F/L H W J DARE

[BigWeeker]

This officer and his crew joined 405 (RCAF) Sqn, 8 (PFF) Group during the summer of 1943 but unfortunately were shot down on their first operational flight to Hamburg 2/3 August ‘43. Does anybody know which squadron(s) he and his crew were with before he was posted to 405?
Tia
Andy BW

[alieneyes1]

Andy,

Can't speak for the whole crew but rear gunner, R168536 Sgt James Orville Rice, RCAF was on No. 35 Squadron for what appears to be four days.

TOS No. 1663 HCU 12 June 1943
TOS No. 35 Squadron 17 July 1943
TOS No. 405 Squadron 21 July 1943

Regards,

Dave

[BigWeeker]

Thank you, Dave
I don’t suppose you came across William Hutchinson, a gunner from the same crew? He’s the one I’m actually researching....
Atb
Andy

[alieneyes1]

Unfortunately not.


Have you talked to PeteT who does this site? https://35squadron.wordpress.com/


He should be able to help you.


Regards,


Dave

[BigWeeker]

Ok Dave, thanks

[Icare9]

Presumably you have this information
Halifax Mk II. LQ@G. Probably shot down by night fighter pilot Hauptmann Rudolf Schoenert of the Stab II./NJG 5, flying Do217 or Bf 110 G-4 'C9+AC' from Wittmundhafen airfield. Believed crashed into the North Sea 8 km northwest of Spiekeroog island approx 01:35.
740 aircraft: 329 Lancasters; 235 Halifaxes; 105 Stirlings; 66 Wellingtons and 5 Mosquitoes. 30 aircraft lost: 13 Lancasters; 10 Halifaxes; 3 Stirlings; 4 Wellingtons.
After the 3 devastating attacks from 25 July, this raid was dispersed by a large thunderstorm area over Germany, causing many crews to turn back. (Chorley 1943; BC War Diaries; ASN)

[BigWeeker]

Icare9
Thanks for that - yes I have that. From Middlebrooks book on the Hamburg raids, Dare and his crew were flying their first op on 405 Sqn .....
Andy