I came back from holiday to find this thread linked to my website, Breaking the Dams: the story of Dambuster David Maltby and his crew I am the nephew of Sqn Ldr David Maltby, and the author of the book, Breaking the Dams, which is a biography of Maltby and his crew. The thread posters have picked up most of the known information about WO J L Welch, who was one of the nine extra gunners drafted into to take part in the operation on the Dortmund Ems canal, Operation Garlic. The aircraft were using the new 12,000 lb thin case bomb (not to be confused with the later Tallboy, designed by Barnes Wallis). Because of the importance of the mission it was decided that each Lancaster would fly with 3 gunners. We can’t be certain, but it would seem likely that Welch flew in the mid upper turret while Flt Sgt Hill manned the front turret, the position he had occupied on the Dams Raid. (The Lancasters used on the Dams Raid had been specially modified and the mid upper turrets had been removed.) There is some controversy about what actually happened to the Maltby crew. I’ve told the story fully in my book, and in a shorter version on my website. It is certain that about an hour into the flight a weather report from the canal was received, and the aircraft were recalled. Somehow, Maltby’s Lancaster hit the sea. The official accident report recorded that it hit the sea “after some obscure explosion and fire had occurred in the aircraft.” However, an Air Ministry report two days later (AIR 24/259) recorded that the crash had been caused when “1 Lancaster of 617 Squadron and 1 Mosquito of 139 Squadron are believed to have collided NE of Cromer.” I am still trying to track down further information about this, although records from 66 years ago are now difficult to find. David Shannon circled the crash site for over 2 hours, directing the air sea rescue launches to the site. Only one body was recovered however, that of Maltby. He was later buried at St Andrew’s Church, Wickhambreaux, Kent, the same church in which he had been married 16 months before. The remainder of the crew, including WO Welch, have no known grave and are therefore commemorated on the Runnymede memorial. Incidentally, there is a memorial service at David Maltby’s grave in Wickhambreaux on 14 September each year, on the anniversary of his death. This is organised by the East Kent branch of the RAF Aircrew Association. Anyone in the area is welcome to attend -- it starts at 11.30am on Monday 14 September. Anyone who would like further information is welcome to contact me, mailto://charlesjfoster@gmail.com
David Shannon circled the crash site for over 2 hours, directing the air sea rescue launches to the site. Only one body was recovered however, that of Maltby. He was later buried at St Andrew’s Church, Wickhambreaux, Kent, the same church in which he had been married 16 months before. Anyone who would like further information is welcome to contact me, mailto://charlesjfoster@gmail.com Great Site Charles. The members made a tremendous contribution to the Dambusters thread where we have attempted to track photos of all crew, their headstones/memorial photos and the last resting place photos of those who survived the war. The thread here makes interesting reading: http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/war-grave-photographs/18109-dambusters-finding-their-final-resting-places-headstones.html This one is of Dave Shannon at St Michaels All Angels Church, Clifton Hampden in Oxfordshire.
Many thanks for the information Charles and as Spidge says a great website and will be tracking down your book for sure..... Me and my wife went down to your uncles last resting place in Wickhambreaux a few weekends ago and the village and church are a credit to the local community... Although I am only related by a distant marriage the surge of excitement when my wife told me the news that WO J L Welch served in 617 squadron and with your uncle ( no disrespect to other squadrons ) was amazing its the story that all the kids of my age were brought up on because of the Dambuster raid etc.... You must be very proud.... Here are a couple of pics I took while we were down there. Best regards Lee
Lee and others Thanks for the messages. As I said above, members of the RAF Aircrew Association and the Maltby family will meet at David's grave in Wickhambreaux at 11.30am on Monday 14 September. I will be there, and my brother is hoping to organise a flypast by some local pilots (he has a PPL). Anyone else is welcome to join us. Charles
Lee That's great. I originally posted my email address but have been advised to delete it. Please send a PM is you want further info Charles
LG 20.4.1943. Sorties 48, Flying hours 391.5 Wireless Operator/Air Gunner Air 2/8944 Flight Sergeant Welch is a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner with No.218 Squadron who has been operating since January, 1941. He finished his first tour in December 1941 and started his second tour in May 1942. His operations have been done from bases in England, Malta and Egypt. On the night 10th/11th February 1941 while returning from an operation on Hanover, his aircraft was attacked by an intruder Ju.88 over base. Flight Sergeant Welch was acting as front gunner in a Wellington IC and he gave the enemy such good bursts that the engagement was quickley broken off by the hun. His next trip on the following night proved exciting as his aircraft crashed at Finningley, caught fire and was burnt out. In March 1941, while on the way to Malta, the Wellington of which Flight Sergeant Welch was front gunner was intercepted by four Me.110s. One was shot down by Flight Sergeant Welch and the arrival of fighters took the remaining three away. In April 1941, on the Tobruk and Bardia road, concentrations of troops and transports were machine gunned from a height of 30 feet by gunners of his aircraft. Hewas afterwards complemented by his CO for the efficient handling of the guns. In August 1941, the same operation was carried out in moonlight and terrific confusion was caused by the efficient gunning of Flight Sergeant Welch. He has been operating in Stirling aircraft since May 1942 as a Wireless Operator and has shown exceptional ability, being classed by the Signals Leader as one of his best men. His exceptional experience has stood him in good stead and he has at all times displayed a singular devotion to duty unsurpassed in the squadron. He is very strongly recommended for the award of Distinguished Flying Medal. 22nd February 1943. The Distinguished Flying Medal Register of the Second World War Vol.II - Ian Tavender.
Many thanks Drew although as I say only related by marriage its nice to know as much about his as possible.... Cheers Lee
It was suspected that Maltby collided with a 139 Squadron Mosquito (DZ598) which also disappeared over the North Sea. The 2 crew were: COLLEDGE MW 67023 139 SQDN 14/09/1943 RAFVR MARSHALL GL 134371 139 SQDN 14/09/1943 RAFVR It may be that the discrepancy over the date may have hindered others finding the link. What a tragic loss of so many young lives....
