Editor: It is a while since I have been able to update our website so if your news is not yet shown,
please be assured I am working my way through the messages. The next newsletter will now appear in February.
If you have a contribution to make, please let me have it no later than the end of January.
Reminder - 2008-09 subs were due 1 November 2008

January 2009 - please scroll down the page:

• It is with sadness that we report the death of EK Peter Phelps, Flight Engineer 6/44-7/44 in Cheltenham on Tuesday 13 January 2009, aged 84. Our condolences go to his widow Sylvia, son Martin and daughter Susan. The funeral will be on Tuesday 27th January 2009 at noon, at Christchurch Cheltenham and then at 1pm at Cheltenham Crematorium GL52 5JT for those who wish to attend. It will be family flowers only - if anyone wishes to make a charitable donation in memory of Peter it should be made out to The Altzheimers Association and can be sent to the undertaker Mason and Stokes, Tudor Lodge, 54 Hewlett Road, Cheltenham, GL52 6AH.
  
  Peter was shot down with the Stamp crew (LM129 EM-Y) on the St Leu raid of 8/7/44 and was eventually captured by the Gestapo in Paris. He was transported to Buchenwald from where he and other RAF prisoners were removed by the Luftwaffe to a PoW camp. It took many years before he could speak publicly about his experiences, the first being in order to raise funds for Christchurch. He was for many years the Reunion Secretary for the Association.
  
  Just a few days ago the family of F/O AEJ Gilby who was the Bomb Aimer in the Stamp crew and who evaded, was in touch from Australia.

• Kevin Mapley has heard from Les's daughter Brenda that Les Gaterell, Electrician ?/41-5/45, passed away peacefully after a short illness on 23 November aged 96. He had been in a residential. nursing home near his home in Tottenham, Toronto for a number of months.
  
  Les emigrated to Canada in 1955 where he continued to work in the aircraft industry. He came to a number of reunions at Derby. On his last visit, with Brenda, he made an emotional visit to the memorial at Spilsby which Brenda said meant a great deal to him.

• We now have a photo of the first 207 pilot to be lost in WW2, F/O Hugh Vernon Matthews, Manchester L7313 EM-C, shot down by an intruder after taking off for an op on Hamburg on the night of 12/13 March 1941, from Waddington, having been delayed by replacement of a burst tail wheel. F/O HV Matthews, Sgt HC Redgrave, Sgt RD Welch and Sgt HW Hemingway were killed instantly. Sgts Cox and J Marsden were thrown clear and were taken to Lincoln hospital with severe injuries, and there Sgt Marsden died. The story is told in detail in both the Squadron History and in Bob Kirby's book on the Manchester. The photo comes via F/O Matthews nephew, Tony Matthews, who is joining the Association as a Friend member.

• Malcolm Wilson is researching the lives of holders of the Distinguished Flying Medal who took part in the Channel Dash operation, one of whom is John Charles Atkinson who served as a pilot with 207 Squadron during late 1941 to March 1942. He was awarded the DFM for his attack on German capital ships on 12 February 1942, flying Manchester L7488. He was later killed in action during December 1942 flying a Lancaster with 50 Squadron. Michael is aware of the information provided in the Squadron History, Always Prepared. If you can assist, please contact the editor.

• from his daughter Jen Allaway, news of the death of David Gwynfor James Griffiths Navigator 12/43-6/44 in the Collis crew. 'Jim' as he was known to all died on 20th November at the age of 86 at his home in St Brides Major, Vale of Glamorgan. He had been ill for some time with emphysema and died peacefully at home. His funeral took place yesterday at Bridgend Crematorium on 3 December 2008.
  
  He was the last of his crew, Jen believes (Noel Tommy Atkin who died in 1999 was the only other who was an Association member). Prior to retirement Jim was the manager of the Midland Bank in Chippenham, Wilts and had 26 contented years back in his native Wales, where golf and gardening predominated.
  
  In January 2009 Jen adds: "When sorting through his archives (I am his only child) I came across two lovely letters written to him by an RAF friend in 1947, Whilst not part of dad's crew, he was if I understand what he has written correctly, also flying on Lancs. I would very much like to pass these letters on to his family. He signs his letters 'Harold' and he was living in 6 Swinburne Avenue, Balby, Doncaster. He was married to a girl called Bess and at the time of writing had a son called Michael who was to be one year old on 27th March, 1946. Harold and Bess's 2nd wedding anniversary was anticipated two days later. He was employed as a welder." A very long shot, but any bells ring, please contact the editor!

• via Ray Cullis, a member of The Church on Rise Park, Nottingham, an image of Sgt Francis Bertram Smith, M/UG in the Dallen crew lost on Revigny 18/19 July 1944 (ME814 EM-E) has been added to that crew's page, together with images the original grave markers for Sgt Smith and others in the crew. These come from Sgt Smith's sister.
  see via Memorials > 207 Crew members > Dallen crew ME814
  
• We welcome two new Friend members:
  Stephen Mains, grandnephew of Sgt Hugh McCrory, Air Gunner 9/44-3/45
  Clive Stapleton, nephew of Sgt Cyril Stapleton, Air Gunner kia 5/7/44 on St Leu (Wilson crew LM125 EM-G)

• Best wishes to Jack Pegrum DFM, Wireless Operator 3/43-9/43, who has upped sticks to join his family in Australia.
  Jack, please let us have an email address!

• 30 Oct 2008, updated 4 Nov: News from his daughter of the death of Sqn Ldr Stan Brecken, Pilot 5/73-11/75 at the age of 81 in Norwich on 25th October. He joined the RAF in February 1943, retiring in 1978. He served with the Sultan of Oman Air Force, 1975-80. He was working as a ground school instructor at the Flying Club at RAF Coltishall until a year or so ago and still flying. The funeral is to be at St Faith's Crematorium, Norwich, at 3.30pm (note corrected time) on Friday 7th November. Old colleagues and friends are welcome to attend.

• 22 Oct 2008: Our Secretary, Kevin Mapley, has learned of the death, suddenly at home on 21st October, of Peter Valleley, Air Radar Mech 5/51-1/53. Peter was 76 and had been a stalwart reunion attender. Our condolences go to his widow Biddy and sons Paul, Mark and the family.
  
  Peter's funeral will be held at Mintlyn Crematorium on Friday 31 October 2008 at 11.30 am, family flowers only (donations may be sent to Diabetes UK). It is where Peter's old 207 and police friend Ronnie Brown's funeral was held in 2005. It is in Lynn Road, Bawsey, Kings Lynn. A Memorial Card has been provided.
  If you are able to attend please contact Kevin.

• 23 Sep 2008: Mrs Joanne Sturch has informed us that her husband Tony, Bomb Aimer 9/44-7/46 who was in Andy Mathieson's crew, died on 17th September 2008, the day after he came home from a long spell in hospital. He was 85. Our condolences go to Joanne and their sons John and Colin. Tony's funeral takes place at Burnley Crematorium on 24th September. A memorial card is being provided.

• 22 Sep 2008: Friend Member Russell Briggs has informed our Secretary of the unexpected death of his father Jack Briggs DFC whilst on holiday in Weymouth on 12th September 2008. Jack, a Navigator 3/44-5/44, was in the Birdling crew. Apparently Jack suffered a massive heart attack, which came as some surprise as Jack was very fit and always did a brisk two mile daily walk.
  
  Born in New Zealand, Jack served at Spilsby where he met and married his first wife who was a WAAF on the station. Although they initially returned to New Zealand she was unable to settle and as a consequence they returned to the UK. Jack was presented to the Queen at the dedication of the New Zealand War Memorial,Hyde Park in November 2006. The Briggs had attended a couple of recent reunions. Our condolences go to the family and a memorial card is being provided.
  
  His funeral is on Friday 26 September at noon, at Derby Crematorium, Markeaton Lane, which is off the A52 Ashbourne Road.

• 22 Sep 2008: Via Mrs Edna Jewiss, our Secretary Kevin Mapley has learned of the death of Desmond Walsh in Wyongah, New South Wales on 19th September 2008, as the result of a fall. Desmond was an Air Gunner 1/44-7/45 and was in Frank Chambers' crew (in which Edna's husband Bill was the Flight Engineer). Des's wife had died about a year ago and he was living with his daughter Lorraine, to whom our condolences go. His funeral is on Wednesday 24 September. A memorial card is being provided.

• 21 Sep 2008: via his son Mike Tweddle JP, news of the death on 9 September 2008 of Albert Tweddle, Air Gunner 7/44-12/44, He was the Rear-Gunner in John White's crew whose Wireless Operator was Ron Winton, lost on Gydnia (Lancaster EM-S LM671). He is survived by his wife Mary and three sons, Graham, Michael and Dale. Our condolences were sent to the family. His grandson Matthew added "He is dearly missed by family and friends. I know he was proud of his Squadron and his work in the Royal Air Force. He will be fondly remembered by all."

• News on 15 September via his daughter Hanifa of the death in British Columbia of Charles Otto Huntley, Pilot 1/45-2/45. He evaded when Lancaster EM-I PB295 was lost on the raid on Gravenhorst 21/2/45. Charley passed away on September 13 2008. He and his family came to our 2007 reunion but he was regrettably too ill to attend this year. Though his was a short stay at Spilsby he was a proud evader and always had a strong link to 207. Our condolences and a memorial card go to the family.

• Via our Secretary Kevin Mapley, news on 14 September of the death of Peter Rae, Wireless Operator 3/42-12/42. Until 2003, when the effects of emphysema became more pronounced, Peter was a regular attender with Iain Nicolson at our reunions. He passed away in hospital during the night of 10 September, aged 87. Our condolences and a memorial card go to the family.
  
  The funeral was at 1pm on Wednesday 17 September at the Linn Crematorium, 413 Lainshaw Drive, Glasgow G45 9SP. Iain Nicolson and his two sons, both members of the Association, were representing the Association. There was representation from Peter's Scottish Saltire Branch of the Aircrew Association and his golf club, Cathcart Castle, of which he was President. Family flowers only. Donations may be sent to Cancer Research UK and/or Leonard Cheshire Disability

• A photo report of our 2008 Reunion, which included a visit to the National Cold War Exhibition at the RAF Museum at Cosford is now available - see via Reunions

• Images taken during the visit to Cosford of the ex 207 Devon VP952 and Pembroke WV746 have been added to their pages; images taken of Cosford's Avro Lincoln have been added to our Lincolns page - see via Memories

• Friend member David Hollands adds his cousin's name to those named on local/war memorials. Sgt Dennis Manser was kia with the Ings crew, Lancaster R5761 EM-T on Essen 6/8/42, and is named on the memorial in Maidstone Parish Church - see Memorials > Those on local/war memorials

• Welcome to new members
  Dick Fiddy LSGM, Norfolk: Dick was an Air Radar Fitter 1957-64
  Mrs Sandie Markham and her husband Paul Markham, Derbyshire, join as Friend Members: Sandie is the daughter of the late Ken Ottewell, Air Gunner in the Perez crew, Lancaster NE168 EM-F, taken pow when lost on Houffalize 6/1/45.
  Geoff Pearce, Oxfordshire, joins as a Friend Member: Geoff is the son of AG Fred Pearce, Flight Mech A 8/42-3/46, and Renée Pearce our former Minutes Secretary.
  Luke Smith, Nottinghamshire, joins as a Friend Member: Luke is the grandson of the late Ken Smith, Armourer 9/43-5/45 and takes part in the annual commemoration of those who died in the 10 April 1944 Bomb Dump explosion at Spilsby

• Ray Sturtivant ISO the distinguished aviation historian has died at the age of 82. For forty years he produced books and articles for Air Britain, including our Squadron history Always Prepared by John Hamlin, for which Ray was awarded Honorary membership of the Association.

• Clive Semple's book based on the diaries of his late father, Leslie Semple, who was a pilot on 207 in the First World War is Book of the Month in Aeroplane magazine. It has also had a good review by the highly respected WW1 aviation group Cross & Cockade.
  Clive will be giving a talk before the AGM at Derby in September.
  The book title is Diary of a Night Bomber Pilot in World War I

• Sgt Sam Panton, Air Observer and Bomb Aimer on 207 Squadron 3/41-5/41 was shot down on 3rd May 1941 (Manchester L7379, F/O Pinchbeck, target Hamburg) and taken PoW. Sqn Ldr Panton died on 16th February 2003 and his daughter, Friend member Penny Moir, has provided images and text from his recollections of that last flight and of his time as a PoW - see Memories > Manchesters or via Memorials > 207 crew members

• A new website has been launched by Frank Haslam in association with Honorary Member Bill Chorley, the author familiar to many through his nine volume series Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War. The website consolidates all the amendments and additions published in the books and adds updates received since the last book.
  http://www.rafinfo.org.uk/BCWW2Losses/

• John Williams was an Aircraft Electrician on 207 at Marham. John has made a thoughtful website about his National Service with the RAF from September 1958 until September 1960 - please view this via Memories > Valiants

• Steve Crowther's father David was a Canberra Navigator on 207 in 1954. He has provided some photos for our re-organised Canberra pages - see Memories > Valiants
  
  David Crowther was killed in 1975 when a Buccaneer collided with his 57 Sqn Victor tanker over the North Sea. David is added to our Post 207 Casualties Roll where his name is linked to the National Armed Forces Memorial at Alrewas.
  
  If you know of others who lost their lives in the Service after being posted from 207 since the end of WW2, please let the editor know - see Memorials > Roll of Honour > Post 207 Cas
  
  Post war 207 casualties commemorated on the memorial at Alrewas are now linked to our on-line Memorial Book - Canberra crew WH906 3/12/54 Christopher Hasler, Gerald Hayes, Gordon Whitehouse; Valiant crew WZ363 6/5/64 Christopher Welles, Leslie Hawkins, George Mills, Richard Noble, John Stringer - see Memorials > Roll of Honour > Memorial Book
  
  There is a tree at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, dedicated in 2005 to all who served on 207 Squadron, especially those killed on active service - see Memorials > to the Squadron > National Memorial Arboretum

• Lesley Hayward, Friend Member widow of Dick, was a WRAF and WRAAF. She notes that whilst we have wartime WAAF members we do not seem to have any members or newsletter coverage of the WRAF who were with the Squadron post-war, presumably there were some? 'Letters' to the editor please!

• via Kevin Mapley: Friend Member Valerie Hollinghurst sadly passed away on Tuesday 17 June. Her funeral took place on Monday 30 June at the Rotherham Crematorium. Kevin wrote A Sentimental Journey in the winter 2006/2007 newsletter which told the touching story of Valerie's quest to find the father she never knew - Sgt Richard Gaut kia 16/7/44 in the Jones crew, EM-S ME807 on Nevers.
  It was about this time she discovered she had cancer. Kevin kept in regular contact with Valerie throughout her illness. Although very ill she remain very positive and had hoped to travel to France for the annual ceremony held at the graves of her father's crew.

• John van Puyenbroek WOp/AG 6/41-9/42 & Wing Signals Ldr 7/47-9/49 has moved to a residential home in Edinburgh where he celebrated his 90th birthday - if you would like to write to him please contact the editor or Kevin Mapley

• The Webb family let us know that Bob Webb died aged 89 on 16th May at the Christchurch Macmillan Unit after an 18 month illness. He was buried at Colehill Woodland burial ground, Wimborne, Dorset on 31 May, in a tranquil woodland setting.
  
  Bob was the Flight Engineer in John White's crew, lost on Gydnia 18/12/44, Lancaster EM-S LM671. Ron Winton was the W/Op. Our condolences and a memorial card are going to Phyllis and their son Rob. Bob is added to our on-line Roll of Honour of those who have died after leaving the Service - see Memorials > Roll of Honour > Post RAF RIP.

• Of particular interest to our New Zealanders news that the final, long awaited (640 page) Volume 3 of Errol Martyn's trilogy, For Your Tomorrow - A record of New Zealanders who have died while serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services Since 1915 (Vol Three: Biographies & Appendices), is due for publication in mid-July. For more information contact VOLPLANE PRESS, C/- Errol Martyn, P O Box 6482, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8442, New Zealand. tel (NZ code) 64 3 343 5408:
  info on Vols 1 & 2

• Friend Member Roger Read reports the death of his father, Gordon Read, who was the F/E on Dick Burnet's Lancaster crew that were shot down on 30 Jan 1944 (EM-K EE173). "While Dad was not a member of the 207 Sqn Association, he took a keen interest in hearing all the news that I passed on via the newsletter and email exchanges with his old crew buddy, Navigator Ken Brown. Dad passed away peacefully at his retirement home on 27th March at age 86". Our condolences and a memorial card go to Roger and the family. Gordon is added to our on-line Roll of Honour of those who have died after leaving the Service - see Memorials > Roll of Honour > Post RAF RIP

• Clive Semple, a Friend Member and Alan Mawby QFI/ALO 7/02-12/04 have worked very hard to produce a fascinating and important book based on the diaries of Clive's late father, Leslie Semple, who was a pilot on 207 in the First World War. The book has had a good review in Cross and Cockade. Clive will be giving a talk before the AGM at Derby in September. The book title is Diary of a Night Bomber Pilot in World War I

• Alan Mawby also features on RAF Linton's station website in his work as Curator in their History Room.

image: Matt Clark

• Bomber Command Association and the Heritage Foundation are working together to raise £2M for a Bomber Command Memorial. Support for this project will be sought at our AGM.
  For the latest news see Bomber Command Memorial Fund news

• John Holmes, Air Gunner 12/44-2/45, the only survivor from the Phelan crew lost on Gravenhorst 21/2/45 (Lancaster EM-T PB814) died on 8th April. His funeral took place on on Monday 21 April at Ingatestone Parish Church at 11am. Our condolences went to his family. Family flowers only. Donations to East Bergholt British Legion may be made via Chelmsford Star (the undertakers), 47 High Street, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9DU. Members who could attend the funeral were asked to contact our Secretary, Kevin Mapley.

• RAF SPILSBY COMMEMORATION, THURSDAY 10th APRIL 2008
  On 10th April each year members of the No 207 Squadron RAF Association and their local friends gather at the RAF Spilsby Memorial at Great Steeping for a short Commemoration and wreath-laying in memory of the 10 groundcrew airmen killed in the bomb dump explosion in 1944. Those attending gather at the Airfield Memorial at 7.45pm and the Commemoration is at 7.55pm. This year the event will be held this coming Thursday and any members of the local community who would like to be present would be most welcome to attend. For further information please contact 01790 752845.
  see updated Bomb Dump page - Memorials > to Squadron > Spilsby

• April 4 2008: Leslie Harborne, Navigator in the Munson crew 3/45-8/45 attended the funeral of his Mid-Upper Gunner Ron Cawood who died on 28 March in East Yorkshire. Ron was not a member of the Association but a memorial card and condolences are being sent to his family.

• April 1st 2008 - 90th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force. All the best to those who served in the Royal Air Force, past and present, in particular the ex-Squadron members of our Association and all on the Squadron at Linton on Ouse. Semper Paratus.
  OC 207Sqn Sqn Ldr Rich Saunders says the day was marked by the Station with a page turning ceremony of the Roll of Honour in York Minster and a 9-aircraft flypast among other events. Your editor evidently missed those from Linton attending the splendid service held in St Clement Danes on Sunday 30th April.
  Commemorative certificate sent to the Squadron by the Association (pdf)
  A souvenir of the Last Dinner of No.7 Squadron RNAS, in future to be No.207 Squadron, 65 Wing, Royal Air Force, held on the night of 31 March/1 April 1918 (pdf)
  our on-line WW1 history - see 7RNAS > 207 RAF

• Contact has been made with the son of Jock (full name Alick Jaffre) Corsar. Jock was a member of the Lawson crew but not aboard when ME473 collided with a 57 Squadron Lancaster ND572 during a fighter affiliation exercise on the night of 2nd March 1945. Both aircraft crashed into the Ruskington Fen area near Sleaford, Lincolnshire, with the loss of both crews. On Friday 25th October 1996 Sgt Robert Banks, Air Gunner in the Lawson crew, was buried with full military honours in Cambridge City Cemetery. At the same ceremony a grave which was marked to 'An Unknown Airman' in March 1945 was re-dedicated as that of Flt Sgt Arthur Henderson, Bomb Aimer in the crew.
  
  Jock died in 1971, at which time his son was working in Canada. Jock's widow passed away some years later and his son knew very little of his Dad's wartime service. It seems Jock, who had got married sometime in late 1944, may have been on leave when Ted Lawson was killed. Jock has been added to to our on-line Roll of Honour of those who have died after leaving the Service.
  see Memorials > Roll of Honour > Post RAF RIP (renamed from Post 207 RIP)
  see Memorials > 207 crew members > Lawson Crew

• Most of the Spring 2008 newsletters were posted to members on 24 March.
  When you receive it please be sure to do your September 6 reunion booking and to separately return your RAF Museum Cosford/National Cold War Exhibition form.

• Welcome to:
  Chris Brandon-Trye, Hampshire: nephew of Fl Lt Philip Brandon-Trye, Pilot 3/43-6/43: his uncle was posted as Acting Sqn Ldr on 106 Sqn. He was killed on 1485 Flt on 18 July 1943 when the Wellington he was aboard with senior officers on a training flight in connection with a Senior Officers' Gunnery Course suffered structural failure. There were no survivors.
  Mike Desjardins, Ontario: great nephew of Sgt Maurice Walker, Air Gunner in the Wescombe crew, kia 14/1/42 in Manchester L7523 EM-M which crashed on the E Yorkshire coast on return.

• Happy Easter to all. It has been a snowy, chilly Easter in much of the UK. Most of the Spring 2008 newsletters were posted to members today, 24 March.
  When you receive it please be sure to do your September 6 reunion booking and to separately return your RAF Museum Cosford/National Cold War Exhibition form.

• Do you remember 207's wartime 'hacks' - the Station Flight aircraft used by 207? In addition to the operational Squadron aircraft, during WW2 most RAF stations also had one or more 'hack' aircraft, generally Oxfords, Tiger Moths, etc., primarily for use by Station and Squadron senior officers. Identities of these aircraft are difficult to establish as they are nor referred to in surviving Records.
  
  RAF Spilsby it seems had an Airspeed Oxford, R6340 on strength from 26 July 1944 until struck off on 2 January 1946: this presumably carrying Spilsby's Station Code 'B6'. We have no information on other Station Flight aircraft used during 207's time at Waddington, Bottesford, Langar or Spilsby, although there is a Waddington photo which shows an unidentified Fairey Swordfish which it is believed was used by a Royal Navy Officer who 'advised' on Mining matters. Any additional information from wartime members on any of 207/Station 'hack' aircraft would be very much appreciated. Please contact the editor.

• Peter Curd DFC, Pilot 6/44-10/44, passed away in hospital on 19 January whilst awaiting a heart operation. He Peter was 85. Our condolences have been expressed to his widow Joyce and family. News of his death and funeral did not reach us in time for us to try and arrange to be represented.

• Welcome to:
  Frank Cleary, nephew of F/Sgt Bill Cleary Air Bomber in the Perez crew, kia 6/1/45 on Houffalize in Lancaster NE168 EM-F
  Don Turner, Air Wireless Mech 5/55-11/56

• Peter Curd DFC FRIBA, Pilot 6/44-10/44 died suddenly at the age of 85 on 19 January 2008 whilst awaiting a heart operation. His funeral had already taken place before we were informed. Our condolences went to his widow Joyce and family.

• Wg Cdr George Blakeman OBE, Navigator 6/43-8/43, died on 28th January 2008 aged 86. He was the sole survivor of the Pearcey crew (EM-D ED498) shot down near the French coast homeward from Milan on 16th August 1943. Trapped by G-forces against the cockpit blister he recalled seeing the wing root change colour as the wing burned. Two days later he recovered consciousness to find he was being tended by the Germans. After his wife died after suffering for some time with Alzheimers, he raised a considerable sum for the Alzheimers Research Trust by doing a tandem parachute jump over Langar, the 207 base he was shot down from. Our condolences go to his family, especially his daughters Penelope and Felicity.
  
  George's funeral is at 1.30pm on Friday 15 February at the Crown Hill Crematorium, Dansteed Way, Crown Hill, Milton Keynes, MK8 0AH: family flowers only; donations may be sent to the Alzheimer's Research Trust. An Association Memorial Card is being provided.
  If any members are able to attend please contact our Secretary, Kevin Mapley.

• Del Williams, Nav 3/59-9/61 thinks Leigh Gothard is in photo 52 in the Comms Album - see Memories > Devons > Comms

• Pam Woodcock is a friend of Sgt George Thompson's family. George was kia with the Broad crew EM-M DV371 on Berlin 30/01/44. He has a simple memorial in the grounds of Cragside, a National Trust property. Pam solves the mystery of how it came to be there - see Memorials > 207 crew members > Broad crew

• A Happy and Healthy 2008 to everyone

• John Pearl, Air Gunner 2/45-4/45, has written a book We Wanted Wings which is available from Lancfile Publishing. John was one of the six survivors when Flt Lt Peter Anderson's crew (ME472 EM-O) was lost on Leipzig on 11th April 1945. The pilot's grave is in Brussels War Cemetery. He was 207's last wartime casualty. Please click the link for information on how to get the book - see also 207 Books

• Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses in the Second World War: Bill Chorley is an Honorary Member of the Association and has been of immense help over the years with his knowledge of losses. In late 2007 the final volume - Volume 9: Roll of Honour 1939-47 - of his monumental series on Bomber Command's losses was published. The series is an outstanding and invaluable record of the massive sacrifice that was Bomber Command in WWII - see 207 Books

• F/O Wales to train at Linton: see 207R's What's New page for the story: Flt Lt Robbie Lees of 72 Sqn will be instructing on the Tucano phase of Prince William's four month period with the RAF during which he will be at Cranwell, Linton and Shawbury: unlike his father and uncle he will not be training as part of a Course.

• We welcome Sqn Ldr Richard Rich Saunders as the new OC 207R Sqn - he took over from Sqn Ldr Jack Christen on 23 November 2007: Jack remains at Linton as Deputy Chief Instructor. Sqn Ldr Saunders has previously served on 617, 72 and XV Squadrons and was OC Standards Flight at CFS.
  Flt Lt Matt Marshall, Dep OC B Flt, is our new Association Liaison/History Officer, replacing Flt Lt Shaun Kimberley.
  We wish Rich, Jack, Matt and Shaun all the best in their new posts.
  
  We also welcome George Chandler, Aircraft Electrician 3/52-3/53 & 11/53-11/54, from Kent, as a new member.

• Ken Cook, Air Gunner 11/44-6/45 in Larry French's crew, died in the South of France on 16th January 2008 at the age of 82. His brother in law, Friend member Tony Delaney, was instrumental in getting Ken signed up to the Association and he and Anne brought Ken to the 2006 Reunion. The funeral takes place in France on 23rd January and a Memorial Card has been provided. Our condolences go to Anne and the family

• Grp Capt Eric McCabe OBE CEng MRAes RAF(Retd), Engineering Officer 10/40-5/42 died aged 93 on 17 November 2007, we are informed (31 Dec 2007) by his old friend and former minister Rev Maurice Weatherup. The funeral, which took place at Hardres Street United Church, Ramsgate, was attended by the Commanding Officer of RAF Manston. Maurice will be writing something for the forthcoming newsletter and adds that Eric had been an ADC to HM The Queen.
  If you have any recollections of Eric, please contact the editor.

• Sgt Kenneth Ottewell who was the sole survivor of the Perez crew, NE168 EM-F, lost on Houffalize 5-6 January 1945 died on 23rd March 2007. I am grateful to Frank Cleary, nephew of F/S Bill Cleary who was Bomb Aimer on that flight for news that Ken had died. It is hoped that more information will be provided by Ken's daughter Sandra in time for the forthcoming Newsletter.

• Fred Butcher, Pilot 9/72-5/76, adds some names to the Communications era album photo 8 - see Memories > Devons > Comms Era Album
  Is anyone in touch with Chris Gibbons (Nav)

• Items for the Newsletter - to the editor as soon as possible please

• Members who pay their subscriptions annually rather than by Standing Order are reminded that the new membership year began on 1 Nov 2007. Mrs Nikki Mapley is now our Treasurer on the retirement of David Green - see your Newsletter for the Mapley's address.

• We welcome two co-opted members to the Committee of the Association, to be confirmed at the 2008 AGM:

  Wg Cdr Alan Watkins BA(Hons) FRSA RAF(Retd); AEO 1/59-1/62. The Committee have elected Alan as Vice-President. Until recently he was a Trustee of the Aircrew Association Archive Trust.

  Kevin Grant, Air Gunner 5/53-3/54: Kevin has taken on the role of PRO. He has journalism experience and has had a book of poetry published recently. Fellow Air Gunner John Laing describes it as "a delightful little volume of verse and prose gloriously illustrated by Kevin's nephew, Jake Grant a cartoonist, who deserves to become better known for his witty drawings which compliment some of the poems. There are witty two liners, limericks, sage and perceptive four liners and many other poems which reflect Kevin’s broad experience of sunshine and shadow in a life which is far from minor."; click Deeps and Shallows for more information.

• Welcome to new Friend members:
  Peter Berry, whose father Lt Kenneth Frank Berry was a pilot with the Squadron in 1918
  Mrs Pam Hall, whose late father Warrant Officer Bill Jewiss was a Wireless Operator 1944-45: that's two Friends in the family - the other is Pam's mum Edna
  Mrs Nikki Mapley, our Treasurer who took over on the retirement of David Green at the AGM, is well known to those who attend our Reunions and is another strengthening the family connection - her husband is Kevin Mapley, our Secretary.

• Sqn Leader Hugh Richford DFC RAF(Retd) died on 23rd November aged 84. He was a pilot on the Squadron, 5/56-1/61, and took part in the Suez campaign. His DFC was awarded when on 514 Sqn in WW2. The funeral was at All Saints Church, Staplehurst, Kent at mid-day on Thursday 6th December. Family flowers only. Donations, for the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering Children, may be sent to Doves Funerals, Maxted House, High St, Staplehurst, Kent, TN12 OAH. Our condolences go to his children Christopher, Susan and Jennifer. A Memorial Card has been provided. Our Secretary Kevin Mapley represented the Association.

• Members who pay their subscriptions annually rather than by Standing Order are reminded that the new membership year began on 1 Nov 2007. Mrs Nikki Mapley is now our Treasurer on the retirement of David Green - see your Newsletter for the Mapley's address.

• Welcome to new members:
  Doug Wilson, in Ayrshire: Air Signaller 1/60-8/62, in the Rondell crew
  Mrs Joan Salmon, in Suffolk: her first husband was W/Op Sgt AJO 'Jonny' Archer kia 30/1/44 EM-V ED758 on Berlin

• Member Paul Knight was one of those laying a wreath at 207's memorials or graves on Remembrance Sunday, in his case at Brigstock (DV361 EM-V): Belgian member Leon Reumers, father in law of member Danny Vanstraelen (grandson of Frank Haslam snr's Helper) laid flowers at the Solly crew graves at Heverlee and Leopoldsburg War Cemeteries; Paul Gill and Nicola Taylor, British residents of Le Bouveret, on the shore of Lake Geneva, went to town with poppies on the memorial to the Badge crew there - see via Memorials > to 207 Sqn crew members
  
  There were a lot of positive and appreciative comments from locals on a 207 wreath being laid on Spilsby's War Memorial this year (as far as could be recalled, for the first time) and on Fred Pearce's involvement - see Spilsby area news link above

• John Griffiths MBE MiD, Air Gunner 10/44-3/47, in Wg Cdr Black's crew, died aged 82 on 16th November 2007. After a spell in the police John returned to the RAF and was on flying boats with 209 Sqn in Korea. He stayed in the service until the 1970s, being Mentioned in Despatches in 1955, receiving a Commendation for Meritorious Service in 1962, and in 1976 was awarded an MBE for service to the RAF and for youth work.
  
  Our condolences go to his daughter Christine and son in law Chris. The funeral was at noon on Monday 26th November at Shrewsbury Crematorium, London Road, Shrewsbury. Donations, which will be shared by the Hospice which took such good care of him and the RAF Benevolent Fund, may be sent to the funeral directors, Aubrey Kirkham, Frankwell Island, Shrewsbury SY3 8JN. Member Gordon Pearce very kindly represented the Association at the funeral and an Association Memorial Card was provided.

• 14 Nov 2007: The funeral of Bob Storey DFM, WOp/AG 12/40-7/42, who died in hospital on 7 November 2007 aged 86 after a short illness, took place today at St Mary's Church, Heworth, Felling, Gateshead, at 1.45pm. Our condolences have been passed to Bob's widow Millie, daughter Shirley and son James. Bob was a regular attender of our Reunions and we will miss him.
  
  The Association provided a Memorial Card. Please contact the editor if you would like to write to the family.

• Members who pay their subscriptions annually rather than by Standing Order are reminded that the new membership year began on 1 Nov 2007. Mrs Nikki Mapley (Kevin is her husband) is now our Treasurer on the retirement of David Green - see Newsletter for her address.

• 12 October 2007 - Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales today attended the dedication of the new National Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, Staffordshire. It is in the form of a stone circle which bears the names of 16,000 service personnel who have died since World War II. The Roll of Honour on the memorial website can be searched by name and service. Those with postwar service may particularly appreciate the facility to search for those they knew who died on duty.

• Bob Storey DFM, WOp/AG 12/40-7/42 died in hospital after a short illness on 7 November 2007. His son James says the funeral will be on Wednesday 14 November at St Mary's Church, Heworth, Felling, Gateshead, Wednesday 14 November at 1.45pm.

• The Links page Museums/research has a valuable addition - the Airwar over Denmark website. This has a number of pages related to to 207 Sqn losses and incidents:
  17 Aug 42 Lancaster I R5616 EM-J Southwell crew
  10 Sep 42 Lancaster R5628 EM-Q Einarson crew
  28 Apr 43 Lancaster W4595 EM-Z Rees crew
  30 Sep 43 Ju 88C-6 serial number 750354 shot down by David Balme's crew
  10 Apr 44 Lancaster ME688 EM-E Edmonds crew
  22 May 44 Lancaster ND522 EM-J Walshe crew
  15 Oct 44 Lancaster LM208 EM-M Montgomery crew

• The 207R website news page shows a couple of photos of the 207 Standard outside York Minster for the 2007 Battle of Britain weekend - see links on left

• Making contact
  AJ Paddy Crowther, Pilot 2/69-1/72, now in Northern Ireland. Paddy has joined the Association.
  Mrs Susan Belfitt, widow of the late Friend Member Michael Belfitt, son of the late Frank Belfitt DFM, has joined.

• Our September 8 2007 Reunion in Derby saw 80 members and guests attending the Dinner. At the AGM Dave Green retired as Treasurer and we are pleased that Mrs Nikki Mapley has taken on that role. As a mark of our gratitude to Dave (and Betty, who has been a great support to him) Thos Murray made presentations on behalf of the Association to them at the Dinner.
  
  We are very grateful to the Midland Hotel which donated a Hotel Weekend prize, which raised £720 in a raffle. A good selection of prizes was separately raffled at the Dinner, raising £372.07(!). A mini-auction of items donated by the families of the late John Mace and Maurice Jackman added £142. Our Secretary Kevin Mapley was congratulated for his efforts in raising the grand total of £1,234.07.
  
  Our next Annual Reunion will be on Saturday, September 6th 2008, again at the Midland Hotel Derby, followed on the Sunday (for those who wish to participate) with a group visit to the National Cold War Exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford.
  
  Some photos of this year's Reunion can be seen via the Reunions link

• As reported in the local York media, on the afternoon of Wednesday 5th September 2007 a Tucano aircraft, from 1 FTS at RAF Linton on Ouse, after encountering power problems, made an emergency landing at the Gliding Club on the site of former RAF Rufforth, a few miles from base. It was being flown by a student on 225 Course supervised by a 207R Squadron instructor. They were unharmed and the aircraft was later moved into a hangar at Rufforth. A member of 207 Squadron Association resident in Rufforth, who was quickly on the scene, gave an interesting account to members attending the squadron reunion at Derby on 8th September.

• Was there a sticker on the front page of your newsletter? If so, please take the action requested.

• Friend Member David Collins died on July 24th, writes his widow Marion, to whom we have expressed our condolences. David for many years was involved with Newark Air Museum.His particular connection with 207 was the extensive research he did on the Whyte crew, commemorated at St Brisson.

• via Kevin Mapley: Bill Verralls DFC Pilot 10/44-5/45 died in the early hours of 1 September. Our condolences went to the family. The funeral took place at 1.15pm on Thursday 13th September at St. Faith’s Crematorium, 75 Manor Road, Horsham St. Faith, Norwich NR10 3LF. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations were invited to the ex-servicemen’s charity for the blind St. Dunstans, c/o Broadland Funeral Services, 102, Norwich Road, Wroxham, Norwich NR12 8RY. Being partially sighted in his later years Bill received considerable assistance and encouragement from St. Dunstans.

• 207 Squadron Devon VP962 is these days operating from Biggin Hill as the Mayfair Dove, one of the 'Air Partners' of British Sky Tours, specialising in military history and taking small groups, often a family or party of friends, on private tours around the British Isles and Continent. Adrian Hill, who when a British diplomat in Saigon remembers VP962 being the Air Attaché's (Grp Capt Mickey Swiney) aircraft, would like to know which VIP passengers were carried in the aircraft on 207. If you can help please contact the editor.

• Making contact:
  Dr John Jock Cook DFC Navigator/Bomb Aimer 6/44-9/44 has joined. He was in Wg Cdr Grey's crew.
  Gordon Watmough Air Gunner 8/51-12/52 has joined

• A booking form for our September 8 2007 Reunion in Derby was issued in the Summer 2007 Newsletter - don't forget to book - and even if you can't come, do support the Free Hotel Weekend for Two fundraiser for the Association on page 29.
  28 Aug: Just a few rooms left so don't delay that booking!

• Was there a sticker on the front page of your newsletter? If so, please take the action requested.

• Members from the Washington (B29) era of the Squadron are probably familiar with Chris Howlett's excellent 'Washington Times' newsletter. This can now be seen via Memories > Washingtons.

• Tom Scrivener, Navigator 4/44-6/44 in Roy Millichap's crew, died on 7th April 2007 aged 85 and the funeral was on 23 April, writes his widow Wendy, to whom we have sent our condolences and a memorial card.

• William P Green, Air Gunner 10/44-6/45 in Wg Cdr Black's crew died earlier this year. The funeral was at Beckenham Crematorium on 5th April. Our condolences to his family.

• Thanks to Diana Morgan of the Escape Lines Society, we have added evader John K Chapple, Wireless Operator in the MacNaughton crew shot down on Revigny 19/7/44 to our Roll of those who have died since serving on the Squadron. Diana worked in the same organisation as John, who died in April 1984 - see Memorials > Roll of Honour

• Friend Member Ken Williams, who was Wallace McIntosh DFC* DFM's boss, has provided the Eulogy he gave at Wallace's funeral.
  Alfred Hall, Navigator 3/44-10/44, who was Navigator in the Grey crew, has also added his memories of Wallace, as has Dr John Jock Cook, who joined the crew later as their Bomb Aimer- see Wallace's page

• Making contact:
  Sqn Ldr Peter Langdon DFM RAF(Retd) Pilot 8/42-2/43 & 4/72-6/74 has joined: a rare two-tour member, especially with a gap of 30 years!
  Flt Lt John Cartwright RAF(Retd) Pilot 12/60-4/63 has joined. He lives in the Philippines.
  John Gregory - son of the late F/S Jack Gregory, Flight Engineer in Ken Marten's crew, joins as a Friend
  Richard Gregory - son of the late F/S Jack Gregory, Flight Engineer in Ken Marten's crew, joins as a Friend
  Mrs Carol Peachey, niece of Sgt Donald A Turner, who was kia when aboard Lancaster EM-H LM366 (Flt Lt John G Taylor) as a 2nd Navigator, on Berlin 29/1/44. Carol has provided more information about her uncle for the LM366 page and has joined as a Friend.
  Mrs Alison Scholes, step-daughter of Bob Massey-Shaw BA, Air Bomber 6/44-12/44 in the Henderson crew, POW when they were shot down 6/12/44 in EM-C on Giessen. Alison has joined as a Friend.

• Laurie Barnes Wireless Operator 11/43-1/44 died on 17th July aged 82, two days short of his Diamond Wedding Anniversary. Our condolences to his widow Dorothy, daughter Lesley and son Kenneth and the family. The funeral was at 4pm on Tuesday 24th July, at the South Essex (Corbett's Tey) Crematorium in Ockenden Road, Upminster RM14 2UY Family Flowers only. The Editor attended on behalf of the Association.
  
  Laurie was in Dick Burnet's crew when they were shot down on Berlin in Lancaster EM-K EE173 on 30th Jan 1944. All except the rear gunner Arthur Pullman survived to become POWs. Ken Brown, the Navigator, is now the only crew member still with us.

• Making contact:
  David Vaughan-Thomas, Surrey: son of the late Wynford Vaughan-Thomas, who as a BBC war correspondent went with BBC engineer Reg Pidsley to Berlin in Lancaster F for Freddie on 3 September 1943 with Ken Letford's crew to make the now famous recording of a bombing raid. Wynford was of course a well known radio and tv broadcaster and a successful author. He was one of the first honorary members of the Association.

• Making contact:
  John Box, son of the late Cyril Box, Pilot 1/1918-8/1919: has joined
  Fred Butcher GSM, Pilot 9/72-5/76, in Surrey: has joined
  Mike Holmewood son of Flt Lt NFJ Holmewood, Navigator in the McSweeney crew, POW when EM-S LL976 was lost on Brunswick on 23 May 1944. Norman died in 1967. Mike joins us as a Friend
  Hugh Richford DFC, Pilot 5/56-1/61, in Kent: has joined
  Mrs Christina Smith, niece of Sgt Henry Bone, Mid-Upper Gunner in the Whyte crew, kia 15 February 1943 - see Memorials > Crews > Whyte
  Gary West, OC 207 Sqn 3/73-3/75, in Leicestershire: Gary is Hon Sec of 55 Sqn Association: has joined

• On 4th June 2007 we learned of the death in hospital in Aberdeen that morning of Wallace McIntosh DFC* DFM, aged 87. Wallace's extraordinary life, which included two tours on 207 Squadron (in the crews of F/O Fred Richardson and Wg Cdr John Grey) and the accolade of top scoring gunner on Bomber Command, was set out in the book Gunning for the Enemy by Mel Rolfe.
  
  Our condolences go to his daughters Anne, Mary and Frances, son James, son in law Joe and his grandson Alistair, his sister Frances and other members of the family. Those present at the Dinner at Linton on Friday had all signed a menu card for Wallace.
  
  Wallace's memorial service took place at Dyce Parish Church, Victoria Street, Dyce at 11am on Friday 8 June. It was Wallace's wish that his coffin not be present at his Memorial Service. There was a private cremation service in the afternoon. It was family flowers only. Donations can be sent to Dyce Parish Church (152 Victoria Street, Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 7DN) or to the RAF Benevolent Fund.
  
  The Association was represented at Wallace's Memorial Service by two members of the Committee and some members. The Officer Commanding RAF Lossiemouth represented the Royal Air Force and there was a flypast after the memorial service by a 12 Sqn Tornado GR4 from that station. The Aircrew Association and RAFA were well represented.
  
  There has been extensive media coverage on Wallace, some better than others. The editor has noted that people not normally interested in WW2 or the RAF have said they have seen and been impressed by the story and by the dangers faced by bomber aircrew, which would have pleased Wallace:
  
  Aberdeen Press & Journal obituary 5 June 2007
  The Times article 6 June 2007
  The Scotsman obituary 6 June 2007
  BBC Scotland 6 June 2007, including radio broadcast
  Daily Record obituary 6 June 2007
  The Courier obituary 6 June 2007
  Evening Express 6 June 2007
  Florida Sun-Sentinel report 6 June 2007
  Associated Press story 6 June 2007 (repeated widely elsewhere)
  The Sun article 7 June 2007
  New York Times obituaries in the news 7 June 2007
  BBC Scotland report of service 8 June 2007
  Aberdeen Press & Journal 8 June 2007
  Aberdeen Press & Journal 9 June 2007
  Daily Telegraph 9 June 2007
  The Times 13 June 2007
  Aberdeen Press & Journal 15 June 2007 - Budding Pilot
  The Independent 15 June 2007
  Google™ search on Wallace McIntosh
  
  It is intended to create a section of our website dedicated to Wallace, in tribute to him and his fellow Air Gunners.

• The 90th Anniversary of the formation of the Squadron as No.7 Sqn RNAS in 1916 was celebrated splendidly with a Dinner at Linton on June 1st. The editor is grateful for the letters and messages received from those unable to attend - see photo report

• Wg Cdr George Blakeman's tandem parachute jump on behalf of the Alzheimer's Research Trust (see May news) was delayed by atrocious weather until Tuesday May 29th. He writes: I made it! After a 24-hour postponement from Bank Holiday Monday because of the bad weather, I was lucky enough to have the plane and instructor all to myself. It is, of course, still possible to donate via http://www.justgiving.com/skydiveat85.
  
  George has now (13 June) raised £5760 and is aiming for £6,500.
  For anyone interested in (or in search of proof of) George's skydive, please click the photo for a short video.
  

• We have learned of the death in 2004 in a road traffic accident of Sqn Ldr WC Bill Cox (Pilot 8/61-1/64). He was posted in to 207 at Marham on 28 Aug 1961 to take command of B Flight: on 31 May 1963 he took over command of A Flight from Sqn Ldr Ken Hunter: on 20 Jan 1964 he was posted to ACAS Ops department in the Air Ministry.
  
  There is a photo of a Sqn Ldr Cox (it is no.67) in the Comms Era Album (Memories > Devons). Ken Hunter says that Bill's distinguishing visual feature was his massive eyebrows, so possibly he was also on 207 at Northolt. If you have any information on Sqn Ldr WC Cox please contact the editor.

• Wg Cdr George Blakeman OBE RAF(Retd) is hitting the silk again!: The Alzheimer's Research Trust thought we'd like to hear about the marvellous charitable fundraising efforts of one of the Squadron's own. On May 28th, George (85) will be returning to Langar to make a parachute jump to raise money for Alzheimer's research in memory of his beloved wife Margot who died of this devastating condition.   His new target is to raise £4,500. George tells me he will be attached to an instructor and they will descend from 12,000ft, free-falling for 7,000ft and will be accompanied by a cameraman.
  
  George, who was a Navigator 6/43-8/43 on 207, has no recollection of the last parachute jump he made, as the only survivor of Lancaster EM-D ED498 (Pearcey crew), which exploded after being hit by flak over Normandy on August 16th 1943 when returning from Milan. He was a POW in Stalag Luft III, so this jump will be a real leap of faith for him.   The Alzheimer's Research Trust are tremendously proud of George's bravery and his bid to raise funds for them.
  
  George's fundraising page on the Just Giving website can be found at http://www.justgiving.com/skydiveat85 on which he says "I was taken off to POW camp where I eventually received a letter from my girlfriend informing me we were engaged! Our happy marriage lasted 57 years but for the last 7 of those years my lovely wife was stricken by Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a terrible and devastating disease to those who have it and to their families but not nearly enough money is available for research."
  
  George has to be at Langar for 10am on the 28th May but the time of the drop will depend on local conditions. It would be nice if some local members could turn out to support him. To check closer to the date ring British Parachute Schools at Langar on 01949 860 878.

• via Raymond Glynne-Owen, four more names have been added to our page of those 207s who are on local war memorials - Memorials > Those on local war memorials

• John ('Jack') Lines (Navigator 1945-46 in the Inglis crew) died on 11th May, aged 98. He had not long moved to a home in Ely. His daughter Vivienne says the funeral will be at Cambridge Crematorium at 1.45pm on Wednesday 30th May, in the East Chapel; no flowers. If any members can get to Cambridge on the 30th to represent the Association, please contact the editor. A memorial card will be provided to the family.

• via our secretary Kevin Mapley, news of a concert to celebrate the life of the late Beck Parsons (Electrician 3/41-3/43), organised by his son Perry, to be held at Brooklands on 13th May - see poster

• Jeanne Harvey, daughter of Sgt Ron Dampier, Mid Upper Gunner in the Healey crew (ED554 EM-Q) lost on 9 April 1943 from Langar, for the first time visited the memorial to her father's crew and two other Allied crews, near the crash sites. The website pages on this memorial will shortly update with the commemoration event and much new material.
  
  Jeanne was accompanied by her daughter and husband, and the editor and his wife represented the Association, together with wartime Air Gunners Tom Rogers and Hugh Wynter who were kindly brought over by their Dutch hosts from the Air Gunners Association event at Dronten. We are especially grateful to Mr Just Kroon, who set up the memorial and to all the Dutch friends we made who were so welcoming and hospitable, in particular Mrs Tiny Kroon and Mr Erik Bijtelaar.

• The 90th Anniversary of the formation of the Squadron as No.7 Sqn RNAS in 1916 is being celebrated with a Dinner at Linton on June 1st. The editor is grateful for the letters and messages received from those unable to attend. Linton are hoping to send out details no later than about a week beforehand.

• We have heard from Jean-Jacques Meyer of the death of his father, Honorary Member Jean Meyer at the age of 85, who assisted 22 downed airmen. Among these was the late Jack Fisher who was Wireless Operator in the Stamp crew (LM129 EM-Y, lost on St Leu 8 July 1944) of which Peter Phelps was the Flight Engineer. We will be sending a memorial card to the family.
  

  Ian Adams, Jack's grandson writes from Canada: "[here is] a photo of Jacques taken in July, 1944, as he is standing beside the wreckage of my grandfather's airplane (I don't know if Peter Phelps was aware of the photo or not)."

  Jacques Meyer beside the remains of LM129 EM-Y (via Ian Adams)

• (originally on site in Feb 07) The Editor invites you to add your name to the Bomber Command Campaign Medal e-petition on the 10 Downing Street website. It is vital that as many names as possible are added - please get your like-minded friends to take part. You must be a British citizen or resident to sign the petition. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/BomberCommand/

• Great News! The 90th Anniversary of the formation of the Squadron as No.7 Sqn RNAS in 1916 will be celebrated with a Dinner at Linton on June 1st. This event had to be held over from last year. If you are a UK member or a member on email you should have heard from us - if not please contact the editor.

• John Banfield writes on 27 April with deep regret to report the death in Canada on 25 April 2007 of his skipper J Barry Chaster (Pilot 8/42-1/43). They were shot down on 3/1/43 in Lancaster EM-U W4134 on Essen from Langar. "During the time Wg Cdr Russ Jeffs was living in Vancouver, Barry kept in touch with him and together they attended ACA functions. Barry evaded after we were shot down and we are still in touch with one of his remaining helpers in Holland." Our condolences go to his daughter Jolayne and son Randy. Thanks also to Dave Sutherland for reporting Barry's death.

• We have learned of the death in Canada on 23rd December 2006 of Jeanne Baker (MT 43-45), widow of Bill Baker DFC (Pilot 5/43-11/43). Thus passes another link with the early days of the Association. Our condolences to their daughters Patricia and Barbara. If you have recollections of Jeanne please contact the editor.

• The 63rd anniversary of the Bomb Dump explosion at RAF Spilsby was on Tuesday April 10th. Following a tradition associated with the late Ken Smith and being continued by his family, this was remembered by a short service at the Spilsby Airfield Memorial, led by Rev Harry Orchard, people gathering at about 7.45pm for the service at 8pm.

• Colin Savage (Airframe Mech 9/55-4/57) has provided some photos of his time with the Squadron in Malta during the Suez campaign. These will be added when the editor's new broadband connection is in place.

• We have heard from his daughter Christine of the death of Association Member Sidney Smith (Armourer 10/42-10/45) on 28 September 2006. She writes "His badge was worn with pride on many occasions". Our belated condolences to her and the family, to whom a Memorial Card will be provided.

• (originally on site in Feb 07) The Editor invites you to add your name to the Bomber Command Campaign Medal e-petition on the 10 Downing Street website. It is vital that as many names as possible are added - please get your like-minded friends to take part. You must be a British citizen or resident to sign the petition. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/BomberCommand/

• Michael Belfitt, Friend Member and son of the late Frank Belfitt DFM, Observer 2/41-3/42, died suddenly on 20th March aged 51. The funeral was on 24 March at the Roselawn Crematorium, Belfast where a year ago the funeral of his father took place and since when his mother has died. Our condolences to all who knew him, his brother Peter, Mrs Susan Belfitt & his stepsons, his aunt Margo Corlett, and his friend Lisa who informed us. Our memorial card was provided.

• Dr Anthony Valentine, Friend member, Manitoba, died on 24 Aug 2006 age 78. He was the son of the Admin Officer at Bottesford, 1942. Our condolences and a Memorial Card go to his widow Mary and the family.

• 30 Tucanos for sale - York Free Press 14 March 2007: Thirty Tucano aircraft are being sold online through the Disposal Services Agency (DSA) - under the authority of the Ministry of Defence. Many of the Tucanos for sale are not flight-worthy, having been cannibalised for spare parts by the RAF at Linton on Ouse. Full story.

• Mike Nolan Nav 9/60-9/63 writes: "I found this photo the other day, taken circa 1961 (I think). It shows Captain John Jones left, Nav Norman Pulley right, CoP John Adams( I think) top, NavRad Mike Nolan centre, and AEO Ian Rutherford. We were all wearing our colourful new 207 Sqn baseball caps, saving wear and tear on our expensive SD hats and injecting a bit of squadron spirit into those grey days!". Has anyone still got one of these caps?

• George Mills' daughter Deborah has provided a photo of him and of his name on the family grave in Warrington Cemetery; he was killed in the crash of Valiant WZ363 at Market Rasen, 6th May 1964. Does anyone have photos of the rest of the crew? - see Memories > Valiants > WZ363

• Which local/popular pubs did 207s frequent when off duty in war and peace? Are they still there? Anecdotes and photos of establishments then and now (and jollifications) would be welcomed by the editor.

• For your diaries, the next reunion, at Derby, is Saturday 8th September 2007. Booking form is in the newsletter.

• (originally on site in Feb 07) The Editor invites you to add your name to the Bomber Command Campaign Medal e-petition on the 10 Downing Street website. It is vital that as many names as possible are added - please get your like-minded friends to take part. You must be a British citizen or resident to sign the petition. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/BomberCommand/

• Reg Burton, Wireless Operator in Geoff Taylor's crew 9/43-10/43, has died aged 94 or 95 in a nursing home. He was taken POW when they were shot down on Hanover on 18/10/43 in Lancaster EM-Z LM326. The funeral took place at Longthorpe village church on Monday 26th February at 1315, followed by cremation at Peterborough Crematorium, Mowbray Road at 1400, and refreshments at Fitzwilliam Arms, Marholm. We are grateful to Mike Brown, AVM RAF(Rtd), HWO RAFA Peterborough & District Branch for news of Reg's death. Friend Member Bill Green, who lives in the Peterborough area, attended on behalf of our Association.

• F/Sgt Athol Richard Grainger RAAF's son Stewie has made contact from Australia. F/Sgt Grainger was the Wireless Operator in John Whyte's crew, Lancaster L7547 EM-M lost on the Milan Raid, 14/15 February 1943. The aircraft crashed at Saint Brisson, Nièvre, France and John Whyte's son and grandson were among those attending the recent dedication of a memorial to the crew at St Brisson. Stewie says he was only four months old when his Dad was killed. He is very proud of him. If his Dad's logbook is correct he did 25 ops - 1/9/42 to 15/2/43. His Dad interrupted his Uni degree to join the RAAF and Stewie thinks his Mum 'Peggy' never got over losing him.

• Jeanne Harvey, daughter of Sgt Ronald Dampier, Mid Upper Gunner kia 9/10 April 1943 with the Healey crew in Lancaster ED554 EM-Q from RAF Langar, on a Duisburg raid, is hoping to visit The Netherlands in early May to thank those responsible for the memorial erected near Jisp to her father's crew and to two other crews which crashed not far fron the memorial. This will be a private visit which may be associated with the Air Gunner Association's annual visit to Dronten. If you would like to know more please contact the editor.

• ACM Sir Lewis 'Bob' Hodges KCB CBE DSO* DFC* DL, Station Commander at Marham at the time of the presentation of 207's original Standard by HM the Queen in July 1956, and OC Malta Bomber Wing during the Suez operation died peacefully at home on 4th January 2007 after a long illness. He took part in the service of dedication of 207 Squadron's Memorial Book in Leicester Cathedral in 1989. An evader during WW2 he was President of the RAF Escaping Society. The funeral took place in Plaxtol, Kent, on Thursday January 11th and was attended by the Membership Secretary on behalf of the Association, especially those 207s who evaded. A Memorial Service at St. Clement Danes, London, will be held in the Spring. Obituaries.