Looking for RAF Veterans WWII - Coastal Command

Hi my Grandad served in the RAF Coastal Command as a Navigator between 1942 - 1945. His name was Leonard Cundy, who finish as a Flight LT.

I was wondering if anyone else, had relatives that served at the same time- his squadron was 53.

Would be great to speak to anyone who has an interest in this particular area of the RAF as i do. I have a lot of pictures taken during this period mostly taken by my Grandad, they are a fascinating record of this period of time.

I also know his crew was responsible for the sinking of a U-boat i think in 1944, but i do not have any further details than that at the moment- would be great to get in touch with someone who is a real expert with this area.

Many thanks for anyone who can help.
Hi James,

My Dad, Flt. Lt. Jack Hubert Stigner, was a pilot with 53 Squadron from April 1941 until he was transferred on 27/02/1943, so there is every chance that your Granddad and he knew each other.

I would really be very interested in seeing any photographs that you may have, and in return, I have some that I can share as well.

I would really recommend that you send all you have to Jock Manson, the author of 'United in Effort', and the squadron historian and archivist.

You may e-mail me if you wish.

 

Hi,

My dad - Lesley (Jack) Palmer - was a f/sgt in coastal command during WWII. He did his flight training at Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada before returning to the UK. He was born 7th October 1923 and flew a Hudson. Sadly, he died in September 2008 aged 84. I - along with my mum & other family members - were always fascinated by his stories, which he only told in later life! I also have a bunch of photos of him in his uniform and I can't believe he was so young when he joined the RAF and flew! He could always remember the names of the men he served with and enjoyed playing the drums whenever he was stationed. I would love to hear from anyone who knew him or if you have a relative that knew him. As his youngest daughter (I'm 28 and have older brothers & sisters!) I am interested to know more about his life in the RAF. Sadly, he was terminally ill for 4&1/2 years, so his memory was not what it was. I came across this forum after my mum found some information he'd written down and it said that he was in Medicine Hat, so any other information would be great.

Thank you


Catherine

 

Hi,

My dad - Lesley (Jack) Palmer - was a f/sgt in coastal command during WWII. He did his flight training at Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada before returning to the UK. He was born 7th October 1923 and flew a Hudson. Sadly, he died in September 2008 aged 84. I - along with my mum & other family members - were always fascinated by his stories, which he only told in later life! I also have a bunch of photos of him in his uniform and I can't believe he was so young when he joined the RAF and flew! He could always remember the names of the men he served with and enjoyed playing the drums whenever he was stationed. I would love to hear from anyone who knew him or if you have a relative that knew him. As his youngest daughter (I'm 28 and have older brothers & sisters!) I am interested to know more about his life in the RAF. Sadly, he was terminally ill for 4&1/2 years, so his memory was not what it was. I came across this forum after my mum found some information he'd written down and it said that he was in Medicine Hat, so any other information would be great.

Thank you


Catherine

Hi Catherine

Good luck with the research. It can become all absorbing cant it. If you know what Sqn he was on have you contacted their Assn... They would I am sure welcome you with open arms and you can then speak to the veterans as they may also remember your father... Photos would be great for setting off memories as well!
Best wishes
Dee

 

Hi Dee,

It certainly is! I find it really interesting when I see his old photos (he flew a Hudson) and he looked very smart in his uniform
I managed to find out from him - a long time ago - that when he was flying over the channel a u-boat gunned down the plane below and the stray bullets came up through the cockpit! My dad had a bullet clip his knee and then lodge in his shoulder. The 2 gunners at the back of the plane were killed outright and he had to crash land. His co-pilot survived but upon discharge from a Kent hospital many months later, he never saw him again.
My mum found a notebook recently that listed all the names of the men he served with. He never forgot any of their names or his flight number (which always caused me to make some remark about how old he was!!) On his evenings off whilst stationed, he enjoyed playing the drums
Thank you for leaving a reply - sorry I took a while to respond x

Catherine x

 

re read this thread today , having over looked U89 in it a few days earlier , all good stuff.

 

Robert,

Uncanny how it took a Swordfish from HMS Biter to sink the U-89, when her luck ran out.

From The Type VIIC boat U-89 - German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net

Attacks on this boat

16 Aug 1942
At 20.36 hours, the boat was attacked by the Liberator aircraft AM917 (120 Sqn RAF/F, pilot SqnLdr T.M. Bulloch, DFC) about 100 miles from the convoy OS-37. The aircraft dropped six depth charges on the crash-diving boat from its port side, the first two fell just ahead of the still visible conning tower and the rest of the stick overshoot. They later spotted wreckage, but it was apparently only some planking blown off the upper deck because the explosions only caused slight damages to U-89, which continued her return passage after reporting the southbound convoy. (Sources: KTB U-89 & AIR 15/239)

5 Nov 1942
On 5 Nov, 1942 in the Northern Atlantic south-east Cape Farewell, Greenland, in position 58.08N, 33.13W a British B-24 Liberator aircraft (120 Sqdn.) was thought to have sunk the U-132. This attack was against U-89 inflicting severe damage.

2 recorded attacks on this boat.

Plus the third and final attack by a Swordfish that sank her.

Regards
Tom

 

hi, sorry to but in but does anyone have any info on my dad john berrington, wop/ag 120 sqd my have been known as jonny or now jack.
https://picasaweb.google.com/101485919025389943002/120SQUADRONCOASTALCOMMAND#
thanks roy

 

Hi
just wanted to say.. My Dad
John Vincent Berrington from thurmaston leicester
passed away 15th Feb 2013
serving 120 Squadron Coastal Command 1943-1945
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKg7XWVWY6E

I was trying to help him with his memoir but too late

regards roy

 

John Vincent Berrington RIP

 

Hello Roy
Condolences to you and your family

regards
Clive

 

Roy
My condolences to you and your family

Lesley

 

Some information and pictures AM -929 is here :

Welcome - Ulster Aviation Society

Mike