619 Squadron

[gen]

I'm trying to find out what operation and where 619 Squadron were flying on 26th or 27th November 1943. If anyone can lead me in the right direction it would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Mike

[Kyt]

Berlin

26/27 November 1943

443 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitos to Berlin and Stuttgart (diversion). Both forces flew a common route over Northern France and on nearly to Frankfurt before diverging. The German controllers thought that Frankfurt was the main target until a late stage and several bombers were shot down as they flew past Frankfurt. Only a few fighters appeared over Berlin, where flak was the main danger, but the scattered condition of the bomber stream at Berlin meant that bombers were caught by fighters off track on the return flight and the casualties mounted. 28 Lancasters were lost, 6.2 per cent of the force, and 14 more Lancasters crashed in England. The weather was clear over Berlin but, after their long approach flight from the south, the Pathfinders marked an area 6-7 miles north-west of the city centre and most aircraft bombed there. Because of Berlin's size, however, most of the bombing still fell within the city boundaries and particularly on the semi-industrial suburb of Reinickendorf; smaller amounts of bombing fell in the centre and in the Siemensstadt (with many electrical factories) and Tegel districts. The Berlin Zoo was heavily bombed on this night. Many of the animals had been evacuated to zoos in other parts of Germany but the bombing killed most of the remainder. Several large and dangerous animals - leopards, panthers, jaguars, apes - escaped and had to be hunted and shot in the streets.
The diversionary raid on Stuttgart was carried out by 157 Halifaxes and 21 Lancasters. 6 Halifaxes lost, 3.4 per cent of the force. The bombing was very scattered and caused little damage but part of the night-fighter force was drawn off from the Berlin operation.
19 Stirlings and 14 Wellingtons minelaying off Texel and in the Frisians, 5 OTU sorties.
Total effort for the night: 666 sorties, 34 aircraft (5.1 per cent) lost.

RAF History - Bomber Command 60th Anniversary

619 lost 4 aircraft:

Lost Bombers - World War II Lost Bombers
Lost Bombers - World War II Lost Bombers
Lost Bombers - World War II Lost Bombers
Lost Bombers - World War II Lost Bombers

[gen]

Many thanks for this Kyt. Sgt Wilcher's body must of been totally burnt away before they could retrieve it as he is the only one not found. Do you happen to know how to find out casualties Squadron's when they are not on the CWGC site? Again many thanks for this, it really has helped me.
Regards
Mike

[Kyt]

Originally Posted by gen

Do you happen to know how to find out casualties Squadron's when they are not on the CWGC site?

Ahh, now that's the $64 million question!

I assume you mean when a CWGC entry states RAFVR or such like. It all depends upon whether they were an officer, serial number, date of death, location of burial; and the simple answer is that it is possible sometimes, but not always.

A great group of knowledgeable people reside over on rafcommands.com who seem to be able to get blood out of a stone (or a casualty out of obscure diary entry!). So if we can't find any info, then trying there is always worthwhile.

[gen]

I have 3 remaining RAF casualties, one is a Cadet Sgt, name of Hughes W.A. Air Training Corps aged 18 who died 26/04/1942. Also his brother Hughes V.A. Aircraftman 2nd Class who died 12/02/1945, both buried in the same grave in a Didcot Church. And lastly but not least Dixon G.H. Warrant Officer (W. Op/Air Gnr) died 27/04/1945 buried in Didcot cemetery. I think maybe he died of wounds recieved while on a mission. I'll give the local newspapers a try and see if i can get something from there, if not i'll give those guys at rafcommands.com a try. If you can think of anywhere else i can check then please let me know, it would be hugely appreciated.
Regards
Mike

[Kyt]

As the Hughes brothers were local then the local papers may have something. Probably a typo but it should be V S Hughes (Vivien Stanley).

W A Hughes sounds like a training accident. I think this is something that the rafcommands guys would be able to help with.

I can't find anything on lostbombers for Dixon.

[52nd Airborne]

Sgt Wilcher was part of crew in a Lancaster Mk1 DV336 PG-U. They took off at 17:19 from Woodall Spa and they crashed at 02:00 on there return from Berlin, south of Elvington Airfield, Yorkshire. All the crew were killed.

[gen]

Thanks guys, Your right it was a typo on Hughes VS. I will give rafcommand.com a try, hopefully they might be able to find out a little something about the other 3.
Regards
Mike

[Kitty]

CO's 619 Squadron Crest