Lancaster DS817 514 Squadron - lost 20-21/12/1943

Hi, I have been researching my family tree and have come across my grandmothers first husband, he was killed in Lancaster DS817 on the night of 20-21 December 1943 on a raid to Frankfurt, he was Sgt Eric James Roberts the navigator, from the research that I have done I believe he was shot down by Luftwaffe ace Major Wilhem Herget. All the crew of DS817 were killed with the exception of the Pilot, now from previous reading this is unusual my thoughts of that the Lancaster was hit in the bombs or fuel tanks resulting in a explosion with the pilot being saved by a seat type parachute. I know where Sgt Roberts is buried, which aircraft in was killed in, possible who shot him down, I am just looking to find out as much as possible about his service record, how many ops had he completed which opps had he been on, I have found reference to the fact that he may have been with 207 squadron prior to his posting to 514.

The crew of DS817 on that night were

F/S G.J.Davis PoW Sgt J.Smethurst KIA Sgt.J.Roberts KIA Sgt R.D.Seddon KIA Sgt H.Morris KIA Sgt A.R.Bird KIA Sgt W.D.B.O'Dea RAAF KIA F/S G.J.Davis was interned in Camps 4B/L7, PoW No.269762.

If anyone could give me any ideas or tips on finding more information I would be most grateful.

Many Thanks

Rob

 

The Nachtjagd War Diaries confirms that DS817 was indeed claimed by Hauptmann Wilhelm Herget, Stab I./NJG4 at 4000m over Berndroth, W of Bad Schwalbach at 20:15hrs.

A visit to the PRO at Kew may be necessary to look through the Squadron ORBs which will help to give an outline of your relatives' career.

 

514 Squadron has one of the longest threads on this forum.
http://www.ww2f.com/honor-service-valor/13492-lancaster-bomber-514-squadron.html

Lost Bombers says: "DS817 was delivered to No. 514 Sqdn 24Sep43. Also took part in the key Operation against Berlin 2/3Dec43. When lost this aircraft had a total of 39 hours. Airborne 1732 20Dec43 from Waterbeach."
Lost Bombers - World War II Lost Bombers

A few stories can be found here:
The Wartime Memories Project - The Second World War - No: 514 Squadron

The fate of the 41 crews lost on this Frankfort mission are listed here:
http://www.lostbombers.co.uk/result...onth2=12&dyear2=1943&pagefrom=1&submit=Search

207 Squadron:
207 Squadron Royal Air Force Association - Semper Paratus

 

Rob, I visit a veteran, who was a navigator on lancaster's, I am sure he has mentioned 207 squadron ? I will ask him when I see him next

Dazdbs