Frederick John King of 12 Squadron lost on March 25, 1944. Rochester Warren Lee Hart and Laurence Collins - both of 101 Squadron lost on January 16, 1945. Hart, it would appear, was known as Warren. Warrant Officer Laurence Collins - 101 Squadron Sergeant John McDowell - 101 Squadron
Hi Spinge, This is the first time I have used this site. I came across your photos of the three Australians visited by the Aust. PM. I was interested because W/O Laurence COLLINS is my brother & I notice the date 20/10/2008,, and wondered how you got the photos-Warren Hart was on the same plnne,LM472,Code V2. I have been trying to trace Laurie's story, but have had many difficulties because of brick wall called "privacy laws". I have been able to trace 6 of the 8 crew members' families . Do you have any clues in tracing crew members' histories? I live in Melbourne Australia, Berkyboy
Hi Berkyboy, I live in Melbourne as well. What have you done to contact the families of these two men? (I am assuming you are trying to contact the families of Beckett and Conroy.) With respect to the photos, I have over 8,500 photos of RAAF and Aussies in the RAF from around the world. Cheers Geoff
Hi Spidge,(Geoff) I live in Mt Waverley-I have tried through official channels,newspapers, Churches, Ministers of religion,Local governments,phone books, Historical societies, Ex RAF/RAAF Organisations including 101 Squadron, lots of web sites, Personal letters, (prayed) etc. Recently I had an enquiry from the pilot's newpew who responded to a newspaper article published in 2007!-so I try not to give up hope. Including my brother, I have been able to contact 6 out of 8 crew members-3 Aussies(Sydney, Mackay,Ballarat), 2 RAF-(Scotland & Nth Ireland), 1 RCAF (Otario- Canada) but the final 2 RAF mens families elude me.The Lancaster they were in included ABC equipment, so that is why there was 8 crew members instead of the usual 7 Regards & Best Wishes Berkyboy (Ray)
Hi Geoff, I have been trying to find the name of the ship my brother embarked from Melbourne, 287 September 1943, & arrived SanFrancisco, 16 October 1943 & how he went to UK from USA, arriving 9 Nov 1943. Do you have any thoughts on the matter. I have tried-National Arcives-Dept Veterana Affairs,-Port of Melbourne-Aust War Memorial,-RAAF Museum- Museum Victoria, all without help, Ray
Hi Ray, You have looked in most places. Seems strange as all ww1 shipping details are on line so these must be there somewhere. I don't know anywhere else to look however someone might. Cheers Geoff
