No. 214 (FMS) Squadron RAF - Personnel

PERSONNEL

P

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

Surname :

PAAPE, J M

Fg/Off John Mitchell Paape, 411932, Pilot, Royal New Zealand Air Force, KIA 15 October 1942, Aged 28

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9146 (15-Oct-1942) BU-S
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9152 (7-Aug-1942)

Buried in UDEN WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 4. B. 9.

Son of Arthur Albert Paape and of Mary Anne Janet Paape (nee Mitchell), of Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand. His brother, Arthur Mitchell, also died on service.

Source : Mr Joop Thuring, Air War Researcher in The Netherlands and CWGC and 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

PADDICK, E G

Fg/Off Ernest George 'Paddy' Paddick, 179426, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 8 February 1945, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB815 (07-Feb-1945) BU-J

Buried in EAST FINCHLEY CEMETERY AND ST. MARYLEBONE CREMATORIUM. Reference : Sec. V4. Grave 68.

Son of George Edward and Rose Paddick, of St. Marylebone, London.

Please see the following link to the BBC website WORLD WAR 2 - PEOPLE'S WAR.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/19/a1073819.shtml

See the chapter named FLYING OPERATIONS.

Source : CWGC and BBC website WORLD WAR 2 - PEOPLE'S WAR "A bomber's story" by Bill Knight

Date record last updated : 5 August 2009

PAGE

Sgt Page

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

Could possibly be W D Page.

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 31 August 2020

PAGE, A N

Sgt Arthur Norman Page, 1376222, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 8 September 1941, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1784 BU-?

Buried in BERLIN 1939-1945 WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 4. A. 8.

Son of Ernest and Eleanor Page; husband of Marjorie Rose Page, of Westminster, London.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 October 2010

PAGE, E J

Sgt Edgar James Page, 1050934, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 7 August 1941, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9750 BU-?

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 49

Son of Walter Percy and Jane Page, of Wrexham, Denbighshire.

CWGC states his death date as 7 September 1941 which is incorrect

Source : Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 10 October 2009

PAGE, W D

WO/I Walter David Page, R/69723, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 1 April 1942, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1052 (01-Apr-1942)

Buried in MIDDELKERKE COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Reference : Row A. Grave 4.

Son of William Arthur and Mildred Kate Page, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. B.A. (University of Bishop's College, Lennoxville).

Source : Ian Hunt and CWGC

Date record last updated : 13 September 2009

PAISLEY, R

Fg/Off Ronald Paisley, 127105, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 26 May 1943, Aged 21

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

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 127

Son of Frederick William and Alice Elizabeth Paisley, of Ruislip, Middlesex.

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

PALMER, N

Sgt N Palmer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE899 (24-Jul-1943)

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 10 March 2023

PALMER, T E L

Sgt Tristam Edward Leonard Palmer, 1212564, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 3 July 1942, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I BF313 BU-T

Buried in WESTERNIELAND GENERAL CEMETERY, DE MARNE. Reference : Grave N 470

Son of Harold Edward and Elizabeth Palmer, of Walton, Stafford.

Sergeant Tristram Edward Leonard Palmer was from Walton, Stafford. Before he joined the RAF, he was a Bronze Medal winner with the Royal Academy of Music. He joined the RAF and trained at RAF Pershore with 23 O.T.U.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Steve Oudshoorn

Date record last updated : 22 June 2014

PARK

Gp/Capt Park

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

PARKER

Sgt Parker

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) L7869 (14-Feb-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2776 (09-Jan-1941) BU-G
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R1376 (21-Mar-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1447 (12-Mar-1941) BU-A
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1447 (27-Mar-1941) BU-A
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R3233 (23-Mar-1941)

Could be the same person as Plt/Off J A Parker.

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 18 November 2022

PARKER, D

Sgt Donald Parker, 3040675, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 21 March 1945, Aged 19

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB785 (21-Mar-1945) BU-A

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 7. D. 8.

Son of Albert and Mabel Parker, of Kettleby, Lincolnshire.

Donald was engaged to Ian John's aunt when he was killed in action.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Chris Edwards from Garmisch and Ian Johns

Date record last updated : 31 December 2014

PARKER, E

Sgt Eric Parker, 655812, Navigator / Observer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 12 March 1943, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BF469 (11-Mar-1943) BU-M

Born 27 April 1916

Born in Middlesborough?

Buried in CHALONS-EN-CHAMPAGNE EAST COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Reference : Sec. I. Coll. grave 1591.

Son of Arthur and Jane Parker, of Blackpool Lancashire.

Parker_Eric_burial_notice

See the Crew entry for Stirling BF469 to see a picture of the crew's graves.

Before the war he trained as at teacher

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004 and Les Parker (nephew of Sgt Eric Parker) and Chorley

Date record last updated : 20 November 2020

PARKER, J

Jerry Parker

Was a regular crew member with Arthur Gatland

Source : Arthur Gatland

Date record last updated : 10 January 2016

PARKER, J A

Plt/Off J A Parker, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2893

Was injured in crash on 30 November 1940.

Source : www.rafcommands.com/forum and National Archives AIR 81/4416

Date record last updated : 8 January 2021

PARKINSON, J

FS J Parkinson

F/Sgt Parkinson's crew as recorded on their first 5 ops entries listed in the ORB seem to give the crew as:-
Flt/Lt J W Lucas
Flt/Lt W H Taylor
F/O N W Manners
F/Sgt R Jeffcock
W/O S C Hopkins
Sgt W C Heley (spelt Healey in the first entry but Heley in the next four)
F/Sgt J Parkinson
Sgt C W Pearson
Sgt J Burchell

This crew seems to be listed consistently in this order in the ORB, although it doesn't give their individual crew functions. HOWEVER, the tenth crew member (possibly the jamming equipment Special Operator?) changed a bit over the first 5 ops.
- Firstly it was Sgt J S Reid (1st op);
- then F/O W E Gronau RCAF (2nd op);
- then Sgt C Kerr (next 3 ops).
It may be that this was how the crew settled down to be (ie with Kerr).

Source & Research : Ian Hunt

PARNELL, G

Sgt Geoffrey Parnell, 1579972, Mid Upper Gunner, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 22 September 1943, POW number 502

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BF516 PX-E
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I EF393 BU-R

Imprisoned at POW camp Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Thorn (Torun), Poland - dates unknown

Born 23 December 1923

Born in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire

Buried in DIDCOT CEMETERY OXFORDSHIRE

Son of Francis Bertie Parnell and Evelyn Annie Parnell (nee Daniels)

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Geoffrey died on 2 December 2010 in Oxfordshire, aged 86, 3 weeks short of his 87th birthday.

Sue Lines, his goddaughter writes :
" When I visited him a couple of months before his death he told me that he had been told about the Squadron website and as he didn't have access to the Internet, he asked me to look at it for him. I was able to print out a good part of it which I made into a booklet for him for him to read through. He was over the moon to receive it and it gave him a lot of pleasure at the end of his life."

Source : Nightjar newsletter Autumn 2004 and Shirley Whitlock and Ian Hunt and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and John Fowler and Sue Lines (goddaughter of Geoffrey".

Date record last updated : 30 April 2011

PARSONS, H M

Sgt Harry Michael Parsons, 1332551, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, Aged 25

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7621 (04-Apr-1943) BU-G

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 161

Son of Harry John and Margaret Mary Parsons; husband of Joan Parsons, of Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex.

Source : CWGC and Nils Hempel of Kiel Germany

Date record last updated : 24 March 2009

PARSONS, N A

Plt/Off N A Parsons, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 31 August 1943, POW number 2481

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EF401 BU-Y

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

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

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

Date record last updated : 20 June 2010

PASSINGHAM, C

Fg/Off Clifford Passingham DFM, 1077296 non-com and 148090 com, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 13 May 1944, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I N3729 (07-Aug-1942) BU-R
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) N3767 (11-Jul-1942)

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 208

Son of Henry Charles and Charlotte Passingham, of Smithies, Yorkshire

Commisioned in 1943. He was killed in Lancaster ND924/F2-B while with No. 635 Squadron.

Source : 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

PATE, J

WO Jimmy Pate DFC, 1559950, Rear Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom

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

He was awarded the DFC and it was recorded in the London Gazette, issue number 37337 published on 2 November 1945. Sadly his DFC was stolen in a burglary in 2001.

He died in February 1979.

Source : Leslie Bostock and Morag Collier (daughter of James Pate) and London Gazette

Date record last updated : 4 July 2010

PATERSON

FS Paterson, Navigator, Nationality : New Zealand

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

Source : John Ritchie, son of Sgt J Ritchie

Date record last updated : 8 June 2009

PATERSON, D

Sgt D Paterson

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) ??Kitchin (09-Jan-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2776 (15-Jan-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1789 (11-Sep-1941) BU-Q
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2819 (23-Feb-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2819 (01-Mar-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2819 (14-Mar-1941)

Was a regular crew member with Flt/Lt Kitchin.

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 28 April 2023

PATERSON, H J

Plt/Off Harold Johnstone 'Jock' Paterson DFC, 83712 / 745714 / 742714, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 20 April 1941, POW number 82712

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2800 (10-Dec-1940) BU-P
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2800 (13-Dec-1940) BU-P
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2800 (15-Dec-1940) BU-P
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2800 (03-Jan-1941) BU-P
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2800 (09-Jan-1941) BU-P
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R3208 (19-Dec-1940)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R3208 (21-Dec-1940)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2800 (07-Dec-1940)

Imprisoned at POW camp Barth, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Dulag Luft (Oberursel), Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Sagan (Zagan) & Belaria, Germany

Born 23 September 1916

Born in Annan, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland

Buried in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland

Son of Archibald Millar Paterson and Georgina Johnstone

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Harold Johnstone Paterson (HJP) was born in Annan, Dumfries & Galloway in 1916, son of Archibald M. Paterson, boilermaker and Georgina Johnstone, dressmaker. In 1922, the family moved to Greenock, Renfrewshire where HJP was educated at the town's High School then Glasgow University. After University, he became Manager of the family's dyeing and dry cleaning shop, spending his spare time learning to fly. On 14th April, 1939, he joined the RAF VR on a 5 year engagement, training at Prestwick Aerodrome from where he made his first solo flight in a Tiger bi-plane during the summer of 1939.

Harold Paterson was on 19 Course at No 10 FTS Tern Hill with Jack Wetherly and Humphrey Smiles. Posted like them to 214 Squadron, Paterson was awarded an immediate DFC for a low-level attack on Scharnhorst in Brest harbour on 2/3 March 1941. The incident was widely reported in the press.

From the London Gazette Issue 35116 published on the 25 March 1941. Page 6 of 44 :

DFC awarded to Pilot Officer Harold PATERSON (83712), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 214 Squadron.
"One night in March, 1941, this officer was detailed to attack a cruiser of the Hipper class at Brest. While reconnoitring at about 7,000 feet, a flare dropped by another aircraft, illuminated the target, whereupon Pilot Officer Paterson decided to attack. Diving to 1,000 feet, in the face" of heavy opposition from ground defences, he released several very heavy bombs. During the flight, searchlights were machine-gunned and, whilst over the sea, an E-boat was also machine-gunned from a height of only 50 feet. Although his aircraft was severely damaged and difficult to handle, Pilot Officer Paterson succeeded in returning to this country and in landing his aircraft safely. This officer has completed 20 operational flights and has at all times displayed courage, determination and devotion to duty of a high order."

Paterson_Harold_Johnston_DFC_notification

Paterson_Harold_Johnston_DFC_notification

Paterson_Harold_Johnstone_Ron_Birch_band

Ron Birch's Band

Paterson_Harold_Johnstone_Palm_beach

Palm Beach

Both the above photos were taken in Stalag Luft 3. Please note that Harold is marked by an arrow.

HJP's service record is as follows:

1939 Apr 14 Enlisted as U/T Pilot. RAF VR.
1939 Apr 15 Promoted to Sergeant.
1939 Sept 1 From RAF VR to Glasgow TC. Mobilised.
1939 Oct 3 From Glasgow TC to No. 1. ITS Cambridge.
1939 Nov 2 From 1. ITW to HQRC Pool.
1940 Apr 10 From Res Comm to No 10 FTS.
1940 July 26 Discharge from 10 FTS on appointment to a temporary commission.
1940 July 27 Granted commission as Pilot Officer on probation for duration of hostilities.
1940 Sept 16 Qualified as Pilot.
1940 Oct 4 Joined 214 Squadron for flying duties.
1940 Nov 23 Blind App. Sch.
1941 Jul 27 Confirmed as Flt/Off.
1941 Mar 25 Rewarded with DFC.
1941 Mar 31 No 3 Grp Trg Flight for Flying Duties.
1941 Apr 20 Missing (FB) Casualty.
1941 Apr 21 Reported as POW.
1942 Jul 27 Promoted to Flight Lieut.
1945 May 8 Reported as previously POW but now safe in UK.
1945 Oct 27 Last day of service.
1945 Dec 11 Received DFC at Buckingham Palace, London.
1959 Jul 1 Commission relinquished. Retained rank of Flt/Lt.

HJP's War Log, a journal containing pages for both writing and displaying photographs, had originally belonged to a Canadian by the name of W. G. Snow. It contains numerous photographs, memorabilia, hand written entries, hand-drawn and coloured maps and flags of a selection of countries, cartoons, drawings and mileage details from the Long March which took place January - May 1945. There is also beautifully hand drawn and coloured map of Europe detailing HJP's journey from Tobruk to Stalag Luft III in 1941 and from Stalag Luft III to Borghurst in 1945. Using this information, plus his service record and research from the Internet and library books, the following story tells of my father's years between 1939 and 1949.

When war against Germany was declared in September, 1939, 732714 Sgt Pilot H. J. Paterson was moved to RAF Desford in England. During the winter of 1939-40, he was flying Blenheim bombers out of RAF Cosford. During 2/3 March 1941, while flying a Wellington bomber with 214 Bomber Squadron, HJP, Jack Wetherly and Humphrey Smiles took part in a low-level attack on the German battle cruiser Scharnhorst in Brest harbour. Following this, while home on leave later that month and having been informed of his award of a DFC by telegram, the local newspaper, the 'Greenock Telegraph' printed the following account of the sortie:

It is officially confirmed today that the Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to Pilot Officer Harold Paterson of 5 Fox Street, Greenock...P/O Paterson was instructed to attack a Nazi cruiser lying at Brest. Paterson reached his target and cruised around reconnoitring at about 7,000 feet. When an obliging sister aircraft dropped a flare which spotlighted the vessel, Paterson dropped to 1,000 feet for his attack despite heavy fire all around him. He dropped several very heavy bombs and machine gunned the searchlights. Over the sea, he planted the remains of his ammunition into an E-boat and then flew his aircraft safely home although it was severely damaged and difficult to keep under control. Owing to the damage to the plane, a forced landing had to be made. It was soon in the air again and flown back to its base.

The following month, while in Egypt, his plane was shot down and he spent the remainder of the war as a POW. In his War Log, his hand written account it states:

Elbenshorst Holsten
21st April, 1945

Four years ago yesterday I was shot down to the southeast of Tobruk. The ME109 which accounted for us had moved in only the night before with his squadron from Pantillaria, the first 109 squadron in North Africa. We accidentally flew over the fighter landing ground at eight hundred feet as the machines were having their morning run up and so it was all too easy. The rear gunner was killed by cannon fire early in the engagement and the rudder controls were shot away at the same time. I then found, to my own satisfaction that a Wimpy 1A could do steep turns without any rudder being used.

After crash landing we were quickly picked up by German soldiers, put on a lorry and taken off to be interrogated by the usual ex-American German, then to the 109 landing ground where we were told about being the squadron's first victory in Nord Afrika. Here we asked for food and water. The food was refused and a bottle of water was given to be shared among four of us.

The wireless operator, who had a bullet in his back, was paralysed from the hips down and we left him in the care of the Germans. He was taken to Naples and eventually repatriated. We were taken by lorry to Derna and stayed the night, then flown to Tripoli where we again stayed overnight, flown to Catania where we had our first decent meal given to us by the Italian officers in their Mess. Here we were instructed into the art of eating macaroni. *

From Catania we flew to Reggio, Rome and Munich. In Munich we had our first taste of garlic sausage and none of us managed more than a mouthful. Then to Frankfurt on Main by train - first class. Arrived at Dulag about the 26th April. Left Dulag Luft for Barth (Stalag Luft I) on May 9th and arrived May 10th - third class this time and very overcrowded.

At Barth, formed a room with Tommy Guest & Geoff Cornish in West Block. The block was closed in June after C tunnel breaking and I moved in with Middleton, Tyrie and Ritchie into Centre Block where we stayed until April 10th 1942 when we left for Sagan. Arrived Sagan April 11th and formed a room with Middleton, Tyrie, Page, Lythgoe and Stapleton.

*Macaroni was probably what we now call spaghetti.

POW camps:
Dulag Luft. 26 April 1941 to 9 May 1941
Stalag Luft II. 16 May 1941 to 10 April 1942 (Author's note: should read Stalag Luft I)
Stalag Luft III. 10 April 1942 to January 1945

On 23rd April, 1941, HJP's parents received an Air Ministry Telegram informing them that their son had been 'reported missing as the result of air operations on 20th April 1941'.

On 7th May, 1941, HJP's father received further information, this time, on delicate, wafer-thin tissue paper, from the Comité International De La Croix-Rouge or International Red Cross, in Geneva, with the curt message that Harold Paterson, Prisoner Nr. 82712 in Dulag Luft 'wants you to know he is alive and well'.

During his internment as a POW, like most of the 'chaps', he made the best of a bad job. Being permitted to use a camera in POW camp, he both left a legacy of pictures plus copies of other POWs pictures which are now displayed in his journal written both during captivity and once home in the UK. He took part in amateur dramatics and continued his interest in music, learning to play the double bass which he played in both the POW swing band and classical orchestra.

During these years of war, several escape tunnels were built in Stalag Luft III, including those code-named Tom, Dick and Harry which featured in the film "The Great Escape". In camp, prisoners wore their service uniform but once out of the camp and as escapees, their appearance had to be transformed to blend in with the locals. To achieve this, along with other talented individuals in the camp working under Tommy Guest, HJP's knowledge of dyes, cloth and clothing was put to good use in transforming any materials the men could get hold of, converting and restyling them into what could pass as normal wear for German or Polish civilians, both male and female. In an all-male camp, with POWs in a blue-grey uniform, this was not an easy task. The answer came in the form of amateur theatricals, with the prisoners hand-building 'Sagan Luft III Theatre' in the camp during 1942 from whatever they could lay their hands on, including the 'wood from Canadian Red Cross crates which were fashioned into 350 seats'. [Wirebound World p 12] The POWs made props and costumes and were, surprisingly, permitted to borrow clothing from a local German theatre for a wide variety of plays, concerts and musicals.

German Officers and 'goons' (guards) were often bribed by the POWs by offering them Red Cross cigarettes or chocolate in exchange for materials and clothes which were used in the theatre then sometimes restyled for later use by escapees. The guards were occasionally invited to watch the entertainment, not for a minute suspecting their donations to that night's production might later serve a very different purpose. Escape clothes often incorporated maps and compasses e.g. detailed maps drawn on silk handkerchiefs, an RAF uniform button, when turned the correct way, unwound to reveal a tiny compass. Along with others playing key parts, he remained a POW, continuing his undercover specialist tasks when called on.

On page 27 of HJP's War Log, dated May 1945, there is a portrait of him, drawn in pencil by David Torrens done while sitting in a field outside Lubeck waiting for the war to end. David Torrens was the RAF officer responsible for registering each escaper as they arrived at Block 104, Stalag Luft III, from where the Great Escape took place in March, 1944.

Once back at RAF Cosford in England, HJP was given 'indefinite leave' in June 1945 and had his last day of service in October that year. In December, he attended an Investiture at Buckingham Palace, London when, after a four year wait, he received his Distinguished Flying Cross from the hands of King George VI, watched by his proud mother and fiancée.

After leaving the RAF and returning to civilian life, HJP took over the ownership of the family's dry cleaning shop, "Rapidex", in Greenock. In 1946, he married Agnes 'Nancy' Thomson and their daughter was born later that year. HJP kept his links with the RAF by joining the local Greenock branch of the RAF Association where in 1947 he was the first chairman of the Club and the second chairman of the Branch. He continued his interest in amateur dramatics, both producing and acting and was a founder member of the Greenock Arts Guild. His interest in music also continued and he not only played double bass in a local dance band but also entered competitions. He won 'best bassist' in the Firth of Clyde Dance Band Championship in both 1947 and 48.

After three very happy but hard-working years, on 22nd February 1949, HJP's life was cut tragically short as the result of an accident at his premises in town. Having visited his shop late one evening to check a faulty piece of dry cleaning equipment, his body was found next morning by his brother. The Post Mortem showed he had been asphyxiated dry cleaning fluids leaking from the faulty machine. He was 33 years of age.

Fltl/Lt Harold J. Paterson DFC was survived by Nancy, his wife of just three years and daughter Kareth, aged two. His son, Harold John Paterson was born in October, 1949, eight months after his father's death.

Since writing the above, I have discovered a few details about some of the officers with whom he shared rooms in Stalag Luft I and of whom I have photographs.
Tommy Guest set up a tailoring department to work on transforming clothing for the Great Escape.
Geoff Cornish was an Australian whose story is still used in Australian schools to teach today's children about WWII.
James Tyrie was one of tunnellers in the Great Escape. He and Gordon Ritchie, a librarian in Stalag Luft III, belonged to 25 Squadron. In civilian life they worked for Aviva, the insurance firm in Dundee.

Ronald Steel writes :
My late father Flt/Lt John Miller Steel was a P.o.W in Stalag Luft 111 from October 1942 until January 1945.
Whilst researching his wartime service I received from my mother many of his letters (Kriegsgefangenenpost) and postcards (Postkarte).
In one such letter he writes '...the other Scotsman in the room is from Greenock (Harold Paterson). He's known as Thick Jock and I'm known as Thin Jock.'
As a child I remember him telling me how Mr Paterson tragically lost his life after all he had gone through. I know that father attended his funeral.

Source : Kareth Paterson (daughter) and H. J. Paterson's hand written POW journal and Ronald Steel (his father was a POW with Harold Paterson) and Ben Van Drogenbroek (Stalag Luft 3 Archives of Holland) and London Gazette

Date record last updated : 18 February 2022

PATERSON, J K

Paterson_James_Kinnell_grave_adoption_cert

Fg/Off James Kinnell Paterson, 127471, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 4 July 1943, Aged 27

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK717 (04-Jul-1943) BU-U

Buried in FLUSHING (VLISSINGEN) NORTHERN CEMETERY. Reference : Row F Grave 17

Son of John Blair Paterson and Lucy Haxton Paterson, of Kirkcaldy, Fife.

Ton and Joke Verhulst from Aagtekerke, Zeeland, The Netherlands have adopted this grave. Please see the certificate above.

Ton and Joke write :
We are looking for further information about James. Like his birth date, was he married and are there any relatives of him? All this to get a picture of the person represented by the tombstone in the cemetery.

If you can help, please email the administrators of the site. Thank you.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Ton and Joke Verhulst from Aagtekerke, Zeeland, The Netherlands

Date record last updated : 11 February 2022

PATON, C

Sgt Cyril Paton, 904673, Front Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 9 May 1941, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) ??Eddison
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1226 BU-L

Buried in BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 32. C. 2.

Son of Thomas and Edith Maude Paton, of South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent.

Source : CWGC and Aled Leyshon (grandson of Mervyn Leyshon)

Date record last updated : 4 October 2009

PATRICK, G E

Sgt George Edward Patrick, 1216471, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 4 July 1943, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK717 (04-Jul-1943) BU-U

Buried in FLUSHING (VLISSINGEN) NORTHERN CEMETERY. Reference : Row F Grave 16

Son of Frank and Olive Evelyn Patrick, of Bozeat, Northamptonshire.

Source : Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 5 January 2014

PATTERSON, A S

PAYNE, J R

Sgt John Routledge Payne, 984801, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 26 March 1942, Aged 25

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

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

Son of Alfred Joseph and Catherine Payne, of Penrith, Cumberland.

Source : CWGC and Hans J. Kobes, Vriezenveen (NL)

Date record last updated : 29 December 2009

PEACOCK, K J

Flt/Lt Kenneth John Peacock, Navigator, 5061994, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British. KIA 19 August 1968 Age 31

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor XH646

Date of Birth 06 June 1937.
He is buried at St Faith's Crematorium, Norwich.

Named on the following Memorials :
Armed Forces
Rolls of Honour, Church of St Clement Danes, London

Source : Jock Whitehouse and Armed Forces Memorial

PEARCE, R S

Plt/Off R S Pearce

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9355 (08-Sep-1942) BU-D

Chorley records his surname as Pearch.

Source : Chorley and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 28 April 2023

PEARS, E R M

Plt/Off Edward Robert Matheson Pears, 84012, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 23 November 1940, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R3208 (17-Nov-1940)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R3208 (05-Nov-1940)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R3208 (07-Nov-1940)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2471 BU-?
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2562 (01-Nov-1940)

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 9

Son of Edwin Robert William and Lilian Grace Mabel Pears, of Warley, Worcestershire.

On 1 November 1940 Plt/Off Pears, filling in for Sgt Cattle, and Sgt Brown, together (both pilots) were enroute to operations over Berlin but due to high fuel consumption of the Wellington they changed their target to Osnabruck. Sgt Peter D Scott was one of the air gunners on this flight, other crew unknown.

Source : Ian Hunt and W R Chorley's book 'RAF Bomber Command Losses 1939-1940' and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2006 and Log of Peter Doig Scott and Sheila Scott Byrne (daughter of Wg/Cdr Peter Doig Scott) and Richard Williams (co author of Sway War Memorial 1914-1945)

Date record last updated : 10 July 2011

PEARSON, C W

Sgt C W Pearson

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB819 (Date unknown) BU-U
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB820 (14-Feb-1945) BU-P

Source : Ian Hunt and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 19 March 2021

PEARSON, T M

Plt/Off T M Pearson, Pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9152 (7-Aug-1942)

Source : 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

PEARSON, W E

Sgt Wilfred Ernest Pearson, 568448, Flight Engineer, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 20 June 1942

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 4

Source : CWGC, Chorley and Ian Hunt and Don MacDonald

Date record last updated : 22 June 2014

PEART, P R

Sgt Peter Robert Peart, 740666, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 8 January 1941, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2956 BU-?

Buried in BIRMINGHAM (LODGE HILL) CEMETERY. Reference : Plot A2. Grave 344.

Son of Harry Johnson Peart and Nesta Aline Peart, of Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 15 June 2018

PECK, A C

Sgt A C Peck, Date taken POW 27 September 1940, POW number Unknown

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C L7843 BU-?

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Repatriated October 1943

Source : Nightjar newsletter Winter / Spring 2006 and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 30 October 2020

PECK, F L

Sgt F L Peck

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BK800

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 15 January 2021

PECK, G J

Sgt George James Peck, R/77370, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : American, KIA 15 January 1942, Aged 22

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

Buried in DRIFFIELD CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 6167.

Son of George James Peck, and of Helen Duganne Peck, of Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

After his aircraft crashed into the North Sea off Whitby, Yorkshire his body was recovered after being washed ashore at Cloughton Wyke near Scarborough

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

Date record last updated : 9 March 2009

PECK, J N

Plt/Off John Nelson Peck, J/16748, Royal Canadian Air Force, KIA 15 January 1943, Aged 27

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7637 BU-W

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 177.

Son of John Nelson Peck and Pearl Margaret Peck, of Riverside, Ontario, Canada.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 October 2010

PEDEN, D M

Taken on 23 October 1942, newly commissioned

Flt/Lt David Murray Peden DFC MiD, Non Com R134578 Com J20216, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Peden
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR381 BU-F

Born 19 October 1923

David Murray Peden DFC QC LLB was born in Winnipeg, but was raised in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, the middle of five children of a Scottish railroad clerk and his English wife. On 20 October 1941, Peden enlisted in the RCAF at Winnipeg. After receiving air crew instruction at various training schools in Canada, he graduated, as a pilot, from No. 10 Service Flying Training School at Dauphin, Manitoba.
Although he wanted to be a fighter pilot, he was posted as a bomber pilot to No. 214 Squadron, Bomber Command. For Bomber Command air crew there was a low probability of surviving and returning safely from their missions over enemy held Europe. Over 60% of the aircrew who began a tour of 30 sorties, would lose their lives.
During a particular hair raising raid on Gelsenkirchen in June 1944, his plane was shot up and two crewmen were wounded. For his skill and bravery he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). Unlike many of his colleagues in Bomber Command, Peden survived 30 dangerous and deadly missions over enemy occupied territory in attacks against heavily defended targets such as Berlin, Hamburg and Frankfurt. Part of the reason for his survival, in addition to his piloting skill is that he was transferred from the limited characteristics of the Stirling bomber to the safer and better performing B-17 Flying Fortresses.
After the war, Peden went to law school, where he graduated as a gold medalist. While in law school he met and married his wife Jean and began work as a Crown Attorney. His 1983 book Hearken to the Evidence is a humorous account of his years with the Crown. Later he joined a downtown law firm. He is a former Assistant Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Deputy Minister of Public Utilities. He is an expert in securities law and for 20 years before his retirement in 1988 was Chairman of the Manitoba Securities Commission.
Throughout his career, he found time to write three books, two of them on military history, namely Fall of an Arrow and A Thousand shall Fall.

Peden_Murray_3_MUSKETEERS_OTU

From left to right Sgt Alfred Stanley, Murray Peden, the tall chap is J B Waters, Sgt "Sid" Cutter, Sgt Ronald "Ron" Leslie Smith and Sgt Albert Alexander Williston.
Smith, Cutler and Willison were taken POW whilst finally serving with 514 Squadron.

On 24 July 1943 at 12 O.T.U. (Chipping Warden) we flew our first operation, a "Nickel" (leaflet-dropping) trip, flying in Wellington X Xray to the French town of Montargis.

Transferred to 1657 Heavy Conversion Unit at Stradishall, converting to Stirling aircraft on 5 August 1943.

Posted to 214 (FMS) Squadron RAF Bomber Command, then at Chedburgh, on 21 September 1943.

Posted on attachment to 161 Squadron at Tempsford on 9 November 1943.

Re-joined 214 Squadron at Downham Market on 13 December 1943.

Peden_Murray_&_SIR_ARTHUR_FIRST_VISIT

Taken about 1980 while Murray was visting Sir Arthur Harris, his old Commander in Chief, at his home

Peden_Murray_214_HELICOPTER

Taken about 40 years after the war, at Portage la Prairie, an air base 55 miles west of Winnipeg. Murray had gone out there at the request of the C.O., Colonel Gordon Brennand, to address a Flight of student helicopter pilots. To fly Murray home, Colonel Brennand (on the left in the picture) had picked an aptly numbered helicopter for him. Murray is standing in the middle of the threesome, Col. Jim Hunter (who flew him home) on the right.

Peden_Murray_BILL_REID_&_TAIT

This was taken in the 1980's, in Winnipeg. Left to Right the three airmen are, Group Captain J.B. Tait (of Tirpitz fame) Murray Peden, and Bill Reid V.C.

Murray has written a book "A Thousand Shall Fall; the true story of a Canadian Bomber Pilot in World War 2".

On 27 June 1945, Murray Peden was posted to RCAF Station at Linton-on-Ouse on the first stage of his journey home.
The night before he had one final session at the Anchor and he and his crew parted company with long handshakes, misty eyes and stating that if he had to start over again and was given the whole roster of Bomber Command aircrew to choose from he would not trade one man in his crew.

He arrived home in Winnipeg Canada on 3 August 1945.

Please click on this link to see information provided by the Royal Canadian Air Force Association

Sadly Flt/Lt David Murray Peden DFC MiD died peacefully on 6 January 2022, aged 98, after a short illness.

Please click on this link to read his obituary

Source : Michael Phillips (son of Jack Phillips) and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Murray Peden and Roger Guernon (514 Squadron) and Canadian Veterans Hall of Valour and Royal Canadian Air Force Association and Francois Dutil 438 Squadron RCAF

Date record last updated : 14 January 2022

PEEL, J D

Plt/Off Jack Dempsey Peel, 115123, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 24 July 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9355 (07-Jul-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9355 (09-Jul-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9356 (22-Jul-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7567 (24-Jul-1942) BU-S

Buried in WERKENDAM PROTESTANT CEMETERY. Reference : Row 8. Grave 7.

Husband of Betty Ashley

Plt/Off Peel married Betty Ashley just a few months before he joined the RAF.
He was known as the "sandy haired Texan".

Source : Ashley Watson (son of Betty Ashley) and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Autumn 2004 and Arthur Skone and Richard Hallam (nephew of Eric Cooper)

Date record last updated : 26 July 2015

PELLANT, J W

Plt/Off James Walter Pellant, J/95470, Air Bomber, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 21 March 1945, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB785 (21-Mar-1945) BU-A

Born in Canada

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 7. D. 3.

Son of Maurice and Maud Pellant, of Gronlid, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Pellant / Peiliant ??

Is named as Pellant on CWGC and is listed as Pilot Officer.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Chris Edwards from Garmisch

Date record last updated : 28 June 2014

PELLING, M

LAC Maurice Pelling, 749447, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 6 June 1940

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

Buried in PORTSLADE CEMETERY. Reference : Sec.P.P Grave 13

Source : CWGC and Jock Whitehouse and Traces of WW2 website

Date record last updated : 8 August 2011

PEMBERTON

Sgt Pemberton

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

PENHALL, B A

John McLelland writes : This photo must have been taken reasonably early in his tour as you can see he was a FLTSGT at the time.
The photo shows him in the nose of a B17 but also notice that he is not wearing a flying suit nor helmet.
Maybe it was a pre-flight check or just a photo opportunity.

Penhall_Brian_A_2

PENNA, C

Cyril holding his book and a part of R9194 found by a French witness after the crash. Taken in 2010.

Sqn/Ldr Cyril Penna DFM, Bomb Aimer

See CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling R9194 BU-N

Husband of Betty.

After bailing out of R9194, Sgt Penna evaded capture by the Germans and with the help of the Resistance, he made his way home via the Pyrenees and Gibraltar.

Herve Savary advises us that it was Mr Gilbert Biguet from Warlus near Arras who allowed Cyril who stay for one week in his house before escaping and that Cyril visited him after the war with his two sons David and Graham.

His feet and hand became badly frostbitten crossing the Pyrenees. For his gallant evasion and return to the UK, he was awarded the DFM.

He wrote a book about this escape called .'Escape and Evasion' published by United Writers Publications Ltd (Penzance) in 1987. ISBN 1 65200 008 2. See gift shop for more details.

Capitaine Hervé Savary found in the records of the Chauny gendarmerie that a farmer from Viry Noureuil (a little village 2 km near the Stirling crash site) found a parachute on 6th December 1942 and took it to the gendarmerie station at Chauny. The farmer found this parachute under a pile of sugar beets as mentioned in Sgt Penna's evasion story. Capitaine Herve Savary is still trying to find the ten year old french girl accompanied by her father near Chauny that Sgt Penna's evasion story also refers to.

Penna_Cyril_wife_and_Herve_Savary

Cyril Penna, his wife Betty and French researcher Hervé Savary. Taken in 2010.

In May 2013 Herve Savary (a French gendarmerie officer (major)) organized a R9194 Short Stirling crash remembrance ceremony in Aisne department (North France). The aircarft was shot down on 29 November 1942.

Cyril Penna, the last english veteran (who escaped and came back to the UK) and Arthur Gatland, son of New Zealand pilot Frank Gatland (who was captured by the Germans 10 days after the crash) attended the ceremony. It was an emotional ceremony at Couvron et Aumencourt cemetery where 3 of R9194's crew are buried. Then the memorial near the crash area at Viry Noureuil was unveiled. A lot of people attended, including crash witnesses, Resistance members and families. Herve also presented the R9194 history in Picardie Resistance and Deportation Museum at Fargnier in front of approximately 150 spectators. Later that week Herve drove Cyril Penna to several escape places near Chauny. He was shown the field where the aircraft crashed and two farms where he was hidden. They then travelled near Arras in Pad de Calais. In Warlus village, Cyril met his French friend Gilbert Biguet who hid Cyril in with his parents for two weeks before they entrusted him to the French Resistance network.

Penna_Cyril_and_Herve_Savary_and_Arthur_Gatland

Penna_Cyril_and_Herve_Savary_and_Arthur_Gatland

From Left to Right Herve Savary, Cyril Penna and Arthur Gatland, son of New Zealand pilot Frank Gatland. May 2013

Sadly Cyril died on Wednesday 2 July 2014 aged 92. His funeral was held at Exeter Cemetry on 22 July 2014.

Cyril Penna is recorded as Pinner in Chorley.

Source : Capitaine Hervé Savary (French Gendarmerie Officer) and Nightjar Newsletter and Chorley

Date record last updated : 28 April 2023

PENNY, C W

Sgt Cyril Walter Penny, 925051, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 11 April 1942, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C HF856 BU-?

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 91.F.5

Son of Walter and Rose Penny of Southampton.

CWGC says his role was Observer.

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

Date record last updated : 27 November 2020

PERIJIE

Sgt Perijie

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9358 (14-Feb-1943) BU-A

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 5 December 2021

PEPPER, C W V

Pepper_Charles_William_Valentine_gravestone

Plt/Off Charles William Valentine Pepper, 138308, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 3 March 1943, Aged 23

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

Born 14 February 1920
Born in Putney, London, England

Buried in SAGE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 1.E.1.

Son of Arthur William Pepper and Annie Alice Pepper (nee Marchant). Husband of Violet Betty Ward who he married in 1941.

Prior to being called up Charles worked as a statistician for the Dept. of Home Intelligence (Ministry of Information).

Source : Pamela McGuigan (first cousin twice removed) and CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 1 June 2013

PERCIVAL, E A

FS Edward Arthur Percival DFM MiD, 1263001, Waist Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 17 March 1945, Aged 30, Date taken POW 15 March 1945, POW number Unknown

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB799 (14-Mar-1945) BU-K

Named on the following Memorial : Huchenfeld Church, SW Germany
Named on the following Memorial : Llanbedr Church, North Wales
Named on the following Memorial : Newcastle-upon-Tyne Lamson Paragon
Named on the following Memorial : RAFA Ely Cambs Branch Memorial Rose Garden

The RAFA Ely Cambs Branch Memorial Rose Garden is situated at what used to be the RAF Hospital, which is now the NHS Princess of Wales Hospital. Tom Tate attended the dedication ceremony which was held in 1999.

Percival_Edward_grave

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 9. H. 2.

Son of Harry and Rose Percival; husband of Maud Lilian Percival, of Barking, Essex.

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

After baling out of the aircraft he was kept in Buhl prison before being transferred by foot into Luftwaffe custody on 17 March 1945. Upon reaching Huchenfeld he was locked into the boiler room of the Neuen Schule (New School) along with 6 others of his crew. A crowd of civilians demanded access to the 7 men, demanding revenge , and dragged them outside. 3 escaped to be recaptured.
Percival and four others were taken to the cemetery and shot.

Fortress_HB799_Temporary_Graves_Huckenfeld.

Fortress_HB799_Temporary_Graves_Huckenfeld.

The graves at Huchenfield Germany. Flt Lt Sidney C Matthews DFC., Fg Off James Vinall, Fg Off Harold Frost, Fg Off Gordon Hall, FS Edward Percival
The French soldiers who had been the first of General Patten's army to enter the area had Inscribed each cross with simple but telling words: 'British airman, assassinated by the SA, 17/18 March 1945.'

Mentioned in Despatches recorded in the London Gazette Issue 37598 published

Please click on this link to see a document produced by the Squadron Association regarding this crew and the reconciliation between former enemies

Source : CWGC and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and John & Carol Edwards (family connection to Flt/Lt Sidney C Matthews) and Reg Kemp (nephew of Harold Frost) and Alison Bilham (neice of Edward Percival) and Simon Glancey and London Gazette

Date record last updated : 13 January 2023

PERIOLI, W N

Plt/Off William Neill Perioli DFC, 39391

Was promoted to Pilot Officer 16 November 1937. London Gazette dated 23 November 1937, issue 34457

Was awarded the DFC 22 October 1940. London Gazette dated 22 October 1940, issue 34976

Source : Sarah Bjørnstøl (daughter) and London Gazette

Date record last updated : 24 November 2017

PERKINS, W

Sgt Walter Perkins, 2223326, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 21 March 1945, Aged 19

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB785 (21-Mar-1945) BU-A

Named on the following Memorial : Calverton War Memorial

Born 3 August 1925

Born in Tollerton, Nottinghamshire, England

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 7. D. 4.

Son of William and Alice Gladys Perkins, of Calverton, Nottinghamshire.

Please see a news article from The Nottingham Post Newspaper. Please click here

James Perkins has kindly provided photographs relating to Sgt Walter Perkins. Please click on this link to see the photos.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2003 and Chris Edwards from Garmisch and James Perkins (Great Nephew of Sgt Walter Perkins)

Date record last updated : 14 January 2022

PERRY, J J

Sgt J J Perry, 1261701, 2nd Pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7538 (26-Jun-1942) BU-T

Source : Richard Maddox (researcher) and The National Archives

Date record last updated : 24 February 2023

PERRY, S

Sgt Stanley 'Stan' Perry, 1174623, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 1 April 1942, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1052 (01-Apr-1942)

Buried in MIDDELKERKE COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Reference : Row A. Coll grave 1-3.

Son of Fred and Lily Perry, of Brownhills, Staffordshire.

Source : Ian Hunt and CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 January 2011

PETERS, C J

FS Cecil John 'Pete' Peters DFM, 1893908, Special Operator, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

Born 27 April 1925

Born in Kennington nr. Ashford, Kent

Son of John Charles (Jack) Peters & Alice Winifred nee Ditch

Jonathan Peters writes :
He flew in several Fortresses.
Numerous pilots detailed in Flying Log chiefly Flt/Lt Hill and Flt/Lt Haynes.
John Peters watched the Battle of Britain taking place in the Kent skies above his head as a 15 year old lad. After a stint in the local ATC he joined the RAF at 18 in 1943 and trained as a Wireless Operator and then Special Operator, joining the Squadron exactly at the point it had moved to Oulton and transferred to Fortresses in May 1944. Thus his 'new' role in RCM was in fact the squadron's new raison d'etre.
He was, of course, extremely proud of his service and his DFM (not least because they were so much rarer than DFCs, he always told me!)
He completed 44 operational sorties altogether (inc. 2 abortives & 1 recall), volunteering for a 2nd tour on completion of the first. His last op was just 2 days before his 20th birthday, and he didn't tell his mother he had been operational aircrew until after the war to save her anguish!
He went on to train as a contoller which involved guiding the first RAF jet fighter...the Meteor. Left the RAF in 1947 to follow a lifelong career in Civil Aviation, eventually logging over a million airmiles!
He died on 22 October 2007 aged 82.
We were very proud, as I know he would have been, that his funeral was conducted at the RAF Memorial Chapel, Biggin Hill in 2007.

Source : Jonathan Peters (son)

Date record last updated : 17 May 2019

PETERS, N

Fg/Off Nicholas Peters (left) with his nephew Hugh (Hugo) Peters
(photograph provided by Greg Peters)

Fg/Off Nicholas Peters, J/45525, Special Operator, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 7 March 1945, Aged 30

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ106 BU-G

Buried in BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Plot 14. Row D. Grave 14.

Son of Isaac F. Peters and of Elizabeth Peters (nee Reidiger); husband of Emma Marguerite Peters (nee Tustian), of Kagawong, Ontario, Canada.

He grew up in the Ukraine during WWI and the Russian Revolution.
Peters, who lived for some years at Grande Pointe, Manitoba, Canada, had emigrated from Russia in 1925 as a boy of 10 and had seen firsthand the horrors of revolution and war in his native country.

He wrote a book of poetry reflecting on life and wars. An example of his poetry can be found at http://www.all-creatures.org/articles/pea-thewars.html.
The poem is from a collection of Peters' work entitled Another Morn.

Peters_Nicholas_grave

Source : CWGC and Greg Peters (Great Nephew).

Date record last updated : 30 December 2011

PHALEMPIN, G F J

FS Gerard Francis Joseph Phalempin, R/86743, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 13 October 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I BK599 BU-R

Buried in KIEL WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 1. C. 9.

Source : CWGC and Chorley and Chris Capewell (relative of Ron Davison)

Date record last updated : 27 February 2010

PHELAN, K C

Sgt Kenneth Chesson Phelan, 2223309, Starboard Waist Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 7 March 1945, POW number Unknown

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III KJ106 BU-G

Imprisoned at POW camp Sandbostel

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Stalag XB, Sandbostel, was liberated on 29 April 1945. Sgt Phelan was released on 1 May 1945 and was transporteed away in an ambulance on 2 May 1945. He was transferred to RAF Cosford Hospital on return to the UK.

Sgt Phelan was from Sheffield, Yorkshire.

Source : "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Tery Phelan (son) and David Champion (researcher)

Date record last updated : 23 February 2018

PHILLIPS

FS Phillips

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) N3769 (29-Jun-1942)

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 8 February 2019

PHILLIPS, G M

Sgt Geoffrey Michael Phillips, 577156, Observer, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 23 June 1943

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EH882 BU-O

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 6. E. 17.

Son of Frank and Mary Phillips.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 20 June 2010

PHILLIPS, J D

WO Jack Delmont 'Phillipsy' Phillips, 422692, Rear Gunner, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Peden
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR381 BU-F

Born 23 December 1921
Born in Sydney Australia

Son of Soloman and Polly Phillips

Jack served with 214 Squadron from 1942 to 1945.
He served with pilot Murray Peden (Canadian air force)
He crewed in Short Stirling and Flying Fortress.

Trained in Various Wellingtons. Stirlings 2675, G350. Flying Fotress 177, 970, 451, 241, 773, 812, 169, 187, 148. Fortress F for Freddy. P for Peter.

Jack died in Sydney Australia on 12 July 2016 aged 94.

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

Date record last updated : 20 October 2017

PHILLIPS, R A

WO Robert Alfred Phillips DFM, 2216225, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Source : London Gazette October 1945

Date record last updated : 25 October 2015

PHILLIPS, W

Sgt William 'Bill' Phillips, Rear Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BK600

Bill was a crew member during 1942/43.

He died on 10 January 2012, aged 94

Source : 214 Squadron ORB and 214 Squadron Association

Date record last updated : 27 September 2013

PHILLIPS, W

In front of the tent clearly labelled with 214 Squadron whilst in Feltwell area

Phillips_William_4

Flt/Lt William Phillips DFM, 525355, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

Born in Lyndhurst, Hampshire

Buried in Mintlyn Crematorium, Kings Lynn

Husband of Dulcie Banyard

William was born in 1917. he was a chauffeur before enlisting in the RAF in 1935. He started on operational flights with 214 Squadron from December 1939. After two very dangerous flights in 1940 William was awarded the DFM for displaying great coolness when under fire.

Phillips_William_DFM_newspaper_cutting

He is still alive and in reasonably good health in December 2009. He lives in Kings Lynn in Norfolk.

Ricky writes:
"In recent years, my Grandfather has begun talking about some of his experiences whilst serving in the RAF. These stories are always quite amusing, and it is obvious that he enjoyed life in the RAF. However, in most of his stories he doesn't talk about his combat experiences. The one exception is his (still amusing) description of a return flight from an operation over Italy in a Stirling bomber in which they were throwing anything and everything out of the aircraft in an attempt to reduce the weight of the stricken aircraft. "

Gary writes:
"My grandfather has always insisted he was in Lancasters for the last years of the war . He was in the RAF from 1937 to 1947. Near the end of the war he was sent to India where he stayed until 1947. My grandfather was temporarily promoted to Fl. Lt. towards the end of the war in Europe. He is now approaching his 93rd birthday this summer (2010)".

Sadly FS William Phillips passed away on 10 January 2012, aged 94.

Click on this link to read his obituary.

Dave Phillips (son of William Phillips writes :
I am hoping you can shed some light on the career of my late father, William Phillips, who served with 214 Squadron during World War II. Unfortunately he never discussed his wartime experiences until shortly before his death, and then only when he felt like it -- and never with any real information about his engagements. All that I do know for sure is that:
1. He joined the RAF in 1935;
2. He was based at RAF Feltwell with 214 Squadron when war broke out;
3. He was awarded the DFM;
4. He was promoted to Flt-Sgt and Flt-Lt;
5. Towards the end of the war he ended up in India;
6. He was finally demobbed about 1947.
The photographs we have of him in the RAF, and the newspaper clipping of his presentation with the DFM at Buckingham Palace, are already on your Personnel page. What puzzles me is that he always told us (his four children) that he was based at RAF Marham during the war. That clearly wasn't true. Why he told us that, I do not know. Was it a throwback to the secrecy of the war years? Even his widow, my mother Dulcie (now 95), believed he was stationed at Marham! He has also told me that on occasions he was based in Leicestershire, as well as RAF Lossiemouth and somewhere near Higham Ferrers, Northants (presumably RAF Chelveston?). He also went to RAF Cranwell for his officer training. 214 Squadron obviously were not based at the above. Could it because he was an gunnery officer and was moved around to train others? Did he in fact stay in 214 Squadron throughout his RAF career or was he moved to another squadron? SO many questions and, of course, Dad is sadly unable to answer them. He died over five years ago. He would have been 100 years old last month. But even if he had still been alive,I bet he would have managed to have avoided giving a straight answer to any questions about the war! So,any information from anyone about his RAF career would be invaluable.

Can anyone help with these questions?

Source : Ricky Troughton (grandson) and Gary Troughton (grandson) and David Phillips (son)

Date record last updated : 8 March 2019

PHILLIPS, W

FS W Phillips

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

Maybe same person as the 2 William Phillips already listed.

Source : 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

PHIN, C K

Sgt Crawford Kier Phin, 1349598, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 27 March 1943, Aged 21

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

Buried in HANOVER WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 10. B. 7.

Son of David and Mary Maitland Phin.

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

Date record last updated : 30 September 2020

PICCIANO, R D

WO/I Raymond Daniel Picciano, R/140622, Air Bomber, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 6 November 1944

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB788 (06-Nov-1944) BU-B

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 13. D. 8.

Source : CWGC and Chas Chambers and Matt Baars

Date record last updated : 16 May 2009

PICKTHORNE, B

FS B Pickthorne, R54358, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner

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

On 18 October 1941 FS Pickthorne was posted to 214 Squadron from 23OTU.
He was flying as part of a crew in 214 Squadron from 18 October 1941 (as per ORB for 230TU Pershore) till January 1942.
On 19 January 1942 he was posted 99 Squadron.
On 23 February 1942 he was posted to Portreath from Waterbeach.
On 26 February 1942 he was posted from Portreath direct to Malta, en-rote to to ME fro 99 Squadron in India, being seconded to 215 Squadron, on arrival, until rejoining 99 Squadron in Oct 1942 until at least 1943.

Source : Colin Burningham and W.R.Chorley

Date record last updated : 4 October 2009

PICKWORTH, G W

Sgt Godfrey William Pickworth, 1153786, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 17 August 1942, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BF318 (16-Jul-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I BF330 (17-Aug-1942) BU-H

Buried in STREATHAM PARK CEMETERY. Reference : Square 2. Grave 16259.

Son of Stanley W. H. Pickworth and Louisa Ethel Pickworth, of Highams Park, Essex.

Source : CWGC and Diane Johansen and Bob Brown (nephew of Sgt Richard Kerry) and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

PILKINGTON, F E

Sgt Francis Elliot Pilkington, 1474216, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 4 July 1943, Aged 39

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

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 161.

Son of Elliot and Helen Pilkington, of Henshore, Lancashire; husband of Ruth Pilkington, of Moss, Denbighshire.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 22 August 2019

PINDER, P F

Plt/Off Peter Francis Pinder, J/16143, Royal Canadian Air Force, KIA 15 January 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7637 BU-W

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 177.

Son of Francis George and Amelia Paula Pinder, of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 October 2010

PINN, L J

Sgt Louis John Pinn, Flight Engineer, 582411, Nationality : British. KIA 14 August 1954 Age 25

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Lincoln SX976

Date of Birth 27 August 1928.

He is buried at City Park Cemetery, Nairobi, Kenya. Grave Section 13 Grave 53.

Named on the following Memorials :
Armed Forces
Rolls of Honour, Church of St Clement Danes, London

Born Sidmouth Devon, Stationed at RAF Eastleigh. Killed on a bombing low level against the Mau Mau. There was a sympathetic explosion of bomb load. A piece of shrapnell came up and hit the aircraft killing Sgt Pinn.

Source : Jock Whitehouse and Armed Forces Memorial

PINNER, C

Sgt C Pinner, Date taken POW 28 November 1942, POW number Unknown

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Chorley

Date record last updated : 20 November 2020

PIPER, C A

FS Cyril Arthur 'Pip' Piper, 3031077, Mid Upper Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

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

Born 25 April 1925

Born in Epsom, Surrey, England

Buried in PARK WOOD CREMATORIUM, HALIFAX, ENGLAND

Husband of Joan (Hammond) and Norma (Sykes)

We have been advised by Lyn Willis that sadly FS Cyril Piper passed away on 22 December 2020 aged 95.

Cyril (Pip) Piper was born in Epsom, in April 1925. He qualified as 3031077 Piper C.A. - Air Gunner on 28 April 1944 at Unit No 8 A.G.S. Evanton, with 20hrs 35mins flying time in an Anson.
At No 12 O.T.U. Edgehill, he continued his training on Wellingtons, then on to No 12 O.T.U. Chipping Warden, Stradishall, Shephards Grove and Oulton.
His first operational flight was as Mid Upper Gunner in a Fortress with 214 Squadron to Hamm, on 2nd December 1944. His second operation, 2 days later, is recorded as Ruhr Area (Window). No2 engine U/S. Pranged at Base.

February 1945 saw him on 7 raids over Germany, 15 more in March and April, all bar one of these flights were led by Flt/Lt Austin. Mid-April saw a change of crew, and most of his subsequent flights were with Flt/Lt Wynne as pilot. He saw two more operational flights, his last on 2nd May to Kiel.

After the war, Pip had a long and varied life working mainly as a popular Postman in Epsom Town Centre. FS Piper was married in 1946, and sadly lost his wife Joan in 2002. He remarried in 2005, and Norma pre-deceased him in 2011.

Pip was a keen cricketer and footballer, an avid reader, and had a great interest in the RAF, and horses, having been brought up steeped in the racing industry living only a few hundred yards from Epsom Racecourse (his father was a jockey, and his uncle a Derby-winning jockey).

He passed away peacefully at his home and he will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Source : Leslie Bostock and Lyn Willis (niece of FS Piper)

Date record last updated : 15 January 2021

PITCHFORD, J E M

FS John E M Pitchford, 746311, Air Bomber, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 25 August 1944, POW number 754

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

Imprisoned at POW camp Bankau (Bakow), Poland
Imprisoned at POW camp Luckenwalde

Born 2 May 1920

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Is listed on Battle Orders for 22 August 1944.

Chorley reports that his service number suggests he joined as a trainee volunteer reserve pilot in the Spring of 1937 However he does not list the service number.

John died on Friday 19th November 2010 in St Thomas Hospital.

From RAF Commands.com :
"Pitchford liberation report WO344/254/1
John Martin PITCHFORD
Enrolled with RAFVR on 5 April 1939. He was a student Engineer from Belvedere Kent
Captured West of Darmstadt on 28 August 1944.
POW camps :
Luft 7 from 13 September 1944 to 17 January 1945
SL IIIa Lukenwalde from 7 February 1945 to 5 May 1945
Report 12 May 1945"

Source : George Mackie and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Harvey Pitchford (son) and Chorley and RAFCommands.com

Date record last updated : 16 April 2021

PITT, S G

Sid looking out of the port waist position

Pitt_S_2

Sid at his gun

Pitt_S_3

Sid at his gun

Pitt_S_4

Sid standing in front of the tail gun

Pitt_S_G_5

PLATT

Sgt Platt, Air Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (13-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (15-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (17-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (19-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (23-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (29-Nov-1940) BU-D
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (07-Dec-1940) BU-D

Could be the same person as Sgt R A Platt.

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 28 August 2023

PLATT, R A

Sgt Richard Arthur Platt, 939816, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 1 April 1942, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1052 (01-Apr-1942)

Buried in MIDDELKERKE COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Reference : Row B. Grave 26.

Son of Robert Arthur and Miriam Eveline Platt, of Wyke, Yorkshire.

Source : Ian Hunt and CWGC

Date record last updated : 13 September 2009

PLISHKA, L

FS L Plishka

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9152 (7-Aug-1942)

Source : 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

PLUMBER

FS Plumber, Navigator

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II ??Van Den Bok (Dec-1944) BU-C

Source : Roger Mills (son of John Tudor Mills)

Date record last updated : 16 May 2009

PLUMMER, R C

Sgt Roylance Claude Plummer, 944822, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 8 April 1941, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1380 BU-?

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 50.

Son of Albert and Annie Mary Plummer, of Littlehampton, Sussex.

Source : CWGC and Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 1 December 2017

POCKNEY, E D

Plt/Off Ewart Duncan Pockney, 76925, Rear Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 19 August 1941, Aged 35

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

Buried in LEMSTERLAND (LEMMER) GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Plot C. Row 10. Grave 258.

Son of the Revd. Charles Pockney and Bertha S. Pockney; husband of Margaret Pockney, of Edwalton, Nottinghamshire.

Sometimes Pockney was replaced by the most senior gunner on the squadron, Flight Lieutenant Culley.

Before the war Duncan Pockney had worked in Fleet Street. Older than most aircrew, he joined 214 Squadron in November 1940. He flew as rear gunner in Pilot Officer Jack Wetherly's crew. When Jack Wetherly completed his tour in March 1941 the crew was taken over by Pilot Officer John Topliss.

When Topliss and his crew were lost on Hamburg on 11 May 1941 flying Wellington R1462, Pockney was not with them (reason unknown).

His luck did not hold out for much longer, as was killed on 19 August 1941, flying with 218 Squadron from Marham. His aircraft came down in the Zuider Zee. His body was recovered.

Source : Christopher Jary, Author - Portrait Of A Bomber Pilot & CWGC

Date record last updated : 14 June 2009

PODGER, J

FS Jack Podger, Navigator

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB785 (Corke) BU-A

Source : Pilot Officer William Foskett

Date record last updated : 26 May 2009

POLLARD, H C

Photograph taken whilst on sortie over the North Sea

FS Herbert Clare Pollard, 1109146, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 6 November 1944

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB788 (06-Nov-1944) BU-B

Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 22. A. 8-12.

Source : CWGC and Chas Chambers and Matt Baars and Adrian Howe (relative of FS Pollard)

Date record last updated : 5 October 2018

POLLARD, T W J

FS Thomas William James Pollard, 1865782, Waist Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Nationality : United Kingdom KIA 24 February 1945. Aged 19

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB805 (24-Feb-1945) BU-C

Son of Thomas and Florence Beatrice Pollard, of Kings Cliffe, Northamptonshire.

Buried in RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY. 6. E. 20.

Source : CWGC and Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 28 April 2023

POMEROY, D H

FS Dennis Howard Pomeroy, 1219525, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 22 November 1945, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Liberator (model unknown) KL587

Born 6 April 1921

Born in Fleet, Somerset

Buried in SUDA BAY WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 16. C. 18.

Son of Henry and Lillian Edith Pomeroy, of Small Heath, Birmingham.

He was awarded the following medals : War Medal, Defence Medal, Italy Star, 1939-45 Star.

He flew Lancaster and Liberator aircraft.

Source : Wendy Simkin (niece) and Jean Smith (sister) and CWGC and Jock Whitehouse

Date record last updated : 10 October 2010

POOLE, L

Chf/Tech Len Poole

Was a crew member of Aubrey Cattle's crew.

Was also a crew member with Alan Brown & Peter Doig Scott

Source : Guy Hudson

Date record last updated : 26 July 2015

POOLEY, F H E

Sgt Frank Henry Edward Pooley, 1456718, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 26 May 1943, Aged 19

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

Buried in SAGE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 11. D. 7.

Son of George Gilbert and Hetty Pooley, of Besthorpe, Norfolk.

After his aircraft crashed into the North Sea Sgt Pooley's body was the only one of the crew to be found.

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

Date record last updated : 31 January 2010

POTTER, J F

WO John Frederick Potter DFC, Navigator

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2776 BU-G
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2776 (pre Sep-1940) BU-G

As a sergeant, John Potter flew as navigator to Flying Officer John Leighton Beck and Pilot Officer Maurice Hartford in 214 Squadron in the second half of 1940. In early 1941 he accompanied Hartford to Malta and the Middle East and flew another tour with 148 Squadron. The London Gazette of 30 October 1942 lists the award of a DFC to Warrant Officer Potter of 23 Squadron in recognition of his bomber operations in Europe and the Middle East and of his intruder sorties with 23 Squadron.

Source : Christopher Jary (author of "Portrait of a bomber pilot") and London Gazette

Date record last updated : 11 April 2009

POTTER, R D

Sgt R D Potter

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7626 (05-Oct-1942) BU-J

Sgt Potter was injured when Stirling Mark I W7626 (05-Oct-1942) BU-J crashed.

Source : Chorley and www.rafcommands.com

Date record last updated : 28 April 2023

POULTON, A A

Sgt Alfred Arthur Poulton, 1397028, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 1 September 1943, Aged 34

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EF401 BU-Y

Buried in BERLIN 1939-1945 WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 5. D. 34-37.

Son of Mrs. E. Poulton, of Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey; husband of Beatrice Jessie Poulton, of Kingston-on-Thames.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 2 February 2010

POUND, L J

Sgt L J Pound, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 14 March 1945, POW number Unknown

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB802 BU-O

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 : 20 September 2011

POW, G P

Flt/Lt G P 'Tubby' Pow DFC, Bomb Aimer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 15 March 1945, POW number Unknown

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB799 (14-Mar-1945) BU-K

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

After baling out of the aircraft he was taken POW being picked up by the German Army after parachuting onto the roof of a factory, along with Flt/Lt Dudley Heal.

Please click on this link to see a document produced by the Squadron Association regarding this crew and the reconciliation between former enemies

Source : Vivien White (daughter of Dudley Heal) and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 13 January 2023

POWELL, J E

Sgt J E Powell, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 1 March 1943, POW number 27654

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

Imprisoned at POW camp Lamsdorf (Lambinowice), Germany - from 1943, was previously Stalag 8B
Imprisoned at POW camp 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

POWELL, L

Plt/Off Leslie Powell, 144037, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 15 April 1943, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I EF331 BU-H

Buried in SEPT-SAULX CHURCHYARD. Reference : Grave 1.

Son of Mark Henry and Gertrude Powell, of Tredegar, Monmouthshire.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 17 December 2010

POWELL, W O

WO/II William Obediah Powell, R/71536, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 3 February 1943, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9165 (20-Nov-1942) BU-Y
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9197 (03-Feb-1943) BU-V

Buried in AMERSFOORT (OUD LEUSDEN) GENERAL CEMETERY. Plot 13. Row 5. Grave 83.

Son of William George and Marion Gertrude Powell, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Source : CWGC and 214 Squadron ORB and Chorley

Date record last updated : 28 April 2023

POWNIE, C D

Sgt C D Pownie

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) L7840 BU-?

On 11 October 1940 the aircraft crashed and he was seriously injured and was one of only two survivors of the crash.

Source : Bill Stubbs

Date record last updated : 13 February 2009

POWRIE, C D

Sgt Charles Duncan Powrie, 745352, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 7 December 1940, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R2476

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 18

Son of Robert and Katharine Powrie, of Perth.

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Winter / Spring 2006 and CWGC

Date record last updated : 11 April 2009

PRICE, J

WO James Price, 1058736

Fortress Ops flown = 20
(* Actually 'operational take-offs'. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc)

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 14 February 2020

PRICE, L W

Sgt Leslie Whitehouse Price, 981412, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 3 September 1941, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1717 BU-Z?

Buried in DUNKIRK TOWN CEMETERY. Reference : Plot 2 Row 2 Grave 22.

Son of Frederick and Pollie Ann Price, of Farnworth, Lancashire.

Source : Captain Glen McKay Retd (Canadian Armed Forces), (nephew of FS James Patrick McKay) and CWGC

Date record last updated : 29 December 2010

PRIGMORE, F G

Sgt F G Prigmore

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

PROCTOR, A A

Fg/Off A A Proctor

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C L7859 (10-Oct-1940)

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 14 January 2022

PROSSER, T N C

Sgt Thomas Noel Castree Prosser DFM, 527989, Waist Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III N3751 BU-P

3196 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 21 JULY,1942
Award of the Distinguished Flying Medal

"Throughout the operation, these airmen displayed unflinching courage, great fortitude and splendid team work in foiling the attacks of 5 enemy fighters, 3 of which were shot down. Their conduct upheld the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force."

Source : 214 Squadron ORB and London Gazette and National Archives Air Records AIR/50/233/13

Date record last updated : 8 January 2021

PUGH, J V B

John Victor Bruce Pugh, Navigator, Royal Canadian Air Force

Nigel Pugh wrote:

"My father, John Victor Bruce Pugh, served with the squadron extensively during the 1940's as a navigator mainly on Stirlings, and subsequently on Boeing B17 Fortresses at a later date.
(Unfortunately I do not have a record of the flying in fortresses due to losses of logbooks at the time, and would be interested in any information relating to my dad regarding this period).
I am in possession of his first flying logbook, which covers his time at Air Observer's navigation course from April to September 1942, at Chatham, New Brunswick Canada, No 1 AFU Wigtown, Scotland, No 12 OTU, 1657 CU.
John was then posted to 214 Squadron on 23 May 1943, where he flew numerous opeartions with FS Sellar as the pilot.
After this he was posted to 4 group, BDU at Newmarket and 75 Squadron. He was then posted to 1653 at Chedburgh and then to 195 Squadron.
I am in the process of assembling my Fathers biography of his years in the RAF starting with his training in Canada, and then his subsequent posting to 214 Squadron (after some further training in the UK). He progressed with the squadron, based mainly at Stradishall with some time spent at Chedburgh.
He was eventually posted to 75 Squadron where he undertook "Special Duties" at Mepal in Cambridgeshire.
Sadly, at some point in history his logbook was mislaid, and he therfore began a replacement at Mepal (this I do not have), but I beleive he was eventually returned to 214 at Stradishall before being demobbed in 1947 following cessation of hostilities."

If anyone has any further information please contact Nigel through the website administrators.

Source : Nigel Pugh (son)

Date record last updated : 1 March 2010

PUNNETT, E L

Sgt Edward Lionel Punnett, 1606932, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 23 March 1945

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

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 276

CWGC states death date one day after loss?

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

Date record last updated : 27 July 2010

PUTERBOUGH, C

Flt/Lt Carl Puterbough DFC, J219296, Pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian

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

Mentioned in the Flying Log Book of Sgt Fulton James Logan.

Flew 17 operational take-offs in Fotresses.

Joined 214 from 1657 CU 28 August 1943
First Op (Stirling) 15 September 1943
Promoted to Acting Flt/Lt 10 January 1944
Last Op 10 September 1944
Posted to RCAF "R" Depot 09 January 1945

Flew as 2nd pilot with Jack Dixon on 27 August 1943.

Source : Ron Belanger (son in law of Sgt Fulton James Logan) and Ian Hunt and John Jewsbury (son of R F Jewsbury)

Date record last updated : 7 July 2009

PUZEY, A B

Sgt Arthur Burnham Puzey, 755485, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 30 August 1940, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2559

Buried in ZELHEM (HALLE) PROTESTANT CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave.

Son of Sqdn. Ldr. George Arthur Puzey, R.A.F., and Daisy Henrietta Puzey, of Slough, Buckinghamshire.

Source : Bennie Eenink (researcher in the Netherlands) and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2006 and Chorley

Date record last updated : 31 December 2014

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