I am currently trying to research my Grandfather’s RAF history, specifically his time with 214 Squadron and would appreciate any information/images which can be given.
My Grandfather was Norman Bradley, an air gunner on Flying Fortress BU-K, flown by John Wynne.
I’m aware that this is quite a well known aircraft and that the story of what happened to the crew is equally well known, however I’m having problems finding any real detail, for example, there seems to be confusion surrounding basic things like the serial number of this aircraft, it’s either HB779 or HB799… but which is it?
Various sources seem to contradict each other and no one seems to divulge the source of the information so I have no idea how reliable the information is.
I have found 214 Squadron’s website to be a great help and although I have a number of books about 214 Squadron/100 Group, which have been equally useful, they obviously don’t cover individual aircraft.
Therefore I am hoping the collective wisdom of the forum might come up with some information or at least point me in the right direction.
Thanks. M@
By: J for Jonny - 7th October 2011 at 20:20
Thanks for the replies.
Yes the Flying Fortress in question is the one flown back to RAF Bassingbourne by Johnny Wynne after his crew baled out.
Unfortunately I don’t know what happened to my Grandfather’s log book, etc, and I have nothing (not even photos) from his time with 214 Squadron.
Equally unfortunate was that I never quizzed him in depth about his time in 214 Squadron, as I new it was an uncomfortable subject.
By: Steve Bond - 7th October 2011 at 08:08
The new book is primarily about 223 Squadron, but 214 Squadron (and others) gets a lot of mention, including this particular event. We have a lot of information about 214 and have contacted many squadron veterans. I am in touch with the brother (also RAF aircrew) of one of the murdered crew.
By: MIZPAH - 6th October 2011 at 16:27
Hello Steve Bond
Thought that your new book (with Richard Forder) was on 223 Squadron.
Is there another new book about 214 Squadron coming as well? Would like to know, I also have a family member who was with 214.
By: Steve Bond - 6th October 2011 at 14:04
Dear J for Johnny,
I have the information you require, it is all in my new book. Please send me a private message.
Regards
Steve
By: David Thompson - 6th October 2011 at 12:17
Only three options really ;
1) The 214 ORB at Kew
2) The Bassingbourne ORB also at Kew
3) Johnny Wynne’s flying log book
Does Norman Bradley’s flying log book still survive and if so what does he record for that Op and I’m pretty sure that the 214 Squadron Association do have copies of their ORB too ?
By: MIZPAH - 6th October 2011 at 10:09
I suggest that you contact the City of Norwich Aviation. They hold the RAF 100 Group Association collection and included will be a great deal of information on 214 Squadron.
CNAM republished ‘Avenging in the Shadows’ a few years back. I purchased a copy of this from their stall at a Duxford airshow. I know that the secretary of the 214 Squadron Association is also connected with CNAM.
Is this the Fortress flown back to England by the pilot after the rest of the crew had baled out over Germany? Think that he landed at Bassingbourne. Must have been a suprise for the USAAF!
By: J for Jonny - 5th October 2011 at 22:50
Thanks for the reply Dave.
I already own a number of books on 214 Squadron/100 Group, however even thought the authors are well respected authorities in their various fields, the books appear to contradict each other.
The following books imply the aircraft in question was HB799/K
…while these books imply the aircraft is HB779
Would anyone have a suggestion as to how to confirm conclusively which serial the aircraft had?
Thanks
By: David Thompson - 27th September 2011 at 00:19
Fortress III HB799 , 14 March 1945 , Ops to Leipzig . The Huchenfeld incident is noted in the book ‘Avenging in the Shadows , No 214 Squadron Royal Air Force’ , Ron James , published by Abington Books in 1989 , 275 numbered copies only .
Another book ‘ The Plaque’ by Renate Beck-Ehniger tells the story of Hoffnung , which means Hope , a hand carved rocking horse which was a gift to the children of Huchenfeld presented with the dedication ‘To the children of Huchenfeld from the mothers of the 214 Squadron RAF 1994′ . This gift was the idea of Johnny Wynne and both Norman Bradley and Tom Tate the other survivor from that night feature in the book . The story of Hoffnung also featured as a BBC radio programme ; A rockinghorse named Hope’
Johnny Wynne retired from the RAF as a Wing Commander in 1973 . He was awarded the DFC in 1943 whilst with 40 Squadron in Tunisia . I was privileged to meet both him and his wife Pip in 1999 and to the best of my knowledge they are both still alive today .
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September 26, 2011 at 10:56 pm