I was born in Sale, Cheshire, in 1942 just before my cousin was shot down as a pilot over Magdeburg on the Leipzig Mission 21/22 February 1944. He was in the 77 Sqdn and was flying a Halifax. He and his brother were trained in Canada. I've always been interested in the War, even as a child, and still am as a while back I started tracing my family. My grandfather was the son of German immigrants and was born in Rotherham, Yorkshire. I have found more relations who served in the last war and one which has me mystified but that can wait!! My other hobby has to do with training dogs, but here, too, I am interested in the dogs used in the war. I'm happy to be here. Gill
Hi Gill we hve many threads about this operation including one from a 156 squadron relative who is also interested in this same night. You might be intereted in this story. http://www.ww2f.com/air-war-western-europe-1939-1945/50451-sqn-156-lancaster-crew.html
Hi Skipper Thanks - I will enjoy reading it! My cousin was: Flight Sergeant Johnstone Christian Dalzell 1457698, 77 Sqdn., RAF Volunteer Reserve died 20th February 1944 Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetry Halifax 5 LL 239 Pilot and 2 killed or missing / 3 PoWs There is a very interesting website on the 77 Squadron 77 Squadron Association He and his brother, Alexander, were determined to join the Air Force, just like their father, Johnstone George Dalzell, also a pilot - I found he had obtained his Aviatic Club Certificate whilst searching on Ancestry. My big brother, Chris, signed up for his National Service before being called and also wanted to be a pilot but was rejected, after passing the theoretical test, on high tone deafness. He then went into Radar and served his time in Abu Sueir (sp?) in Egypt. Gill
Welcome SwissGill, I also started tracing my Family tree and just last night found I have ties to Switzerland! Five generations removed but maybe explains why I like mountains and cold weather
Well thank you, and I wish you luck with your research, practically nothing online.......just like in Germany but here I had help and I was able to reciprocate with info on immigrants.
Hi Gill I've just found this forum, my Grandfather L C R Huggett was part of this bomber crew when the plane was shot down, Graham
Hi Gill, well I only know about my Grandfathers experience on that I’ll fated bombing mission,the Mark v Halifax was hit, and my Grandfather took Shrapnell to his knee, and a piece up his back between his skin and flying jacket, and his face leaving a scar on his forehead, he managed to bail out, I think only 2 people parachuted to safety
I think the plane was marked KN A, affectionally known as KN hot, as in reference to cayenne ( KN) pepper! I’ve the uptmost respect to those young brave men!
Hi Gill and welcome to Forum! Abu Suweir is a Military AirBase in Egypt! Abu Suweir Air Base - Wikipedia