14OTU/144 Sqn HP Hampdens

Hi I am new to this thread but I have a connection to it . My late father served with 14 OTU right through to wars end.He was one of those unsung ‘ERKS'(electrical) and was stationed at Cottesmore working on Hampdens/Herefords and later Wimpys. The unit + its Wellingtons was moved to Market Harborough in 43 where he finished the war and was de-mobbed in late 45.I would like to know if anyone has any war time photographs of the unit ?
Clive.

Gents,

Many thanks for your responses.
My uncle was Sgt Douglas Bryan and he was killed along with Sgt J C Bradshaw on the 9th Jan 1942 whilst flying AD752 on a night training flight.

I have bought the latest Fly Past on the off chance that P1344, having been with both 14 OTU and 144, might have been flown by Doug but alas this is not the case, although he did fly P1346 on a few occassions.

The explanation for his death was not made clear at the time as Hampdens were prone to accidents and that was that, but apparently AD752 was having mechanical problems on the previous day.

Mike

Excellent article in the latest flypast, nice to see how the restoration is progressing.

Cheers

Cees

Hi Everyone,

One of my uncles flew Hampdens with 14 OTU and then 144 Squadron before he was killed in Jan 42. My Dad has his log book and there is obviously a list of the serial numbers of the Hampdens he flew.
What I would like to find out is the specific code letter for these aircraft, ie; the single letter, not the squadron code which I believe was either GL or AM for 14 OTU and PL for 144.
I have the ‘Hampden File’ and Chris Ward’s 144 Squadron history but they have not provided this info’, does anyone know where I might be able to find these details?

Cheers

Mike

Mike,

I wonder if your uncle flew P1344 PL-K.

Here is a shot of it laid out and taken shortly after it was recovered to the UK from Russia and before traded with the RAFMus.

Mark

Image: Peter Arnold

Mike if you let me know your uncles name I will look in my father’s log book and see if they flew together in 14 OTU.

Hi Everyone,

One of my uncles flew Hampdens with 14 OTU and then 144 Squadron before he was killed in Jan 42. My Dad has his log book and there is obviously a list of the serial numbers of the Hampdens he flew.
What I would like to find out is the specific code letter for these aircraft, ie; the single letter, not the squadron code which I believe was either GL or AM for 14 OTU and PL for 144.
I have the ‘Hampden File’ and Chris Ward’s 144 Squadron history but they have not provided this info’, does anyone know where I might be able to find these details?

Cheers

Mike

Hello Mike,

We would be honoured to add your uncles loss in his memory on our Aircrew Remembrance website. If you are interested please contact us via our website which can be found at http://www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com

Kind regards,

Melvin Brownless

Not able to answer your question at the moment but this picture of my father’s course with 14 OTU might be of interest. My father is top row second from left. Perhaps some of your uncle’s crew are here.