Alan, I've already found the crash site in 1996 and all of the debris found lancaster. Maybe I can help with what Rudi his research, because I've lived all my life in De Panne. Greetings Johan
i am replying to recent posts re Lancaster NE 172. K Battle wanted to know about Walter Smiths name on a headstone in cemetary in Manchester. The headstone belongs to my grandparents and my father William Barker is also on there. As far as I understand it, from my Mum (still alive ) Walter was like a brother to my Dad and his brother, and he lived most of the time with my grandparents. I believe the idea was to adopt Walter. His father died when Walter was 6 and we know nothing about his mother,Mum can't even recall ever seeing her, or being mentioned. There was an aunt, but we have no recollection of her either. To all intents and purposes my family seems to have become Walter's family. Hence my investigation of Walter whilst my Mum is still alive. She knew Walter as her family lived near the Barkers, they all went to the same school and Mum was in the same circle of friends as Dad, even before "they went out" together. My grandparents collected Walter's DFC. When grandma died, we arrived the day after and her house had been stripped. We lost my grandad's medals and even grandma's jewellery. Mum has always laid a poppy cross for Walter. We have had so much help from so many people right from the start of my investigations and contributers to this site have been beyond helpful with their suggestions and info. We have been overwhelmed by generosity.When I have asked questions, I know I haven't given as many hints, and perhaps acknowledgements, as I should, so aplogies to all. I'm still learning, but we are still very, very grateful, to everyone, so much detail has been filled in. It's just that elusive photograph of Walter and/or the crew, now that would be really something to have! I did try last year to get Mum to De Panne via a coach company,even the taxi was sorted, then the trip was cancelled. We were very disappointed as you can imagine. I don't think Mum will make that journey now. So, those people searching, or have found the crash site, thank you for all your efforts. Of course, any more information is, as always, gratefully received. pioneer 24
The Anniversary of the loss of this crew, has just gone. So, In Remembrance of: John Hewitt DFC Vincent Crosby DFM Harry Wilson DFM Robert Clenahan DFC Denis Flynn DFC Walter Smith DFC Gilbert Cottrell Albert Bouch DFM died Thursday 15th June 1944 Thank you to everyone on this site who have been so helpful and generous of their time,information and research. Our family are so grateful. The search, however, continues. pioneer24
Pioneer24 It may seem too obvious so my apologies in advance but there is a photograph listed on the IWM website http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205260186 with the following annotation: "Group photograph of the aircrew of No 582 Squadron of the Royal Air Force Pathfinder Force, taken in front of an Avro Lancaster at RAF Little Stoughton. Included are K Sheppard (the donor) as a navigator, and Wing Commander Stafford Coulson DFC (Squadron Commander)." There is no additional information so not sure when this photo was taken or if it was the crew of one aircraft or of the whole squadron. Unfortunately the photograph itself is not on the site however I know that they are working their way through digitising and uploading photographs on an ongoing basis. Also I think you can contact IWM directly with regards to buying a print of the photograph. A longshot I know...
ChrisCart I like any shots, any suggestions, as you all know so much more than me! So, thank you very much for this suggestion. Actually, I did contact them shortly after beginning this quest. I have to say they were very helpful, but our knowledge of Walter and the crew was very sparce at the time, gained mainly from Mum's memories, so it proved not useful in the end. Another try might be appropriate, as we now have more useful information. I just wonder if anyone else might have knowledge of the photo you have mentioned? Thank you for your time and help. pioneer24
Hi John, My Aunty did a family tree recently, and when I was looking through it I came across Gilbert Valentine Cottrell - so we are very distant relatives - I am also a Cottrell. If you're interested in the family tree - which is very comprehensive, please message me and I can foward a copy