No. 214 (FMS) Squadron RAF - Personnel

PERSONNEL

R

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

Surname :

RAE, D J

Sgt Donald James Rae, 406681, Air Gunner, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian, KIA 27 March 1943, Aged 21

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

Named on the following Memorial : Australian War Memorial Panel 129

Buried in HANOVER WAR CEMETERY. Coll. grave 10. B. 9-12.

Son of Leonard Clarkson Rae and Irene Eddleston Rae, of Katanning, Western Australia.

Source : John Cripps and Australian War Memorial and Eric Matthews (relative of Eric Greenhalgh) and Ian Hunt and CWGC

Date record last updated : 26 March 2021

RAFTER, C W A H

Fg/Off Charles William A Haughton Rafter, 41203, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 11 October 1940, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C L7840 BU-?

Buried in HARBORNE (ST. PETER) CHURCHYARD. Reference : Old Part. Joint grave.

Son of Charles Haughton Rafter and Lady Katharine Rafter, of Harborne, Birmingham

Jonathan Shipley has a postcard sent from Charles Rafter to his parents.

When Fg/Off Rafter was killed he had flown a total of 308 hours, of which 18 were on Wellingtons

Source : Bill Stubbs and CWGC and Jonathan Shipley

Date record last updated : 14 June 2009

RAGGENBASS, J R

Sgt John Raggenbass, 971156, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 30 November 1940, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2893

Named on the following Memorial : Dumfries Memorial

Born 18 October 1919

Born in Dumfries, Scotland

Buried in STOCKPORT (WILLOW GROVE) CEMETERY. Reference : Sec. X Grave 13300.

Son of Jacob Raggenbass (Swiss subject) and Agnes McLachlan.

Was one of two crew that died on 30 November 1940.

The family was from Kirkton Terrace, Heathhall, Dumfries, Scotland and 7 St Mary's Street Dumfries, Scotland. However they were living at 20 Newport Avenue, Reddish, Stockport, Cheshire when John joined the RAF.

John's father, Jacob, became a British Citizen in 1947.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Jock Whitehouse (214 Squadron Historian) and Edith Pattison (friend of a family member of John Raggenbass) and Ancestry.co.uk

Date record last updated : 8 January 2021

RAINE, T

Chf/Tech Thomas 'Tom' Raine, F4145410, Crew Chief, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor Mark I - 3 point tanker XA932
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor Mark I - 3 point tanker XA937

Born 16 October 1934

Born in Northumberland

Thomas Raine worked with most crews of 214 Squadron during the period 1970 to early 1976.
He had a Commander in Chief's Commendation whilst serving with 214 Squadron.

Source : Tom Robson and Tom Raine

Date record last updated : 17 January 2010

RAMM, G T

Sgt G T Ramm, 973062

On 18 October 1941 he was posted to 214 Squadron (as per ORB for 230TU Pershore)

Source : Colin Burningham

Date record last updated : 14 September 2008

RAMSBOTTOM, N

OTU 19 graduation picture

Sgt Norman Ramsbottom, 1115867, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : British, KIA 2 April 1942, Aged 27

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1156 (01-Apr-1942)

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 2. F. 10-18.

Son of Walter and Alice Ramsbottom, of Audenshaw, Manchester.

Source : CWGC and Chorley's "Bomber Command Losses" 1942 volume and Mike Smith (great nephew of W R West)

Date record last updated : 10 January 2016

RAMSDEN, J R

John Ross 'Hank' Ramsden, Air Gunner, Nationality : Canadian

Died in 2002, aged 81.

Jack writes :
My father, a Canadian, flew 10 or 11 missions with this squadron (I believe in 1941/42) before being transferred to the 38th Squadron who were already in the Middle East.
Dad did not talk much about these days or the war in general. He died in 2002 a few months after his 81st birthday.
I would appreciate any information you might have about him or the crews he flew with.

Can anyone help with additional information please?

Source : Jack Ramsden (Son of John Ross Ramsden)

Date record last updated : 29 January 2019

RANSOM, C E C

Sgt Charles Edgar Clarke Ransom, 994313, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 15 January 1943, Aged 31

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

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 162.

Son of Charles Edgar and Rose Annie Ransom; husband of Phyllis Ransom, of Market Weighton, Yorkshire.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 October 2010

RANSOME, G H

Sgt Geoffrey Herbert Ransome, Co-pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 11 June 1942, POW number 353

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9326 BU-G

Imprisoned at POW camp Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Sagan (Zagan) & Belaria, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Thorn (Torun), Poland - dates unknown

Born 22 March 1920

Born in Norwich, England

Son of George and Emma Ransome

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Geoff wrote:
" I was called up and joined the RAF in 1941. I trained as a pilot at Wellesbourne on Tiger Moths, then went to Canada to a training aerodrome at Medicine Hat and learned to fly twin engined Ansons. When I returned to the UK, I was sent to 214 Squadron at Stradishall to fly four engined Stirlings. We were billetted at Branches Park which was a large country mansion, characterised by a large sunken bath, panelled walls and extensive grounds. We were transported daily to the airfield."

The crew of R9326 were filmed as part of a Pathe News Gazette wartime film called 'Take it on the Chin' about the bombings raids over Germany, which they took part in. This can be viewed by visiting : http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=22954

Sgt Geoffrey Ransome died on 27 November 2011, aged 91.

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Summer / Autumn 2004 and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Geoff Ransome and Penny Ransome (wife of Geoffrey Ransome)

Date record last updated : 31 December 2014

RAPER, B

Sgt Bernard Raper, 548176, Wireless Operator, Royal Air Force, KIA 6 June 1940

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

Buried in LIVERPOOL (FORD) ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY. Reference : Sec 2A. Grave 13A

Source : CWGC and Jock Whitehouse and Traces of WW2 website and Nightjar Newsletter and Chorley

Date record last updated : 8 August 2011

RAWLIN, H E

Flt/Lt Herbert E Rawlin, 159071

Fortress Ops flown = 21
(* Actually 'operational take-offs'. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc)

Previously flew Stirlings with 214.

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 14 February 2020

REA, J

Plt/Off John Rea, 42647, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 28 September 1940

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

Buried at HEVERLEE WAR CEMETERY. Joint grave 12. E. 10-11.

Source : Nightjar newsletter Winter / Spring 2006 and CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 September 2020

READ, A

WO Alfred Read, 1492091, Rear Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR386 BU-N

He was born in 1910

He died in 1992 aged 82.

Alfred's nephew, Ian, writes:

There are too many aircraft tail numbers to list, but a summary of aircraft flown from the flying log is detailed below :
Defiant - No 2 AGS (Air Gunnery School), Dalcross (February -March 1943)
Wellington III & X - 26 OTU (April - June 1943)
1483 Bomber and gunnery training flight at Newmarket Heath from July 1943 until joining 1651 Conversion Unit, Waterbeach later that month.
Stirling I ?- No 1651 Conversion Unit, Waterbeach (July 1943)
Stirling III ? - 214 Sqn, Chedburgh (July-November 1943)
Stirling III ? - 214 Sqn, Downham Market (December 1943 - January 1944)
Fortress I & II - 214 Sqn, Sculthorpe (February-May 1944)
Fortress I & II - 214 Sqn, Oulton (May - July 1944)
214 Sqn Tour expired on 16/07/44 having done 20 operational sorties and 108 hours 45 mins operational time.
Alfred then attended 63 AGI (Air Gunner Instructor) course at EAAS Manby December 1944.using Wellingtons (mark not known)
Other postings after this date is believed to be as follows :
16 OTU, Upper Heyford
85 OTU, Husbands Bosworth ?
A Rec, Hull ?
17 OTU, Silverstone
Bruntingthorpe
233 MU
Market Stainton
Unfortunately I do not have any detailed information for the above.
Other aircraft types flown in are Oxford and Wellington XIII but do not have detail of when this was from log book.

Source : Gerhard Heilig and Ian Thayre (nephew of Alfred)

Date record last updated : 30 April 2011

REED, F E

Plt/Off F E Reed

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) W7610 (26-Jul-1942)

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 8 February 2019

REES, A E

Sgt Arthur Edwin Rees, 934390, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 2 April 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1789 (01-Apr-1942) BU-Q

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 2. F. 10-18.

Son of Edwin T. Rees and Sarah A. A. Rees.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 29 October 2010

REES, E R

Sgt Evan Roderick Rees, 637963, Royal Air Force

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I N3729 (07-Aug-1942) BU-R

He was commissioned in 1943.

Source : 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

REES, J

Wedding photo taken in 1945

Gp/Capt John Rees, 1836863, Special Duties Operator, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

Born 30 June 1925

Born in Aberdare, Glamorganshire, Wales

Buried in Christchurch, Dorset, England

Son of Lewis Rees

Died March 2005

Julian Rees writes:
"While the photo shows him with an "O" Brevet he later wore the "S" Brevet of the SDO - one that was often not recognised by post-war RAF personnel.

My father joined up in 1943 and was initially trained as Wop/AG, but then converted to "SDO". The "Special Duties Operator" was an additional crew member carried in aircraft to operate early airborne countermeasures. His role was operating "Airborne Cigar" which enabled the SDO to scan frequencies for German night-fighters and jam them, either with microphones in the engine bay or by speaking german.
Many SDO's (not my father) were native German speakers, some of them had fled the Nazis to escape the concentration camps, and so took major risks if shot down and captured.

My fathers logbook indicates he was flying mainly training sorties, but these also included seven raids on targets in northern France, including a raid on 31/5/44 on the railway yards at Saumur. Amongst his logbook entries there is the reference to "Bullseye"; these were full training ops where a number of aircraft would join up for a practice raid on a target in the UK, complete with simulated defences and bomber streams.
(Web admin note: all seven missions are listed on the 214 Squadron ORB but John Rees is not mentioned once as part of the crews. Odd. Possibly still training?)

Unfortunately his original logbooks were taken by the Air Ministry at some point and then lost. I have copies from his time with 214 Squadron.
Please click on this link to see the logbook.

He went on to do 30 missions with 101Sqd from Sept 1944 to April 1945.
At the end of the war he took a commission but left general duties and served in the Equipment (later Supply) branch until retiring as Group Captain in the 1970's. After that he worked for British Aerospace.

My father passed away in 2005."

Source : Julian Rees (son of Gp/Capt John Rees)

Date record last updated : 19 February 2021

REGAN

Fg/Off Regan

Was occasionally part of the crew of Flg/Off E Woodley.

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

Date record last updated : 28 August 2008

REID, J S

Sgt J S Reid

Sgt Reid'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

RENNEY, C A

Sgt Charles Arnold 'Arnold' Renney, 1823225?, Navigator, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

Born in Tynemouth

Son of Charles S and Leonora Renney

Born in 1925

Possibly flew Wellingtons

Flew with Squadron Leader C M Clementi

David Holt writes :
"I am researching my uncle's RAF career. I note that my uncle C A Renney was a member of the Nightjar 214 association and sent his apologies to the Dec 2008 Annual Reunion. We have very little information on his time in the RAF and I would really appreciate any information you could relay."

Died in May 2010

Buried in Kenya (in outback)

Source : David Holt (Nephew of Sgt Charles Arnold Renney) and Nightjar December 2008

Date record last updated : 5 December 2021

REVELL, E A

Sgt Ernest Albert Revell, 514831, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 6 June 1940

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

Buried in SUTTON CEMETERY. Reference : Sec. X Grave 2

His service number is also listed as 514881 on Jock's records.

Source : CWGC and Jock Whitehouse and Traces of WW2 website

Date record last updated : 8 August 2011

REYNOLDS, R F

Sgt Roy Frederick Reynolds, 1265583, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 14 September 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9166 (14-Sep-1942) BU-H

Buried in RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Joint grave 17. G. 20-20A.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Winter / Spring 2004 and 214 Squadron ORB and Chorley

Date record last updated : 28 April 2023

RICHARDS, A G

Sgt Albert George Richards, 1162948, Observer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 2 April 1942, Aged 31

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z8805 (01-Apr-1942) BU-H

Buried in RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 1. D. 4.

Son of Albert and Bertha May Richards; husband of Margaret Greenwood Richards, of Ilford, Essex.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 14 February 2020

RICHARDS, T F

Sgt T F Richards, 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

RICHARDSON, H

FS Harry Richardson, Wireless Operator

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

Harry was wireless operator in Don Austin's crew until April 1945 and after that in Johny Wynne's crew. They were transferred to No 192 squadron August 1945 initially still at Oulton, then Foulsham to end October 1945 then RWE (later CSE) Watton. He continued flying in Fortresses to March 1946 and after that mainly in Lancasters. From July 1946 he flew from the satellite airfield Shepherds Grove. He remained with CSE Watton until leaving the RAF in July 1950. He spent the remainder of his working life as a radio operator for GCHQ although had to retire early following a severe stroke in 1985.

He died in October 2007 aged 82.

Source : Leslie Bostock and Heather Andrews (daughter of Harry Richardson)

Date record last updated : 31 December 2014

RICHARDSON, L D

Sgt L D Richardson, Date taken POW 11 June 1942

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9326 BU-G

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Taken POW on 11 June 1942 but not listed in "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

The crew of R9326 were filmed as part of a Pathe News Gazette wartime film called 'Take it on the Chin' about the bombings raids over Germany, which they took part in. This can be viewed by visiting : http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=22954

Source : Ian Tonkin and Nightjar Newsletter Summer / Autumn 2004

Date record last updated : 3 October 2008

RICHARDSON, T F

Sgt Thomas Frank Richardson, 951197, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 11 April 1943, Aged 21

Richardson_Thomas_Frank_2

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I BK612 BU-Z

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 163.

Son of Ernest and Edith Lillian Richardson, of Walsall, Staffordshire.

Enlisted in 1940. Age 21. Son of Mr & Mrs E Richardson, 44 Stafford St. An Old Boy of St Peters and the Blue Coat Schools. Prior to enlisting he worked in his fathers Cycle business. Thomas had two other brothers serving in the RAF and one brother in the Royal Army Service Corps.

Source : Cheryl Garner, Great Niece of Thomas Frank Richardson and CWGC.

Date record last updated : 30 December 2011

RIDER, J W

Sgt John William Rider, 1219496, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 3 March 1943, Aged 21

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

Buried in SAGE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 1.D.14.

Son of George and Elizabeth Rider, of Watford, Hertfordshire.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 21 June 2011

RISHWORTH, N L

Fg/Off Norman Lister Rishworth, 195248

John Rishworth writes :
My father died some 30 years ago but I have recently unearthed his RAF Flying Log Book whilst looking for something else at my mothers house.
My dad was very reluctant to talk about his wartime activities whilst I was growing up so finding his log book has renewed my interest. Along with his log book there are many photographs of him and his fellow aircrew which maybe of interest to you. Much of his operational flying appears to have been from Oulton in Norfolk.
There is also a small green booklet entitled Aircrew Categorisation Card in which his rank is F/O and RAF no. 195248. Inside it is date stamped 10/3/1946. The Card is shown below.

Rishworth_Norman_Lister_aircrew_categorisation_card

Rishworth_Norman_Lister_aircrew_categorisation_card

Rishworth_Norman_Lister_commendation_on_completion

AOC's Commendation on completion of operational tour

It appears from my dad's log book that his pilot on most of his operational missions was FW Savage and his Squadron Leader was JJ Bray.

Can anyone help with more information please?

Click on this link to see various photographs page 1
Click on this link to see various photographs page 2

Source : John Rishworth (son)

Date record last updated : 8 December 2017

RITCHIE, J

Sgt John Ritchie, 1367646, Air Gunner

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

Served at Oulton from 25 July 1944 to 17 April 1945 as an airgunner (qualified 12th of March 1944) on Fairey Battle Bolingbroke, Wellingtons, Stirling Mark III's and finally Fortresse Mark II's.

He flew 31 sorties with an operational hours total of 202 hours 40 mins, completing his first tour on 17 April 1945.
His regular pilot was Flight Sergeant who became Flt/Lt Ingham. His log is signed off by J J Bray as Squadron Leader and finally by R l Bowes Wg/Cdr OC 214.

He always regarded himself as flying with a very lucky crew.

After the war he was a deputy under manager in a large coal mine, since closed but his shift reports and records are in the mining museum as clear examples of the day to day workings of the mines.

He died in 1985 aged 62.

John's son, John, has a copy of his flying log book as do the website administrators.

Source : John Ritchie (son)

Date record last updated : 8 June 2009

RITCHIE, R H

FS Robert Hendry Ritchie, 817140, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force (Auxiliary Air Force), Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 3 July 1942, Aged 22

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

Buried in WESTERNIELAND GENERAL CEMETERY, DE MARNE. Reference : Grave N.476

Son of George and Jane Ritchie, of Aberdeen.

Flight Sergeant Robert Hendry Ritchie was from Aberdeen

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Steve Oudshoorn

Date record last updated : 22 June 2014

RIX, N

Flt/Lt Norman Rix DFC, Pilot, 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

Husband of Margaret

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Flt/Lt Rix was captured and became a POW. It is not known which POW camp he was sent to.

As a PoW, Rix saved the Bavarian village of Ettringen from destruction by the advancing U.S. 7th Army. Having been marched to Ettringen, he persuaded his guards to lay down their arms and then took control of the village. The next day, he went forward to meet an American tank patrol and informed the astonlshed commander that Ettringen was already in British hands. A formal handover was arranged for the following day. No shots were fired and no civilians injured. Sadly, Rix's achievement was never recognlsed by the authorities, but the villagers of Ettringen have not forgotten what he did.

Back in the UK on 8 April 1945

After the war he went on to become a noted Architect.

The site administrators have a list of Flt/Lt Rix's operations from 13 Aug 1944 to 14 Mar 1945. If you would like further details please contact the site administrators.

Fortress Ops flown = 39 (* Actually 'operational take-offs'. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc)

Source : Ian Hunt and 214 Squadron ORB of Flt/Lt N Rix and Caroline Rix Taylor (daughter) and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and Wg/Cdr John Wynne

Date record last updated : 9 July 2021

ROBERTS, A S

Sgt Archibald Sinclair Roberts, 746816, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 8 January 1941, Aged 32

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

Buried in HAVERHILL CEMETERY. Reference : Sec. U. Grave 134.

Son of Henry Charles and Sarah Sinclair Roberts, of Glasgow.

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 15 June 2018

ROBERTS, T

Plt/Off Tom Roberts, Wireless Operator, Royal Air Force

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

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

Date record last updated : 31 August 2018

ROBERTSON, J P

Plt/Off James Peter Robertson, 422318, Pilot, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, KIA 9 February 1945, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB796 (09-Feb-1945) BU-T

Buried in BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY. Reference : 2. AA. 6.

Son of William Aexander Robertson and of Violet Bessie Robertson (ne'e Neas), of Waikiwi, Southland, New Zealand.

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

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

Date record last updated : 14 February 2020

ROBERTSON, M G

Sgt Maxwell George 'Buster' Robertson, 1063077, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 9 May 1941, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R3208 (09-May-1941)

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 59

Born 28 August 1917

Born in St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada

Son of William and Sarah Robertson, of St. John's, Newfoundland.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Autumn 2005 and Chorley and Robert MacLeod (nephew)

Date record last updated : 14 July 2014

ROBERTSON, W

Sgt W Robertson

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BK800

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 15 January 2021

ROBINSON, G M

Sgt George Marsh Robinson, 1169566, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 28 January 1942, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9890 (28-Jan-1942) BU-F

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 92.

Son of Thomas William and Annie Elizabeth Robinson, of Wigston, Leicestershire.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 September 2020

ROBINSON, T

Cpl Thomas Robinson, 632260, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

Born 26 June 1920

Born in Manchester, England

Son of Thomas and Edith Robinson

Joined 214 Squadron on 5 March 1940.
Was previously posted to :
RAF Locking
3 Group Training Flight
RAF Filton

He was in hospital from 5 November 1939 to 14 December 1939 with a head injury.

His fiancee was Greta Rice and they got engaged on 14 December 1939.

Source : Richard Baker (Grandson of Cpl Thomas Robinson)

Date record last updated : 30 October 2020

ROBSON, D F

WO Don F 'Robbie' Robson, Waist Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB774 BU-G

Is listed on Battle Orders for 22 August 1944.

Is also listed on returning operational aircrew on 31 August 1944. On both occasions he is listed as mid upper gunner

Source : David Wright (son of Flt/Lt George Wright) and George Mackie

Date record last updated : 28 July 2008

ROBSON, S

Sgt S Robson

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

Sgt Robson 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

ROBSON, T

Sqn/Ldr Thomas 'Tom' Robson, 0508195R, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor Mark I - 3 point tanker XA936
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor Mark I - 3 point tanker XA937

Born in 1942

Born in North Yorkshire

He served on 214 Sqn from 3 July 1969 to 30 January 1972.

Was a Flight Lieutenant while Co-Pilot on XA936 and XA937

Source : Tom Robson

Date record last updated : 23 January 2010

ROGERS, D D

Wg/Cdr D D Rogers

O/C of 214 Squadron

Source : P/O Bill Foskett Log

ROGERS, J

1914-1996

Sgt Joe 'Spike' Rogers

The following is an excerpt from a magazine article written by Joe in tribute to his friend Peter Townsend, who's contribution he felt, had never been properly recognized. The few words in this excerpt are all he included about himself .

"I am greatly grieved that Peter's magnificent services to the nation, well beyond the call of duty, have never been properly acknowledged or published and hope that this little effort will go someway to produce for the record, a memorial to a most kind, generous, brave and gallant English gentleman. They don't seem to be made like that any more".......................

*NOTE: Joes modesty is obvious, but the fact that this perceived injustice troubled him nearly half a century after the fact, is also a very strong statement on Joe's own character and the same could surely be said of Joe himself. The absolute irony here is that Joe (although a pilot himself) ended the war as ground crew who were unjustly among the most overlooked, unsung hero's of the war; his pilot friend Peter would have basked in the limelight by comparison. Underscoring his own (valuable contribution), he seeks only recognition for his friend. To quote Joes own words, "They don't seem to be made like that anymore".

............."With the expectation of getting back to the Squadron in time for the 'invasion', Peter Townsend got me posted for flight training with Tiger Moths which then lead to operational duties, flying Wellington aircraft with 99 Squadron. I was put on conversion to fly 4-engine Stirling bombers from Stradishall and 214 Squadron at Waterbeach, Cambs until late 1943, when I lost most of my sight due to heavy flak and strafing from enemy aircraft. I reverted to ground duties with a flight of my own to look after in a different command; so we lost track of each other for nearly half a century! Peter's subsequent career as an Equerry to the King and his wholly unjustified 'banishment' to the diplomatic service is public knowledge."

Rogers_Joe_2

Joe (at cockpit) assisting F/O Lewis prepare his Hurricane for takeoff.

NOTE: The above information was obtained from Joe's son, Paul Rogers who has an excellent site with further information on his dad and a wealth of photos at the location listed below, it is well worth a visit. Unlike myself, Paul is not an armchair historian, he is extremely active with the Cambridge Bomber and Fighter Society and a driving force in a remarkable project to build / restore a flyable Hawker Hurricane MK 1.

Any donations toward this worthy project, no matter how small, would be deeply appreciated by Paul and the many volunteers who have selflessly donated their time and skills. http://homepages.tesco.net/~mrogers/CBFS/CBFS.html

ROGERS, N S

Flt/Lt Nevil S Rogers, 111170, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand

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

ROGERS, R A C

AC1 Reginald Arthur Charles Rogers, 1724911, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 8 August 1943, Aged 20

Buried in IPSWICH OLD CEMETERY. Reference : Sec. X D Div. 2. Grave 97.

Son of Reginald George Leighton Rogers and Elsie Emma Rogers, of Ipswich; husband of Audrey Joan Rogers, of Ipswich.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 30 September 2020

ROLLINGS, F G

Photograph taken on 3 August 1943

Rollings_Frederick_George_with_his_mother

With his mother taken at Merchant Street Bulwell Nottinghamshire. Also pictured is his favourite dog, Laddie

Rollings_Frederick_George_group_1

WO George Frederick Rollings is second from right, front row. I believe his friend Jack Chapel (Chappell) is also in this photo, 3rd from right middle row

Rollings_Frederick_George_group_2

Fred Rollings is on the right with Jack Chapel and Harold Nailor

WO Frederick George Rollings, 1576386, Navigator / Bomber

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) BK800

Son of Else Ellen Rollings (nee Flemming)

He was in the RAF from 1941 to 1946.

He died in 2008.

David Smith writes :
I have some notes of his based on my mother's & sister's research from 15 years ago, before he passed away in 2008, they are as follows (typed as written):My Service in R.A.F. 1941-1946
1. Reported office in London in Oct, stayed perhaps 2 wks.
2. Posted to R.A.F. Cottesmore for initial training late Oct - stayed about 3 months.
3. When init. training completed posted to Eastboure on south coast & taught navigation for 3-4 mths. Then posted to West Freugh, sth of Stranraek, Scotland. Did flying navigation & bombing & some gunnery. Took 4-5 mnths.
4. Posted to Upper Heyford (Operational Training Unit) again flying navigation & bombing & gunnery then when finished posted to R.A.F. Station (name?) in Norfolk (conversion unit to Stirling Bombers)
5. Posted to 214 Bomber squadron, Chedburg in Suffolk. Flew 15 operational flights in Short Stirlings (4, Eng) heavy bombers. On returning, flying very low over sea east of Kiel Canal when fired at (almost horizontally) & rear gunner killed - had 120+ bullet holes in aircraft when back on squadron (See crew for Stirling BK800).
6. Because of damage to aircraft from bullets, nearly crashed when landing because aircraft flew to right of runway & we just managed to clear trees on boundary of aerodrome. Second attempt pilot knew what to expect & 2nd landing turned out OK. After 15 op. flights all crew taken off Ops & posted to different stations.
7. Posted to Bomber Instruction Unit & when course finished posted to R.A.F. Millom, Cumberland as bombing instructor.
8. When war in Europe over, I was posted to a training unit where I was taught to be a storeman. When course completed posted to a holding station near Bombay. After 3-4wks posted to Sri-Lanka (Ceylon) to a station on S.W. corner near Galle. There 4-5 mnths as a storeman then posted home. Demobbed back in England during first half 1946.

My mother made some notes on some of Pa's flights:
Dad told me that he & his squadron 214 flew night missions over Germany (Ruhr Valley), heavy industrial & manufacturing, also war equipment & production cities of Essen, Dusseldorf, Duisberg (& north of), Bochum & Cologne. They flew night bombing missions & also dropped propaganda pamphlets, & I recall him showing me his navigationsl (night time aerial photos of illuminated German cities), which were also an <note unfortunately cut off here - I will see if my mother can give me more details on this.

Pa was kind enough to gift me many personal items of his over the years before he passed away in 2008. I used to wear his old Irvin Bomber Command jacket at high school in the winters during the 90s, as believe it or not it can get cold in Australia - at least it does in south-eastern Victoria. His jacket has the painted yellow hood, which he said was for rescue planes or ships to spot any unfortunate crew who were swimming in the North Sea. I'll actually be in possession of his bomber jacket again shortly.

Source : David Smith (grandson of WO Rollings)

Date record last updated : 29 June 2018

ROOSE, L

FS Len Roose, Air Gunner

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

Corke_John_R_crew_2

A grand event, one of the crew gets married. FS Len Roose is third from left, his bride next to him.

Source : Pilot Officer William Foskett

Date record last updated : 26 May 2009

ROSE, A F

FS Alistair Frederick Rose, 416542, Navigator, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, KIA 13 August 1943, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I EF390 BU-A

Buried in LA BUSSIERE-SUR-OUCHE COMMUNAL CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 3-4.

Son of Alexander Frederick and Mary Rose; nephew of Charlotte Aitken, of Gisborne, Auckland, New Zealand.

Source : CWGC, Nightjar Newsletter Summer / Autumn 2003 and J. Michael Townsend, Chairman of the RAFA French Riviera Branch.

Date record last updated : 18 February 2008

ROTHORN

Sgt Rothorn

See CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2841 (29-Jan-1941) BU-K

Source : Nightjar Newsletter.

ROUGHTON, G F

Sgt G F Roughton, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 7 July 1941, POW number 39233

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2992 (07-Jul-1941) BU-J

Imprisoned at POW camp Bad Sulza / Muhlhausen, Germany
Imprisoned at POW camp Sagan (Zagan) & Belaria, Germany

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Sole Survivor of this crew

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

Date record last updated : 13 February 2009

ROUTLEY, W A

Plt/Off William Arthur Routley, J/93926, Navigator, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 21 March 1945, Aged 31

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

Born in Canada

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Joint grave 7. D. 9-10.

Son of Frederick and Emma Maude Routley, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Is listed on CWGC as Pilot Officer

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

Date record last updated : 28 June 2014

ROWE, F H A

Francis Harold Adams Rowe

He flew Fortresses, Lancasters and Halifax aircraft.

Source : Charles Adams Carter (son)

Date record last updated : 20 July 2011

ROWLAND, D C

Sgt Douglas Cyril 'Ginge' Rowland, 910608, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 9 April 1941, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2542 (09-Apr-1941)

Born in West Ham, England

Buried in KIEL WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 2. B. 9.

Son of William Rowland, and of Eleanor Townshend Rowland, of Romford, Essex.

Douglas was born in 1920.

At the age of 16 Doug borrowed a shovel from a neighbour in Romford Essex, then gave his age as 18 to be able to gain employment digging the Ilford Underground with the Irish Navies.

Doug sang on the RAF radio.

Doug's sister Joan sent his photo to the Red Letter Book and he won the title of 'Best looking man in England' competition.

Doug's best mate in the Airforce was Sgt Richard Brown (944326), who was shot down in the same aircraft.

2 November 1940 Douglas qualified as an air gunner
4 October 1940 Douglas qualified as a wireless operator with a Morse speed of 18 wpm

Douglas's first flight was on 7 September 1940 in R5924. It was a dayime flight that lasted 1hr and 15 minutes.

In total he flew 73 hours during the day and 171/2 hours at night.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter and Nils Hemple and Aled Leyshon (grandson of Mervyn Leyshon) and Samantha Simmons (Great Niece of Douglas Rowland) and Joan Scorey (sister of Douglas Rowland) and Andy Durrant (great nephew of Douglas)

Date record last updated : 25 September 2011

ROWLEY, W

Fg/Off Walter Rowley DFC, 128492, Navigator, Nationality : United Kingdom

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) ??Dixon
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK663 (29-Mar-1943) BU-T
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EF403 (27-Jul-1943) BU-G

Born 29 March 1918

Born in Pontefract Yorkshire

DFC awarded as per London Gazette dated 18 January 1944 for services in No.214 Squadron.
Canadian connection not certain from cards; AFRO 462/44 dated 3 March 1944 (announcing DFC) describes him as Canadian in the RAF. Royal Air Force Personnel Management Agency, in a letter to H.A. Halliday dated 21 February 2000, states he was born 29 March 1918 at Pontefract, Yorkshire.

...a keen and determined navigator this officer has successfully completed numerous operational sorties, covering targets at Rostock, Hamburg, southern Germany and Italy. Throughout he has displayed a consistently high standard of navigation combined with determination to complete his mission regardless of enemy opposition or adverse weather. In August 1943, his aircraft was seriously damaged by a hostile fighter when over Nuremburg. By skilful navigation Flying Officer Rowley enabled his captain to fly the badly damaged bomber safely back to England.

There is more information on the crew record for Stirling ??Dixon.

Source : Crew details given by John Jewsbury (son of R F Jewsbury) and an unknown source has provided all other information and London Gazette and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 10 March 2023

RUDIN, J

John Rudin, Captain

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

Source : David 'Tug' Wilson

Date record last updated : 1 December 2017

RUMSEY, J A

Sgt J A Rumsey, Mid Upper Gunner

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

RUNDLE, J R

Plt/Off John Reginald Rundle, 414346, Pilot, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, KIA 18 February 1943, Aged 24

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9163 BU-C

Born in New Zealand

Buried in BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY. Reference : 2. E. 1A.

Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Rundle, of Reefton, Nelson, New Zealand; husband of Nelly Rundle, of St. Andrews, Canterbury, New Zealand.

All survived the crash on 18 February 1943 except Plt/Off Rundle, who tragically was hit by a propeller. His body was found in woodland near Marks village in Hampshire.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004 and John Jewsbury (son of R F Jewsbury)

Date record last updated : 7 July 2009

RUOFF, F J

Fg/Off Francis John Ruoff AFM, 114042, Co-pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 29 July 1943, Aged 23

Buried in ENFIELD (HERTFORD ROAD) CEMETERY

Son of Percy O. Ruoff and Mary Ruoff, of Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire.

Occasional Co-Pilot with Crew ??Leyshon

Mhairi Kerr writes:
He was awarded the AFM in the 1942 New Year's Honours list and was transferred out of the squadron to work at Vickers as a test pilot. The Squadron's summary of events for March 1942 shows that he left on March 20.

AFM Award : https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35399/supplement/42/data.pdf

Extract from webite : RAF Cranage, Cheshire from an entry by Roland Griffith :
Wellington Mk.X HE819 F/O Ruoff MAP (Ministry of Aircraft Production) buried at Enfield (Hertford Road) cemetery Middlesex - approved test pilot (23) & Mr Edward Booth (Test Inspector Vickers Armstrong)Civilian war dead (Congleton Rural District Council), Byley Cheshire. Flown from Cranage. 3rd Production test flight to check that the fitting of a new carburettor had cured the reported throttle stiffness.
On return to Cranage the aircraft was observed executing a steep turn & apparently perfectly controlled gliding turn to port on the approach to land. Shortly after the aircraft had rolled wings level at an observed very slow speed, the aircraft stalled, the port wing dropped & touched the ground. The aircraft then slewed around, broke up & burnt out. Both crew were thrown out of the cockpit & were trapped beneath the wreckage of a wing that was on fire. They were eventually extradited alive from the wreckage at great danger to the rescuers, but the inspector died in the ambulance on the way to the Hospital at RAF Wilmslow & the pilot died in the hospital at 22:00hrs that day.

Source : Aled Leyshon (grandson of Mervyn Leyshon) and Mhairi Kerr (researcher) and CWGC

Date record last updated : 7 February 2020

RUSSELL-FORBES, R A

Plt/Off Rex Alan Russell-Forbes, 41743, Pilot, Royal Air Force, KIA 13 December 1939, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I R2699 BU-

Buried in FELTWELL (ST. NICHOLAS) CHURCHYARD

Son of Victor W. Russell-Forbes and Daisy B. E. Russell-Forbes, of Harrow, Middlesex.

Source : Nightjar Newsletter and CWGC and John Jones (Researcher) and Jock Whitehouse

Date record last updated : 5 April 2019

RUSTON, J B

Plt/Off John Benjamin Ruston, J/15002, Air Observer, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 21 September 1941

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

Buried in ROWLEY REGIS (ST. GILES) CHURCHYARD. Reference : Plot D.12 Grave 391

Source : CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 31 December 2014

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