While researching these RAAF deaths on D-Day, I came across a couple of interesting crews. A highly decorated and seemingly experienced crew. Looking at the death of one other RAAF death on D-Day, I came across this aircraft that was lost. All were lost without a trace and are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. Lancaster ND739 Information Type Lancaster Serial Number ND739 Squadron 97 X1D OF-Z Operation St.Pierre-de-Mont Date 1 5th June 1944 Date 2 6th June 1944 Further Information "Serial range ND324 - NE181 This aircraft was one of 600 Lancaster Mk.111s ordered from A.V.Roe (Chadderton) and delivered from Dec43 to May44 with Merlin 38 engines. ND739 was delivered to 97 Sqdn Mar44. ND739 wore the ID's OF-E/Z ND739 also took part in the Key Raid against Schweinfurt 26/27Apr44, flown by W/C E.J.Carter DFC. ND739 was one of two 97 Sqdn Lancasters lost on this operation. See ND815. Airborne 0256 6Jun44 to bomb a Coastal Defence Battery at St.Pierre. Lost without trace. all are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. P/O Dunning and W/O Watson had their Awards published as recently as 2Jun44, while F/O Jeffery, flying as second Bomb aimer, had flown with No.9 Sqdn, his DFM being published 10Sep43. S/L M.Bryan-Smith was the Sqdn Gunnery Leader. W/C E.J.Carter DFC KIA P/O G.e.Dunning DFM KIA F/L R.J.Conley DFC RAAF KIA F/L H.W.Rieger RCAFKIA F/O H.W.E Jeffery DFM KIA F/L A.Chambers DFC & Bar KIA W/O F.R.Watson DFM KIA S/L M.Bryan-Smith DFC & Bar MiD " __________________
The three RAAF lads that were killed on 7th May 1944 and buried at Bayeux cemetery were Biltoff, Jackson & Knight. Air Commodore Ivelaw-Chapman was the most senior RAF officer taken prisoner while in Bomber Command Service. (Does anyone know what BCWD means?) Lancaster ND783 Information Type Lancaster Serial Number ND783 Squadron 576 X1D UL-C2 Operation Aubigne Date 1 6th May 1944 Date 2 7th May 1944 Further Information "Serial Range ND324 - NE181 This aircraft was one of 600 Lancaster Mk.111s ordered from A.V.Roe (Chadderton) and delivered from Dec43 to May44 with Merlin 38 engines. ND783 was delivered to 576 Sqdn 29Apr44. Also took part in the Key Operation against Mailly-le-Camp 3/4May44. When lost on its second Key Operation ND783 had a total of 14 hours, and was the only aircraft lost on this operation. Airborne 0015 7Jul44 from Elsham Wolds to destroy an ammunition dump. Those killed are buried in Bayeux War Cemetery. A/C Ivelaw-Chapman was the most senior RAF officer taken prisoner while in Bomber Command Service. He had recently taken up a Staff Officer post in 1 Group. See BCWD for further details. F/L J.M.Shearer RNZAF KIA A/C R.Ivelaw-Chapman (P2) PoW Sgt C.N.G.Drew KIA W/O A.H.Biltoft RAAF KIA Sgt J.A.Ford RAAF Evd Sgt C.V.Fox KIA Sgt J.W.McLeod RAAF KIA Sgt A.R.Jackson RAAF KIA Air Commodore Ivelaw-Chapman was detained in the Dulag-Luft Interrogation Centre. No PoW No. "
RE: Lancaster ND739, pictures of the crew Z-Zebra, D-Day, 97 Squadron What is interesting is that F/L Henry Jeffery was from Southall!! I was born and grew up in Southall. Must investigate on what street his parents lived. Name: JEFFERY, HENRY WILLIAM EDWARD Initials: H W E Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flying Officer Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 97 Sqdn. Age: 22 Date of Death: 06/06/1944 Service No: 159898 Awards: D F M Additional information: Son of Henry Edward and Madeline Letitia Jeffery, of Southall, Middlesex. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 207. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL
Carter was discussed a little on R.A.F. Commands Forum in the thread below. W/Cdr E.J.Carter DFC C.O. of 97 Squadron - RafCommands Forums
Could have been a worrying time for the allies however after the 6th the Gestapo would have been looking at other things.
