No. 214 (FMS) Squadron RAF - Personnel

PERSONNEL

A

To find the person that you want either scroll down the page or select them from the ranges shown below

ABBOTT, N W S

The following letters were kindly contributed by Nigel Abbott (Nephew of Sgt Abbott)

Abbott_Norman_William_Stanley_letter_14_Jul_1944_page1

Abbott_Norman_William_Stanley_letter_14_Jul_1944_page2

Abbott_Norman_William_Stanley_letter_17_May_1945

Abbott_Norman_William_Stanley_letter_11_Jul_1945_page1

Abbott_Norman_William_Stanley_letter_11_Jul_1945_page2

Abbott_Norman_William_Stanley_letter_12_Apr_1946_page1

Abbott_Norman_William_Stanley_letter_12_Apr_1946_page2

Abbott_Norman_William_Stanley_letter_2_Jul_1947_page1

Abbott_Norman_William_Stanley_letter_2_Jul_1947_page2

Abbott_Norman_William_Stanley_letter_31_Oct_1945

Sgt Norman William Stanley Abbott, 1626469, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 22 June 1944, Aged 19

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR382 BU-B

Born 15 July 1924

Buried in JONKERBOS WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 17.G.5.

Sgt Abbott could be said to have nearly survived the crash of Fortress BU-B however, enquiries made in 1946 at Bergharen told a tragic story. It would seem that he left it a little late bailing out for although his parachute deployed the aircraft crashed down upon him. It would seem reasonable to assume that as his parachute deployed, the aircraft's slip-stream would have pulled him out of the way.
The only conclusion is that bu.B was widely circling as it came down and caught up with him near the ground. His body, buried under the wreckage, was not discovered for several days and for reasons unknown was not buried in Uden with his fallen comrades. Instead on the 1st of July he was buried in the local civilian cemetery at Bergharen only to be later exhumed during the late 1940s and re-interred in the war cemetery at Jonkerbos some miles away.

Norman's family ran a newsagents until the late 1950's at 23 Station Parade, Hounslow Road, Feltham, Middx. Nigel Abbott's (Nephew of Sgt Abbott) father ran the newsagent shop until 1986 (50 years).

Norman was very interested in model aeroplanes and cycling.

Sgt Abbott's photograph and an obituary was published in a local Feltham newspaper around the time of his death. (we assumed that it would have been published about December 1944 as notification from the Red Cross did not arrive until them.) Apparently he had a brother named Harold but nothing further is known about him.

Source : John Cripps (nephew of Sgt Sydney Bryant) and CWGC and Mr Edward Cartwight (who had known the Abbott family, before, during, and after the war) and Nigel Abbott (Nephew of Sgt Abbott)

Date record last updated : 6 November 2010

ABREY, C W

Plt/Off Cyril William Abrey, 69490, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 21 September 1941, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark II W5452 BU-U

Buried in EAST FINCHLEY CEMETERY AND ST. MARYLEBONE CREMATORIUM. Reference : Sec. T5. Joint grave 97

Son of William John and Flora Abrey, of Muswell Hill.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 31 December 2014

ADAM, J C

Sgt John Caldwell Adam, 1340346, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 3 February 1943, Aged 28

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9282 BU-Q

Named on the following Memorial : No. 3 Group Bomber Command Roll of Honour in the RAF Window in Ely Cathedral.
Named on the following Memorial : RAF Chedburgh Book of Remembrance in All Saints Church, Chedburgh
Named on the following Memorial : RAF Chedburgh Memorial

Buried in BENSCHOP GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Collective Grave

Son of James and Annie Adam, of Kilsyth, Stirlingshire.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletters Spring 2004 and Spring 2008

Date record last updated : 13 July 2009

ADAMS, A

Sgt A Adams

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BF318 (28 November 1942)

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 29 December 2008

ADAMS, R W

Sgt Reginald W Adams

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK653 BU-A

Sgt Adams evaded capture when Stirling BK653 BU-A, crashed in the village of Bonneuil les Eaux, Northern France on 16 April 1943

Source : Julien Saguez, French Researcher and Chorley

Date record last updated : 8 December 2017

ADAMSON, W

Sgt W Adamson, Date taken POW 23 August 1943, POW number Unknown

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EH895 BU-M

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Leg amputated. Repatriated February 1945.

Source : "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton Brock and Chorley and Gillian Noble-Cooper

Date record last updated : 30 October 2020

AGAR, H

Sgt H 'Bert' Agar, 2227697, Starboard Waist Gunner, Royal Air Force

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB785 (7 January 1945) BU-A
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB790 (14 January 1945) BU-Q
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB793 (28 January 1945) BU-S
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB801 (27 November 1944) BU-U
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB820 (14 February 1945) BU-P
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ107 (21 February 1945) BU-N
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ110 (1 February 1945) BU-B

Sgt Agar is recorded as a regular crew member with Flt/Lt Wyver and Fg/Off Keith McCall. He was from Leeds.

Source : John McCall (son of Keith McCall) and Sqn/Ldr John McLelland (Rtd) (Son of Fg/Off McLelland) and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 17 April 2020

AGER, E D

Sgt Ernest Douglas Ager, 646478, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 24 May 1943, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BF478 BU-G

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 140

Son of Alfred and Alice Ager of Reading, Berkshire; husband of Olive Margaret Ager, of Reading.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Summer/Autumn 2003.

Date record last updated : 18 February 2008

AITKEN, J

Sgt John Aitken, 953705, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 21 September 1941, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark II W5452 BU-U

Named on the following Memorial : Trinity School, Carlisle WW2 Memorial Board

Born 22 August 1920

Born in Carlisle

Buried in CARLISLE (DALSTON ROAD) CEMETERY. Reference : Ward 16. Sec. D. Grave 37.

Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Aitken, of Carlisle.

Sarah Lee Writes:
John attended The Creighton School for Boys 1932-7. (This eventually amalgamed with 2 other schools to become Trinity School Carlisle. Sgt Aitken is named on the school WW2 Memorial Board.)
John lived very close to school at 87 Oswald Street. his family had been living on Oswald Street for 40 years.
John's father,Thomas, born 10 August 1885, was a Scot by birth from Annan and is listed as a Railway Clerk on the 1939 Census. John's paternal grandparents, James and Annie, had moved their family from Scotland to Carlisle between 1881 to 1891. James died in 1900 aged 49.

In 1939 John was an insurance clerk still living at home. He had five siblings, Betty M, James, Thomas, Alan and Ann.

Source : CWGC and Chorley and Sarah Lee (researcher/teacher from Trinity School) and 1939 census

Date record last updated : 5 June 2020

AKERS, R G

Sgt Roland Graham Akers, 1536320, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 24 June 1943

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE883 BU-T

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 140.

He has no known grave.

Source : Ian Hunt and CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 October 2010

ALBRIGHTON, E T

Sgt Edward Thomas Albrighton, 1204242, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 2 April 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z8805 BU-H

Buried in RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 1. D. 6-18.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 14 February 2020

ALFORD, D E

Alford brothers Top row left to right Henry and Leonard. Bottom row left to right Donald and Philip.
There is a fifth brother Geoffrey who served in the Royal Navy who is not shown in this photograph.Taken at the family home in Winchelsea.
This was the first and last time that they were all on leave together.

Alford_Donald_Eric_grave

Sgt Donald Eric Alford, 1393222, Air Bomber, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 24 May 1943, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III MZ261 BU-T

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 3.C.18.

Son of Walter Leonard and Elizabeth Anna Alford, of Winchelsea, Sussex.

Alford brothers Top row left to right Henry and Leonard. Bottom row left to right Donald and Philip.
There is a fifth brother Geoffrey who served in the Royal Navy who is not shown in this photograph.
Taken at the family home in Winchelsea. This was the first and last time that they were all on leave together.

He was one of 6 children, 5 sons and one daughter of Walter Leonard Alford, and Elizabeth Anna Alford, and lived in Winchelsea, near Rye in East Sussex. 3 of his brothers, one being my father, (RAFVR LAC) served in the forces during ww2 as well. The brothers names that served were Leonard, Henry, and Philip (my father) The other brothers name was Charlie and their sisters name was Sylvia.

On the 23 May 1943 at 23.15, Sgt Alford and his crew in Stirling MZ261 coded BU-T lifted off from Chedburgh, in Suffolk on the nights operations. The target for the night was a bombing raid on Dortmond which included several other 214 Squadron aircraft. Sadly, this was destined to be Donalds last flight. It is unknown exactly what happened, possibly flak or a nightfighter, but Sgt Alfords plane crashed at Unna about 15km ENE of Dortmund. Initially the crew was buried here but they were later taken to the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

Martin Alford has created a Facebook group dedicated to his uncle Donald Eric Alford and the crew of MZ 261 BU-T. The link to the group is : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1440001079623580/ It is a closed group, so you have to click "join" to gain full access to the page.

Source : Martin Alford (nephew of Sgt Donald Alford)

Date record last updated : 10 November 2017

ALLAN, K C

FS K C Allan

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ107 (21 February 1945) BU-N

This could possibly be the same person as Kenneth Cecil Allan

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 17 April 2020

ALLAN, K C

Fg/Off Kenneth Cecil Allan, 183538, Special Wireless Operator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 24 February 1945

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB805 BU-C

Buried in RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 6.E.19.

This could possibly be the same person as K C Allan.

Source : Pauline Domm (Neice) and CWGC

Date record last updated : 17 April 2020

ALLCOCK (AKA ATTWOOD), G M

Wg/Cdr Gilbert Meston Allcock (aka Attwood) DFC and Bar, 36215, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BF318 (20 December 1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BF318 (28 November 1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BK600
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9186 (15 December 1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9186 (8 December 1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) W7631
Born 14 December 1916
Born in Wellington, New Zealand

Son of Gilbert Ernest Allcock. Husband of Betty Pearce. Father of Di and Jill.

Joined RAF August 1939
Promoted to Pilot Officer 16 August 1939
Suffered from several bouts of malaria whilst serving in the Middle East
Promoted to Flying Officer 3 September 1940
52 Squadron August 1939 to November 1940
15 OTU November 1940
214 Squadron 20 November 1940
216 Squadron 26 November 1940
39 Squadron 4 August 1941
Promoted to Flight Lieutenant 3 September 1941
223 Squadron 25 September 1941
44 Squadron 29 July 1942
214 Squadron on 16 October 1942
1651 Conversion Unit 10 November 1942
Promoted to Assistant Squadron Leader on 16 November 1942

Awarded DFC and noted in the London Gazette dated 1 January 1943 :
Acting Squadron Leader Gilbert Meston ALLCOCK (36215), No. 214 Squadron. This flight commander served with a transport squadron in the Middle East and since his return to this country has taken part in a number of night sorties against Germany and Italy. - One night in December, 1942, he was detailed to attack Duisberg. While over the target area his aircraft was attacked by a Junkers 88.
During the ensuing engagement the bomber sustained damage and 3 members of the crew were wounded. Undaunted Squadron Leader Allcock continued and bombed the target. On the return flight the port inner engine caught fire. Despite the crippled state of his aircraft, the grave possibility of the fire spreading and with both rear guns out of action, Squadron Leader Allcock flew the bomber safely back to base. This officer's courage, determination and skill set an example of the highest order.

One of the most successful of the autumn 1942 attacks on Germany was the raid against Duisberg on 20 December 1942, when crews found unusually good visibility and were able to deliver a concentrated attack. Allcock was at this time serving as flight commander with No. 214 Squadron in Bomber Command. He had previously completed bombing missions in the Middle East and had also flown with a transport squadron, carrying troops and stores to the front line and evacuating wounded.
Also see
http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2-1RAF-c13.html
75 Squadron 15 January 1943
214 Squadron on 29 January 1943. His title is now Squadron Leader Allcock DFC
Married Betty Pearce on 8th April 1943 at the Parish Church in Hinckley, Leicester. Her address was 3 Swans Hotel, Market Harborough Northants. This is noted on his medical boards listing, where his surname Allcock has been crossed out and replaced with Attwood.
84 OTU 10 November 1943
OATS 17 May 1944
Transferred to the Reserve and retired from active list 16 August 1944
7 Squadron 30 January 1945
Promoted to Squadron Leader (W) 3 June 1945
South Filton 19 September 1945
Awarded Bar to DFC which was recorded in FLIGHT dated 31 January 1946
Selected for extended service commission.
Commission relinqueshed 1 July 1959, retaining the rank of Squadron Leader.

He survived the war and moved back to New Zealand when Philip and Steve Trease's mother was very young, so she never got to know him or know anything about out his service career.

From London Gazette 30 October 1964:
Notice is hereby given that GILBERT MESTON ATTWOOD, D.F.C. Of Flintstones Brockenhurst Road, South Ascot, Berkshire, a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies by birth lately called Gilbert Meston Allcock, has assumed on behalf of himself, his wife and his two infant daughters Joanne and Karen and intends henceforth upon all occasions and at all times to sign and use and to be called and known by the name of Attwood in lieu of and in substitution for their former name of Allcock and that such change of name is formally declared and evidenced by a Deed under his hand and seal dated the 29th day of September 1964, duly executed and attested and enrolled in the Central Office of the Supreme Court of Judicature on the 29th day of October 1964.

He is mentioned in several books:
The Fire Was Bright by Leslie Kark, MacMillan, 1943
Forever Strong: The Story of 75 Squadron RNZAF 1916-1990 by Norman Franks, 1991, ISBN 1-86941-102-1
Avenging in the Shadows by Ron James, 1992, ISBN 1-900604-26-4

He remarried when he returned to New Zealand and is believed to have died in the mid 1980's.

Source : Philip and Steve Trease (grandsons) and Squadron ORB and Medical Boards listing

Date record last updated : 19 January 2009

ALLEN, J

Sgt Jack Allen, Wireless Operator, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9979 (Autumn 1941) BU-O

Source : Liam Venner, Fg/Off William's son. Liam has his fathers log book, service transcripton, as well as other pictures and documents

Date record last updated : 2 October 2010

ALLEN, R S

Sgt Ronald Sidney Allen, 901540, Air Bomber, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 3 March 1943, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I EF329 BU-C

Buried in SAGE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 1. D. 13.

Son of Herbert George and Alice Mary Allen, of Foulsham, Norfolk.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 21 June 2011

ALLEWAY

Sgt Alleway

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C L7849

Was rescued from aircraft when it came down in the North Sea off the Norfolk coast.

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Winter / Spring 2006

Date record last updated : 21 February 2008

ALLIES, W D

Flt/Lt William Donald 'Bill' Allies, 41978, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 22 March 1945, Aged 30

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress III KJ112 BU-P

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 265.

Son of William Kenneth and Marguerite Allies; husband of Kathleen Marjorie Allies, of Tenby, Pembrokeshire

William married Kathleen Marjorie Harman on 16 December 1939 at Newton Abbot Register Office, Devon.

Joined 214 Squadron from No 5 BATF in May 1942 until August 1942.

Joined 214 Squadron again from 1699 Flt on 6 February 1945.

First operation was on 7 February 1945.

12 Fortress operations were flown from February 1945 to March 1945. These are actual operational take offs, but do not disregard aborted operations, early returns etc.

Allies_William_Donald_Letter_to_Lady_Wynford_Page_1

Allies_William_Donald_Letter_to_Lady_Wynford_Page_1

Allies_William_Donald_Letter_to_Lady_Wynford_Page_2

Letter from Wg/Cdr Bowes to Lady Winford (mother of Flt/Lt William Donald Allies)

Allies_William_Donald_obituary

Obituary

The website adminstrators have a copy of his war record

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Ian Hunt and Peter Allies (Son of Flt/Lt William Donald Allies) and Catherine Stewart (relative of WO James McFarlane

Date record last updated : 5 January 2014

AMIRAULT, A B

FS Alphe Baptiste Amirault, R/88416, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian. KIA 5 March 1943 aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK662 BU-K

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 181.

Son of Louis N. and Lucy E. Amirault, of Pubnico, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Source : Nightjar Newsletter and CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 5 January 2014

ANDERSON, P J

Fg/Off Peter J Anderson, Pilot, Date taken POW 15 March 1945, POW number Unknown

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB803 (15 March 1945) BU-L

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Fortress Ops flown = 9
(* Actually 'operational take-offs'. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc)

Broken leg. Liberated by US Army.

Sadly Peter passed away in March 2014 aged 91

Source : Ian Hunt and Nightjar newsletter Spring 2015 and Chorley and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 30 October 2020

ANDERSON, R

Sgt Robert Anderson, 942664, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 27 March 1943, Aged 25

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I BF453 BU-L

Buried in HANOVER WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 10. B. 8.

Son of John Wilfred and Hannah Bowman Anderson, of Fulwell, Sunderland, Co. Durham.

Source : Eric Matthews (relative of Eric Greenhalgh) and CWGC

Date record last updated : 2 October 2010

ANDREW, G I

Taken on 1 January 1958, when he was on Special Duties with the RAF Liaison Party at Base Aérienne 115, Istres, Armée de l'Air, a year before he joined 214 Sqdn for the 1st time

Cpl/Tech George Ian 'Andy' Andrew, 1926495, Air Radar Fitter / Bomber, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

Born 17 March 1937

Born in Redcar, Yorkshire

Son of George Fall and Winifred Elizabeth Andrew

Enlisted on 22 May 1952.

Demobed on 17 March 1965.

Served on 214 Squadron twice, firstly from February 1959 to October 1962 and then October 1964 to 17 March 1965.

Nicki Fenton writes :
"I recently bought a wooden tool box at auction made by cpl Tech G I Andrews of 214 Squadron. I have found his details on your site and am thrilled that his photograph is there. Are you able to tell me what this painted symbol on top of the box means please?"
Andrew_George_Ian_box

The symbol is the 'Speed logo' that was on the tail of Victors and Valiants that were flown by 214 Squadron.

Source : George Ian Andrew and Nicki Fenton

Date record last updated : 25 September 2020

ANSTEE, R E

R E Anstee

R E Anstee was NCO aircrew on Stirlings and B17s. This is Rod's wife's uncle.

Source : Rod Watts (relative)

Date record last updated : 15 May 2020

APPLEBY, R B

Sgt R B Appleby, KIA 25 June 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I DJ973 BU-A

Can not find details on CWGC

Source : Neil Leveratt nephew of Sgt Brothers and Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 20 August 2009

ARCHER, F

Sgt F Archer

Laurence Carr writes :
I was wondering if you have any information regarding Sgt. F. (Frank?) Archer. He was a gunner with 214 Squadron during 1942-3. He served with Lawrence Carr on the majority of his missions but there is very little information about him anywhere, which is rather surprising due to the number of missions that he took part in overall.

Can anyone help with information please?

Source : Laurence Carr (descendant of Sgt Lawrence Carr)

Date record last updated : 17 November 2017

ARCHER, V H

Sgt Victor Harry Archer, 641651, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 23 May 1943, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III MZ261 BU-T

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 3. D. 2.

Husband of Pamela Dorothy Archer, of Bath, Somerset

On the 23 May 1943 at 23.15, Stirling MZ261 coded BU-T lifted off from Chedburgh, in Suffolk on the nights operations. The target for the night was a bombing raid on Dortmond which included several other 214 Squadron aircraft. This was destined to be their last flight. It is unknown exactly what happened, possibly flak or a nightfighter, but Stirling MZ261 crashed at Unna about 15km ENE of Dortmund. Initially the crew were buried here but they were later taken re-interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

Source : Martin Alford, nephew of Donald Alford and CWGC

Date record last updated : 10 November 2017

ARCHIBALD, J W

WO James W Archibald, 187559, Pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Archibald (15 July 1944)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Archibald (4 July 1944) BU-H

Fortress Ops flown = 37
(* Actually 'operational take-offs'. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc)

Previously flew Stirlings with 214 Squadron.

July 1944 WO Archibald's crew flew on a daylight raid to St Leu 'Desserent when the gunners shot down FW190. Crew included Flt/Lt Donald MacGilchrist.

Source : Ian Hunt and Flt/Lt Donald MacGilchrist

Date record last updated : 4 August 2009

ARMSTRONG, D N R

Plt/Off Donald Noel Robert Armstrong, 400009, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian, KIA 7 July 1941, Aged 28

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2992 (7 July 1941) BU-J

Named on the following Memorial : Australian War Memorial Panel 118

Buried in AS COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 1

Son of Donald Robert and Florence Stone Armstrong; husband of Margery Garton Armstrong, of Sandringham, Victoria, Australia.

Source : CWGC and grave photograph by Ivo Swinnen of As, Belgium and Australian War Memorial

Date record last updated : 26 March 2021

ARMSTRONG, E R

FS Ernest Robert Armstrong, 427084, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, KIA 16 November 1944, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB787 (16 November 1944) BU-J

Buried in CAMBRIDGE CITY CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 15352.

Son of Charles Edwin Armstrong and of Agnes Swinbourne Armstrong (nee Handford), of Geraldine, South Canterbury, New Zealand.

FS Armstrong was engaged to Audrey Trotman (nicknamed 'Terry' by FS Armstrong) when he died. Audrey used to call him "Bob".
Kathryn Graham believes he had at least one sister called Barbara who visited her mum's new family in Glasgow many years later.

Does anyone have any further information please?

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Kathryn Graham (daughter of Audrey Trotman)

Date record last updated : 25 January 2015

ARMSWORTH, R G

Sgt Ronald George Armsworth, 1390997, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 4 July 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE882 BU-J

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 140.

Son of George and Lily Arm Armsworth, of Goodmayes, Essex.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 22 August 2019

ARNOLD, A

Fg/Off A Arnold, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9355 (2 July 1942)

Source : Arthur Skone

Date record last updated : 22 June 2014

ARNOT, J

FS John Arnot, Bomb Aimer, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II ??Ingham BU-

Source : John Ritchie, son of Sgt J Ritchie

Date record last updated : 6 December 2011

ASHMAN, A C

Sgt Arthur Charles Ashman, 906102, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom. KIA 7 December 1940 Age 19

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R3209 BU-H

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 11

Son of Frank Arthur and Doris Eva Ashman, of Bath, Somerset.

Source : Ian Hunt and CWGC

Date record last updated : 2 October 2010

ASHWORTH, C J

Ashworth_James_Colin_No3_elementary_flying_training_school_Harwood_Christchurch_NZ_1943_Colin_rear_centre

FS James Colin Ashworth taken at No3 elementary flying training school Harwood Christchurch New Zealand in 1943.
Colin is in the rear row in the centre.

Ashworth_James_Colin_letter_to_Mrs_Ashworth_from_Supreme_court

Ashworth_James_Colin_letter_to_Mrs_Ashworth_from_Supreme_court

Letter to FS Asworth's mother from the Supreme Court

Ashworth_James_Colin_certified_copy_of_entry_of_death

FS Asworth's entry of death

FS Colin James Ashworth, 427492, Pilot, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, KIA 16 November 1944, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB787 (16 November 1944) BU-J

Named on the following Memorial : Auckland War Memorial Named on the following Memorial : Balcairn Cemetery, NZ Named on the following Memorial : International Bomber Command Centre Named on the following Memorial : Rangiora War memorial, NZ Named on the following Memorial : Sefton War Memorial, NZ Named on the following Memorial : St Andrews College Roll Of Honour, NZ

Born 6 July 1922

Born in Rangiora, New Zealand

Buried in CAMBRIDGE CITY CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 15351.

Son of Abram Ashworth and of Jessie Mitchell Ashworth (nee McGowan), of Sefton, North Canterbury, New Zealand.

Colin studied at St Andrews College, Christchurch, New Zealand. He then went on to work as farm labourer on his father's farm.

Fortress Ops flown = 2
(* Actually 'operational take-offs'. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc)

Colin's service history was as follows :
NZ army territorial force (2 years) Canterbury Yeoman Calvary.
11/02/1942 RNZAF Rukuhia- Aircraft hand Airfield Defence Unit (ADU)
03/08/1942 Tauranga. Remuster as aircrew.
26/11//1942 Initial training wing.
04/02/1943 Remuster as Pilot. No.3 Elementary flying training school- Harewood.
15/02/1943 First solo flight.
03/04/1943 No.2 Service flight training school- Woodbourne.
31/07/1943 Pilots badge and promotion to Sargent (with effect from 7.6.1943
21/08/1943- Embarked for United Kingdom.
15/10/1943 No.12 Personal despatch and receipt center.
Nov 1943 Attached to Whitley Bay course for Non Commissioned Officers.
08/02/1944 15p Advanced flying unit- Tiger Moth and Avro Anson twin engine aircraft.
March 1944 Hospital?
05/04/1944 Beam Approach School. Navigational instruction in following radio beams.
16/05/1944 No.11 Operational training unit- Training on twin engine Wellington bombers.
03/08/1944 1657 Heavy conversion unit- Stirling four engine heavy bomber flight training
Unknown 1944. Joined No.214 Joint Malay States squadron and attached to 1699 Heavy Training Unit- Fortress II training.
Operational flights for 214 Squadron in Fortress III
16/11/1944 Killed on air operation. This was only Colin's second operation with 214 Squadron after his Fortress conversion training.

Click on this link to read a document written by Cymon Hewitt (relative of FS Colin James Ashworth)

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Ian Hunt and Cymon Hewitt (relative of FS Colin James Ashworth)

Date record last updated : 24 July 2020

ASTBURY, D E

FS D E Astbury

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ125 BU-J

Source : ORB and Richard Heath (grandson of Sgt Harold James Heath)

Date record last updated : 15 December 2017

ATHERTON, V

Victor Atherton, Nationality : Canadian

Milton Wesley branch Legion. Died March 1999 at the age of 89. No further details known

Date record last updated : 10 June 2009

ATHOL, D

Des Athol, Navigator, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

Des was with 214 Squadron in the early 1950's

Athol_Des

Taken during a visit of the Sultan of Jahore involving a presentation of silver for 214 (FMS) Sqn.
Des Athol is nearest the camera with Fl Lts Myers (?) and Marsh (?) next to skipper Gerry Moor. This was taken prior to Des's departure to RAF Shawbury on a Spec "N" course.

The Sqn CO at the time was a Sqn Ldr Smith.

Source : Des Athol

Date record last updated : 21 June 2011

ATKINSON, G A

FS George Addison Atkinson, 1485104, Captain / Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 23 November 1943, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EF445 BU-J

Named on the following Memorial : Durham Police HQ, Aykley Heads
Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 135.
Named on the following Memorial : Wheatley Hill All Saints' Church
Named on the following Memorial : Wheatley Hill All Saints' Church Bible Dedicated
Named on the following Memorial : Wingate A J Dawson Grammar School

Son of John and Isabella Atkinson, of Wheatley Hill, Co. Durham.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Simon Glancey

Date record last updated : 1 December 2017

ATTWOOD, D W

FS D W Attwood, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, Date taken POW 26 July 1942, POW number 25045

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7560 BU-C

Imprisoned at POW camp Beninia?, Poland
Imprisoned at POW camp Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Lamsdorf (Lambinowice), Germany - until 1943 when it became Stalag 344

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 30 October 2020

AUSTIN, P

Pete Austin, Air Electronics Officer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor K Mark I ??Rudin

Source : David 'Tug' Wilson

Date record last updated : 1 December 2017

AUSTIN, W D

Flt/Lt William Donald 'Don' Austin DFC and Bar, 129384, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Austin BU-O

Joined 214 from 1699 Flt on 6 February 1945
First operation on 7 February 1945
Last operation on 8 April 1945
Posted to 105 OTU on 5 June 1945

Fortress Ops flown = 22
(* Actually 'operational take-offs'. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc)

Source : Ian Hunt and Leslie Bostock and London Gazette October 1945

Date record last updated : 25 October 2015

AVENT, W G

Sgt Sydney Walter George Avent, 1283173, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 28 April 1942, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C DV768 BU-?
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1158 BU-S

Buried in KIEL WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 5. C. 2.

Husband of Mary Kathleen Avent, of Beckenham, Kent.

Source : CWGC and Chorley and Ian Hunt and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 27 November 2020

AYRE, R

WO Ronald Ayre, 114211, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Date taken POW 9 December 1940, POW number Unknown

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I R1246 BU-H

Imprisoned at POW camp Barth, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Fallingbostel Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Sagan (Zagan) & Belaria, Germany

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

WO Ayre is recorded as baling out from his aircraft when it hit a barrage balloon cable on 9 December 1940 while flying between R.A.F Stradishall and 70 Squadron based in the Middle East.

Ronald was captured and taken POW, near Beauvais, northern France.

There is a note on Ronald's POW papers that "whilst asked to dig out a tractor from a snow drift with a pitch fork, all four tyres were 'accidentally' punctured".

Source : Andy Buckley and www.rafcommands.com

Date record last updated : 30 October 2020

© Copyright No. 214 Squadron website and the families and contributors to the site.

All information, pictures and articles on this site, unless otherwise indicated, are the property and copyright of the families of the No. 214 Squadron collectively or of an individual member.

The use of any materials from this site for any commercial purpose whatsoever is strictly forbidden.

Privacy / Data Notice

This site was developed using