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The Wartime Memories Project is the original WW1 and WW2 commemoration website.
Announcements
- 1st of September 2024 marks 25 years since the launch of the Wartime Memories Project. Thanks to everyone who has supported us over this time.
- The Wartime Memories Project has been running for 25 years. If you would like to support us, a donation, no matter how small, would be much appreciated, annually we need to raise enough funds to pay for our web hosting and admin or this site will vanish from the web.
- 19th Nov 2024 - Please note we currently have a huge backlog of submitted material, our volunteers are working through this as quickly as possible and all names, stories and photos will be added to the site. If you have already submitted a story to the site and your UID reference number is higher than
264989 your information is still in the queue, please do not resubmit, we are working through them as quickly as possible.
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Want to find out more about your relative's service? Want to know what life was like during the War? Our
Library contains an ever growing number diary entries, personal letters and other documents, most transcribed into plain text. |
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Wanted: Digital copies of Group photographs, Scrapbooks, Autograph books, photo albums, newspaper clippings, letters, postcards and ephemera relating to WW2. We would like to obtain digital copies of any documents or photographs relating to WW2 you may have at home. If you have any unwanted
photographs, documents or items from the First or Second World War, please do not destroy them.
The Wartime Memories Project will give them a good home and ensure that they are used for educational purposes. Please get in touch for the postal address, do not sent them to our PO Box as packages are not accepted.
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Did you know? We also have a section on The Great War. and a
Timecapsule to preserve stories from other conflicts for future generations.
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Want to know more about RAF Linton on Ouse? There are:64 items tagged RAF Linton on Ouse available in our Library
These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Second World War. |
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Sergeant C A C Pithers 35 Squadron My grandfather was a pilot in 35 Squadron: Robert Thomas Morris, born September 1912. He died as a 'tail-end-Charlie' on 1 August 1942. He was a RAF Volunteer Reserve from Eccleshall, and his grave in marked in Flushing, Netherlands. He was a member of the crew flying in Halifax II, W1100, TL-G of 35 Squadron at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.
They were on a raid to Dusseldorf and were hit by flak over the target but managed to get as far as Holland before crashing near Serooskerke (Zeeland), on Schouwen. Two of the crew, my grandfather and Sgt B S Braybrook RAAF, were killed and the rest were taken prisoner.
Does anyone have any information, and even a picture of him?
The full crew was
Sgt Bertram Stanley Braybrook RAAF 403470. KIA, age 22 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
Sgt R.T. Morris, RAF VR 1230755. KIA, age 29 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
P/O R. Casey was interned in Camps 8B/344/L3. POW No.25114 with
P/O C.C. Spencer, POW No.25120.
Sgt H. Clarke in Camps 8B/344, POW No.25118 with
Sgt W.A. Elliott, POW No.25116 and
Sgt C.A.C. Pithers, POW No.25117.
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Sergeant W A Elliott 35 Squadron My grandfather was a pilot in 35 Squadron: Robert Thomas Morris, born September 1912. He died as a 'tail-end-Charlie' on 1 August 1942. He was a RAF Volunteer Reserve from Eccleshall, and his grave in marked in Flushing, Netherlands. He was a member of the crew flying in Halifax II, W1100, TL-G of 35 Squadron at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.
They were on a raid to Dusseldorf and were hit by flak over the target but managed to get as far as Holland before crashing near Serooskerke (Zeeland), on Schouwen. Two of the crew, my grandfather and Sgt B S Braybrook RAAF, were killed and the rest were taken prisoner.
Does anyone have any information, and even a picture of him?
The full crew was
Sgt Bertram Stanley Braybrook RAAF 403470. KIA, age 22 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
Sgt R.T. Morris, RAF VR 1230755. KIA, age 29 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
P/O R. Casey was interned in Camps 8B/344/L3. POW No.25114 with
P/O C.C. Spencer, POW No.25120.
Sgt H. Clarke in Camps 8B/344, POW No.25118 with
Sgt W.A. Elliott, POW No.25116 and
Sgt C.A.C. Pithers, POW No.25117.
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Sergeant H Clarke 35 Squadron My grandfather was a pilot in 35 Squadron: Robert Thomas Morris, born September 1912. He died as a 'tail-end-Charlie' on 1 August 1942. He was a RAF Volunteer Reserve from Eccleshall, and his grave in marked in Flushing, Netherlands. He was a member of the crew flying in Halifax II, W1100, TL-G of 35 Squadron at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.
They were on a raid to Dusseldorf and were hit by flak over the target but managed to get as far as Holland before crashing near Serooskerke (Zeeland), on Schouwen. Two of the crew, my grandfather and Sgt B S Braybrook RAAF, were killed and the rest were taken prisoner.
Does anyone have any information, and even a picture of him?
The full crew was
Sgt Bertram Stanley Braybrook RAAF 403470. KIA, age 22 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
Sgt R.T. Morris, RAF VR 1230755. KIA, age 29 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
P/O R. Casey was interned in Camps 8B/344/L3. POW No.25114 with
P/O C.C. Spencer, POW No.25120.
Sgt H. Clarke in Camps 8B/344, POW No.25118 with
Sgt W.A. Elliott, POW No.25116 and
Sgt C.A.C. Pithers, POW No.25117.
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Pilot Officer R Casey 35 Squadron My grandfather was a pilot in 35 Squadron: Robert Thomas Morris, born September 1912. He died as a 'tail-end-Charlie' on 1 August 1942. He was a RAF Volunteer Reserve from Eccleshall, and his grave in marked in Flushing, Netherlands. He was a member of the crew flying in Halifax II, W1100, TL-G of 35 Squadron at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.
They were on a raid to Dusseldorf and were hit by flak over the target but managed to get as far as Holland before crashing near Serooskerke (Zeeland), on Schouwen. Two of the crew, my grandfather and Sgt B S Braybrook RAAF, were killed and the rest were taken prisoner.
Does anyone have any information, and even a picture of him?
The full crew was
Sgt Bertram Stanley Braybrook RAAF 403470. KIA, age 22 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
Sgt R.T. Morris, RAF VR 1230755. KIA, age 29 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
P/O R. Casey was interned in Camps 8B/344/L3. POW No.25114 with
P/O C.C. Spencer, POW No.25120.
Sgt H. Clarke in Camps 8B/344, POW No.25118 with
Sgt W.A. Elliott, POW No.25116 and
Sgt C.A.C. Pithers, POW No.25117.
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Pilot Officer C C Spencer 35 Squadron My grandfather was a pilot in 35 Squadron: Robert Thomas Morris, born September 1912. He died as a 'tail-end-Charlie' on 1 August 1942. He was a RAF Volunteer Reserve from Eccleshall, and his grave in marked in Flushing, Netherlands. He was a member of the crew flying in Halifax II, W1100, TL-G of 35 Squadron at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.
They were on a raid to Dusseldorf and were hit by flak over the target but managed to get as far as Holland before crashing near Serooskerke (Zeeland), on Schouwen. Two of the crew, my grandfather and Sgt B S Braybrook RAAF, were killed and the rest were taken prisoner.
Does anyone have any information, and even a picture of him?
The full crew was
Sgt Bertram Stanley Braybrook RAAF 403470. KIA, age 22 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
Sgt R.T. Morris, RAF VR 1230755. KIA, age 29 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
P/O R. Casey was interned in Camps 8B/344/L3. POW No.25114 with
P/O C.C. Spencer, POW No.25120.
Sgt H. Clarke in Camps 8B/344, POW No.25118 with
Sgt W.A. Elliott, POW No.25116 and
Sgt C.A.C. Pithers, POW No.25117.
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Sergeant W A Elliot 35 Squadron My grandfather was a pilot in 35 Squadron: Robert Thomas Morris, born September 1912. He died as a 'tail-end-Charlie' on 1 August 1942. He was a RAF Volunteer Reserve from Eccleshall, and his grave in marked in Flushing, Netherlands. He was a member of the crew flying in Halifax II, W1100, TL-G of 35 Squadron at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.
They were on a raid to Dusseldorf and were hit by flak over the target but managed to get as far as Holland before crashing near Serooskerke (Zeeland), on Schouwen. Two of the crew, my grandfather and Sgt B S Braybrook RAAF, were killed and the rest were taken prisoner.
Does anyone have any information, and even a picture of him?
The full crew was
P/O C.C. Spencer POW
Sgt C.A.C. Pithers POW
P/O R. Casey POW
Sgt W.A. Elliott POW
Sgt H. Clarke POW
Sgt Bertram Stanley Braybrook RAAF 403470. KIA, age 22 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
Sgt R.T. Morris, RAF VR 1230755. KIA, age 29 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
P/O R. Casey was interned in Camps 8B/344/L3. POW No.25114 with
P/O C.C. Spencer, POW No.25120.
Sgt H. Clarke in Camps 8B/344, POW No.25118 with
Sgt W.A. Elliott, POW No.25116 and
Sgt C.A.C. Pithers, POW No.25117.
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Sergeant Bertram Stanley Braybrook 35 Squadron (d.1st August 1942) My grandfather was a pilot in 35 Squadron: Robert Thomas Morris, born September 1912. He died as a 'tail-end-Charlie' on 1 August 1942. He was a RAF Volunteer Reserve from Eccleshall, and his grave in marked in Flushing, Netherlands. He was a member of the crew flying in Halifax II, W1100, TL-G of 35 Squadron at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.
They were on a raid to Dusseldorf and were hit by flak over the target but managed to get as far as Holland before crashing near Serooskerke (Zeeland), on Schouwen. Two of the crew, my grandfather and Sgt B S Braybrook RAAF, were killed and the rest were taken prisoner.
Does anyone have any information, and even a picture of him?
The full crew was
P/O C.C. Spencer POW
Sgt C.A.C. Pithers POW
P/O R. Casey POW
Sgt W.A. Elliott POW
Sgt H. Clarke POW
Sgt Bertram Stanley Braybrook RAAF 403470. KIA, age 22 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
Sgt R.T. Morris, RAF VR 1230755. KIA, age 29 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
P/O R. Casey was interned in Camps 8B/344/L3. POW No.25114 with
P/O C.C. Spencer, POW No.25120.
Sgt H. Clarke in Camps 8B/344, POW No.25118 with
Sgt W.A. Elliott, POW No.25116 and
Sgt C.A.C. Pithers, POW No.25117.
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Sergeant Robert Thomas Morris 35 Squadron (d.1st August 1942) My grandfather was a pilot in 35 Squadron: Robert Thomas Morris, born September 1912. He died as a 'tail-end-Charlie' on 1 August 1942. He was a RAF Volunteer Reserve from Eccleshall, and his grave in marked in Flushing, Netherlands. He was a member of the crew flying in Halifax II, W1100, TL-G of 35 Squadron at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.
They were on a raid to Dusseldorf and were hit by flak over the target but managed to get as far as Holland before crashing near Serooskerke (Zeeland), on Schouwen. Two of the crew, my grandfather and Sgt B S Braybrook RAAF, were killed and the rest were taken prisoner.
Does anyone have any information, and even a picture of him?
The full crew was
P/O C.C.Spencer POW
Sgt C.A.C.Pithers POW
P/O R.Casey POW
Sgt W.A.Elliott POW
Sgt H.Clarke POW
Sgt Bertram Stanley Braybrook RAAF 403470. KIA, age 22 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
Sgt R.T.Morris, RAF VR 1230755. KIA, age 29 (Vlissingen Northern Cemetery)
P/O R.Casey was interned in Camps 8B/344/L3. POW No.25114 with
P/O C.C.Spencer, POW No.25120.
Sgt H.Clarke in Camps 8B/344, POW No.25118 with
Sgt W.A.Elliott, POW No.25116 and
Sgt C.A.C.Pithers, POW No.25117.
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Trevor Dopson 35 Squadron Both my mother Hilda Dopson, née Laws, and father Trevor Dopson served at RAF Linton on Ouse and were married in uniform in 1941 (I have the photo). We have just found a electro-silver plated drinking tankard that was given to my father who worked in the officers mess. The person the tankard belonged to told him that if he didn't come back he had to have it.
The initials on the tankard are G A, we were wondering does anyone know who G A was?
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Hilda Laws Both my mother Hilda Dopson, née Laws, and father Trevor Dopson served at RAF Linton on Ouse and were married in uniform in 1941 (I have the photo). We have just found a electro-silver plated drinking tankard that was given to my father who worked in the officers mess. The person the tankard belonged to told him that if he didn't come back he had to have it.
The initials on the tankard are G A, we were wondering does anyone know who G A was?
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F/O Le Edward Robinson 426 Squadron (d.30th Mar 1944) I am named after my Uncle Roy who was a gunner on a Lancaster Bomber stationed at Linton-On-Ouse during WW2. He, along with his crew, were killed during the Nuremberg Raid on March 30th, 1944. I am trying to find out more of his story and perhaps locate a crew photo. The pilot was W. Cracknell.
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P/O Douglas Edwin William Brown 58 Sqd. (d.7th November 1941) My brother, Pilot Officer Douglas Brown, served with 58 Sqdn at Linton on Ouse during 1941. His last mission was to Berlin night of 7.11.41 being shot down by ack ack over Kiel Canal returning from the Operation. I am hoping to visit the Memorial Room at Linton.
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Sgt. Eric White Bomber Command 426 Squadron (d.13th May 1944) Eric White 653213 was my father's great uncle and Dad asked me to try and find out as much as I could about him as he was never told. I was able to find out that he was the Flight Engineer of Sqdn 426 Bomber Command. He flew in a Halifax mark 111 serial NA510.
Others on board were- Sqdn leader I M McRobie
- Flying officer G W Bedford
- WO 2nd class M A Brazey
- WO 2nd class C A McLeod
- Flight sgt A H Hammond
- Flight sgt Bremrose
They took of from RCAF air base Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire heading towards their target Cambrai, France. The Aircraft caught on fire and crashed near Villers-Les-Cagnicourt in Pas-De Calais on 13th June 1944. I believe once they knew they were in trouble they decided to evacuate the plane but Eric White and I M McRobie stayed on board to keep the plane level. It eventually crashed killing both on impact the locals found the body of Eric but McRobie was never found. A H Hammond, C A McLeod and Bremrose all managed to evade with the help of the locals but Bedford and Brazey were taken prisoner.
The locals buried Eric White in Cagnicourt and every year hold a ceremony over his grave.
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Joe Swinwood Joe Swinwood served as ground crew, from late 1944 at Linton-on-Ouse, does anyone remember him? Thanks for the memories!
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Dvr. Joyce Hodgson Does anybody remember two York sisters who were in the WAAF based at Linton on Ouse in the 1940's? Their names were Joyce and Nancy Hodgson. They were both drivers.
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Dvr. Nancy Hodgson Nancy Hodgson & her sister Joyce were both drivers in the WAAF based at Linton-on-Ouse in the 1940s. Does anyone remember them?
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F/O. Thomas Marnoch Campbell 426 Sqd. (d.5th Mar 1945) My relative, F/O Thomas M Campbell was the bomb aimer of the ill fated Halifax bomber from 426 Squadron, Thunderbirds LW210 OW-Y flown by Ft Lt Emerson, which crashed shortly after take off from RAF Linton on 5th March 1945. Thomas died in the crash, but I have no photo of him, the aircraft or the crash site. Does anyone have a photograph? Any pictures would be of great help to me. Thank you.
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Flt.Sgt. Edward Williams 426 (Thunderbird) Squadron My Dad, Flight Sergeant Edward Williams served as a tail gunner with 426 (Thunderbird) Squadron during WW2. He was at Linton on Ouse from 1943 to wars end. As a tail gunner he didn't have a high life expectancy. My mother said she stopped reading newspapers when she read that the life expectancy of a tail gunner in combat was 9 minutes.
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Edna Baker My Aunt was a WAAF and was stationed at Linton and Holme during the war, I have several photos of bombers and crews, with no names, also her autograph book from that period, and also a control tower log book from one of the airfields. One name in her book I know is Cheshire, and two marvellous pen drawings by a G.D Clay. of the Shambles in York and Lydd Romany marsh dated Linton 1942. My Aunt died in 1951 but I do have pictures of her Her name was Edna Baker and she came from near Skegness Lincs.
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Martha Jenson 408 Squadron Martha Jensen was stationed in Linton-on-Ouse as a wireless operator, around 1942, She was from Western Canada I believe, does anyone have any info on her?
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Thomas Reynolds 408 Squadron My grandfather, was working in the Belgian underground as a member of the escape line Comete. He moved Clayton Maclachlan and Tommy Reynolds who belonged to the 408 squadron, in Brussels, from one safe place to another. I learned that they had to jump out of their Lancaster in fire and that they fell in Deurne-Tessenderloo on 20th December 1943. They were both hidden in the neighborhood of my grandfather where I am still living. I should be very glad if I could come in touch with one of them or with a member of their family. The crew were: - Les Morrison. pilot RAAF
- Allan Wright. nav.
- Clayton MacLachlan. bomb aimer
- Alexander Dumbbell. W/op
- Thomas Reynolds flt eng.
- William Heaton. mid upper gunner
- Edward Salmon. Rear gunner
Their Lancaster II, DS-704 code EQ-W was shot down December 20, 1943 on Ops to Frankfurt.Heaton and Wright were killed, Salmon was taken POW after spending time with the resistance. The rest of the crew evaded capture. Clayton MacLachlan & Tommy Reynolds evaded arrest with the help of the resistance until Brussels’ liberation. Ted Salmon joined the resistance at Diest, East of Brussels. He was taken to Brussels four days later and stayed at various houses. At the last house the people were engaged in sabotage. One was captured and the house was surrounded in the middle of February. He was taken to St. Giles prison till May 12th. then was moved to an interrogation camp, Dulag Luft. Later Ted was sent to Stalag Luft 6, Heydekrug. Moved to Thorn, in Poland and eventually to 357 at Folling Bostel. He was released while on the march, in May 1945.
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LAC James Leslie Warnock. 76 Sqd electrician
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F/O. Donal Thomas Ryan 408 Squadron (d.29th July 1944) My uncle, Donal Thomas Ryan, was a Flight Officer in 408 Goose Squadron and was based at RAF Linton-On-Ouse. He flew Lancaster EQ-H. He was shot down on July 29, 1944. Donal is buried at Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany.
He was son of Leo George and Alice Ellen Ryan, and brother of Leo E. and Frances Geraldine Ryan(my mother)of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Donal's citations are; 1939-45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and clasp, War Medal 1939-1945, Operational Wings awarded posthumously 8 January 1947.
He was born December 11, 1920, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Donal was 23 years old.
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Robert Henry Pringle My Late Father in Law, Harry Pringle served at Middleton St.George and Linton on Ouse during the second world war.
I have a photo of a Lancaster Bomber and crew plus bombs to be loaded. The plane is named "Randyandy". Does anyone have any information about this plane and her crew?
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Flt.Sgt. Alcide Joseph Chiasson 408 Squadron Alcide Chaisson was my brother. He served with No.408 Goose Squadron based
at Linton-on-Ouse in 1944. He wrote this a short memento in
1988 for the reunion:
"I was the tail gunner on a Halifax Bomber in 408 Goose Squadron, 6th Canadian Bomber Group, Bomber Command. Out home base was Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire, England.
On 24th of December 1944 we were assigned to a bombing mission on a German Air Base at Dusseldorf. Approximatley 250 aircraft were deployed on this raid, only two planes failed to return, ours was one of them. This, incidentally was our first daylight raid, we always flew at night. While over the target we were coned by Germany Ack Ack Fire resulting in several direct hits, setting the plane on fire. Out of a crew of seven, the pilot Bill Dunwoodie and myself were the only two who survived by parachuting out of that airborne inferno."
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Sgt. Joseph Benedict Brophy Joseph Benedict Brophy was a RCAF Sergeant Air Observer 'Special'. He was at Linton-on-Ouse with SQH Linton from 3rd March to 16th June 1943. Previous to that he was at Castletown and had crashed on the 2nd/3rd of March 1943 as the aircraft overshot the runway.
He was shot down at least twice, the earlier time crashing into the sea. I am writing a biography about my dad and I'd like to find out more about these crashes, the other survivors and the circumstances surrounding the recoveries.
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Sgt. (Rear Gunner) Clarence "Cal" Wayte 78 Squdron Cal was rear gunner on Halifax II bomber (W7937) on a bombing raid from Linton-on-Ouse to Essen on 3/4April 1943. Due to the failure of the port inner engine. As the crew left the Halifax, two more engines cut. P/O Forster was unable to leave the aircraft; he has no known grave. Cal spent the rest of the war in POW Camps mainly in Poland.
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Wilfred Nunn Wilfred Nunn was stationed at Linton on Ouse in 1942.
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Hal Turner Hal Turner served as a Direction Finder operator at Linton on Ouse. He married Eugenie Francoeur who was also stationed at Linton.
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AC/2 Alan Leo O'Grady 426 (Thunderbird) Sqdn. When my dad was on his way to England, he was talking to a guy aboard the ship and told him his name was Al O'Grady. This man said "That's funny - I was just talking to another O'Grady, named Wilfrid, on the other side of the ship." It turns out that was my dad's brother, who was in the army. They didn't know they were on the same ship.
The only thing he mentioned about being in York was that they would go to Bettys Bar and that he'd signed his name on the mirror there (along with 600 others). When I went there in the 1980s I couldn't find his name. I found a list of names online but it's not complete, and apparently part of the mirror was destroyed in a bombing attack.
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F/O. Arthur Thomas "Joe" Jones MM & Bar MID. My Father Arthur Jones,was posted to RAF Linton on Ouse as a Flying Officer in 1939, newly promoted from the ranks. He was the station armament officer at Linton until being posted in April 1943 by which time he had been awarded the MBE and two MID's.
No citations can be found as to how he won any of the awards, and next to nothing is known of his time there, although his name appears briefly in 58's Squadron Operations Book although he was part of the base personal, not a member of 58.
We do have his full service records, from both wars. If you have other details about him, or his work I would dearly love to see them.
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Ronald Ayliffe Schrapel 408 (Goose) Squadron Ronald Schrapel did 40 bombing missions over Germany from Linton on Ouse when many comrades never returned. The crew became disorientated and this Australian Crew flew back with the Canadians. Dad vomited constantly in the air, remembered spiralling to escape enemy fire and never recovered mentally from accidentally bombing an orphanage.
I would love to hear from anyone who knew him and I still have and wear his war time blazer with the RCAF logo. He died in 1997 never having gotten over mum's death in 83. On the night he died the door bell rang and a whoosh came through through door enveloping myself and sister in mystical electricity. We know it was dad happy to be with mum again.
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Sgt. Harold William Curwain 420 Squadron.    Harold Curwain was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on 13th August 1919.
He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force on 1st of November 1940. He trained as an armourer in Toronto, Trenton and Rivers Manitoba. He came to England arriving on 27th February 1942. No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre on the 10th of March 1942, and was taken on strength at 420 Squadron on 9th April 1942 as an armourer. Harold remained with this squadron until 4th December 1942 when he went on strength with 407 Squadron.
Once here, he requested and was granted to re-muster to aircrew as an air gunner. He transferred to No. 14 ITW on 27th February 1943. He transferred to the Air Gunners School on 10th April 1943 and then to 2 Air Gunners School on 30th April 1943.
He transferred to 22 Operational Training Unit on No. 45 course. He remained here until transferred to 311 Ferry Training Unit, based at Moreton-in-Marsh on 27th August 1943. He was promoted to Flight Sgt in April 1943 and was posted back to 420 Squadron as an air gunner in September 1943.
Then on 23rd and 24th September 1943 he flew to Formia Tunisia via Sale and Kairouan with Sgt Foy in Wellington Bomber LN-513 as part of 420 Squadron. He remained in Tunisia until the squadron returned to England and reequipped with the Halifax bomber.
During most of 1944 he was posted back to 62 Base (Beaver) at Linton-on-Ouse. He was posted to 1664 Communications Unit at Dishforth from 19th December 1943 till 28th January 1944. However, Harold returned to 420 Squadron in November 1944. He became a Warrant officer One in March 1943 and then Warrant Officer Two in September 1944. He was promoted to Pilot Officer in February 1945 and finally to Flight Officer in August 1945.
He crashed on one occasion and was burned from the waist down. Harold was treated for burns at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead and became a member of the Guinea Pig Club.
His missions included:
- 12 Dec 1944 flying with P/O. Reid (Halifax) NA169 (O) target Gaggle DCO.
- 24 Dec 1944 - Fl/Lt. Jones (Halifax) NA188 (E) Dusseldorf Airdrome
- 28 Dec 1944 - Fl/Lt. Jones (Halifax) NA188 (E) Diversion to Base (note
Halifax NA188 was lost of operation to Magdeburg 16th January 1945 - 5 crew killed, 2 PoW)
- 29 Dec 1944 - F/O. McKeown (Halifax) NA178 (R) Spich
- 22 Jan1945 - Fl/Lt. Buchanan (Halifax) NR117 (S) F/A A/A DCO (note:
Halifax NR177 lost on operation whilst with 158 Squadron to Worms on 21st February 1945 - all 7 crew PoW.
- 13 Feb 1945 - Fl/Lt. Buchanan (Halifax) NR117 (S) Bohlen
- 14 Feb 1945 - Fl/Lt. Buchanan (Halifax) NR117 (S) Mendelsham to base
- 14 Feb 1945 - Fl/Lt. Buchanan (Halifax) NR117 (S) Chemnitz
- 17 Feb 1945 - P/O. Reid (Halifax) NA184 (W) Wesel
- 18 Feb 1945 - P/O. Reid (Halifax) NA184 (W) Diversion to base
- 20 Feb 1945 - Fl/Lt. Buchanan (Halifax) NA184 (W) Monheim (note: Halifax
NA184 PT-W was lost on an operation to Chemnitz on the 05th March 1945 after crash landing near Dishforth, England - 4 crew killed, 3 injured.)
- 21 Feb 1945 - Fl/Lt. Buchanan (Halifax) NA178 (R) Worms
- 23 Feb 1945 - Fl/Lt. Buchanan (Halifax) NA178 (R) Essen
- 24 Feb 1945 - Fl/Lt. Buchanan (Halifax) NA178 (R) Kamen
- 10 Mar 1945 - Fl/Lt. Buchanan (Halifax) NA178 (R) F/A A/S Radar
- 11 Mar 1945 - Fl/Lt. Buchanan (Halifax) NA178 (R) Essen
- 13 Mar 1945 - Fl/Lt. Buchanan (Halifax) NA178 (R) Wuppertal
- 15 Mar 1945 - Fl/Lt. Buchanan (Halifax) NR117 (S) Castrop Rauxel
- 3 Apr 1945 - P/O. Cole (Halifax) NZ423 (B) A/S A/C bombing
- 4 Apr 1945 - P/O. Cole (Halifax) NZ423 (B) Harbourg
- 6 Apr 1945 - P/O. Cole (Halifax) NZ423 (B) A/S H/S Bombing
- 8 Apr 1945 - P/O. Cole (Halifax) NR951 (Y) Hamburg
- 9 Apr 1945 - P/O. Cole (Halifax) Diversion to Base
- 30 Apr 1945 - P/O. Cole (Halifax) X/C A/S Bombing
- 1 May 1945 - P/O. Cole (Lancaster) N.F.A Bomb.
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P/O. Herbert Reginald Higgins DFM/ 76 Squadron (d.28th June 1942 )  My uncle, Herbert Higgins, enlisted in the RAF at the outbreak of war. He was first posted to 35 Squadron as a sergeant at Linton-on-Ouse, as a rear-gunner/wireless operator on the new Halifax bomber.
During his time there he took part in the first daylight raid against the German battleship 'Scharnhorst' at La Rochelle on 24th July, 1941. His aircraft L9501-Y received moderate flak damage during the bombing run and 10 attacks from German FW-109s, one of which he was credited with downing. His actions during that attack earned him the Distinguished Flying Medal. The citation reads:
Sergeant Higgins was the tail gunner in a Halifax aircraft which took part in the daylight operation against the German battleship 'Scharnhorst' at La Rochelle on 24th July, 1941. During the intensive period of opposition in the target area, this NCO experienced in all ten encounters. Fighting back with coolness and deliberation, he successfully defended his aircraft with one enemy fighter confirmed shot down. Seeing an apparently disabled Halifax being attacked by two Me109s, he directed his Captain to the scene of the combat and succeeded in drawing off one of the attackers. This display of courage and skill is deserving of the highest praise and Sergeant Higgins is recommended for the immediate award of the DFM. 27th July, 1941. LG 2.9.41.
Remarks by Station Commander: A fine example of coolness and determination in the face of heavy odds.
He was promoted from Sgt to Pilot Officer on the 4th October 1941 and shortly after joined 76 Squadron at Middleton St. George. On June 24th, 1942 he was a member of the crew air testing a Halifax II R9482 MP-D. The aircraft took off at 1530 hrs from Middleton St. George and crashed almost immediately, due to one or both engines failing on the port side. The Halifax climbed slowly to approximately 100 feet, stalled and dived into the ground and burst into flames. The entire crew was killed in the crash and my uncle died from his injuries in Darlington Hospital three days later. He was 24 years old.
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Sgt. Frederick Ernest Fones 426 Squadron Frederick Fones served with 426 Squadron and 432 Squadron.
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Sgt. Lawton Cyril "Ginger" Minshaw 78 Squadron Cyril Minshaw flew with 78 Squadron from RAF Linton on Ouse.
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P/O. Ivor Ernest Smithson 407 (Demon) Squadron (d.11th Mar 1944) Pilot Officer (Wireless Op./Air Gunner) Ivor Smithson is buried in the Ballyconeely Catholic Cemetery, Ballyconeely, Co. Galway, Ireland.
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Sgt. Michael O'Donoghue 407 (Demon) Squadron (d.13th Feb 1945) Sergeant (Wireless Op./Air Gunner) Michael O'Donoghue was serving with No 407 Squadron RCAF, based at RAF Linton on Ouse. He is buried in the Ballyhea Cemetery, Charleville, Co. Cork, Ireland.
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Flt.Sgt. Gordon James Ford 58 Squadron (d.18th June 1940) Flight Sergeant Gordon Ford was the son of William James Ford and Rachel Ford of Crumlin, Monmouthshire.
He was aged 28 when his plane crash-landed after engine failure, three crew baled out and were taken POW. Pilot, Fl/Sgt. Gordon James Ford 562682 RAF and Observer, Sgt. Eric Jones-Roberts 580580 RAF were killed during landing.
He is buried in the Culemborg General Cemetery, Gelderland, Netherlands.
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Sgt. Eric Jones-Robert 58 Squadron (d.18th June 1940) Sergeant (Observer) Eric Jones-Robert was the son of Charles and Elizabeth Jones-Roberts of Llangollen, Denbighshire.
He was aged 23 when his plane Crash landed after engine failure - three crew baled out and were taken PoW. Pilot, Fl/Sgt. Gordon James Ford 562682 RAF and Observer, Sgt. Eric Jones-Roberts 580580 RAF were killed during landing.
He is buried in the Culemborg General Cemetery, Gelderland, Netherland.
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WO2 John Miller Farrell 78 Squadron (d.14th May 1943) Warrant Officer Class II (Navigator) John Farrell was 21 when he died and is buried in the Franekeradeel (Dongjum) Protestant Churchyard, Friesland, Netherlands.
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W/O. Reginald Gordon Evans 426 (Thunderbird) Squadron (d.25th April 1945) At 14.32hrs Halifax NP820 set off from Linton on Ouse with 7 crew, on mission to destroy coastal artillery batteries on Wangerooge, one of the Frisian Islands. The plane collided with Halifax NP796 in the target area. All 14 crew from both planes lost their lives. In total 7 aircraft were lost, 6 due to collisions. Warrant Officer Reginald Gordon Evans died aboard NP820 on 25th April 1945 age 22.
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WO. Albert Edward "Ginge" Ashford 426 Squadron   Albert Ashford, Ginge joined 426 Squadron from 425 Squadron RCAF in May 1944. He flew as an Air Gunner with the same crew throughout this time,
- Captain, Tony Selfe
- Nav, F/O Sowerby
- B/A F/O Reg Paul
- F/E, Sgt Fellows
- WAG, Sgt Bielby
- MUG, Sgt Turner
- RG, Sgt A E Ashford.
During Ops on D Day in LW377 to Cherbourg the aircraft was hit by bomb taking out port inner engine. He bailed out over Start Bay Devon.
Extract from RCAF Overseas Vol 2, Toronto Oxford University Press 1945, "The following night the Canadians were back on railway targets with the marshalling yards at Ghent as the objective. The accurately-laid eggs caused fires and explosions and inflicted moderate damage. Night fighters were active both over the target and on the homeward journey and several combats took place. Sgts. A. E. Ashford, J. D. Turner and L. S. Owen, gunners on an Alouette Squadron kite skippered by FSgt. C. A. Selfe, were successful when attacked by a Ju88 over the North Sea. After several bursts from our lads’ guns the enemy broke away and hurtled into the mist in a spin with his whole starboard side in flames."
The Log Book of A E Ashford shows this as taking place on the 10th of May 1944, Aircraft Coded KW-O Halifax III of 425 Alouette Squadron.
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LAC. Maryian John "Mary" Luba 441 Squadron Maryian Lubaserved with 2TAF, in 441 Squadron from 1942 to 1945 and was in Normandy, Holland and Belgium.
He served as an Armourer, his first operational airfield on the European continent, was Benny sur Mere.
He spent his 21st birthday 7th of September 1944 in newly liberated Brussels.
He joined Bomber Command and was posted to 408 Goose Squadron at Linton on Ouse in March or April, 1945.
While "bombing up a Halibag", a 500 lb bomb detonated severely wounding him. Are there any details of this accident anywhere?
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LAC Edward Picton 35 Squadron Dad, Ted Picton joined 35 Squadron in January 1941 as an aero-engine fitter on Halifaxes. A few things I remember him telling me, declining the invitation to be a rear gunner having seen the turrets being hosed-out of remains after missions, the base being bombed and one of the WAAF's being killed, losing a stripe after getting into a fist fight in one of the local pubs, being sweet on a girl at the Rowntree factory in York.
I took him to Linton on Ouse around Christmas time 1996, unfortunately we couldn't get on to the base as it was closed, but he chatted to one of the guards on duty. I'd hoped to get him to see the reconstructed Halifaxes at the Elvington Yorkshire Air Museum, but he died in 1998 before I could do so. With my wife and 3 children, I went there, and also paid a visit to Linton on Ouse, out of respect to him. It felt emotional walking around the base where he would have been for part of his wartime service.
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William John Williams 426 Squadron My father, William Williams, was with 426 Squadron, RCAF, based at Linton on Ouse during WWII.
He was an amateur photographer and I have all of his photos from that period. I would be very keen to get in touch with any descendants of his mates during that period, as he always spoke fondly of them.
I travelled to Linton to see the base in 2000, but only got as far as the gate.
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P/O. William Holenchuk No. 426 Squadron (d.9th Jun 1944)    William Holenchuk, my great-uncle, was born on 12th April 1919 at Gonor, Manitoba, Canada and was the son of George and Sofie (nee Bloshot) Holenchuk. His parents appear to have both been born in the Bukovina area of Romania/Ukraine (Austria at the time) and had both emigrated to Canada. His mother died in 1928 and his father re-married the following year. William attended school in Manitoba but then moved to Ontario. As a young man he undertook various jobs including truck driving, gold mining, and latterly at a nickel mine at Sudbury, Ontario. He married Annie Polesky and the couple had two children.
William also undertook a pre-enlistment pilot/observer WETP course at the Ontario Training College in Hamilton in early 1942. He then enlisted for RCAF service in Hamilton on 6th of April 1942, and after training in Canada he was awarded his air observer's badge (after bomb aimer training) on 19th of March 1943. He arrived in the UK in the summer of 1943, and following training at 4 (O)AFU, 22 OTU, 1666 HCU and 1679 CF he was posted to 426 Squadron on 4th February 1944. He received a commission on 21st March 1944.
On the night of 8th of June 1944, No. 426 Squadron took off to bomb railway facilities at Mayenne, France. The mission was successful, but upon returning home visibility became very poor and the Squadron had difficulty locating their airbase at RAF Linton on Ouse. They finally located the airbase, but shortly after 04.00am P/O Holenchuk’s bomber (Halifax LW598), nearly out of fuel, was attempting an emergency landing when one of the bomber’s engines caught fire, causing the pilot to lose control of the aircraft. The bomber crashed into some houses in a village near the airbase and all but two of the aircrew, including William, were killed.
William was my grandmother's brother. They were very close and it broke her heart when he was killed. She never really talked about him, and it wasn't until after she died that I knew she had a second brother in the war.
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Recomended Reading.Available at discounted prices.
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Linton on Ouse 1942.jpg)
 May 1945 Linton-on-Ouse.jpg)
