103 Squadron photo - how can I found out the names of aircrew shown?

[LauraK]

Hi, wondering if there is any way to find out the names of the crew members in the photo shown in the website below. Photo was taken in late summer of 1942 of the 103 Squadron, RAF at Elsham Wolds. Thanks!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32428426@N06/3180150004/

[lancaster103]

Originally Posted by LauraK

Hi, wondering if there is any way to find out the names of the crew members in the photo shown in the website below. Photo was taken in late summer of 1942 of the 103 Squadron, RAF at Elsham Wolds. Thanks!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32428426@N06/3180150004/

Hi Laura,

I must admit it is a realy beautfull 103 Sqdn group Photograph. Send the pic to David W.Fell(dwfellETblueyonder.co.uk ). He is the 103/576 Sqdn historican and I am sure he can help you. Meantime I have download the pic aswell and send it to former 103 Sqdn members who served in 1942 see if they can help you out.

Cheers,
Adrian

[Icare9]

Laura, in case you missed it, the website photos are from the Elsham Wolds Association, which is where 103 was based. It look's an early series 1 (in my opinion) still with a front turret, and in almost factory fresh condition. No sign of an aircraft leter on the nose, but would have had PM as Squadron code.

I don't recall seeing a blister on the starboard side before, as the pilot was on the other side, so not very convenient for him to put his head into to get better view! Now, everyone else will say, "Of course, always been there" -and name the dog!!

[LauraK]

Thanks very much for your info! I've checked with David Fell but unfortunately he doesn't have the list of names of the crew in the photo... but I'll keep my hopes up someone will know the list....

Laura

[Samantha]

Hello Laura

I know it's been a year since this post and apologies if I am repeating an earlier post. I have on my wall a VE Day poster of the with a photo of the "Original Battle of Britain Airmen".
It is a group of five Lancaster crew members. The gent stood in the front (centre) was Warrant Officer J.F Craig (DFM). He, and his other 4 crew members were killed 23-10-43 over Kassel, Germany

I hope this info may be a good starting point for you!

Regards

[Bandlaw Charlie]

Hello.

I actually have this original photo. I recognise the crease caused by some idiot packing it improperly....It is a smaller version of the Squadron Group photo taken in late 1942.

I know of three men in this photo. The CO was an extraordinary man called Group Captain "Joc" De Boulay and he lived a full life passing away as recently as 2006.

Here is his obituary : http://www.cwherald.com/archive/arch...1209196872.htm

The two others are in the top right hand corner and wear the dark blue uniforms of Australia...RAAF.

One is Sergeant Alec Beesley (Wireless Operator) and the other is his skipper Ernie Davies..both Queenslanders and both killed in action by the German Ace Weissenfeld in August 1942..their Halifax was returning from a night sortie to Bremen when they were shot down at low level over Northern Holland...

Apparently this was a terrible time in the Squadron's life and many of the crews you see in this photo did not see the year out...such a dreadful loss....

Thanks.

Andrew.

[LauraK]

Thanks Andrew for the information, very interesting! I heard too that this 103 Squadron was one squadron no one wanted to be a part of due to low moral and high death rate. Sadly, my uncle, Brian Charles Henry King died in October 6, 1942, shot down over Holland by German Ace Georg-Hermann Greiner. Just wondering if it would be possible if you could email me the photo you have of the 103 squadron. The copy I have is not of good quality and its hard too zoom in on the faces to identify my uncle... Kindest regards, Laura

[brommer66]

Just for the record. (Georg) Hermann Greiner indeed shot down a Halifax on 6 October 1942, 23:24 hrs local time, in the region of Leeuwarden, which is in the Friesland province in the north of Holland and also the location of one of the most important nightfighter bases available to the Germans. It was Greiner's second aircraft shot down.
This must have been the Halifax that your uncle was on, Laura.

Jos

[Bandlaw Charlie]

Sure Laura,
I'd be happy to...just send me a personal message with your e-mail address and I'll forward on what I know/have....

cheers,
Andy.