Tracing my grandfathers past – 226 Squadron Fairey Battle

Alex Gurr kindly supplied me with copies of his grandfathers logbook, incident 1 was Battle K7712 and Incident 2 K7706 (Pilot F/O Ralph George Hurst #37288) who forced landed successfully at RAF Farnborough

Incident 1 – Pilot P/O Noel John Robertson #39758

Incident 2 date now confirmed as June 6, 1939

Yes – 30th Entry, Sept ’34

Ian

Thanks yes looks likely in a series issued from Jan 1926 for Aircraft Apprentices (560001 to 579999 )

Paul

Paul

I think the no. will be 567235; press articles are using incorrect surname of with Allen instead of Allan

Best regards

Iain

All

Alex

Had a chance to look up Sgt Hart from your grandfathers second baleout – I can confirm he was Sgt Charles Stuart Hart #580370 PoW in Battle K9183 on 10/05/1940. Along with AC1 J.G. Ward #542939also Pow. Pilot. Flying Officer (Pilot) Douglas A. Cameron, RAF 39455 killed.

Additionally, Flight-Sgt Frederick John Percival (from first baleout) #562846 was Killed in Action 14/05/1940 in Battle P2267

Your father as a Battle of France 226 Sqn Survivor was a lucky man, Battle Sqns were badly mauled during the German advance in May 1940, his log book would prove very interesting to the historians here as lots of contemporary documents were lost during the retreat and information has had to be patched together from various other sources.

See here for losses at the time

http://www.epibreren.com/ww2/raf/226_squadron.html

As to his first incident I found a report (in all places) The Mercury (Hobart, Tasmania) of Wednesday 26 April 1939

CRASH AVERTED
Pilot Stays In Falling Aeroplane
When an R.A.F. bomber developed engine trouble and was in danger of crashing recently, the pilot ordered the other two occupants to make parachute descents, while he himself stayed at the controls in an effort to save the machine.
The incident occurred over the lonely moors north-west of Sheffield. As the bomber lost height the pilot tried to land in a field near Bradfield.
The machine narrowly missed hitting Fairflats farm; then suddenly its engines picked up again and the pilot flew off to land safely at Doncaster aerodrome.
The two men who landed by parachute were Flight-Sergeant Frederick John Percival and Aircraftman James Allen (sic), both stationed at Harwell, Berks. They had narrow escapes as they descended.
Mrs. C. Oak. of Nether House Farm, close to where the two men landed, stated that she heard a cry for help coming from behind the farm buildings. She ran round, to find Allen, his face covered with blood, trying to release the parachute harness.
He had been blown almost on to the farmhouse roof and his parachute had caught in a tree, torn itself free and he had dropped near a wall. He had struck his face and grazed his hands.
The men were taken to Sheffield Royal Infirmary suffering from slight shock, but were not detained.

Looks like your grandfather had a thing for landing in farms!

BTW can you confirm where was was born/died? I am trying to work out his service number but am not having much luck

Many Thanks

Paul

Alex thanks for that I now know where He bailed out for the second time all I need now is a date!

If you could find his log book it would be great to see if he lists dates serials and pilot
Thanks
Paul

Alex

Very interested in your posting. I have been trying to track down James Allen for about 2 years.. I wonder fi you can tell me any more about his pre war baleouts?

He is in a select club of a select club (2 parachutes escapes with RAF before 3rd Sept 1939 and the only non officer) – For reference the other “2 bale outs” are F/O Leslie Charles Bicknell, P/O Jack Bradley and P/O. John Heber-Percy

I wonder if you have any idea of a date for the second baleout with 226 Sqn – Along with Sgt C Hart? It is a real mystery to me

If you have his service number if may be able to pinpoint when he joined the RAF

For reference his first bale out was from a Battle on March 6, 1939 at Bradfield, Yorkshire along with Flight-Sergeant Frederick John Percival. The pilot flew on and landed the aircraft ok at Doncaster – he is unknown to me as is the serial of the Battle
Many Thanks

Paul

Hi Paul,

Many thanks for your post….that is fascinating. I have taken a photo of 2 news cuttings that I have, which I think cover the two jumps. I also have his flight logbook, but havent got it to hand at the moment. When I get to it I will have a look through and see what I can find out regarding dates. I also have the parachute handle and what I think must be a caterpillar club tie.

I really am at the start of my investigations and havent yet been into my grandmothers loft to find out what else may be there, but any further information you have, or indeed books/articles you would recommend me reading would be very much appreciated.

Cheers,

Alex

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Alex

Very interested in your posting. I have been trying to track down James Allen for about 2 years.. I wonder fi you can tell me any more about his pre war baleouts?

He is in a select club of a select club (2 parachutes escapes with RAF before 3rd Sept 1939 and the only non officer) – For reference the other “2 bale outs” are F/O Leslie Charles Bicknell, P/O Jack Bradley and P/O. John Heber-Percy

I wonder if you have any idea of a date for the second baleout with 226 Sqn – Along with Sgt C Hart? It is a real mystery to me

If you have his service number if may be able to pinpoint when he joined the RAF

For reference his first bale out was from a Battle on March 6, 1939 at Bradfield, Yorkshire along with Flight-Sergeant Frederick John Percival. The pilot flew on and landed the aircraft ok at Doncaster – he is unknown to me as is the serial of the Battle
Many Thanks

Paul

Thanks Martin,

This wasnt a forum I was aware of, so many thanks. I will post over there as well.

The incident reffered to in the other post is one I am already aware of. I actually have a couple of news paper clippings from the event as well as the parachute handle that he kept afterwards! I will see if I can get copies and post them up on the other forum.

Many thanks again.

Alex

He gets a mention on the RAF commands forum:
http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?14331-Pre-War-226-Battle-Sqn-Losses-Incidents
(Had you asked there?)