MARCHANT, Noel Edward 418859, Pilot, Service summary from A9300 File at NAA
01 Aug 1940 – to 15 Dec 1941, part-time duty in Militia, rank of Private, Army No V54578; duty Clerk; attended full-
time training camps from 01/05/1941 – 29/07/1941, and 08/12/1941 – 15/12/1941
15 Dec 1941 – transferred to Area 58B, Mt Martha, member of 5 Btn, Area 58B, Service No V54578; for enrolment in
RAAF Reserve (error in date-of-birth recorded as 04 Jun 1922 in Army Nominal Roll, otherwise personal details are same as RAAF
Nominal Roll)
16 Dec 1941 – Enrolment in the RAAF Reserve, at 104 Russell St, Melbourne, Vic; age 19 y 3 m, dob 28 Aug 1922,
single, British subject, born in Brunswick, Vic; religion Church of England; current civil occupation Clerk; no civil
convictions; residence Hope Street, West Brunswick, Vic, work address West Melbourne; height 5 ft 9in (175.25 cm),
weight 9 st 2 lb (58 kg); 6/6 vision both eyes; normal colour vision in Ishihara tests; fair complexion, blue eyes, medium
hair; scar on left kneecap; medical examination certified as suitable for the Air Force; Previous service in 4th Division
Militia for 16 months; vaccinated in Militia, 1940.
Next-of-kin – father, William Edward MARCHANT, of same address in West Brunswick; additional person for
notification in event of casualty – H W M MARCHANT, of Sth Pascoe Vale, Vic
19 June 1942 – Enlisted in RAAF at 1 Recruiting Centre (1 RC), Melbourne, Vic; age 19 years and 9 months; single;
details as per his enrolment in Reserve;
19 June 1943 – Medical examination at 1 RC, Melbourne – medical category A1B, A3B (vacc on 03 Jul 1942).
19 June 1942 – Allocated Service Number 418859, appointed to rank of AC2; mustering not recorded; photo at enlistment.
19 June 1942 – Posted to 1 Initial Training School (1 ITS), Somers, Vic
14 Aug 1942 – Re-mustered as Aircrew V (P)
12 Sep 1942 – Re-mustered as Aircrew 2 (P)
12 Sep 1942 – Promoted to LAC
Photo – undated, training location not noted
15 Oct 1942 – Posted to 7 Elementary Flying Training School (7 EFTS) – location not named in file, but assumed to be
Western Junction, Tasmania
17 Jan 1943 – Posted to 1 SFTS, Point Cook, Vic
19 May 1943 – Completion of Flying Training Course, 30 P; PASS
19 May 1943 – Awarded Pilot’s Flying Badge
20 May 1943 – Re-mustered as Airman Pilot;
20 May 1943 – Promoted to rank of Sergeant
21 May 1943 – Posted to 1 Embarkation Depot (1 ED), Ascot Vale, Vic
31 May 1943 – to 07 Jun 1943, Beam Approach Course at 1 SFTS; PASS
20 June 1943 – Posted to 2 ED, Bradfield Park, Sydney, NSW
22 June 1943 – Attached to OSHQ (UK);
22 June 1943 – Embarked from Australia, for the UK
04 Sept 1943 – Disembarked in the UK;
04/05 Sept 1943 – Posted to 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Centre (11 PDRC), Brighton, UK
02 Nov 1943 – Posted to 15 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit (15 (P) AFU), Castle Combe, Wiltshire, UK
20 Nov 1943 – Promoted to rank of Flight Sergeant
14 March 1944 – Posted to 27 Operational Training Unit (27 OTU), Lichfield
19 May 1944 (sic) – Discharged as Airman, on being granted a Commission
20 May 1944 (sic) – Promoted to rank of Pilot Officer
06 June 1944 (sic) – Interviewed by AOC of 93 Group, and recommended to a Commission (possible recording error for
date, as this does not match Commission and Pilot Officer dates on several documents)
23 Jun 1944 – Posted to 41 Base, Acaster Malbis
Undated 1944 – Posted to 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit (1652 HCU), Marston Moor, for conversion to Halifax
04 Sept 1944 – Posted to 462 Squadron, 4 Group, Driffield for operational flying duties
18 Sep 1944 – Duties of Acting Flying Officer
20 Nov 1944 – Promoted to rank of Flying Officer
Operational duties – refer later Ops table.
29 Dec 1944 – Transferred with 462 Squadron to Foulsham, 100 Group, flying in Halifax MZ457 “Y” with all 7 usual
crew members (according to the schedule)
12 Mar 1945 – Duties of Acting Flight Lieutenant
10 Apr 1945 – Leave, 7 days to 16 Apr 1945 (therefore absent from the Squadron when BALL and Crew 59 FTR in
NA240 Z5-V)
04 June 1945 – Posted to 11 PDRC, Pool, Brighton; pending repatriation to Australia
17 Sep 1945 – Embarked from UK, for Australia
17 Oct 1945 – Disembarked in Australia
17 Oct 1945 – Posted to 1 Personnel Depot (1 PD), Melbourne, ex overseas
18 Oct 1945 – Annual Recreation Leave, 7 days, to 24 Oct 1945
25 Oct 1945 – Special Leave, 30 days, to 23 Nov 1945
10 Dec 1945 – Termination of Appointment, on demobilisation at 1 PD; leave owing 67 Days, payment-in-lieu; (30 days
Re-establishment Leave, 30 days War Service Leave, 7 days Accumulated Leave)
29 Jan 1946 – Awards: France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, (sic); eligible for Returned from Active Service Badge
21 Feb 1946 – Certificate of Service and Discharge covering Service as Airman; and Certificate of Service as Officer
14 Nov 1949 – Signed for receipt for Returned from Active Service Badge, number AF117392; home address Hope St,
West Brunswick.
Flying Hours
Training
7 EFTS, flying DH 82 Tiger Moth aircraft, 61 hours
1 SFTS, Point Cook, Vic, flying Oxford aircraft, 130 hours 15 m
15 (P) AFU, Castle Combe, UK, flying Oxford aircraft, 111 hours 45 m
27 OTU, Lichfield, UK, flying Wellington III and X aircraft, 80 hours 5 m
1652 HCU, UK, flying Halifax II and V aircraft, 43 hours 5 m
Special courses – BATF at 1 SFTS, Australia (10 hours), and at 1 BAS, UK (20 hours 5 m)
Operational Flying – 462 Squadron, flying Halifax III from 04 Sep 1944 to 22 Apr 1945 – Total 178 Hours 55 minutes
Character and Trade Proficiency at rank of LAC – Very Good, under training
Character and Trade Proficiency at rank of T/Flight Sergeant – Very Good, Pilot under training, all postings
Service Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry from 19 June 1942, to 02 Feb 1945 RAF, UK.
General Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry, from 19 June 1942 to 19 May 1944 – all RAAF postings (1 ITS, 7 EFTS, 1
SFTS, 1 ED, 2 ED), and all UK postings (11 PDRC, 15 (P) AFU, 27 OTU, Acaster Malbis)
Confidential Report for 462 Squadron posting from 4/9/44 to 4/6/45 – Officer, current rank Flying Officer with Acting
rank of Flight Lieutenant; Report signed and dated 07 June 1945 by W/Cdr P M PAULL, and Gr/Capt V WILLIS.
General conduct – Satisfactory
Temperate habit – Yes
Assessments 29 points – 4 for personality; 4 for Initiative; 5 for reliability and judgement; 5 for ability in present duties; 5
for general standard of professional ability; 6 for zeal and energy in performance of duties.
W/Cdr P M PAULL – “F/Lt MARCHANT is a good officer and carries out his duties well but lacks the experience and
balance for a subordinate commander. With more experience he will make a good flight commander as he is very
trustworthy”
Grp/Capt V WILLIS – “An average type of officer but lacks a forceful personality”.
[But MARCHANT and crew carried out 38 Ops.]
Post War
13 March 1950 – Commonwealth Dept of Works and Housing, Noel Edward MARCHANT (dob 28 Aug 1922), not an
officer of the Commonwealth Service, appointed on probation as Cadet Architect (Pound 114-342), Third Division,
Victoria, with salary at the rate of Pound 270 per annum, to take effect on and from 13 March 1950. (Ref: Comm of Aus
Gazette, Issue 49, 24 Aug 1950)
Undated late 1964 – Completed questionnaire for Members of the RAAF Reserve, regarding continued service in the
RAAF Reserve (rank F/O, Sce No 418859); home address in Beaumont, Sth Australia; current employment in
Commonwealth Public Service.
29 Dec 1964 – RAAF reply re continuation of service in the RAAF Reserve, noting that it was an inactive body with no
provision for promotion.
05 Jan 1965 – MARCHANT agreed to continue service in the RAAF Reserve as from 29 Dec 1964.
01 Sep 1986 – Deceased, date recorded on cover of B884 Army file, Service No V54578.
No further personal details – if you can assist, please make contact.
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TATTERSALL, Edgar George 437020, Bomb Aimer, Service summary from A9300 File at NAA
25 Feb 1942 – Enrolment in the RAAF Reserve, at 5 Recruiting Centre (5 RC), Adelaide, South Australia; age 18 y 8 m,
dob 23 June 1923, single, British subject, born in Adelaide, SA: religion Methodist; current civil occupation Clerk, in the
Sth Aus Police Department; no civil convictions other than a Traffic Fine; residence Felixtowe Road, Payneham, SA;
height 6 ft ½ in (184.2 cm), weight 149 lb (67.6 kg); 6/6 vision both eyes; normal colour vision in Ishihara tests; brown
complexion, green eyes, brown hair; scar on inner knee; medical examination and classification as A1B, A3B (Pilot &
AO only); No prior Military service. Education qualifications to Intermediate Commercial; also Police and St Johns
Ambulance certificates.
Next-of-kin – father, Edgar TATTERSALL, of same address Felixtowe Road, Payneham, SA. Dependant initially listed
as mother Louisa Ila TATTERSALL, but later cancelled, and Dependant amended to sister, Sybil (date-of-birth birth 14
Jun 1929); and Next-of-kin changed to Mother Louis Ila, of same address.
10 Oct 1942 – Enlisted in RAAF at 5 Recruiting Centre (5 RC), Adelaide, SA; age 19 years and 3 months; single; details
as per his enrolment in Reserve
10 Oct 1942 – Medical examination at 5 RC – medical category A1B, A3B
10 Oct 1942 – Allocated Service Number 437020, appointed to rank of AC2; mustered as Air Crew V; photo at
enlistment
10 Oct 1942 – Posted to 4 Initial Training School (4 ITS), Course 38, Victor Harbour (sic), SA
02 Dec 1942- Re-mustered as Aircrew V (P)
02 Jan 1943 – Re-mustered as Aircrew II (P)
02 Jan 1943 – Promoted to LAC
07 Jan 1943 – Posted to 1 EFTS, Parafield, South Australia
13 March 1943 – Posted to 7 Service Flying Training School (7 SFTS) – location not named in file, but assumed to be
Deniliquin, NSW
27 May 1943 – Re-mustered as Aircrew II (N)
27 May 1943 – Posted to 2 AOS, Mt Gambier, SA, Course 38
23 Aug 1943 – Posted to 2 BAGS, Port Pirie, SA, Course 38
14 Oct 1943 – Awarded Navigator Badge
17/18 Oct 1943 – Posted to 2 ANS, Nhill, Vic
18 Oct 1943 – Commenced No 38 (N) Navigators Course
11 Nov 1943 – Completed No 38 (N) Navigators Course, PASS
11 Nov 1943 – Re-mustered as Navigator (B)
11 Nov 1943 – Promoted to rank of Sergeant
12 Nov 1943 – Posted to 2 Embarkation Depot (2 ED), Bradfield Park, Sydney, NSW
26 Nov 1943 – Embarked from Sydney, Australia, for the UK
10 Jan 1944 – Disembarked in the UK
11 Jan 1944 – Posted to 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Centre (11 PDRC), Brighton, UK
08 Feb 1944 – Posted to 1 (Observers) Advanced Flying Unit (1 (O) AFU) – location not named in file but assumed to be
Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway
14 March 1944 – Posted to 27 Operational Training Unit (27 OTU), Lichfield
11 May 1944 – Promoted to rank of Flight Sergeant
23 Jun 1944 – Posted to 41 Base, Acaster Malbis
23 Jun 1944 – Attached to Aircrew Training School
Undated 1944 – Posted to 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit (1652 HCU), Marston Moor, for conversion to Halifax aircraft
04 Sept 1944 – Posted to 462 Squadron, 4 Group, Driffield, Yorkshire, for operational flying duties
Operational duties – please refer to Ops table in later section
29 Dec 1944 – Transferred with 462 Squadron to Foulsham, 100 Group, Norfolk, flying in Halifax MZ457 “Y” with all 7
usual crew members (according to the schedule)
27 Jan 1945 – Discharged as Airman, on being granted a Commission
28 Jan 1945 – Promoted to rank of Pilot Officer
22 Mar 1945 – Recommended for Commission (sic, possible file recording error – already Commissioned 27 Jan 1945
and promoted, in several other documents)
09 Apr 1945 – Re-posted to 462 Squadron, 100 Group (sic, on appointment to Commissioned rank; Ref: POR 27, dated
23/04/45)
10 Apr 1945 – Leave, 7 days to 16 Apr 1945 (therefore absent from the Squadron when Pilot BALL and Crew 59 FTR in
NA240 Z5-V)
04 Jun 1945 – Posted to 11 PDRC, Brighton; Pool, pending repatriation to Australia
28 Jul 1945 – Promoted to rank of Flying Officer
17 Sep 1945 – Embarked from UK, for Australia
17 (or 20) Oct 1945 – Disembarked in Australia
17 (or 20) Oct 1945 – Posted to 1 Personnel Depot (1 PD), Melbourne, ex overseas
24 Nov 1945 – Posted to 4 PD, Springbank, SA, ex overseas
20 Dec 1945 – Termination of Appointment, on demobilisation at 4 PD; leave owing 67 Days received as payment-in-lieu
(7 days Recreation Leave, 30 days Re-establishment Leave, 30 days War Service Leave)
20 Feb 1946 – Awards: 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star (sic); eligible for Returned from Active Service Badge
27 Feb 1946 – Certificate of Service and Discharge covering Service as Airman; and Certificate of Service as Officer
Flying Hours
Training
1 EFTS, and 7 SFTS, Aus, flying Tiger Moth and Wirraway aircraft, 91 hours 50 m (Pilot training)
2 AOS, Aus, flying in Anson aircraft, 66 h 50 m (Nav training)
2 BAGS, Aus, flying in Fairey Battle aircraft, 29 h 35 m (Nav training)
2 ANS, Aus, flying in Anson aircraft, 34 h 35 m (Nav training)
1 (O) AFU, UK, flying in Anson aircraft, 47 hours (Nav advanced training)
27 OTU, Lichfield, UK, flying in Wellington aircraft, 78 hours 15m
1652 HCU, UK flying in Halifax aircraft, 43 hours 30 m
Non-Op flying, 462 Squadron, Driffield 30 hrs, Foulsham 4 h 50 m
Operational Flying – 462 Squadron, flying Halifax III from 04 Sep 1944 to 22 May 1945 (sic, 22 Apr 1945?) – 19 Ops
at Driffield, and 16 Ops at Foulsham; Total 180 hours 50 minutes
Total all flying 610 hrs
Character and Trade Proficiency at ranks of ACII, LAC, Sgt – Very Good, under training
Character and Trade Proficiency at ranks of F/Sgt, Nav B – Superior, recommended for promotion/reclassification by
W/Cdr PAULL 31 Dec1944, and 17 Jan 1945.
Service Conduct Sheet – Not in File
General Conduct Sheet – Not in File
Officers Report – Not in File
Post War service and/or occupation – no details
29 Apr 2009 – Death Notice, Edgar George (Gar) TATTERSALL, death age 85 at Ashford Hospital, Adelaide, published
in Adelaide Advertiser on 02 May 2009 (Ref: Ryerson Index, online)
No further personal details – if you can assist, please make contact.
Return to top
O’DONOGHUE, John Neil 427255, Navigator, Service summary from A9300 File at NAA
15 Jun 1942 – Enlisted in RAAF at 4 Recruiting Centre (4 RC), Perth, Western Australia; age 28 years and 4 months;
date-of-birth 27 Jan 1914, single; British subject, born West Perth, WA; religion Roman Catholic; current civil occupation
Clerk; no civil convictions; residence Mt Hawthorn, WA; height 5 ft 9 in (175.3 cm), weight 146 lb (66.2 kg); 6/6 vision
both eyes; fair complexion, grey eyes, brown hair; Vacc;
Previous Military service in Militia, 11th Batt’n, AMF, rank of Private, for 15 months from 01 Mar 1941; discharged 13
Jun 1942 on enlistment in RAAF; Education qualifications to Intermediate Accountancy.
Next-of-kin – father, John Thomas O”DONOGHUE; after John Neil O’DONOGHUE’s marriage (Oct 1943), this was
amended to Charles J O’DONOGHUE of Geraldton WA, as person for notification in event of casualty.
15 Jun 1942 – Medical examination at 4 RC – medical category A1B, A3B
15 Jun 1942 – Allocated Service Number 427255, appointed to rank of AC2; mustered as Air Crew V (Guard); photo at
enlistment;
15 Jun 1942 – Posted to 4 Recruit Depot, Pearce (Busselton), WA; commence Recruit Drill Course
06 Jul 1942 – Completed Recruit Drill Course, PASS
10 Jul 1942 – Posted to 9 EFTS, Cunderdin, WA
21 Aug 1942 – Posted to 4 SFTS, Geraldton, WA
7 (or 13) Dec 1942 – Posted to 4 ITS, Victor Harbor, SA
25 Jan 1943 – Re-mustered as Aircrew V (O), same date re-mustered as Aircrew V (N)
27 Feb 1943 – Re-mustered as Aircrew II (N)
27 Feb 1943 – Promoted to rank of LAC
29 Apr 1943 – Posted to 2 AOS, Mt Gambier, SA, Course 37 (N)
21 Jul 1943 – Completed Course 37 (N), PASS
26 Jul 1943 – Posted to 2 BAGS, Port Pirie, SA
16 Sep 1943 – Awarded Navigator Badge
20 Sep 1943 – Posted to 2 ANS, Nhill, Vic
21 Sep 1943 – Commenced Course No 37 (N), Navigators Course
14 Oct 1943 – Completed No 37 (N) Navigators Course, PASS
14 Oct 1943 – Re-mustered as Navigator (B)
14 Oct 1943 – Promoted to rank of Sergeant
23 Oct 1943 – Marriage, wife Veronica Suzanne O’DONOGHUE listed as Next-of-kin, and as Dependant
15 (or 27) Oct 1943 – Posted to 5 Embarkation Depot (5 ED), Subiaco, Perth, WA
20 Nov 1943 – Posted to 1 ED, Ascot Vale, Melbourne, Vic
23 Nov 1943 – Posted to 2 ED, Bradfield Park, Sydney, NSW
26 Nov 1943 – Embarked from Sydney, Australia, for the UK
10 Jan 1944 – Disembarked in the UK
10 Jan 1944 – Posted to 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Centre (11 PDRC), Brighton, UK
25 Jan 1944 – Posted to 1 (Observers) Advanced Flying Unit (1 (O) AFU) – Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway, UK
14 March 1944 – Posted to 27 Operational Training Unit (27 OTU), Lichfield
14 Apr 1944 – Promoted to rank of Flight Sergeant
23 Jun 1944 – Posted to 41 Base, Acaster Malbis (P T Course)
23 Jun 1944 – Attached to Aircrew Training School
Undated 1944 – Posted to 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit (1652 HCU), Marston Moor, for conversion to Halifax aircraft
04 Sept 1944 – Posted to 462 Squadron, 4 Group, Driffield, Yorkshire, for operational flying duties
Operational duties – please refer to Ops table in later section
29 Dec 1944 – Transferred with 462 Squadron to Foulsham, 100 Group, Norfolk, flying in Halifax MZ457 “Y” with all 7
usual crew members (according to the schedule)
22 Mar 1945 – Discharged as Airman, on being granted a Commission (also recorded as 22-4-45)
23 Mar 1945 – Promoted to rank of Pilot Officer
10 May 1945 – Re-posted to 462 Squadron (sic, on appointment to Commissioned rank; Ref: POR 31, dated 23/05/45)
10 Apr 1945 – Leave, 7 days to 16 Apr 1945 (therefore absent from the Squadron when Pilot BALL and Crew 59 FTR in
NA240 Z5-V)
Undated 1945 – Posted to 11 PDRC, Brighton; pending repatriation to Australia
Undated 1945 – Embarked from UK, for Australia
08 Aug 1945 – Disembarked in Australia (also recorded as 10 May 1945)
08 Aug 1945 – Posted to 1 Personnel Depot (1 PD), Melbourne, ex overseas (also recorded as 10 May 1945)
23 Sep 1945 – Promoted to rank of Flying Officer
25 Sep 1945 – Posted to 5 PD, Perth WA
23 Oct 1945 – Termination of Appointment, on demobilisation at 5 PD; home address Cleaver St, West Perth, WA; (no
records of any leave owing)
10 Dec 1945 – Awards, 1939-45 Star, Defence Medal, France and Germany Star (sic); eligible for Returned from
Active Service Badge
18 Dec 1945 – Certificate of Service and Discharge covering Service as Airman; and Certificate of Service as Officer,
home address Cleaver St, West Perth WA
15 Jan 1946 – Signed for receipt for Airman’s Certificate and Discharge (Form P/P.83A), and Officer’s certificate of
Service No 10350.
Flying Hours
Training
2 AOS, Aus, flying in Anson aircraft, 63 h 35 m (Nav training)
2 BAGS, Aus, flying in Fairey Battle aircraft, 36 h 30 m (Nav training)
2 ANS, Aus, flying in Anson aircraft, 31 h 45 m (Nav training)
1 (O) AFU, UK, flying in Anson aircraft, 26 h 45 m (Nav advanced training)
27 OTU, Lichfield, UK, flying in Wellington aircraft, 81 hours
1652 HCU, UK flying in Halifax V aircraft, 42 hours 30 m
Non-Op flying, 462 Squadron, 4 Group, Driffield (32 hours) and 100 Group, Foulsham (11 hours), in Halifax III
Operational Flying – 462 Squadron, flying Halifax III from 04 Sep 1944 to 03 Jun 1945 – 100 hrs at Driffield, and 75
hrs at Foulsham; Total 175 hours
Total all flying 500 hrs
Character and Trade Proficiency at rank of ACII, LAC – Very Good, under training
Character and Trade Proficiency at ranks of F/Sgt, Nav B – Superior, recommended for promotion/reclassification by
W/Cdr PAULL 31 Dec1944, and 22 Mar 1945.
General Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry for 4 RD, 9 EFTS, 4 SFTS, 4 ITS, 2 AOS, 2 BAGS, 2 ANS, 5 ED, 1 ED, 2
ED, 11 PDRC, 1(O) AFU, 27 OTU, 1652 HCU, 462 Squadron (a clean record)
Service Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry for RAAF Aus, and also for RAF, UK
Officers Report – Not in File
Post War service and/or occupation – no details
18 Nov 1966 – Officers file stamped as DECEASED; with added notation CWGC 25/8/67 (age 52 y 9.5 m)
No further personal details – if you can assist, please make contact.
Return to top
BLUNDELL, Raymond 432001, Wireless Operator, Service summary from A9300 File at NAA
23 Oct 1941 – Enrolled in 24 Squadron, No 2 Cadet Wing, Air Training Corps, HQ, Sydney; age 17, Cadet No 10003,
completed preliminary Training, PASS; next-of-kin father, G BLUNDELL, Greenhill St, Croydon, NSW
30 Nov 1942 – Completed Stage 1 of Syllabus (ATC, 2 Wing) .. … Possible dating error for 1941? Page 37
05/07 Nov 1942 – ATC Enrolment terminated due to enlistment in RAAF.
07 Nov 1942 – Enlisted in RAAF at 2 Recruiting Centre (2 RC), Sydney, New South Wales; age 18 years and 4 months;
date-of-birth 03 Jul 1924, single; British subject, born in Burwood, Sydney; religion Church of England; current civil
occupation Storeman and Packer; no civil convictions; residence Greenhill St, Croydon, NSW; Next-of-kin – father, G
BLUNDELL of same address; height 5 ft 11 in (180.3 cm), weight 150 lb (68 kg); 6/6 vision both eyes; medium
complexion, brown eyes, brown hair; scars on right hip and right elbow; no previous Military service; Education
qualifications to “Final Exam”
07 Nov 1942 – Medical examination at 2 RC – medical category A1B, A3B (Fit Full Flying Duties)
07 Nov 1942 – Allocated Service Number 432001, appointed to rank of AC2; mustered as Air Crew V; photo at
enlistment
07 Nov 1942 – Posted to 2 ITS, Bradfield Park, Sydney NSW
28 Dec 1942 – Re-mustered as Aircrew V (G)
01 Jan 1943 – Completed 33 (G) Aircrew Course at 2 ITS, PASS
02 Jan 1943 – Promoted to rank of LAC
05/07 Jan 1943 – Posted to 3 WAGS, Maryborough, Queensland; Course 35
22 Jul 1943 – Re-mustered as Aircrew II (G)
22/26 Jul 1943 – Posted to 1 BAGS, Evans Head, NSW; Course 35
19 Aug 1943 – Completed No 35 (G) Course at 1 BAGS, PASS
19 Aug 1943 – Re-mustered as Wireless Operator Air Gunner (WOAG) II
19 Aug 1943 – Awarded Air Gunners Badge
19 Aug 1943 – Promoted to rank of Sergeant
20 Aug 1943 – Posted to 2 Embarkation Depot (2 ED), Bradfield Park, Sydney, NSW
10 Sep 1943 – Attached to RAF, OSHQ (UK)
10 Sep 1943 – Embarked from Brisbane, Qld, destination UK (ship name, direction of travel, and ports-of-call not listed)
19 Oct 1943 – Disembarked in the UK
19/20 Oct 1943 – Posted to 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Centre (11 PDRC), Brighton, UK
24 Nov 1943 – Attached to RAF Whitley Bay, until 06 Dec 1943
06 Dec 1943 – Attached to Aircrew N C O School, Whitley Bay, until 20 Dec 1943
24 Nov 1943 – Non-Commissioned Officer’s Course (NCO) at Whitley Bay, until 22 Dec 1943 – Result 42% (low result
possibly due to 7 days ill-health, see next entry. However, in Apr 1945, from the rank of Flight Sergeant, he was awarded
a Commission with promotion, to the rank of Pilot Officer.)
06 Dec 1943 – Admission to Station Sick Quarters (SSQ), until 13 Dec 1943 (no medical data listed)
04 Jan 1944 – Posted to 1 (O) AFU, Wigtown
11 Mar 1944 – Re-mustered as Wireless Operator (Air)
14 Mar 1944 – Posted to 27 Operational Training Unit (27 OTU), Lichfield
23 Jun 1944 – Posted to 41 Base, Acaster Malbis
23 Jun 1944 – Attached to Aircrew Training School
Undated 1944 – Posted to 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit (1652 HCU), Marston Moor, for conversion to Halifax aircraft
19 Aug 1944 – Promoted to rank of Flight Sergeant
04 Sept 1944 – Posted to 462 Squadron, 4 Group, Driffield, Yorkshire, for operational flying duties
Operational duties – please refer to Ops table in later section
29 Dec 1944 – Transferred with 462 Squadron to Foulsham, 100 Group, Norfolk, flying in Halifax MZ457 “Y” with all 7
usual crew members (according to the schedule)
BLUNDELL is included in the group photo of Wireless Operators March 1945, 462 Squadron Foulsham page – middle
row, 5 from left of photo (but not in either of the Air Gunners group photos).
10 Apr 1945 – Crew on Leave, 7 days to 16 Apr 1945 (therefore probably absent from the Squadron when Pilot BALL
and Crew 59 FTR in NA240 Z5-V) – some leave forms missing from BLUNDELL’s file
23 Apr 1945 – Discharged as Airman, on being granted a Commission
24 Apr 1945 – Promoted to rank of Pilot Officer
28 Apr 1945 – Marriage, wife Kathleen BLUNDELL (of Thurstaston, Wirral, Cheshire) now listed as next-of-kin, and
dependant; and his father, G BLUNDELL of Croydon, NSW, now listed as person to be informed in the event of casualty.
Undated 1945 – Posted to 11 PDRC, Brighton; pending repatriation to Australia
22/23 Sep 1945 – Embarked from UK, for Australia, on ship A28 “Andes”
17 Oct 1945 – Arrived at Melbourne, trans-shipped to HMT “Stratheden”, destination Sydney
19 Oct 1945 – Disembarked in Sydney
19 Oct 1945 – Detached from to RAF
19 Oct 1945 – 1945 – Posted to 2 Personnel Depot (2 PD), Sydney, ex overseas
20 Oct 1945 – Leave, 7 days to 27 Oct
24 Oct 1945 – Promoted to rank of Flying Officer
28 Oct 1945 – Leave, 30 days to 28 Nov 1945
08 Feb 1946 – Termination of Appointment, on demobilisation at 2 PD, home address Greenhill St, Croydon, NSW leave
owing 67 Days received as payment-in-lieu (7 days Recreation Leave, 30 days Re-establishment Leave, 30 days War
Service Leave)
11 Apr 1946 – Certificate of Service and Discharge covering Service as Airman; and Certificate of Service as Officer,
home address Greenhill st, Croydon, NSW
16 Apr 1946 – BLUNDELL Signed for receipt for Airman’s Certificate and Discharge, and Officer’s certificate of
Service
Awards – 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal 1939-
45, and the Returned from Active Service Badge (issued 19 Oct 1948, and 25 Sept 1963)
Flying Hours
Training
3 BAGS, Aus, flying in Wackett aircraft, 16 h
1 BAGS, Aus, flying in Fairey Battle aircraft, 10 h
1 (O) AFU, Wigtown, UK, flying in Anson aircraft, 45 h 15 m
27 OTU, Lichfield, UK, flying in Wellington aircraft, 83 hours 55 m
1652 HCU, UK flying in Halifax II & V aircraft, 37 hours 40 m
Non-Op flying, 462 Squadron, 4 Group, Driffield, in Halifax aircraft, no hours listed
Operational Flying – 462 Squadron, flying Halifax III – Driffield and Foulsham, total 35 Ops; 181 hours 55 m
Total all flying 403 hrs 50 m
Character and Trade Proficiency at rank of ACII, LAC, Sgt – Very Good as Aircrew (G);
Character and Trade Proficiency at rank of F/Sgt – Superior; Recommended for promotion or reclassification by Wg/Cdr
PAULL (31/12/1944) and S/Ldr SWANN (23/04/1945, and 05/06/1945)
General Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry for 2 ITS, 3 WAGS, 1 BAGS, 2 ED, 11 PDRC, 1 (O) AFU; 27 OTU, 1652
HCU, 462 Sqdn.
Service Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry for Australia and overseas Postings
Confidential Report for Officers – not in file
Post War service file correspondence
09 Jan 1974 – Correspondence to Defence Dept, via RAAF, from David Blundell of North Wales, requesting forwarding
of a letter to his father’s last known address
04 Feb 1974 – Advice to David Blundell that his letter was forwarded to his father’s last known address at Heathcote,
NSW
09 Aug 1985 – Comm Dept of Veterans’ Affairs request for Statement of RAAF Service, for Repatriation benefits
16 Aug 1985 – Statement of RAAF Service supplied
04 Mar 1987 – Request for Statement of RAAF Service for Defence Service Housing Loan (supplied)
04 Jul 1995 – Death of Raymond BLUNDELL as noted in his A9300 File; also as advised by his wife in letter of 03 Aug
1995.
03 Aug 1995 – Correspondence from Mrs Alwyne BLUNDELL of Junee NSW, regarding replacement of missing
medals, and advising of his death.
18 Aug 1995 – Reply to Mrs A BLUNDELL, regarding previous issue of her deceased husband’s Medals.
Personal information
Post war occupation – no details
28 Apr 1945 – Marriage, wife Kathleen BLUNDELL (of Thurstaston, Wirral, Cheshire)
Undated – English War Bride emigrates to Australia, birth of one son
Undated – Divorce from English first wife Kathleen, one son, who both returned to UK in 1951.
Undated – Marriage to Alwyne in Australia, three daughters
04 Jul 1995 – Death of Raymond BLUNDELL
2011 – Death of Alwyne BLUNDELL (email advice from her daughter)
In Dec 2017, contact was made with this website by a daughter of Ray’s second marriage. His RAAF service record was
not available back then, but recent checks of the NAA located the files for all RAAF members of this crew.
In 2020, BLUNDELL’s English granddaughter (from his first marriage) made contact with this website. She had advised
that her grandmother had “met Raymond when as she was in the WAFs, they married and then moved to Australia, but
then she moved back to the UK”. However at that stage, this author had little information to relay to her about her
grandfather’s RAAF service, or of his second family. By mutual agreement, the two sides of the family were put in email
contact.
No further personal details or photos are available – if you, or any of the BLUNDELL family (son or daughters or
grandchildren) could assist, please make contact.
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SHARPE, Rollo Roy Stephen 427558, Mid-Upper Gunner, Service summary from A9300 File at NAA
02 Jan 1942 – Enrolment in the RAAF Reserve, at 4 Recruiting Centre (4 RC), Perth, Western Australia, age 18 y 2 m;
civil employment as Bank Clerk at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Kalgoorlie, WA; Medical classification A1B only;
all other details as per Enlistment form
19 Jul 1942 – Enlisted in RAAF at 4 Recruiting Centre (4 RC), Perth, Western Australia; age 18 years and 9 months;
date-of-birth 11 Oct 1923, single; British subject, born in Plymouth, England; religion Church of England; current civil
occupation Bank Clerk; no civil convictions; residence Addis St, Kalgoorlie, WA; height 6 ft (182.9 cm), weight 144 lb
(65.3 kg); 6/9 vision both eyes; fair complexion, blue eyes, brown hair; scar on left shin;
No previous Military service; Education qualifications to Junior Certificate.
Next-of-kin – father, Rollo Richard SHARPE, 80673 RAAF Busselton, WA; person for notification in event of casualty
mother, Florence Louise SHARPE of Addis St, Kalgoorlie, WA.
19 Jul 1942 – Medical examination at 4 RC – medical category A1B, A3B
19 Jul 1942 – Allocated Service Number 427558, appointed to rank of AC2; mustered as Air Crew V; photo at
enlistment
19 Jul 1942 – Posted to 5 ITS, Clontarf, WA
08 Sep 1942 – Re-mustered as Aircrew V (P)
10 Oct 1942 – Re-mustered as Aircrew II (P)
10 Oct 1942 – Promoted to rank of LAC
12 Nov 1942 – Posted to 9 EFTS, Cunderdin, WA
29 Apr 1943 – Re-mustered as Aircrew V (G)
29 Apr 1943 – Posted to 1 WAGS, Ballarat, Vic
23 Jul 1943 – Sentenced to 7 days field punishment, and forfeited 7 day’s pay; 1 WAGS, Ballarat (see General Conduct
Sheet and Service Conduct sheet for details, which did not prevent his Commission in Sep 1943)
23 Aug 1943 – Posted to 3 BAGS, Sale, Vic
undated Sep 1943 – Completed No 36 Mod Musketry Course, PASS
16 Sep 1943 – Awarded Air Gunners Badge
16 Sep 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Gunner
16 Sep 1943 – Discharged as Airman, on being granted a Commission
16/17 Sep 1943 – Promoted to rank of Pilot Officer
(He must have shown potential, being awarded a Commission from the rank of LAC)
17 Sep 1943 – Posted to 5 Embarkation Depot (5 ED), Subiaco, Perth, WA
14 Oct 1943 – Posted to 2 ED, Bradfield Park, Sydney, NSW
12 Dec 1943 – Embarked from 2 ED Sydney, Australia, for conveyance to Canada & UK on ship “Wilbur A Holbrook”.
26 Jan 1944 – Disembarked in the UK
27 Jan 1944 – Posted to 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Centre (11 PDRC), Brighton, UK
29 Feb 1944 – Posted to 27 Operational Training Unit (27 OTU), Lichfield
16 Mar 1944 – Promoted to rank of Flying Officer
24 Jun 1944 – Posted to 41 Base, Acaster Malbis
Undated 1944 – Posted to 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit (1652 HCU), Marston Moor, for conversion to Halifax aircraft
06 Sept 1944 – Posted to 462 Squadron, 4 Group, Driffield, Yorkshire, for operational flying duties
16 Sep 1945 – Promoted to rank of Flight Lieutenant
Operational duties – please refer to Ops table in later section
29 Dec 1944 – Transferred with 462 Squadron to Foulsham, 100 Group, Norfolk, flying in Halifax MZ457 “Y” with all 7
usual crew members (according to the schedule)
10 Apr 1945 – Crew on Leave, 7 days to 16 Apr 1945 (therefore probably absent from the Squadron when Pilot BALL
and Crew 59 FTR in NA240 Z5-V) – leave forms missing from SHARPE’s file
04 Jun 1945 – Posted to 11 PDRC, Brighton; pending repatriation to Australia
05 Jun 1945 – Embarked from UK, for Australia
24 Jul 1945 – Disembarked at Sydney (variations in paperwork, but Stat Dec dated 27 Dec 1951 listed return to Sydney)
24 Jul 1945 – Posted to 2 Personnel Depot (2 PD), Sydney, ex overseas
14 Sep 1945 – Posted to 5 PD, Perth WA
18 Sep 1945 – Termination of Appointment, on demobilisation at 5 PD; home address Addis St, Kalgoorlie, WA (no
records of any leave owing)
24 Oct 1945 – Certificate of Service and Discharge covering Service as Airman; and Certificate of Service as Officer,
home address Addis St, Kalgoorlie WA
Undated 1945 – Signed for receipt for Airman’s Certificate and Discharge, and Officer’s certificate of Service
Awards – 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal 1939-
45, and the Returned from Active Service Badge
Flying Hours
Training
3 BAGS, Aus, flying in Oxford and Fairey Battle aircraft, 9 h 50 m
27 OTU, Lichfield, UK, flying in Wellington aircraft, 95 hours 5 m
1652 HCU, UK flying in Halifax II aircraft, 37 hours 15 m
Non-Op flying, 462 Squadron, 4 Group, Driffield (36 hours 20m), in Halifax aircraft
Operational Flying – 462 Squadron, flying Halifax III – 17 Ops, 48 hrs 10 m at Driffield; and 18 Ops, 96 hrs 28m at
Foulsham; Total 35 Ops, 144 hours 38 m
Total all flying 362 hrs 08 m
Character and Trade Proficiency at rank of ACII, LAC – Very Good as Aircrew (P); Good as Aircrew (G), under training
General Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry for 5 ITS, 3 BAGS
General Conduct Sheet – Offence 1
20 Mar 1943, as LAC, 9 EFTS, Cunderdin, was absent without leave from 2200 hours to 2345 hours on 20 Mar 1943,
absence of 1 hour 45 minutes; Punishment: 7 days confined to Barracks; Certified no further entry.
General Conduct Sheet – Offence 2
17 Jul 1943, as LAC, 1 WAGS, Ballarat, at approx 1930 hours, while on guard duty, failed to challenge persons in the
vicinity of Aircraft and Bellman Hangars; and failed to patrol his post; Punishment: 7 days Field Punishment; Certified no
further entry
Service Conduct Sheet – 1 WAGS, Ballarat, details as per Offence 2 in General Conduct Sheet
(The Offences as recorded did not appear to affect his later promotion, being awarded a commission from rank of LAC.)
Confidential Report for 462 Squadron posting from 6/9/44 to 4/6/45 – Officer, current rank Flying Officer; Report signed
and dated 07 June 1945 by W/Cdr P M PAULL, and Gr/Capt V WILLIS.
General conduct – Satisfactory
Temperate habit – Yes
Assessments 29 points – 4 for personality; 4 for Initiative; 4 for reliability & judgement; 4 for ability in present duties; 4
for general standard of professional ability; 5 for zeal and energy in performance of duties.
W/Cdr P M PAULL – “This officer is a trustworthy type but lacks self-confidence and personality. His technical
knowledge is good but he is not an outstanding leader of men.”
Grp/Capt V WILLIS – “I K”.
["I. K. = Insufficient Knowledge. Instructions for completing Form 1369, Item 2 (v) – "If for any reason the reporting
officer feels that he has an insufficient knowledge of the officer under report to assess him in any of the items in Sections
9 and 10, he should put the letters "I. K." in place of an assessment".]
(This report seems a little harsh, particularly as
SHARPE had been commissioned from the rank of LAC, and since promoted to Flying Officer.)
Post War service and/or occupation – no details
27 Nov 1951 – Stat Dec requesting Statement of Service, address “Ratho-Brae”, Camp St, Katoomba NSW
07 Jun 1974 – Statement of RAAF Service from RAAF Records for Repatriation Dept, for benefits claim by SHARPE, at
address Huon St, Cabramatta, NSW.
07 Oct 1983 – Signed Stat Dec to RAAF Records, requesting replacement of Campaign Medals and ribbons, lost due to
house break-in and theft; address Huon St, Cabramatta, NSW
26 Oct 1983 – Reply from RAAF Records – entitled to Awards of 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence
Medal, War Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal 1939-45, and the Returned from Active Service Badge; Stars and
Medals to be inscribed with service particulars, and forwarded; and Returned from Active Service Badge No AF131948
to be enclosed with awards.
31 May 2011 – Death Notice, Rollo Roy Stephen SHARPE, death age 87, published in Sydney Morning Herald, 03 Jun
2011 (Ref: Ryerson Index, online)
SHARPE may be one of the unidentified Gunners in the group photos of 'A' Flight and 'B' Flight Gunners at 462 Squadron, Foulsham.
No further personal details – if you can assist, please make contact.
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MANNELL, Leslie Gordon Marshall, 429052, Rear Gunner, Service summary from A9301 File at NAA
23 Dec 1941 – Application for Air Crew, married, residence in Griffith, NSW; current occupation Accountant at Griffith;
no previous flying experience; some training in Morse, reaching standard of 8 words per minute; sporting Aussie Rules
Football, Rugby Union, baseball, cricket, swimming, ad representing NSW in schoolboy Aussie Rules Team; 2 referees
were both Justices of the Peace.
Education in NSW from Feb 1926 to April 1932 –
Five Dock Public School; Leichhardt Public School; Leichhardt Technical School;
Central Technical School, Ultimo; Camdenville High School, Newtown
Final “Intermediate Certificate” – Passed Tech Drawing, Geography, English, History, Metalwork, Maths II
Application stamped as Approved, also stamped on 23 June 1942, and again on 16 Jul 1942.
22 Oct 1942 – Enlisted in RAAF at 2 Recruiting Centre (2 RC), Sydney, New South Wales; age 28 years and 10 months;
date-of-birth 01 Dec 1913, married; British subject, born in Koorawather (sic) NSW; religion Roman Catholic; current
civil occupation Accountant; no civil convictions; residence Barellan St, Griffith, NSW; height 5 ft 10 in (177.8 cm),
weight 144 lb (65.3 kg); 6/6 vision both eyes; dark complexion, grey eyes, dark hair; several scars left side and both
knees; no previous Military service;
Dependants – Wife Jeane MANNELL (nee TRAVIS), marriage 16 April 1938 at Summer Hill, NSW; son Graham
Gordon MANNELL, born 1939; daughter Diana Jeane MANNELL born 1940; Next-of-kin – wife, Jeane MANNELL;
Person to be notified in event of casualty Mrs L G MANNELL (mother), of Aubrey St, Stanmore, Sydney.
22 Oct 1942 – Medical examination at 2 RC – medical category A3B (Fit Observer or Air Gunner)
22 Oct 1942 – Allocated Service Number 429052, appointed to rank of AC2; mustered as Air Crew V (Clerk General);
photo at enlistment, and after posting to 2 ITS
22 Oct 1942 – Posted to 1 BAGS, Evans Head, NSW
20/23 Nov 1942 – Posted to 10 EFTS, Temora, NSW
27 Feb 1943 – Posted to 2 ITS, Bradfield Park, Sydney
19 Apr 1943 – Re-mustered as Aircrew V (P)
21 May 1943 – Completed Course 38 (P) at 2 ITS, PASS
22 May 1943 – Re-mustered as Aircrew II (P)
22 May 1943 – Promoted to rank of LAC
08 Jun 1943 – Posted to 8 EFTS, Narrandera, NSW
19 Aug 1943 – Re-mustered as Aircrew V (G)
19 Aug 1943 – Posted to 1 BAGS, Evans Head, NSW
19 Aug 1943 – Commenced Course 36 G
16 Sep 1943 – Completed Course 36 (G) at 1 BAGS, PASS
16 Sep 1943 – Awarded Air Gunners Badge
16 Sep 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Gunner
16 Sep 1943 – Promoted to rank of Sergeant
17 Sep 1943 – Posted to 1 ED, Ascot Vale, Vic
02 Oct 1943 – Posted to 2 Embarkation Depot (2 ED), Bradfield Park, Sydney, NSW
Undated Oct 1943 – Forfeited 1 Pound 17 shillings for discrepancy in service kit at 2 ED
13 Oct 1943 – Attached to OSHQ (UK)
13 Oct 1943 – Embarked from Sydney, destination UK (ship name, direction of travel, and ports-of-call not listed)
21 Nov 1943 – Disembarked in the UK
21 Nov 1943 – Attached to RAF
21 Nov 1943 – Posted to 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Centre (11 PDRC), Brighton, UK
14 Mar 1944 – Posted to 27 Operational Training Unit (27 OTU), Lichfield
16 Mar 1944 – Promoted to rank of Flight Sergeant
23 Jun 1944 – Posted to 41 Base, Acaster Malbis
23 Jun 1944 – Attached to Aircrew Training School
Undated 1944 – Posted to 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit (1652 HCU), Marston Moor, for conversion to Halifax aircraft
04 Sept 1944 – Posted to 462 Squadron, 4 Group, Driffield, Yorkshire, for operational flying duties
04 Sept 1944 – Arrival Form at 462 Squadron, with previous posting 1652 HCU, Marston Moor.
Operational duties – please refer to Ops table in later section
29 Dec 1944 – Transferred with 462 Squadron to Foulsham, 100 Group, Norfolk, flying in Halifax MZ457 “Y” with all 7
usual crew members (according to the schedule)
06 Jan 1945 – Halifax MZ469 Z5-N, take off 1619 hours, Op with RORHLACH crew 48, Special Duty WINDOW
Dispenser; Failed to Return
07 Jan 1945 – Posted to War casualty Accounts Dept – Missing in air operations, target Ruhr Area
07 Jan 1945 – Killed in air operations (Casualty Notification dated 07 May 1945, previously reported MISSING, now
reported KILLED air Ops near Hargimont, Belgium on 07 Jan 1945)
Awards – 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45
Flying Hours – RAAF Form P/P 151 “Training, Non-Operational and Operational details” not with Service File
Training in Aus and UK (postings as listed above);
Non-op flying and Operational flying at 462 Squadron
Character and Trade Proficiency at rank of ACII, LAC, Sgt – Very Good as Aircrew (Clerk general; as Aircrew (P); and
Aircrew (G);
Character and Trade Proficiency at rank of Flight Sergeant – Satisfactory; recommended for promotion/reclassification by
S/Ldr P M PAULL on 7/8 Jan 1945 (coincidentally the same date MANNELL was “Missing” on his last Op).
General Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry for 1 BAGS, 10 EFTS, 2 ITS, 8 EFTS, 1 BAGS, 2 ED
General Conduct Sheet – 11 PDRC on 25 Dec 1943 – Charged with “Failing to parade at 0630 hours"; Reprimanded by
S/Ldr Officer in Charge on 27 Dec 1943; No other punishment. Certified No Further Entry for 11 PDRC
General Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry for 27 OTU, 1652 HCU, 462 Sqdn, and War Cas (N) Accts Dept
Service Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry for Australia and overseas Postings
MANNELL had completed 21 Ops with the MARCHANT Crew – his 21st Op on the 5 January 1945, the evening before his
fatal flight in MZ469. MANNELL's Op 22 on the night of 06 Jan 1945 with the ROHRLACH Crew was in the role of
Special Duties (WINDOW). He was subsequently posted "Non-Effective – Missing" in January 1945, ORB From 540,
page 47, with the ROHRLACH Crew.
Pilot MARCHANT went on to complete a total of 38 relatively trouble-free Ops – his usual crew members each
completing 36 to 38 Ops with him. There were four replacement Rear Gunners – three with 1 Op each, and one with 13
Ops with that crew. How sad that MANNELL carried out 21 Ops as a Rear Gunner with his first crew, but was KIA
dispensing WINDOW with another crew. Had he not taken on that WINDOW duty, would he have survived the War with
36-38 Ops?
With S/Ldr PAULL’s recommendation for MANNELL’s promotion on the same day that he “Failed to Return” from his
last Op – if MANNELL had survived, would he have been promoted to Warrant Officer, or perhaps awarded a
Commission?
MANNELL is not in either Gunner group photo at Foulsham, as they were taken after the loss of the ROHRLACH Crew.
Please visit the ROHRLACH Crew 48 page for –
Details from CWGC, including grave references, headstone photos, and headstone inscriptions
Honour Roll and Memorials
Casualty files – the information in Casualty Files is often very graphic and detailed, so may be confronting and emotional
reading.
Loss of Aircraft Halifax MZ469 Z5-N
MANNELL was survived by his wife; one son, then aged 5 years and 6½ months; and one daughter, then aged 4 years
and 3½ months. Perhaps they or anyone else of the MANNELL family, might like to make contact.
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BROCKLESBY L G 1594323 RAFVR Flight Engineer – MARCHANT crew 32
Initials L G or possibly L J – named as Len in DRINKWATER's personal files and 1989 photo at Foulsham.
Named as L BROOKLESBY in “To See the Dawn Again” (Lax & Kane-Maguire), and L C BROCKLESBY in "Phoenix
Book 2 The Reincarnation" (A G Batten).
Also listed in Ops as L Brocklesby, and with incorrect Service numbers 1591423, and 15954323.
Although usually listed as L G BROCKLESBY 1594323 in Ops, and assumed to be correct – his initials, surname, and Service Number may be erroneous (see later genealogy notes).
Photo of BROCKLESBY – Flight Engineers at 462 Squadron, Driffield, November 1944 (ex-NEWSTEAD with ID) – front row, number 7 from left (= number 2 in
from right) – cropped portrait as shown in previous section. NEWSTEAD also advised that BROCKLESBY was from Yorkshire.
Photo – 1989 Foulsham with NEWSTEAD on ANDERSON Crew page (rec’d ex-NEWSTEAD) – as shown in previous section.
Photo – 1989 Foulsham in group on Foulsham memorial page, and also on ROBINSON Crew page (rec’d ex-
DRINKWATER) – named as Len and Avis BROCKLESBY by DRINKWATER – as shown in previous section.
Unknown date, 1943 (?) – Enlisted in RAF (VR?)
Unknown date, 1943-1944 (?) – Trained as Flight Engineer, presumably at St ATHAN (?), Wales.
Unknown date June-Sept 1944 – Posted to 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit (1652 HCU), Marston Moor, for conversion to Halifax aircraft, and became the Flight Engineer for the already established MARCHANT Crew.
04 Sept 1944 – Posted to 462 Squadron, 4 Group, Driffield, Yorkshire, for operational flying duties, with MARCHANT Crew, at rank of Sergeant (but not named in ORB Form 540 Arrivals)
Operational duties – please refer to Ops table in later section
29 Dec 1944 – Transferred with 462 Squadron to Foulsham, 100 Group, Norfolk, flying in Halifax MZ457 “Y” with all 7
usual crew members (according to the schedule)
May 1945 – Posted from 462 Sqdn Foulsham, as of Flight Sergeant L J BROCKLESBY (therefore not in F/Eng group photo at Foulsham, June
1945).
Not located in Air Force List (RAF) July 1945 – not as as Warrant Officer or Commissioned Officer
Not located in London Gazette – as BROCKLESBY or BROCKELSBY or variations
Checked Internet, and various genealogical sites – insufficient knowledge to correctly identify this Flight Engineer.
Genealogy Notes – from UKFreebmd – but info may be irrelevant. However, a birth and a marriage in district of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, so a possibility for this Flight Engineer?
Possible (?) birth in 2nd qtr 1925 as Leonard J BROCKLESBY; mother TOWELL, district of Rotherham
Possible (?) marriage in 2nd qtr 1948 of Leonard J BROCKLESBY to Doreen A HARRIS, (district Rother V) – would
this be Doreen Avis HARRIS?
Death of Len, or Avis not located.
If you can assist with corrections, further information, or photos, please make contact.
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Crew Ops (sourced from Squadron ORB) – note that this Pilot and crew held the record of having the second highest number of Ops for 462 Squadron in the UK – UTHER Crew 26 flew 39 Ops; MARCHANT and Crew 32 flew 38 Ops, HANCOCK and Crew 31 flew 37 Ops; COOKSON Crew 23 and ROBERTSON Crew 18 both flew 36 Ops; BYROM Crew 16 flew 35 Ops; TAYLOR Crew 12 flew 34 Ops. (Then JAMES at 31 Ops; and RATE and SHARP at 30 Ops each).
Pilot MARCHANT – 17 Sep 1944 – Op 1 as second Pilot with HICKEY Crew, MZ296 Z5-N; 1 of 13 Target Bolougne (sic, 1x
1000lb bomb hung up, and brought back; SANDERSON crew had early return, p/o eng u/s, jettisoned all bombs in sea).
25 Sep 1044 – first Op with complete and usual crew (Pilot MARCHANT, B/Aimer TATTERSALL, Nav O’DONOGHUE, W/OP
BLUNDELL, R/AG MANNELL, MU/AG SHARPE, F/Eng BROCKLESBY)
37 Ops with usual crew, to Op 21 at Driffield;
29 Dec 1944 – transferred with 462 Sqdn to Foulsham, in Halifax Z5-Y, as the complete crew.
Ops 22 – 38 at Foulsham – TOTAL 38 Ops
Crew members mostly carried out an extra Op each, probably so that they all completed their ‘tour’ at the same time.
Bomb Aimer TATTERSALL – 37 Ops with MARCHANT; his OP 22 with COOKSON Crew 23 06/01 as WINDOW dispenser; total
38 Ops
Navigator O’DONOGHUE – 36 Ops with MARCHANT; no other Ops on record
Substitute 27/09/1944 – Nav WORRALL – 1 Op (usually Nav for TRIGGS Crew 35, or HOURIGAN Crew 33 at Driffield).
Wireless Operator BLUNDELL – 37 Ops with MARCHANT; his Op 29 on night of 10/11 Feb 1945 with JAMES Crew 24 as WINDOW
Dispenser; total 38 Ops
Rear Gunner MANNELL – 21 Ops with MARCHANT; KIA on his Op 22 with ROHRLACH Crew 48 on 06/01/1945;
Substitute R/AG D WHITEHEAD – 13 Ops after loss of MANNELL at Foulsham (Usually R/AG for SHANNON Crew 1, or
FINLEY Crew 15 at Driffield; also as WINDOW Dispenser for 3 at Foulsham)
Substitute R/AG D B PATTERSON – 1 Op (R/AG and MU/AG for various crews at Driffield and Foulsham; also WINDOW
Dispenser for various crews at Foulsham)
Substitute R/AG J A NEWBOLD – 1 Op (Foulsham – mostly Crewed as WINDOW Dispenser (5), also once as a MU/AG.
Substitute R/AG T GODSALL – 1 Op (Driffield – MU/AG for SHANNON (5); COOKSON (2) and CARTHY (1); Foulsham –
MU/AG (BAILEY 2, DRINKWATER 1), but mostly as WINDOW Dispenser (11)).
Mid-Upper Gunner SHARPE – 35 Ops with MARCHANT; his Op 35 with Pilot COOKSON as WINDOW Dispenser; his Op 37 with
McGINDLE CREW 19 as WINDOW Dispenser; total 37 Ops
Substitute MU/AG R WILSON – 1 Op (flew with various crews as R/AG or MU/AG at Driffield and Foulsham; and
WINDOW Dispenser at Foulsham)
Substitute MU/AG D C H FARRINGTON – 1 Op (usually MU/AG for JACKSON Crew 14; also WINDOW Dispenser at
Foulsham)
Flight Engineer BROCKLESBY – 37 Ops with MARCHANT; Op 29 with BYROM Crew 16 on 11/02/45 as WINDOW Dispenser;
total 38 Ops
Following is a summary of this crew's Ops at Driffield with the usual crew of seven, for bombing, and Ops at Foulsham with a crew of eight, for Special Duties, WINDOW.
No Ops with any additional second Pilot for this crew
Op 2 – 25/09/44 Abandoned by Master Bomber 10/10 cloud; 3 x 100lb bombs jettisoned
Op 7 – 07/10/44 All diverted to Bungay on return due to bad weather, but received diversion order late, so MARCHANT's was only a/c
which safely returned direct to base Driffield.
Op 10 – 21/10/44 – Recalled – Bombs jettisoned in sea
Op 13 – 04/11/44 – Halifax LW440 , damage to hydraulics due to violent corkscrew during night fighter encounter, unable get flaps down,
landed safely away at Carnaby.
Also referred to in book "To See the Dawn Again" by Lax & Kane-Maguire, page 223-224 – quoted from TATTERSALL – LW440 – 04/11/1944; Fighter contact; corkscrew, damaged hydraulics unable
lower flaps so diverted to Carnaby, safe landing.
Op 23 – 07/01/45 – NP990 – early return, Nitrogen failure
Op 25 – 17/01/45 – NR284 – Q; early return, engine trouble; landed safely, overshot runway; aircraft bogged.
Op 38 – 22 March 1945 – One of 4 Pilots/Crews (as well as another 4 crews on 23 March); who were commended for
their “WINDOW Feint” (Spoof raids) on the Ruhr, Commendation from AOC 100 Group, Air Vice-Marshall E B ADDISON on 27 March
1945. (Ref NAA series A11385, “WINDOW Sorties” digital-page 02)…………
Also referred to in book "To See the Dawn Again" by Lax & Kane-Maguire, page 320 – 22/03/1945 MARCHANT crew SPOOF (1 of 4) praised by AOC 100 Group A/V.M ADDISON –
plus 4 other pilots and crews on 23/04/1945.
Crew Ops at Driffield from 04 Sep 1944 to 29 December 1944; and at Foulsham from 01 January 1945 to 22 Mar 1945
Times up and down in black are day flights, and times in red are night flights.
Target "Calais (1 of 14)" means 14 aircraft were tasked from 462 Squadron to the target of Le Havre, with MARCHANT's crew being one of those 14 (and so on for the other dates, some ops had two Targets and show a higher aircraft total).
There is some variation in the spelling of Target names in the original ORB.
Code for Op Type – B Bombing; SD Special Duties; SP Spoof; W WINDOW; F Flares; TI Target Indicators; I Incendiaries.
The Special Duties 8th crew member for dispensing WINDOW is named in the comments column.
This crew did not carry out any Ops using Special Equipment for Radio Counter Measures (RCM).
