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180 Squadron RAF Help needed

We have been asked in the museum if we can shed some light on 180 Squadron pilot and crew any help wouldbe really appreciated.

Request below

am attempting to trace my father’s war service with 180 Squadron RAF

Dad was an RAAF navigator posted to 180 in early 1944 and was shot down on 09/09/1944 over or near Bolougne

The pilot was RCAF Frank Bitz

Another crew member was a TG Bell, also RCAF

These 3 survived by parachute

My mother is sure the gunner went down with the plane

I’m not sure about the other crew member if there was a fifth

The aircraft was a Mitchell b25 V125

Dad’s best mate, also with 180, was shot down and killed on 21/08/1944 over France

His name was James Harold Nimmo Cleminson, service no 426535 (RAAF)

He and Dad had been good friends before the war and joined up together, went through training in Australia and Canada and ended up in 180.

I have pictures of the crew if it may help.

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By: math76650 - 4th September 2012 at 09:40

Hello,
Last Tuesday, we found a piece of B 25 “James Harold Nimmo Cleminson” crashed in the night 20/21 August 1944 Moulineaux in Normandy.

I’m looking for Informations of the 180 squadron and James Harold N Cleminson.

Thank you for your help

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By: Emma - 29th April 2006 at 15:42

If there is a published history of the Squadron, it is not readily found in either the British Library catalogue nor on www.bookfinder.com

I have a copy of ‘Dunsfold, Surrey’s Most Secret Airfield’ by Paul M McCue which refers to many characters of 180 Squadron and is a very good read. Worth a look.

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By: Emma - 29th April 2006 at 15:33

Hi Colin,

I am searching for a squadron photograph of 180. Do you have any idea where I can look?
John Michael Killner was killed in October 1944 over his home village of Hurstpierpoint, Sussex and at the moment we still do not know why. His sister, now 80, would love to find out.
Any pointers or information would be gratefully received.
Many thanks

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By: Cranswick - 26th April 2006 at 20:57

The fourth (of 4) crew member was Sgt W.R.Addison, who was killed. The Mitchell was FW125 – presumably coded EV-V.

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By: Colin Wingrave - 26th April 2006 at 20:17

Hi Don,
Thank you for the information this has been passed on to the relevent parties I will update you with anything I get back
Colin

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