Identity/serial number 419 Squadron Lancaster S for Smitty
 

Dear all,

Who can supply me with the identity/serial number of 419 Squadron Lancaster S for Smitty, as seen on this photo? (This was the name written below the cockpit of the aircraft).

Cheers and thanks, Theo

Re: Identity/serial number 419 Squadron Lancaster S for Smitty
 

It looks like the pilot's son may have a blog here:

http://progressivelyirrelevant.blogspot.com/2015/11/

The entry for 7 NOV 2016 has another photo of S for Smitty.



In some of his other comments he mentions his father's log book. See June 6 entry:
http://progressivelyirrelevant.blogs...rajectory.html

You may be able to contact the son.

Re: Identity/serial number 419 Squadron Lancaster S for Smitty
 

Theo,


KB712. VR-L



http://www.419squadron.com/Hartford.html


Dave

Re: Identity/serial number 419 Squadron Lancaster S for Smitty
 

Hello Dave and Richard,

Thanks a lot for these interesting details and helping to identify the Lancaster. One final question; in the blog I read that KB712 was damaged by Flak on an operation on the Ruhr area in July 1944 -what was the date of this op?

Cheers, Theo

Re: Identity/serial number 419 Squadron Lancaster S for Smitty
 

Theo,

Possibly, July 24/25, 1944 (Stuttgart):

http://www.6bombergroup.ca/July44/July24~2544.html

See: F/O L. Sparling entry.

Col.

Re: Identity/serial number 419 Squadron Lancaster S for Smitty
 

Theo,


AIR14/3463 has KB712 damaged by flak (6) on 18/19 July. Target Wesseling. KB745 (VR-P) also damaged by flak.


Dave

Re: Identity/serial number 419 Squadron Lancaster S for Smitty
 

Thanks Col and Dave -it'll be the 18-19 July 44 op to Wesseling then.

Cheers, Theo