No, this one isn’t a relative of my gf!
I’m trying to research a crash from the war, Blenheim L1449 Mk 1f 54 OTU based at Church Fenton. which flew into the North Yorkshire Moors 1941. I have visited the scene and am keen to find out more about what happened, primarily in relation to the pilot E.J Woodhead who thankfully survived this incident.
I have obtained the form 1180 from Hendon and got allsorts of info from it but I’m now wanting to find out if the pilot survived the war and perhaps may even still be alive (unlikely, I know). Also would be interesting if was able to get the details from the M.U that cleared away the wreckage…i.e what state was it in etc.
Where do I go next?!
By: mantog - 5th September 2006 at 21:14
Thanks Ross, some good pointers there! The last one may be my next option
By: Ross_McNeill - 5th September 2006 at 20:55
Ok..
First to find out if he survived the War.
Easiest way is to do this is to check the online database of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
In this case there is no record of E J Woodhead as a casualty.
Next try is to see if he was listed as a European PoW
http://www.rafcommands.com/Air%20Force%20PoWs/RAF%20POWs%20Index.html
No E J but there is a listing for J. The service number from the Form 1180 will eliminate this (J E was a Sgt from No.12 Sqn, Wellington W5395 on 04/42)
Next try the Online London Gazette for promotions and awards.
No DFC or DFM listed so unlikely to have been a long serving pilot.
Possible Far East PoW but you would need to consult Les Stubbs book for a listing.
Next paper source is the Royal Air Force Retired List (at the National Archives, Kew) on the outside chance that he was an officer.
Kew is also the place for the MU records.
Other sources are the archives of the local police force as the Station Occurance Books and Telephone Logs may survive giving the details required to be logged by local civil defence.
Regards
Ross
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September 5, 2006 at 5:07 pm