Stirling N6123 Shot Down over the N. Sea 03.03.43
 

Just wanted to pay a little tribute to my great uncle, Francis Barkhouse Stewart of 75 RNZAF squadron, who was shot down in his Stirling Bomber at 22:26 hrs, March 3rd, 1943 10 miles of Heligoland Islands on a mine laying op. by Ofw. Maisch 4./NJG 3.

Lit a candle, had a pint of Guinness. Paused to reflect.

Gone, but not forgotten.

Ontariotech,
You might wish to read The Stirling Story by Michael JF Bowyer, IBSN 0 947554 91 2, this details the activities of 75 Sqn in March 1943 and describes the raids carried out and Stirling losses around that time. the entry for your great uncles aircraft reads,
"N6123 P/149 sqn 7.12.41, 149 CF 3.9.42, Q/75 Sqn 15.1.43, Failed to Return, ditched 4.3.43. ( Flying hours 159.05)"
RIP.

Best regards,
om15

om15,

Thanks for that information. I will certainly look into purchasing that book. As far as I am aware, this was the crews first combat mission. And, My great Uncle was the only RAF member of the crew with all the others being New Zealanders. I would also like to find the aircraft loss card. I have been told their are such things, and it would be interesting.

Thanks again.

Try This site
http://lostbombers.co.uk/. It gives details of all bomber command losses in WW2 you can find the Aircraft you mention by searching with the serial number.
Rgds Bi focals

This thread reminded me of my cousin.

Flight Sergeant James Haswell Wood Royal New Zealand Air Force lost over Munster 21/03/1945 in Lancaster III LM733 of 75 (New Zealand) Squadron

I believe 75 suffered the worst losses in Bomber Command associated with some of the highest work loads.

During the period, 1940-1945, 1139 members of 75 (NZ) Squadron lost their lives. They are remembered every Remembrance Sunday at the Squadron Plinth in Mepal Village. The Squadron Assocciation is still going strong, being run by the sons', daughters', nephews' and neices of former Squadron members. Reunions are held twice a year at Newmarket in June and November.

Kevin King. Chairman:Friends of 75 (NZ) Squadron Association

Stirling N6123 - 75 Sqn RNZAF
 

Ontariotech,
Couple of bits of information that may be of interest to you.

The current issue of the RAF News has a small article regarding the proposed restoration of the wooden 75 Sqn chapel made by Boulton & Paul at RAF Feltwell. Happy to get you a copy of the article if required, it has a poc if you are interested.

The church here in Sutton, Cambs (adjacent to the former RAF Mepal) has the 75 Sqn Roll of Honour on display if you are ever in this neck of the woods. There is also a small museum dedicated to RAF Mepal & Witchford on what is left of Witchford airfield a couple of miles from Sutton.

Regards,
BL.

Dear Ontariotech,

here I am, 11 years later. I have submitted the crash in the ASN Wikibase.
Theo Boiten, writer of the book 'Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1943 Part One' found out that Stirling N6123 was claimed by a different night fighter pilot, namely Oblt. Rudolf Sigmund of the 10./NJG 1, flying a Bf 110 from Leeuwarden airfield. The claim location is also different: North Sea 20 km west of Texel.

Kind regards,

Timon

Are you aware that there is a picture of your uncle and details of the crew etc in a site called 75(nz0 squadron
Cheers
Martin

Kevin
I would be interested to know more about the reunions and the Friends Association.
My late father-in-law few with 75(NZ) squadron from RAF MEPAL during WW2.
Martin