59 Squadron honour roll update

Discussion in 'The War In The Air' started by aussie_59, Oct 19, 2008.

  1. aussie_59

    aussie_59 Senior Member

    Hi all! I have just finished going through the aircraft listed on rafb24.com and need more info on the following...

    Serial Number: KK339 Aircraft Mk & Type Mk VIII Liberator Squadrons: 59 Details: Undershot landing in bad visibility and hit bank; undercarriage torn off, Ballykelly, 9.5.45 References: AB (what does AB stand for?)

    Serial Number: BZ941 Aircraft Mk & Type Mk V Liberator Squadrons: 120/59 Details: Damaged in accident, 10.1.46; NFD References: AB

    Serial Number: FL973 Aircraft Mk & Type Mk V Liberator Squadrons: 59 Details: Engine caught fire on approach, Ballykelly; blew up after landing, 11.4.44 References: AB

    The following is questionable... Although the site noted this aircraft as being designated to 59, perhaps this was a mistake as I have no record of casualties on this date... Although it does note it as a Ferry Flight? So perhaps the crew were from another squadron... such was the case with KH125 and the (59) crew that were flying her, the plane was noted as 220 Sqn...

    Serial Number: KL676 Aircraft Mk & Type Mk VI Liberator Squadrons: 59 Details: Missing on ferry flight, Castel Benito-Waterbeach, 18.10.45 References: AB

    Any further information on the loss of these aircraft will be greatly appreciated. Also, in reference to the service of aircraft, what do the following abbreviations stand for?

    SS - sold as scrap?
    SOC - ?

    thanks, Lorenzo.
     
  2. Peter Clare

    Peter Clare Very Senior Member

    Hi Lorenzo,

    I believe I know which site you have been looking at for your info, its becoming a very good B-24 research tool, I'm a member myself.

    RAF Liberator Squadrons

    The abbreviations relate to....

    AB = Alan Blue
    SS = Sold Scrap
    SOC = Struck off Charge
     
  3. Peter Clare

    Peter Clare Very Senior Member

    The following is questionable... Although the site noted this aircraft as being designated to 59, perhaps this was a mistake as I have no record of casualties on this date... Although it does note it as a Ferry Flight? So perhaps the crew were from another squadron... such was the case with KH125 and the (59) crew that were flying her, the plane was noted as 220 Sqn...

    Serial Number: KL676 Aircraft Mk & Type Mk VI Liberator Squadrons: 59 Details: Missing on ferry flight, Castel Benito-Waterbeach, 18.10.45 References: AB



    As far as I am aware those on board KL676 on 18 October 1945 were as follows....


    CWGC :: Casualty Details

    CWGC :: Casualty Details

    CWGC :: Casualty Details

    CWGC :: Casualty Details

    CWGC :: Casualty Details Note: 220 squadron


    A small crew for a Liberator if they were crew, but that all I can find at this time.

    Liberator B.VI KL676.

    ex. 44-49956.
    Arrived Prestwick 30 May 1945.
    To Scottish Aviation Ltd 30 May 1945.
    To Lockheed, Renfrew 6 June 1945 for conversion to C.VI troop-transport.
    To 59 Squadron August 1945 (BY-X. radio call sign OLTX)
    Missing from ferry flight from Castel Benito to Waterbeach 18 October 1945.

    Regards
    Peter.
     
  4. Peter Clare

    Peter Clare Very Senior Member

    Serial Number: FL973 Aircraft Mk & Type Mk V Liberator Squadrons: 59 Details: Engine caught fire on approach, Ballykelly; blew up after landing, 11.4.44 References: AB



    Cant add much for this aircraft apart from the following......

    Liberator GR.V FL973.

    ex 42-40157.
    Delivered Dorval 23 February 1943.
    Arrived Prestwick 20 March 1943.
    To Scottish Aviation Ltd Prestwick 20 March 1943.
    Delivered 59 Squadron (aircraft C) 15 April 1943.
    Sank U 470 16 October 1943.
    Engine caught fire on approach to Ballykelly on 11 April 1944. The pilot managed to land the aircraft and all the crew escaped before the aircraft's load of depth-charges exploded.

    Regards
    Peter
     
  5. Peter Clare

    Peter Clare Very Senior Member

    Serial Number: BZ941 Aircraft Mk & Type Mk V Liberator Squadrons: 120/59 Details: Damaged in accident, 10.1.46; NFD References: AB



    Not a lot on this aircraft either.

    Liberator GR.V BZ941

    ex 42-64018
    Delivered Dorval 1 November 1943.
    To Gander - Prestwick 8-9 November 1943.
    To Scottish Aviation Ltd 9 November 1943.
    To No.120 Squadron (OH-A) 4 December 1943.
    To Lockheed, Speke 30 July 1945 for conversion to C.V troop transport.
    To 1 Transport Aircraft Modification Unit (TAMU) 21 October 1945 for conversion completion.
    To 59 Squadron (BY-C) 20 November 1945.
    Damaged in ground accident 16 January 1946.
    S.O.C. 24 January 1946.
     
  6. Peter Clare

    Peter Clare Very Senior Member

    Serial Number: KK339 Aircraft Mk & Type Mk VIII Liberator Squadrons: 59 Details: Undershot landing in bad visibility and hit bank; undercarriage torn off, Ballykelly, 9.5.45 References: AB (what does AB stand for?)




    A few details for....

    Liberator GR.VIII KK339.

    ex 44-44420
    Delivered Dorval 2 February 1945.
    Gander Prestwick 9 February 1945.
    To Scottish Aviation 9 February 1945.
    Delivered 59 Squadron 15 March 1945.
    Undershot landing in bad visibility at Ballykelly 9 May 1945 and struck bank, tearing undercarriage off.
    S.O.C 10 May 1945.
     
  7. RAF Liberators

    RAF Liberators Junior Member

    Hi Lorenzo
    I saw you on the site for days and days, I wondered what you were doing fearing that you were an intruder because you were on so much without stopping by to say hello :(
    So I googled your email address and saw that you are an author and assumed you were just gathering data.
    It's nice that you went through all of the aircraft on the site, why not join in the discussions we don't bite over there ;)

    Heya Peter, I see you get around........ a lot :D
    Yes I'm stalking you.....
    Gary
    RAF Liberator Squadrons
     
  8. Andy Fletcher

    Andy Fletcher Junior Member

    Could anyone with access to the 59 Sqn ORB please tell me the exact dates the following officers were in command and what units they were posted from?

    W/C J.A.C. Stratton Aug40-Sep41
    W/C R.H. Niven Apr42-30May42

    Also could anyone tell me what were Stratton's forenames.

    Best Regards

    Andy Fletcher
     
  9. Peter Clare

    Peter Clare Very Senior Member

    Heya Peter, I see you get around........ a lot :D
    Yes I'm stalking you.....
    Gary
    RAF Liberator Squadrons

    Hi Gary,

    Yes I do get around a bit, but I only contribute to the better class of forum....:D

    PS.

    By the way guys, RAF Liberator Squadrons is a newly refurbished forum, well worth a look.

    Peter
     
  10. aussie_59

    aussie_59 Senior Member

    Could anyone with access to the 59 Sqn ORB please tell me the exact dates the following officers were in command and what units they were posted from?

    W/C J.A.C. Stratton Aug40-Sep41
    W/C R.H. Niven Apr42-30May42

    Also could anyone tell me what were Stratton's forenames.

    Best Regards

    Andy Fletcher

    Hi Andy, I have the following information on Stratton and Niven although I do not currently have copies of the ORB's. I have them on a tentative order... Just waiting to have 90 quid spare...

    ROBERT HENRY NIVEN...

    "NIVEN, F/L Robert Henry (37267) - Distinguished Flying Cross - Photographic Development Unit - awarded as per London Gazette dated 8 March 1940. Born in Calgary, 1914; educated there. Appointed Acting Pilot Officer on Probation, RAF, 16 September 1935; promoted to Flying Officer, 1938; to Flight Lieutenant, 1939; Acting Squadron Leader, November 1940; confirmed in that rank, 1 December 1941. As of 3 October 1939 he formed the nucleus of a special flight at Heston consisting of six officers plus other ranks to investigate photo reconnaissance development (the other pilot was F/O M.V. Longbottom). Conducting trial sorties from 18 November 1939 onwards. Numerous sorties listed in cards compiled by Wing Commander F.H. Hitchins and held by Directorate of History. A notable one was 2 January 1940 photographing Kaiserlauten and northeast to Wiesbaden; when trying to pick up a map from floor he blacked out at 32,000 feet, regaining consciousness at 25,000 feet but unable to recover from spin until he had reached 5,000 feet. Killed 29/30 May 1942 ferrying Hudson aircraft to Britain. Remained with that unit until mid-August 1940, when he went to Ferry Command. Later in No.59 Squadron; killed in action, 29/30 May 1942. No citation other than "for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations." Specifically listed in AFRO 1292/41 dated 7 November 1941 as a Canadian in the RAF who had been decorated as of that date. Air Ministry Bulletin 439 refers.

    Two of the officers [in the awards list] have been pioneers in a new method of aerial photography. They have taken overlapping photographs of many enemy defences"

    -----------------------------------------------

    Interesting sources for Niven:

    Searching for the Hudson Bombers (James R Stevens): notes that Niven took command (April 1942) from W/C Grece who was posted to No.6 OTU at Thornaby. It goes into more details about Niven, but unfortunately the page with the most info is not available for viewing "online"...


    1939 flights
    1939-1940 flights 2 (this one notes F/L Niven on 02 Oct 1939)

    FLIGHT, OCTOBER 17, 1935: (London Gazette Oct 8 1935) The following are granted short service commissions as Acting Pilot Officers on probation with effect from and with seniority of September 16: RH Niven

    FLIGHT, AUGUST 20, 1936: Acting Pilot Officers: RH Niven to No.38 (bomber) Squadron.
    -----------------------------------------------




    JOHN ARTHUR CHARLES STRATTON...

    I Havent got much on W/C Stratton other than that he took command after C/O JB Fyfe left 59 for 107 Sqn shortly after they returned from France... I have a little bit of info from Global Flight Magazine?

    FLIGHT AUGUST 30, 1928
    London Gazette, August 21, 1928.
    General Duties Branch
    The following flight cadets, having successfully passed through the R.A.F.
    College, Cranwell, are granted permanent conimns. as Pilot Officers, with
    .effect from and with seniority of July 28 :— JAC Stratton.

    -----------------------------------------------

    FLIGHT, AUGUST 12, 1932 - states that F/O JAC Stratton was posted to No. 3 Flying Training Sch, Grantham, 31.7.32

    FLIGHT, JUNE 7, 1934: F/O to F/L JAC Stratton

    FLIGHT, JUNE 5, 1953: Order of the British Empire - (Commanders) JAC Stratton OBE - could be a possible CBE on top of his OBE? I have a source that states he was awarded an OBE in 1945 (below)...


    FLIGHT, JUNE 22, 1956 - states he was (at the rank of G/C) posted to HQ 81 Group as Senoir Officer of Administration.

    -----------------------------------------------

    LONDON GAZETTE - JUNE 2 1943: The King has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following personnel who have been mentioned in despatches by Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief - (Group Captains) - JAC Stratton.

    LONDON GAZETTE (supplement) - JUNE 14 1945: awards published in the Birthday Honours List, 14 June 1945 as listed below. - STRATTON, John Arthur Charles, GC - OBE - 450614 - Fighter Command HQ - RAF

    -----------------------------------------------

    Possible G/C of 38 Group during Op Market Garden? source

    Object Title
    Letter from Gp Capt J.A.C. Stratton to AVM Leslie Hollinghurst regarding the award of the Dutch Bronze Lion decoration, 4 March 1945 {cg}

    Object Description
    Typescript letter.

    Full Classification
    LETTER {See Scope Note}/DOCUMENT COLLECTIONS/ARCHIVE/Classifications

    Object Maker and Role
    Gp Capt J.A.C. Stratton, Author

    Production Date
    04 March 1945

    Content Note
    Letter informs Hollinghurst that he has been awarded the Dutch Bronze Lion decoration in connection with the services rendered by 38 Group during Operation Market Garden. Also states that Air Cdre Allen Henry Wheeler has been awarded the Bronze Cross for the same reasons.

    Named Collection
    Air Chief Marshal Sir Leslie Norman Hollinghurst Collection

    Subject Object
    Bronze Lion
    Bronze Cross

    Event
    Market, 1944 {See Scope Note}

    -----------------------------------------------


    [​IMG]
    W/C Stratton whilst in command of 59 Sqn. (ww2images.com - The largest online archive of images from the air war 1939-1945)

    -----------------------------------------------

    Hope this is of some use to Andy, take care.

    Lorenzo
     
  11. aussie_59

    aussie_59 Senior Member

    Hi Lorenzo
    I saw you on the site for days and days, I wondered what you were doing fearing that you were an intruder because you were on so much without stopping by to say hello :(
    So I googled your email address and saw that you are an author and assumed you were just gathering data.
    It's nice that you went through all of the aircraft on the site, why not join in the discussions we don't bite over there ;)

    Heya Peter, I see you get around........ a lot :D
    Yes I'm stalking you.....
    Gary
    RAF Liberator Squadrons

    Hi Gary, sorry for that, I did not realise there was a forum there? Yes, I went through all the aircraft, hence I was there for days on end :lol: did not want to miss anything and I must have missed the discussion area after I developed tunnel vision... I will certainly join in the discussions when I pass through again, thanks for the heads up and thanks for the great site too!!

    Lorenzo
     
  12. RAF Liberators

    RAF Liberators Junior Member

    No worries mate, you should of asked I have a spreadsheet with all of the aircraft info in. You could of just sorted that and filtered it, would of saved you days lol
    Thanks for the kind words, it's a massive project and it's changing daily, we need all the help we can get ;)
    Gary
     
  13. Andy Fletcher

    Andy Fletcher Junior Member

    Hi Lorenzo,

    Many thanks for taking the time to look up all the data on Stratton and Niven, it's much appreciated.

    Best Regards

    Andy Fletcher
     
  14. aussie_59

    aussie_59 Senior Member

    I'm still about and working on the site when I can... I've been busy lately with some other projects but obviously this project is still very important to me, so I just wanterd to touch base... Update coming soon, thanks.
     
  15. aussie_59

    aussie_59 Senior Member

    Hi all :D,

    Just letting you know that the 59 Sqn Memorial/Historical site will be up and running in a few days... Although I have worked many long hours on it over the last year or so, there is still a lot of work to be done but I feel it is best to get it up and running as is, and iron out the creases as we go..

    The site address will be www.number59.com This link will be active sometime in the next couple of days... Once initially activated, you will be able to access the site "front page".. From here, eventually you will be able to enter the site, but only once I have a few little bits sorted and tested.. As is, the site is 20Mb in size due to its image content... so as you can see, it's a monster... So please continue to be patient..

    Many thanks again to all those who have contributed and given me support during this time ;)

    Cheers, Lorenzo.
     
  16. aussie_59

    aussie_59 Senior Member

    OK :D, a bit quicker than expected but my site is now up at Untitled Document .. (www dot number59.com)

    As I stated above, much work is still to be done, things to be tweaked and the site to be viewed and corrected etc, if and where necessary... so please feel free to give me any feedback both positive and negative.. It is important to me for the site to be as accurate as possible. I have taken care but mistakes can be made..

    Thanks again, Lorenzo.
     
  17. Andy Fletcher

    Andy Fletcher Junior Member

    Hi Lorenzo,

    Congrats on the site, only had a quick scan so far but looking good.

    Best Regards

    Andy Fletcher
     
  18. aussie_59

    aussie_59 Senior Member

    Hi Lorenzo,

    Congrats on the site, only had a quick scan so far but looking good.

    Best Regards

    Andy Fletcher

    Thanks Andy, still a work in progress and when I get back from christmas holidays ill be able to do some more work on it. Have found the Squadron song to add on somewhere as well.. Thanks again for your feedback

    Lorenzo
     
  19. rfrank

    rfrank Junior Member

    Lorenzo, posting here as well as to you on the excellent 59 Squadron Website. My Uncle was Sgt/Obs William 'Bill' Wilson killed alongside P/O Stanley Ashton and Sgt/Gnr Ronald Wilson (not related) on 4th June 1940 flying in or out of RAF Eastchurch. I'm looking for more info on the circumstances of the crash but also need you to change the link regarding this on the site as you have the wrong Frank Wilson! Also, does anyone have a copy of the 59 Squadron photo posted on your site so that I can identify my Uncle and the rest of the crew.
    Cheers
     
  20. Harry Ree

    Harry Ree Very Senior Member

    No 59 Coastal Command Squadron former Commanding Officer.

    I see that Wg Cdr Geoffery Bartlett has died at Woodhall Spa on 5 March at the grand old age of 97 years.

    He served in Coastal Command during the Second World War in No 224 Squadron and on No 59 Squadron as Commanding Officer.

    I do not know the date he served at the top of No 59 Squadron.Others will, no doubt.
     

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