Remembering LAC Wilfred Holbrook and LAC Norman Parker, 2739 Squadron RAF Regiment

[sharedmedia=gallery:images:29283]
[sharedmedia=gallery:images:29282]
[sharedmedia=gallery:images:29279]
[sharedmedia=gallery:images:29281]
[sharedmedia=gallery:images:29280]
[sharedmedia=gallery:images:29278]

 

Hope these can be read OK.

 

[sharedmedia=gallery:images:29291]
[sharedmedia=gallery:images:29290]
[sharedmedia=gallery:images:29289]
[sharedmedia=gallery:images:29288]
[sharedmedia=gallery:images:29287]
[sharedmedia=gallery:images:29286]

 

Thanks for posting these photos and the letter, ShadowStorm. Such a tragedy for all involved, especially to have gotten through the war safely only for this to happen.

Cheers, Ian

 

Not been back here for a while - I hadn't read your posts Shadow Storm. My grandfather was in 2739 sqdn - he may know your grandfather! The letter was very moving - I've never heard that level of detail about the attack before. I'm thinking of doing something for my grandad this year to mark 70 years since the event... not sure what though!

 

For what it's worth, I've contacted the RAF Regiment Associaition and the Burma Star Association to see if they will commemorate this story 70 years on.

 

I agree Josef564 - it would be fitting if this could be marked in some way.

 

Your grandfather may of known mine.. Unfortunately my grandfather passed away July 1981. If your grandfather is still about you could ask if he knew Jack Sherlock.

 

Hi all
Such an interesting read, I only just found out my great uncle was Wilfred Holbrook.... Only through 2 letters which he sent my nan, if only I could of showed her these conversations whilst she was alive. She only ever knew that he was badly injured and lost his life. That's it. Still my mum found this v.interesting as she never really knew her uncle, who's family nickname was sonny.if anybody has any pics or more info on this subject I'd love to hear or see... as we only have 1 pic of wilf... that's if and more info has come to light....

 

My father in law was LAC A. Graham, he was one of the injured that is mentioned above. After he left hospital with his horrific injury he went on to live in North Wales with his wife Maureen and went on to raise 9 children, I married his youngest daughter Sarah.
He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and I speak for all of us we were honoured to have known him. He was generous and kind and was proud of his service in the RAF. He spoke little of his exploits, but when he did, amongst the atrocities and ugliness of war, he remembered his friends and the antics they got up to. He was an exceptional gardener and grew his own fruit and vegetables and fed his family up to the time he passed away.
We cannot thank him and his comrades for their service to this country, but the love he gave and received is still in all of our hearts, thank you dad, you’re missed every day x