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Tracing lost aircrew

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Old 22nd Jul 2010, 20:05
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Tracing lost aircrew

Hi
I am new to the forum, and hope someone can help.
I am trying to trace James(Trev) Cope, who married my mother in1942. My mother told me he was a Flight Engineer on Lancasters in 44 Sqd. I was told he was reported MIA whilst on a raid over southern Germany. I believe his name is recorded in the Lincoln Cathedral book of rememberance. I have contacted RAF museum, who have no record, Commonwealth War Graves have no record, yet my mother visited a site in Northern Italy which records the crash and lists those who perished. With the Anniversary of Bomber Command nearing I am hoping to trace some details... can anyone assist?
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Old 22nd Jul 2010, 20:15
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Have a look on 'Lost Bombers'. If you know a date it will have the crew. Also Nanton Lanc Society (NLS) if there were any Canadians on the crew.
I found an Uncles details and within 6 emails put in touch with one of the two crew who managed to bail out.
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Old 22nd Jul 2010, 20:32
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CWGC lists a Sgt James Cope KIA 7 Nov 1942 of 83 Sqn.

According to Chorley in Bomber command losses, the Lancaster took off from Wyton at 2210 for raid on Genoa. Believed crashed into the sea between Sori on the Italian mainland and Corsica.

This the only J Cope listed by the CWGC

This Cope was flying in a Lancaster
The name appears second on the crew list in Chorley - normally the Eng

There are, as you say no other James or T Copes listed by CWGC. I must admit I would be very surprised to find he was not listed by the CWGC. If your mother visited a site in Italy which records the details of the crash then I think this is the man. One of the crew, Sgt Orme is buried in the Staglieno Cemetery, Italy. The rest are commemorated on the Runnymede memorial.
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Old 22nd Jul 2010, 20:39
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CWG lists a Sergeant James Cope of 83 squadron who died on 7 November 1942 and whose name is on the Runnymede memorial. 83 Squadron's history shows that in the last 3 months of 1942 it carried out 10 attacks on targets in Northern Italy.

Could this be your man?

Sorry Nov 4, was working on this post while you were posting yours!

Last edited by Tankertrashnav; 22nd Jul 2010 at 20:42. Reason: Duplication
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Old 23rd Jul 2010, 07:30
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Sorry, nothing to add except to say how impressed I am how quickly you guys were able to help this simple request and how much information you've uncovered. I must be tired after my nightshift, I feel quite moved!
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Old 27th Feb 2011, 14:23
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I am researching my Grandad and found this.

MACKAY. ERNEST
Sergeant. 1189563. 83 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
7th November 1942. Age 27. Runnymede Memorial - Surrey, Panel 88


I also know he was probably lost on a raid over Genoa. If anybody has any information about anything to do with this I would be grateful
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Old 27th Feb 2011, 14:52
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Here you are

Lost Bombers - World War II Lost Bombers
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Old 27th Feb 2011, 16:21
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If you are trying to trace those that knew him, the RAF News may be able to help. Their readership is quite spectral in age range, you never know!
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Old 27th Feb 2011, 18:11
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Panel 88 of the Runnymede Memorial

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Old 22nd May 2013, 22:01
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Tracing lost aircrew

Hi,

I have just come across this forum while looking for information on 83 squadron and I am fairly sure that you are looking for my uncle James Cope who was killed in 1942. Please get in touch with me, because if I am right, I have lots to share with you.

Kind Regards,

Jane
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Old 22nd May 2013, 22:27
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Tracing missing aircrew

Hi,

I am fairly sure that the James Cope you are looking for was my uncle. If I am right, then I have lots to share with you. Please get in touch.
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Old 22nd May 2013, 23:36
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Jane I have emailed him from here to make him aware of your post, hopefully you can then get contact with him.

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Old 20th Jun 2013, 20:07
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E. McKay

Only just discovered this forum as my cousin was searching for James Cope - our relation. E. McKay was in Lancaster R5673-L which apparently collided over Genoa with the Lancaster that James Cope was in.
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Old 7th Nov 2014, 18:42
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Jane May

Have just seen your message and wondered if you are still hoping to contact relatives of James Cope who was my Uncle. I realise it's an old post but would love to hear from you.
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Old 15th Oct 2016, 19:40
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Originally Posted by Tudiefair
Only just discovered this forum as my cousin was searching for James Cope - our relation. E. McKay was in Lancaster R5673-L which apparently collided over Genoa with the Lancaster that James Cope was in.
Hello also new here, I don't suppose you know the exact location or anymore info to suggest where the plane E ' Mackay was in ? Looked everywhere and most suggest the plain came down in the sea others say the city ?

Thanks
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Old 19th Oct 2016, 16:10
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Possibly a little help here

https://www.backtonormandy.org/my-pa...942-11-07.html


40
576297Waite, John Leslie Gordon Sgt.07-Nov-42 18Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. Flight Engineer, 83 Squadron. Avro Lancaster I R5673, OL-L . T/o Wyton 22:05 for Genoa. Lost without trace. Believed to have collided with Lancaster R5566 of 83 Sqn. over target.
http://www.oldhaltonians.co.uk/pages/rememb/ROH/W.htm



Chapman W G Sergeant



1942-11-06 83 Sqd
Lancaster I R5673OL-L Wyton 2205 Genova
http://www.aircrewremembered.com/BomberCommandDatabaseSearch/?q=Chapman&o=DateOfIncident&d=desc


Full crew listed here of both aircraft, I don't know if any of this helps you, but researching each member may help.

http://www.156squadron.com/display_n...roll.asp?ID=83

Last edited by NutLoose; 19th Oct 2016 at 16:29.
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Old 19th Oct 2016, 22:13
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Well done Nutty
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