http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.lavoixdunord.fr/region/sur-quels-sujets-travaille-la-redaction-aujourd-hui-ia36b0n1272977%3Fxtor%3DRSS-2&prev=/search%3Fq%3Ddornier%2B17%2Bberck%26rlz%3D1T4GGHP_en-GBGB448GB449

I think this one

Bozier, Reginald Thomas : Sergeant (1322480): Lancaster I W4313 of 101 Squadron, 11-Feb-1943 / 12-Feb-1943. Mid-Upper Gunner, Killed

Others

Hiley, Alan Ernest : Flight Sergeant RAAF (Aus/405586): Lancaster I W4313 of 101 Squadron, 11-Feb-1943 / 12-Feb-1943. Pilot, Killed
Collins, Richard Arthur : Sergeant (1312950): Lancaster I W4313 of 101 Squadron, 11-Feb-1943 / 12-Feb-1943. Navigator, Killed
Paterson, Frederick Harley : Sergeant RAAF (Aus/411372): Lancaster I W4313 of 101 Squadron, 11-Feb-1943 / 12-Feb-1943. Wireless Operator, Killed
Quinlan, Sydney George : Sergeant RAAF (Aus/411259): Lancaster I W4313 of 101 Squadron, 11-Feb-1943 / 12-Feb-1943. Rear Gunner, Killed
Spivey, Fred Travis : Sergeant (1378279): Lancaster I W4313 of 101 Squadron, 11-Feb-1943 / 12-Feb-1943. Flight Engineer, Killed
Teviotdale, Thomas : Sergeant (1367316): Lancaster I W4313 of 101 Squadron, 11-Feb-1943 / 12-Feb-1943. Bomb Aimer, Killed

First Rule of Flight Club nobody talks about Flight Club

This is interesting, as the number #89617 was in the box, the Caterpillar has to belong to John Watson Allan. Now it is entirely possible that he gave the badge to your mother-in-law because it was incorrectly engraved with “Allen” her name being “Allen” I wonder if he obtained a correct replacement?, it seems a strange thing to give away otherwise to someone who at that stage was only a sweetheart. We know it has to have after Jan 1941 as he was commissioned on that date with #89617, previously he was #741760 which was a series (740000 to 759999) issued from Jan 1937 RAFVR Pilots.

As to the actual date of the incident I have no idea.. But I think we have the right person

Also what is interesting is that I am sure that the word Night Fighter Pilot was mentioned and John Watson Allan definitely had this in his background

Now, the mysterious pre war double caterpillar on my 1940 Irvin list is down under 1939 as ‘J Allan” firstly as AC1 J Allan RAF and then as LAC Allan (2nd Jump) RAF. A newspaper report at the time says “James Allen” but I am more convinced that it was Allan but first name ??

http://www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Allan_JW.htm

Edward interesting there is no date or number associated with the badge is there? Even in the box?

Thanks Paul

Edward

It would help if you could put maybe some context to J W Allen, what nationality was as this relative of your wife? How long has it been in your family? Do you know where he was serving. I have compiled a list of all known UK and Empire Caterpillars up to April 1940 (and full details where known). There is a Aircraftman 1st Class James Allen on it. I am not saying it is the same man (Allen is a common name) and the person I have has no middle initial listed and could be Allan, not Allen but what was quite un-usual about him is he was pre-war “double” caterpillar, Firstly on March 6, 1939 at Bradfield, Yorkshire and secondly sometime around June 1939 (where he is now a Leading Aircraftsman). In both cases the aircraft serial and type is unknown to me but I believe he was with 226 Sqn flying as crew in Fairey Battles

Dunno

But if it has gone forever, try

http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.spitfires.ukf.net/home.htm

Paul