Flt.Lt Ron Carpenter RAF Bomber Command

[davidcarp]

This is a tribute to my Father who will be 90 years old in July. He was a bomb aimer on 10 Squadron Halifaxes stationed at RAF Melbourne near York from mid 1942 - to mid 1943. He completed 30 trips before becoming a bomb aiming instructor. Then transfered to 223 Sqn B24 Liberators (Radio Counter Measures ) at RAF Oulton in Norfolk. He completed 13 trips on 223 Sqn. Early 1944 he was posted to Indo-China on Dakotas but as a bomb aimer he took over as a navigator. He was very fortunate to survive all those missions without even a scratch! If anyone is interested I have some photos of one of the aircraft he regularly flew in. I'ts a Halifax B Mk 2 Series 1 (Special) ZA-X BB324. I have a photo taken on 21/22 June 1943 over Krefeld by this aircraft. My Father was the bomb aimer. When he pressed the weapon switch the aircraft's camera automatically operated. After returning to base, his crew had a few days leave. Unfortunately the replacement crew went to Mulheim on 22/23 June but failed to return. He had a few close shaves but made it OK.Tradgically most of his friends didn't! Of course if it wasnt for the dedicated work of the groundcrew as well the aircraft wouldnt have got off the ground. My Father said the aircrew had to rely on them. As an ex Jaguar Avionics Technician I know how important the groundcrew are! If anyone wants to contact me and especially ex Bomber Command aircrew or groundcrew they are more than welcome.
David Carpenter

[Old-Duffer]

If your father was actually:1291451 Sgt Ronald Bertram Carpenter before he was commissioned, you didn't tell us that he was awarded a DFM at the end of his tour with 10 Sqn - the citation for same is impressive and there is no question that the award was 'dished out with the rations'.

Congratulations to him on his 90th - as was said of Titus Oates: A very gallant gentleman.

O-D

[davidcarp]

Yes. That was my fathers service No before he got commissioned. I would like to obtain more information on 10 Sqn Halifaxes as I'm trying to compile an album for his 90th birthday. I would very much appreciate if you could obtain any more information.

Thank you very much

David Carpenter

[Old-Duffer]

There are several books about 10 Sqn and its Halifax operations - "Gordon's Tour On Shiny Ten" seems to ring a bell. What squadron was he on in the far east? You mentioned Indo-China which immediately suggests 357 Sqn but could be one of the general transport units (31, 117, 194 and later 52).

Send me a private message with your e-mail address and I will send you an electronic copy of the narrative for the award of his DFM and the countersigning officer's comments.

You don't say whether you knew he had been awarded the decoration. You might want to check that he has also got the full set of campaign medals to which he is entitled. By my reckoning it should be something like: 1939-45 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, Burma Star, Defence Medal, War Medal. These are in addition to his DFM and there might be variations depending on precise timings of service etc.

O-D

[Navaleye]

I was very interested to read your fathers service record. In WW2 the DFM was much harder to win than the DFC. I have two wartime DFMs in my family both with Bomber Command. It's great to know that some of these aviators are still with us and I wish your father a very happy birthday and many returns. Both of my uncles have passed on, but the wife of one still lives on at a healthy 103.

If you need any information on the Citations, Archimedes on this forum was very helpful to me.

Navaleye

[tlightb]

David,

The Yorkshire Air Museum at York (Elvington) has lots of Halifax information and I seem to remember seeing photos of Melbourne ops there. however as an old Halifax man I expect your father knows all about the museum and the reconstructed Halifax there. Site is well worth a visit.

[Landroger]

Many Happy Returns Sir and thank you for a job well done.

Roger.

[VfrpilotPB/2]

David,

Talk with your Dad every day if possible, my father was 82 when he took his last flight, Dad flew with 272 Sqdn, my brother and I both miss the slow and painfull recollections he used to tell us about, and of what for those young men during that time of the 20th Century was a period that non of us since have gone through, they were normal men thrown into six years of the place beyond hell, all of them in my opinion deserve the title of... Hero

Thank you for the small sample of the history of your Fathers service, I wish him well for the rest of his life,

Peter R-B
Vfr
Lancashire

[clarkieboy]

Hi,

My grandfather was an engine fitter on 10 Squadron at Melbourne during the war. I have a few pictures he kept, more than willing to send copies electronically if you wish. A good book on the Halifax operations from Melbourne is "Melbourne Ten", out of print many years ago. I can't remember the author, my copy is with mum at the minute. No doubt someone will, or I will pass it on next week. Best regards to your Dad.
Cheers
Iain

[Icare9]

David, you have every reason to be proud of your father and I hope you will be able to provide some suitable tribute in time for July.

In the meantime, I do urge you to try and obtain some permanent record of his activities. It will be painful, but what is more painful is the fact that his memories of others, who paid the ultimate price, will die with him.

In a way, he owes a small debt to them, to ensure that their sacrifice does not go without due recognition.

See if he will do it for them, not himself or you. It may help ease his mind, too, and no doubt there will be many happy memories in there too...

Look for the silver lining!

You could start by introducing him to the classic thread here "Gaining a Pilots brevet in WW2" and see how closely (or not) it relates to his experiences, as well as a memory nudger!

[mister hilter]

Dave excellent thread. Did your father get to the gaining a Brevet in WW2?

Cheers again for the memoir. Frank

[Chalfonts]

Crapper,

You are rightly proud of your father, having worked with you I am sure he is proud of you also. A chip of the old block!

[Lynne Gibbons]

Hello David,

My name is Lynne Gibbons nee McAndrew. My father's name was Jack McAndrew and his mother's maiden name was Henrietta Williams.

My father left Canada and went to live in England with his Aunt Kate Carpenter and became good friends with Ron (her son). I was wondering if this is the same Ron Carpenter who was my Dad's cousin? If so, I would love to hear how your Dad is making out and wish him a very Happy Birthday.

I have quite a few photo's of my Dad with Ron.

[davidcarp]

Yes Lynne, we are related. I've just rung my Mum and Dad and it all fits. I've sent you some personal emails.

[Icare9]

How are you getting on with his birthday commemoration?
As already stated, your father was awarded a DFM. Hopefully you will by now have had a copy of the citation and the London Gazette entry.
If you haven't seen it yet, there is a brief notation of his award in Flight in 14th October 1943, see here:- 1943 | 2497 | Flight Archive (http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1943/1943%20-%202497.html).

[Chugalug2]

Lynne Gibbons:
I believe we are related???
davidcarp:
Yes Lynne, we are related. I've just rung my Mum and Dad and it all fits.
Don't know about anyone else but that's brought a smile to my face. WW2 was traumatic not only for those who fought in it but also for those that waited in anguish for their safe return and for generations later when they didn't. That there should be a happy outcome to this thread is a welcome and all too rare counter to that norm, and a notable example of the power of good to be found in the likes of this forum.
David, as Icare9 urges, get your Dad talking. His generation didn't do that on the whole, but seem to have discovered their own "Road to Damascus" moment as they have achieved a certain age. They know better than we do the uniqueness and significance of their experiences, both shared and personal, and realise the urgency of passing them on to receptive ears. All we have to do is show that we want to hear from them. Let him know that and you may find he is relieved that he can at last share some of those often painful memories with you. In that way his 90th birthday might be the happiest of his distinguished life, let us hope so. :ok:

[davidcarp]

Thanks. Yes, I've received a photo copy of the original citation and scanned the entry in The London Gazette. Apart from the DFM he received during the war he didn't bother to claim his other medals he was entitled to including The Aircrew Europe Star. I contacted MOD records, filled out the appropiate paperwork, signed by my Dad, and will hopefully receive them before his birthday

[Icare9]

Knowing the mysterious ways of the RAF, I suspect that the medals will hopefully turn up with "someone" to ensure they "fit" properly. It doesn't forget those members of it's family who put life and limb on the line and I do hope they take due note of 1291451 RB Carpenters' birth date!

Have you also been able to contact the Sqdn's Association?
No. 10 Squadron Association, c/o D. Dent, 145 Stanks Drive, West Yorkshire LS14 5NU who might like to help......

[Fox3WheresMyBanana]

You can also access the Squadron F540 Operational Record Books at Kew. They are very helpful and you can order a reader's ticket online and reserve documents ready for your visit online also.
Start here Visit us | The National Archives (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/visit/default.htm)
If you / he want to check up on where his less fortunate crewies now lie,
:: CWGC :: (http://www.cwgc.org/debt_of_honour.asp?menuid=14)
I did some research for a friend of my grandfather recently. Incidently, my grandad may have patched up your dad's planes - he was a RAF panel beater near York.

[davidcarp]

Thanks for the information. My Dad was stationed at RAF Melbourne which is near York

[Icare9]

Some info on RAF Melbourne here: RAF History - Bomber Command 60th Anniversary (http://www.raf.mod.uk/bombercommand/s61.html)
You may think it a good idea for some family member to take a video of the RAF Melbourne area (perhaps concentrating on the local pubs which might jog his memory more!!) ready for screening on his big day.

If you haven't yet visited or contacted Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, it may be possible to order a CD/DVD of Halifax Operations. Yorkshire Air Museum, The Norths Leading Aviation Museum and Online Shop. (http://79.170.44.127/yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk/shop/)

And have you persuaded him to break his silence and record his memories of his and other crew during his service? Please do try and ensure his memories are preserved, if only for family use for now.... It would be depriving the families of those that did not come back were they to be lost forever. Yes, it must be painful, but look at what avid attention is paid to recollections on threads here. We're honoured to help, but put something back, please........

[T-21]

"Melbourne Ten" by Brian J Rapier published Air Museum Publications(York)Ltd,No.1 Driffield Terrace,The Mount,York YO2 2DD in 1982. ISBN 0-9507326-1-3.

[mad_jock]

Just to note for anyone who's parent is still alive who used to be flying Halifax's. There is an old Halifax pilot called Don Macaul (sp second Name) who's last tour was dropping stuff into Italy to the partisians.

Don after a break of some 60 odd years got his NPPL some 6 years ago. I was lucky enough to have the privelage to take him up for his first lesson after his break. Needless to say I learned more off him than he did off me.

Don is still a regular flyer at Highland Aviation in Inverness aged 89 I am sure if you wanted to make contact with him an email to the school whould get through to him.

He is an utter gent, a pleasure to fly with. He is also a bit scary to fly with as I have never flown with someone who is so precise maintaining headings, altitudes etc. To the point you think the instrument is knackard and has got stuck.

[Wander00]

Mad Jock - there's hope for us all then!

[mad_jock]

I just hope someone sits him down and records his flying history one of these days. Who ever does it better have a good head on them for red wine.

I wonder if he is the last operational Halifax pilot who is still in the air?

[Dawnhatton]

I am new to this site, my e-mail address is [email protected] lost my father suddenly in Sept 2007 we had planned to take him to Melbourne airfield the following month where his brother P/O 'Derry' Derrick Henry George Adams (146446) flew on an operation in Dortmund. T/O was 22.32 from Melbourne airfield in a Halifax with 10 Bomber Command on the 23rd/24th May 1943 death is listed 24th, in Battle of the Ruhr.In the Dortmund operation casualty details he is listed as Air Bomber.I understand from my late dad that their operation was a success however, they were shot down over Dusseldorf on return all crew lost and buried in the Nordfreidhof. My dad was aged 5 his brother aged 22 when he was KIA.My dad had started to put a file together of the brother he hardly knew.We took him to Reichswald war Cemetary near Kleve Germany in 1996 where his brothers remains are buried.My dads mother contacted other crew members families who supplied photos of 5 other crew Peter Grimwood, Peter Plenderleith, i am unsure of the other 3 crew's names.I visited Melbourne and looked around the archives on May 18th what would have been my dad's 70th.I have many wonderful photos of their training days in Canada.If you have any information that may be of interest i would be grateful.I also have the book Melbourne Ten. Regards Dawn Hatton.

[Icare9]

Dawn: Hello and welcome.
Chorley Bomber Command Losses has the following details:

10 Squadron Halifax Mark II. Serial Number HR696. Coded: ZA-G. Operation: Dortmund. 23rd /24th May 1943. HR696 was one of three 10 Sqdn Halifaxes lost on this operation. See: W1217 and DT789. Airborne 22:32 pm 23 May ‘43 from Melbourne. Cause of loss and crash-site not established. All were buried in the Nordfriedhof at Dusseldorf. Their graves are now located in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

Name: DENTON, JACK BANFIELD
Initials: J B
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Pilot Officer (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 10 Sqdn.
Date of Death: 24/05/1943
Service No: 146336
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 5. D. 7.
Cemetery: REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY

Name: INGLIS, IAN BETHUNE
Initials: I B
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 10 Sqdn.
Age: 22
Date of Death: 24/05/1943
Service No: 1343173
Additional information: Son of John and Williamina Inglis, of Rutherglen, Lanarkshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 5. D. 2.
Cemetery: REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY

Name: HARRISON, MAURICE
Initials: M
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flight Sergeant (Flt. Engr.)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force
Unit Text: 10 Sqdn.
Date of Death: 24/05/1943
Service No: 643364
Additional information: Son of Frederick and Lilian Maud Harrison, of East Herringthorpe, Rotherham, Yorkshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 5. D. 1.
Cemetery: REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY

Name: PLENDERLEITH, NORMAN PETER
Initials: N P
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant (Nav.)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 10 Sqdn.
Age: 24
Date of Death: 24/05/1943
Service No: 1504640
Additional information: Son of James P. and Essie E. Plenderleith, of Balmoral, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 5. D. 5.
Cemetery: REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY

Name: ADAMS, DERRICK HENRY GEORGE
Initials: D H G
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Pilot Officer (Air Bomber)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 10 Sqdn.
Date of Death: 24/05/1943
Service No: 146446
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 5. D. 4.
Cemetery: REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY

Name: GRIMWOOD, PETER
Initials: P
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant (W.Op./Air Gnr.)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 10 Sqdn.
Age: 22
Date of Death: 24/05/1943
Service No: 1331835
Additional information: Son of George and Agnes Grimwood, of Wroxham, Norfolk.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 5. D. 3.
Cemetery: REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY

Name: WALLIS, ALBERT EDWIN
Initials: A E
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant (Air Gnr.)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 10 Sqdn.
Date of Death: 24/05/1943
Service No: 1578208
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 5. D. 6.
Cemetery: REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY

Name: LAWSON, GEORGE HENRY
Initials: G H
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant (Air Gnr.)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force
Unit Text: 10 Sqdn.
Date of Death: 24/05/1943
Service No: 658406
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 5. C. 18.
Cemetery: REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY

See also: Royal Air Force (Volunteer Reserve) Officers 1939-1945 -- D (http://www.unithistories.com/officers/RAFVR_officers_D01.html) for each crew member.
Whilst the rest of the crew remain together in adjacent plots, for some reason Sgt Lawson their rear gunner is in the previous row.

Tony Butlers excellent website of Luftwaffe nightfighter interceptions has the following

Night: 23-24. May 1943
R.A.F. Bomber Command: DORTMUND

24.05.43 Maj. Rolf Leuchs 11./NJG 1 Halifax  533 2B3: 5.700 m. [Bovenkarspel] 00.55 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.280
24.05.43 Ltn. Werner Rapp 7./NJG 1 Halifax  7384 I4: 5.800 m. 01.03 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.80
24.05.43 Hptm. Wolfgang Thimmig Stab III./NJG 1 Wellington  8 km. S.E. Enschede: 5.000 m. [Rutbeek] 01.08 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.69
24.05.43 Hptm. Wolfgang Thimmig Stab III./NJG 1 Wellington  6385: 4.800 m. 01.25 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.70
24.05.43 Hptm. Wolfgang Thimmig Stab III./NJG 1 Halifax  6364: 5.400 m. [Zuna/Overijssel] 01.34 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.79
24.05.43 Hptm. Wilhelm Dormann 9./NJG 1 Halifax  6227: 6.000 m. 01.35 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.24
24.05.43 Oblt. Manfred Meurer 3./NJG 1 Wellington  5252: 3.600 m. 01.55 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.152
24.05.43 Fw. Heinz Vinke 11./NJG 1 Lancaster  334 6E3: 5.100 m. 02.01 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.281
24.05.43 Ltn. Karl-Heinz Vollköpf 9./NJG 1 Halifax  7377: 6.000 m. [Wullen S.W. Ahaus] 02.04 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.25
24.05.43 Oblt. August Geiger 7./NJG 1 Lancaster  6346 B1: 5.600 m. 02.07 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.81
24.05.43 Oblt. Eckart-Wilhelm von Bonin 6./NJG 1 Wellington  5317: 4.000 m. 02.18 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr. -
24.05.43 Oblt. Manfred Meurer 3./NJG 1 Wellington  5241: 3.700 m. 02.12 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.153
24.05.43 Ltn. Heinz Strüning 2./NJG 1 Stirling  5212: 3.000 m. 02.14 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.12
24.05.43 Ofw. Karl-Heinz Scherfling 10./NJG 1 Lancaster  545 1G6: 3.600 m. 02.14 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.33
24.05.43 Maj. Helmut Lent Stab IV./NJG 1 Lancaster  531 2A: 6.200 m. [Sea: 40 km. W. Egmond] 02.16 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.134
24.05.43 Fw. Heinz Vinke 11./NJG 1 Halifax  4373 3i6: 4.900 m. [Ijsselmeer W. Makkum] 02.24 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.282
24.05.43 Oblt. August Geiger 7./NJG 1 Lancaster  6339 H2: 6.000 m. 02.30 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.82
24.05.43 Oblt. Manfred Meurer 3./NJG 1 Lancaster  6234: 5.800 m. 02.33 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.154
24.05.43 Ofw. Karl-Heinz Scherfling 10./NJG 1 Halifax  446 1i4: 5.400 m. 02.36 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.34
24.05.43 Ltn. Hans-Heinz Augenstein 7./NJG 1 Halifax  6355: 6.000 m. [Broekland] 02.39 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.83
24.05.43 Ltn. Heinz Grimm 12./NJG 1 Lancaster  432 3A: 6.700 m. [Waddenzee] 02.49 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.135

24.05.43 Oblt. Lothar Linke 12./NJG 1 Halifax  418 6E: 3.700 m. 03.41 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.115
24.05.43 Oblt. Eckart-Wilhelm von Bonin 6./NJG 1 Wellington  5348 in See: 350 m. 01.03 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr. -
24.05.43 Oblt. Eckart-Wilhelm von Bonin 6./NJG 1 Wellington  5317: 4.000 m. 02.18 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr. -
but I can't tie any specific claim in as yet.
Edit to add:
It may well be that it came down near the small German village of Labbeck.
Their aircraft had flown 30 missions before being lost, 30 bombs painted on the side of what was left of the front left nose/cockpit area. Plus a nose art further to the rear just below the cockpit window of a cartoon character sitting astride a bomb.

[November4]

Dawn

It may be worthwile copying your post to the Bomber Command website (http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=1). They have some very knowledgable people over there who are more than willing to help with information.

For example, a bloke I work with mentioned that his uncle was killed flying on Lancasters. I found the basic information from Chorley and posted a request for info on that site. Within hours, I had details of the crash location, original burial locations along with some other details.

[NikStik]

Dawn Hatton wrote: "P/O 'Derry' Derrick Henry George Adams (146446) flew on an operation in Dortmund." I'm so glad to find your post. I'm writing about Derrick's pilot, Jack Denton and have all the letters Jack sent to his fiance, my aunt. I will contact you offline because I'd love to meet you and Jack mentions Derrick a lot - he was a real live wire apparently. Icare9, you have a photo of HR696? I'd love to see it. Where did you find the details about the plane and nose art? I've not yet looked at the ORB but I believe Jack flew ZA-S and maybe ZA-X before ZA-G. ZA-S was beaten up after the Keil raid of 4th April - do you know anything about that raid? I've read Chorley and RAF sites and so on but can find no specific mention of ZA-S.

[Boy_From_Brazil]

Where can I find a listing of RAF DFM awards from WW2? I have tried searching on the web but have failed miserably.

My Father was a Radio Operator on Lancs with 57 Squadron. I remember seeing a special medal when I was a child, but sadly it wasn't in his personal effects when he died a few years ago. I feel fairly certain it was a DFM.

I feel really bad, I think I might have swapped it as a 8 year old for a Dinky Avro York!

Many thanks

[Old-Duffer]

DFMs are in two books by Ian Tavenner and published by Savannah and Michael Maton has listed all awards in Honour The Air Forces. Both books are expensive!

Give me Dad's name and I'll solve it for you tout suite!!

Old Duffer

[Pontius Navigator]

Awards of medals was announced in the Supplement to the London Gazette viz:

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36140/supplements/3734/page.pdf

et al

[Boy_From_Brazil]

Old Duffer

I have sent you a PM. Many thanks for your offer to help!

Regrds

BFB

[chaddy]

This thread has just been drawn to my attention and I hope I'm not too late to join.

Whilst researching my wife's family tree I've been spending some time researching her cousin's time with 10 Sqn during 1943. He was Jack Hulley. He began his tour as a Sgt and was commisioned in August 1943. He was awarded the DFC in November 1943. He finished his service as a Flt. Lt.

His usual aircraft was ZA-K in which he was the bomb aimer. The pilot came from New Zealand, Gordon Hewlett DFC. I've had this information from his flight engineer, Tom Thackray DFM. Tom is 90 this year. Recently he and his wife celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.

If anybody has any other information on Jack whilst on 10 Sqn, or can shed any light on his subsequent RAF service, we would be most grateful to receive it.

Jim Chadwick

[skua]

Icare9,

Please could you post a link? Google is not my friend in this instance.

Thanks,

Skua

[Icare9]

Apologies - it's Tony WOODS website http://don-caldwell.we.bs/claims/tonywood.htm

[skua]

V useful. Thanks.

[arnhem]

Our father is 90 in December. Have enjoyed reading all your entries, in particular those relating to 10 squadron based in Melbourne Yorkshire. Kenneth Beard was a rear gunner there between 1943 and 1944 and has long regaled us with anecdotes and moving stories. All his crew of G George (LTH6?) are now gone, but someone out there may remember him. Also trying to locate a copy of Rapiers "Melbourne Ten" as a present to him, but having no luck- even Amazon have deleted it!

[Pom Pax]

For those of you have never visited Reichswald
REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.104865526223174.3093.100000991824006&l=933f69ad2d&type=1)

A few snaps from when I paid homage to my cousin Jim.

[Jetset 88]

I have replied privately to David, but readers of these posts may be interested to know that the 10 Sqn Association is very much alive. See our own website - 10sqnass.co.uk ( put www at the front)
The backbone of the Assoc is some of the old Halifax crews who built a Memorial at the gate of the old RAF Melbourne, (now a pig farm) in 1985. There is a Remembrance Day service there ever year at 1200 hrs (not the usual 1100hrs) and we then go to the refurbished ATC tower and afterwards adjourn to the Plough at Allerthorpe for a Sqn lunch. Next Assoc Reunion will be at Brize next May. See website for further info/photos/stories/history/memorabilia etc. We also have our own Historian who has much useful info re the Halifax era. Two Newsletters are published every year.

[arnhem]

Hope to bring dad to remembrance day. His Halifax plane number was LV825- G George

[Rod V]

Are there any body out there who were on 223 squadron at RAF Oulton.
Can you please contact me.
The RAF people are in their 80's now.
I am happy to have contact with relatives.

Or go to the web page www.cnam.co.uk (http://www.cnam.co.uk) then use the link to RAF 100 group.
Better still come to our reunion at The City of Norwich Aviation Museum this MAY.

Thanks

[davidcarp]

My Dad, Flt Lt Ron Carpenter DFM (23/7/20 - 6/12/2011) completed 13 ops on 223 Sqn from RAF Oulton between Sept 1944 to Dec 1944 on Liberators. His first op was on the 1000 bomber raid on Bremen in a Wellington and then completed a tour of ops on 10 Sqn Halifaxes. He was a bomb aimer. I have visited the Norwich Air Museum as I live only 2 miles away and also the 100 group museum at Blickling Hall near Oulton. Over the last 3 years I have compiled an album of Dad's RAF service with many. photos, service records etc. Unfortunately no photos of his time on 223. Dad said it was a secret Sqn at the time as it was a radio counter measure Sqn and restricted. I'm contacting National Archives today and try and get some gen on his ops on 223

David Carpenter

[ancientaviator62]

davdcarp,
when was your dad on 10 Sqn ? When I was in the RAF I knew a Flight Engineer who had been on 10 at Melbourne. I also have a copy of a Navigator's log book who was on 10 from Feb 1945 until the end of the European war at Melbourne. He then went to India with 10 when it became a transport squadron.

[Steve Bond]

David,

A colleague and I had our book about 223 Squadron published a few months ago under the title "Special Ops Liberators". This will tell you just about all you need to know about the squadron.

Regards

Steve Bond

[davidcarp]

Thanks. Just ordered the book

[davidcarp]

My Dad was on 10 Sqn July 1942 - Aug 1943. He was posted to India in early 1945 on Freight & Dispatch for a year and then to RAF Saigon on Transport Command

[ancientaviator62]

davidcarp,
thanks for the reply. The dates do not tie up so he would not have known the chaps I mentioned.

[Rod V]

With reference to 223 squadron.
A book has been published about 223 squadron and their time at RAF Oulton. Called Special Ops Liberators.
Richard Forder/Steve Bond.Authors.
Available from e bay or the book depository.
Or go via the publishers which are Grubb Street.

Best wishes. Rod.

[davidcarp]

I bought 'Special Ops Liberators' a couple of weeks ago. Very informative with a photo of my Dad with a crew. Really pleased.

[Kevin B]

Hi there
I am researching my wifes Uncle who was a bomb aimer with 10 Squadron
Halifaxes at Melbourne, his name was Bertram Thomas Bulmer Brown, I have details at home of his crew and friends from the RAF, RCAF & RAAF & would like to find out more, he is no longer with us but I have been talking to his wife Patricia ( my wifes aunt ) and found out that crew used to come and stay in Brighton at their family home

[Philipjamescook]

Hi Hopefully you still look at this forum as this post was a while ago. My great uncle was a flying spanner for the 10th squadron and he never returned from a mission 16 July 1943. i understand that your images you offerred to the poster of this forum are private and you may not wish to share them but i am trying to trace the history of my great uncle Eric T cook or Cooke. Any images of the period and time at Melbourne would make my day and help my family trace the life of this man who died at the age of 21 in service of his country. if you have any information on him or just have any images of life at Melbourne that you could share my email address is [email protected]. Anything at all would be greatfully received

regards

Phil Cook

[Laraine]

My Father, RAF W/O R A Palmer ( Ron) Special Operator was one of the crew on Liberator TS520 J at RAF Oulton, 223 Sqn. His skipper was FG Off JW Thompson RCAF. My Dad was one of the lucky five able to bale out of the aircraft the night it was shot down SE of Dortmund, 20/21 Feb: 1944. My Dad died in April 1963 at the age of 40 yrs old, and at the time he was stationed at RAF Lynham on Transport Command.

My family stayed in the area..I moved from outside of Bath to Canada in 2008

Laraine ( was Palmer)

[Laraine]

Steve, I have just received your book in the mail, I am excited to read it.. There is a photo of my Dad and the crew of TS520 J..

Many thanks..

Laraine ( was Palmer)

[davidcarp]

My Dad, Flt Lt Ron Carpenter DFM, front row wearing the cap. He was posted to India shortly after this photo was taken. He returned from Burma in 1947. He died in December 2011 aged 91http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/9631292524_8b6bd3d379.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28538027@N05/9631292524/)
Dad - Front row wearing peaked cap (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28538027@N05/9631292524/) by David870 (http://www.flickr.com/people/28538027@N05/), on Flickr

[davidcarp]

Entry from 223 Sqn Operations Record Book 28/29 November 1944. My Dad was BA/AGhttp://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/9631910352_04b23766b7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28538027@N05/9631910352/)
223 Sqn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28538027@N05/9631910352/) by David870 (http://www.flickr.com/people/28538027@N05/), on Flickr

[Laraine]

Thank you David, I did not associate your Dad's name with my Father and Liberator TS520 J.. I am so glad I found this forum.

My dad never talked about the War either. I was sixteen when he died and I regret I did not ask more questions about his past.

I have to emend the dates their Liberator was shot down, it was 1945, not 1944..

If you would like to contact me privately, we may be able to share a few stories about the crew of J Jonnie..

Laraine

[davidcarp]

https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1525004_489797471135841_673633112_n.jpg

[Dawnhatton]

Hi, I know I am about 4 year's out of date and you posted in 2010 but time is just not on my side at the moment. With reference to Derrick Henry George Adams have you any other info on their fateful night raid. I am Derry's neice and just received the Bomber Command Clasp, of which I am very proud.
Any info will be gratefully received Thank you, dawn.

[Dawnhatton]

Hi,
Have just come across your post, I am the niece of the above bomb aimer, my dad's brother. Trying to gather an info file together. Do you have any photo's of the crew or aircraft you could send to me please, e-mail [email protected]. Thank you

[BoaterBill]

Hi David. I have just seen that your father Ron was a crew member on Halfax JD200 - S-Sugar until August 1943. My father Sgt Frank Willetts was rear gunner on JD200 at odd times from 18 July 1943 until shot down on the 17/18 August Peenemunde Raid in JD200. Our fathers were clearly contempories.


I saw that had you posted on the Halifax forum website that your now sadly departed father had lots of photos from his 10 Sqn days. I am desperate to have a photo or copy of one of JD200 plus maybe shots of crews etc of that time to help complete a history for his descendants. And, of course, more than willing to meet any expense.


May I ask you to please contact me? My email is [email protected] and telephone/message is 07867526322. I will of course return any call or message immediately.


Thank you

Derek Willetts

[davidcarp]

Hi David. I have just seen that your father Ron was a crew member on Halfax JD200 - S-Sugar until August 1943. My father Sgt Frank Willetts was rear gunner on JD200 at odd times from 18 July 1943 until shot down on the 17/18 August Peenemunde Raid in JD200. Our fathers were clearly contempories.


I saw that had you posted on the Halifax forum website that your now sadly departed father had lots of photos from his 10 Sqn days. I am desperate to have a photo or copy of one of JD200 plus maybe shots of crews etc of that time to help complete a history for his descendants. And, of course, more than willing to meet any expense.


May I ask you to please contact me? My email is [email protected] and telephone/message is 07867526322. I will of course return any call or message immediately.


Thank you

Derek Willetts

I have just sent you an email

David