Boston IIIA BZ382

[Ian Warner]

Hello Everyone,
I'm a complete novice at this type of research but I'm hoping some of you can either help or point me in the right direction.

I'm trying to find out as much as I can about a relative - Flight Lieutenant (W/O) Keith Ernest KIMBER, 88 sqdn, Killed 13th August 1944.

I've traced his grave through the War Grave Commission and it appears that he and the rest of the crew are all buried in the same cemetery in Normandy (Ranville). They are : Squadron Leader (Pilot) George Peter VICKERS DFC (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant (Nav./Bomber) Sidney George TURNER DFC, Flight Sergeant (Air Gnr.) Edwin RUDGE.

At the web site www.warbird-central.com I was able to identify the plane which according their database was Boston IIIA BZ382 which is listed as "Missing from night intruder mission over Normandy Aug 13,1944."

The plane's identity was confirmed when I checked S/L Vickers on a link I found on this site at www.airforce.ca/wwii/ALPHA-UV.html

My questions are these -
1. Is it possible to find out what this plane was tasked with that night?
2. Is it possible to find out how this plane was brought down and to locate the crash site? If so how do I go about it?

I am willing to go Kew but as I said I'm a novice and would like some guidance as to where exactly to look. Also, I would be very grateful for any information that any of you may already have about either BZ382 or its crew.

Many thanks for any help.

[Steve49]

Ian,

According to '2nd TAF Volume 2' the Boston failed to return 'whilst engaged in an attack on a bridge over the rivr Orne' at about 01.45. The squadron ORB at Kew might be able to shed more information on mission.
As for the cause of loss, well in the absence of a Luftwaffe claim it is possible that the aircraft was shot down by flak, though it is also just as possible it was lost through another cause.

Good luck.

Regards,

Steve

[Ian Warner]

Steve,

Thanks very much for this information. I'll see what I can find out at Kew. Many thanks again.

Ian