Research tips requested.
 

Forgive me if this has already been covered.

I'd like to trace the service career of a particular WW 2 bomber, from manufacture to being struck off charge. Right through in fact to where and how it became saucepans or whatever,

Hopefully I'd like to uncover as many details as I can of where and when it flew, together if possible, with who flew it.

I know it's serial number, squadron and that it was flown by the RAAF.

So far, I'm not doing well. I'm hoping this esteemed company will point me in the right direction.

Try http://www.bomber-command.info/

IF it's a Lancaster, try "Lancaster Story of a Famous Bomber"
Can't remember the Author or Publisher :{ but I got the [retired] Boss's "Personal" aeroplane
watp,iktch

BSD, can I suggest posting the serial number & squadron? You might get some feedback straight away, since it's odd just what info Ppruners have stashed about...

If you know the squadron, it should be possible to trace the aircraft's useage through the F540 and combat reports at the National Archives. I posted something on here a while ago about 'how to bury yourself in the files', but you'd be looking at the AIR 27 series.

Also, could I suggest posting on the Historic Aviation forum at the Key Publishing site? Again, there are some extremely knowledgeable people there who may be able to help instantly.

Give us a bit more, and you might get some more focussed help - it makes a huge difference if it was an RAAF bomber Sqn in Europe versus one in the Pacific, likewise if it was British, Australian or US or Canadian built machine.

I`m currently doing some research in connection with Bomber Command and have identified some excellent resources in addition to those already identified by the respondents to this thread.

One thing I have learned though is that some of the most unlikely looking Websites have some truly remarkable personal accounts of individual operations, aircraft and their crews.

As already mentioned though you'll need to provide a bit more information about the aircraft in question. If you provide that information I`ll certainly keep a look out for references.

Everyone,

Firstly, many thanks, I knew this website would deliver!

The aircraft I'm keen to learn more about was a Halifax, a Mk.III, NR 169, "Waltzing Matilda" and flew with 466sqn. RAAF from Driffield.

Subsequently, post-war it was flown to Australia, by Geoffrey Wickner. Altogether a fantastic story, and I'm keen to learn more.

The aircraft has it's picture in "Hull, Hell, and Halifax"

I've drawn a blank so far with it's service history, but a chance to learn more, especially where, when, and with whom it flew operationally is my goal at the moment.

National archives sounds hopeful. Also, does anyone remember reading an article, possibly in "The Aeroplane" about it's flight to Aus.? I've drawn a blank finding that too.

BSD.

Try Googling, there was mention of this ac at Key Publishing

This site might be able to help.See post dated 18th July 2006 from Ian Duncan asking for details regarding Halifax Serial Numbers it would seem that a file exists of Halifax Serial Numbers
http://www.network54.com/Forum/261665/

NR169 was a BIII and was built by English Electric at Samlesbury Nr Preston.

The first civilian conversion of the Halifax, was BIII, NR169 Waltzing Matilda, ex 466 (RAAF) Squadron. This aircraft was bought by G. N. Wickner, a wartime ferry pilot with the Air Transport Auxiliary, and converted by Handley Page to carry 15 passengers. Carrying the civil registration G-AGXA, the Halifax was flown to Australia in June 1946, piloted by Wickner and carrying 15 other Australians who were returning home. For a short period this machine flew in Australia as VH-BDT.

See: http://www.handleypage.com/Aircraft_hp70.html

To help with 466 and 462 SQN enquiries John Blakeley has kindly offered his services. John has an impressive collection of 466/462 research material including newsletters, operational records and other Bomber Command related material. John has also recently add a 462 crew listing including operations. http://members.iinet.net.au/~tcosgrove/research.html

Been over this before, wait one....

NEVER use 'NR 169' it's NR169.

There's at least one photo in the Australian National Archives, and yes, an Aeroplane article...

Ummm...

'Ere, it was you LAST time!

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=23681

More here:

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=39805

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=29276

A telephone call to Aeroplane will give you the required issue. If I come across it, I'll let you know.

Plenty of leads to be getting along with here. Off you go. ;)

JDK,

It's a fair cop! ya got me!

My appeal on this site was a result of not getting as much as I sought through all the obvious avenues, Google etc.

Already, a couple of tips received here have proved solid gold!

I couldn't find the article in the Aeroplane, on their website and did indeed try a 'phone call. That proved unsatisfactory, but I will try again. I do have a nagging doubt though that the article was not originally in the Aeroplane. Thus, if anyone can remember it, a push in the right direction would be invaluable.

There was also a book written by Capt, Wickner's son about the journey to Australia, which I hope to have sourced and may receive shortly.

To one and all, thank you very much for your advice and pointers, all further tips, suggestions, whatever, will be gratefully received.

Meanwhile about to start the graveyard shift in the sim. Ugh! haven't pulled this slot in years. Just time for this reply, and a caffeine fix before work begins.

BSD ( aka Ndege )

I could, of course, be wrong, but I'm sure it was Aeroplane Monthly in the eighties, IIRC.