. Names have also been added to some of the group photos on that page.
Additions to the Ledger/Meyvaert genealogy on John Heggarty's page.
6 January 2012 – Addition of Commendation and Log Book photos, and Crew Ops information to Max A. Smith page. Correction of name (incorrect Kenyon to Kempton) on Bruce K. Drinkwater page. Addition of information to Halifax III LL599 Z5-E on Halifax III page. Addition of photo, and correction of Ledger genealogy on John Heggarty page. Correction of spelling errors on various pages.
6 December 2011 – Amendment to page for Fl/Lt Edward (Ted) McGindle, with addition of aircraft details for Op No 19 on 6 October 1944, and PoW details for his 2 Gunners. PoW information was kindly supplied by Oliver Clutton-Brock, author of "Footprints on the Sands of Time – RAF Bomber Command Prisoners of War in Germany 1939-45", published in 2003.
Addition of web page for Pilot Officer Max A. Smith, 424803 RAAF, Navigator for Crew piloted by F/Lt D.M. "Thrasher" Taylor. Information is also included on the other members of this crew.
Addition of photo of Halifax III LL599 Z5-E "Easy" to Halifax page.
Corrections to 'up' and 'down' times for OP No 4 on 24 March 1945 on Ball, Heggarty and Hibberd pages.
6 November 2011 – Photos added to page for former Flight Sergeant Charlie Weeks (1652 H.C.U., Marston Moor), later Flying Officer (199 Squadron, North Creake). They are used with the permission of his Widow, and were supplied via their Great-nephew. Charlie's page was also updated with additional information.
During the month of October, contact was made by the Grand-daughter of Pilot W/O Trevor Ross Gallop 427820 RAAF, advising that he had passed away on Mon 10 October 2011, with his funeral held on Saturday 15 October 2011. Contact was also made by the daughter of F/O Ronald (Ron) Hines 432466 RAAF during October. Ross Gallop may be seen in the crew photos on the Philpott page, and both Gallop and Hines are in the Pilots (April 1945) photo on the 462 Squadron page. Minor formatting changes made to 462 Squadron page, with the addition of some Service Numbers for Pilots.
In October, contact was also made by a male cousin of F/O John Heggarty, as well as by a second cousin of F/O Alfred Desmond John Ball. Their pages will be updated in the future, with additional information, and corrections to their Genealogy.
6 October 2011 – New page created which details the disposal of the wreckage of Halifax III NA240 Z5-V, which crashed on the northern outskirts of the village of Zaasch. Thanks are extended to Archivist Lars Freiberg who searched Delitzsch, Eilenburg and Leipzig Archives for Zaasch records, and located the Zaasch Bürgermeister's Meeting Agenda relating to the aircraft disposal. Thanks also to Thomas Frey for translation. Various pages have been updated with links to the new wreckage disposal page.
Sadly, during September, news was received of the death of former Flight Sergeant Charlie Weeks (1652 H.C.U., Marston Moor), later Flying Officer (199 Squadron, North Creake). Charlie died of illness soon after his 88th birthday.
6 September 2011 – This website was established on 6 September 2009, so has now been "live" for 2 years. Thank you to all who have contributed to the site by supplying information and/or photos, or by identification of personnel in photos; also thank you to the many visitors to the site who have conveyed their appreciation of this tribute. A new page "Crash Investigation Report for Halifax III NA240 Z5-V" has been created, with links from the Crash Details page. Amendments made to F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd Caterpillar Club page, with additional information about the 1969 newspaper clipping kindly supplied by F/Sgt R. Henderson, Training Officer of 107 Sqn, A.A.F.C., Innisfail. Update to acknowledgements page. Meeting on 17 August 2011 between F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd's daughter and F/Sgt Bob Wilson's son – it was interesting to compare the two Gunners' experiences during the war, and their lives after the war. (Please see the February 1944 photo of both Flight Sergeants at Luna Park on their pages.)
Sgt Fred Satherley's nephew (Dave Morris), please make contact again regarding photo – emails to you have been undeliverable.
6 August 2011 – Incorrect "Air Craftsman" corrected to "Air Craftman" in all pages throughout this website, after being advised of the error. Addition of page "Loss of Aircraft File for Halifax III NA240 Z5-V", with links from the Crash Details page. Correction of birth date, and addition of death date to page for Wing Commander P.M.Paull, DFC. Addition of Air Crew Arrival Form to F/Sgt M.J. Hibberd's Service page, in chronological sequence (16 February 1945). In the photo of Bomb Aimers 462 Squadron Foulsham March 1945, Sgt John Harris 1337631 RAF has been identified (by John's Widow, and as advised by their friend/neighbour). Updates to acknowledgements page.
6 July 2011 – New page created for F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd Caterpillar Club. Additions to people list, and corrections and additions made to website list on acknowledgements page.
6 June 2011 – Page for SDO F/O John Heggarty RAFVR now updated with corrections to his family's genealogy. His page also includes some additional personal information, as well as two family photos supplied by his cousins.
Page created for F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd PoW Experiences during April and May of 1945. Changes to the F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd Service History page with addition of information for the date 16/09/44, plus some minor amendments, changes to formatting, and addition of links.
6 May 2011 – No changes to website. Regarding SDO F/O John Heggarty RAFVR – prior to 6 March 2011, extra Heggarty family genealogical information had been discovered. During April 2011 contact was also made by the daughter of one of John's female cousins. Corrections and additions to John's page will be made for 6 June 2011. Also during April, contact was made by the son of Rear Gunner Sgt. A.B.Oakes, RAF who flew with Pilot F/O Jack Roy Smith's crew. A page is planned for their Crew.
It was gratifying to see the increase in visitors to this website during April 2011, with the highest number on the 25th April ANZAC Day.
6 April 2011 – No changes to website.
6 March 2011 – This date is the 86th Anniversary of the birth of F/Sgt J.M.Tait and F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd who were both born on 6 March 1925. The page for F/Sgt G.R.(Bob) Wilson has been updated with additional photos and information. Sadly this day is also the 44th Anniversary of Bob's death. More information about F/O John Heggarty's family has been located, so the genealogy section on John's page is to be corrected in the near future.
6 February 2011 – Page for Bomb Aimer Flying Officer Murray Frank updated with details of his Service History and Casualty File. BALL Correction of information (Commission Form) and date (previously dated 8 May 1946, corrected to 17 March 1948) on page for Flying Officer Alfred Desmond John Ball. Contact was made during January by a relative of Navigator Flight Sergeant Neil Vernon Evans – this person's maternal grandfather Evans was Neil's cousin.
6 January 2011 – Page for Navigator Flight Sergeant Neil Vernon Evans updated with details of his Service History and Casualty File. Spelling errors corrected on various pages. Minor changes made to format on Crew pages.
6 December 2010 – Page for Pilot Flying Officer Alfred Desmond John Ball updated with details of his Service History and Casualty File. Spelling and date errors corrected on various pages. Corrections to Genealogy information for Taylor. Contacted by family of Sergeant Bob Wilson just 11 hours after his page went live on 6 November, so more photos and his RAAF service information may be added in the future. During November, information and photos were received from the family of P/O Max Smith who was the Navigator in Fl/Lt Max 'Thrasher' Taylor's crew. Also in November, Rear Gunner F/Sgt Richard Handyside made contact to identify himself and Mid-Upper Gunner Frank Hutton in the 'B Flight' Gunners on the 462 Squadron page.
6 November 2010 – Addition of a page for Bomb Aimer Flight Sergeant Ronald Bruce Philpott 433023 RAAF (later F/O) in W/O Ross Gallop's Crew, 462 Squadron, Foulsham, with some information about other members of this crew, and details of their Ops. Photos supplied by the Philpott family are included. Addition of a page for Sergeant Bob Wilson who trained with Harris, Hetherington and Hibberd at No.1 Air Gunnery School at West Sale, Victoria. Spelling errors corrected on various pages. Information has been received that F/O A.M.Lodder 426118 RAAF passed away on 29 September 2010, with his funeral held on 4 October 2010. F/O Lodder was the Pilot of Halifax III MZ-467 Z5-C which failed to return from Augsburg 16 April 1945.
6 October 2010 – Page for Wireless Operator Warrant Officer Ronald Reginald Taylor updated with details of his Service History and Casualty File. Some amendments and additions made to page for MU/G F/Sgt J.M.Tait after reviewing his Service and Casualty Files. Amendments to Crew page. Photo caption error corrected on Brookes page.
6 September 2010 – Page for Mid-Upper Gunner Flight Sergeant John Mickle Tait updated with details of his Service History and Casualty File. This website was established on 6 September 2009 so is now 12 months old. I am pleased with the progress of the site and contacts established with former 462 Squadron Airmen and their friends and relatives. Thank you to all who have visited the site, and for your kind words. Special thanks are extended to those who have provided photographs, information, and identified Airmen in 462 Squadron photos. Recently contact was also made by the nephew of Wireless Operator R.R.Taylor, so his page will be the next updated.
6 August 2010 – Addition of page for Flying Officer Noel Victor Hibberd, 425653 RAAF, Lancaster Pilot with 218 Sqdn RAF, and brother of F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd. Identification of F/O Bruce A. Bell ('Dinger'), 417941 RAAF in the Wireless Operators photo on the 462 Squadron page. Sadly, during July, belated news was received of the death of Fl. Lt. Bruce K. Drinkwater M.B.E. in early May 2010, at the grand age of 92½ years. Ex-W/O Robert (Bob) Barry Hetherington 435570 RAAF, aged 85, is also now deceased, with his Funeral Service held on 21 July 2010.
6 July 2010 – Addition of the following photos to the 462 Squadron page – 'A Flight' Gunners, Bomb Aimers, Flight Engineers, Wireless Operators, Navigators. Previous photos on this page were of Pilots, & 'B Flight' Gunners.
6 June 2010 – Page for German-speaking Special Duties Operator Flying Officer John Heggarty updated with what is known of his service before and during his posting to 462 Squadron. Genealogical information on his family has been included. To obtain his RAFVR Service Files, I need to locate his nearest living next-of-kin for their permission. If you think you are related, or know someone who may be – please contact me. Also, the 462 Squadron page has been updated with the names of another four Airmen in the Air Gunners photo.
2 June 2010 – contacted by Arthur "Duke" Newstead, former RAF Sgt and Flight Engineer with 462 Squadron at Driffield and Foulsham who identified two of the Air Gunners in the photo on the 462 Squadron page. He & the 2 gunners were crewed with Pilot F/O H.R.(Andy) Anderson DFC.
26 May 2010 – Contacted by the great-nephew of Charlie Weeks, with the possibility of additional photos and information for his page. It was great to hear that Charlie is alive & well and living in South Australia.
13 May 2010 – Contacted by the New Zealand grandson of Jim Murray RNZAF who served with 462 Squadron in the middle east during 1942, and completed 44 ops in Halifaxes including 20 odd with 462 Sqn.
9 May 2010 – Contacted by the 2nd cousin of F/Sgt John Neal Donald RAAF who was attached to 1652 HCU at Marston Moor. F/Sgt Donald & his crew went missing off the coast of Scotland on 5th April 1945.
6 May 2010 – Page for Flight Engineer Sgt Frederick Brookes updated with additional photos & information supplied by his nephew Terry Cotterill. Additional photos from the Huish Family also added to this page.
23 April 2010 – Contacted by the Grandson of F/Sgt John Cairns "Jock" Lee, who was the Rear Gunner in F/O Neil Sullivan's Crew on the Tom Walker page.
6 April 2010 – Page created for Fl/Lt Edward (Ted) McGindle, Acting Flight Commander for "A" Flight, 462 Squadron RAAF at Foulsham, and Author of "Pimpernel Squadron" published in 1999 (now deceased).
Addition of WW2 Nominal Roll information to the page for Deputy Flight Commander of "B" Flight, Fl/Lt B.K.Drinkwater.
29 March 2010 – Contacted by a daughter of Wing Commander P.M.Paull, with the possibility of additional photos and family information for his web page on this site.
15 March 2010 – Contacted by nephew of Flight Engineer Sgt Frederick Brookes. I was previously unaware that Fred had an older sister so this contact was welcome. Extra photos have now been received as well as information about Fred, which will be added to Fred's web page on this site.
8 March 2010 – Contact established with nephew of Mid-Upper Gunner F/Sgt Johnny Tait, with the possibility of additional photos and family information for Johnny's web page on this site.
6 March 2010 – Page created for F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd's Service History. This day is the 85th anniversary of the birth of M.J.Hibberd and also F/Sgt J.M.Tait. Both were born on 6 March 1925. Page created for W/O R.B.Hetherington, with photos of him & MJH.
8 February 2010 – Contacted by a Foulsham resident (and business owner) who may be able to assist with information about the Air Base at Foulsham formerly used by 462 Squadron.
6 February 2010 – Page created for Sergeant Thomas Walker (Tom), Flight Engineer, 462 Squadron.
17 January 2010 – Contacted by son-in-law of Ronald Bruce Philpott,
433023,
Bombardier,
who was posted to 462 Sqn. RAAF in the UK in WW2 from 16-3-1945.
6 January 2010 – Page created for Flight Sergeant C.H.Weeks (Charlie, later Flying Officer).
6 December 2009 – Page for Wing Commander P.M.Paull created. Additional photos added to Fl. Lt. B.K.Drinkwater page along with details of his service history, and the story of his "near miss".
30 November 2009 – Contacted by 3rd cousin of F/Sgt Ken Spriggs RAF, former Mid Upper Gunner. Ken identified himself and F/Sgt Bernie Compton (RAF) in the Gunners photo on the 462 Squadron page. Both Gunners were crewed with F/O J.N.(Jock) Boyd's crew in B Flight. F/O Boyd can be seen in the front row in the March 1945 Pilots photo on the 462 Squadron page.
6 November 2009 – Page for Harris created. Contact page further amended. My apologies for lost messages in Sept & Oct 2009 – please send again.
6 October 2009 – Errors corrected, acknowledgements updated, contact page amended.
22 September 2009 – Information received from the UK on Flip Harris (also pictured in the Luna Park photo with Hibberd & Hetherington).
15 September 2009 – Visit with former Warrant Officer R.B.Hetherington (RAAF 435570) who trained with Rear Gunner M.J.Hibberd. Bob is included in the photo taken at Luna Park while both were newly promoted Sergeants stationed at No. 2 Embarkation Depot, Bradfield Park, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, February 1944 prior to embarkation by ship to the UK (on the Crew/Hibberd page). Bob provided additional photos of him and M.J.Hibberd, as well information regarding the other airmen in the photo, diary entries and other mementos of their training. A web site page will be created for Bob.
10 September 2009 – Advice received from Australian War Memorial that my request (July 2009) for corrections to captions of some photographs in their collection had been considered, and that alterations had subsequently been made to their web site. Those captions had previously described certain Halifaxes as being from 462 Squadron, but were actually from 192 Squadron, also based at Foulsham.
10 September 2009 – Information received (with photo) on Wing Commander Peter McCallum Paull DFC, (RAAF 270815) Commanding Officer 462 Squadron. A page will be created for him.
9, 10, 11 September 2009 – 3 sets of photos received from former Flight Engineer, Sergeant Thomas Walker (RAF 1590544) UK. A web site page will be created for Tom who served in 462 Squadron at Foulsham at the same time as the Crew of NA-240.
6 September 2009 – Web site goes live (also Father's Day in Australia).
6 March 2009 – Domain name registration and host server space purchased, also 84th Anniversary of birth date of F/Sgt M.J.Hibberd and F/Sgt J.M.Tait, both born on 6 March 1925.
22 April 2008 – Notification received from Commonwealth War Graves Commission that erroneous data base entries for Sgt Frederick Brookes & Flying Officer John Heggarty have been corrected.
30 March 2008 – Contact established with relatives of Sgt Frederick Brookes in Wales.
27 June 2007 – Contact Commonwealth War Graves Commission with information to request correction of original erroneous data base entries, which listed Sgt Frederick Brookes & Flying Officer John Heggarty as 424 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron, instead of 462 Squadron.
18 May 2005 – Return to Australia via Halle, and Frankfurt am Main.
17 May 2005 – Tour of Delitzsch including Schloss, air raid bunker, cemetery, Rathaus and cells.
16 May 2005 – Delitzsch Archives, and meet family of Archivist at their homes.
15 May 2005 – Travel to Dessau, visit Junkers aircraft museum.
14 May 2005 – Travel to Torgau, visit site of US & Russian meeting at the Elbe River, tour of town & Schloss.
13 May 2005 – Travel to Leipzig to visit Archives; visit Engelsdorf/Mockau Rail-yard and Wahren Rail-yard which were targets for 10 April 1945; visit Rackwitz metal recycling factory.
12 May 2005 – Visit Buchenwald Concentration Camp and Memorials.
11 May 2005 – Memorial Plaque presented to the Lord Mayor of Delitzsch, Oberbürgermeister Heinz Bieniek, & receive gifts; light aircraft flight over Zaasch and district.
10 May 2005 – Visit Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Checkpoint Charlie, remains of the Berlin Wall, Holocaust Memorial (Opening Day), Brandenburg Gate.
9 May 2005 – Visit Zaasch crash site, original communal graves, visit Spröda – site of Luftwaffe air base.
