I recently wrote to RAF Cranwell about service records for my late father. He was a RNZAF pilot but had flown with 490 squadron [which was a NZ squadron but "part" of the RAF] before doing pilot courses with a couple of Operational training Units. Anyway to my surprise there were records there about him - nothing like what I obatined from the equivalent place in NZ. So worth remembering if you are looking for records of NZ and Australian aircrew.
I have some information and photographs concerning 490 as I was researching a friend of mine's brother who was serving with 490 he lost his life in an accident Nov 18th 1943. Originally equipped with Catalinas they we're based at Jui.
Have you seen the Operations Record Book for 490 Squadron? It's available at the National Archives on microfilm. AIR 27/1940, No 490 Squadron RNZAF (Royal New Zealand Air Force): Operations Record Book 1943 Mar.-1945 May. Lee
yes I have got it. There is also a copy at Nat Archives in Wellington. Also there is the Diary book kept by the COs. Marvellous reading
Hi there here are the photos I have on 490 the group photo at the bottom I may be able to get a hi res version if not I know that David Legg of the Catalina Society has a copy.
If you have any information on Bertram Arthur Gibbs who lost his life in an air accident November 18th 1943 " A Catalina IB FP112 “Marlborough” - took off at 1445 and while low flying over the Freetown Harbour estuary near Pepel crashed and burned out after striking the water with its port wing at 1525. The sole survivor of the seven on board was 2nd pilot Fg Off F A Brittain RNZAF who was seriously injured. The bodies of the captain two wireless operator-air gunners and a ground crew member were recovered and buried at Freetown. A fifth crew member and a second ground crew member are commemorated on the Malta Memorial. It was thought that the captain had been deceived as to his true height above the water by the glassy calm surface in hazy conditions. Captain NZ413839 Fg Off Ronald Matherson GRANT mid RNZAF - Age 23. 759hrs 28422 on Catalina 29 22 ops. Wireless Op NZ403570 Fg Off William John DODDS RNZAF - Age 22. 762hrs. 33 ops Dodds was on his second tour having completed his first with 228 Sqn RAF. The other crew members were 577223 Bradbury Francis Flt Sgt Flt Eng 1312812 Gibbs Bertram Arthur Sgt WOpAG 1640335 Rosenthal Sidney AC1 Instrument Repairer 578066 Brazier Harold AC1 Instrument Repairer" Any information I will pass on to his Brother
