First post – research about a Halifax

Wow, I don’t know what to say, but thanks so much, that’s really helpful and gratefully accepted, I’ll inform my Granddad about this as he was the one who told me of my relation to Peter.
The part about the Luftwaffe fighter is new to me as is the possibility it was ZL-G not ZL-K so that’s really interesting
Once again thanks a lot

Regards

Chris

Good morning Chris,

The SGLO-database is very helpful when it comes to Dutch WW2 losses: http://verliesregister.studiegroepluchtoorlog.nl/zoek-serial.php

The aircraft was shot down by a Luftwaffe nightfighter at 02:15 LT on June 23rd, 1943. It was on a mission to Mülheim with 427 Sq, and had departed RAF Leeming 23:40 LT on June 22nd. Crash site is at Bronsbergen aan de IJssel, near Warnsveld, just south of Zutphen.

The crew was killed, and all are buried at Warnsveld (Wichmond cemetery):
Pilot F/O N.D. (Norman Duncan) Reid AFC (RCAF J/10353). AGe 28, son of George William and Janet Reid, of Durban MAN.
Flight Engineer Sgt. D. (Durston) Mann (RAF 1437312). Age 21, son of Haris and Edith Minnie Mann, of New Hey (Lancs).
Navigator F/O A.A. (Armand Alphonse) Pariseau (RCAF J/14193). Age 31, son of Rene C. and Mary Pariseau, of Winnipeg MAN.
Bomb aimer Sgt. P.B. (Peter Brindley) Robinson (RAF 1394512). Age 21, son of Norman Paget and Gladys Alice Mary Robinson, of Hatch End, Middlesex (but you would know, since this was your relative).
Wireless Operator/Airgunner F/O B.M. (Byron McGie) Gracie (RCAF J/21043). Age 23, son of Louis Alexander and Elizabeth Ann Gracie, of Edmonton ALTA.
Airgunner F/Sgt. N.F. (Norman Frederick) Notley (RCAF R/103340). Age 20, son of Alfred Philip and Violet May Notley, of Toronto ONT.
Airgunner F/Sgt. H.P. (Harry Pliley) Heximer (RCAF R/131460). Age 29, son of Harry and Marie Heximer, of Chippawa ONT.

Most photos of their graves are at www.twgpp.org. If not, let me know. I am not too far away and could take some photos for you if need be.

The aircraft identification letters for this Halifax V have been listed as ZL-G by Dutch sources.

The German nightfighter in question would probably have come from Deelen, Venlo, Leeuwarden or Twente. I am sure fellow forum members can come up with the nightfighter crew names and unit in question, as these are well-documented.

I am sure the crash is mentioned in the recently released book ‘Warnsveld 1940-1945’ released by the local village council (https://www.facebook.com/drwarnsveld)

More on that night can be found in a book on the bombing of Mülheim: http://www.oorlogsboeken.nl/titels/-Als-M%FClheim-lichterloh-brannte/693/9783837512571.htm#.VWbi8Ub2RB8

Good luck with your search!

Thanks very much, these should prove very useful indeed.
Say, what’s the likelihood of there being a photograph of this Halifax?

.and perhaps more usefully here: http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8404536

Try the 427squadron Operations Record Book for June 1943, Available at the National Archive, Kew. They have it, and say it is viewable online – but it doesn’t work on my browser at least. It’s here:

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8404535

Will be interested to see how this thread unfolds, as the pilot of another 427 Sqn Halifax (DK225)lost that night, F/Lt Keith Webster RAF, came from the same town as me.

Have you tried contacting Hendon? they might hold information that would be relevant, or maybe the PRO to see if they have the stations operations log book.

It would be possible to make informed comment on the likely appearance of the aircraft at this time – Halifaxes did vary somewhat – but given your “avid interest” you may know this. I suggest Ken Merrick’s books on the Halifax, particularly the last one, if you don’t have them already.

Any more information?

Thanks, this is the one that states the ID letters to be ZL-K

http://www.6bombergroup.ca/June43/june22~2343.html

Little bit here.