Wellington loss details wanted 06/01/44

[nigelshipp]

Hi All,
Does anyone have any details on 38 squadron losses

I am writing this for a family friend who lost her brother on 6th January 1944

His name was 1436513 Ivan Coles, we have the common wealth graves information but anything on what they would have been doing or the other crew members would be greatly recieved

Regards
Nigel

[Larry]

38 Sqn had been equipped with Wellingtons since Nov 1938 and for much of the war had been based in the Middle East and had been carrying out reconnaissance and anti submarine operations together with a few bombing and mine laying missions too. In Jan 1944 the Sqn was based in Berka III near Benghazi in Libya. At this time the Sqn had Wellington Mk XI and Mk XIII aircraft with ASV radar. Most missions would have been at medium to low level to watch for subs and enemy shipping in the Med around the Balkans.

In Jan 1944 38 Sqn was part of 201 Group RAF Middle East

[Col Bruggy]

Hi,

6/7-1-1944
No.38 Sqn
Wellington XIII HZ727

Airborne at 1655B on the 6th, engaged on a close area anti-submarine patrol over convoy "PARCEL". At 2040, it was plotted in position 32.56N, 20.16E, and no news has since been received. Extensive searches for this aircraft were carried out next day, but without success.

It is stated in the circumstantial reports on the loss of this aircraft, that there is a possibility that a collision may have occurred between Wellingtons HZ727 and MF679* and that they fell into the sea on fire in position 32 56N, 19.50E.

J/14014 F/O (Capt./Pilot) Kenneth Robert MUNRO RCAF +
1436513 Sgt (2nd Pilot) Ivan Coles RAFVR +
1389233 Sgt (Nav.) Harold CHERNS RAFVR +
1330314 Sgt (W.Op./Air Gnr.) Ronald Frederick LEDGER RAFVR +
1313481 Sgt (W.Op./Air Gnr) John HARRIS RAFVR +
1334532 Sgt (W.Op./Air Gnr.) Kenneth Allan WRIGHT RAFVR +

All commemorated on the Alamein Memorial

* Info available on MP679 (also of No.38 Sqn) available, if required.

Col.

[nigelshipp]

Many thanks to both Larry and Col for their response. I'll pass the information on

Regards
Nigel