Loss of Lancaster ME666 EM-A 22/03/44

[David P. Williams]

I am looking into the Loss of this 207 Squadron Lancaster during a raid on Frankfurt on 22nd March 1944.

The aircraft was piloted by the Squadron's commanding officer, Wing Commander Vashon Wheeler MC & Bar, DFC & Bar. I have already checked Chorley's book but it gives no details of how the aircarft was lost, or where it crashed.

I am not able to get to the PRO at Kew for some time, does anyone know if the Squadron history or ORBs shed any light on this loss.

There were also 3 survivors, Edwards, Dunseath DFM, and McCarthy. Does anyone know if any of these gentlemen are still with us, or if thei post war accounts are available.

Many thanks as always,

David.

[FrankieS]

"ME666 was delivered to No.207 Sqdn 28Feb44.

Airborne 1901 22Mar44 from Spilsby. Those killed are buried in Dürnbach War Cemetery.

W/C Wheeler was 46, and had only held the post as Sqdn Commander since 26Feb44, succeeding W/C Jennings, and was one of the oldest Sqdn Commanders killed in Bomber Command. F/S Dunseath had gained his DFM with No.77 Sqdn, details Gazetted 9Jul43. W/C V.J.Wheeler DFC & Bar MC & Bar Order of St.Stanislaus (Russia) KIA Sgt G.H.Witney KIA F/L G.G.Edwards PoW F/O D.R.Barham KIA F/O R.A.Milne KIA F/S J.Dunseath DFM PoW Sgt T.J.McCarthy PoW F/S J.Dunseath was interned in Camps L6/357, PoW No.3486 with Sgt T.J.McCarthy, PoW No.3404. F/L G.G.Edwards in Camp L1, no PoW No.

On 8 May 1992, W/C Jennings, 207 Sqdn Commanding Officer 29May43 - 26Feb44, unveiled a No.207 Sqdn Memorial at Great Steeping Church near Spilsby; he died 27Jul93 at Bournemouth.
"