Hi, Does anybody have a copy of the MREU report for LL782 (622 Sqdn) shot down on 31st May/1st June 1944. Pilot 1st Lt Braithwaite. I am researching the crew and sight of the report would be most helpful TIA
Howard, Crew of Lancaster LL782: pilot O-886224 1st Lt James Edward Braithwaite (USAAF) navigator 1365234 F/Sgt Robert Davidson w/op 1444776 Sgt Thomas Henry Cloran air bomber F/Sgt R159985 Thomas Patrick Sterling (RCAF) Mid-upper gunner R183965 Douglas Paul Sgt Bernhardt (RCAF) + rear gunner 1384133 F/Sgt Stanley Norris + flight engineer 1819154 Sgt Anthony Charles Connor + There is nothing MREU related in the ancestry version of the RCAF service file of R183965 F/Sgt Douglas Paul Bernhardt, the MUG The pilot, 1st Lt James Edward Braithwaite USAAF passed away in 1996. POW at Stalag VIIA Moosberg. His son made an appearance on RAFCommands 1st Lt James E Braithwaite USAAF You could apply for his RCAF service file but it would end when he transferred over to the USAAF. Further information and photos: 31/01.06.1944 622 Squadron Lancaster I LL782 GI:H 1st Lt Braithwaite USAAF , RAF Mildenhall, Poigny-le-Foret, Yvelines, France F/Sgt Robert Davidson & Sgt. T.P. Starling, survivors aircraft LL782, 622 Squadron with photos. Sterling, not Starling. R159985 F/Sgt Thomas Patrick Sterling passed away in Ottawa in 1986. In your shoes, I would apply for his service file and hope there's something in there. Despite the misspelling(s) of his name, here's Sterling when he arrived home. Regards, Dave
Hi Dave, A comprehensive reply, much appreciated. A MREU report may not exist, do you know how to check with the NA or if they can be seen on line?
Not sure if this letter, which covers some of the content of the report, helps answer any of your questions:
Pete T, Just what I was looking for, thank you! I was aware that Connor was initially in the woods where he was found and then moved. I have been trying to find out why the Americans would move his body and not MREU at the end of the war?
Howard, It is rather doubtful there was an MREU report. F/Sgt Sterling's RCAF service file has his account (five flak wounds in the stomach, one parachute strap burned resulting in him landing "funny" and smashing his ankle) there's very little about the rest of the crew. TBH, the part that stands out in the file is that his time No. 3 LFS is noted. Pete, I didn't use that letter as a) who wrote it? and b) where was it sent from? I've become somewhat hesitant about using the unsigned copies of documents. I pondered this for a while as it could have been written by the RCAF Overseas casualty officer, F/Lt Milton Foss in London or the head shed of the Casualty office in Ottawa, W/Cdr Wilfred Gunn. But neither of them had the initials "IET" Regards, Dave
