Help needed for ww2 pathfinder.

ER Wright was my Uncle if anybody has any information I would be grateful

There is a record of the birth of an Ernest R Wright in the December quarter of 1919 with the registration district given as Walsall. So I guess the Tottenham is spurious. I’ve also found the marriage of an Ernest R Wright to a Betty M Beak in the June quarter of 1949 in Cannock. At that time, I believe that Bloxwich came under the registration district of Cannock.

He was promoted to F/O on the 14th February 1944.

Regards,

kev35

Interesting. Born about 5 miles from where I live if it was Pelsall and if he lived in Bloxwich that’s no more than three to five miles from where I sit now.

He doesn’t appear in Sue Satterthwaite’s Walsall People in the Second World War. This is a listing of dates in which photographs of local people appeared in the Walsall Observer. Being a DFC and DFM holder this is unusual. Perhaps his connections with pelsall were just the birth and the Bloxwich connection post war.

Regards,

kev35

Thanks Moggy

WRIGHT, Flight Sergeant Ernest Relton (RAF 610741) – Distinguished Flying Medal – No.405 Squadron – awarded as per London Gazette dated 21 April 1944. Air Ministry Bulletin 13588/AL.769 covering his DFM says he was born 1923 at Tottenham, was a clerk, and enlisted 1942; Air Ministry Bulletin 15918/AL.902 dated 13 October 1944 says he was born 1919 at Pelsall, Staffordshire; educated at Richard C. Thomas School; home in Bloxwick, Staffordshire, and enlisted in 1938, later training as a flight engineer. No published citation to DFM other than “completed many successful operations against the enemy in which he has displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty.” The original recommendation, dated 23 January 1944, was found in Public Record Office Air 2/9339 and reproduced by Ian Tavender in his book The Distinguished Flying Medal Register of the Second World War (London, Savannah Press, 2000); he is described as having flown 42 sorties (250 hours 17 minutes) as a Flight Engineer.

This Flight Engineer has completed many operational sorties against enemy targets. He has displayed skill and devotion to duty at all times in the face of strong enemy opposition. Strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.

WRIGHT, F/L Ernest Relton (RAF 54239) – Distinguished Flying Cross – No.405 Squadron – awarded as per London Gazette dated 13 October 1944.

This officer has completed two tours of operations, participating in attacks on heavily defended targets including Berlin, Stuttgart and Essen. Both as Flight Engineer leader and on operational duty, Flight Lieutenant Wright has set a splendid example to all by his unselfish devotion to duty and utmost determination to complete the most difficult tasks.

Now, isn’t that odd?

Moggy

Thanks guys

This might give you a few leads into Donald Bennett http://www.bing.com/reference/semhtml/Don_Bennett?sids=2&qpvt=Don+Bennett&q=Don+Bennett

My contact tells me the following:

Flt Lt Ernest Relton Wright DFC DFM

FS to PO 14 Aug 43.

To Flt Lt 14 Aug 1945.

DFC awarded 13 October 1944 London Gazette Page 4692 Whilst serving with 405 Sqn PFF

He may have more info but he’s away from his archives at present.

John

just found something from 405 squadron matching his number.