No. 214 (FMS) Squadron RAF - Personnel

PERSONNEL

L

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

Surname :

LACEY, C V C

FS C V C Lacey, Wireless Operator

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Fortress Mark III KJ119 BU-O

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 1 January 2010

LAGNA, M N

Sgt Mario Noel Lagna, 910591, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom

Buried in RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 4. D. 23.

Martyn writes :
My grandfather was posted to 214 Squadron during ww2.
His service records show he was only there for a short while from 27 December 1942 to 15 March 1942 for orientation training on heavy bombers ready for his active service deployment with 7 Squadron.
He was with 7 Squadron Oakington after this until his death on 26 May 1943.
If you have any information as to his duties at 214 I would be most grateful.

Source : Martyn Aquilina (grandson) and CWGC

Date record last updated : 17 May 2019

LAMING, D

Sgt David Laming, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK659 (20-Apr-1943) BU-N
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EH699 BU-X

Served with 214 from 28 February 1943 to 29 July 1943. The crew were based at Chedburgh, Suffolk flying Stirlings.

See Articles ("N" for nuts section) for a story written by Flt/Lt Wallace about one of the crews Ops over Germany when their Stirling was shot up by another Stirling injuring the pilot Geoff Shattock.

Source : Dave Wallace, son of Flt/Lt A. Wallace

Date record last updated : 30 April 2011

LANCASHIRE, A B

Lancashire_Albert_Bishop_pencil_drawing_text

Pictured next to the grave are his wife Dorothy (aged 100 in 2021 and his daughter in law Mavis).

Lancashire_Albert_Bishop_french_church

LANCASTER, J

Sgt J Lancaster, Co-pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9939 BU-E

Source : Chorley

Date record last updated : 27 November 2009

LANDO, J M

Sgt J M Lando, Flight Engineer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB803 (06-Oct-1944) BU-L
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB819 (14-Feb-1945) BU-U

Source : Ian Hunt

LANE, A W

Sgt A W Lane

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BF318 (20-Dec-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BF318 (28-Nov-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9186 (15-Dec-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9186 (08-Dec-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7631 (22-Oct-1942) BU-G

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 29 December 2008

LANG, R

Fg/Off Rudi Lang, Special Wireless Operator, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : German

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Bray

Born in Germany

Graeme Walsh writes :
Rudi was the German speaking additional radio operator for the aircraft. He was born in Germany but lived in Winnipeg, Canada.

Source : Graeme Walsh (Friend of Fg/Off John Lyall)

Date record last updated : 31 August 2018

LANGHORN, F C

Sgt Fred C 'Freddy' Langhorn, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB817 BU-G
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ101 BU-H
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ114 (02-May-1945) BU-B

Alan Mercer has contributed some reminiscences and a photo of Sgts White and Langhorn with 'their' B-17 in a book about 100 Group which came out about a year ago: "Even When The Sparrows Are Walking" by Laurie Brettingham.

Fortress_HB817

Sgt "Chalky" White and Sgt Freddy Langhorn in front of their aircraft BU-G, Spring 1945.

Source : Alan Mercer and Ian Hunt and Jennifer Baumfield

Date record last updated : 22 February 2009

LAPENSEE, J A F

LAUGHLAND, A M

FS Alan MacNeiley Laughland (R103284)

Distinguished Flying Medal - No.214 Squadron - Award effective 3 June 1943 as per London Gazette dated 11 June 1943 and AFRO 1294/43 dated 9 July 1943. Born in Guelph, Ontario, 1922; home there; enlisted Hamilton, 5 June 1941. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 19 October 1941), No.22 EFTS (graduated 21 December 1941), and No.1 BGS (graduated 2 February 1942). Later commissioned. Killed in action with No.617 Squadron (Lancaster ED735), 17 November 1943; no known grave; name on Runnymede Memorial. Medal presented (to whom not stated on DHist card), 12 December 1944.

Flight Sergeant Laughland has served as mid-upper gunner for a considerable period. He has completed numerous sorties against enemy targets, including Essen, Genoa, Turin and Hamburg. On several occasions he has skillfully fought off the attack if night fighters, four of which he damaged. In August 1942 the aircraft in which he was flying was attacked by four enemy fighters. Flight Sergeant Laughland fired at the first and set it on fire; the second broke off the attack after being hit. Throughout his operational career this airman has invariably displayed high courage and determination.

LAWRENCE

WO Lawrence

Was part of the main crew of Flg/Off E Woodley

Source : Emily Ward (Great niece of Fg/Off Ernest Woodley)

Date record last updated : 28 August 2008

LAWRENCE, R M

FS Reginald Marcus Lawrence, R/60620, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 15 April 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1148 BU-?

Named on the following Memorial : Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Buried in HEVERLEE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 3. E. 14.

Commemorated on Page 89 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance in the Canadian Virtual War Memorial.

Source : Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 28 February 2010

LAWSON, I D N

AVM Ian Douglas Napier Lawson CB, CBE, DFC & Bar, AE, 86354, Co-pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2802 BU-A

Born in London, England

Husband of Flight Officer Bunty Nash of the WAAF Y Service

Born in 1917.

Ian Lawson was educated at Brondesbury College and the Regent Street Polytechnic. While employed in the design office of the de Havilland Aircraft Company he enlisted in the RAFVR in 1938 and, at the outbreak of war, had 40 flying hours in his logbook.

London Gazette Issue 34986 published 5 November 1940:
Made Sergeant from 22 September 1940.

He and his crew joined 214 Squadron from 11 OTU Bassingbourn in November 1940 when they were taken over by Pilot Officer Jack Wetherly, who had just qualified as captain.

In 1941 Ian qualified as Captain.

London Gazette Issue 35350 published 18 November 1941:
Became Pilot Officer (on probation) from 22 September 1941

After twelve operations with 214 Squadron he was posted to Malta. Of the three aircraft that set out from Stradishall, his was the only one to arrive safely.

In the Middle East he completed another 43 operations with 148 Squadron, attacking Tripoli, Benghazi and targets in Greece, Crete, Sicily and Yugoslavia.

London Gazette Issue 35439 published 27 January 1942:
Awarded DFC while with 148 Squadron.

After a spell at 205 Group he returned to operations in September 1942 as a Flight Commander with 70 Squadron. Here he flew another 26 operations in support of Montgomery's victory at Alamein and subsequent advance.

London Gazette Issue 35755 published 20 October 1942:
Promoted to Flying Officer from 22 September 1942.

London Gazette Issue 36027 published 21 May 1943:
Bar to DFC awarded while with 70 Squadron.

He returned to England in 1943 to fly a Pathfinder operation to see what lessons could be applied to the Mediterranean theatre. This, his 82nd operation, was his last; it was also his only one not flown in a Wellington.

London Gazette Issue 36329 published 11 January 1944:
Promoted to Acting Squadron Leader.

London Gazette Issue 36732 published 3 October 1944:
Promoted to Squadron Leader from 1 April 1944.

London Gazette Issue 36963 published 27 February 1945:
Promoted to Wing Commander from 26 January 1945.

He married Bunty Nash in June1945. They had a daughter and a son.

London Gazette Issue 37300 published 5 October 1945:
Became Group Captain.

By October 1945 he was one of the youngest Group Captains in the RAF, serving on the staff at HQ Mediterranean Allied Forces. He was mentioned three times in Despatches and awarded the US Legion of Merit and the Air Efficiency Award.

London Gazette Issue 38131 published 21 November 1947:
Relinquished the war substantive rank of Wing Commander from 1 November 1947 and became Squadron Leader.

Given a regular commission, Ian reverted to Squadron Leader rank and attended the RAF Staff College. In the post-war RAF he flew Dakotas, Lancasters, Meteors, Vampires, Hunters, Canberras and the Comet and steadily climbed the ladder of promotion.

London Gazette Issue 39586 published 27 June 1952:
Promoted to Wing Commander.

London Gazette Issue 41433 published 1 July 1958:
Became Group Captain from 1 July 1958.

He commanded RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, served in Aden as an Air Commodore and finally was appointed as Commandant of Cranwell. He was especially proud to return to Cranwell as Commandant as he had left it in 1940 as a sergeant pilot.

He was awarded the CBE in 1961 and the CB in 1965.

On retirement from the RAF he joined the British Aircraft Corporation, where he was thrilled to play a part in the Concorde project.

A quiet, taciturn airman in the Stuffy Dowding mould, Ian lawson's joy in flying and kindly interest in the young, coupled with a resolute refusal to do anything he thought was wrong, made him a formidable senior officer, popular with his subordinates, and held in awe by his superiors.

Ian died in February 1988 aged 80. RAF Lyneham provided a guard and a fly-past for his funeral at Lacock, Wiltshire.

Source : Christopher Jary, Author - Portrait Of A Bomber Pilot and London Gazette (various issues)

Date record last updated : 16 May 2009

LAWSON, J

James Lawson

James was working with Valiants at RAF Marham about 1956/57.

Source : John Gardner (friend of James)

Date record last updated : 10 January 2016

LAWSON, J A

Flt/Lt John Arthur Lawson DFC, 150241, Pilot

He was the pilot for 28 Fortress flights between April 1944 to May 1945 (actual operational take-offs. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc.)

He was awarded the DFC on 16 February 1945.

Source : Ian Hunt and John Lawson (son of another John Lawson) and Gary Leeding (relative)

Date record last updated : 13 November 2021

LAWSON, J A

Sgt J A Lawson, Bomb Aimer, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 3 February 1943, POW number 27509

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9282 (03-Feb-1943) BU-Q

Imprisoned at POW camp Stalag 344 - Lamsdorf (Lambinowice) Hospital, Germany - from 1943, was Stalag 8B
Imprisoned at POW camp Stalag 8B(G) - Lamsdorf (Lambinowice), Germany - until 1943 when it became Stalag 344

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004 and Spring 2008 and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 13 July 2009

LAWSON, J A

Sgt J A Lawson

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BF318 (20-Dec-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9186 (15-Dec-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9186 (08-Dec-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7631 (22-Oct-1942) BU-G

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 29 December 2008

LAX, A L

Sgt Arthur Lionel Lax, 741541, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 15 January 1942, Aged 25

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1759 (15-Jan-1942) BU-L

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 87.

Son of Augustus Frederick Harry and Ethel Lax, of Hornsea, Yorkshire.

After his aircraft crashed into the North Sea off Whitby Yorkshire, his body was never recovered.

Source : CWGC and Richard Allenby - www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk

Date record last updated : 9 March 2009

LEADBEATER, R

LEAKE, L

Sgt Lawrence Leake, 1699563, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 14 May 1943, Aged 19

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9242 (14-May-1943) BU-O

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 156

Son of Rees Kenyon Leake and Sarah Harness Leake, of Hemsworth, Pontefract, Yorkshire.

Source : Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 10 October 2009

LEE

Sqn/Ldr Lee, Pilot

On 22 September 1943 Murray Peden flew as 2nd dickie (pilot) with Squadron Leader Lee in aircraft Z Zebra to bomb Hanover.

Source : Murray Peden

Date record last updated : 1 December 2017

LEE, E C

Sgt Edward Cooper Lee, 969132, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 7 December 1940, Aged 28

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R2476

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 16

Son of William George Lee, and of Selina Ellen Lee, of Great Malvern, Worcestershire.

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Winter / Spring 2006 and CWGC

Date record last updated : 11 April 2009

LEE, E M

Sgt Eric Makham Lee, 1132944, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 17 April 1943, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BK653

Buried in POIX-DE-PICARDIE CHURCHYARD. Reference : Row E. Grave 12.

Son of Sydney and Annie Wilson Lee, of Stockport, Cheshire; husband of Irene Lee, of Heaton Norris, Stockport.

Source : Julien Saguez, French Researcher and Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 July 2011

LEE, F

Flt/Lt Frank Lee, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 31 August 1943, POW number 2372

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE959 BU-E

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 3 - Sagan (Zagan) and Belaria, Germany

Born 30 September 1921

Buried in ISLE OF WIGHT CREMATORIUM

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Frank left Lucton public school and went straight into the RAF. He went to Canada for training.
His return was apparently on one of the 'Queens'. He said that some of the card schools held thereon got a bit rough!
He had been married for only a few months when he flew his last mission.

After the attack on EE959 Frank levelled the aircraft out and engaged autopilot and left the aircraft with his parachute not correctly clipped on, but still descended safely and he ended up in a tree, hanging upside down. His cursing alerted the people in whose orchard he had landed and they came out with a ladder and helped him down. They treated him well and gave him some of their hoarded real coffee.
They alerted the Burgomaster of their 'guest' and he and a policeman collected Frank and handed him over to the Luffwaffe, which probably kept him safe.
He was asked to identify his crew and was shocked to find that he was identifying bodies. It seems they had landed alive, but...!

Frank was then moved to Sagan where he spent the rest of the war.

After repatriation, Frank joined the Police Force in Portsmouth, (two of his brothers were in the Police Force) but did not enjoy the job. He then trained as a Teacher, starting at Ascot Heath Primary, went on to be a Headmaster at Priestwood C P School in Bracknell, moved to Sussex University as a Lecturer in Education and then became Director of Education for the Isle of Wight.
During his education years he was an Instructor with the ATC, until age and eyesight tests precluded this.
He retired from his position as Director of Education and as far as Adrian (his son) knows, he still lives in the Isle of Wight. Adrian last met his father in 1979 and unfortunately has no contact now.
Can anyone help with making contact between the two?

Frank's obituary was reported in the Isle of Wight County Times, as follows:

"LEE (Frank). Died on19 February 2011, aged 89 years. Much loved by wife Pam, son John, grandchildren Esme, Isaac and Otto and the wider family. WW2 Bomber pilot (214
Squadron.); Stalag Luft 3 and Long March participant.
Countless ATC members received Air Experience (Chipmunks) from him and he relished his lifelong association with the RAF.
Professionally Headteacher, Senior Lecturer and Asst. County Education Officer. A
celebration of Frank's life was held on 9 March 2011 at the Isle of Wight Crematorium."

Source : Adrian Lee (son of Frank Lee) and Chorley and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 9 July 2021

LEE, J R

WO John R Lee, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 25 August 1944, POW number 5291

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB763 (25-Aug-1944) BU-T

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 1 - Barth, Germany

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Flew 18 actual operational 'take-offs'. Does not disregard aborted ops,early returns etc.

Is listed on Battle Orders for 22 August 1944.

Was taken POW whilst on a mission to Russelsheim.

An account in Ian Mackersey's "Into the Silk" describes the amazing survival story of John Lee, a 214 Squadron pilot, who survived a long fall despite the fact that his parachute never fully deployed. This happened on an August 25, 1944 mission to bomb the Opel car factory in Russelheim.

Source : George Mackie and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Ian Hunt and Jim Hamilton and Ian MacKersey

Date record last updated : 28 July 2008

LEE, J R

Wg/Cdr John R Lee, Pilot

He was the pilot for 9 Fortress flights between April 1944 to May 1945 (actual operational take-offs. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc.)

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 7 December 2018

LEE, N J

Sgt N J Lee, Flight Engineer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II HB787 (28-Sep-1944) BU-J

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 31 January 2025

LEECH, L M

Plt/Off Lawrence Malcolm Leech, J/5490, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 16 April 1942

Born 29 June 1918

Born in Woodstock, Carleton,New Brunswick, Canada

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1169 BU-W
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z8951 (16-Apr-1942) BU-X

Named on the following Memorial : War memorial "Het Rijtven", Deurne, Netherlands

Buried in EINDHOVEN (WOENSEL) GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Plot JJ. Grave 51.

Son of Sidney Charles and Clara Leech, of McAdam, New Brunswick, Canada.

Source : Adrian van Zantvoort and Chorley and CWGC and Ian Hunt and Richard Schoutissen (researcher from the Netherlands)

Date record last updated : 5 October 2024

LEETE, G

George Leete, Navigator / Observer

George crewed on a Lancaster in 1946.

He died on 12 October 2011, aged 86.

Source : Squadron Association

Date record last updated : 27 September 2013

LEITCH, A H

Fg/Off Archibald Havill Leitch, J/44328, Navigator, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 16 November 1944, Aged 21

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

Buried in BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY. Reference : 51. A. 10.

Son of Archibald Kenneth (died 22 October 1945 age 66) and Mary Josephine Leitch (née Hamill. Died 11 April 1957 age 66), of 159 Weston Avenue, Vancouver British Columbia, Canada.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Kelvin Youngs http://aircrewremembered.com

Date record last updated : 13 August 2021

LESLIE, W A

FS W A Leslie, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British, Date taken POW 23 May 1943, POW number 1252

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BF528

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 1 - Barth, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 6 - Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Stalag 357P - Thorn (Torun), Poland

Source : Dave Pointer (grandson of Sgt WS Clifton-Moggs) and "Footprints in the sand of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 28 January 2008

LESTER, A E

FS A E 'Bert' Lester, Mid Upper Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Peden
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III SR377 (28-Jul-1944) BU-M
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR381 BU-F

Source : Michael Phillips (son of Jack Phillips) and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Return of operational Aircrew at 16:00hrs on 31 August 1944 and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 14 March 2025

LEVENSON, S A

WO Stephen Austin Levenson, 745292, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 17 September 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9350 (07-Aug-1942) BU-T
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9350 (17-Sep-1942) BU-T

Buried in HEVERLEE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 2. J. 2.

Son of Alexander Levenson and of Agnes Levenson (nee Fretwell); husband of Margaret Macallum Levenson (nee Melville), of Taynuilt, Argyllshire.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004 and Chorley and 214 Squadron ORB and and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

LEVINE, A

Fg/Off Abe Levine, Special Operator

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

September 2009 - Abe Levine is still alive and living in Montreal. Leslie Bostock and Abe are still in touch.

Source : Leslie Bostock

Date record last updated : 27 October 2009

LEWENDON, W E

Sgt W E Lewendon, 1288221, Pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) ??Lewendon

On 9 March 1942 he was part of an aircrew that reported for duty with 215 Squadron at 15 OTU Harwell.

See Photo album 4 "The exodus of 214 Squadron to 215 Squadron".

Source : Colin Burningham

Date record last updated : 29 May 2010

LEWIS

Fg/Off Lewis

No further information available yet.

Date record last updated : 3 October 2010

LEWIS, C

FS Charlie 'Chas' Lewis, Starboard Waist Gunner

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

September 2009 - Leslie Bostock thinks he is still alive but they have no contact with each other.

Source : Leslie Bostock

Date record last updated : 27 October 2009

LEWIS, C A

Sgt C A Lewis

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB785 (07-Jan-1945) BU-A

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 17 April 2020

LEWIS, D V

Sgt D V Lewis

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ103 BU-M

Source : Chorley

Date record last updated : 31 August 2011

LEWIS, R

Sgt R Lewis

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9319 (20-Jun-1942) BU-S

Date record last updated : 3 October 2010

LEWIS, T G

Sgt Thomas George Lewis, 1653157, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 30 July 1943, Aged 19

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EF407 BU-A

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 156

Son of William George and Florence Harriet Lewis, of Penarth, Glamorgan.

Sgt Lewis's parents had lived at 31 Dew Street, Haverford West, Wales but later believed post war moved to Penarth.
Thomas G. Lewis joined the RAF as Flight Engineer in August 1942.

In his family he had lost his uncle R. Bishop who was killed during W.W.1, his cousin Robert Charles Bishop, (also a member of 214 Squadron) KIA 23 November 1940, and another cousin L/Cpl Charles H.B. Lewis in Italy in 1943.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Owen Vaughan (researcher)

Date record last updated : 5 January 2014

LEWIS, W G

FS William George Lewis, 967100, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, KIA 14 July 1941

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1614 (14-Jul-1941) BU-H

Buried in MYNYDD BACH CONGREGATIONAL CHAPELYARD. Reference : Row C. Grave 25.

R1614 was presumed lost over the North Sea. The body of FS Lewis was washed onto English beaches.

Source : Ian Hunt, extracted from Operations record book, PRO and CWGC

Date record last updated : 29 October 2010

LEYSHON, M

Sqn/Ldr Mervyn 'Taff' Leyshon AFC MiD, Non Comm 970070 Comm 103502, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) ??Eddison
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) ??Leyshon

Born 22 January 1919

Born in Pencoed, South Wales

Son of Robert Leyshon and Gwladys Leyshon (Evans)

Mervyn's first crew at No. 11 Operational Training Unit
(OTU) Bassingbourn was Sgt C Hitchcock, Sgt J Cattell, Sgt R Brown, Sgt D G Rowland and Sgt D T McHardy.
Mervyn left Bassingbourn ahead of the rest of the crew to 214 Squadron, Stradishall for operational experience and the rest of the crew were to follow on.
This did not happen because on 9 April 1941 they were on a mission to Kiel with Sgt Pilot Cusworth. The aircraft was shot down over the target and all crew were killed.
See Crew of Wellington T2542 (9 April 1941).

Mervyn then flew his 2nd pilot raids with Flt/Lt Eddison and crew. When Eddison was promoted to Squadron Leader Mervyn was to take over the crew and aircraft on their return from a raid on Hamburg.
See Crew ?? Eddison.

Mervyn was replaced by Pilot Officer Norman Kirkaldie RNZAF as 2nd pilot. Unfortunately the aircraft was shot down over Holland by a night fighter - all were killed.
See Crew of Wellington R1226.

Mervyn then took over the crew of Sgt Smiles after they had survived a crash on 29 January 1941.
See Crew of Wellington T2841.

Mervyn celebrated his 90th birthday in January 2009. He is still in contact with many of the families of the men he flew with.

Source : Aled Leyshon (grandson) and Gary Cusworth (relative of Sgt Cusworth)

Date record last updated : 8 October 2023

LIDDLE, P H

Fg/Off Peter Harold Liddle, 129581, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 24 May 1943, Aged 21

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

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 3. D. 17.

Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Liddle, of Cape Town, South Africa.

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

LILES, G G

B-17 Q-Queenie

Flt/Lt Geoffrey George 'Geoff' Liles DFC, 128506, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

Born 13 June 1920

Born in North London

Son of Laura & (George?)

Born 1920

In 214 Squadron, B-17 (G?) Q-Queenie (I know that he previously flew Wellingtons & Stirlings. Later flew Liberators in 220 Squadron.

Other crew members were 'Budgie' Budge (New Zealand Tail Gunner).

Flew 30 actual "operational take-offs". This does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc.

Geoff was also an instructor at No.29 EFTS, RAF Clyffe Pypard.

John Liles writes :
He had always wanted us, his two sons, to fly, but in the end it was his daughter, our sister Jeanne who flew, for BOAC/ British Airways.(Senior Stewardess)
He had very often referred to his love of flying B-17 Q-Queene, and so it was with extremely great surprise that we all saw at his funeral service at Crownhill that his ashes were finally laid to rest immediately next to a person whose name was 'Queenie' !!!
After 214 Squadron he went on to fly Liberators with 220 Squadron - 'bring the troops home' we understand - and then joined BOAC, where he soon took a family posting in Montreal, Canada, flying Constellations, but we all returned to England (to Brislington, by Bristol) for him to train with many others at Filton on Boeing Stratocruisers. Having flown Boeing B-17's he continued to fly American aircraft for the rest of his working life, taking retirement in 1975 I believe. He had an annual B-17 crew re-union almost every year after retirement, and I have copies of photos, except that I don't know the names of all shown.
He is mentioned in some RAF books by Murray Peden.

Died 3 March 2006 aged 85

Some ashes at Crownhill Crematorium, Milton Keynes. Other scatter from a light aircraft by his daughter Jeanne Liles.

Source : Ian Hunt and Douglas Reed and John Lilles (son of Flt/Lt Geoffrey George Lilles)

Date record last updated : 8 December 2017

LILLEY, C

Fg/Off Chuck Lilley, Observer, Royal Air Force

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB819 (02-Apr-1945) BU-U

Source : F A Wilkes

Date record last updated : 16 January 2014

LINGWOOD, J

Plt/Off John Lingwood, 70866, Pilot, Royal Air Force, KIA 6 November 1939, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I L4345 BU-?

Buried in WANDSWORTH (PUTNEY VALE) CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM. Reference : Block B. Grave 486.

Son of Sqdn. Ldr. Joseph Harold Lingwood, R.A.F., and Henrietta Clara Lingwood, of Ashtead, Surrey. His brother, David, also died on service.

Brian Bouchard writes :
'Greetings from Ashtead, Surrey
Various sources infer from CWGC that John and his brother David Lingwood had lived here but neither was really 'one of ours'.
The marriage of Joseph Harold Lingwood to Henrietta Clara Schneberger was registered at Wandsworth, 9/1914. Since, during WW1 the Schnebergers changed their surname to Hamilton, that name is shown for the mother of John H Lingwood, b. reg, Kingston 3/1919, and David Lingwood, Kingston 12/1920. Henrietta Lingwood died aged 47, reg. Kingston 3/1930.
John Lingwood had obtained a commission in the RAF wef 26/3/1938. On 6/11/1939, in a Wellington L4345 BU - ? with 214 Sqn., he was undertaking a training flight when, on final approach, he decided to make a go around but the aircraft stalled and crashed in a huge explosion. Lingwood and A/C 1 Arthur Matthews were killed.
John had been living at Hylton Cottage, Manygate Lane, Shepperton, possibly with his father and brother but that cannot be confirmed.
It is believed that Joseph Harold Lingwood had been a Civil Servant who served with the Honourable Artillery Company in WW1 but resigned his commission during 1921. In 1939 he was in business as a retail tobacconist but became an Acting Pilot Officer, on probation, 10/10/1941. He rose to Sqn Ldr in Admin and Special Duties Branch, 26/7/1944, but resigned that commission, 20/7/1954.
Post WW2 he had come to live at Larchwood, The Warren, Ashtead , before his death in The Cottage Hospital, Leatherhead, 19/12/1957.
Further references to the brother, David Lingwood, in 220 Squadron, may be found in http://aircrewremembered.com/lingwood-david.html & http://www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk/aircraft/yorkshire/york40/n7238.html'

Source : Chorley and Nightjar Newsletter and CWGC and Brian Bouchard

Date record last updated : 1 December 2017

LITTLEWOOD, D

Sgt Denys Littlewood, 1670565, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 26 May 1943, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK659 (26-May-1943) BU-N

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 157

Son of John Thomas Littlewood and Gertrude Littlewood, of Sheffield.

After his aircraft crashed into the North Sea his body was never found.

Source : CWGC and Geoff Swallow (Australian researcher) and Chorley

Date record last updated : 31 January 2010

LIVESEY, A

Sgt Albert Livesey, 970744, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 12 May 1941, Aged 19

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2802 BU-A
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R1376 (21-Mar-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1447 (27-Mar-1941) BU-A
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1462 BU-?
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R3233 (23-Mar-1941)

Buried in HAMBURG CEMETERY. Reference : Joint grave 5A. F. 4-5.

Son of William and Jennie Livesey, of Darwen, Lancashire.

Albert Livesey joined 214 Squadron as a very young man in November 1940. He flew as front gunner in Pilot Officer Jack Wetherly's crew.

When Wetherly completed his tour, the crew was taken over by Pilot Officer John Topliss.

Source : Christopher Jary, Author - Portrait Of A Bomber Pilot and Ian Hunt and CWGC and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 18 November 2022

LLOYD, K

Plt/Off Kenneth Lloyd, 111992, Observer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 14 April 1942, Aged 30

Buried in THORNTON GARDEN OF REST. Reference : Sec. A. Grave 1496.

Son of Enoch Alfred and Emma Lloyd, of Great Crosby, Liverpool.

He died of wounds sustained, when aircraft was hit by flak on a mission over Essen during night 13/14 April 1942. [Air 27/1321/8; TNA]

Pilot Flt/Lt Nixey made a crash landing at Martlesham.

Source : CWGC and James Murrow

Date record last updated : 31 August 2018

LLOYD-DAVIES, R F

Sgt Robert Francis 'Bob' Lloyd-Davies, Wireless Operator, Nationality : British, Date taken POW 24 May 1944, POW number 34

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Fortress II SR384 BU-A

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 7 - Bankau (Bakow), Poland

Born in Chester, England

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Ryan Dudley (cousin twice removed of Allan Hockley) and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Roz Glenn (daughter-in-law of FS Thomas Glenn)

Date record last updated : 29 May 2010

LOCKHART, J

Sgt J Lockhart, Air Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB801 (17-Apr-1945) BU-T

Source : 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Heath (grandson of Sgt Harold James Heath)

Date record last updated : 2 February 2018

LODGE

Plt/Off Lodge, Co-pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) L7859 (29-Nov-1940) BU-C

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 7 April 2009

LOGAN, C

Plt/Off C Logan, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C ??Enright (22-Dec-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) ??Smith

Was part of the first aircrew to be seconded to 215 Squadron on 22 December 1941.

He was again seconded to 15 OTU for 215 Squadron on 11 March 1942.

See Photo album 4 "The exodus of 214 Squadron to 215 Squadron".

Source : Colin Burningham

Date record last updated : 16 June 2010

LOGAN, C R

Sgt C R 'Larry' Logan

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I EF362 BU-N

Sgt Logan was injured in the crash of EF362 on 30 March 1943

Source : Ian Hunt and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004 and Joyce Birch (cousin of WG Cooper) and Jeremy Kearns (son of Robert Kearns)

Date record last updated : 21 February 2016

LOGAN, F J

Sgt Fulton James 'Jim' Logan, Air Gunner, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II HB382 (20-Apr-1944) BU-B

Ron Belanger (his son in law) has his original Flying Log Book (for Aircrew other than Pilot). Although he cannot interpret all of the entires there appear to be some interesting flights. It contains entries from both 214 Squadron Sculthorpe and 214 Squadron Oulton. His duties were both as ball gunner and beam gunner. The entries are from May 1943 (Gunnery Course) to December 1944 and include 30 OPs 35 Sorties. Some entries include: Ops Saarbrucken Oct 5/44; Ops Nurnberg Oct 19/44; Danish Coast; Ops Cologne & Frankfurt Oct 27/444 etc. Some of the pilots are shown as F/L Puterbough, F/L Morrison and F/O Hill.

Source : Ron Belanger (son in law of Sgt Fulton James Logan) and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 14 March 2025

LOMAS, J D

Wg/Cdr John D Lomas, Pilot, Royal Air Force

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor Mark I - 3 point tanker End of 214 (1)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor Mark I - 3 point tanker XA932 (20-Jul-1976)

Wg/Cdr Lomas joined 214 Squadron in 1956.
His first contact with Victors when he joined the "V" Force (comprised of Victors, Valiants and and Vulcans) in 1960. He flew the Victor Mk1 in it's bombing role for one year before onverting to the Victor Mark 2 which he flew until 1967.
In December 1972 he returned to Marham to join 214 Squadron and in 1975 he ws promoted to Wing Commander and made Squadron Commander, leaving one month before 214 Squadron disbanded.
Wg/Cdr Lomas had more than 2,000 flying hours on Victors.
His next posting was in Norfolk, Virginia USA, where he attended the Armed Forces Staff College before taking up a post at the Strategic Air Command headquarters in Nebraska USA.

Source : Flt/Lt David Card and Michael Waterson (whose father worked for Flight Refuelling Ltd)

Date record last updated : 8 March 2019

LONGDEN

Flt/Lt Longden

Attended the 62 Victor Mk1 Course. See photo album 4 for photograph taken 24 November 1965.

Source : John Brown

Date record last updated : 4 August 2009

LONGDEN

Sgt Longdon

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) Z8900
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) Z8900 (15-Nov-1941)

Source : Colin Burningham and W.R.Chorley

Date record last updated : 4 October 2009

LONGDEN

Sgt Longdon

Was a regular crew member with Gp/Capt John Aidan Field

Is possibly the same Sgt Longdon sourced by Colin Burningham and W.R.Chorley

Source : Richard Field (son of Gp/Capt John Aidan Field)

Date record last updated : 24 May 2019

LOUGHNAN

Wg/Cdr Loughnan, Co-pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2778 (22-Feb-1941) BU-R

Source : Ian Hunt

LOVATT, E N

Sgt Enoch N 'Nick' Lovatt, Rear Gunner, Nationality : British, Date taken POW 24 May 1944, POW number 35

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR384 BU-A

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 7 - Bankau (Bakow), Poland

Born in South Shields, County Durham, England

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Sgt Lovatt was born in 1924.

He died in 1957 in South Shields, County Durham aged 33 years.

Source : Ryan Dudley (nephew of Allan Hockley) and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Roz Glenn (daughter-in-law of FS Thomas Glenn)

Date record last updated : 20 November 2020

LOVEDAY, H L

Sgt Herbert Leon Loveday, 1378203, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 30 November 1941, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z8953 BU-?

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 47.

Son of Herbert and Katherine Loveday; husband of Marjorie Rose Loveday, of Stanmore, Middlesex.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 29 December 2010

LOVEGROVE, F T

Sgt Fred T Lovegrove, Rear Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I EF362 BU-N

Source : Ian Hunt and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004 and Joyce Birch (cousin of WG Cooper) and Jeremy Kearns (son of Robert Kearns)

Date record last updated : 21 February 2016

LOVELL-SMITH, W J

Fg/Off W J Lovell-Smith, NZ425950, Air Bomber, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, Date taken POW 14 March 1945, POW number Unknown

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB772 (02-Nov-1944) BU-Q
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB799 (13-Mar-1945) BU-K
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB802 (14-Mar-1945) BU-O
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ110 (14-Jan-1945) BU-B

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

POW camp not known

Back in the UK on 8 April 1945

Source : "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Ian Hunt and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 18 April 2025

LOVERIDGE, G D

Sgt Gilbert Dalton Loveridge, 1388965, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Nationality : United Kingdom. KIA 3 August 1943 aged 21

See CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling III EF409 BU-V

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 157

Son of Gilbert Harold and Emily Loveridge, of Eastleigh, Hampshire.

Source : Norman Loveridge (brother) and Roy Walsham (neighbour of Norman Loveridge) and CWGC.

Date record last updated : 24 March 2008

LOWE, G

Sgt Gordon Lowe, Wireless Operator, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) Mackett crews

At No 26 Operational Training Unit in 1943 Gordon crewed up with Pilot Bob Mackett, Bomb Aimer Bill Wilkinson, FO Alan Deadman, Mid Upper Gunner Bruce Taggart and Tail Gunner Doug Houghton. In July 1943 Flt Eng Stan Newton joined the crew and they all joined 214 Squadron at RAF Chedburgh the end of the month.

Source : Robert Mackett and Vic Pheasant 214 Squadron Association

Date record last updated : 21 February 2016

LUCAS

Flt/Lt Lucas, Pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ107 (08-Apr-1945) BU-N

8 April 1945 - Mentioned on Battle Orders

Date record last updated : 28 August 2008

LUCAS, J W

Flt/Lt James William Lucas DFC, 125538, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB819 (Date unknown) BU-U

Named on the following Memorial : Blickling Hall Scroll
Named on the following Memorial : Memorial Wall Elvington Museum

Born 15 July 1918
Born in Southend on Sea, Essex

Son of William Lucas, mother's name unknown

Enlisted on 4 November 1940.
After Basic Training he was sent to Toronto Canada in June 1941.
Moved to Tuscaloosa , Primary Training Centre, USA.
Trained on STEARMAN AIRCRAFT.
Further Training at Gunter Field Alabama, Selma Craig Field and Eglin Air Field Florida.
Authorized To Wear Flying Badge on 6 February 1942.
Started training to become an instructor February 1942. He then commenced training pilots at Gunter Field from March 1942 to October 1942.
Returned to England October 1942 and commenced training for Bomber Command.
BAT Course 38 at Little Rissington Gloucester on OXFORDS
24 OTU Honeybourne on WHITLEY
10 OTU Detachment St Eval on WHITLEY
Whilst training he completed 6 operational sweeps of the the Atlantic, flying WHITLEY on April 26th, May 2nd /5th/9th/14th/17th 1943.

To 1663 Conversion Unit Ruffort June 1943, trained on HALIFAX Bombers.

Transferred to 78 Squadron Breighton Yorkshire and was operational from July 1943.

03 July 1943 COLOGNE
09 July 1943 GELSENKIRCHEN
13 July 1943 AACHEN
15 July 1943 MONTBELIARD
24 July 1943 HAMBURG & ESSEN
27 July 1943 HAMBURG
29 July 1943 HAMBURG
30 July 1943 REMCHEID
02 August 1943 HAMBURG
22 August 1943 LEVERKUSEN
23 August 1943 BERLIN
27 August 1943 NUREMBURG
30 August 1943 MUNCHEN GLADBACH
31 August 1943 BERLIN
27 September 1843 HANOVER
03 October 1943 KESSEL

Flt/Lt Lucas left 78 Squadron in October 1943.

Sleap 81 O T U November 1943.
93 Group Screen Pilots School RAF Station Church Broughton Derbyshire.
Trainer RAF Seighford 30 O T U flying WELLINGTONS February 1944

Promotion to Flt/Lt from Flg/Off published in the London Gazette 22 February 1944 Issue number: 36396

July 1944 to October 1944 flying HURRICANES (location not shown in log book).

He then transferred to Oulton 1699 Unit flying FORTRESS B17G in December 1944 and was operational from February 1945.

03 February 1945 WIESBADAN
04 February 1945 GELSENKIRCHEN
08 February 1945 STUTTGART
13 February 1945 BOLHEN
20 February 1945 HEILBRONN
21 February 1945 KREFELD
02 March 1945 BREMEN
05 March 1945 MANKEIM
07 March 1945 DESSEN
13 March 1945 GELSENKIRCHEN & HERNE
14 March 1945 WIESBADEN
16 March 1945 FRANKFURT
18 March 1945 DESSAU
20 March 1945 HAMBURG
22 March 1945 KREFELD
08 April 1945 HAMBURG
10 April 1945 DESSAU
16 April 1945 SCHWANDORF
18 April 1945 KOMOCAM

Flt/Lt Lucas left Oulton in July 1945

DFC awarded and published in the London Gazette Issue 37324 published on the 23 October 1945.

Wymeswold 108 O T U July 1945 to January 1946
Nutts Corner Northern Ireland

Date of release 15 March 1946
Last day of service 26 May 1946
Commission relinqueshed 01 July 1959

Flt/Lt Lucas died on 4 January 2001 aged 82. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered at Sandwell Crematorium Garden of Rest, West Midlands.

There will be a memorial dedicated to his achievements to be unveiled in November 2010 in his home town War Remembrance garden, Wednesbury, West Midlands.

Source : Stephen James Lucas (son) and Flt/Lt Lucas's logbook and London Gazette

Date record last updated : 4 July 2009

LUMLEY, R

FS R Lumley

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR389 (19-Jul-1944) BU-P

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 28 March 2025

LUNN, B J

Sgt B J Lunn

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ103 BU-M

Source : Chorley

Date record last updated : 31 August 2011

LYALL, J

Fg/Off John Lyall aged 21

Fg/Off John Lyall, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Bray

Born in Perth, Western Australia

Husband of Cynthia Lyall

John specialised in countermeasures RI (radio interference). They carried a German speaking radio operator (who I think was Canadian) and a transmitter system tuned in to the German frequencies. A part of their job was to countermand the German radio controllers' orders. This apparently caused much confusion amongst the German pilots and often resulted in them being sent to the wrong position to intercept the bomber streams.

John flew with Jeff Bray 1944 to 1945.

Graeme Walsh writes :
John advised that the entire crew survived the war. They flew together for most of their missions.

He completed 9 missions on Stirlings (3 Group) and 12 on B17's (100 Group) (total 31).

In 2018 John Lyall, is now 94 and still living independently in his home in Perth, Western Australia.

Sadly we have been advised by Grahame Walsh, that John Lyall died on 25 October 2021 aged, 98, in Perth, Western Australia.

Source : Graeme Walsh (Friend of Fg/Off John Lyall) and Nightjar Newsletter August 2014

Date record last updated : 13 November 2021

LYALL, J M

FS J M Lyall, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, Date taken POW 1 March 1943, POW number 27648

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9145 (01-Mar-1943) BU-K

Imprisoned at POW camp Stalag 344 - Lamsdorf (Lambinowice) Hospital, Germany - from 1943, was Stalag 8B
Imprisoned at POW camp Stalag 8B(G) - Lamsdorf (Lambinowice), Germany - until 1943 when it became Stalag 344

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Shot down in raid on Berlin 1 March 1943 and abandoned the aircraft. He was taken prisoner.

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

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

LYALL, R T

FS Raoul Trichon 'Tom' Lyall, Wireless Operator, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian, Date taken POW 24 May 1944, POW number 36

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR384 BU-A

Imprisoned at POW camp Luft 7 - Bankau (Bakow), Poland

Born 23 May 1923

Born in Salt Ash, Newcastle, NSW, Australia

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

In July 1944 the RAAF received a telegram from International Red Cross Committee (IRCC) quoting German information stating May 25 FS Lyall captured, Raoul Trichon `Tom' Lyall.
After being liberated Raoul returned to Australia but sadly has since passed away.

Source : Ryan Dudley (nephew of Allan Hockley) and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Roz Glenn (daughter-in-law of FS Thomas Glenn)

Date record last updated : 20 November 2020

LYE, C E

Flt/Lt C E 'Cam' Lye, NZ415333, Pilot, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II HB377 (24-May-1944) BU-M
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR389 (19-Jul-1944) BU-P

He was the pilot for 37 Fortress flights between April 1944 to May 1945 (actual operational take-offs. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc.)

He previously flew Stirlings with 214 Squadron.

Source : Ian Hunt and 214 Squdron ORB

Date record last updated : 28 March 2025

LYLE, C

Sgt Cyril Lyle, 1379354, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : British, KIA 27 August 1942, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9155 (27-Aug-1942) BU-Q

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 28. H. 8-13.

Son of Percy and Mary Lyle, of Pimlico, London

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Arthur Skone

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

LYON, A

Plt/Off Armstrong 'Doc' Lyon DFC, R108340/ J92830, Mid Upper Gunner, Nationality : American

Born 7 November 1919

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Click on this link for information provided on Simon Sommerville's website

He was awarded the DFC effective 5 February 1945 as a WO with 214 Squadron. Click on this link for the London Gazette entry

Source : Simon Sommerville (Son of Flt/Lt Robert Douglas 'Jock' Sommerville D.F.C. 2 tours with 75(NZ) Squadron RAF - 1943 & 1945) and London Gazette and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 19 April 2019

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