Lawton, 97 Squadron RAF, KIA 29 June 1943

[ArtieBob]

I am trying to help a friend learn more about the death of her father-in-law, Ernest Edward Lawton, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, with 97 Sqdn., KIA on 29 Jun 1943. She would like any details that could be given concerning the individual aircraft, the specific mission when shot down and if we could identify what Mr. Lawton’s role in the crew was. The gravesite is Heverlee War Cemetery, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium, which hopefully will help locate the air combat location. Thanks in advance.
Best Regards,
Artie Bob

[russg10]

Hi,

Lancaster III OF-U serial LM323 Op Cologne (Take off from Bourne 22.51)

Shot down by a night fighter flown by Lt. Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer of II/NJG1 crashing at 01.30 at Solwaster (Liege) and on the western side of Hautes Fagnes 12 Km SE of Verviers.

The pilot was F/Lt. F. P. Seward.

Chorley BC Losses 1943

Russ

[ArtieBob]

Thank you Russ for the prompt reply, I am outside my comfort zone (and knowledge) on this subject.

Best Regards,

ArtieBob

[ArtieBob]

Further info on this incident. "Witnesses said that the men were alive when the plane crashed and that the Nazis lined them up and shot them." Is there any way to confirm if that were true and if so was it a common occurrence?

Best Regards,

ArtieBob

[russg10]

Hi ArtieBob,

I could be wrong but it would seem they were killed in the crash, there is a bit on the net about it.

http://www.97squadron.co.uk/Crew%20Seward.html

Cheers,

Russ

[ArtieBob]

Thanks again,

ArtieBob

[ssg keay]

Also, if during internment, any "unusual wounds" would have been noted, an inquiry would have likely been initiated.

Danny