Seeking Info on P/O Esmond Romilly 58 Sq, Churchill Nephew

[Michael J. Chorney]

Dear All: Thanks for looking and possibly helping in advance. A family member is researching the life, and in this case death, of P/O Esmond Romilly (navigator), 58 Sq, based on Linton-on-Ouse. He was on a raid to Hamburg on the night of 30/11/41, and his Whitley was lost off the coast of Scotland. A search was undertaken, if my information is correct, and surface oil was observed. Romilly was the son of Clementine Churchill's sister.

I checked many sources, including Middlebrook's diary related to the raid (6.1% losses), though I do not possess W.R. Chorley's bomber command losses for '41 (I did find his other four crew). I also do not have Chris Ward's history of 4 group. Theo Boiten does not list any Nachtjagd Whitley claims with Romilly's serial number, Z6506 (markings GE-V), though two were confirmed.

This may be a tough row to hoe as information may be scanty. Was his aircraft hit by flak and/or a canon burst. How much damage to the airplane was sustained (it did travel far from the target)? Did he aid in flying the damaged aircraft above the North Sea? Were any bodies recovered? etc. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers, Michael