172764 Flying Officer Howard Edward Morris DFC 83 Squadron

I am hoping to undertake some research for a neighbour of mine into the service of his late uncle, 172764, Flying Officer Howard Edward Morris who served with 83 Squadron and was awarded the DFC (London Gazette 37337, page 5396, 2nd November 1945). I know that this was a squadron that undertook pathfinder duties. Howard trained in Rhodesia hoping to become a pilot, but failed his selection and I believe went on to become an air gunner.

Howard was born in 1921 and was an insurance clerk at the time of the 1939 Register, still living at home with his parents in Velindre Place, Whitchurch, Cardiff. I am told that he undertook at least two full tours and that his DFC was probably an 'end of tour' award. He died in 2005.

I have tried searching in the National Archives for the squadron operations books etc, as I have done with previous searches with other squadrons, but with no immediate success. Am I doing something wrong in this case? Can anyone suggest other areas of research for me and his family?

 

Apply for his service record using the online .GOV.UK method

Air Forces WW2 Details : Fg Offr Howard Edward MORRIS (172764), RAFVR [RAFCommands]

He had a MiD while an OR before his commission so record will show possible units in this period.

Ross

 

Hi Ross,

Many thanks for your suggestion, I shall give this a try.

Kind Regards,

Ceri.

 

1318008 Flight Sgt Howard Edward Morris commissioned as Pilot Officer on Probation (Emergency) 172764 on 8th June 1944

and his MiD 8th June 1944

Notices | All Notices | The Gazette...

 

Hi, thanks for this info from the London Gazette.

I am still trying to find the operational records for 83 Squadron during the Second World War if anyone can point me in the right direction at the National Archives.

Cheers,

Ceri.

 

If you are looking for the Operational Record Books on ancestry I think these National Archives references cover 1 Sep 1939 to 1954 for 83 Squadron.

Operational Record Books for 83 Squadron 1st Sep 1939 to 28 Feb 1942
Squadron Number: 83 Appendices: Y | The National Archives

Jan to December 1944
No 83 Squadron: Operations Record Book | The National Archives

1st Jan 1944 to 31 Jan 1944
Squadron Number: 83 Records of Events: Y | The National Archives

1st Apr 1944 to 1954 with seemingly a few gaps of a few months each.
Browse records of other archives | The National Archives

and also
Search results: air 27/688 | The National Archives
Search results: air 27/689 | The National Archives

 

Many thanks for these pointers for the squadron details, I just could not seem to find them!

Ceri.