57 Squadron

[gedburke3]

Hi all,
I am trying to find info/pictures relating to 57 Squadron whilst they were based at East Kirkby.
A colleague of mine at work has informed me that he lost his Grandad (Watts)on March 2nd 1945 when his Lancaster collided with another Lanc during a training exercise.
Any pointers would be greatfully received
Best wishes
Gerry

[paul peters]

According Bomber Command losses:
1-2 March 1945 Lancaster III ND572 DX-F os 75 Sdqn collided in the air with a 207 Squadron Lancaster, while engaged on night fighter affiliation training, both aircraft falling at 0118 on Fen Farm, Ruskington, some 4 miles NNE of Sleaford, Lincolnshire. All are buried in seperate cemeteries.
If you want the names, drop a line.
pp

[gedburke3]

Hi Paul,
I would be interested to know the names of the others that were killed in this terrible accident.
Thank you for your kind offer
Gerry

[paul peters]

Gerry,
The crew of Lanc ND572 were:
F/O R J Anscomb
Sgt G E Dandy
Sgt D Whitefoot
F/S C J Waters
Sgt C W Watts
Sgt F D Leahy
Sgt E Davis
AC2 H M Aitken
AC2 Aitken has been accepted for training to be a navigator

Lanc III ME473 EM-N of 207 Sqdn
F/L E McM Lawson RAAF
Sgt G W Flitt
F/O W W Lord
F/S A Henderson
Sgt R Richardson
Sgt G Wilkinson
Sgt R C Banks
LAC J Morrison
T/o 0021 Spilsby. Six bodies were recovered but F/S Henderson and Sgt Banks, the latter from Nakuru, Kenya, are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. F/L Lawson was the son of Revd Archibald Lawson of Camberwell, Victoria, while F/O Lord's father was Herbert Arthur Lord CBE and a Justice of the Peace. LAC Morrison was a batman who had joined the crew for air experience flying.
Note . The crash site was excavated by the Lincolnshire Aircraft Recovery Group in August 1996 and the remains of Sgt Banks were recovered. He was buried with full military honours on 25 October 1996.
Regards,
pp