1308157 Sergeant Geoffrey White RAFVR 115 Squadron - KIA

[Adam Harland]

Hello I have the following group, could anyone tell me the Luftwaffe Squadron that the nightfighters were from? Here is the info on the group

1308157 Sergeant Geoffrey White RAFVR 115 Squadron Killed in action 29th June 1943 aged 21.
Geoffrey White was born in the picturesque village of Thornton Le Dale in North Yorkshire. Close to the market town of Helmsley and the popular seaside resort of Scarborough. Thornton Le Dale is featured in many calendars due to the thatch roofed houses. Geoffrey’s parents were John William White and Kate White.
Geoffrey served as a rear gunner on Lancaster bombers on 115Squadron; rear gunners had one of the highest mortality rates of any members of crew. 115 Squadron began operating Avro Lancaster’s B II mark in 1943, unfortunately the Lancaster’s were fitted with Hercules engines which couldn’t achieve the same altitude as Rolls Royce Merlin’s. This decision undoubtedly contributed to the loss of aircraft from the squadron.
On the night of his death Geoffrey was flying in Lancaster DS669/B on a raid to Cologne. After releasing the bombs Lancaster DS669/B turned for home. On the return Journey the aircraft was attacked from the rear by a night fighters. The following accounts are from the London Gazette and detail the crew’s efforts to save Geoffrey and the aircraft.
1308178 Sergeant Edwin Thomas George Hall, No. 115 Squadron. Was mid upper Gunner
1346616 Sergeant William Porter Jolly, No. 115 Squadron was the Pilot
1078262 Sergeant Ray Kingsley Crowther, No. 115 Squadron was the Wireless Operator
Gazetted on the 20th July 1943
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying).

1308178 Sergeant Edwin Thomas George HALL, No. 115 Squadron.

Distinguished Flying Medal

1346616 Sergeant William Porter Jolly, No. 115 Squadron

1078262 Sergeant Ray Kingsley CROWTHER, No. 115 Squadron.

“Sergeants Hall and Crowther were mid-upper gunner and wireless operator respectively of an aircraft, captained by Sergeant Jolly, which attacked Cologne one night in June, 1943. On the homeward flight the bomber was intercepted by 2 enemy fighters and a running, combat ensued. Sergeant Jolly took violent evasive action but, eventually a burst of gunfire from i of the attackers, at close range, hit the rear turret, setting the fuselage on fire between the bulkhead doors. Sergeant Hall, the mid-upper gunner, kept firing his guns however, and the enemy aircraft was seen diving steeply and on fire. By this time, the rear turret 'was well alight and the fuselage became filled with smoke. The situation became critical but Sergeants Hall and Crowther, without waiting to connect the portable oxygen supply, attempted to quell the flames. Both airmen became thoroughly exhausted ' but gamely battled on and, after a prolonged struggle, succeeded in extinguishing the flames; it was then discovered that the rear turret had fallen off. Eventually, Sergeant Jolly flew the damaged bomber to an airfield in this country, landing it safely. In the face of a critical situation, these members of aircraft crew displayed courage, fortitude and determination of the highest order”.

The citation shows the strong bond that developed between the crews and how devoted they were to one another. The CGM was one of only 109 awarded to RAF personal.
Sergeant William Porter Jolly DFM went on to become a Flight Lt and was also awarded the DFC on the 16th November 1945.
Sergeant Ray Kingsley Crowther DFM, survived the war.
Sergeant Edwin Thomas George Hall CGM, survived the war
Lancaster DS669/B was repaired and put back onto operational duty, it didn’t survive the war it was lost over Dusseldorf on the night of the 22nd/23rd of April 1944 while serving with 514 Squadron.
Geoffrey’s medals and scroll were sent to his Mother Kate back in Thornton Le Dale. The brass memorial plaque in the Church of All Saints in Thornton Le Dale bears Geoffrey’s name. He is remembered also on the Runnymede memorial along with 20330 other Airmen who paid the ultimate sacrifice during World War Two.


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[Adam Harland]

Sorry should have said the night fighters were FW190's