Tracing back a WWII RAF pilot

[Rwy in Sight]

Hello all,

A couple of months ago I learned that a distant cousin was a pilot for the RAF during the WWII and had received a DFC and a DFM. I would like to know more about him and maybe write a small piece.

Does the RAF team of PPRuNe has any idea on how I can get some more information. I have his name but I am not sure how can I proceed.

Thanks in advance.

Rwy in Sight

[airborne_artist]

Have you Googled him (and permutations of his first name/surname etc)? You'll be amazed at how much is on the web. Next off go to the Histeria and Neuralgia forum and ask about him by name - many on there have shelves groaning with history books, and he may be find-able.

Try searching for him on The London Gazette as well - there won't be any tales on there, but it may reveal dates, appointments or more on his gallantry awards.

[Jimbo27]

I have the registers for both medals for WW2.

PM me with a name, or publish here, and I'll see what I can find...:)

[BossEyed]

Put his name (even better his service number, if you have it) into the London Gazette search engine (http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/search).

That should show you promotions, decorations etc.

Good luck - would you share your researchs with us here as you discover detail?

Edit: Doh - airborne artist suggested that already; teach me to keep the edit window open for ages. Ah well, you've at least got a direct link now.

[Finnpog]

About 5 years ago I helped a friend trace her father who was an NCO pilot on Spitfires in WWII. He was posted Missing in Action in 1944 whilst her mum was pregnant with her, so she never knew him.

I contacted Personnel Records at RAF Innsworth (as was) and we were able to get a copy of his service file, which led to Jean learning his Squadron and then getting in touch with the Squadron Association - and this has led to her meeting colleagues of her dad.

Personnel Records are now at Cranwell RAF Innsworth - Contact us (http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafinnsworth/contactus.cfm)

Good luck.

[Tankertrashnav]

Just a word of clarification regarding the last post - this lady would have been able to get info on her father's records, but unless you are surviving next of kin (unlikely, I suspect) you would not be given access to your cousin's records by Innsworth. London Gazette search very good advice, and as I always say to people on here with this sort of question - dont discount professional researchers - they will save you loads of time, find out stuff you probably wouldnt, and will normally be cheaper than you thought they'd be.

[Old-Duffer]

Dear Rwy Insight,

I have a record of all DFM citations and you can have a copy of the text for this one.

If his DFC was awarded as an officer (not as a WO), his service number will have changed from his DFM award. Whilst I have a record of all DFCs, not all come with citations and they require a bit more digging.

Sqn associations are a good source for tracing his mates etc and if he was in a 'famous' sqn, there might be a published history (or several if it's 74 sqn!!).

If you want to send me a private message then I will see what I can do re citations and shall be at the RAF Museum's research department in mid-July and can look at the Air Ministry bulletin, which will show a citation if the award was 'immediate', rather than awarded for a tour of ops.

Hope this helps. The previous posts are all valuable info - there is now a shed load of stuff available, the problem is finding it. The Freedom of Information Act - introduced by 'Teflon Tony' - actually impedes research in some cases and led to masses of info being destroyed as I understand it.

Good luck with your research into this gallant gentleman's service life. Is he still with us by the way?

O-D

[fincastle84]

What a timely post, thanks.

Yesterday a neighbour asked me how he could find information about a favourite uncle who died in a Maritime Lanc accident at Lossie in the 50s. I'll copy the Cranwell info for him.

[Icare9]

All good advice.
DFM's were for non commissioned "men"; the DFC was for hofficers. On gaining a Commission, his Service Number was changed (as previously explained) therefore if anyone has his medals they may not think they are for the same man. The DFM was a fairly rare medal (not just issued willy nilly "with the rations") and to go on and gain a DFC is rarer still. Well worth investigating further and I am sure the London Gazette citations will only be a fraction of the story.

If you know his Sqdn, there may be an Association that can provide additional information. There are Operation Record Books detailing what was done by the Squadron.

If you know the wartime address of his parents etc, then there may be local newspaper archives in the Local History section of the library. If you can't get there, the librarians are usually helpful or may be able to suggest some researchers for you to contact.

There are plenty of books too, so Google a Search to see what you can readily find.

Don't forget to keep us in the loop, especially if you come up with original memoirs and stories..

[Jimbo27]

Another tip,
If you are using the London Gazette website to search for him, it can produce odd results.
The text has been scanned using OCR software, sometimes there are problems with the typeface etc that make searches fail.
I've also had more joy scanning for a service number than a name, unless he had a rare name.

Books available:

Honour the Air Forces - Maton - A list of all air gallantry recipients for WW2, (although apparently some late post war ones are missing) Useful shortcut because it gives you the page number for the LG.

DFM Register - Tavender - All DFM recipients for WW2, bar foreign awards. Has copies of the recommendation for nearly all. This is worth having because it often gives more detail than gets printed, for example one may say something like, "On the night of 26 June" the other may say "One night in June" It also sometimes has the comments of the OCs who approved the award. Also has the National Archive reference so you can go and look at the document.

DFC Register - Carter - All DFC recipients awarded until 1995. Has only the text of the LG, if the LG has a citation the book will.

I’ve got copies of these, happy to help…I suspect Old-Duffer may have too:)

Good luck,

Jim

[Tankertrashnav]

the DFC was for hofficers


And warrant officers, as Old Duffer has mentioned. Numbers awarded for WW2 were as follows:

DFC - 20,354, plus 1592 bars
DFM - 6,637, plus 61 bars

Source British Gallantry Awards, by Abbott & Tamplin

I have no figures for the DFC/DFM combination but as Icare9 suggests its quite a scarce combination. The DFC was, in fact, by a fairly large margin the most commonly awarded gallantry medal in WW2. I own a tin trunk which belonged to a Beaufighter pilot who had the DFC and the DFM, the former awarded for shooting down a formation of 5 unaccompanied J52 transports over the Med!

[Old-Duffer]

Dear Fincastle,

At the risk of being branded a 'Thread Hog', I also have records, short summaries and casualty details of most (nearly all in fact) of RAF aircraft losses since 8 May 1945.

If you need a short summary of the maritime Lanc to which you refer, please PM me.

O-D

[AARON O'DICKYDIDO]

Perhaps if you posted the mans details here someone may come up with relevant information. There are many researchers on this site.

Aaron

[Rwy in Sight]

Many thanks for your assistance so far. His name is VAS(S)ILIADIS Vas(s)ilios or VASILIADIS Vasileios. I am not sure how the Greek spelling is transferred to the English language.

According to what I know: He was a student when WWII started and voluntarily(sp) enlisted in the RAF and he concluded his flying training in September 1942. His first shoot down was an Me-109 flying a P-51 on April 22nd 1944. He was killed on march 25th, 1945.

I am not sure if he was officer or not.


Any help will me most welcome again.

Rwy in Sight

[AARON O'DICKYDIDO]

The believe that the man you are looking for is;

(182875) Flt Lt Basil Michael VASSILLIADES, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

He died 25/3/45 and is remembered on the Runnymeade Memorial, Panel 266.

I hope that this helps.

Jimbo27 should now be able to let you know about the DFC and DFM.
Please keep us informed.

Aaron.

[Jimbo27]

OK,

Lots on him.

LG entry for DFM is here:

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36686/supplements/4123 (http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36686/supplements/4123)

As I said above, the recommendation often gives more than the citation.
This is a good example.

Citation says:
1388657 Flight Sergeant Basilios VASSILIADES,R.A.F.V.R., 19 Sqn.

This airman has participated in many sorties over Northern France and has attacked many military targets with good results. He-is a most capable section leader whose example of gallantry and determination has won much praise. Flight Sergeant Vassiliades has destroyed 4 enemy aircraft.

Recommendation in Tavender says:

This NCO started operational flying in July 1943. Up until D-Day, he had completed numerous sorties, including 15 long-range escorts. He destroyed 1 ½ enemy aircraft during this period and damaged others on the ground. Since D-Day this NCO has been leading a section. On one occasion he was attacked by numerically superior enemy aircraft. He shot down two of these aircraft and damaged another on the ground. His score is now 4 ½ enemy aircraft destroyed and 2 damaged. He has also attacked numerous ground targets including trucks, trains, and gasometers, He is a fine leader and at all times has shown a great determination and aggressive fighting spirit.

It also records that he had 202 flying hours and 102 sorties at that point.

His Wing Commander said:

This Flight Sergeant is an exceptionally aggresive pilot and his spirit, results and contributions to the Squadron's efforts is of the highest order.

The DFC was approved 19/3/45. Because it was an Honorary award to a foreign national it isn't listed in the LG, (or Maton!)

There is also a biography of him in Aces High (Chris Shores) and several mentions in Fighter Squadron ( a history of 19 Sqn) (Derek Palmer)

Happy to post the details here, but I don't want to spoil your fun if you want to look them up. :)

A brave man, I would be honoured to be related to him.:)

[BossEyed]

It also records that he had 202 flying hours and 102 sorties at that point.

It seems to make no difference how often one reads that sort of thing - it gets no less astounding with familiarity.

[Icare9]

Additional Info from the Wings Palette website WINGS PALETTE - Hawker Tempest - Great Britain (http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww2/f/572/9/1)(and artwork for the aircraft about halfway down):-
Tempest Mk.V. Unit: 3 Sqn, RAF. Serial: JF-A (NV755)
Pilot - Fl/Lt. B.M.Vassilliades (Greek), B80 Volkel, Netherlands, March 1945. The aircraft in which the Greek ace crashed to his death over the Bocholt woods, NW Germany, on March 25th, 1945 shot down by flak, while strafing German armour concentrated in the area.
Which seems to give a crash location, somewhat at odds with CWGC
Name: VASSILLIADES, BASIL MICHAEL
Initials: B M
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 3 Sqdn.
Date of Death: 25/03/1945
Service No: 182875
Awards: D F C, D F M
Additional information: Native of Greece.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 266.
Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

Also this web page dedicated to him:-
Vassiliades Vassilios - Vass (http://imansolas.freeservers.com/Aces/Vassiliades%20Vassilios.html)

[Union Jack]

I am confident that Runway will be as impressed as I am by a typically great - and very speedy - PPRuNe response to a pretty impressive man. As Jimbo so rightly says "I would be honoured to be related to him".

A retrospective thank you Vass and his family, and thank you Gentlemen.:ok:

Jack

PS ICare - Well worth a cross-reference on "Gaining ....."?

[240 Gardner]

Many thanks for the London Gazette link - found details of my father's wartime commission and subsequent promotions there.

Much appreciated :ok:

[Rwy in Sight]

Icare9,

A formal and very public thank you.

Rwy in Sight

[Icare9]

Aw shucks, didn't do anything special, just a bit of Googling, but nice to be appreciated :ok:

One thing I'm a little puzzled over is the fact that the crash site was near Bochum Woods (Stadtvald?) yet it says he is on the Runnymede Memorial. I have asked elsewhere and whilst there appear to be no local records as to any burial, it might be that his body was repatriated to Greece after the War by his family or the Greek government.

It may be worth contacting the CWGC as to whether they have any info on why a Runnymede commemoration. So close to the end of the War, I would have expected a MACR or similar report.

[jsaund]

On my elderly father's behalf (now 88) I have recently obtained his WW2 service records from the RAF. Unfortunately, they do not contain any information about his awards other than that he received them.

My father is now frail and his memory is very poor. The London Gazette only mentions that he was awarded the DFM but no citation (Sept. 1943). The London Gazette does not have a mention for his DFC (awarded Jan. 1944?).

I know he went to Buck House and received his medals from George VI (12 Dec 1944) but I don't know what he did to receive the medals! If anyone has any information, I would be extremely grateful for your help.

Regards
JS

[November4]

One thing I'm a little puzzled over is the fact that the crash site was near Bochum Woods (Stadtvald?) yet it says he is on the Runnymede Memorial. I have asked elsewhere and whilst there appear to be no local records as to any burial, it might be that his body was repatriated to Greece after the War by his family or the Greek government

I'm afraid it more likely that there was not enough of the body found after the crash to bury. For the remains to be classed as a body and buried, IIRC and not to put too finer a point on it they needed to find enough identifiable remains to be buried. If not enough identifiable remains were found then he would be commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.I have it in mind from somewhere that this was considered to be about 1lb or enough to fill a 1lb jam jar.

As an example, my great uncle's Halifax crash landed and exploded just after take off from RAF Melbourne (10 Sqn). Of the 7 crew, 1 survived, 4 are buried in various cemeteries and 2 are on the Runnymede Memorial.

[Icare9]

You know by the people contributing here that where possible they will move heaven and earth to help.

I have no doubt that this will happen here.

In his time remaining, please do your utmost to record your fathers memories, no matter how faltering they seem to be. If necessary, read him some of the Gaining a Pilots Brevet thread to see if that stimulates him - it does us!!

Does he still remember who his regular crew was? Any other details? The more you feed us the more we might be able to provide, each memory reinforcing the next.

87 Nobles died in WW2, are there any other family members linked to him?

[Icare9]

Nov 11. I believe the rules were 7lb, hopefully to include the spinal cord and skull, but it was geared to the weight of a new born. It was intended that enough to identify one human be included, such as a skull, but obviously whether that applied in Occupied Territories or not I can't clarify.

As you say, it is not necessary to go into the finer points, but where a single seat aircraft was involved, whatever could be recovered was considered sufficient for a burial.

My question was whether what had been recovered from the Tempest crash had subsequently been taken back to Greece. I would have expected there to be enough for a burial. For him to be on Runnymede indicates either nothing substantial was recovered or that his remains are "elsewhere", hopefully in Greece with his family.

[November4]

Thanks Icare - 7lbs is still not very much. I doubt very much if the remains were taken to Greece that he would still be on the Runnymede Memorial. If they were in Greece then surely that would be his official burial location. Unfortunatly I think it is more likely that not enough remains were found or his burial location was subsequently lost.

[Archimedes]

JS - Your father's DFC is mentioned as being awarded on 21 Jan 1944 -

Supplement to London Gazette 21 Jan 44 (http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36341/supplements/428)

You'll see that there are some citations given, but not for your father. It may be that this points to the award being at the end of a tour, and recognising consistent gallantry on his part throughout it, rather than for one specific event. I'll have a look at the record of DFCs awarded when I'm in work and see if there's a citation - unless someone with the book has it and can beat me to it.

[reynoldsno1]

The National Archives website also has combat reports (.pdf files) available for download for a fee - search facility available. They are very illuminating.

[Archimedes]

Indeed it does - there is a reference to a combat report by a P/O Britton from 83 Sqn dated 20 Oct 43 at Air 50/197 (downloadable for £3.50 in pdf format), which could be our chap - the dates would seem to fit.

[Icare9]

jsaund: As he has both a DFM and a DFC, they would have been at different times, the DFM before his commission and the DFC after.
Wish him well from us.

[jsaund]

You chaps are great - thanks a lot for your help.

Hadn't previously found the mention of my dad's DFC in the Gazette and have now downloaded the combat report you mentioned. This must be the incident which got him the DFC. Whilst having a rummage through the attic, found an old newspaper snippet about my dad in his old mementoes box -
"Pilot Officer Dennis Britton , DFM, RAFVR... has just been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross... since being awarded the DFM in September 1943, he has taken part in numerous attacks... one night in October 1943, when returning from an attack on Leipzig and while still over enemy territory, his aircraft was attacked by hostile fighters and severely damaged.... he regained control and flew his crippled aircraft back to this country... landing at a strange airfield without further damage being sustained."

Have yet to discover why he received the DFM; if there is no citation, presumably that indicates that it is not an "immediate" award for one act of bravery/courage?

This is a great website. Thanks again for your help!

Regards
JS

[papajuliet]

There are six references to this pilot in the book "The Typhoon and Tempest Story" by Chris Thomas and Christopher Shores. One refers to him joining 3 sqd. after serving with 19 sqd[Mustangs] . having already been credited with five and two shared victories with that unit.

[Jimbo27]

From Tavender.

Britton, Dennis Noble. 1098819, No 83 Sqn.

LG Date 10/9/43 Sorties 25, Flying Hours 150.50

Flight Sergeant Britton has carried out 25 operational flights including 9 with the Pathfinder Force. Nearly all these operations have been against German targets including Berlin 3 Essen 3 Dusseldorf, Duisburg, Cologne 2, and Stettin. He is a very reliable pilot and since volunteering for PFF work he has shown a great promise as captain of a target marking crew. He is possessed of high morale and great determination and, although of a quiet disposition, he possesses a fine offensive spirit. He is recommended for the award of the DFM

This was dated 18 July 1943.

His Station Commander said:

I concur with the recommendation of the squadron commander. Flight Sergeant Britton has performed many operational flights which have been skillfully executed.

Hope that helps,

Jim. :)

[jsaund]

Thank you so much for the Tavender entry - it is helping to piece together a part of my family's jigsaw!

All the best, JS

[jsaund]

Jimbo27 - may I please impose on you again... is there any citation for my father's DFC in Tavender - (awarded 21 January 1944)?

Kind regards JS

[johnfairr]

Jimbo,

I've not found a DFC citation for my father, either. P/O R J H Robertson RAFVR (ser # 123304) 72 Sqn, promulgated in the Supplement to the London Gazette of 26 February 1943.

I posted his recollections on the "Gaining an RAF brevet . . " in the Mil thread last year. If you could find it, I'd be very appreciative. Thanks.

[Jimbo27]

Hi, not an imposition, I enjoy doing the research. :ok:

The Tavender book only covers the DFM.

There is a very similar work by Carter that covers the DFC. The significant difference is that Tavender only covers 39-45 but includes the recommendations where they have been found in Air 2.

Carter goes all the way from 1918 to 1995, but unfortunately only has the detail that is in the London Gazette. Therefore the book only records what you already know.

What I would say to you is that I would strongly urge you to visit the National Archive in Kew, or pay a researcher on your behalf. For a start you will be able to probably find the recommendation to the DFC. As I said above in the thread the recommendation is often in greater detail than the published citation, for reasons of space and security.

The other thing you will be able to do is look up each operation he undertook, and read the details, where to , bomb load, who was in the crew, incidents, etc. As he was awarded a DFC, probably at the end of a tour, and he was in a PFF Sqn, you are looking at about 45 to 50 operations.

Because you already have his list of postings you will be able to trace his career back, so for example he will be posted in to the sqn from somewhere else, the Pathfinder Training Unit perhaps or another squadron, or an HCU. Prior to that will be all of his training, and you may be able to pick up details of that.

The one thing I have found is the detail of his commission (29 July 1943), link below to pdf from the LG website.

Viewing Page 4409 of Issue 36196 (http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36196/supplements/4409)

Good luck, please ask if you have other queries.

Jim

[Jimbo27]

Most of what I said above also applies to your father.

Just in case you don't already have it, I have also found his commission, 19 May 1942

Viewing Page 3046 of Issue 35628 (http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35628/pages/3046)

plus other mentions

Viewing Page 2366 of Issue 36030 (http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36030/supplements/2366)

Viewing Page 4085 of Issue 36170 (http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36170/supplements/4085)

Hope that helps.

Jim:)

[johnfairr]

Jimbo,

Very many thanks for this. Looks like I'm heading up to Kew, then . . . :)

[jsaund]

Jimbo27

Thank you for the information. Will contact Kew and see how it goes from there.

The advice you have provided (in fact, all of you who have helped me the last couple of days) has been invaluable.

Have ordered the book that my dad is mentioned in too!

Hopefully will find out what my dad got up to - poor soul can't remember now.

All the best,
JS

[Jimbo27]

Jsaund,

A note of caution, are you referring to the book mentioned by papajuliet?

I think this is re the original subject of this thread, Flt Lt Basil Michael VASSILLIADES, rather than your father.

Thanks,

Jim

[jsaund]

Yes Jimbo27, I have realised my mistake too late! I got a little over-enthusiastic - I think the title of Typhoon and Tempest story should have been a blatant giveaway to me, doh! My dad flew Lancaster Bombers! Oh well, that'll teach me! :uhoh:

JS

[Duncan D'Sorderlee]

JS,

Never mind. I suspect that it is a good read!

Duncs:ok:

[papajuliet]

Jsaund - It's an excellent read [!] - perhaps I should have been clearer in my post. - apologies if I was misleading.
A quick google search shows that there are books on 83 sqd.
PJ

[Diamond T]

Dear Experts. As the title says I am trying to research several RAF pilots, namely the following.

Flight Sergent. Raymond Algernon Reeves Smith. S/N 1335530. 166 Squadron. Kirmington. Shot down 15.02.1944. Would like a photo of him & his crew if possible, I know quite a lot about Raymond, but any info would be gratefully recieved.

Flt Lt Gerald Norman Edgar Yeates. DFC & Bar. Flew Mosquito's in Coastal Command. killed in 1947 in a flying accident co pilot was a South African Fighter Ace Major Kenneth Weeks Driver DFC. Accident was near Wooton Under Edge. Any info on Gerald Yeates would be very helpful. (Mother in Laws Cousin).

Charles Soden. (we know absolutley nothing about this chap, except that he had been engaged to my late Aunt).

Kevin P Nash. This airman left the RAF after the war and entered the Priesthood, becoming a Dominican Monk, who taught at Blackfriars School, Laxton, Corby, Northants. sometime after 1960 (when I left) he went to a Cambridge University, where he met a lady, he subsequently left the priesthood and later married the lady in question, they went onto produce two daughters, I am researching this chap on behalf of the old boys from school. Kevin Nash was a Spitfire Pilot. His Ordination name was Fr Hugh.Sadly Fr Hugh has passed away.

We now change sex, as I am also helping research the RAF life of Ms Marianne Catterall, who was better known as LIZ, she was a Senior WRAF Officer in the Repatriation of POW's at RAF WING. She was also a friend of Kevin Nash, and after the war was matron at two schools, both of which I attended, 1st one Penryn School, Winterfold House. Chaddesley Corbett, Nr Kidderminster. Worcs, she then moved to Blackfriars School (address above). If any one knows anything about any of these persons, I would be very grateful for any info, how ever small. Sadly Ms Marianne Catterall has passed away

If any information is available please can you email me on [email protected] when I can thank the sender personnally.

Diamond T

[Thrakesh]

Hi everyone - I came across this thread while trying to research the DFC citation for a good friend's grandfather - his info is:

John Pierrepont MEADOWS, D.F.C. (82672),
Royal Auxiliary Air Force.

Thanks to your suggestions, I have searched the London Times Gazette and retrieved all of the late Mr. Meadows' important notices, but I have been unable to find out the citation details for his DFC award. My friend wants to properly preserve his grandfather's memory, so I am hoping someone on this forum can help me with this research.

Please let me know if you require more information.

Thanks in advance,

[November4]

Try contacting HughAHalliday on the RAF Commands forum (http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/index.php) as he seems ot hold most citations or can give advice on where to look.

[Thrakesh]

Awesome - thank you for the tip - I'll contact him.

Cheers.

[bob whymark]

Dear Jimbo27

I found you via a search into the London Gazette archives. I have heard that that area can be 'tricky' ! Your info seems a good place to start.
The DFM is my main request - No #, Sgt Ronald Critchley Air Gunner on 103 Sq. MIA 24Jul41 attacking Brest. BELIEVED to have been awarded DFM while in France in 40 with AASF. Did shoot a Heinkel down from a Battle! Told sister waiting to have it pinned on at RAF Elsham Wolds, taken off to do Brest op. They were shot down on approach to tgt day B4 his 21st bday. I can't trace him in DFM awards [incomplete list] but a Sgt CRITCH pilot WAS awarded one 103 in France AASF.
DSO & DFC for my father 53481 Flt Lt John Percy WHYMARK. DFC on 101 Sq Gaz 13 10 44 [4693]. DSO 103 Sq 26 10 45 Missing 4 Oct 45
Be grateful for info on where these are please. [email protected] Cheers Bob

[bobward]

Could someone help me with a long shot?
During the last war Maurice Bennett a friend of my father, joined the RAF as a pilot. When we went to Winthorpe museum a few years ago, dad is sure tha he saw Maurice on oneof the unit photo's there. I tried the museum but they were unable to help further.

I've tried Gooogle - there was a Maurice Bennett on there, but he was on 102 Sqn flying Halifaxes. Dad's pretty sure Maurice flew Lancasters. He's also sure Maurice becae a Wing Commander and, at one stage, visited the US with his crew. Both Maurice and dad come from Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.

I've read earlier posts, and am trying the London Gazette website. Judging by the slow response, most of PPrune's members are on there right now!

Can any of you help?

Thanks in advance

:)

[ARXW]

Reg. Vassilis Vassiliades or Basil as he is officially listed. He was a relatively well recorded fighter pilot with the RAF from Athens. I recall reading an entire article on him in a Greek magazine only last year. He was from an island shipping family and his father a captain I believe. He went to school to become a merchant navy captain too. At the outbreak of war he went to England and was known to be a ladies man...

He is well mentioned in Clostermann's epic book but I don't have it with me but from memory Clostermann is saddened at the pointless death and the unlucky direct hit on "poor Vass". He is also critical. Vass was a fighter pilot of considerable stature and one of Greece's highest scoring aces (10 kills i believe). Aggressive (as his former CO called him) he most certainly was as he was very brave. Unfrotunately that is NOT always a good thing and his aggressiveness cost his life and the life of his wingman a few weeks before the end of the war when going up against the maelstrom of flak in search for targets in an ever shrinking "Free 3rd Reich"...The ambience of Clostermann's book in the last few months of Tempest ops is superlative and very poignant. The AAA losses were terrible in what were certainly elite fighter units (the two Tempest wings) flying a superlative fighter...yet the chances were dwindling the longer one pitted himseld day in and day out against the terrible German flak...

[exgroundcrew]

My Uncle RAF No 189118 George Clark Mitchell of 103 Sqn (misspelt as Clarke on memorial) is recorded as a Pilot Officer, although on other sites (e.g Lostbombers.co.uk) he is recorded as a Flight Sergeant and was killed when Lancaster NE136 was shot down on 14 July 1944.
Question is, did the RAF sometimes posthumorously promote those killed in action and if so for what reason?

[Old-Duffer]

exgroundcrew,

The answer is YES. The commissioning process would have reached a stage where the decision to commission had been made and it was just an unhappy situation that the commission hadn't been promulgated before death took place.

O-D

[sceolaun]

G'Day all,
I am hoping someone on this forum can help me with the text of the citation for the DFM awarded to my great uncle 1075155 Alexander Armstrong Munro. The award was gazetted 11/6/1943 when he was in 61 Sqn. He later transferred to 619 Sqn and was killed on his second tour when his Lancaster (LL785, PG-W) exploded over Holland on 11/4/1944. He is buried in Eindhoven and my family would dearly love any more information on him.
Thanks in advance,
John

[Doaders]

Hi,

When I was a kid I always heard stories about Uncle Joe and Gavin. Gavin Cadden was a commando and was caught and almost excecuted but was saved by the German commanding officer; to his own demise as he was excecuted by the Gestapo for having done this. It's a pretty amazing story.

Joseph Cadden was a pilot in the RAF and was shot down or captured and spent his time in a Japanese POW. I did meet him a few times before he passed on and was one of the nicest gentlemen you could ever have met, but was pretty quite and didn't talk or mention much about his experience. I would like to try and track down some more information about him. I am just starting on this so if anyone can give me any pointers it would be great.

There are another two brothers, James and John. James was in Burma. I would like to start with Joe.

[d purdy]

My father has given my my granddads D.F.M MEDAL and old paper cuttings from his hometown gazette. My granddad was Sgt T Purdy when awarded the medal and later became W.O. long shot but anyone know were i can get more info on him, i also have a certificate which states he was mentioned in dispatches.

[asprom93]

Hello all,

Months ago I´ve purchased a silver cigarette case and I learned that it´s owner was a pilot for the RAF during the WWII. I would like to know more about him and maybe write a small piece. His name was J.R. SWANSON, and his service number was 1335553. Does the RAF team of PPRuNe has any idea ? I have his name but I am not sure how can I proceed.


Thanks in advance.

asprom93

[Phil McD]

Hi John Alex was my uncle , I have a bit of information

[stickyone]

Hello all,

Firstly let me appologise if I have done this wrong, I usually do.

I am looking for Norman Arthur Playford who was a fighter pilot in WWII

The problem is I don't know what squadron, his number of anything, I know about his family and have his date of birth and place parents etc

I have googled him and got nowhere, all the Gazzette has appears to be to do with anyone having a claim on his estate, and Forces reunited is blank too.

Help please

Many thanks

[Old-Duffer]

You need his Record of Service. This will contain almost everything he has done and it then allows you to follow the leads you are given.

You don't say whether his family have any documents, photographs, logbooks etc and his war medals will tell you where he went in general terms.

Old Duffer

[stickyone]

no they do not, as de was on the bona vicanti list shortly after he died.


he was, affected, by his service and became a bit of a recluse, I don't think he deserted, but if he had would that explain why I can't find him ?