Name: ALEXANDER, KENNETH JOSEPH Initials: K J Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Sergeant (Obs.) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 156 Sqdn. Age: 23 Date of Death: 07/07/1942 Service No: 1382705 Additional information: Son of Matthias and Louisa Alexander, of Port of Spain, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 62. Row C. Grave 4. Cemetery: LORIENT (KERENTRECH) COMMUNAL CEMETERY Name: ALFRED, JOSEPH MCKENZIE Initials: J M Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flight Sergeant (Air Bomber) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 75 Sqdn. Age: 23 Date of Death: 26/02/1945 Service No: 1810280 Additional information: Son of Bertha Alfred, of Port of Spain, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Grave 15516. Cemetery: CAMBRIDGE CITY CEMETERY Name: BRITTO, RAYMOND Initials: R Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Sergeant (Pilot) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Age: 25 Date of Death: 02/01/1943 Service No: 1803978 Additional information: Son of Santiaga Roberts, of Maraval Village, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 5. R.C. Row FFF. Grave 15. Cemetery: CIRENCESTER CEMETERY Name: BRYDEN, RICHARD ARTHUR Initials: R A Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Pilot Officer (Pilot) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Age: 19 Date of Death: 04/05/1942 Service No: 119712 Additional information: Son of Capt. W. F. Bryden, M.C., and Flossie Bryden, of Port of Spain, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Sec. R. Grave 36. Cemetery: ANNAN CEMETERY Name: CHARLES, HILTON DAVID Initials: H D Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flight Sergeant Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 228 Sqdn. Age: 26 Date of Death: 27/04/1945 Service No: 1810279 Additional information: Son of Albert Joseph and Mary Charles, of St. Joseph, Trinidad, West Indies. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 270. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Name: CIPRIANI, THOMAS MICHAEL Initials: T M Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flying Officer (Pilot) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 126 Sqdn. Age: 22 Date of Death: 22/11/1944 Service No: 154714 Additional information: Son of Michael and Daisy Cipriani, of Port of Spain, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 15. Cemetery: SCHOONSELHOF CEMETERY Name: FRASER, ALEXANDER DALGETY (SANDY) Initials: A D Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flying Officer (Pilot) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 268 Sqdn. Age: 21 Date of Death: 27/05/1944 Service No: 135490 Additional information: Son of Dickson and Annie C. Fraser, of Port of Spain, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Compt. T. Sq. 56. Grave 3. Cemetery: FORFAR CEMETERY Name: GILKES, LESLIE FRANCIS Initials: L F Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Sergeant Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 9 Sqdn. Date of Death: 03/08/1943 Service No: 1810281 Additional information: Son of Joseph and Octavia Gilkes, of Siparia, Trinidad, West Indies. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 150. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Name: GRAHAM, AMBROSE ALEXANDER Initials: A A Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Warrant Officer (Pilot) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Age: 24 Date of Death: 12/09/1944 Service No: 1391860 Additional information: Son of Ambrose Nathaniel and Francisca Graham, of Bpasso Piedpa, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Sec. D. Grave 7A. Cemetery: HUCKNALL CEMETERY Name: HYDE, JAMES JOSEPH Initials: J J Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Warrant Officer (Pilot) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 132 Sqdn. Age: 27 Date of Death: 25/09/1944 Service No: 1391841 Additional information: Son of Joseph and Millicent Hyde, of San Juan, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: 17. A. 7. Cemetery: JONKERBOS WAR CEMETERY Name: JOSEPH, COLLINS ALWYN Initials: C A Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Pilot Officer (Pilot) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 130 Sqdn. Age: 28 Date of Death: 31/12/1944 Service No: 182350 Additional information: Son of Elmie Joseph, of San Fernando, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: VIII. B. 8. Cemetery: HOTTON WAR CEMETERY Name: KENNY, GERALD PATRICK Initials: G P Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Sergeant (Air Gnr.) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 195 Sqdn. Age: 37 Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: 1835809 Additional information: Son of Dr. Thomas Bernard Kenny, M.D., and Cecile Kenny, of Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: XV. B. 7. Cemetery: GROESBEEK CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY Name: KERNAHAN, KENNETH IAN Initials: K I Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Pilot Officer Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 12 Sqdn. Age: 23 Date of Death: 28/05/1944 Service No: 172462 Additional information: Son of Harold Joseph Kernahan, and of Gladys Eugenie Kernahan, of Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 211. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Name: LOOKYAN, ULRIC LESLIE Initials: U L Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flying Officer (Pilot) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Age: 21 Date of Death: 14/01/1944 Service No: 136422 Additional information: Son of Joseph and Maud A. Lookyan, of Port of Spain, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Sec. C. Row J. Grave 4. Cemetery: HARROGATE (STONEFALL) CEMETERY Name: McBRIDE, JAMES MCALLISTER Initials: J M Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 161 Sqdn. Age: 25 Date of Death: 17/12/1943 Service No: 113888 Additional information: Son of Donald and Jean W. McBride, of Port of Spain, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Square 115. C. of E. Plot. Grave 24. Cemetery: CHICHESTER CEMETERY Name: MERRY, DAVID Initials: D Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flying Officer Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Age: 21 Date of Death: 04/05/1944 Service No: 135135 Additional information: Son of the Venerable Francis Lee Merry, B.A. and Mary Graham Merry, of Port of Spain, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Lot 7. Block F. Cemetery: RED DEER CEMETERY Name: NUNEZ, GEORGE ALBERT Initials: G A Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Pilot Officer Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 9 Sqdn. Age: 32 Date of Death: 01/05/1943 Service No: 146436 Additional information: Son of Albert and Georgiana Nunez; husband of Olive Adella Nunez, of St. Joseph, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 132. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Name: PHILIPPS, ROBIN GORDON Initials: R G Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flight Sergeant Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 183 Sqdn. Age: 21 Date of Death: 28/01/1944 Service No: 1397461 Additional information: Son of Henry Browne Philipps and Marie Irene Philipps, of Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 221. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Name: RAWLINS, KENRICK WYVILLE Initials: K W Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flying Officer Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 139 Sqdn. Age: 27 Date of Death: 13/08/1943 Service No: 134366 Additional information: Son of Charles and Mary Rawlins, of Princes Town, Trinidad, West Indies. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 129. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Name: ROTHER, LOUIS ANTHONY Initials: L A Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Sergeant (W.Op./Air Gnr.) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Age: 29 Date of Death: 25/10/1943 Service No: 1399303 Additional information: Son of Carl Robert and Emperatriz Rother, of Port of Spain, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Grave 1240. Cemetery: LOSSIEMOUTH BURIAL GROUND Name: SMALL, CHARLES WALTER RANDOLPH Initials: C W R Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Sergeant (Pilot) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Age: 20 Date of Death: 01/10/1944 Service No: 605558 Additional information: Son of Charles and Constance Small, of Cocorite, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Block B. Lot 16a. Cemetery: ARVIDA PROTESTANT CEMETERY Name: URICH, GEORGE DAVE Initials: G D Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 18 Sqdn. Age: 26 Date of Death: 16/05/1944 Service No: 132304 Additional information: Son of Herman Paul and Kathleen Elaine Urich, of Port of Spain, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Coll. grave III. K. 17-18. Cemetery: CASSINO WAR CEMETERY Name: WILSON, JOHN DALTON Initials: J D Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flying Officer Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 208 Sqdn. Age: 22 Date of Death: 03/07/1943 Service No: 120659 Additional information: Son of John Wolseley Wilson and Gwladys Wilson, of Port of Spain, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: 3. B. 9. Cemetery: BEIRUT WAR CEMETERY
Black Hornet Squadron Leader Philip Louis Ulric Cross, DSO, DFC (Trinidad & Tobago) 139 (Jamaica) Squadron RAF Bomber Command Squadron Leader Ulric Cross was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in 1944 for his gallantry during the Second World War. While serving as a Pilot Officer with 139 (Jamaica) Squadron, he participated in bombing attacks across occupied Europe. In 1945 he was also awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in recognition of his ‘fine example of keenness and devotion to duty’ and 'exceptional navigational ability'. The following article contains some information regarding other West Indian Airmen:
Sounds like a very special man ! We Were There - Photo of Squadron Leader Philip Louis Ulric Cross, DFC, DSO. 139 (Jamaica) Squadron RAF Bomber Command
I found these two flyers on your list K ! Ulric Leslie LOOKYAN Look-Yan was killed in Hurricane Z3076 of 59 OTU which crashed at Roseden, 4m SE of Wooler, Northumberland. F/O Cipriani T M 126 Sqdn Spitfire LF.IX serial MH474 coded 5J-X took off 21-11-1944 for a sweep from Bradwell Bay but suffered engine failure and landed at B.79 Woensdrecht, Holland. Took off from B.79 22-11-1944 and again suffered engine problems, unfortunately crashed near Antwerpen (still looking for the exact location) <CENTER><img src= "http://www.rafcommands.com/rafcommandsbanner.gif"><BR>
Thank you. He is indeed special, and extremely likable. Thank you for posting the picture, that was taken a few years ago. There is another of him in uniform, as a young man, outside the family home in Port of Spain. Unfortunately I don't have the IT skills to post it. We Were There - Photo of Squadron Leader Philip Louis Ulric Cross, DFC, DSO. 139 (Jamaica) Squadron RAF Bomber Command
Thanks for posting the Follet article. It amazes me when some people still don't acknowledge the contributions of some countries. One day I would love to compile a full list of all West Indians who served as aircrew but source material is scarce.
Might be able to help, but could take some time. Meanwhile some readers might find this interesting: The Royal Air Force - History Section The Royal Air Force - History Section
I recently read the prologue to Follet's book , Hornet Flight, which the article speaks of. Follet alludes to the race problem and the attitude of the Rhodesian pilots, he refers to them as Africans. Probably ruffled a few feathers. By the way, how do I get my flag to wave (no naughtiness intended)?
Name: ALEXANDER, KENNETH JOSEPH Initials: K J Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Sergeant (Obs.) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 156 Sqdn. Age: 23 Date of Death: 07/07/1942 Service No: 1382705 Additional information: Son of Matthias and Louisa Alexander, of Port of Spain, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 62. Row C. Grave 4. Cemetery: LORIENT (KERENTRECH) COMMUNAL CEMETERY Alexander was lost on the following raid..... 6/7 July 1942 156 Squadron. Wellington III X3345 Op. Gardening. The aircraft took off from Alconbury at 2359 hrs to lay mines in French waters off Lorient and crashed in the target area.
Name: ALFRED, JOSEPH MCKENZIE Initials: J M Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flight Sergeant (Air Bomber) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 75 Sqdn. Age: 23 Date of Death: 26/02/1945 Service No: 1810280 Additional information: Son of Bertha Alfred, of Port of Spain, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Grave 15516. Cemetery: CAMBRIDGE CITY CEMETERY F/S. Alfred was lost on the following raid 26 February 1945. 75 Squadron. Lancaster I ME450 AA-W Op. Dortmund The aircraft took off from Mepal at 1052 hrs to carry out a raid on the Hoesch benzol-oil production facility. On return crashed near Chatteris, Cambridgeshire.
Name: GILKES, LESLIE FRANCIS Initials: L F Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Sergeant Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 9 Sqdn. Date of Death: 03/08/1943 Service No: 1810281 Additional information: Son of Joseph and Octavia Gilkes, of Siparia, Trinidad, West Indies. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 150. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Sgt. Gilkes was lost on the following raid. 2-3 August 1943. 9 Squadron. Lancaster III ED493 WS-A Op. Hamburg. Took off from Bardney at 2326 hrs. Believed shot down by a night-fighter (Ofw Karl-Heinz Scherfling, IV./NGJ1) and crashed 0333 hrs into the sea NW of Bergen aan Zee on the Dutch coast.
Name: KENNY, GERALD PATRICK Initials: G P Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Sergeant (Air Gnr.) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 195 Sqdn. Age: 37 Date of Death: 02/11/1944 Service No: 1835809 Additional information: Son of Dr. Thomas Bernard Kenny, M.D., and Cecile Kenny, of Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: XV. B. 7. Cemetery: GROESBEEK CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY Sgt. Kenny was lost on the following raid. 2 November 1944. 195 Squadron. Lancaster I HK663 Op. Homberg. The aircraft took off at 1118 hrs from Witchford. Presumed abandoned prior to being crash-landed in Allied held territory. Sgt Kenny at 37 was well over the age of Bomber Command aircrew.
Name: KERNAHAN, KENNETH IAN Initials: K I Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Pilot Officer Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 12 Sqdn. Age: 23 Date of Death: 28/05/1944 Service No: 172462 Additional information: Son of Harold Joseph Kernahan, and of Gladys Eugenie Kernahan, of Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 211. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL P/O. Kernahan was lost of the following raid. 27-28 May 1944. 12 Squadron. Lancaster III ND679 PH-F Op. Aachen. Took off 0015 hrs Wickenby. Lost without trace.
Name: McBRIDE, JAMES MCALLISTER Initials: J M Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 161 Sqdn. Age: 25 Date of Death: 17/12/1943 Service No: 113888 Additional information: Son of Donald and Jean W. McBride, of Port of Spain, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Square 115. C. of E. Plot. Grave 24. Cemetery: CHICHESTER CEMETERY F/L. McBride was lost on the following operation. 16-17 December 1943. 161 Squadron Lysander IIIA V9367 MA-B Op. SIS Took off 2138 hrs from Tangmere on Operation Diable and headed for France where two agents were recovered. On return the Lysander crashed 0353 hrs into a ploughed field just short of the runway and burst into flames. The two agents, a man and a women scrambled clear, but F/l McBride was trapped in the cockpit.
Name: NUNEZ, GEORGE ALBERT Initials: G A Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Pilot Officer Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 9 Sqdn. Age: 32 Date of Death: 01/05/1943 Service No: 146436 Additional information: Son of Albert and Georgiana Nunez; husband of Olive Adella Nunez, of St. Joseph, Trinidad. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 132. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL P/O. Nunez was lost on the following raid. 1 Mat 1943 9 Squadron Lancaster III ED838 WS-R Op. Essen. The Lancaster took off from Bardney and was lost without trace.
Name: PHILIPPS, ROBIN GORDON Initials: R G Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flight Sergeant Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 183 Sqdn. Age: 21 Date of Death: 28/01/1944 Service No: 1397461 Additional information: Son of Henry Browne Philipps and Marie Irene Philipps, of Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 221. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL F/S. Philipps was lost on the following operation. 28 January 1944. 183 Squadron Typhoon 1b JP402 'P' Rodeo pm. Ditched 25 miles north of Brest .
Name: RAWLINS, KENRICK WYVILLE Initials: K W Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flying Officer Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 139 Sqdn. Age: 27 Date of Death: 13/08/1943 Service No: 134366 Additional information: Son of Charles and Mary Rawlins, of Princes Town, Trinidad, West Indies. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 129. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL F/O. Rawlins was lost on the following operation 12-13 August 1943. 139 Squadron Mosquito IV DZ607 Op. Berlin. Took off 2057 hrs Wyton. Lost without trace.
Flag waving is being worked on Ulric by Admin, Ulric. Welcome aboard. Good reading guys, thanks for posting.
This is just a bit of "padding " !! MEPAL Mepal airfield was built to Class A specification as one of the two satellite stations for the Waterbeach cluster. The site on a 20-foot rise out of the Cambridgeshire fens, was confined by the New and Old Bedford Rivers to the west; the villages of Sutton to the south, Mepal to the north and Witcham due east. As the A142 between Mepal and Sutton ran across the middle of the site it was closed off and diverted to run on the road through Withham. Construction began in July 1942 on a £810,000 contract. The concrete runways were: main 08-26 at 2,000 yards, and OS-23 and 14-32 both at 1,400 yards. Thirty-six hardstandings were provided, all being the loop type. Hangars were a T2 and a B1 positioned on the technical site between runway heads 26 and 32, the Bl being to the north, with another T2 on the north side of the airfield between runway heads 23 and 26. The bomb store lay to the north-west, between 08 and 14. The 11 dispersed sites were all to the east of the airfield around Witcham and consisted of two mess, one communal and eight domestic catering for 1,884 males and 346 females. Officially opened in June 1943, its first occupants were the Stirlings of No. 75 Squadron, removed from the turf of Newmarket Heath, which conducted its first operation from Mepal on the night of July 3. Named the New Zealand Squadron and manned largely by citizens of that country, No. 75 was to remain in residence for a little over two years, seeing out the war from Mepal. No other squadron was based there during this period as No. 75 maintained three flights, their complements often totalling more than 30 aircraft, particularly after Lancasters replaced the Stirlings in March 1944. The squadron lost 104 bombers in operations from Mepal, 50 being Stirlings and 52 Lancasters. No. 75 Squadron moved out in July 1945 to make way for the assembly and training of Tiger Force, the RAF bomber contingent scheduled to move to the north-east Pacific for operations against the Japanese homeland. These were Nos. 7 and 44 Squadrons, although the latter was soon replaced by No. 49 Squadron. However, the contraction of the RAF during the first year of peace provided several stations with better accommodation than the `tin can huts' at Mepal and the Lancasters left in July 1946. Thereafter Mepal remained empty of active units for 12 years.
