Looking for ORBs for 7 Sqdn, RAF 1942

[bilnrobn]

Hi! I am new here, trying to track down a Sgt F Thompson of 7 Sqdn who was aboard a Stirling bomber that crash landed in Holland on 16th August 1942. I am looking for details of the flight and crew etc and am told the ORBs for that month would tell me. I know I can get these by personal visit to the British National Archives, but I am 12000 miles away! Does anyone have access to a copies for that period? (I know that Sgt Thompson was captured and ended up in Stalag VIIIB.)
Hoping someone can help,
Bill.

[Peter Clare]

Hi Bill.

15 - 16 August 1942.

7 Squadron.

Stirling I N3705 MG-F

Op: Gardening.

Crew
Sgt. S C. Orrell. pow
Sgt. F. Thompson. pow
Sgt. A. Buckley. pow
Sgt. J A B. Bond. pow
Sgt. C A. Bowers. pow
Sgt. A R. Holman. pow
Sgt. T R. Gough. pow.

Took off Oakington to lay mines in the Nectarines area. Last heard on w/t at 0458 indicating that the Stirling was over a built up area, and asking for a course. Subsequently, the crew force-landed near Loevestein (Gelderland) 4 km WSW of Brakel. Holland, from where the aircaft was flown to the Luftwaffe's test facility at Rechlin.

Details from Bomber Command Losses Vol 3. WR Chorley.

Hope this is some help.

Regards
Peter

[bilnrobn]

Thank you Peter, that is marvelous!