No. 214 (FMS) Squadron RAF - Personnel

PERSONNEL

N

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

NASH, J

FS John Nash, 1378097, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 2 April 1942, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z8979 (01-Apr-1942) BU-P

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 9. A. 3-6.

Son of Percy and Laura Nash, of Rye Foreign, Sussex.

Source : Ian Hunt and CWGC

Date record last updated : 23 August 2009

NEAL, H A

FS Harry Alyn Neal, R/67970, Co-pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : American, KIA 11 April 1942, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C HF856 BU-?
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1114 (01-Apr-1942) BU-A

Born in La Grange Illinois, USA

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 19.F.1

Son of Harry A. and Anna M. Neal, of La Grange, Illinois, U.S.A.

FS Harry Alyn Neal had the unusual distinction of being an American, but joined the Royal Canadian Airforce and flew for the British Royal Airforce.

Source : Alan Butterworth (nephew of Cpt Butterworth) and Ian Hunt and Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 28 March 2015

NEEDHAM

Sgt Needham

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1341 (14-Jul-1941)

Is possibly D S Needham.

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 31 August 2020

NEEDHAM, D S

Plt/Off D S Needham, 138332, Flight Engineer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) ??Eddy

Source : Jonathan Markley (nephew of Flt/Lt Alexander John Fowler)

Date record last updated : 24 November 2017

NEEKE

WO Neeke

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

NEILSON, K A

Fg/Off Keith Allan Neilson, 411092, Wireless Operator, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, Date taken POW 25 June 1943, POW number 1661

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK767 BU-L
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I N3729 (07-Aug-1942) BU-R
Imprisoned at POW camp Sagan (Zagan) & Belaria, Germany

Born 22 December 1919

Son of Leslie Robert and Angela Neilson

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Died 12 Feb 1970 aged 50.

Russell Thorne writes :
Keith Allan Neilson RNZAF was a close friend of my father in law, both were farmers in the Waverley district of Taranaki , New Zealand. His descendants still farm in the area.
Keith Allan Neilson was born to Leslie Robert and Angela Neilson on 22 Dec 1919 and died 12 Feb 1970 aged 50.
Captured as a POW on 25 June 1943, he was repatriated by 4 June 1945 according to newspaper reports in New Zealand.

Source : Chorley and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Richard Holyhead (researcher) Peter Rhebergen from Aalten, The Netherlands and Russell Thorne and 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

NELSON, R

Fg/Off Robert? Nelson, 150606?, Pilot

He was the pilot for 8 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

NELSON, R H

Plt/Off Ronald Herbert Nelson, 413339, Navigator, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, KIA 22 September 1943, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I EF393 BU-R

Buried in HANOVER WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 12. B. 17.

Son of James Harold and Minnie Nelson, of Gisborne, Auckland, New Zealand.

Source : CWGC and John Fowler

Date record last updated : 5 August 2009

NELSON, R M

Sgt Robert Melville Nelson, 580853, Observer, Royal Air Force, KIA 4 April 1940, Aged 22

Buried in BATHGATE CEMETERY. Reference : Sec. T Grave 225

Son of John and Margaret Ferguson Nelson, of Bathgate.

Sgt Nelson could possibly be linked to Wellington P9267 as the website source states that he died on the same date as the 2 crew members attached to this flight. He therefore could possibly have been attached to 149 Squadron on the day he died. This is only supposition and has not yet been confirmed, (Carol Edwards - site administrator)

We can confirm that Sgt Nelson died in the 149 Squadron loss of Wellington P9267 on 4 April 1940 as this is recorded in Chorley. The aircraft was on a training flight and crashed at 22.50hrs and burnt out 1 mile short of the runway at Mildenhall. 4 airmenn died and three were injured.

Source : Traces of WW2 website and CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 7 December 2018

NESS, D

Sgt D Ness, Bomb Aimer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9152 (16-Aug-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) W7575 (12-Aug-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) W7610 (11-Aug-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) W7610 (01-Aug-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) W7610 (26-Jul-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) W7610 (28-Jul-1942)

Sgt Ness transferred from 214 Squadron to the Pathfinder 7 Squadron on 26 August 1942

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 8 February 2019

NESSNER, S

Fg/Off Stephen Nessner, Special Wireless Operator, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian

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

Fg/Off Nessner spoke German

Source : Mrs. Louisa Stephenson, Kitchener, Ontario and 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Heath (grandson of Sgt Harold James Heath)

Date record last updated : 15 December 2017

NEVE, W H

LAC William Henry Neve, Observer / Gunlayer

Served with 7A, 14 Squadron RNAS and 214 Squadron RAF 1917/1918.

Click on this link to see an article about Leading Aircraftsman William Henry Neve reproduced in part from the Cross and Cockade Journal Vol 23 No 3 1992 with the kind permission of the Cross and Cockade Society (The Great War Aviation Society).

Source : David Hearn (Great nephew of Lt Reginald Binckes) and Cross and Cockade Society (The Great War Aviation Society)

Date record last updated : 13 January 2023

NEWARK, R W

Ronald Wiggins Newark

Served with 214 and 218 Squadrons during WW2. Is now deceased.

Source : Graham Newark (son of Ronald)

Date record last updated : 20 June 2010

NEWCOMB, S S

FS Stuart Spencer Newcomb, 999799, Observer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 17 September 1942, Aged 29

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

Buried in HEVERLEE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 2. J. 3.

Son of Frank Viner Newcomb and Florence Ruth Newcomb; husband of Alice Doreen Newcomb, of Chorltoncum-Hardy, Manchester.

Was a regular in the crew of Fg/Off Alan Skone as Navigator. For reasons unknown, on operations the night of 27th of August he was replaced as the crews navigator by Pilot Officer Dunckley. It was to be a stroke of luck for Sgt Newcombe as Stirling Mark 1 R9155 BU-Q which took off from Stradishall at 20:29 hours was never seen again and all crew were lost.

Unfortunately he sadly lost his life a couple of weeks later when flying with Stirling Mk1 R9350 BU-T.

See also 'A Peacefull View' by Arthur Skone

Source : Arthur Skone and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004 and Chorley and Jock Whitehouse and Graham Melton (Nephew of Sgt George Bullimore Melton)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

NEWELL, J

Sgt J Newell, 642329

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

NEWITT, A R

NEWMAN, A E

Sgt Albert Edwin Newman, 1600295, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 30 July 1943, Aged 21

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

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 160

Son of Albert George and Lily Frances Newman, of Pilley, Hampshire.

Source : Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 April 2011

NEWMAN, G E

Sgt George Eric Newman, 1177845, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 1 April 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z8842 (01-Apr-1942) BU-F

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 90

Son of George and Annie Newman, of Kettering, Northamptonshire.

Source : Simon Dawes and Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 29 December 2009

NEWMAN, G K M

Newman_Gordon_Kenneth_Moyle_with_cousin_Ann_Easton

Photograph was taken on Gordon's last leave in Chippenham before he was killed. He is pictured with his 1st Cousin Ann Easton.

Sgt Gordon Kenneth Moyle Newman, 1181418, Rear Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 28 April 1942, Aged 19

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

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 90

Born in Bexleyheath, Kent

Born in 1922

Son of Raymond Reginald Charles and Bertha Mary Newman, of Bexleyheath, Kent.

Chorley notes his initials as G E, which is incorrect.

His body was never found after the aircarft crashed into the sea.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Ann Easton (1st cousin of Sgt Gordon Kenneth Moyle Newman)

Date record last updated : 2 February 2024

NEWMAN, P

Sgt Peter Newman, 1816804, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 22 March 1945, Aged 21

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

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 276

Son of Mrs. R. Newman, of Lincoln.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Catherine Stewart (relative of WO James McFarlane)

Date record last updated : 27 July 2010

NEWMAN, R G

Sgt R G Newman

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9152 (11-Aug-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) W7610 (07-Aug-1942)

Source : 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

NEWTON, S

FS Stanley Newton, Flight Engineer

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

At No 26 Operational Training Unit in In July 1943 Flt Eng Stan Newton joinedPilot Bob Mackett's crew including Bomb Aimer Bill Wilkinson, FO Alan Deadman, Wireless Operator Gordon Lowe and Mid Upper Gunner Bruce Taggert. 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

NICHOLL, A

Sgt A Nicholl

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9319 BU-S
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7584 (07-Aug-1942) BU-D

Could possibly be Arthur Nicholls.

Source : 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)
Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

NICHOLL, A

WO Arthur Nicholl DFC, R76180, Navigator, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BK600

Born in Carbonnear, Newfoundland in 1916

During the war and at the time of receiving his DFC he lived in Leamington Spa in Warwickshire UK, but in Canada lived in and near Toronto and for the last 30 years in Palgrave ON.

Enlisted in Halifax, 5 November 1940
Trained at:
No.1 ITS (graduated 31 March 1941)
No.1 AOS (graduated 2 August 1941)
No.1 BGS and No.1 AOS (graduated 22 June 1941)

Distinguished Flying Cross - No.214 Squadron - Award effective 31 December 1942 as per London Gazette dated 12 January 1943 and AFRO 232/43 dated 12 February 1943.
Presented at Buckingham Palace, 25 May 1943.

This officer has completed many operational sorties attacking targets in Germany, Italy and Western Europe, displaying superb navigational skill throughout. One night while he was navigator of an aircraft detailed to attack Duisberg, a shell burst in the vicinity and caused the starboard inner engine to catch fire. Despite adverse weather, Warrant Officer Nicholl succeeded in bringing the aircraft back to its base where [the] fire was extinguished. Over Bremen in similar circumstances, though one engine had been put out of action by anti-aircraft fire, Warrant Officer Nicholl directed his captain to the target where the bombs were released. His efficiency as a navigator and his great determination and devotion to duty have been proved on many occasions.

Arthur and the crew of BK600 flew 2 complete tours of operations together during the second World War.

Arthur died on 6 January 2010.

Source : Chris Nichol (son) and 214 Squadron ORB and London Gazette

Date record last updated : 28 February 2010

NICHOLLS

Sgt Nicholls, Co-pilot

Occasional Co-Pilot with Crew ??Leyshon

Believed killed when he was the pilot of his own crew.

Source : Aled Leyshon (grandson of Mervyn Leyshon)

Date record last updated : 4 October 2009

NICHOLLS

Sgt Nicholls, Co-pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2800 (11-Jun-1941) BU-P
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2992 (07-Jun-1941) BU-J
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2992 (12-Jun-1941) BU-J
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2992 (16-Jun-1941) BU-J
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2998 (23-May-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) W5713 (18-Jun-1941) BU-B

Source : Ian Hunt

NICHOLLS

Sgt Nicholls

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

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

Date record last updated : 24 May 2019

NICHOLLS

Sgt Nicholls

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2802 (07-Sep-1941) BU-A
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1342 (09-Jul-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R3233 (14-Jul-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R3233 (17-Jul-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R3233 (20-Jul-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R3233 (23-Jul-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R3233 (25-Jul-1941)

Source : Lynn Mortimer (daughter of Flt/Lt John Valentine Swan) and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 28 February 2020

NICHOLSON, J F

Fg/Off John Freeman Nicholson, 70501, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 6 June 1940, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I N2993 BU-?

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

Buried in STRADISHALL (ST. MARGARET) CHURCHYARD

Son of John Freeman Nicholson and Georgina Hay Nicholson, of Stanwix, Carlisle; husband of Esther Nicholson.

Joy Hilmi writes :
He was my father's best friend when they were in the Carlisle Rover Scouts together and I also knew his family.

Sarah Lee writes :
I teach at Trinity School Carlisle, which was formed when Carlisle Grammar School (CGS) amalgamated with two other schools. John attended CGS 1929-34.

Source : CWGC and Jock Whitehouse and Traces of WW2 website and Nightjar Newsletter and Chorley and Joy Hilmi and Sarah Lee (researcher/teacher from Trinity School)

Date record last updated : 5 June 2020

NICHOLSON, R

Sgt R Nicholson, Air Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK659 (14-May-1943) BU-N

Source : Alan Beevor (son Flt/Lt Arthur Beevor DFC) and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 25 September 2020

NIXEY, P

Sqn/Ldr Peter Nixey DSO, 42257, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 20 June 1942, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I N3762 BU-C
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9322 (01-Jun-1942) BU-C

Buried in OMMEN GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 7

Son of Frederick Henry and Marjorie Nixey; husband of Margaret Nixey, of Farningham, Kent.

Peter Nixey was born in 1920. He was the son of Frederick Henry and Marjorie Nixey. He attended Spring Grove Grammar School, Isleworth, Middlesex. Later, Peter got married to Margaret. They lived in Farningham, Kent.

Peter was a tall man, measuring 6 feet, 4 inches. He joined the Royal Air Force before the war as a career soldier. His promotions followed the ordinary career path:

9 December 1939 promoted to Plt/Off (on probation)
1 May 1940 promoted to Plt/Off (confirmed)
9 December 1940 promoted to Fg/Off
9 December 1941 promoted to Flt/Lt

214 Squadron

After flying many missions and up for a routine transfer, Peter Nixey choose to stay with 214 Squadron. 214 was converting to the Stirling bomber and Peter was being promoted and became a Flight Commander.

On 8 May 1942 Peter was awarded the DSO for bringing his flak-damaged Wellington back from Essen on 12 April 1942. With extensive damage to the starboard engine, mainplane, ailerons, bomb-doors and tailplane and with his navigator (Plt/Off Lloyd) mortally wounded, one gunner injured, and himself suffering shell splinter wounds to his right arm, Flt/Lt Nixey successfully navigated his aircraft back to base to carry out a wheels-up landing - a truly remarkable piece of airmanship.

His subsequent award of the DSO reads:

"Distinguished Service Order.
Flight Lieutenant Peter NIXEY (42257), No. 214 Squadron.

One night in April, 1942, this officer was the captain of an aircraft detailed to attack a target in the Ruhr. During the operation his aircraft was subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire whilst held in the glare of numerous searchlights. The starboard engine, the mainplane and aileron, the bomb doors and the tail plane were damaged. The navigator was dangerously wounded in the abdomen and thigh, the front gunner was injured about the eye and Flight Lieutenant Nixey himself was hit in the right arm by a shell-splinter. In the face of harassing circumstances;, although deprived of the assistance of his navigator, Flight Lieutenant Nixey coolly and skilfully flew the damaged aircraft back to this country where he made a safe landing with the undercarriage retracted. This officer has completed numerous sorties and he has always displayed outstanding courage, leadership and skill."

Peter was a most popular officer especially with the groundcrews, playing countless games of shove-halfpenny with them in their remote dispersal huts. John Hoskins, an engine-fitter recalls many enjoyable air tests made with Peter.

Source : CWGC, Chorley and Ian Hunt and Don MacDonald and Stevin Oudshoorn

Date record last updated : 22 June 2014

NOBLE, C D

Fg/Off C D Noble DFC, MBE, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, Date taken POW 19 June 1942, POW number 477

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I N3762 BU-C

Imprisoned at POW camp Sagan (Zagan) & Belaria, Germany

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

MBE awarded 1st October 1946 for escaping activities:
On 10 June 1943 26 airmen made their escape. The timing had to be perfect, the planning meticulous , to get so many men through the camp gates in broad daylight. The two 'bogus' guards played their part so well that the real guards allowed the 'shower party' through to the showers which were located outside the camp. No sooner where they out of sight then they melted into the pine trees.
A minute later 24 prisoners transformed into workmen and commercial travellers, vanishing quickly, leaving only a pile of discarded clothes. Unfortunately the escape was discovered within half an hour. Most of the 'kriegies' **, including Flying Officer C D Noble DFC RCAF (whose third attempt at escape this was) were rounded up the following day at, or near, Sagan railway station. Four men managed to stay clear of recapture.
Noble's two earlier escape attempts involved, first, hiding in the garbage wagon and the next in a truck loaded with tree branches.
** Kriegie is what the POWs called themselves. It is short for Kriegesgefangenen which is the German word for prisoner of war.

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

Date record last updated : 20 November 2020

NORRIS

Sgt Norris

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

NORTH, F J

Sgt Frederick James North, 1231672, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 23 May 1943, Aged 22

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

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 3. D. 1.

Son of Frederick William and Rosetta North, of Ponder's End, Enfield, Middlesex; husband of Merle Alfreda Esther North.

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 & CWGC

Date record last updated : 10 November 2017

NORTON, W W R

Sgt William Wykes Robey Norton, 400885, Pilot, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian, KIA 26 March 1942, Aged 29

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1143 BU-G

Named on the following Memorial : Australian War Memorial Panel 128

Buried in VRIEZENVEEN GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 1-6.

Son of Wykes Strange Chapman Norton and Eva Grace Norton, of Armadale, Victoria, Australia.

Source : CWGC and Hans J. Kobes, Vriezenveen (NL) and John Cripps and Australian War Memorial and Geoff Swallow (Australian Researcher) and Jan Nieuwenhuis (World War II Allied Aircraft Crashes in The Netherlands and North Sea)

Date record last updated : 26 March 2021

NUTTALL, F E

Wg/Cdr F E Nuttall, Commanding Officer

Wg/Cdr F E Nuttall was Commanding Officer of 214 Squadron from February 1940 to October 1940

Source : John Gulliver

Date record last updated : 8 December 2017

NUTTALL, J

FS Jimmy Nuttall, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) ??Scantleton

Jimmy Nuttall arrived at St Athan from his initial training at Blackpool, on 7 December 1942, with Ronald Williams.

Jimmy joined P/O Scantleton's crew at Stradishall and their Stirling was involved in a mid-air collision with a Wellington over the practice bombing range on 6 November 1943. The "Wimpey" had suddenly broken cloud right under the nose of the Stirling and the tail fin of the "Wimpey" ploughed through the nose of the Stirling with the bomb-aimer lying in the bombing position. Luckily he escaped injury, as did the rest of the Stirling crew, but sadly the Wellington crew were lost. Scantleton's instruments had been rendered u/s by the collision but he managed to bring his aircraft back over base, giving the crew the option of baling out or staying put. They elected to do the latter and the landing was successful. The next day a photograph was taken with eight men standing abreast in the hole in the nose of the Stirling that the Wellington's tail fin had made.

Source : John Scantleton (son of Flt/Lt V L Scantleton) and Catherine Sommer (daughter of W/O Roland Williams)

Date record last updated : 4 August 2009

© 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