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Those known to have served at RAF Lisset during the Second World War 1939-1945. The names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed,
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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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Want to know more about RAF Lisset? There are:49 items tagged RAF Lisset 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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A. G. "Pop" Salter pilot 158 Sqd. My father, Gwyn Jenkins, flew 16 sortees with A.G. "Pop" Salter from Lisset. Pop Salter was completing his second tour. If anybody remembers my father or any of the others in Pop Salters crew please send me an email.
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Gwyn "Snowy" Jenkins flt eng. 158 Sqd. My father, who is the last surviving member of A.G. "Pop" Salter's crew was based at Lisset from June 1944 until the Squadron moved to Stradishall and exchanged their Halifaxes for Stirlings and changed destinations from Fortress Europe to India. Dad flew 36 operations, 16 of them as "spare" Flight Engineer as Pop Salter "only" had to do 20 ops to complete his second tour. If anybody remembers my father or any of the others in Pop Salters crew please send me an email.
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Kenneth L. Smith 158 Squadron My grandfather, Kenneth L. Smith, served as Rear Gunner 158 Squadron, on Halifax, J-Jiggs out of Lissett England. We would love to be able to find someone that flew with him or served at the same time as him.
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Flt.Sgt. Harold Chambers 158 Squadron Harold Chambers was my father. He very rarely talked about his experiences and we have only a few things that we know. He was with 158 Sqaudron at Lissett. He was the Flight Sgt on a Halifax 111 bomber, MZ734 NP-U. They took off from Lissett at 12:42 hours on 25th October 1944, the target being Essen, unfortunately they were shot down and the crew were taken prisoners.
The crew consisted of
- Flt Lt WD Harrison pilot
- Fl Officer H Lanzetter
- F1 Officer RJ Armstrong
- Sgt H Chambers
- Sgt TW Rutland
- Sgt GR Johnson
- Sgt WT Williams
Sgt Williams died in captivity on the 13th of April 1945, he was only 19 years old. Dad arrived back in England March 1945, which was earlier that other POW's. Rhis information was given to me by Rodger Stanton from the WW2 Escape Lines Memorial Society. Dad told us that he had escaped during the long march but this does not seem to fit with when others say the camp was moved. If anyone can advise on this I would be most grateful
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F/Sgt. Alan Charles Widdowson 158 Sqdn. I am lookng for information regarding my grandfather Alan Widdowson who was a pilot. I believe he was stationed at RAF Rufforth, Yorkshire around 1945. Anyone who remembers him please contact me.
Update
If your grandfather was Alan Charles Widdowson, 158 Squadron, F/Sgt Pilot, who went on to RAF Lissett from Rufforth, Halifax mark 3 bomber, he may well be my father's good friend and that of his crew, including Sgt Cyril Sibbley and Les Mewis. (David Towers)
Update
My father was the navigator in this crew. (Neil Toogood)
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Sgt. Cyril Sibbley 158 Sqdn. Sgt. Sibbley was a member of an aircrew along with Les Mewis, Alan Widdowson and Toogood.
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Les Mewis 158 Sqdn. Les Mewis was a member of an aircrew along with Sgt. Sibbley, Alan Widdowson and Toogood.
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Toogood 158 Sqdn. Sgt Toogood was a member of an aircrew along with Sgt. Sibbley, Alan Widdowson and Les Mewis.
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Samuel Reed 158 Sqdn. My father, Samuel Reed, was stationed at 158 Squadron at RAF Lissett during WWII. He was a member of the ground crew and worked on Halifax bombers. I would like to hear from anyone who was there at that time as he suffers from short term memory loss and his most vivid memories seem to be about his RAF days and how the Aussie airmen taught him to drink! It would be nice to talk to him about those times.
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F/Lt Bartsch 158 Sqdn. I am trying to trace Royal Canadian Air Force personnel who served with 158 Squadron, 4 Group at Lissett in early 1945. They are: F/Lt Bartsch and F/Sgt Stan Hare (upper mid gunner). Both flew in Halifax bombers.
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F/Sgt. Stan Hare 158 Sqdn. I am trying to trace Royal Canadian Air Force personnel who served with 158 Squadron, 4 Group at Lissett in early 1945. They are: F/Lt Bartsch and F/Sgt Stan Hare (upper mid gunner). Both flew in Halifax bombers.
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F/O. Bruce Graham Black 158 Squadron (d.3rd June 1944)  On Friday 2nd of June 1944, Flying Officer (Bomb Aimer) Bruce Black, took off from Lissett in the United Kingdom. The plane left at 22:13.
Crew:
- Flying Officer (Pilot) W. M. Chant
- Flying Officer (Bomb Aimer) B. G. Black
- Flying Officer (Air Gunner) C. J. Nibblet
- Sergeant (Flight Engineer) S. Thompson
- Sergeant (Wireless Operator) J. K. Dunn
- Sergeant (Air Gunner) W. Wales
- Warrant Officer CL2 (Navigator) S. T. Lawrence
They flew with 158 Squadron in a Handley Page Halifax MK III, serial LV921, code NP-B. His mission and that of the other crew members was planned for Saturday, 3rd of June 1944. The mission was a bombing raid on the railway marshaling yards at Trappes. After bombing the target and before the pilot could gain altitude their plane was hit by a ME110 flown by Ltn. Frithjof Fensch of NJG 4. The plane was on fire and Bill Chant the pilot gave the order to bail out immediately. Stan Lawrence bailed out through the escape hatch below his seat and Bruce Black was ready to bail out, however it is assumed that his parachute did not fully deploy because of the low altitude. The plane made a large circle and crashed into a wooded area near the small town of Emance (Yvelines), 11 kms South West of the town of Rambouillet. Stan Lawrence was the only survivor and was rescued by the French Resistance, the remaining six crew members died in the crash.
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Cpl. Phyllis Rosenberg    My First Fourteen Days in the W.A.A.F.
(Innsworth, Glos)
by Phyllis Rosenberg.
(dob 8.3.23)
Monday, 2nd of June 1941
Am feeling no effects at all from inoculation. We move from Reception Wing to Training Wing this morning. Hut No. 404. Much nicer. Little mats by beds. Nearly everyone has uniform now. Our squad is beginning to look something.
First time on parade ground. Very thrilling. Feet make different sounds as they touch asphalt. R.A.F. Sergeant drilled us. Terribly powerful shout. Reflect that men shouting orders at you is all right. Rather inspiring. But women – NO! Most unfeminine and undignified. Sometimes orders from sergeant drowned by aeroplanes flying over. Learned to salute, learned to march properly and right-dress etc. Hard work but fun.
Fairly wet on reaching technical hut for lectures. Were given a welcoming address by W.A.A.F. officer. Followed by lecture by another officer on “History of the R.A.F. and W.A.A.F.” Very interesting. Then lecture on “Hygiene” by woman doctor. Elementary but absorbing. Lunch! Endless queue. Very good meal eventually.
More lectures after lunch. “Gas”, “Economy and Waste” and “General Appearance”. (We are not to wear nail varnish, bright lipstick or have our hair touching our collars. Remove cap like a man when entering building. Never remove tunic without special permission. Button undone considered “undressed”)
Dead tired at end of day. Mimi reacting badly already. Others seem undemonstrative, but cheerful. Thankful for bed.
Tuesday, June 3
More drill. Tantalising moment – when we marched over threepenny bit lying in roadway. Could see it coming towards me with the puddles of rain as we marched and watched it disappear under my feet. A ripple of amused disappointment went through the parade as we left it behind. More lectures. “Services Etiquette”, “Living Accommodation on Stations”. “Ranks in the Services”.
P.T. (wore issue knickers – known as blackouts). Romped round enormous drill hall, getting very dusty. Played simple relay games and got very puffed.
R.A.F. do technical training on this depot. Few aeroplanes lined up. Our lecture huts are in the same block. Only emotion left in me right now is heartfelt wish that girl in front would decide which is her left foot and start off on it!
More lectures after lunch. "First Aid”, “Gas”. “Crime and Punishment” (only it wasn't called that). Saluted warrant officer by mistake. He smiled.
Wednesday, June 4
Marlow is varnishing Robinson's nails with varnish borrowed from Mcdermot. Macdermot is cleaning her shoes with brush borrowed from Standing. Standing is in the wash-house washing shirts and collars belonging to Davies and Hurbridge. Davies and Hurbridge have gone to fetch post for our hut. Samson is cleaning Harding's floor-space because Harding is feeling like 2d all in halfpennies on account of her inoculation. I find myself helping Donkin with marking her kit- but then I am wearing Donkin-lent collar stud. And that's the way it goes here. Can't imagine this sort of atmosphere in upper reaches of Kensington or where-else. You don't meet it often – except perhaps on the stage. Can see it will endear me to Service.
Thursday, June 5
Have been here a week today. Letters from home are of paramount importance. Parcels are tremendous thrill. Had letter from younger sister, who is radio operator in W.A.A.F. Said training is nasty part and not to worry because once you get on your station you have wonderful time. Read letter to hut. Everybody pleased to hear it.
When I remember how some of these girls arrived here – excitable, waving their arms about, dashing everywhere, talking like anything – I marvel at the change. It isn't that they've lost their good humour. Not that at all. Just that they've caught (probably from the officers who lecture us) a sort of integrity. An economy of words. An economy of movement. Maxim now is: Never shout when you can talk – never talk unless you must. Jolly good thing! Probably accounts for the security-minded W.A.A.F. that we hear so much about. The ones that have finally exploded fact that women can't hold their tongues – can't keep secrets. Rubbish.
Friday. June 6
Pay parade. Long business. Said my number, saluted smartly and was so surprised at getting 10d from pay officer that I turned wrong way and nearly fell over! Hitch-hiked into Cheltenham in evening. Sat on top-most barrel of beer on Watney's lorry. Nice way of travelling! Saluted right and left in streets. Quite enjoyed it.
Funny how I hate to hear women shout orders. Men should shout. Men should have loud voices and muscles. But not women. Women should be gentle and dignified. It is unfeminine to scream “By the left – QUICK MARCH, and if they don't scream it, it's just ineffectual and hopeless – which is worse, of course. Wonder is there a way out of this.
Saturday, June 7
The sun came out! Everyone felt better. Lovely parade, with aeroplanes and butterflies diving over the parade ground. Mock gas attack. Awful. Equipment was stifling. Sat in trench for HOURS listening to wheezing and squeaking of gas-masks.
More lectures. Long one on “Topical Geography and Politics” (think that's what it was called). Given by intelligent W.A.A.F. officer of high rank. All officers here who lecture are the nicest possible. Reflect that it can't be much fun being an officer or N.C.O. on a depot like this. You never have time to get to know anybody before they are whisked away. An endless and thankless job I should think.
Sunday. June 8
Lovely, restful day. Most girls put up their aching feet and slept. My feet don't seem to be affected. Bathe them every night in surgical spirit. They are getting as tough as iron girders.
Went to Cheltenham again. Am lucky with passes. Odd hut numbers go out on even days. Have managed to get two Sundays. Reflect how quickly am falling into Service swim. Salute naturally now. Stand to attention when speaking to N.C.O. Am very frightened of N.C.O.s. Say “Ma'am” and “Sir” to officers as if I'd done it all my life.
Have already lost one glove and one button-stick. Am told that if I get new ones they will be paid for out of my “credits”. “Credits” seem to be extra money you get tacked on to pay – allowances, etc. Will look forward to that.
Monday. June 9
Had photographs taken for identity card. Stood in slow drizzle of rain clutching numbered card, while little man dived under traditional black velvet hood. Don't dare imagine result.
Tuesday. June 10
Drill. Lectures. Pink-faced airmen burst into lecture hut by mistake right in middle of very anatomical lecture given by medical officer. Camp cinema at night. Social hub of camp. Run by Padre. Only place where WA.A.F. and R.A.F. are allowed to mix. Saw “Moscow Nights”. A good many years old.
Wednesday, June 11
Usual routine. Got identity photo. Gosh! I look very angry. Evening great fun. Organised concert in N.A.A.F.I. Great deal of “rookie” talent. Strange, tall, untidy flight sergeant (W.A.A.F.) played the fool and the drums very well indeed.
Thursday, June 12
Last day of routine drill, lectures and P.T. etc. Had fire drill demonstration. Lanky flight sergeant gave terribly funny demonstration of how NOT to fight a fire.
Posting-out parade tomorrow. Tremendous tension. Scare now is one might not get posted straight away on account of sometimes there is no vacancy for little while for trainees in some trades. Girls get held up this way sometimes and become “runners”. Means you do odd jobs until the training course is ready for you. No fun at all.
Dance organised in N.A.A.F.I. for airwomen who are being posted. Airmen invited. Lots of heat, smoke and lemonade.
Friday, June 13
Ominous date! Last day of all.
Rehearsal of posting-out parade. And march past. Hundreds of us. I am “right marker” in No. 1 Squad, No. 1 Flight. Don't know how that happened. Something to do with me being tall, I think. Impressive anyway. Hundreds of us. Had thorough testing in all lecture subjects. Sort of exam. Were divided into teams and scored on points. We lost.
Parade after tea with C.O. taking the salute at the march past. Most thrilling. Buttons glistening in sun. Never would have thought they could make us look so smart. Marched off to technical hut to hear our “postings”. Frightening experience. Hundreds of names read out in deathly silence by W.A.A.F. officers. Got terribly nervous listening for mine. Terribly hush in that huge hut. Mimi goes to Newcastle. Poor Mimi! She is now a triumph of self-possession and resignation.
My name at last!. Didn't recognise it at first. It was called again. Said “Oh! Me? Sorry Ma'am!” Jumped up and fell over!
Mum was posted to the Intelligence Section at H/Q No.2 Group Bomber Command at Castle Hill House, Huntingdon
1942: Promoted to Corporal Clerk G.D. (Maps).
1943: Moved with Group 2 to Bylaugh Hall nr Dereham, Norfolk
End of 1943 moved again to Mongewall Park, Wallingford, Berks
2 Group Bomber Command now became part of 8 Group (PFF) Tactical Air Force.
1944: Posted to Holme-on-Spalding Moor, Yorkshire, Intelligence Section
Attended briefings and de-briefings
Issued Target Maps and Escape Aids to Halifax crews.
11.44 Posted to R.A.F. Burn, Yorks. Disbanded.
1945: Posted to R.A.F. Lissett, Yorks. Disbanded.
Demobbed 26th of May 1946.
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