Need Help with Grandfather who was Pathfinder

Guys you are excelling yourselves, good on ya…

And Rachystew, your Grandad will be looking down on you with some pride, justifiably too 🙂

Still Here

Hi All,

Thank you Moggy C for getting in touch regarding these latest e-mails in relation to my Grandfather.
I have dropped Shazcan an e-mail.
Ian I will go and see if I can hunt down the records you mentioned.

Thanks you all once again.

Rachystew:)

I have contacted Racheytstew by e-mail and will pass their address on to the Ermine Street Project by e-mail and Shazcan by PM

Moggy
Moderator

Sgt Richards

Hi!

Don’t know if you’re still out there rachystew, but if you are and see this, you can see the 9 Sqn Ops Record Book online via the IX Sqn Association website, and see there the entries including your grandfather in January 1944 prior to his transfer to 97 Sqn. Interestingly, he’s listed there as Sgt S W Richards (not W S).

The website says you need to be a member to download the documents, but I’m not and it worked for me. Takes a little while to download, but they’re very interesting to read once you’ve done so.

Hope the research is going ok.

All the best

Ian

I’m so glad I found this thread!
I’m the daughter of Douglas Percy Cannings DFM who is still very much with us. I’m a filmmaker and I’m currently making a documentary about my Dad and the Pathfinders Squadron. We would love to find any surviving crew members from his time in 97 or 100 squadron, or failing that, family members that might want to meet my Dad to get a better idea of what it might have been like for their fathers/grandfathers in the War. Rachystew, do get in touch if you’d like to be part of it.
We know that Jim Moir passed away quite recently and the pilot, FL Reid died on operations. Various members of our family are contacting organisations to see what we can find out. As I’m based in Lincolnshire it’s quite handy for much of the research we’re doing.
If there’s anyone else that can help out in our search and perhaps would like to be involved in the documentary then let us know!
Sharon Cannings
www.erminestreetproject.co.uk
[email]info@erminestreetproject.co.uk[/email]

97 Squadron Orbs lists the whole crew transferring in from 9 Squadron. It was not unusual for experienced crews to be asked to volunteer for Pathfinder Squadrons. I would imagine this was the case here.

If you are fortunate perhaps someone can come up with 9 Squadron Orbs.

From 97 Orbs.

Officers

126855 F/O W.M.Reid GD To 97 Sqn from 9 Sqn 14.2.44
132535 F/O R.D.Parker GDN Ditto

Airmen

1195880 Sgt W.S.Richards FE To 97 Sqn from 9 Sqn 14.2.44
1320071 Sgt G.D.Moir AB Ditto
1124909 F/Sgt B.Harthill W/Op Ditto
1113002 Sgt G.Brown AG Ditto
169714 Sgt C.J.Wilhelm AG Ditto

Bad writing on certificate!

and I know they were married in Hinttesham in the District of Samford in Suffolk.

I’m prepared to wager fairly large sums of money that they weren’t. 😎

Hintlesham

(Typo or bad handwriting on the certificate?)

Moggy

Here is a record of the opertaions I can find that your grandfather flew with when with 97 Squadron.

15/16 March 1944 Stuttgart

JB708R F/O W.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt S.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 1935 Down 0225. 5 x 2000lb. Stuttgart bombed from 19,300’. Vis fair. The first Wanganui went down at 2310 hours but this was not backed up for about 5 minutes. Later three separate concentrations appeared to form.

1/2 May 1944 – Toulouse

ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.H.Parker, F/Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2138 Down 0524. 6 clusters 7” flares, 5 x 1000lb MC, 3 x TI green no 4, 3 x 4.5” rec flares. Identified target by flares and visually. First RSF appeared to be on aiming point and attracted bombing which caused several orange and red and blue explosions. Own bombs caused an explosion and attack generally appeared well concentrated on and around aiming point.

6/7 My 1944 – Louailles

ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.H.Parker, F/Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 0036 Down 0518. 6 x 7” cluster flares, 8 x TI RSF, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Identification of target made visually and by RSFs. Bombing undershooting at beginning, then explosions started. First reds were 50 yards to west of aiming point but later reds good, and order was given Main Force to bomb the fires.

10/11 May 1944 – Lille

ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, F/Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2203 Down 0112. 6 x 7” clusters, 1 x 4000lb HC, 8 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Weather clear, ground haze. Identified target on H2S. Re-marking became necessary and more flares were asked for. Fresh lot of reserve flares went east of target, so we were asked to drop our internally stowed flares to west of these. Main Force came in after second marking and did some very good bombing resulting in several good explosions around 2355 hours; there was no scatter of bombs noted.

22/23 May 1944 – Brunswick

ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, F/Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2253 Down 0422. One flare red/green stars, 1 x 2000lb HC, 1 x TI green No 4, 11 x “J” type clusters. 8/10ths cloud and haze. Tops approx 7,000’. Target identified by H2S. Heard markers trying to contact Controllers. Flares estimated east of target. Waited to release skymarkers, had orders to release so bombed. Order for Wanganui received at 0124 hours, returned and released own skymarker; approx 3 seen; Controller not heard; Deputy took over at H+2.

24/25 May 1944 – Eindhoven (Phillips Works)

ND807P F/O W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, F/Sgt G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2244 Down 0229. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. 10/10ths cloud. Target located on H2S. No wind given by Controller who at 0038 hours told us to standby for few minutes and at 0040 hours instructed us to return to base

27/28 May 1944 – St Valery-en-Caux

ND807P F/L W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, F/Sgt E.J.Watson, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, Sgt G.Brown. Up 2353 Down 0307. 12 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 2 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5 reco flares. Weather clear, vis good. Target located on H2S and Gee. First stick of flares went down at 0127.30 hours. Controller said first wave were to starboard of target and drifting over sea. Second wave rectified this. RSF considerably delayed. Aircraft was called a third time when RSF fell at 0148, which aircraft bombed at 0154 hours. Main Force mostly delayed by late RSF, only one of which was seen.

AIRMEN

The following airmen were temporarily awarded the PFF Badge on the dates shown:-
994575 F/Sgt H.Townsley F/E 18.5.44 1151951 F/Sgt C.D.Hooton F/E 18.5.44
1195880 F/Sgt W.S.Richards F/E 18.5.44 1124909 F/Sgt B.Harthill W/Op 18.5.44
1079001 Sgt J.P.Coman W/Op 18.5.44 1622529 Sgt J.T.Barlow F/E 24.5.44
1816009 Sgt P.R.Turner F/E 22.5.44 1320071 Sgt G.D.Moir F/E 24.5.44

15/16 June 1944 – Chateaurault

ND807P F/L W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown. Up 2134 Down 0323. 9 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 9 x 500lb MC, 3 reco flares. Weather clear. Identification of target by H2S and ETA. Dropped flares and orbited to starboard. Mosquito went in right away. His red marker was assessed as being on the corner of the road. Controllers called in to back up which was done very quickly. Flare Force called in to bomb, markers told to go home with exception of Marker Leader. 0047 hours Flare Force told no more flares needed. Main Force called in to bomb. Wind received 350/19 knots.

21.6.44

21/22 June 1944 – Gelsenkirchen

ND807P F/L W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown. Up 2310 Down 0312. 4 x TI green, 1 x TI yellow No 16s, 9 x 7” clusters, 3 reco flares. 10/10ths low stratus, tops 2,500’. Target seen visually – Oboe markers and H2S. Told to drop flares. Yellow Oboe 0132.5 hours. Headed towards this to back up. Another yellow down 1 ½ miles north of previous yellow; orders given to back up second one. Backed up the greens and returned to base. Large explosion in target area at 0145 hours.

23/24 June 1944 – Limoges

ND961N F/L W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/O R.D.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown. Up 2254 Down 0502. 9 x 7” clusters, 8 x 500lb MC, 1 x 500lb MC LD (12 hrs), 3 rec flares. Target seen by flares, H2S and visually on RSF. Flares down on time and excellently placed. Markers down one minute afterwards, backed up with green and red TI. First stick of bombs blew up RSF and a terrific explosion 0157 hours. Called in to bomb at 0159 hours. Bombing excellent, very great number of explosions continued after we had left area.

20/21 July 1944 – Courtrai

ND961N F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, S/L P.A.Stevens, W/O G.D.Moir, F/Sgt B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown. Up 2305 Down 0200. 9 x 7” clusters, 5 x 1000lb MC/GP, 3 rec flares. Weather clear, some haze. Identified target visually. First green TI went down in middle of marshalling yards. The reds had been on the southern end of yards. Greens assessed 100 yards 12 o’clock. Bombing very concentrated on markers. Attack went as planned. Marking was quick and accurate. Fighter activity on way out to French coast. Bombs seen exploding before time ordered.

25/26 July 1944 – Stuttgart

ND961N F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown. Up 2200 Down 0520. 6 x 4 flares white, 2 x TI red LB, 1 x 4000lb HC, 4 x 500lb MC, 1 flare green/red. No cloud, some ground haze. Target seen by TI red. On arrival two small fires still burning. One yellow TI at 0145.5 hours on bombing run. TI seen to explode, followed by another. Too early in attack to give an impression of concentration. H2S u/s on return route.

1 August 1944 – Siracourt

ND861N F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Canningd, F/Sgt G.Brown. Up 1513 Down 1822.

2 August 1944 – L’Isle Adam

PB156O F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown, Sgt D.J.Watts (FG). Up 1435 Down 1900.

3 August 1944 – Trossy St Maximim

ND961N F/L W.M.Reid, Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown. Up 1140 Down 1600 (Wittering).

5 August 1944 – St Leu d’Esserent

.
ND961N F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown. Up 1037 Down 1512.

9/10 August 1944 – Chattelerault

ND495N F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, F/Sgt T.Savage, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown. (Deputy Controller I – Target 1). Up 2054 Down 0246. 9 x 7” clusters, 4 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb ANM 65, 2 Wanganui flares. Thin cloud layer 10,000’, hazy below. Target identified on H2S, Gee and ETA. Initial flares at 2343 hours scattered and slightly south of aiming point. Markers could not identify actual aiming point. Wanganui red/green was dropped to north; third wave dropped over this way. This was sufficient. Marker dropped green TI 2347 hours(?). Assessed as 200 yards 180 degrees. This should have been cancelled by yellow but was not doen. Another green was dropped almost on aiming point (50 yards) and was backed up by more green TIs. Main Force ordered to bomb. This carried on and at 0008 hours “Cease bombing” order given while more greens were put down. At 0012 hours 9 secodns delay was given for bombing and this was immediately followed by “Complete bombing and return to base”. (0013 hours).

11/12 August 1944 – Givors

ND961N F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O L.H.Smith, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt K.Forrest, F/Sgt G.Brown. (Deputy Controller). Up 2056 Down 0446. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 x TI yellow No16, 2 flares G/R star. Weather clear. Target located on GPI run and by instruments. First flares went down slightly to port of aiming point. One of the markers dropped Wanganui G/R over northern aiming point. Then we were called on to drop reserve flares over Wanganui. Aiming point was marked with a red TI, assessed as 100 yards west. Another TI dropped which was assessed as 30 yards west. Backers up dropped reds assessed as 300 yards east of the Marking Point. So Controller gave instructions to bomb the concentration of red TIs with zero wind. Yellow TIs dropped in error. The whole area was full of red TIs and Main Force were bombing in the centre of them. Flares for the main part well concentrated but some dropped over Lyons.

12/13 August 1944 – La Rochelle (Mining)

ND961N F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt K.Forrest, F/Sgt G.Brown. Up 2201 Down 0337. 6 x 1500 mines. No cloud, vis good, no haze. Estimated position 4609.5N 0115W. GPI and “Y” runs from 4603N 0123.5W which is northern point of Chassison. Smooth trip. Target defences slight, H/F very accurate predicted.

15 August 1944 – Deelan

ND961N F/O W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt D.P.Cannings, F/Sgt G.Brown. Up 0931 Down 1328. 7 x 1000lb ANM 65, 3 x 1000lb ANM 44, 1 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. Clear sky, excellent visibility. Located target visually. Nearly every stick of bombs seen to fall on the airfield across runways. Later covered with pall of smoke. 3 yellow TIs seen, one on runway, 2 on starboard side of runway. Two bombs falling from aircraft above us passed within about 5 feet of our tailplane. Wind received 319/4.5 knots. Aircraft slightly damaged from explosion of aircraft behind; Perspex in rear turret shattered.

16/17 August 1944 – Stettin Bay Mining
.
PB410J F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.L.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt K.Forrest, F/Sgt G.Brown. Up 2022 Down 0636. 12 x 7” clusters, 1 x TI green No 16, 1 x TI yellow No 16, 2 rec flares. 10/10ths cloud, 14,500’. Target identified on H2X. Controller discussed weather conditions with Deputy and decided on visual attack (H-14). We called “Tally Ho” went in and dropped flares and green TIs. Controller said flares were good and told 3rd Flare Wave to stand off. Called in Marker I but he overshot and Marker III said he was in position and went in and dropped two RSF which were assessed as 300 yards 060 degrees. Backers up called in. Marker III backed up the green, which were assessed as 600 yards east, so Controller ordered VBU from east to west over greens towards reds, and overshoot by 300 yards (H-hour). Flare Force told to go home H+3. Foregoing as heard on the VHF. Nothing actually seen on attack.

11/12 September 1944 – Darmstadt

PB156R F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.D.H.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt K.Forrest, F/Sgt P.C.Denness. Up 2100 Down 0159. 12 x 7” clusters, 2 green TI No 16. No cloud, layers of haze. Target confirmed by H2S and 184. Two green TIs were seen NW edge of town 2347 hours; “Tally Ho” came through half a minute later. Two more greens dropped right on centre of town, followed by others. A red TI dropped just south of the centre greens and Controller ordered “No more flares” and £Back up reds” at 2352 hrs, and at 2358 hrs gave “Come in and bomb”. At 2359 hrs we switched off VHF and went home.

12/13 September 1944 – Stuttgart
PB156R F/L W.M.Reid, F/Sgt W.Richards, F/L R.D.H.Parker, W/O G.D.Moir, W/O B.Harthill, F/Sgt G.P.Lennon, P/O H.E.Roberts. Up 1900 Down 0110. 2 x TI green No 16, 8 x 1000lb MC (1/2 hour delay). Clear, hazy. Identification of target confirmed on H2S. Ran in at H-12 and were first to drop greens. Flares went down behind as we turned off target. One Mosquito called “Tally Ho” – went in and marked 580 yards

Hi,

Thanks for the Birth date for my Grandfather. I have obtained his (and my Nan’s) marriage certificate and I know they were married in Hinttesham in the District of Samford in Suffolk. They married in 1931 and at that time he was not involved with the RAF (as I presume he volunteered during WWII) but ly I thought as they lived in that area he was probably based near or around there. I think I read somewhere it may be a place called Bourne. The interesting thing now is finding out he was in 9 Squadron and the 97 Squadron. It’s also fascinating that he was probably an instructor. My next task will be to try and find a photo of him! I just regret that I was not really old enough to ask him anything when he was around but at 12 years old (the age I was when he died) it didn’t seem that interesting (especially to a girl!!!). I just remember him being a great Grandfather who use to take me to a joke shop when I visited them, taught me to paint with oils and read me Rupert Bear stories!! Great man and very proud of him!!:)

===============================================================================================================================
This is the reason he was award the DFM

RICHARDS, William Stanley 1195880 Flight Sergeant, No 97 Sqn
London Gazette 20.2.45 Sorties 45 Flying hours 279.45 Flight Engineer

This Flight Engineer has carried out a large number of operational sorties including 8 attacks on Berlin and raids on Stuttgart (3), Stettin, Konigsberg, Munich,Brunswick (2) and other distant and heavily defended targets. On his first operational sortie (Leipzig) on 20th October 1943, the starboard outer engine caught fire soon after leaving the target. Flight Sergeant Richards, by prompt action, extinguished the fire but it later broke out again and the starboard inner engine also gave trouble. By his able handling of the remaining engines, Flight Sergeant Richards was in large measure responsible that the aircraft returned safely to base. In addition to his duties as Flight Engineer, he has often acted as bomb aimer and has been responsible for his crew obtaining many good photographs of the aiming point. This NCO is a most keen abd resolute member of aircrew and is recommended for the non-immediate award of the DFM.

14.11.44

rachy stew His birth date is given as 23rd May 1908 and death registered 3rd Qtr 1982 in Wandsworth. Ah, I see where you have the date of September, and marriage, but check DoB again.

Sorry to be a pain but what is No 5 LFS?:o

LFS= Lancaster Finishing School. Alot of crews who trained on four engined bombers often flew different types, such as the Halifax or Stirling, earlier in thier training and so if they were destined for Lancs they’d have to go for a course at an LFS. Your grandfather would most likely have been an instructor there.

Lancaster Finishing School

My edit and Alder Tag info simultaneous 🙂

Moggy

Hello there.

Your grandfather was with 9 Squadron and was transferred to 97 Squadron on 14th February 1944.

He flew as Flight Engineer on the Reid crew and flew a complete tour and not “Flight Operations 9” I think that must be a reference to 9 Squadron, his previous squadron.

On completion of his tour he was transferred to No.5 LFS on 6 October 1944.

Sorry to be a pain but what is No 5 LFS?:o

The RAF service records branch has moved to RAF Cranwell, the address is on the following link. As you are not the spouse oft he person concerned, it would appear that you’ll have to pay a charge of £30.

http://www.raf.mod.uk/links/contacts.cfm

As a relative you can get a full colour photocopy of his service record simply by applying to the RAF

Service records for Officers and Airmen that served after these dates are retained by the Royal Air Force. RAF service records are retained by Service Number, Rank and Full Name, and will also contain the Date of Birth. It is important that as much of this information as possible is provided to assist in locating the correct record.

Enquiries about RAF held records should be made as follows:
From Current/Former RAF Personnel.
A Subject Access Request (SAR) form needs to be completed and sent to:

RAF DPA SAR Section
Room 220
Trenchard Hall
RAF Cranwell
Sleaford
LINCS
NG34 8HB

01400 261201
Ext 8175
Ext 8172
Ext 8173

From Family Members and Other Authorised Individuals

A Certificate of Kinship form needs to be completed and sent to:

RAF Disclosures Section
Room 221b
Trenchard Hall
RAF Cranwell
Sleaford
LINCS
NG34 8HB

01400 261201
Ext 6711
Ext 8161/8159 (Officers)
Ext 8163/8168/8170 (Other ranks)

Moggy

Thank You

Just to say thank you for taking the time in assisting with my enquiry, it really, really is appriciated.

Regards
Rachystew:)

Hi,
I am hoping there might be some people out there that might be able to help me locate any information on my Grandfather who was a Pathfinder and awarded a DFM.
I have done some research and have now hit a dead end. Alas I have no one left on my Grandfather’s side of the family I can ask so I no other detail am trying to find out what exactly he done during WWII as a Pathfinder.
So far (I think) I have traced his Squadron and Flight Operations but that’s it.
His name was: William Stanley Richards (also known as Bill).
Born: 1908(Sept)
Died: 1982 (July?)
I believe he was in 97 Squadron – Flight Operations 9
He was awarded the DFM
Looking at the Squadron 97 website I have located that he was:F/Sgt 1195880
and not sure what LG20.2.45 refers to.
I have e-mailed this website a while ago and had no response, so now I am clutching at straws to see if anyone else can point me in the right direction and find out what my Grandfather done to earn a DFM.
Any assistance would be greatfully recieved.
Rachystew

Hello there.

Your grandfather was with 9 Squadron and was transferred to 97 Squadron on 14th February 1944.

He flew as Flight Engineer on the Reid crew and flew a complete tour and not “Flight Operations 9” I think that must be a reference to 9 Squadron, his previous squadron.

On completion of his tour he was transferred to No.5 LFS on 6 October 1944.

Hi, there is an entry in the DFM register that explains why he got the DFM. In a rush tonight but if it isn’t posted in the next couple of days I’ll type it up for you.

Jim