casserole of nonsense
Well-Known Member
I recently researched my Grandad who was shot down and killed over Monchengladbach. It was 75 years ago on 31st August this year. 31/08/1943). He was 21 years old, and at the time of his death, a rear gunner on a Wellington Bomber for 166 Squadron based at Kirmington in North Lincolnshire. I believe this Squadron were due to start flying Lancaster Bombers from September 1943 so he must have just missed out.
I've been able to locate where his bomber crashed so it would be nice to visit the site at some point. I've still to try and locate a photo of him or of him and his crew so this may be something I research further over the years. His daughter (my mother) is also dead so it's not just a case of asking her for anything.
Your Grandad is a true hero, tail gunner was a job for only the extraordinarily brave. I urge all readers to pause and think about him and, of course, all his comrades for a while at 11 on Sunday.
I've researched some wartime photo archives recently, so PM me if you want to share what I found out on the chance it helps you.