No. 214 (FMS) Squadron RAF - Personnel

PERSONNEL

T

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

Surname :

TAFFS, W L

TAGGART, B D

Sgt Bruce D Taggart, Mid Upper Gunner, Nationality : Canadian

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

Born in Nova Scotia Canada

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

Deceased Nova Scotia 2003?

Source : Vic Pheasant 214 Squadron Association and Bob Mackett

Date record last updated : 21 February 2016

TAIT

Sgt Tait

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) R1376 (21-Mar-1941)

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 18 November 2022

TAIT, F A

FS Francis Alexander Tait, R/70913, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 28 January 1942, Aged 19

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

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 107

Son of Roy and Madelena Tait, of Dilke, Saskatchewan, Canada.

On 18 October 1941 Sgt F A Tait was posted to 214 Squadron from 230 TU Pershore
KIA on operations over Germany.

See W/O Harry Ward's memoirs for 26 January 1942 for his recollections of FS Francis Tait.

Source : CWGC and Colin Burningham and ORB for 23OTU Pershore

Date record last updated : 14 September 2008

TAIT, K

Sgt Kennedy Tait, 974125, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 9 May 1941, Aged 20

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

Born 5 October 1920

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

Son of John James Tait, and of Blanche Tait, of Dunshelt, Fife.

Born in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland

His brother Lt. Joseph Tait RNR MiD was lost at sea with the crew of HMS Perseus on 19th December 1941.

Source : CWGC and Aled Leyshon (grandson of Mervyn Leyshon) and Michael Tait (Great great nephew of Sgt Kennedy Tait)

Date record last updated : 10 September 2021

TATE, T H

Fg/Off Thomas Henry 'Tom' Tate, Special Wireless Operator, 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

Tom Tate, the 26-year-old survivor of a remarkable 44 sorties and with his 45th almost completed, could not know that his luck was about to be tested once again.
Tom Tate remembers the order: 'Bale out! Bale out!' He obeyed, hurling himself into the rushing darkness. Above him, the aircraft flew on.
He drifted in the inky blackness unsure whether he was even descending. 'Everything was dead still,' he recalls. 'There was no movement, no sensation, no lights. Suddenly there was this mass of earth rushing up towards me.' He landed safely and, after blundering about for half an hour, bumped into a fellow crew-member Norman Bradley. Together they set course west. It proved a short journey. At the very first village they came to, they were surrounded by local people and hauled off to a nearby interrogation centre.
For all of Thursday and most of Friday, Tate was interrogated by German forces in a perfectly acceptable fashion. As well as Bradley, five other crew members had also been captured and the next day the seven men were transported under armed guard en route for a prison camp. The journey was to take them through a town called Pforzheim, which three weeks earlier had been the target of a devastating raid by Bomber Command.
Tom Tate would never forget his first sight of Pforzheim. The town lay in a valley. When the RAF men looked down on what had once been a thriving community of some 70,000 souls, all they could see was ruins. 'It was no more than a pile of rubble,' Tate remembers in awed tones. According to official records, a huge force of Lancasters and Mosquitoes had dropped 1,825 tons of bombs on Pforzheim in just 22 minutes, causing a firestorm that destroyed more than 80 per cent of the town's built-up area and killed at least 17,000 people. Many died in their cellars, when their lungs burst with the intense heat. Although Tom Tate's crew had not taken part in the raid, his shock at this ghastly evidence of the bombers' capacity for destruction was immense. He was certainly not surprised when some of the surviving townsfolk, catching sight of the prisoners' RAF uniforms, began stoning them furiously with the rubble that lay at their feet. If it wasn't for the armed guards defending them from the onslaught, all seven men might have been killed there and then. As it was, they reached the neighbouring viIlage of Huchenfeld, where they were billeted for the night in a boiler room filled with heaps of coal. They were given buckets of water. Tom Tate was exhausted and after he had removed his boots to wash his feet and socks, he lay back on the coal and was instantly asleep.
The next thing he knew, he was being violently dragged up the iron staircase out of the cellar. A gang of young men hauled him and his fellow prisoners along the street. Their captors were dressed in ordinary civilian clothes, but there was a menacing air about them and they were evidently in a state of high excitement. 'Then someone hit me on the head,' Tate says. 'Blood flowed. God, I thought, this is lynching.' The mob now turned right taking their captives toward the church. Increasingly alarmed, Tate noticed a barn with a huge pair of doors. Inside in one of them was a small door, which was open. An electric light burned inside. And it was then that Tate saw something that froze his heart: a stout beam from which hung several heavy ropes. I saw those ropes and that instant my imagination told me we were going to be hanged, he remembers. Driven by fear of his imminent execution at the hands of a baying mob his instinct for survival kicked in.
Bursting free from his captors, he ran like mad in his bare feet, back up the road. It was a spontaneous action, and it saved Tate's life. One shot was fired alter him, but he ducked down past some houses, raced across a field and plunged into the nearby woods.
Luck was with him. Most of the trees in the area were pines, difficult to hide among, but by chance he had found a copse of oaks, whose leaves lay thickly on the ground. With the Instinct of a wild animal, and without even thinking what he was doing, he burrowed under the leaves until he was hidden from sight.
For a while he lay awake, troubled by a sudden burst of gunfire he had heard coming from the village, wondering what had become of his comrades. Then he fell asleep. Tom Tate awoke in his leaf-mould bed at dawn on Sunday. By lunchtime he had been recaptured. But now, at least, he was in the hands of the German Army, not the dangerous youths of the night before.
He spent the remainder of the war as a PoW - much of it in horrendous conditions. For weeks he was on the road with thousands of other, near-starving men, mostly Russians, as the Germans retreated from the advancing Allied forces. But he survived. Amazingly, so did four other members of the Flying Fortress crew who had been on board that fateful night.
A year later, in June 1946, Tom Tate and Norman Bradley returned to Germany as witnesses in the war crimes trials against 22 men and youths who had taken part in the killings.

The five murdered airmen are remembered at The RAFA Ely Cambs Branch Memorial Rose Garden situated at what used to be the RAF Hospital there. (now the NHS Princess of Wales Hospital).
Tom Tate attended the dedication ceremony which was held in 1999.

Tate_Tom_final_log_book_entry_showing_the_ill_fated_flight_small

Tom Tate's final log book entry showing the ill fated flight
(click on the image for a larger view)

Tate_Tom_with_Frau_Beck-Ehninger_in_the_RAFA_Memorial_Garden_of_Princess_of_Wales_hospital_Ely_29_Sept_2005_small

Tom Tate with Frau Beck-Ehninger in the RAFA Memorial Garden of Princess of Wales hospital Ely 29 Sept 2005
(click on the image for a larger view)

Tate_Tom_with_the_214_Squadron_book_of_remembrance_at_Ely_Cathedral

Tate_Tom_with_the_214_Squadron_book_of_remembrance_at_Ely_Cathedral

Tom Tate with the 214 Squadron book of remembrance at Ely Cathedral

Please click on this link to see an article by Tom Tate as part of The Forgiveness Project

Photo_Album_Wynne_Story

Sadly Tom has now passed away. He was cremated on the 10 February 2016.

Over 80 people attended including from RAFA, British Legion, Aircrew Assn, plus standard bearers, a trumpeter from the Central Band plus a variety of RAF people from Halton and High Wycombe, including a Group Captain.

Tate_Tom_funeral_collage

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

Source : Tom Tate and Carol and John Edwards (family connection to Flt/Lt Sidney C Matthews) and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and various news articles and Reg Kemp (nephew of Harold Frost) and Glenn Hall (relative of Gordon Hall) and Peter Walker and Wg/Cdr John Wynne

Date record last updated : 13 January 2023

TAYLOR

WO Taylor, Waist Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR378 BU-D

Is listed on Battle Orders for 22 August 1944.

Is also listed on returning operational aircrew on 31 August 1944

Source : George Mackie

Date record last updated : 28 July 2008

TAYLOR

Sgt Taylor

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2819 (04-Feb-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2819 (10-Feb-1941)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2819 (14-Feb-1941)
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 : 19 February 2021

TAYLOR, A E

Taken in November 1939 at Sway in Hampshire, when Albert enlisted

Sgt Albert Edward Taylor, 906563, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 23 November 1940, Aged 20

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 T2470 (28-Oct-1940) BU-K
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2471 BU-?
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (25-Oct-1940)

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 20

Named on the following Memorial : Sway War Memorial

Born in Tinkleton, Devon

Son of Arthur Jessie and Lillian Maude Taylor, of Sway, Hampshire.

Albert was born in 1920.

He was called up on 11 November 1939 and was selected for aircrew training in the Royal Air Force.
June 1940 - he was at No 11 School of technical Training at RAF Credenhill.
July 1940 - he was at wireless operator training at RAF Yatesbury
He was the promoted to Sgt.
He then went to No 15 OTU at RAF Harwell near Didcot.

Sgt Taylor was posted to 214 Squadron in October 1940.

Please go the following link, provided by Richard Williams, who has co-written a book about all of the people mentioned on the Sway War Memorial, which includes Sgt Albert Taylor. Sway War memorial entry for Sgt A E Taylor.pdf

Source : Frances Joan Taylor (sister of Sgt Albert Taylor) and Richard Williams (joint author of Sway at War 1914-1945) and Ian Hunt and W R Chorley's book 'RAF Bomber Command Losses 1939-1940' and CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2006

Date record last updated : 22 August 2010

TAYLOR, A P

Sgt A P Taylor, Armourer

He was an armourer on Wellingtons but did not fly. A P Taylor is on the left of the photograph above. If anybody recognises the other person, please email the site administrators.

Source : Eric Gillies (grandson of A P Taylor)

Date record last updated : 19 February 2021

TAYLOR, E G

FS Edwin Griffiths Taylor, 1600154, Navigator, Date taken POW 25 June 1943, POW number 261

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK767 BU-L

Born 6 October 1921

Born in Stockport, Cheshire, England

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

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

The POW cards above suggest he may have been one of the POW's on the long march from Stalag Luft 6 to Stalag 357.

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

Date record last updated : 19 April 2024

TAYLOR, G I

Sgt George Ingate Taylor, 643077, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 12 February 1942, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C Z1081 BU-B

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 94

Son of George William and Gertrude Alice Taylor, of Starston, Norfolk.

He died as the aircraft ditched on 12 Februray 1942.

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Winter / Spring 2005 and John Jones (researcher)

Date record last updated : 10 May 2019

TAYLOR, J

Sgt Jack Taylor, 759305, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 14 July 1941, Aged 25

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

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 53.

Son of Walter Charles and Georgina Sophia Taylor, of Sutton Scotney, Hampshire.

Taylor_Jack_group

This group picture provided by Richard Pickett shows a group of unknown personnel except Jack Taylor is 3rd from the left.
Can anyone help to identify the others in the group?

Source : Ian Hunt, extracted from Operations record book, PRO and CWGC and Richard Pickett (great nephew)

Date record last updated : 3 November 2017

TAYLOR, J P

Sgt John Peter Taylor, 1434892, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 3 August 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EF409 BU-V

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 166.

Son of George John Williams Taylor and Kathleen Ann Taylor, of Brighton, Sussex.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 11 February 2008

TAYLOR, T

FS Tommy Taylor, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

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

Is listed as a member of Scantleton's crew on return of operational aircrew dated 31 August 1944

Source : John Scantleton (son of Flt/Lt V L Scantleton) and George Mackie

Date record last updated : 4 August 2009

TAYLOR, W

Sgt William Taylor, 1458100, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 5 March 1943

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

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 166.

Source : Nightjar Newsletter and CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 5 January 2014

TAYLOR, W H

Flt/Lt W H Taylor

Flt/Lt Taylor'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

TELFER, J D

Flt/Lt John D Telfer, Pilot

He was the pilot for 1 Fortress flight between April 1944 to May 1945 (actual operational take-offs. Does not disregard aborted ops, early returns etc.)

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 14 February 2020

TEMPERLY, J A

Plt/Off J A Temperly

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C L7849
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2800 (09-Jan-1941) BU-P

Was rescued from L7849 when it came down in the North Sea off the Norfolk coast.

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Winter / Spring 2006

Date record last updated : 10 July 2011

TEMPLE, P

TERRIS

Sgt Terris, Co-pilot

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C DV518 BU-C

Source : Ian Hunt

Date record last updated : 28 March 2015

TERRY, L

No 3 NBS course 5 May 1955

Terry_Leonard_Nairobi

Terry_Leonard_214_Squadron_christmas_card

FS Leonard Terry, 582534

Anne-Marie Terry writes :
"In a letter where he was sent out in Malaya he mentioned :
RAAF Butterworth Penang Malaya
Jim Fulford
Don Parr
Colin Fielder
Jack Wright
‘Smithy’ Goodyear
Jerry Perrell

He also was part of the nuclear bombing in 1956/57 as I recall him saying he could see through his hands…was this in relation to 214 squadron or a different one?"

As far as the administrators are aware, 214 Squadron were not involved in nuclear bombing so this must have been after he left 214 Squadron.

Source : Anne-Marie Terry (daughter of FS Leonard Terry)

Date record last updated : 24 January 2021

THALLON, R E

Sgt Robert Erle Thallon, 1385945, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 4 July 1943, Aged 20

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

Born in Hampstead, London

Buried in FLUSHING (VLISSINGEN) NORTHERN CEMETERY. Reference : Row F Grave 19

Son of Robert Edmonstone Thallon and Brenda Thallon of Hampstead, London

Source : Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 5 January 2014

THIESSEN, A H

FS Arley Henry Thiessen, Air Gunner, R/122988, Royal Canadian Air Force, Nationality : Canadian. KIA 03 February 1943

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 84.

Source : CWGC

Date record last updated : 28 April 2023

THOM, R H

Sgt R H Thom, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Nationality : New Zealand, Date taken POW 1 March 1943, POW number 27662

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

THOMAS

Fg/Off 'Tommy' Thomas, Bomb Aimer

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress (model unknown) ??Peden
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR381 BU-F
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark II SR386 BU-N

Tommy stayed in the service after the war The photograph below shows Tommy, as a Group Captain, inspecting a guard of honour somewhere. Murray recalls that Tommy told him that his father was, or had been, in the RAF, and believes Tommy said that his father had been a Medical Officer.

Source : Gerhard Heilig and Murray Peden

Date record last updated : 1 December 2017

THOMAS, E L

Flt/Lt Elwin Lancy 'Tommy' Thomas, 3518774, Air Electronics Officer

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

Source : Tom Robson

Date record last updated : 23 January 2010

THOMAS, P G

Taken in September 1960. Can anyone identify the aircraft?

Chf/Tech Peter Graham Thomas Burma Star, Crew Chief, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom

Born 8 June 1924

Born in London

Son of William Grahame Thomas and Dora Corona Thomas (nee Goode). Husband of Betty Thomas

Peter joined as a RAF Cadet at Halton aged about 14. He trained as an engineer fitter.

Neil Barton writes:

I am writing to you with regard to my uncle, Peter Thomas, who was stationed at Marham with 214 in the days of the Valiant tankers. Uncle Peter passed away a few years ago, but I have many memories, as a 10 year boy in the early 1960s, of Uncle Peter and some of his accounts of life with 214.

My memories have been triggered by reading Eric Morgan's excellent book on the Valiant and, in particular, the photo on page 50, which is also featured on your website in the section on "The Valiant Years".

It is a shot of the hose drum unit in the bomb bay. The senior NCO in the picture has the right number of stripes, the place and aircraft are right, but unfortunately it is a back view. Still it does look just like Uncle Peter. Does anyone know of the details of this photo and who is in it?

History_the_valiant_years_2

"Shaun Broaders, the writer of the "The Valiant Years" confirms that the airman in the centre of the picture is Peter Thomas."

Uncle Peter joined the RAF as a cadet in the late 30's and served in Burma in WW2. He was awarded the Burma Star. My father remembers Peter talking about crossing the Irrawaddy and also being based at a 'diversion' airfield in the Andaman Islands.

Thomas_Peter_Graham_Andamanking

After the war he had a number of postings, including RAF Stafford de-commissioning aircraft, but his final posting with 214 at RAFMarham on Valiant Tankers was his favourite, as his wife was from Norfolk. After the RAF he worked for a small engineering company in Cornwall, before moving back to Norfolk, again to work in an engineering environment, in this case making spectacle lenses. Uncle Peter and Aunty Betty had a happy retirement in Downham Market, although the local fish might not agree, as he was a keen fisherman all his life.

As is often the case with highly capable engineers, he demanded quality in what he did and what others did. The Valiant didn't always come up to his high standards and I think he was quite glad that he left the RAF before their final demise. Still, the Valiant ranked a lot higher in his estimation than the Javelin, which they often re-fuelled. "You wouldn't get me up in one of those" was his terse comment."

Peter died in August 2001 aged 77.

Source : Neil Barton (nephew of Peter Thomas) and Shaun Broaders

Date record last updated : 28 February 2010

THOMAS, W C

Sgt William Charles Thomas, 1331876, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 22 September 1943, Aged 22

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

Buried in HANOVER WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 12. B. 10.

Son of Robert George and Florence Mary Thomas, of West Ham, Essex.

Source : CWGC and John Fowler

Date record last updated : 5 August 2009

THOMPSON, A

Flt/Lt A Thompson, Royal Air Force

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor Mark I - 3 point tanker End of 214 (2)

This may be the same person as Tommy Thompson.

Source : Flt/Lt David Card

Date record last updated : 14 September 2018

THOMPSON, A H

Sgt Athol H Thompson, Wireless Operator

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9319 BU-S

Athol served with 214 Squadron in the second half of WWII out of Oulton mostly. He served as a Wireless Operator on Wellingtons, Lancasters and mostly B17 Fortress.

Source : Adrian Rolfe (grandson of Athol Thompson)

Date record last updated : 27 September 2013

THOMPSON, K S

Sgt K S Thompson, Date taken POW 27 September 1940, POW number 309

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

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

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

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

Date record last updated : 30 October 2020

THOMPSON, P A

Flt/Lt Percy Arthur Thompson DFC, 414172, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian

Named on the following Memorial : Australian War Memorial (Honours and Awards)

Awarded the DFC on 21 April 1944 : Click on this link to see the entry in the London Gazette

Source : London Gazette and Australian War Memorial

Date record last updated : 26 March 2021

THOMPSON, W

Flt/Lt William 'Tommy' Thompson, Pilot / Qualified Flying Instructor, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Victor Mark I - 3 point tanker XA937 (10-Oct-1966)

Born 1 March 1927

Born in Gateshead, England

Buried in St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale, North Yorkshire.

Non-Flying Duties (Engine Fitter):
1944-47 48th Entry, No 1 SoTT, Royal Air Force Halton
1947-48 No 4 SoTT, RAF St Athan
1948 RAF Topcliffe (Modification Bay - Wellington, Anson)

Flying Duties (Pilot):
1949 6 FTS, RAF Ternhill (Prentice, Harvard)
1950 203 AFS, RAF Driffield, 226 OCU RAF Stradishall (Meteor T7, Vampire F1)
1950-53 67 Sqn, RAF Gutersloh, Wildenrath (Vampire FB5)
1953-55 19 Sqn, RAF Church Fenton (Meteor F8)
1955 CFS 'B', RAF South Cerney (Provost)
1955 CFS 'A', RAF Little Rissington (Vampire T11)
1955-57 4 FTS, RAF Middleton St George, RAF Worksop (Vampire T11 plus 19 Sqn for Hunter F6)
1957-60 HQ FTC (Meteor, Vampire, Balliol, Provost, Anson)
1960-63 10 Sqn, RAF Cottesmore (Victor B1)
1963-66 57 Sqn, RAF Honington (Victor B1A)
1966-67 214 Sqn, RAF Marham (Victor B(K)1a)
1967-70 Tanker Trg Flt, RAF Marham (Victor)
1970-74 232 OCU (Simulator) (Victor)
1975 85 Sqn, RAF West Raynham (Canberra B2, T4, T19)
1976-78 100 Sqn, RAF Marham (Canberra B2, T4, E15, T19)
1978-82 Royal Aircraft Establishment Llanbedr (Canberra (mod), Meteor T7, NF11.5, D16, Devon/Dove)
1983 RAF Leeming
1983-87 4 FTS, RAF Valley (Simulator - Hawk T1)

Chris Thompson writes:
"My father joined 214 Squadron on its formation as a Victor Squadron and was one of the three Qualified Flying Instructors transferred from 57 Squadron to act as a nucleus for the new Squadron.
While with 57 Squadron he displayed the Victor at all of the Battle of Britain displays in 1964. Tommy retired to North Yorkshire in 1987 after 43 years service.
After retirement Tommy always talked about the Victor in glowing terms. He maintained his passion for aviation by designing and building radio controlled airplanes. He flew regularly with me including to the Berlin Airshows in 2012 and 2014 in my CAP10 aerobatic machine, where he supervised my displays from the commentators stand.
I took Tommy to Cyprus for a few days to visit some old Victor era haunts, including Coral Bay.
Sadly Tommy died on 28 May 2017. His ashes were interred and a memorial service was held on 11 August 2017 at St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale, North Yorkshire. A 100 Squadron Hawk aircraft overflew the service. This was the last aircraft that Tommy had flown whilst with 100 Squadron."

Chris mentions that he was involved in "Operation Hydraulic" whilst with 214 Squadron.

Sadly in August 1968, when Roger Morton was flying with TTF on an Instrument Rating Test with Ken Peacockas navigator; the Victor collided in cloud with a Canberra over Holt in Norfolk - nobody survived.
Tommy and his crew had taken off just before this aircraft and they witnessed the accident behind them.

Chris has provided many links recounting Tommy's exploits.

https://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/595210-flt-lt-w-l-tommy-thompson-1927-2017-a.html

https://www.flckr.com/photos/65412738@N06/14603815824/

http://www.finesthourwarbirds.co.uk/blog/tiger-moth-competition-answer/

http://www.finesthourwarbirds.co.uk/blog/v-force-victors-in-malaya/

Source : Nightjar Newsletter May 2013 and Chris Thompson (son)

Date record last updated : 5 June 2020

THOMPSON, W

Sgt W Thompson

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) W7569 (19-Jul-1942)

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 8 February 2019

THOMPSON, W H

Sgt William Harris Thompson, 1476771, Flight Engineer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : British, KIA 26 June 1943, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK767 BU-L

Buried in AALTEN (BERKENHOVE) GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 589/1

Son of William Harris Thompson and Ethel Harris Thompson of Etruria, Stoke on Trent, England

Peter Rhebergen from Aalten, The Netherlands says that a memorial service is conducted at the memorial in IJzerlo in the town of Aalten in The Netherlands every year on 26 June which is the annversary of the crash. Peter has pictures of the airman except Sgt William Harris Thompson. He would like to obtain a picture before 26 June 2023 when the next memorial service is held. If you have a picture of Sgt Thompson then please contact the site administrators and we will pass it on to Peter. Thank you.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Peter Rhebergen from Aalten, The Netherlands

Date record last updated : 24 February 2023

THOMPSON, W M

FS W M Thompson, Royal Canadian Air Force, Date taken POW 19 September 1942, POW number 42807

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9152 (7-Aug-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I R9356 (20-Sep-1942) BU-U

Imprisoned at POW camp Beninia?, Poland
Imprisoned at POW camp Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

May have initially been sent to another unknown Prison Camp.

Source : Chorley and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton Brock and 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

THORNE, F A W

Sgt Frederick Arthur William Thorne, 550874, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 24 July 1942, Aged 22

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 4.

Son of Frederick Arthur and Kathleen Jeanette Thorne; husband of Elsie Thorne.

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

Date record last updated : 26 July 2015

TIBBATTS, K H

Sgt Kenneth Horace Tibbatts, 1256777, Navigator, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 2 April 1942, Aged 19

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

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 2. F. 4.

Son of Horace Albert and Ellen May Tibbatts, of Woodford Green, Essex.

Sgt Tibbatts was a member of the Old Mercers Club.

His name is on the Mercers' School Roll of Honour, currently on display in Mercers' Hall in London.

Source : CWGC and John Bradford (website manager of Old Mercers Club)

Date record last updated : 17 November 2017

TILLIN, L C

Sgt Tillin is on the left

Tillin_Laurence_Charles_group_1

Sgt Tillin is on the left in the front row

Tillin_Laurence_Charles_group_2

Sgt Tillin is in the centre on the front row

Sgt Laurence Charles Tillin 1939-1945 War Medal, 1939 - 1945 Star Air Crew, Europe Star, 1186959, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 17 September 1942, Aged 28

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

Buried in HEVERLEE WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 2. J. 5.

Son of Ambrose James Tillin and Elizabeth Carolina Tillin, of Woolston, Southampton; husband of Ruth Marion Tillin, of Verwood, Dorset.

Please click on this link to see other documents related to Sgt Laurence Charles Tillin

Source : CWGC and Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004 and Chorley and Jennifer Griffiths (granddaughter of Sgt Laurence Charles Tillin) and 214 Squadron ORB and Richard Maddox (researcher)

Date record last updated : 31 March 2023

TILLOTSON, B L

Sgt B L Tillotson, Date taken POW 9 May 1941, POW number 13

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 Mark I C R1447 BU-A
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1447 (12-Mar-1941) BU-A

Imprisoned at POW camp Heydekrug (Silute), Lithuania
Imprisoned at POW camp Thorn (Torun), Poland - dates unknown
Imprisoned at POW camp Wolfsberg / Spittal am der Drau, Austria

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Wim de Meester of The Netherlands and Chorley and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and John Baines (Son of WO Harold Baines) and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 18 November 2022

TIMMINS, T E

Plt/Off Tom Eric Timmins, 79164, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 8 January 1941, Aged 24

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

Born 26 August 1916

Buried in TENTERDEN (ST. MILDRED'S) CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 1365

Husband of Sheila Margret Timmins, of Gravesend

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Kim Bucknole (nephew of Plt/Off Tom Eric Timmins)

Date record last updated : 22 June 2018

TINGLE, H G

Cpt Howard Grantley Tingle MC, 88507, Royal Artillery, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 1 April 1942, Aged 39

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9979 (01-Apr-1942) BU-O

Named on the following Memorial : Galleywood, Essex

Born in Wolverhampton England

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 2. B. 18.

Son of Eustace Martin Tingle and Ada Sarah Tingle (Dent); husband of Margot Tingle.

Howard was born in 1902, the youngest of 5 children. In 1911 his father was a lay reader in the Church of England.
Howard came to Galleywood to work at GEC. His wife Margot was born in Germany; they had no children.
His parents are buried in St Michael's churchyard in Galleywood Essex.
Howard volunteered for a joint mission with the RAF to study "flak".
His elder brother John Charles Tingle had served in WW1 with the ASC and was awarded the Meritorious Service medal in 1916; he survived the war.

Howard was awarded the MC posthumously, on 9 July 1942.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Wendy Cummin

Date record last updated : 7 August 2010

TINKLER, S R

Sgt Sidney Richard Tinkler, 1320307, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 14 May 1943, Aged 21

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

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 167

Son of Albert and Fanny Tinkler, of Woodston, Northamptonshire.

Source : Chorley and CWGC

Date record last updated : 10 October 2009

TODD, J C

Sgt James Cheyne Todd, 657154, Air Bomber, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 22 September 1943, POW number 526

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

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Source : Nightjar Newsletter and Alan Todd (son of James Cheyne Todd) and CWGC and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock and John Fowler

Date record last updated : 5 August 2009

TOMKINSON, J L B

Jack is in the back row 2nd from the left. Douglas Waters is in the back row 2nd from right. Can anyone identify any of the other people in the photograph?

Tomkinson_John_L_crew_2

Taken at Yatesbury in 1940. Can anyone identify any of the other people in the photograph?

Sgt John La Bassee 'Jack' Tomkinson, 701366, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, KIA 13 March 1941, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C N2746 (13-Mar-1941) BU-M

Named on the following Memorial : Church of our Lady of Warnford Hampshire

Born in Wallsall near Birmingham, England

Buried in GRONINGEN (ESSERVELD) GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Plot RP. Row Class 2. Coll. grave 25.

Son of John Henry and Gertrude Tomkinson, of Fareham, Hampshire.

Helen Smith writes :
Jack as he was known by his family was my uncle and he was engaged to be married to my mum but was unfortunately killed in action just a few weeks before the wedding. As a family loss my Grandmother never got over the loss of one of her sons and died in 1945, and my mum eventually married Jacks brother, my dad. She would never speak about the war and would never watch any war films. By the start of the war his Mum and Dad and all the family were living in Warnford in the Meon Valley in Hampshire. There is a memorial at the Church of our Lady of Warnford dedicated to him. The family moved to Fareham in Hampshire after the end of the war.

Source : Stevin Oudshoorn and CWGC and Chorley and Helen Smith (niece) and Ian Waters (son of Sgt Douglas Wilmott Waters)

Date record last updated : 8 March 2019

TOMLINSON, W E

LACW Winifred Elizabeth Tomlinson, 2080896, Women's Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

Born 3 January 1924

Born in Stone, Staffordshire

Balloon Operator, then MT Driver - RAF Sculthorpe, RAF Oulton, amongst other roles.

Source : Anne Cheung (daughter)

Date record last updated : 13 July 2009

TONKIN, L R

Sgt Len R Tonkin, Pilot, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian, Date taken POW 11 June 1942, POW number 365

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

SEE PRISONERS OF WAR

Sgt. Len Tonkin RAAF joined the Squadron in April 1942 and was one of the first pilots to convert to Stirlings (from Wellingtons at 115 Squadron). In fact, he believes he may have landed the first Stirling at Stradishall as he can recall the excitement its arrival generated at the Station from the CO down. The CO at the time was W/Cmdr Ken Knocker. Len was also amongst the first crews to fly 214's Stirlings on ops in May 1942.

After returning to England in April 1945, Len married an English lass from Liverpool and last month (July 2003) they celebrated their 58th weddiing anniversary. The war against Japan was still being fought and in late July Len returned to Australia by troopship and was 1/2 way back when VJ day was declared. His bride travelled to Australia 12 months later on a liner provided for war brides... much more comfy than the troopship apparently !!

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

Both Len (born about 1917) and his son live in Adelaide South Australia (2008).

The photo above shows Len alighting from G George (R9326) after the first 1000 bomber raid on Cologne on 31 May 1942. It appeared in numerous papers (including the local paper in Adelaide).

Source : Ian Tonkin (son) and Nightjar Newsletter Summer / Autumn 2004 and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock

Date record last updated : 30 October 2020

TOPLIS, J G

Plt/Off John Grahame Toplis, 61483, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 12 May 1941, Aged 20

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C R1462 BU-?

Born in Olton, Birmingham

Buried in HAMBURG CEMETERY. Reference : 5A. F. 15.

Son of Harold and Henrietta Toplis, of Olton, Birmingham.

P/O Toplis took over his crew from P/O Jack Wetherly who had completed his tour in March 1941, second-pilot Pilot Officer was Ian Lawson, sergeant navigator Nigel Walker, wireless operator Sergeant Hubert Barr and gunners Sergeant Albert Livsey and Pilot Officer Duncan Pockney. Wellington R1462 missing from operations to Hamburg 12 May 1941. Pockney and Walker were not with
them at this time. Walker was on leave prior to being commissioned.

Source : Christopher Jary - Author and Ian Hunt and CWGC

Date record last updated : 13 February 2008

TOWELL, R W

Plt/Off Richard William Towell, Non Com 977635 Com 195111, Air Bomber, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 24 February 1945, Aged 30

Born in Dublin, Ireland

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE899 (24-Jul-1943)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Flying Fortress Mark III HB805 (24-Feb-1945) BU-C

Buried in RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 6.E.24

Son of William John and Maud Kathleen Towell; husband of Margaret Ruth Towell, of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

Richard was an accountant with the Alliance Gas Company in Dublin when he joined up, and at some time he played rugby for Leinster and was awarded 2 caps.

15 EFTS Carlisle England in Jan / Feb 1942
35 EFTS Neepawa Canada in April 1942 after which he discontinued his pilot training and went to
31 B & G Picton Canada to train as Air Bomber

Richard Towell was involved in a crash on takeoff, he was flying with WO Gallop both at Chedburgh and Tempsford during 1943 - he broke his shoulder and arm and was admitted to Hospital for the first time on 11 December 1943. He was non effective for most of 1944 as he was in and out of hospital and in plaster. It was in January 1945 that he first joined Fg/Off Shorttle's crew.

On 25 February 1945 Mrs Towell received a telegram from the Squadron advising that her husband was missing. She also received a letter from Squadron Leader B D Davies advising her that her husband was missing from air operations

Towell_Richard_William_Telegram

Towell_Richard_William_Letter_25_Febraury_1945

On 1 March 1945 Mrs Towell received a letter from the Pardre, Sidney H Price, offering his sympathy and support as her husband was missing.

Towell_Richard_William_Letter_1_March_1945_-_Padre

Towell_Richard_William_Letter_1_March_1945_-_Padre

On 10 March 1945 Mrs Towell received a letter from the Air Ministry confirming that her husband was missing from air operations
Towell_Richard_William_Air_ministry_10_March_1945

Towell_Richard_William_Air_ministry_10_March_1945

On 30 March 1945 Mrs Towell received a letter from the Air Ministry advising that her husband was to be re-commissioned from Warrant Officer to Pilot Officer (on probation) with effect from 5 February 1945.

Towell_Richard_William_Air_Ministry_re_commission

Towell_Richard_William_Air_Ministry_re_commission

On 8 August 1945 Mr Ward (father-in-law of Plt/Off Towell) received a letter from the Air Ministry stating that all of the crew, except for WO Jennings and Flt/Lt Fowler had perished in a crash. Flt/Lt Fowler was believed to have died in hospital later. The body of the pilot, Fg/Off Shortle, had been found and was buried on 7 May 1945 at No 1 cemetery Ittenbach Germany.
Towell_Richard_William_Air_ministry_8_Aug_1945_0001

Towell_Richard_William_Air_ministry_8_Aug_1945_0001

Towell_Richard_William_Air_ministry_8_Aug_1945_0002

On 20 August 1946 Mrs Towell received a letter from the Air Ministry explaining exactly what had happened to the crew.
"The aircraft crashed at about 9pm on 24 February 1945 in a field on the Viersen-Anrath Road near the Niers Canal. Your husband's body was found on the Viersen side of the canal with two others, and they were all laid to rest in the cemetery at Viersen, which is approximately 4 miles north, north west of Munchen Gladbach. Your husband lies in grave no 18, block 19. The bodies of the remaining unaccounted for members of
the crew were found on the other side of the canal and were buried in the cemetery at Neersen."
Towell_Richard_William_Air_Ministry_20_August_1946

Towell_Richard_William_Air_Ministry_20_August_1946

Towell_Richard_William_From_Buckingham_Palace

On 15 September 1947 Mrs Towell received a letter from the Air Ministry explaining that her husband's body had been re-interred at Rheinberg Military Cemetery, 23 miles north, north east of Dusseldorf.

Towell_Richard_William_Air_Ministry_15_Sept_1947

Towell_Richard_William_Air_Ministry_15_Sept_1947

Source : CWGC and Ian Hunt and Beryl Hutchinson (daughter) and 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 28 April 2023

TREASURE, V G

Victor George Treasure

Obituary
TREASURE, Victor George - Passed away at Northumberland Hills Hospital, Palliative Care Unit on Saturday, June 26, 2010, in his 87th year. Vic loving husband of Margaret Hills for 55 years. Dearest father of Jane, Gord (Robin) and Carolyn Treasure. Adored grandpa of Kerri (Geoff) and Mandy (Jeff). Great-grandfather of Hayden. Predeceased by his parents and brother Don and niece Linda all
of Somerset, England. Vic served in the RAF during WW II. He was an avid sports enthusiast and a member of Dalewood Golf Club until his stroke in 2002. Also a member of Br. 30 R.C.L. and St. John's Anglican Church. Friends will be received at the ALLISON FUNERAL HOME, 103 Mill Street North, Port Hope Tuesday 9:30 am until Memorial Service at 11 am. If desired, memorial contributions may be made by cheque to charity of choice.

Enlisted with the RAF in 1941.

Introduction to Canada-empire air training scheme 1942-1943
De Winton, Alberta
Carberry, Manitoba
Charlottetown, PEI

Earned his wings flying Tiger moths, Avro Ansons,
-79 OTU, Nicosia, Cyprus, 1944

Training on twin engine aircraft, Bristol Belenheim V, Bristol beaufighter

Source : Caroline Treasure (daughter)

Date record last updated : 3 October 2010

TREPPASS, L

Plt/Off Leonard Treppass, 108005, Observer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 7 June 1942, Aged 29

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I N3761 BU-E
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9317 (03-Jun-1942)

Buried in VLIELAND GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 50.

Son of George and Gertrude Treppass, of Erdington, Birmingham.

Source : Kate Brettell (niece of Flt/Lt Turtle). Kate has retrieved information from the National Archives Canada, The PRO in England and CWGC and Chorley

Date record last updated : 22 June 2014

TREVILLIAN, R A J

FS Ronald Anthony John Trevillian, 755032, Rear Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 1 April 1942, Aged 21

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) N2802 (07-Sep-1941) BU-A
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9979 (01-Apr-1942) BU-O
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C X9979 (Autumn-1941) BU-O

Buried in DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY. Reference : Coll. grave 2. B. 19-21.

Son of Walter John and Kate Trevillian, of Beckenham, Kent.

Source : Mike McNeil (cousin) and Chorley and CWGC and Lynn Mortimer (daughter of Flt/Lt John Valentine Swan)

Date record last updated : 28 February 2020

TRIGG, E

Eric Trigg

Flew with WO Edwin Barnett.

Source : Alan Barnett (son of WO Edwin Barnett)

Date record last updated : 30 October 2018

TRINDER, F G

Flt/Lt Frederick George 'Tommy' Trinder, 175219, Wireless Operator, Royal Air Force, Nationality : British

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

Born 30 December 1920

Son of Sarah Ellen and Walter James Trinder

Born in Kennington, Oxfordshire

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

Sgt Frederick Trinder died on 19 December 2002, the same day as one of his crew mates, PO Geoffrey Shattock.

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

Source : Dave Wallace, son of Flt/Lt A. Wallace and Sarah Bond (daughter of Plt/Off Geoff Shattock) and Janet Trinder (wife of Flt/Lt Frederick Trinder) (via friend Bob Goodenough)

Date record last updated : 22 June 2018

TRITTON, J F

Fg/Off John Frederick Tritton, 133803, Air Bomber, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : British, KIA 26 June 1943, Aged 28

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III BK767 BU-L

Buried in AALTEN (BERKENHOVE) GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 590/2

Frederick James Tritton and Grace Emily Tritton of Ewell, Surrey

His widowed mother Grace died in 1936.

Click on this link to find more information.

Source : Chorley and CWGC and Brian Bouchards (Epsom and Ewell Book of Remembrance) and Peter Rhebergen from Aalten, The Netherlands

Date record last updated : 13 April 2022

TROTTER, W H

July 1938

May 1942

Trotter_William_Hedley_information_from_cemetery

The translation is as follows :

Sergeant William Hedley Trotter
12855 AIR GNR (VR), 214 Squadron
Aged 31
Son of William and Dorothy Ann Trotter from South Shields, Co. Durham, England.
Buried in Den Burg on 3-5-1943. Row 2, Grave 40
William Trotter was a gunner on the Short Stirling BK662 BU-K, which went missing in the early hours of 6 March 1943. That night the "Battle of the Ruhr" began, which was to last until July 1943. The first place to be attacked, by 442 aircraft, was Essen. The Stirling BK662 BU-K took off from Chedburgh airfield at 19.35 hrs and was shot down by anti-air artillery, probably from IJmuiden. The plane crashed into the North Sea near IJmuiden at 22.10 hrs. The body of William Trotter was recovered from the sea on 2 May 1943 near Oudeschild and buried the next day. Before the war "Billy" Trotter, as he was known to his friends, worked for the health department of South Shields council. He was a talented musician and played both violin and organ. He had even built his own organ and he and some friends had set up a band, giving concerts for charity. Billy was due to be posted abroad and had already had the necessary vaccinations, but he never returned from his last sortie.

Sgt William Hedley 'Billy' Trotter, Air Gunner, 1128255, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom. KIA 5 March 1943 aged 31

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

Named on the following Memorial : South Shields NALGO

Buried at TEXEL (DEN BURG) CEMETERY. Reference : Plot K. Row 2. Grave 40

Son of William and Dorothy Ann Trotter, of South Shields, Co. Durham.

He was posted to 214 Squadron on 31 December 1942.

Trotter_William_Hedley_letter

The letter and a photo that his parents received from the Air Ministry showing the temporary cross marking his grave

Source : Richard Trotter (nephew) and CWGC and translation kindly produced by Melanie Niessink and Bennie Eenink and Chorley and Simon Glancey

Date record last updated : 1 December 2017

TROUTBECK, P N R

WO Phil N R Troutbeck, Bomb Aimer, Royal Australian Air Force, Nationality : Australian

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

Although he was a Bomb Aimer, the Fortress did not carry bombs so his role was changed to help out with Navigation / Observation / Jamming equipment.

Source : Ian Hunt and Angus Cameron

Date record last updated : 18 June 2008

TRUSCOTT, F G

Sgt Francis Godfrey 'Frank' or 'Lucky' Truscott, 1168521, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : Canadian, KIA 28 January 1942, Aged 23

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

Named on the following Memorial : RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 95

Born 28 June 1917

Son of Lewis Alexander Truscott and of Kate Evelyn Truscott (nee Foulds), of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Truscott attended Kew Beach and Norway public schools and Riverdale High. He was an active member of Kew Beach United church young men's bible class and was both a ski enthusiast, and had belonged to the Fairmount Cycle club. Prior to the war he had worked for a radiator company. He has two brothers Osmond and Jarvis, and four sisters, Mrs. Clifford Williams, Mrs. Baden Powell, Mrs. William Brown and Mrs. Harry Elmer.

See W/O Harry Ward's memoirs for 26 January 1942 for his recollections of Sgt Francis Truscott.

Truscott_Francis_Godfrey_group

Sgt Frank Truscott back row, first on left. It is unknown where this picture was taken but it is obviously prior to his Sgt stripes and they are wearing an unusual arm patch. It is my guess it was taken at an OTU somewhere in England near or upon graduation as a Wireless Operator, note none are sporting the Air Gunners badge yet either.

Truscott_Francis_Godfrey_2

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY SAD AS SON IS LISTED MISSING
Sgt. Frank Truscott went to England on Tanker to Join R.A.F.

Truscott_Francis_Godfrey_3

ANOTHER IS KILLED
Yesterday was the 41st wedding anniversary of Mr. And Mrs. L.A. Truscott, Woodbine Ave., and they eagerly awaited a cablegrom of congratulations from their son, Sergt. Frank G. Truscott. He was overseas, a wireless air-gunner with the R.A.F in England. They received a cable but instead of congratulations, it advised them their son is reported missing after air operations Jan. 28. Sergt Truscott has been on operations with the bomber command since October, 1940. He went to England in June of that year, working his way across on an oil tanker. His parents were unaware of his intention to join the R.A.F. Until he wrote them saying he had been accepted. As soon as war broke out, he enlisted in the York Rangers, a unit which at that time was not mobilized,. Prompted by a desire for action, he obtained permission of his O.C. To quit to go to England. Typifying his "happy-go-lucky" spirit is the last letter the family received from him. In the middle he interrupted to say: " I'll have to stop now. Got an operation to do." Later he continued the letter adding "Well now I can go on. Just did a trip over Germany."

NOTE: After quitting the Rangers, crossing the Ocean to England of his own arrangements and a year of intensive training, Frank looks justifiably proud sporting his new flight suit. The photo caption reads: Happy Landings, Love Frank. Note how much he has aged since his cadet photo at the top of his profile.

SGT. LUCKY TRUSCOTT IS LISTED AS MISSING
Wireless Air Gunner Mentioned in 117th London Casualty Report
Sergt. Frank Godfrey "Lucky" Truscott, 23-year old wireless air gunner with the R.A. F. Has been listed as missing in the 117th casualty list issued by the air ministry in London. A Toronto boy, his mother, Mrs. L.A. Truscott, Woodbine Ave., said she had received a letter yesterday from her son's squadron leader, saying that his bomber had not returned. Truscott had tried to join the R.A.F. At 17, and in April 1940 went to England aboard a tanker and enlisted with the R.A.F.. He had been bombing Germany since July 1941. He attended Norway public school and Riverdale High and had worked for a radiator company. He was a ski enthusiast, and had belonged to the Fairmount Cycle club. His parents last heard from him one week after (illegible).

Source : Andrea Muzzi of Toronto Ontario Canada. (Neice to Sgt Truscott, grandaughter of Heloise - Franks sister) and Wendy Truscott relative

Date record last updated : 30 September 2020

TUCKER, J R

Wg/Cdr J R 'Tommy' Tucker

214 Squadron Commanding Officer June 1970

Source : 214 Squadron Website History page

Date record last updated : 13 August 2021

TULLIS, D R

Lt David Ronald 'Doc' Tullis

Tullis_D_R_painting

A painting from D. R. Tullis log book of night time bombing over the Hot Triangle of Bruges, Zeebrugge, Ostend.

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for O/400 C9646

Born 24 September 1899

Born in Partick, Glasgow, Scotland.

C9646 which crashed on take off on 17 July 1918. Reginald Binckes and D.R. Tullis were catapulted 30 feet from the cockpit. Reginal Binckes broke his back and Tullis walked away without a scratch.

Died 16 May 1964.

Click on this link to see a history of Lt David Ronald 'Doc' Tullis written by David Hearn.

Click on this link to see the WW1 photo album of Lt David Ronald 'Doc' Tullis kindly provided by Brian Tullis (via David Hearn).

Source : David Hearn (Great nephew of Lt Reginald Binckes) and Brian Tullis (Son of Lt David Ronald 'Doc' Tullis)

Date record last updated : 7 July 2023

TUNWELL, H

Sgt H Tunwell

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

Sgt Tunwell is not mentioned as part of the crew of Stirling Mark I W7626 (05-Oct-1942) BU-J in Chorley. He was injured when the aircraft crashed.

Source : Chorley and www.rafcommands.com

Date record last updated : 28 April 2023

TURNER

Sgt Turner

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

Source : Nightjar Newsletter.

TURNER, G E

Sgt Gilbert Ernest Turner, 745245, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 5 November 1940, Aged 23

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2470 (28-Oct-1940) BU-K
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2470 (05-Nov-1940) BU-K
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) T2709 (25-Oct-1940)

Buried in CLEETHORPES CEMETERY. Reference : Sec. B.B. Grave K.22.

Son of Samuel and Amy Beatrice Turner, of Cleethorpes.

Source : CWGC and Chorley and Richard Williams (joint author of Sway at War 1914-1945)

Date record last updated : 22 August 2010

TURNER, G M C

Sgt Geoffrey Malcolm Charles Turner, 1251531, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 16 April 1942, Aged 21

Born 10 August 1920

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

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

Buried in EINDHOVEN (WOENSEL) GENERAL CEMETERY. Reference : Plot JJ. Grave 53.

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Turner, of Wallington, Surrey; husband of Beryl Barbara Turner, of Riddlesden, Yorkshire.

Source : Adrian van Zantvoort and Chorley and CWGC and Ryan Treadwell (great nephew of Sgt Vernon Ernest Egan) and Richard Schoutissen (researcher from the Netherlands)

Date record last updated : 5 October 2024

TURNER, J R

Sgt J R Turner, Front Gunner

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington (model unknown) ??Leyshon
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Wellington Mark I C T2841 (29-Jan-1941) BU-K

Source : Aled Leyshon (grandson of Mervyn Leyshon)

Date record last updated : 4 October 2009

TURTLE, R W A

Flt/Lt Reginald William Arthur Turtle DFC, 40866, Pilot, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 7 June 1942, Aged 26

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I N3761 BU-E
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling (model unknown) R9317 (03-Jun-1942)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7538 (29-May-1942) BU-T
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark I W7538 (31-May-1942) BU-T

Buried in SCHIERMONNIKOOG (VREDENHOF) CEMETERY. Reference : Grave 69.

Son of William Reginald Margetts Turtle and Katherine Maud Turtle; husband of Brenda Sigismunda S. Turtle, of Finchley, Middlesex.

Reginald Turtle was born in 1916.

Kate Brettell is the niece of Flt/Lt R W A Turtle. She writes: "He flew with WC Kenneth Knocker at 149 squadron and later at 214 Squadron.

Reginald moved to 214 Squadron from 149 Squadron in May 1942, with W/C Knocker. The Stirling operations with 214 Squadron which he captained were as follows:

30 May 1942 W7538 Atacked Gnome Rhone works up 00.30 down 05.30

31 May 1942 W7538 Attacked Cologne up 23.05 down 03.05

04 June 1942 R9317 Attacked Bremen up 23.30 down 02.15

Up to this point Flt/Lt Turtle had flown on 45 operational missions

Flt/Lt Turtle piloting Stirling N3761 failed to return from an attack on Emden. His body was washed up on a Frisian island called Schiermonnikoog. None of the crew survived.

Flt/Lt Turtle's DFC was awarded posthumously. He was 26.

__________________ SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 27 JULY, 1943 ________________________________________________________
Air Ministry, 27th July, 1943. (27/07/1943) ROYAL AIR FORCE. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards: -Distinguished Flying Cross Acting Flight Lieutenant Reginald William Arthur TURTLE (40866), No. 214 Squadron (deceased), awarded with effect from 9th June, 1942.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reg Mulder, Dutch researcher, has discovered the German post mortem examination report in a Durch archive and is in the process of advising family members.

Source : Kate Brettell (niece of Flt/Lt Turtle). Kate has retrieved information from the National Archives Canada, The PRO in England and CWGC and Stevin Oudshoorn and London Gazette

Date record last updated : 10 January 2016

TUTT, N J

Sgt N J Tutt

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE899 (24-Jul-1943)
SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Stirling Mark III EE902 (14-Jul-1943)

Joined Gallop crew on EE899 on 24 July 1943

Source : 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 10 March 2023

TWOMEY, R E

WO Reginald Ernest Twomey, 1603221, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Nationality : United Kingdom, KIA 22 November 1945, Aged 22

SEE CREWS AND LOSSES for Liberator (model unknown) KL587

Buried in SUDA BAY WAR CEMETERY. Reference : 16. C. 14.

Son of William Patrick and Florence Mary Twomey, of Bromley, Kent.

Source : CWGC and Jock Whitehouse

Date record last updated : 5 September 2010

TYRRELL, A J

FS A J Tyrell, Rear Gunner, Royal Air Force, Nationality : United Kingdom, Date taken POW 11 March 1943, POW number 27746

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

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

Sole survivor.

"Footprints on the sands of time" spells his name as Tyrrell. 214 Squadron and Chorley spell it as Tyrell

Source : Nightjar Newsletter Spring 2004 and "Footprints on the sands of time" by Oliver Clutton-Brock 214 Squadron ORB

Date record last updated : 20 November 2020

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