Bill Heron, of Welland, Ontario has a family whose members served in the Crimean War, the Boer War, the First World War and Second World War. So Bill set off to write the story of 431 RCAF (Iroquois) Squadron, with whom his brother flew while serving in the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Heron’s book is entitled A Yorkshire Squadron: History of 431 RCAF Squadron and More and deals with the years 1942 to 1945 at stations in Burn, Tholthorpe and Croft.
Much of the data was obtained from the National Archives of Canada, as well as firsthand accounts, including “personal accounts from squadron survivors.” The book contains squadron records, and a listing of the 1,383 man air crew, complete with their names, rank and service numbers.
Included are the dispositions (KIA, PoW, escaped, etc.) If airmen were killed in action, burial information and date killed are written in the book. The book was published by The General Store Publishing House in Renfrew, Ontario, Canada and is available from the author at: layman431@hotmail.com. The total print run was 250 copies, so they may not last long.
Read more about Bill Heron’s book in an article by Mark Tayti in The Tribune.
G’Day Bill
I was searching the web for info on the service of my partners father EVANS, JOHN THOMAS s/n183073 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 431 (R.C.A.F.) Sqdn. Died 29/07/1944.
What are the purchase details of the book?
Glen
Hi Glen,
Sorry for the LONG delay in replying but I wasn’t aware that this was posted on the web. Please contact me at the above published email address for details on the book purchase.
Bill Heron.
Sgt. Evans and crew were lost on July 28/29/1944 on an operation to Hamburg. The Mid-Upper Air Gunner was the only survivor but was taken POW. 5 of the crew were buried in Kiel War Cemetery and the other A/G was buried in Hanover War Cemetery.
The crew were as follows.
Pilot P/O Bauman – Navigator Sgt. Sidebottom – B/A F/O Miles
W/OP/A/G Sgt. Smith – M/U/A/G Sgt. Cuffe – R/G Sgt. Windsor
F/E Sgt. Evans.
431 Sqdn. lost 5 aircraft on this operation and it was the worst single Op loss in Sqdn. history
Bill Heron..
Hi Bill,
I am researching a second cousin of my wife. He was Sgt G A Lilley, s/n 1477306, RAFVR, serving with 431 Sqn RCAF.as an Air Gunner. He was KIA on 04 July 43 in a Wellington X operating out of RAF Burn, I believe.
I would be very grateful if you could supply me with any information on the fate of him & his crew.
Bob
Hi Bob, I tracked down your message after I had sent you an email.
As I said I’m in the U.S. just now and don’t have access to ALL of my data and I’m not sure if you have any info on your second cousin. The only thing I can tell you right now is that as you say he was lost July 4th 1943 and that he is buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery in Germany. I can give quite a bit more once I get back home,ie rest of the crew, service numbers, aircraft they were flying (serial number, and Squadron code) target and complete operational flying history. You are also correct in saying that were flying out of Burn at that time.
I’ll follow-up with you once I return home
Regards, Bill.
Good Evening. I came across your link while looking for information on my great uncle who died in WW2. He was part of the 431 squadron and was on a lancaster bomber# KB858. His name was Henry John Feldhans and he died on Mar 5 1945. I am looking for any information that you may have so that I can share with my great aunt(his sister).
thanks in advance,
Jodi
Lancaster b 858 missing during night attack against Chemnitz, Germany f/o H J Feldhans, JH Beaton p/o CB MacDonald HR Harris H Guttormson and Sgt Salisbury RAF also killed. p/o Reid is buried in Limmer British Cemetery, Hanover Germany.
I am looking for any and all information regards my Uncle who was SL Charles Gordon Bull, shot down with his Crew on the Vaires operation on July 18th, 1944.
If you can shed any information regarding this matter the Family of SL Bull would be very appreciative. He also had two brothers Sgt Walter David Bull and Flight Sgt Norman Frank Bull Serial Number R51809. Both of these gentlmen survived the war. Norman died in 1963 and Walter died 2003.
Thanks for your help.
Peter
Hi Peter,
I’m not sure what information you might already have on your Uncle
S/L C.G. Bull so I’ll give you some basic information and we can go from there. You are correct this crew were on an Operation to Vaires (THE LATE RAID) July 18th 1944, an eight man crew (they were carrying a Mid-Under Gunner) flying in a MkIII Halifax, serial number MZ628,Coded SE-Y. They were airborne from Croft aerodrome at 15.21 hours, since when nothing was heard from them.
There were no survivors.
The following were the crew
S/L Bull, Pilot buried Cramoisy Communal Cemetery
P/O Abbott, Navigator buried Cramoisy Communal Cemetery
Sgt.Blasko, Mid Upper air gunner buried Cramoisy Communal Cemetery
F/O Mitchell, Bomb Aimer buried Cramoisy Communal Cemetery
F/S Alp, Rear Gunner buried Creil Communal Cemetery
Sgt. Lockett, Mid Under air gunner buried Creil Communal Cemetery F/O Robin,Wieless Operator buried Creil Communal Cemetery
P/O Heald, Flight Engineer buried Creil Communal Cemetery
Cramoisy is a village in France in the locality of Oise. Regarding the crew members that were buried in Creil, it is about 10kms from Cramoisy.
If you have any other questions I can help you with please contact me at layman431@hotmail.com
Regards,
Bill Heron.
Hi Allen,
Thank you for the email. Was there a question you would like me to try to answer or were you passing on some information?
Bill Heron
Hello Bill
I notice from an aircrew forum that you have information about my mother’s first husband W/O L C Nosworthy who died in a 431 Squadron op to Berlin on December 29 1943. He was a member of the crew of LK 659 SE-A commanded by Flt Lt J Nelson. Do you have any more information, or even a photo of this crew? I have found a picture that might be W/O Nosworthy, but since there were several other fliers in our family during the Second World War I cannot be sure of his identity.
Bonjour,
Je suis à la recherche d’informations, documents et photos concernant le LANCASTER KB 815 SE-K du 431e Squadron qui s’est écrasé à Perwez en Belgique 15 mars 1945 en retour de la mission sur Hagen en Allemagne. Je prépare un récit sur cet équipage; les victimes sont inhumées dans le cimetière communal.
Composition de l’équipage:
F/O DAVIS Georges Henry,RCAF
F/L EDWARDS Albert Gordon, RCAF
P/O HARRIS Alfred Charles, RAF
F/L HAW Robert Roy, RCAF
P/O HORNE Robert Ernest, RCAF
F/O Morin Joseph Lucien Viateur, RCAF
P/O REPSYS Peter Paul, RCAF
Hi Bill, Sorry for the delay in replying.I will assume that you know the names of the complete crew if not then I can supply that to you. According to the Operations Record Book of the Squadron, at the time this aircraft F.T.R. the pilot’s rank was Flying Officer and your relatives rank was Sgt. (many aircrew were promoted posthumously). I have looked at what I have regarding photographs for both individuals and also crew and sorry to say I do not have any of either for this crew. I had a look at the “Loss of Bomber” card and found the following. Time off 16.45hrs, bomb load 1 x 2,000lb high explosives, 24 x 30lb and 900 x 4lb incediaries. The aircraft is belived to have crashed at DOBERITZ -ELSGRUND,in the Berlin area. I’m sorry I can’t be of more assistance with your question but hope that this will help a little, if you think I can help further please contact me at layman431@hotmail.com
Regards, Bill Heron/Niagara
Bonjour Nelly,
Unfortunately my French is very limited, therefore I was unable to decypher your question other than to recognize the names of the crew of KB815. If you could please resubmit your question in English to me at layman431@hotmail.com I will do my best to try and be of some help
Merci
Bill Heron/Niagara/Canada
My wife’s father was Sgt Bill Salisbury RAFVR, Flight Engineer on KB858 RCAF. We have just returned from the crash site in Germany where we were able to recover parts of the aircraft. The residents of Oberweitbach in Hesse buried the remains of the crew in the village cemetery and they were removed to Hannover in 1947 by the War Graves Commission. Our first port of call in Germany was the cemetary near to Hanover where we placed flowers on the graves of all 7 crew members. If Jodi or her great aunt, or any other relatives of the crw would like a copy of the photographs or if we can help in any other wat please contact me. I have lot of other information which would b useful to anyone interested
Hi Tony. So now I know where you found me. I keep forgetting to check this website but since you were in touch it will be more upermost in my mind.
Thanks for getting in touch
Bill
Hi Bill
I am responding to the question from “Nelly”. My uncle was Robert Roy Haw. I was born post war so I did not know him in person -only from stories told by my parents, my uncle and my cousins. My mother was great at saving things so I have letters that he wrote during the war to my parents and my grandfather and copies of letters to my grandfather detailing the fate of his plane and the burial of the crew. I would be happy to share any of this with you or with “Nelly”. Now that I am recently retired, I have been doing more research into family history. Given the wonderful stories my cousin tells of Uncle Bob, I wish I had had the chance to know him.
Sincerely LeAnne Haw-Taylor
Hello LeAnne -Taylor
I just read your message. I would be very pleased to receive copies of the documents you have on your uncle Robert Roy Haw. The crew of Lancaster your uncle is buried in Perwez Belgium. I’m trying to gather as much information about their life before and during the war. There is a project to build a memorial on the crash site. You can contact me directly on my mail nellynanou@hotmail.com
We can share our information. I’m not perfect in English as Belgian French-speaking. I’m sure Bill will be very interested in your information also, and it really helped me in my research.
Soon, friendship
Pype Nelly
Hi LeAnne,
Thankyou for your email. My brother was an air gunner with 431 Sqdn. and was fortunate enough to complete his tour. Nelly and I have been in touch over some period of time and has been kind enough to send me some relative WW11 material which I found very interesting and have noW set up a separate file just for that purpose.Ihave been researching 431 Sqdn. for a long time now and have a number of photographs of crews and individuals that have been sent to me over that time. If you happen to have a photograph of your Uncle and/or crew that you might be willing to share I would be very grateful. I know that from past experience these things don’t always survive for one reason or another but if they are in existance today I think we all owe it to those that served to do our best to preserve their memory more so when some of them as in in the case of your uncle made the ultimate sacrifice. I apologize for not responding sooner, but I have been in the U.S. for 2 1/2 weeks and just arrived back home last Sat. I would be pleased to here from you and Nell can supply you with my email address if you decide to do that. In the meantime thank you again for your email. Best regards
Bill Heron/Niagara/Canada
Hello Bill,
I am wondering if you have any pictures or any information regarding my uncle John Smith,431 Squadron Pilot Officer. Shot down on July 28/29,1944 and buried at Kiel War Cemetery.I would appreciate any information you can give me.And I would also like to send out thanks,hugs and appreciation to all veterans this Remembrance Day and every day.
Hi Diana,
I’ve had a look at my 431 Sqdn. records and have gathered some info regarding your Uncle’s crew,aircraft and crew disposition. Their bomb load and time of take off from Croft in Yorkshire. It takes a bit of space and it mught be more beneficial to contact me through my email address, layman431@hotmail.com.
Your sentiments regarding all of our Vets past and present are appreciated and I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Please feel free to contact me.
Regards,
Sorry Diana, I should have added, I don’t have any photographs of your Uncle or crew but will check with a source on his return from Ottawa. I do have a photograph of P/O Bauman their pilot if you’re interested.
Hello LeAnne
After the hacking my Hotmail box, here’s my new address:
fb990214@skynet.be
Thank you for your attention
Sincerely
Nelly
Hi Bill,
I found your site by chance when trying to find out about my uncle Sgt DJ Coombe 158293 who flew with 467 Sqd out of Waddinton. He flew with P/O C O’Brien RAAF and were lost over Berlin 28-01-1944. I have found out that he was buried at Doberitz-Elgarnd cemetary before being interned in Berlin war cemetary. P/O O’Brien and most of the crew have no known grave. Is it possible to find out about where they crashed and was it flak or a night fighter? Would there be a photo of the crew? I am researching for my father who also served in the RAF in Burma.
Regards
Martyn
Hi Martyn,
Sorry to say I have no informtation on your Uncle and/or crew.
I suggest you log onto the followng website.
6GroupRCAF.COM
The webmaster’s name is Richard Koval, and post a message there stating what you’re looking for. Or have two choices there, you can post it on the message board or there is a spot where you can “contact” Richard. feel free to tell him I gave you his site address. He is very knowledgable and although a busy man, if there is information about your Uncle and crew, Richard will know.
Sorry I couldn’t be of MORE help. Good luck with your research.
Best Regards,
Bill.
Hello Bill,
Trying to find out more information on my uncle Gordon Glaholt, who flew bombers for the 431 squad. I am completing a geneology that he started, and of course, Gordon was quite humble about his accomplishments, while still with us.
He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant of the 26th, on March 1945. Anything that you come up with would be welcomed, including crew, pictures of his planes that he might have flown, etc.
I also wish to purchase your book, so it would please me to find out the next step for this.
Appreciated
Eric Hutchings
Lethbridge, Alberta.
Hi Eric,
Thanks for your email regarding F/L Glaholt J24128.
I’ll have a look at my records and see what there is there and will be in touch shortly, but prefer to contact through regular email
Please contact me at layman43@hotmail.com rather than go through this site.
My book can be purchased through myself here. the cost of the book is $40.00 + mailing. I have’t sent one to Lethbridge before so I don’t know what the mailing costs are. — to Calgary it’s approx $12.00. I would need a mailing addres to be more accurate.
Sorry it took a couple of days to get back to you but I was away for a few days over the holidays.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards, Bill.
Hi again Eric,
I had a quick look at the Operations Recrod Book for 431 Squadron and see the F/L G.W. Glaholt J24128 completed 22 operations. He and his crew were also amongst 11 crews chosen to pick up POW’s at Juvicourt after the war had ended. At that time they were flying in Lncaster KB861 coded SE-Q. They left Croft at 15.26hours and landed at Juvincourt at19.24 hours,picked up 24 P.O.W.’s, departed Juvicourt at 21.17hours and landed at Westcott at22.52 hours, deplaned the P.O.W.’s and left Westcott and were back at Croft toching down at 02.13hours. On Feb. 13th 1945 on an operation to Dresden this crew were attacked twice by a JU188 nightfighter and I have copies of the “Combat Reports” of both attacks of you are interested. Look forwrad to hearing from you shortly
Bill.
I have just discovered this site. I am trying to find more information about my cousin, Gerald Desmond Kehoe. He was with the 431 Squadron of the RCAF. He died 1943 Dec 29 and is buried near Hanover. I am trying to find out the circumstances of his death. I notice one of the posting above mention a relative of theirs that died on the same date in Germany. Can anyone tell me where I can find out more information on the mission my cousin was on, where they were shot down, what type of plane, how many others were on the plane, etc.
Bob
Hello Bob
I’m responding to the question from “Robert Guathier”
Here is some information to help you in your research.
Gerald Desmond Kehoe,431e Squadron, 6 Group,Sgt Canadian RCAF, Air Gunner,Service Number 151311, age 22,is died in mission to Berlin on 29 Dec 1943.
F/O G. Bishop RCAF and crew, flying Halifax V LK-701 coded SE-L, failed to return from the mission Berlin
P/O A. Banning RAF
P/O R. Holtby RCAF
F/Sgt G. Cummine RCAF
Sgt N. Boffin RAF-POW
Sgt J. Whelan RCAF
Sgt G. Kehoe RCAF
6 crew were killed and 1 POW
You can find some information on http://www.6grouprcaf.com / and http://www.bombercrew.com
Bill can help you more.
Nelly from Belgium
Hi Bob,
LK701 SE-L took off from Croft at 16.37 hours and since that time nothing was heard from it. they were carrying a bombload as follows:
1 x 2,000lb – 10 x 90 x 4lbIB – 3 X 8 X30lb IB
Sgt. Kehoe is buried in Hanover War Cemetery Grave Ref. 8.F.13
the other members of the crew that were lost are also buried there nearby.
Returning crews reported “Heavy Flak” in the target area.
431 Squadron lost a second aicraft on this operation SE-A LK689.
Sgt. Boffin (POW) was sent to StalagLuft 4B Muhlberg (Elbe)his POW No.was 269750.
Sgt. Kehoe was posted into 431 Squadron from 1659 Conversion Unit (Topcliffe)on October 15/1943. His age as shown on the C.W.G.C. Site is listed as being 20 years old. He was from Espanola Ont.
Crew Operational history as follows:
Ludwigshafen 11/18/43 (Returned to base early, compass failure)
Frankfurt 11/25/43 (Landed at Tangmere on return)
Frankfurt 12/20/43
Laying Sea Mines 12/24/43
Berlin 11/29/43 F.T.R.
This crew did not fly in any other aircraft since arriving at 431 Squadron.
Sorry I don’t have any information as to the location where they were hit (flak or nightfighter?). The information that Nelly (above) has supplied is accurate. She may be correct with more being available from the websites mentioned.
Good luck with your research.
Bill Heron/Niagara.
Hello Bob
I’m sorry, I made a mistake by giving the age of Desmond Gerald Kehoe, it’s not 22 years but 20 years.
Mission over Berlin was the capital industries
You can find this report on/ December 1943 – RAF History- Bomber Command 60th Anniversary
29/30 December 1943
712 aircraft – 457 Lancasters, 252 Halifaxes, 3 Mosquitos – returned to Berlin. A long approach route from the south, passing south of the Ruhr and then within 20 miles of Leipzig, together with Mosquito diversions at Düsseldorf, Leipzig and Magdeburg, caused the German controller great difficulties and there were few fighters over Berlin. Bad weather on the outward route also kept down the number of German fighters finding the bomber stream. 20 aircraft – 11 Lancasters, 9 Halifaxes – were lost, 2.8 per cent of the force. Berlin was again cloud-covered. The Bomber Command report claiming a concentrated attack on skymarkers is not confirmed by the local report. The heaviest bombing was in the southern and south-eastern districts but many bombs also fell to the east of the city.
Good luck for your research
Nelly / Belgium
Thanks Nelly and Bill. I really appreciate the information. Knowing these details gives some closure.
Bob from Mexico
Hello Robert
For some additional information from Gerald Desmond Kehoe see on the site http://www.veterans.gc.ca
1)In section: Canada remember
2)then type: The Canadian Virtual War Memorial
3)Doing research with the surname,and date (1943)
You will find information about the cemetery and the page of the guestbook
Nelly from Belgium
Dear Bill,
I am writing about my great uncle, P/O Earl Dwight Empey (gunner), who died over Louvain, Belgium on 12th/13th May 1944 in flight MZ629, SE-B Halifax bomber. Six of the seven crew died after being shot down by a Heinkel HE 219. They had dropped their bombs and were returning to England. Barzeele (see below) was the only survivor, who ended up ‘at large’ in Belgium. Fortunately, made his return to Canada via England.
Crew were F/O Campbell (pilot), WO2 Barzeele, Sgt MacPherson (mechanic), F/O Preston (bomber), WO2 Laturnus (radio operator/gunner)and Sgt Yarington (rear gunner).
I am to visit his grave in Brussels Town Cemetary early November this year.
Would you have any photos? Or any other info?
I look foward to hearing from you, and thanks.
Kind regards,
Paul Empey.
Dear Bill,
I am seeking information on Flight Lt.Albert Mccullagh who served in the RCAF in Yorkshire WW2.Albert was born in Argentina trained in Canada before being posted to England.I am trying to find the squadron and airfield he where he served in Yorkshire.
Thank you
Brian
I have lots of info on your great uncle Earl Empey, because my uncle was F/O Preston. Please contact me!
Hi Bill,
I am searching for further info on my mother’s cousin F/O D.J.MacMillan KIA 13/14 May 1943 in 431 Sqn Wellington HE183, SE-J on a raid to Bochum. I’ve read his service file at the NAC in Ottawa, however that story ends in 1945. I am now trying to find the mission or bombing “track” of the 431 Sqn Wellingtons that night. I am looking at this line of inquiry as A/C crash archaeology is finding more A/C all the time. I know it is a long shot, but it would be interesting to see if this A/C has been found.
Bill,thanks for the earlier update on my uncle Randal. Yes, I would like the combat reports on him. Yes, I am planning to purchase a few books. One problem is that I cannot get through to you on your personal email for some reason. could you send me an email to my personal address at eric.hutchings@hotmail.com
Thanks so much
Eric, I’m pretty sure you are related to Randal Glaholt (if not I aplogize) but he and a friend from Guelph were here last week for a visit and purchased a few books. I’m thinking one of them might have been for yourself but don’t say I said so in case I spoil the surprise. In any event please let me know via my email address if this is indeed the case.
Thanks, Bill.
Hi Norm,
Sorry for the LONG delay in replying. The only information I have on this crew is what I can get from the Sqdn. ORB. (which is NOT very much I’m afraid)
Wellington X HE183 SE-J took off fom Burn at 23.55hours and were reported “Missing” The crew were as follows.
S/L Marshall (Flight Commander) – Pilot (Ihave a picture of him)
F/O Gooderham Navigator
P/O Coales Bomb Aimer
Sgt. Quaife WOP/AG
F/O MacMillan A/G.
Strangely enough, amongst the “Loss of Bomber Cards” I have for the Sqdn. the one for HE183 is missing & I’ll have to contact RAF Museum in London to find out if it is in their files and why I didn’t get it when I requested the others.
Sorry I can’t be of more help.
Bill.
Hi Brian,
Sorry to say I have no info on F/LT. McCullough. Suffice to say in checking 431 Sqdn. (Aircrew) records his name does not appear there.
Sorry.
Bill.
thanks for the reply Bill.
Too bad there is no crew picture. DJ MacMillan’s service file states that HE183 may have been seen over the target. Unfortunately not much else is known about the crash site. I’m thinking it may be in the water some place. I was hoping some new archaeological info may have come forward
Message for Norm Leslie
DJ MacMillan was my mother’s father. Sadly, he was lost in the May before she was born in the December 1943. I did a good deal of research some years ago as my mother knew little about her Dad. We do have a crew photograph. If you would like a copy please let me know.
Emma
I would love a copy of the photo. David was my mother’s cousin and she has over the years talked about meeting him just before he went overseas.
I have also read his service file, and your grandmother was mentioned. I did have some copies of selected documents form his file, but I am having trouble finding them after our move from Alberta on posting with the RCAF.
Please reply to my hotmail emait at:
geezer1956@hotmail.com
Unfortunately there weren’t any photos of David in his file as some of his paperwork may have been lost due to u-boat attack on the ship carrying the files.
Emma (that was my gr grandmother’s name) would it be possible to also obtain a photograph of this crew I have a small private collection of 431 Squadron crew and individual/crew photographs that have been donated to me by family members and surviving crews.
This wouod be very much appreciated.
Bill Heron/Niagara
Hi Bill
I am researching the history of RAF Station North Coates. An entry in the Station records states a Wellington of 431 Sqdn landed at Donna Nook ( North Coates Sattelite station) after Ops over Keil.
This was in the early hours of April 5th 1943. The aircraft is given
as ‘T’Tommy. Have you any records that will identify this aircrafts serial number and possibly the reason it put down at Donna Nook(refuel,battle damage etc)
Regards
Brian Stafford
Hi Brian, Sorry for the LONG delay in answering you enquiry. You are in fact correct a Wellington X coded SE-T from 431 Squadron did land at Donna Nook at 02.10 hours April 5th 1943 on return from operations to Keil. The aircraft tookoff from Burn at 23.30 hours. they bombe from 17,000 feet through heavy cloud with one bomb hanging up. T
Sorry Brian hit the enter key before I was finished, anyway the serial number of the Wellington in question was HE201.
Hope this has been of some help, again sorry for the long delay
Bill Heron/Niagara/Canada
Hi Mr. Heron,
My name is John Way and I am the son of William Ross Burton way who was a flight officer abord 1 of many Lancasters that flew with the 431 Iroquois squadron during the WWII. He completed a tour of 33 Bombing missions over Germany.Sadly my Dad passed away in January, 2007 of alzhiemers.I was wondering if you have or now how to get any records of my Dad’s history with the 431 Iroquois squadron. He was a communications officer and was based in Croft in Northern Darlington England.