RAF losses in Milan airraid, 11/12 July 1944
 

I was asked to find out more about an RAFVR airman recorded as KIA on 11 July 1944 and buried in the Milan military cemetery. The name is Arthur J. Elworthy.
I understand four more airmen who died on that same day are buried alongside. All of them belonged to 40 Squadron and they might have been part of a single aircrew. 40 Sqn. was part of 205 Group, 236 Wing, based in Southern Italy.

As a matter of fact the local Lambrate marshalling yards were bombed that night by Wellington X's flying with 40 Squadron. Yet I am not aware of any bombers being shot down in the process.

Does anyone have a copy of the Squadron's log books?

Re: RAF losses in Milan airraid, 11/12 July 1944
 

I have been researching the death of Danish navigator Kaj Høyer, SAAF/40 Sqn, who is KIA on 13/14 July 1944, cf.
http://www.danishww2pilots.dk/profil...?alpha=h&id=42

In this proces Gunby, David, Sweeping the Skies. A History of No. 40 Squadron RFC and RAF, 1916-56, The Pentland Press, has provided valuable information.

Regards

Mikkel Plannthin

Re: RAF losses in Milan airraid, 11/12 July 1944
 

This would appear to be the entire Wellington crew
001 ELWORTHY AJ 1013219 40 SQDN 11/07/1944 ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE
002 MABEY AH 1399182 40 SQDN 11/07/1944 ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE
003 MCKENZIE A 1567889 40 SQDN 11/07/1944 ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE
004 ROSS A 1494140 40 SQDN 11/07/1944 ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE
005 WALTERS N 1804807 40 SQDN 11/07/1944 ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE
Many losses were not due entirely to enemy action, but severe storms, low cloud and high mountains all contributed. They could have had an engine knocked out and been unable to avoid rising ground.
Does the Squadron have a website or archivist who could help? Maybe Googling the crew names might provide additional information?
You might also contact the CWGC and see if they have a record of where the crew were initially buried, to provide a crash site.

Re: RAF losses in Milan airraid, 11/12 July 1944
 

Thanks Icare9, but the Wellington X had a crew of six, hadn't it? So one members must have survived the crash. I will ask CWGC.

Re: RAF losses in Milan airraid, 11/12 July 1944
 

Franz
The 2 Wellington crews that I researched had 5 men only - in UK & Italy

Anne