HELP PLEASE - 199 Squadron RAF Volunteer Reserve casualty information

Beetle/Jam Toast et al...
I know my dad still grieves for his fellow crewmen who died on that night.
What is obviously now known as "Survivor guilt"...... but life must go on, and NOT talking about it is in some ways a dis service to those who lost their lives and CANNOT now tell their story....... Please do try and record his memories before it is too late...
If it helps at all, there has been a long running thread on the PPRuNe forum which simply is a "must read" classic for all those who flew, fought or are interested in WW2 war in the air... Gaining An R.A.F Pilots Brevet In WW11 - PPRuNe Forums
WARNING! May captivate you for days, arrange meals and drinks in advance!!

 

Hi Jam Toast, Dad was on his second mission in the Wellington. I can only assume it was the same crew on both occasions, I will need to confirm this with dad. He had visited Pilot Austin's family home and met his parents, so I guess I'm making an assumption re crew make up. He has spoken of going out from the base to dances. As you probably know it was a multi national crew under the control of R.A.F. Dad trained in Canada and was navigator. He had been a Boy Scout and had a good knowledge of the stars etc. On the night of 23rd May the crew flew out on ther sortie. On their return home the plane was shot down by a German fighter near Nistlerode Holland. It came down in flames near Schaijk on 24th May. The attack was sudden and with no warning, I can try and find out more. Dad had to parachute out as the plane was burning. I know the state of the crew at this point was dire. Either dead or mortally wounded except for Pilot Austin who told the crew to jump whilst he tried to land the plane. Courageously he gave his life to give the crew the chance to live. As far as Dad knew all the crew died on that night (except for him). Having read the posts at this site another crew member (Last) lived. Dad was critcally injured (both shot whilst parachuting and also badly injured whilst landing on a tree stump). The only thing I can think of is that Last was taken as a POW or was taken to safety via the undeground. The underground was not an option for Dad due to his injuries (this was told to him by the Dutch citizens who found him). Your uncle's remains were found in the wreckage. He was so young. I am so sorry for your Auntie's loss.I can tell you more about the crash if you would like. We do have an account of the crash from the local citizens.This info does not tell you much personal info about your uncle, I am sorry. This we'll need to hear from Dad. I am pretty sure there is a memorial in Schaijk for the crew and that the citizens honour their sacrifice. I'll keep in touch, Beetle

 

Hi Beetle

Thank you so much for sharing some of your father's story. I can't begin to imagine the difficulties he faced and how he must have felt. It really brings home the bravery and resilience of so many young men during wartime. I'm ever so grateful to you for taking the time to pass on what you know and would be really interested to receive any further information you might have, or be able to find out from your father. May I ask how he came to be born in Australia, trained in Canada and then posted to Britain?

I'm sure somebody on this site will be able to tell us if there is a memorial in Schaijk?

I have written to my great aunt today to let her know that I am in contact with the offspring (sorry, I don't know if you are male or female!) of one of the gentlemen who flew with Arthur. I thought it'd give her more time to collect her thoughts if I wrote than if I bombarded her with information by telephone.

Thank you again and please don't forget that you can always send me an e-mail to my personal address (as given in my PM to you yesterday) if you prefer.

JT

 

there has been a long running thread on the PPRuNe forum

Hi Kevin

Thank you very much for this link. I will take a proper look at it when I have more time (I've heeded your warning!).

JT

 

Hi Emma,

I tried to reach you by email but maybe you have changed provider and have another email address as I get no reply on my emails anymore. If you read this would you get in touch with me asap??

Regards,
Adrian