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
hello Tim welcome to the forum have you applied for his service records link below and follow the instructions Ministry of Defence | About Defence | What we do | Personnel | Service Records | Making a Request for Information held on the Personnel Records of Deceased Service Personnel regards Clive
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
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.
Thanks so what was the role of the wireless operator? Sorry if this seems a daft question! Thanks Tim
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