Sgt V Jenkins - Squadron 431 - New Member - Looking for Info

Discussion in 'General' started by chimpy100, May 18, 2012.

  1. chimpy100

    chimpy100 Junior Member

    Hi

    I am new to the forum but looking for some information about my Grandad and the role he played in WW2. I have pieced together some information from various sources but would like to know more as it has proved to be very interesting and rewarding.

    We know very little as he never shared any information with any family on his return from a POW camp having been shot down in December 1943. My Dad was always told not to his ask him about it and i think quite a lot of paperwork was burnt after his death.

    This is what I know so far:

    Sgt V (Vic or Victor) Jenkins
    Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner
    Service Number - 1427357
    POW Number 267164 at Stalag 4B

    His last mission was on 3/4th December 1943 en route to Leipzig on Halifax V LK-685 code which failed to return. 6 crew were POW's and 1 killed. I have a list of all the other crew man that night.

    What I would really like to know is as follows:

    His whereabouts with the RAF before this?
    Squadron 431 seems to have a strong assoicoation with the RCAF?
    How would he have ended up in this squadron?
    Did people change squadrons?
    Was he just a member of the Squadron for that night as he looked to be the only RAF crew man on that plane - all others were members of teh RCAF?
    Was he brought in late bacause of a shortage of Wireless Operators?

    Any information anyone can share or point me towards some other sources would be much appreciated.

    Thanks
    Tim Jenkins
     
  2. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

  3. jettisoning

    jettisoning Member

    LK685 SE-C

    Tholthorpe

    431 Sq (RCAF) was a 6 Group unit (Canadian) - hence the Canadian connection .

    commonly the flight engineer would be the only RAF crew member of a RCAF crew

    w/ops - like your grandfather - might easily have been on the squadron - as overall numbers dictated .

    i would not expect a w/op to be a visitor and go on ops
     
  4. chimpy100

    chimpy100 Junior Member

    Thanks.

    I will check that link out. I think I will need to request a new death certificate to get his service records as I think this is one of the thinks that was destroyed after his death.
     
  5. chimpy100

    chimpy100 Junior Member

    Thanks so what was the role of the wireless operator?

    Sorry if this seems a daft question!

    Thanks
    Tim
     
  6. alieneyes

    alieneyes Senior Member

    Was he just a member of the Squadron for that night as he looked to be the only RAF crew man on that plane - all others were members of teh RCAF?

    Not quite. The rear gunner, 1892458 Sgt D. Lyford-Pike, was also RAF.

    Thanks so what was the role of the wireless operator?

    He had a myriad role. Monitoring the wireless radio for instructions and weather reports from headquarters. He might be asked to have a look for enemy opposition through the aircraft's astrolabe. Many W/Ops were also trained air gunners. A google of "Bomber Command Wireless operators" will give you some reading materal.

    Dave
     

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