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From the Guestbook (Date indicates Guestbook reference) Armstrong, Chester (Jun 11/07) Atwood, Gerard (Nov 18/07) Bickford, Peter W. (Dec 26/07) Bretherick, Hugh R. (Nov 20/08) Dyer, Roy T. (Sep 8/08) Edmison, Ken (Jul 24/08) Farrell, Francis (Apr 30/08) Interiano, Oswald (Apr 26/08) Keogh, Michael (Feb 25/08) Larson, Rodney Boyd (May 16/07) Letts, Albert "George" (Dec 10/07) Millar, Bob (Feb 23/07) Robinson, Charles (Jan 1/08) Silverwood, Henry (Mar 29/08) Strickland, Ronald S.(Feb 19/08) Teichman, Otto Roy(Oct 23/08) Warrington, Al (Sep 29/07) Wernham, Charlie (Jun 29/08) Johnston's friends and crew: Alldridge, A.C. Hall, Bill Hill, Don Hislop, Johnny Hooker, H.H. Hughes, Ted Janke, Howard Livingston, Bob Taylor, Dave Timms Other Captains of Aircraft maps (Sep 8/08) Halifax NA 567 (Jul 24/08) Lancaster ME 843 (LE-U) - relatives of the crew (Apr 1/08) Lion Squadron Passes (Jul 18/08) Woolfox Lodge airfield (Jul 23/07)
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Please read our Guestbook feedback below CommentsDecember 26, 2008 This is an excellent website - a great source of history. I am a freelance writer in Charleroi, PA (30 miles south of Pittsburgh) and I am writing a story about Peter W. Bickford. To that end, I would appreciate it if anyone with photos or additional recollections about Mr. Bickford would contact me at ronpaglia@verison.net Thank you for your time, and your consideration. Ron Paglia December 9, 2008 This is a great site, which I came across while looking for more information to add to a web site I have set up as a tribute to my later father, Wally Smith. He flew 51 ops with 463 and 12 Squadrons. Remarkably, he carried out 30 ops of his first tour in the same Lancaster ED995. Andy Smith December 8, 2008 A wonderful tribute to a very brave man, who made a difference both during and after the war. Reading his diary was a very humbling experience for this baby boomer. Stephen Jacobs December 3, 2008 While living in Pennsylvania, Peter Bickford worked as sports editor of The Daily Republican newspaper in Monongahela. My dad, Floyd M. France, was managing editor at the time. I was born years after the war, but my Dad spoke highly of Peter to me. Peter's parents, living in England, continued to write letters to my Dad for years after the war. I was just reading some of those letters from the 1950s today ... a web search on Peter brought me here. This is a wonderful website, and the "Diary Notes" section is very much appreciated. Jack France November 25, 2008 Regarding Max Williams' reply to my request Oct 6, thank you for the correction - you are right. Have you read the book, and if so, could you give me the details regarding his 99th and 100th shootdowns? My friend was in one of these planes shot down at Dusseldorf. Ron Richardson November 20, 2008 Would anyone remember Flight Sergeant Hugh Roberts Bretherick? He served with 582 Pathfinder Squadron, Lancaster 60-R, at Little Staughton, Lincs, England. P. Poost October 23, 2008 My father was Otto Roy Teichman (decceased). He was born on January or February 28th, 19?? and my family tells me he was a pilot in WW II. I am trying to find out any information about my father, who served our country as an RCAF pilot, so I can gain some closure, as his only son. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. Christopher Roy Teichman October 15, 2008 Well researched website and great information and photographs used. Well done to you. We are also researching and dedicating many pages to relatives and friends of WW II Aircrew - regardless of nationality. Be pleased to hear from anyone. Please contact us via our website: www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com Kelvin Youngs October 6, 2008 With reference to Ron Richardson's earlier comment about the tragic death of the Luftwaffe nightfighter ace Heinz Schnaufer, may I respectfully draw his attention to "Ace of Diamonds", the biography of Schnaufer by Peter Hinchliffe. In July 1950, Schnaufer was in the south of France on a wine-buying trip for the family business. He was driving his soft-top Mercedes with the top folded back. 20 kms south of Bordeaux he was approaching a cross-road, coming from his right was a Renault 22 lorry carrying 6 tonnes of empty gas cyclinders. The lorry failed to give way, and the two vehicles collided side on. Schnaufer was severely injured, bleeding profusely from a wound at the back of the head: it appears some of the gas cylinders were flung off the lorry and one of them struck Schnaufer. He was taken to hospital but never recovered consciousness, and died on 15th July. A very sad and untimely end for an amazingly brave, skilful and well-loved pilot. Max Williams September 28, 2008 Chester was my uncle, who was killed coming home from the Aachen raid on July 13, 1943. Only the captain got out, who was made a PoW, and eventually went home to Canada. I have been to the grave. My family still miss him. Brave souls one and all. Chester Armstrong September 8, 2008 The Curator of the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum at Manston in Kent has come across a Captains of Aircraft Map showing a raid on Duisburg. He would like to know any information about these maps - ie what was their main purpose, and were they in general use in Bomber Command? Also, one of our members, Roy T. Dyer, Master Navigator, served in Canada. Does anyone remember him? James Porter Secretary East Kent Aircrew Association August 22, 2008 The website was great in revealing information on P.O. S.A. Letts, who was the father of one of my oldest friends. Len Schutt August 7, 2008 Just came across your site tonight and think it's excellent. Very organized and easy to navigate. I'm working on a similar project - my great uncle was an RCAF pilot who flew with (fighter) 19 squadron, RAF, 1943-1945. Thanks. Jennifer M. July 27, 2008 Very interesting site. Re your question about ED: could it be the "6" is actually a "G" in the diary, making Engine Driven Generator a possibility? Allan Williams (Ed note: Took another look at the original diary, and while the "6" does look like a "6", it is possible that it's a "G"). July 26, 2008 I've enjoyed your site. It's very clearly laid out and easily navigated, besides being crammed with lots of fascinating information. I have a suggestion for port ED6. Perhaps one of the Engine Driven Pumps associated with the fuel system? One per engine, so not sure about the "6". Could it be a "P"? I've been researching the loss of lancaster ME 453 of 467 Squadron for 3 years. I have a small website (www.galgos.co.uk) which summarizes my work, though a more comprehensive one to do justice to the material collected is planned. Max Williams July 24, 2008 I have been doing a lot of research on Halifax bomber NA567, lost Oct 9/44 at Dusseldorf. They were 76 RAF Squadron located at Spaulding at Holme from Aug 12/44, until they were shot down on a raid to Bochum. The tail gunner, PO Ken Edmison, was a neighbour of mine when I was a boy and I played with his sons. I visited the gravesite of the crew at Kleeve Germany in Sept 2006. Via internet I found that the Luftwaffe night fighter pilot that shot them down at 20.32 hrs was Major Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer for his 30th victory. He survived the war to be their top night fighter ace, and got killed in 1947 in Germany while waiting for a train to pass a level crossing. A large tree being hauled by the train fell off onto his car and killed him. Ironic, eh? If anyone knew this rcew (pilot Al Wall), which lasted only 8 raids, or can add to this story, please do so. Ron Richardson July 18, 2008 I found a couple of Lion Squadron Passes mentioned in the diary. This is the only place on the web I've seen any reference. I'd love to know more about them if anyone has any information. Thanks. Scott Messick July 3, 2008 I am the son of WJ RLP Klufas. Thank you for providing this source of information. John Klufas June 29, 2008 My uncle, Charlie Wernham, was with 115 Squadron on the lancaster bomber in WW2. I'm looking for pictures of the crew of a list of names. Dave Hughes June 27, 2008 Would it be possible to get in touch with Ian Letts? My father's cousin, Sgt Keith Smith, was the navigator on KO-J on July 18, 1944. Thank you. Malcolm Smith June 12, 2008 Rodney Boyd Larson, Stalag Luft 3 POW is a relative of Eileen Joy Larson, daughter of Bernard and Annie Larson. Bernard and Arnold Larson (Rodney Boyd Larson's father) were brothers. Dennis Arnold Larson May 31, 2008 Just thought I would let you know that Buck Bennett lives in Brampton, Ontario. My dad, who was with 514 Squadron at Waterbeach met Buck in 2003 at a 514 Reunion at Mt Hope. Garth Ridley April 30, 2008 My grandfather, as far as I know, was a Lancaster Bomber pilot. I don't know a lot about what he did, or indeed if he actually flew the plane. I was wondering if anyone may have known him, or could provide me with any information about the role he played in serving our country during the Second World War. His name was Francis Farrell, and I believe he was posted to Northen Rhodesia to do his pilot training, and may have flown on the "Siegfried" mission. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thank you. David Farrell April 28, 2008 I have been reading a book about a Lancaster pilot in 1942, and have become completely caught up in his story. I was looking for information on Lancasters flown from airfields in England during the war, and came across your website by chance, and it's blown me away. It's been fascinating reading. Thank you so much. Suzanne Earl April 26, 2008 My father, Oswald Interiano, was a Lancaster pilot with 582 Squadron, based at Little Staughten. You can vew photos of him taken during his training days at http://cityofmesa.org/falcon_field/history/default.aspx. I was wondering if anyone remembers him or flew with him? If so, I would appreciate any information. Thank you. Manny Interiano April 1, 2008 Thank you very much for your interesting site. It reminds me of Lancaster ME 843 LE-U, that crashed about 1 mile from my house. There are still remains of this plane, even the sky blue paint is perfectly visible on the aluminum sheet. There are much more details obtained from witness who could see this plane in the German search lights, and saw it coming down after being shot by the German pilot. I am prepared to share this information with relatives of that crew. May they rest in peace. Jan Cuijpers March 30, 2008 Thanks for making this available to the public. My wife and I are serious history buffs. Thanks again! Dale R. Johnson March 29, 2008 Thanks so much for the wonderful, engaging site!! The comments on the left side are a great idea to help those of us who are "just wandering in". Very well done!! Thanks again for the very substantial time and effort that I know are hidden "behind the scenes" of your finished product! Scott MacAinsh March 15, 2008 Does anyone remember Henry Silverwood DFM 56185 from 582 Squadron? He was KIA August 29, 1944 in Lancaster PB202 at Alvandet, Denmark. All crew buried in Nor Vorrupor Cemetary. We are visiting the cemetary at the end of May 2008. Sandra Silverwood March 13, 2008 I am currently trying to find and visit the grave of my Great-Uncle Roland Stuart Strickland, who died on 14 November 1944 on active duty. My Grandmother (Lorna) when alive asked me to but there is some confusion on the spelling of his middle name (Stuart or Stewart). Neill - if this is the person you are looking for, I can provide any information on his decendants etc, and would appreciate any information you find on his service. Jill Riseley March 12, 2008 Thanks for the site. My Grandfather was F/O CM Clarey RAAF captain of "Popeye" Lanc 115 Sqn, that crashed July 20/21, 1944 in Papendrecht (mentioned in Johnston's diary on the 21st). My family and other families from the relatives of the Lanc went over in 2004 for the unveiling of the memorial in Holland where the Lanc went down killing all the crew. http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/ Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1078994314041 Doug Simpson February 25, 2008 I'm trying to find some information, photos or maybe hear from someone whose family member was in 100 squadron, and knew a young sergeant Michael Keogh (Air gunner), Service No 1586059, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who died age 19, on May 26, 1943. Son of Martin and Margaret Keogh, of Kilburn, Middlesex. This informaton is from the Jonkerbos War Cemetary website. I'm making a family scrapbook for my children, who are young adults, and would really love to add their great Uncle Michael to it! I feel it's very important for them to know how he and many others gave up their lives for us to live the way we do today!! Also, if you could send me or tell me where to go for information on what an Air Gunner's job was, so this can go in their books. Thank you so much! Kathy Keogh February 19, 2008 I would like any info on a Flight Sergeant Ronald Stuart Strickland R.A.A.F (430523). He was killed in action while serving with 115 Squadron. Thank you. Neil Harris January 1, 2008 My father Charles Robison was flying ops September 11, 1944 over Kamen, Germany. He was in the 514 Squadron stationed at Waterbeach. He was a Mid Upper Gunner and his plane was one of the three chops described under the operations section of this website. The plane was actually downed by friendly fire. The plane a Lancaster II, DS787 JI-G2. The crew: W/O R J Thornton (RNZAF) - killed. Sgt G F Good - POW. F/O P B Bailey - killed. Sgt G A Hubbard - killed. W/O J W Hall - killed. Sgt C L Robison RCAF - POW (commissioned F/O). F/S D R Burns - POW. My father is now deceased. So is Burns. His son Douglas and I have communicated via online. My father was a prisoner of war until April 1945 when he and two others got loose and met up with Patton's troops (U.S.). My dad told me that the pilot (Thornton) actually survived the crash but took his own life when captured. (This would have to be verified.) One chap did not make it out of the plane per my father. This could mean that my father's plane is the one described in Johnston's diary where they saw 6 chutes. If anyone knew my Dad (Charlie) please contact me through this website. Thank you. Judy Willoughby December 10, 2007 What a great site! I am the nephew of Sidney "George" Letts. I am trying to find out any more information of what he did prior to Operation Goodwood with 115 Squadron. Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to create this site. Ian Letts December 1, 2007 Very cool!! Great photos and amazing history, which is sometimes forgotten. Stephen Hazell November 18, 2007 My father was Gerard Attwood, who was a navigator with 115 Squadron. Having compared his log book with your site, dad's last 9 missions coincided with Bruce's first 9. Dad passed away three years ago at the age of 80, and would have loved to have seen your site and made contact. I just wish I had found the website sooner. Congratulations on creating a fine tribute. They were true heroes, and must never be forgotten. Paul Attwood October 29, 2007 I would like to congratulate you on a great website, well set out and easy to navigate. I have an interest in 115 Squadron in that I help out at the RAF Witchford Display of Memorabilia on Witchford airfield. This dispay has been put together and run by Barry Aldridge from Ely, and a great job he has done. It's a privilege to be involved with the museum. Glynne Howell October 22, 2007 Great site. It's always good to run across another site that pays tribute to our heroes, that through their sacrifice, provided for the freedoms that we still share today. Come visit comrade-at-arms over at www.aboutww2.info or www.provateletters.net. Always looking for personal stories, articles, photos, contributions of any sort. Lest they be forgotten. Michael Ketchum September 29, 2007 My dad was Al Warrington (Lucky) with the 415 Squadron Nov '44 to May '45. He was an air gunner. I have his diary logs, but would appreciate any other information anyone may have on him, at always53142@yahoo.com. Al Warrington September 13, 2007 I was just finishing reading "Bomber Crew" and came across this site. Very nice. And above all, nice to see the picture of Le Havre, from above. That's where my mom was born in 1940. My grandmother told us about those raids in 1944. Pierre Bouvier July 23, 2007 Came across the WWII Diary of Lancaster Pilot Bruce Johnston after entering in a google search for pictures of Woolfox Lodge airfield. Though I very much enjoyed reading Bruce Johnston's diary, if anyone has or knows of any war time and post war time pictures of Woolfox Lodge airfield, please contact me at te476@hotmail.co.uk. Thank you. Andrew Avenell July 12, 2007 Very interesting reading, especially the trip to Moerdijk, which took place on my 2nd birthday! I was born in Banbury, and would have been there at that time. Nice to know I was being looked after and defended by such dedicated and professional people. Thanks to all for what you all did. Jon Cross June 11, 2007 My uncle, same name, was the navigator on 115 Sqn Lancaster DS 660 & killed coming home from Aachen (July 14, 1943). Dad was on 100 Group Mossies same time. They all did their bit, didn't they? Chester Armstrong June 9, 2007 What a wonderful site and commemoration of your father. I am currently compiling my father's memoirs. He too was a Canadian serving with the RAF and was a Pathfinder pilot with 582 Squadron when he was shot down. He is still alive and well at 84 years of age. Your father's diary mentioned Peter Anaka, and I thought you would like to know that Peter and my father were Airforce buddies after the war, and in fact Peter introduced my mom and dad to each other. Thank you so much for sharing your father's story. Leslie (Trotter) Zwingli June 5, 2007 Just discovered this site, looks excellent, ready to be bookmarked, and am looking forward to reading the diaries. My wife's uncle was with 115 Squadron, and sadly was KIA on June 8th, 1944. Steve Western June 2, 2007 I am the great grandson of "George" Letts, who crashed on July 18, 1944. If anyone has more information on him, I would be interested to hear it. Andrew Kinton May 17, 2007 You have done a remarkable job in putting together all this information. It's very sad that your dad wasn't able to share his memories with you and others before he passed away, but it's amazing that you were able to meet up with my dad, Alex Campbell. Donna Campbell May 16, 2007 I am looking for any information regarding my grandfather. His name is Rodney Boyd Larson, a F/O (later promoted to Flight Lieutenant) in the RCAF (J5892), who served with RAF 115 Squardon B Squadron. His last mission was Aachen, Germany on the 14th of July 1943 aboard Avro Lancaster B.Mk II s/n DS660 and coded KO-P from East Wretham. He was shot down near the village of Metz-en-Couture. He was the only survivor and spent the next 22 months in Stalag Luft III. I would like to see if I can find out more about his crew, the missions he flew, and his time in Great Britain. He never talked much about the war or his experiences and passed away some years ago. I am a firefighter and see my share of tragedy, but to me my grandfather was a true hero, just like everyone else who fought for the freedom of future generations. If anyone has any information or suggestions where I can look, I would be greatly appreciative. You may contact me at tim@hoicustom.com. Tim Larson April 12, 2007 A fantastic site. Thank you and your father for giving us a glimpse of history. Bruce Wilson March 17, 2007 Great site, guys. Loved the diary information, it gave a real feel of what these brave young men went through for us. You must be very proud, and rightly so. Wayne Welford March 5, 2007 Excellent site and a wonderful resource for all we students of Bomber Command! I spent ages on it and will often revisit. Stuart Burbridge February 27, 2007 Congratulations. What a great tribute to your father and his air force colleagues. FYI, Flight Lieutenant Peter Bickford was a British citizen residing in the U.S. Wally Fydenchuk February 23, 2007 The diary was very interesting reading and a lovely memory of your father. 
Does anyone have any information or remember my father, F/O T. R. (Bob) Millar RAAF Observer /Bombaimer (photo at right).Trained in NSW Australia 1942-43. Arrived in Britain April 1943 (via USA & Canada) & trained in southern England & Scotland (West Freugh). Sent to Italy (Foggia base) with 104 Squadron RAF early 1944. In July 1944 seconded to 31 Squadron SAAF (Celone, Foggia, Italy) a Commonwealth sqdn, part of 205 group, where he became the Leading Sqdn Bombaimer .Took part in many missions including the Warsaw airlifts & supply dropping Yugoslavia. On 12th October 1944 his 31 SAAF Liberator, KH158, with 8 crew of 5 SAAF, 2 RAF,1 RAAF failed to return to base from a supply mission to Italian partisans, based ENE of Genoa. It disappeared & has never been found. If you have any information, please contact me at storm04@globalnet.co.uk. Thank you. Anne Storm February 19, 2007 This truly gives the feel of an airman’s life back then. My uncle, who overlapped Bruce’s time at Witchford by just under a week, left no account of his experience in the wartime RAF. The diary has let me expand the one-line entries on his service record into an understanding of what such as the Heavy Conversion Unit and Lancaster Finishing School really involved. I’m sure that the effort in making the diary available electronically will be appreciated by many others in years to come. Ian Duff February 17, 2007 I just visited your site and it is terrific, well done! You’ve done a great job. I wish your site existed a few years back. Do you know how long it took me to find out what AFU stood for? Matt Lecroix February 17, 2007 Great job on the website. It brought back lots of memories with the greatest pilot who ever flew! John Peardon (Editor’s note: as one of Johnston’s crew, John’s sentiments may be a bit biased, but we appreciate them) February 10, 2007 An absolutely fabulous diary and web page. A great reminder of the uncertainty of time as seen through the eyes of a young Canadian. It is really helpful having the notes on the left while reading the diary. I enjoyed the note about Cairo. I was there last month.... hasn't changed. Great job. Dan Graham February 8, 2007 Hey guys, nice job on the site. Looks great. Easy to navigate. Lots of great pictures! R. Melder
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