Search for corporal Vincent Whitfield/Withfield

Dear forum,

I am researching a lot of historical photographs that were taken during the liberation of Europe, by an unknown RAF corporal. I would very much like to find out who he was, what his story was, and, if possible, return the photographs to his descendants. If there’s anyone who could help me with this quest, that would be great!

I’ve found several very relevant clues so far, but unfortunately, I haven’t found him yet, after months of extensive research, both online and offline (National Archives, ORB, IWM, etc.).

1) Possibly, his name is Vincent Withfield/Whitfield (it’s written on the back of a portrait, his face being in several photographs). I came across a Henry Vincent Withfield (nr. 610386), who joined the RAF as an aircrafthand reservist. This might be him, but I can’t find any additional information, like his birth date or place.
2) He definitely was a member of the electrical section of the 409 Repair & Salvage Unit.
3) His uniform shows he’s a corporal.
4) And there is a picture of him in a Bedford 3 tonner with the number RAF 105361.

If you have any additional questions, please let me know. Many thanks in advance!


Best wishes,


OA_MND

 

Currently using his given name(s) and Service Number he does not appear on The National Archives site (TNA). That may mean his record is still with the MoD or it is with TNA being processed for release. If you follow the web link given you can ask where it is and they will reply. See: Get a copy of military records of service

I checked CWGC too. No trace here on the names and number too.

The unit's War Diary is available for 1943 Sept-1945 Nov (not digitised): 409 Repair and Salvage Unit; formed at Sawbridgeworth and later moved to various UK... | The National Archives

Alas War Diaries rarely mention Other Ranks.

 

Perhaps it would be worth posting a copy of his name from the back of the photo in the best resolution possible.

 

It would help to stick to one thread! Just found your November 2025 thread, which has the same information and a number of posts in reply. Duplication is best avoided. See: Question on electrical section of the 409 Repair & Salvage Unit

I will ask the Moderator to merge the threads.

 

Thank you for your message! Without a birth date it seems impossible to request his/their military records unfortunately. The war diaries you've mentioned at the National Archives (not digitized), I've checked in their study room. Unfortunately, there are to personnel lists. Just a few officers are mentioned by name in the ORB, no corporals or someone with the name Vincent/Whitfield/Withfield.

 

Sure! Hopefully it will give you new ideas!

 

There are 550 possibles on the genealogy site I use, but there is only on Henry V Withfield, born Apr-May-Jun 1920 @ Wakefield. Yorkshire and whose mother was Walker.

Perhaps research on will help: https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content

Nothing readily found online.

A basic guide to genealogy research by a member: Get Started Plus useful links to: UKMFH - Military Family History. Links to web sites with Online Information for UK Military Family History and Genealogy. for example (not one I have used). I try to avoid genealogy!

 

"but there is only on Henry V Withfield, born Apr-May-Jun 1920 @ Wakefield. Yorkshire and whose mother was Walker."

Transcript error from David's source - GRO correctly lists as

WHITFIELD, HENRY VINCENT WALKER
GRO Reference: 1920 J Quarter in WAKEFIELD Volume 09C Page 92

Air78 contradicts the surname given by the original poster for 610386.

The image of signature reads Witfield to me.

In absence of any real detail try a request on F543A Service Record for Henry Vincent Whitfield
Born 19 May 1920
Died Oct/Nov/Dec Quarter 1983
WHITFIELD HENRY VINCENT 19MY1920 HAMMERSMITH Vol 12 Page 1707

I'm doubtful give the signature on the photo but H V Whitfield was a 1938/1939 enroll into the RAF so at least it will allow elimination.

Ross

 

Thank you, this is really helpful!!

 

Thanks a lot, I will try to find more on him and see if I can find any relatives.