Hi, AIR 81/289 is the RAF casualty file for the crew of Blenheim L8849 of 15 Squadron which crashed at Beverst Begevel (Belgium) on 12/05/1940. This file also contains some documents related to 1090876 Sgt. Johny Bichton, who died on 17/02/1942 in the Bavière hospital at Liège (Belgium). His name is also mentioned as Jonny Birhton. A letter dated 3/11/1950 of the Air Ministry (S.14.Cas.) mentions the following details : “ I am directed to refer to your letter dated 20th October 1950, and to inform you that 1090876 Johny Bichton cannot be traced in the casualty records of this Department. The case of “ Sergeant Johny Bichton “ was investigated by a R.A.F. Missing Research and Enquiry Unit in July 1947. It was then ascertained that the person in question had been picked up near the River Meuse and taken to a hospital at Liège. He was there questioned by the Gestapo and is reported to have stated that “ he was the wireless operator of a two seater Spitfire”. In the light of this “ evidence “ it was considered most likely that he was a Resistance worker, who, on being caught by the Germans, attempted to escape execution by claiming to be a member of the Air Force.” Other documents mention that he was initially buried at Brustem cemetery. After the war his remains were transferred to Heverlee CWGC. Was he member of the Royal Air Force or Army ? Was he member of the resistance ? Was it an agent dropped by a plane ? Many thanks in advance and best regards, Luc
Hello, Luc Firstly you were reviewing a File relating to Blenheim IV of 15 Squadron loss, L8849. The crew loss details were provided by Peter Clare on this thread 7 years ago RAF losses May 1940. An update. DOUGLASS, PETER NORMAN 39933 Flying Officer (Pilot) 12/05/1940 SHORTLAND, WILFRED OWEN 562875 Sergeant (Obs.) 12/05/1940 15 Squadron Blenheim IV L8849 LS-? Op. Maastricht Took off from Alconbury. (No other details) per Bomber Command Losses, Chorley. Blenheim bombers usually carried a crew of three, so who was the missing crew member? Was it your Johnny Bichton? Bichton doesn't seem an English surname, nor does 1090876 produce any link to a CWGC entry. His surname doesn't show as a PoW in Footprints on the Sands of Time. I can only suggest that something is wrong with either the Name or the Service Number. You state he died on 17 February 1942 in the Baviere Hospital in Liege, Belgium. That's almost 2 years after L8849 was lost. Of the 49 Air crew lost that day, none were buried in Belgium. Of the 3,203 Airmen buried in Belgium during WW2 none died on 17/02/1942. In short, there is nothing I can find to help you. Please review all the information you have to see if there is any correction needed or anything else. If "Johny Bichton" died, he should have a known grave, in Belgium. EDIT: I see you've posted on TOCH and received the details of the crew Blenheim L8849 coded LS-S - 15 Squadron crew: P/O P Douglas, Sgt W. Shortland, Sgt W. Davies. If the RAF investigated and found no link to an RAF casualty, then the conclusion is the one they came to, a member of the resistance trying to claim RAF status.... but what does that Service Number link to? Sgt W. E. H. Davies was held in L1 and L3 PoW No. 594.
