Lancaster Bomber 514 Squadron

Nice piece of interest Erich and a nice evidence too. Still wondering if those guys flew as far as the Loire Valey on certain occasions.

 

Flash Back.from this cold stretch in January to the summer of '44 when we were thinking of completing thirty trips, a full tour of ops. The weather was quite warm and the odours of hot paved tarmac and high octane gasoline permeated the air. Also in the air were the ever present rumours, today's was that a Hollywood celeb was coming to Waterbeach with a movie in mind.
Sure enough, that day Edward G Robinson and company arrived on our squadron and was seen visiting various points of interest. Later they appeared in the officers' mess attracting a measure of attention including that of Chappie and myself. Not scheduled for ops that night we naturally decided to fraternize.
We had recently watched a movie called The Destroyer featuring Edwaed G. One scene showed a suited up diver wearing a sealed helmet and actually using welding equipment under water. I asked him as we took turns buying drinks how this was done. He eagerly replied that it was indeed possible and had asked to do that part himself rather than using a
stand in. He said "Yeah, that was me in there all right." After a lengthy discussion on numerous topics I was left with the assurance that movie stars were real people with feelings and emotions like the rest of us.
Some of us asked for and were given signed autographs with suitable comments. The Air Commodore let us know that this practice was frowned upon as was playing dice on the billiard table. Shame.
A couple of weeks ago on another site a chap was asking about photos of crashed Lancasters. I believe Erich you were answering him. The Garbett and Goulding series "Lancaster at War:5" show quite a number of such pics. The captions under many are in German I think. Hope to post a bit more soon. Alex Campbell

 

Excellent story Alex, I knew actors were touring the bases to pump up the moral. It's great you met this man and actually talked to him.

I have some interesting news. I had the privilege of having lunch with a grand lady Yesterday. This highy decorated woman has saved 28 americans during the war. They all evaded succesfully too. On one occasion she took a train to Orleans with two Amercan flyers who were on their way to Freteval. This was in June 44, so they were probably there when you arrived. I asked for their names: they were Joseph Murphy and the other one's last name was Mc Hurley (not sure about the spelling) Does that ring a bell?

 

You sure know how to meet interesting people Skipper. Afraid I can;t place those folks you mentioned or find their names listed. I'll keep checking. Thanks, Alex Campbell.

 

No surprise here Alex, I believe there were two camps at Freteval, camp I and Camp II. One was for the RAF/RCAF and the other one for the USAF airmen. So it's very possible that you haven't really met and if you did you might not have known their names. I will see if I can get their pictures, you never know.

 

I've just read of Sapper's recent sadness. Maybe a posting in lighter mood would help a wee bit.
In September/44 we were at "Repat Depot" Warrington awaiting clearance to be shipped home to Canada. There were many roll calls, medicals, card games, billiards and pubs. A new rumour said that somebody of interest was coming. Later in a crowded "Rec-Room" I heard a voice asking me if I would like to play a game of snooker with him. Having played the game for some months now I accepted the challenge. His name was Joe.
In a ritual with the pool cue I won the break. (Fortune smiled). Cue selected I approached the table, addressed my opponent and positioned myself for the opening shot. With a crack the balls scattered in all directions. When they stopped nary a one had dropped into a pocket. "Oh well this is just the beginning".
It was Joe's turn. Not a bit nervous or tense he positioned himself behind the cue ball and casually let fly at a target. (Not my choice). The ball finally went in. Then, with shot after shot he sunk every other ball on the table. I had tangled with more than my match and had lost another contest.
I learned later on that the Queen had bestowed a knighthood on Joe Davis, World Champion Snooker Player. My name was not mentioned. Cheers Alex Campbell

 

Excellent challenge! A good thing you started the game, you wouldn't have touched the ball otherwise. These the kind of details that make a story juicy! I'm surprised you played pool, I would have expected snooker.

 

Good Evening,

I came across some Freteval Forest images on Frank Haslam's site that I had not seen before.
I beleive they are from Bill Brayley.

RAF Escaping Society 1945-95 - Fôret de Freteval images from the Brayley Collection

Alex Campbell

 

Hello Alex . I have seen these nice pictures before. I thought you had too a long time ago otherwise I would have told you. There is picture of Joe Foreman 300 Squadron . I mentionned him before. Also the one called Russian could be Polish in fact. I hav enot managed to identify the black guy. I don't think he is South African, but Raf enlisted from the caribean (Jamaica or whereabouts maybe) . I like the pictures of the cooks. One of them was an American.

 

Hello Alex, just to let you know I haven't forgotten this fine thread. I might be going to the Freteval area again this Spring and take more pictures for you. This time I will focuss on the little villages mentionned.

 

Thanks for the update Skipper. Wasn't worried about being forgotten by you and the fine people who have made this remarkable thread. We are surviving an old fashioned winter here. Hope to submit a post about ack ack specs.and locations. Likely more queries than info.
Good luck to all. Alex Campbell

 

That is fine Alex, I will be waiting for your post then .

 

ask the queries Alex I for one will be interested along with Skipper and others ........

88, 105's ?
not knowing your question(s) I will say the Ruhrgebeit which was the heartland of industry of Germany in the war and still is, the area was cross sectioned with numerous single barrel 88's and especially 105mms Flak also train - car mounted single barrel 128mm's as well around the largest industrial center-cities

 

Good to have you back Erich, I was starting to miss having discussions with you.

 

Friendly flak battery. On a day off in the summer of '44 we were given a tour of the emergency landing drome at Woodbridge near the east coast. That same day we visited an ack ack installation in the area, have forgotten where it was. A corporal there seeing my "Canada" shoulder patches proceeded to point out a Canadian invention which improved handling and rate of fire. I believe it was a crescent shaped arm which held 8 shells. The projectile was 4 or 4.5 inch in diameter. It would stand probably 2 feet high. I commented on it's weight whereby a burly chap grasped one and virtually thrust it into my arms. It did catch me by surprise but I did not drop it. I noticed the odd smile and a wink from the gun crew. It must have weighed 40 or 50 pounds.
Now came the real show. They very quickly prepared it for action and warned us to cover our ears and, I believe, keep our mouths open. Then the tremendous noise commenced. Time after time this earth shaking and chest crushing boom was repeated till 8 shells had been fired, casings bounded out and the explosive heads sent hurtling upwards. Then from 23,000 feet came the sound of 8 exploding shells which was surprisingly loud coming from several miles above. Have to stop now but will re-appear.
I'll bet Sapper could correct my many mistakes. Thanks for your patience. Alex Campbell

 

I have always thought it was amazing that you would fly off to mainland Europe and come back to the UK and find your airfield in poor weather. Also with the war on there were alot of extra airbases to choose from. I would think many pilots landed on the wrong one or ran out of fuel looking for someplace to land.
Did you have alot of faith in your navigator or did you do some of your own navigation on the side ?
When flying on an airliner I always get a window seat and try to figure out where I am at by looking at the ground land marks but I usually fail badly !

 

Well I might not go to Chateaudun but to Blois, which is close enough, so I think I wil get some pictures for you there too. This is next week.