[Observer1940]

Adrian

I'm interested in Bomber Command 77 Sqn of No.4 Group Jul / Aug 1940 etc.

If no replies, this looks like a trip to The National Archives (TNA), at Kew. Ring TNA to check what photographic ID and printed address ID you will need to take with you, to prove who you are and where you live in order obtain a Readers Card on the day, otherwise you will not get in.

As well as the Squadron ORB's in AIR 27, you should also look at their home RAF Station records in AIR 28, look in the AIR 28 paper index for full catalogue references and Appendices.

Don't forget their Group ORB Form 540 and Appendices in AIR 25.

Bomber Command 'Forms E' (by Group in 1940, should be by Group for 1941?) should be AIR 14, occasionly list interesting snippets.

Bomber Command 'Bomb Raid' Sheets in AIR 14.

Also Bomber Command in AIR 24 have numerous ORBs and Appendices for some parts of the War with Intelligence Reports (some in AIR 22).

A very good book available in some Libraries (or second hand try an Abe Books search) about RAF Records at TNA (fomerly the Public Record Office) is "PRO Readers' Guide No.8 RAF Records in the PRO" by Simon Fowler, Peter Elliott, Roy Conyers Nesbit and Christina Goulter.

However, with careful searching and enquiries local to the crash, sometimes very valuable information can be found out through local individuals, other local sources and Record Offices near the crash place.

Mark