At the beginning of 1939 casualty administration within the Air Ministry formed one of the duties of S7(d), a branch of Secretarial Division S7. Although part of the Department of the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Air, S7 was allotted to the Department of the Air Member for Personnel (AMP) and responsibility for the functioning of this division and its constituent branches was therefore to an extent divided between the Permanent Under-Secretary (via the Principal Assistant Secretary (Personnel) and the First Deputy Under-Secretary of State) and the AMP.

Following the outbreak of war in September 1939, it was decided that a dedicated casualty branch should be formed, similar to that which had existed within the Air Ministry at the end of the First World War. On 16 October 1939 an Air Ministry Office Memorandum was circulated noting that approval had been granted for the transfer of those elements within S7(d) 'responsible for duties in connection with casualties' to a new branch designated P4(Cas). This new branch fell within the Directorate of Personal Services and as such was responsible solely to the AMP, via the Director of Personal Services. P4(Cas) was located initially in Adastral House, Kingsway and moved to 73-77 Oxford Street in late 1942.

The staff of P4(Cas) were called upon from the outset to undertake research into the whereabouts and fate of RAF personnel listed as missing. As the day-to-day work of this branch mounted, it was decided in 1941 that a 'Missing Research Section' should be created within P4(Cas) charged primarily with conducting these detailed and time-consuming investigations. Although all of the research undertaken prior to 1944 had to be conducted from London, the Allied liberation of Europe enabled search teams to operate in the field for the first time. The first of these, No 1 Missing Research Section was formed in Paris in December 1944. By March of the following year a 'RAF and Dominion Air Forces' Missing Research and Enquiry Service' (MRES) had been established 'for the purpose of research and enquiry, in liberated territories and those occupied by Allied forces, into the circumstances of air crews reported missing of whom no previous trace has been found. The service will also endeavour to obtain additional information to supplement that already received.'

During 1945 a total of eight Missing Research Sections were established across Western Europe. However, such was the scale of the task confronting the MRES that in July 1945 it was decided that this organisation should be greatly expanded. By April 1946 the eight Missing Research Sections had been replaced by four larger Missing Research and Enquiry Units (MREUs) covering Western and Central Europe. Subsequently, a fifth MREU was created in Italy to conduct investigations in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. Missing research activities were also conducted in the Far East.

Although the MREUs were attached for administrative purposes to RAF formations in the country or region in which they were to operate, the MRES remained under the direction of the Director of Personal Services and its work was coordinated by P4(Cas).

Following the disbandment of the MRES on 30 September 1949 the casualty branch continued to be responsible for all aspects of research into those still listed as missing and a small number of 'Missing Research and Enquiry Liaison Staffs' (MRELS) posts remained after this date.

On 19 August 1946 control of the casualty branch was transferred from the Directorate of Personal Services to S7 and P4(Cas) was redesignated S7(Cas). Although this would appear to have marked a reversion to the pre-war pattern of casualty administration, the Director of Personal Services continued to maintain an 'interest in the work of the Casualty Branch and of the Missing Research and Enquiry Sections abroad' and responsibility for this oversight function was vested in the Deputy Director of Personal Services (2). In March 1947 S7(Cas) relocated from 73/77 Oxford Street to 2 Seville Street, Knightsbride, SW1, and in the following month the branch switched from S7 to Secretarial Division S14, being redesignated S14(Cas) with effect from 28 April 1947. As part of a programme to transfer Air Ministry branches from Central London to the 'periphery' the personnel of S14(Cas) moved from Seville Street to the government offices at Stanmore in April 1949. Secretarial Divisions S7 and S14 were combined under the title S7 with effect from 1 February 1956 and as part of this reorganisation the responsibility for casualty administration was transferred to the RAF Officers Appointments and Record Office (OAR), the casualty branch now becoming AR9(Cas).

1939

 

AIR81/1601 Wellington I L4354 Pilot Officer R E C J Beeny: injured; Wellington L4354, 149 Squadron; aircraft accident, 21 October 1939.

 

1940

 

AIR81/1969 Wellington IC P9267 Flying Officer J P M Hewitt, Flying Officer H A Innes, Pilot Officer J D Hargreaves, Sergeant R M Nelson: killed; Flight Lieutenant J M Griffiths-Jones, Sergeant H Dean, Aircraftman L F Foster: injured; aircraft accident, Luce Bay, Wellington P9267, 149 Squadron, 4 April 1940. C16471235

AIR81/2266 Wellington IC P9289 Sergeant H W Price, Sergeant S A Hives: injured; Flying Officer G H Smith, Sergeant A E Turley, Sergeant J A Elliot, Sergeant H J C J Smith: uninjured; aircraft damaged by anti-aircraft fire, Wellington P9289, 149 Squadron, 20 June 1940. C16471376

AIR81/2579 Wellington IC P9244 Pilot Officer J G Miller, Pilot Officer J Body, Sergeant J J Scott, Sergeant R J Cocks, Sergeant J H Swift, Pilot Officer R E Houseman: killed, aircraft crash landed following return from operational flight, Mildenhall, Wellington P9244, 149 Squadron, 12 August 1940. C16471799

AIR81/2604 Wellington Ic R3280 Pilot Officer W D Allies, Sergeant W A J Herbert: injured; Sergeant W J Dalton, Sergeant R T Billett, Sergeant C W A Wells, Sergeant G E Moore: uninjured; aircraft accident, Baldock, Wellington R3280, 149 Squadron, 17 August 1940. C16471824

AIR81/2850 Wellington IC P9272 Flight Lieutenant P F R Vaillant, Flight Lieutenant M G Butt, Warrant Officer J Fender, Warrant Officer D H G Connolly, Warrant Officer R W Saywood, Warrant Officer L F Mabey: prisoners of war; shot down, baled out near Bremerhaven, Germany, Wellington P9272, 149 Squadron, 28 August 1940. C16472167

AIR81/3095 Wellington IC P9272 Sergeant E T Osborne: injured; Squadron Leader D A Kerr, Pilot Officer H Dalrymple-White, Sergeant V Graydon: uninjured; enemy action, Wellington P9272, 149 Squadron, 20 July 1940. C16472348

AIR81/3149 Wellington Ic R3175 Pilot Officer J F Leeds, Sergeant R A Jerritt, Sergeant S E Grant, Sergeant H G Gledhill, Sergeant W W Crooks, Sergeant A C Martin: missing believed killed; failed to return from operational flight over Boulogne, France, Wellington R3175, 149 Squadron, 9 September 1940. C16472511

AIR81/3294 Wellington IC T2459 Pilot Officer C R Barrett, Sergeant F W Brindley, Sergeant W T Hallam, Sergeant L C V Gray, Sergeant M Britchford: uninjured; Sergeant P N Howard; injured; enemy action, Wellington T2459, 149 Squadron, 16 September 1940. C16472469

AIR81/3337 Wellington Ic R3160 Pilot Officer G R M Ford, Sergeant W R Pope: killed; Pilot Officer J S Pay, Pilot Officer D R Tuppen, Pilot Officer D S Cox, Sergeant H Harrison: missing believed killed; lost at sea, Wellington R3160, 149 Squadron, 18 September 1940. C16687435

AIR81/3516 Wellington Ic R3164 Sergeant W T Hallam: killed; Pilot Officer A R Bjelke-Peterson, Sergeant K Holden, Sergeant A Botten, Sergeant A R Witton, Sergeant C M Laird: prisoners of war; failed to return from air operations over Germany, Wellington R3164, 149 Squadron, 28 September 1940. C16687614

AIR81/3669 Wellington I L7896 Sergeant J D Cross, Leading Aircraftman K Painter, Aircraftman G Pound, Leading Aircraftman K G Wheeler: killed; crash landed at RAF Honington on return from air operations over enemy territory, Wellington L7896, 149 Squadron, 7 October 1940. C16687767

AIR81/3711 Wellington IC P9273 Flying Officer R G Furness, Sergeant P T Catto, Sergeant F G R McDonald, Sergeant K M Davidson, Sergeant M P Reynolds, Sergeant K Shimells: missing believed killed; failed to return from operational flight over Germany, Wellington P9273, 149 Squadron, 10 October 1940. C16687809

AIR81/4265 Wellington I L7855 Sergeant P W Digby: injured; Pilot Officer C W Parish, Sergeant C L Houghton, Sergeant J Reardon, Sergeant C Ingleby, Sergeant R L Clarke: uninjured; aircraft accident, Wellington L7855, 149 Squadron, 17 November 1940. C16688363

AIR81/4272 Wellington IC N2774 Pilot Officer K J Hide, Sergeant G O Webster, Sergeant N E Vince, Sergeant A L Mitchell, Sergeant H W Third, Sergeant H Whitworth: killed; shot down and crashed at Glasow, Germany, Wellington N2774, 149 Squadron, 20 November 1940. C16688370

AIR81/4458 Wellington IC T2740 Sergeant A H Bell: injured; hit by friendly fire during forced landing, Wellington T2740, 149 Squadron, 24 October 1940. C16688556

AIR81/4572 Wellington Ic R1294 Sergeant R S W Lloyd, Sergeant D S Roberts, Sergeant C G Matthews, Aircraftman N T Cross, Aircraftman N Morton, Aircraftman F Henderson: killed; Aircraftman K H W Little: died of injuries; aircraft accident at Mildenhall, Suffolk; Wellington R1294, 149 Squadron, 16 December 1940. C16688670

AIR81/4594 Wellington IC P9268 Sergeant E White: injured; Sergeant J S Marr, Sergeant G J P Morhen, Sergeant E G Prettyman, Sergeant W G Marett, Sergeant C G Ward: uninjured; aircraft accident at Mildenhall, Suffolk; Wellington P9268, 149 Squadron, 17 December 1940.

 

1941

 

IR81/4837 Sergeant H B Pullen: injured; Pilot Officer B L Duigan, Sergeant J L G Westley, Pilot Officer R Maggs, Sergeant K C H Rawlings, Sergeant R P E Williams: uninjured; enemy action, Wellington T2737, 149 Squadron, 10 January 1941. C16688935

AIR81/4840 Wellington IC T2460 Sergeant H S D Goss: injured; Sergeant R Warren, Sergeant F Archer, Sergeant H Chapman, Sergeant A Riley, Sergeant R E Cook: uninjured; aircraft fired at by surface vessel in the Thames Estuary, Wellington T2460, 149 Squadron, 10 January 1941. C16688938

AIR81/4849 Wellington IC T2807 Sergeant R A Hodgson, Pilot Officer L K S Wilson, Sergeant L W Hatherly, Sergeant E E Harding, Sergeant J McAnally, Sergeant C F Pummery: prisoners of war, aircraft crashed off the shore of Venice, Wellington T2807, 149 Squadron, 13 January 1941. C16688947

AIR81/4953 Wellington IC N2769 Sergeant Osborne: injured; Pilot Officer W Gilmour, Pilot Officer Hall, Sergeant Palmer, Sergeant McCabe, Sergeant Wilkinson: uninjured; aircraft forced landing on return from operational flight over enemy territory, Wellington N2769, 149 Squadron, 30 January 1941. Note: Related files: 4952, 4964 C16689051

AIR81/5111 Wellington I L7811 Sergeant H G Pate: injured; Sergeant H G Turner, Sergeant B F Campbell, Sergeant J B McKnight, Sergeant D Piper, Sergeant G Rae: uninjured; crew baled out near Conksbury, Derbyshire, due to lack of fuel, Wellington L7811, 149 Squadron, 12 February 1941. Note: Related file: 5651 C16689209

AIR81/5114 Wellington 9247 Sergeant F F Early: killed; Sergeant J B McDonald, Sergeant R Warren: injured; aircraft crashed near RAF Digby on return from operational flight, Wellington 9247, 149 Squadron, 12 February 1941. Note: Related files: 4952, 4964 C16689212

AIR81/5203 Wellington Ic R1045 Flying Officer I S Henderson, Sergeant W P Jinks, Sergeant F May, Sergeant J Stewart, Sergeant W H MacLeod, Sergeant J P Redmond: missing believed killed; aircraft failed to return from operational flight over Boulogne, Wellington R1045, 149 Squadron, 22 February 1941. Note: Related file 5633 C16689301

AIR81/5518 Beaufort I N1159 Pilot Officer K E Platt: injured; Sergeant W Hall, Sergeant T G German, Sergeant D C Seymour, Sergeant J T Anderson: uninjured; aircraft crashed on return from operational flight, Wellington N1159, 149 Squadron, 20 March 1941. Note: Related file 5633 C16689616

AIR81/5655 Wellington Ic R1229 Sergeant G J P Morhen, Sergeant A G Sutherland, Sergeant J N W Jones, Sergeant H F Barnes, Sergeant P E Butler, Sergeant L R Guymer: injured; aircraft crashed on return from operational flight, Wellington R1229, 149 Squadron, 31 March 1941. C16689753

AIR81/5766 Wellington IC X3167 Sergeant J B C Jago, Pilot Officer J A Graham, Sergeant A W Rose, Sergeant A G Coster: killed; Sergeant P E M Mertens, Sergeant F M Jarrett: missing believed killed; aircraft hit by enemy anti aircraft fire at Kiel Canal Lock Gates, Germany, Wellington X3167, 149 Squadron, 9 April 1941. C16755064

AIR81/5831 Wellington IC T2897 Pilot Officer R R Morison, Sergeant J L G Westley, Sergeant E J Holland, Sergeant R Hutchinson, Sergeant W H Wilkinson: killed; Sergeant K C H Rawlings: prisoner of war; aircraft shot down and crashed at St Sever, Calvados, France, Wellington T2897, 149 Squadron, 13 April 1941. With photograph. C16755129

AIR81/5889 Wellington Ic R1439 Sergeant P R B Meynell, Sergeant R C Payne, Sergeant H W Patten, Sergeant T E Evans, Sergeant L G Gillam, Sergeant A G Humphries: killed; aircraft shot down and crashed at Kiel Holtenau, Germany, Wellington R1439, 149 Squadron, 16 April 1941. With photographs. C16755187

AIR81/5916 Wellington IC P9248 Pilot Officer K E Platt, Sergeant T C C Clifton, Sergeant K E Peel, Sergeant E E Alnatt, Sergeant H S Walters, Sergeant J A Wood: missing believed killed; aircraft failed to return from operational flight over Cologne, Germany, Wellington P9248, 149 Squadron, 18 April 1941. C16755214

AIR81/6094 Wellington Ic R1343 Sergeant W Orange: injured; Squadron Leader L V James: uninjured; enemy action, Wellington R1343, 149 Squadron, 27 April 1941. C16755392

AIR81/6225 Wellington IC T2899 Sergeant A A Wood: died of injuries; aircraft hit by anti aircraft fire during operational flight over Brest, France, Wellington T2899, 149 Squadron, 3 May 1941. C16755523

AIR81/6338 Wellington Ic R1506 Sergeant C R Burch, Pilot Officer D Martin, Sergeant W G H Dauncey, Sergeant J A Keates: killed; Sergeant D Westmacott, Sergeant G D K Jones: prisoners of war, aircraft shot down over Wilhelmshaven, Wellington R1506, 149 Squadron, 9 May 1941. C16755636

AIR81/6373 Wellington Ic R1512 Sergeant T C Pugh, Sergeant J G Keymer, Pilot Officer G R N Adams, Sergeant L G Sutherland, Sergeant F C Ockenden, Sergeant T N Menage: missing believed killed; aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Hamburg Germany, Wellington R1512, 149 Squadron, 10 May 1941. C16755671

AIR81/6496 Wellington Ic R1587 Squadron Leader A W J Clark, Pilot Officer G H Cotton, Sergeant C E Bushford, Sergeant R A Petter, Sergeant A Pepper, Sergeant G D Gray: killed; mid air collision with Hurricane V7225, Wellington R1587, 149 Squadron, 17 May 1941. C16755794

AIR81/6842 Wellington W5439 Sergeant G A Johnston (RNZAF), Sergeant T E Schofield (RNZAF), Sergeant W Harrison, Sergeant C Morgan, Flight Sergeant M T Kenny, Flight Sergeant V G I Anderson: prisoners of war; forced landing near Berhaven Holland, Wellington W5439, 149 Squadron, 12 June 1941. With photographs. C16756139

AIR81/7009 Wellington IC N2783 Sergeant I Sinclair (RAAF): injured; Sergeant H Kimpton, Sergeant C Young, Sergeant C Ironside, Sergeant R G Fraser, Sergeant W Graham: uninjured; aircraft crashed on return from operational flight near Chivenor, Wellington N2783, 149 Squadron, 19 June 1941. C16756306

AIR81/7298 Wellington Ic R1408 Pilot Officer J E Horsfield, Sergeant B D J Kennedy (RNZAF), Pilot Officer G F Burbridge, Sergeant F T Kearney, Sergeant J C Robertson, Pilot Officer J F Philpott: killed; aircraft crashed at Plouzane near Brest, France, Wellington R1408, 149 Squadron, 1 July 1941. With photographs. C16756595

AIR81/7318 Wellington Ic R1343 Pilot Officer S L St Vincent-Welch (RAAF), Sergeant W M Symmons (RAAF), Sergeant W J Megran, Sergeant R H Crafts (RCAF), Sergeant C C Reidmuller, Sergeant A R J Harrison: killed; aircraft shot down and crashed at Berchtesgaden, Germany, Wellington R1343, 149 Squadron, 2 July 1941. C16756615

AIR81/7620 Wellington IC T2737 Pilot Officer P L Dixon (RAAF), Sergeant M E Adams, Sergeant J N Grace (RNZAF), Sergeant A Lawson, Sergeant F W Price, Sergeant F J Woods: prisoners of war; aircraft crashed at sea off coast of Holland, Wellington T2737, 149 Squadron, 15 July 1941. C16756917

AIR81/7678 Wellington IC N2853 Sergeant P Gibbins: killed; Sergeant D C Stewart (RNZAF), Sergeant H F Jordan, Sergeant J R Main, Sergeant J M Dixon (RCAF): injured; aircraft crashed at Cockfield, Suffolk, Wellington N2853, 149 Squadron, 18 July 1941. C16756975

AIR81/8101 Wellington Ic R1524 Sergeant E A R Thompson, Sergeant F D Fowler, Sergeant H Hale (RCAF), Sergeant B A J Richardson, Sergeant V Scholey, Sergeant S Morris: killed; aircraft shot down and crashed at Fouron St Martin, Belgium, Wellington R1524, 149 Squadron, 5 August 1941. C16757398

AIR81/8116 Wellington IC X9633 Sergeant J T Farmer, Sergeant F S Ellis, Sergeant D E G Denier (RAAF), Sergeant A Yoxall, Sergeant G Lickley, Sergeant V B Quinlan (RCAF): killed; aircraft shot down and crashed at Thorembais St Trond, Belgium, Wellington X9633, 149 Squadron, 7 August 1941. With photographs. C16757413

AIR81/8260 Wellington Ic R1024 Pilot Officer F H Beemer (RCAF), Pilot Officer F W J Scott (RCAF): killed; Sergeant P E H Dangerfield, Sergeant C F Young, Sergeant J R Littlefield, Sergeant E W Hall: missing believed killed; aircraft failed to return from operational flight over Hanover, Germany, Wellington R1024, 149 Squadron, 13 August 1941. C16757557

AIR81/8276 Wellington IC T2716 Sergeant G Morris (RCAF), Sergeant A N Hampson: killed; Pilot Officer D P Fox: injured; Sergeant G H R Woodhouse, Flight Sergeant D E Batten, Sergeant A Jones: uninjured; aircraft crashed at Elvedon near Thetford on return from operational flight over Hannover, Germany, Wellington T2716, 149 Squadron, 13 August 1941. C16757573

AIR81/8410 Wellington Z8795 Sergeant J Montgomery: injured; enemy action, aerial combat over Holland, Wellington Z8795, 149 Squadron, 19 August 1941. C16924252

AIR81/8412 Wellington IC X9746 Sergeant H P Reed, Pilot Officer F H Raffaelli: injured; Pilot Officer L C Gregory, Flight Sergeant J T Beach, Sergeant K W Beckett, Sergeant W Billington: uninjured; enemy action over target, aerial combat, Wellington X9746, 149 Squadron, 19 August 1941. C16924254

AIR81/8423 Wellington IC X9704 Pilot Officer J C Lynn, Pilot Officer M I A Mendoza: killed; Pilot Officer R R Henderson (RCAF), Sergeant W J R Culpan (RNZAF), Sergeant K K Sterrett, Sergeant C G Jones: prisoners of war; aircraft shot down and crashed at Haelen, Holland, Wellington X9704, 149 Squadron, 18 August 1941. C16924265

AIR81/8901 Wellington IC X9705 Sergeant G W Fenton, Sergeant W R Malkemus (RCAF), Sergeant M M Keswick (RCAF), Sergeant S D Chamberlain, Sergeant E C Hatton, Sergeant J M Dixon (RCAF): killed; aircraft shot down and crashed near Luenten, Ammeloe, Germany, Wellington X9705,149 Squadron, 7 September 1941. C16924743

AIR81/8995 Wellington IC X9879 Flight Sergeant D W Bennett (RCAF), Sergeant D Wyatt, Sergeant D G Willis, Sergeant I P Graham (RCAF), Sergeant P M Wakefield, Sergeant R H Kenvin: killed; aircraft shot down and crashed near Kaltenhof, Kiel, Germany, Wellington X9879, 149 Squadron, 12 September 1941. With photographs. C16924837

AIR81/9738 Wellington Z8795 Pilot Officer O W Brubacker, Sergeant L E Scantlebury: killed; Pilot Officer A C L Hodge, Sergeant J Johnston, Sergeant J W Horrocks, Sergeant F L Capstick: missing believed killed; aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Antwerp, Wellington Z8795, 149 Squadron, 21 October 1941. With photographs. C16997985

AIR81/10149 Wellington IC X9878 Pilot Officer H R Crowe (RCAF), Sergeant A C A Davis, Sergeant S W Dane, Sergeant P I Leeman, Sergeant J C Pengelly: killed; Sergeant F Jenkinson: prisoner of war; aircraft failed to return from an operational flight to Berlin, Wellington X9878, 149 Squadron, 7 November 1941. C16998396

AIR81/10315 Wellington Ic R1627 Sergeant J K Moss, Sergeant R V Bawden, Sergeant C Northcott, Sergeant R Bramhall, Sergeant B Ferguson, Sergeant J E King: missing believed killed; aircraft failed to return from an operational flight to Emden, Germany, Wellington R1627, 149 Squadron, 15 November 1941. C16998562

AIR81/10505 Hampden I AD759 Sergeant R F Hough, Sergeant G E Smith: killed; aircraft accident at Scamblesby, Hampden AD759, 149 Squadron, 25 November 1941. C17058234

 

1942

 

AIR81/11529 Stirling B6122 Sergeant E W Bickers: injured; Stirling B6122, 149 Squadron; aircraft hit by enemy anti aircraft fire over Brest Harbour, France, 10 January 1942. C17059258

AIR81/11602 Stirling I W7461 Sergeant D A Townsend: injured; Pilot Officer W G Barnes, Sergeant D A Baker, Sergeant C Dellow, Sergeant R C Cook, SergeantL C Collins, Sergeant R F Heron: uninjured; Stirling W7461, 149 Squadron; aircraft crashed on return from operational flight near South Anston, 16 January 1942. C17059331

AIR81/12621 Stirling I R9295 Flight Lieutenant L W Coleman, Pilot Officer C L Pilkington, Sergeant D A Graham, Sergeant J Millichip, Sergeant L Kowalsky (RCAF), Sergeant R A Shea: killed; Sergeant G H Harris: injured; Stirling R9295, 149 Squadron; aircraft crashed at RAF Mildenhall on return from an operational flight over Essen, Germany, 11 March 1942. C17083371

AIR81/13339 Stirling I N6126 Pilot Officer L W Bailey, Sergeant R W Hunt, Sergeant G R Williams, Sergeant T J Sherriff, Sergeant G B Daines, Sergeant S L Smart, Sergeant D E Jordan: killed; Sergeant D H Munro: prisoner of war; Stirling N6126, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Essen, Germany, 10 March 1942. With wax seal attached to an envelope. C17205976

AIR81/13715 Stirling I W7512 Pilot Officer P C Budd (RCAF), Sergeant A Pope, Sergeant A J V Holman, Sergeant C H Johnston, Pilot Officer J H Thomson (RCAF): killed; Flight Sergeant H F Jordan, Sergeant J D Burnley, Sergeant G Baker: missing believed killed; Stirling W7512, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Rostock, Germany, 27 April 1942. With photographs. C17206352

AIR81/13718 Stirling I N6081 Sergeant J W Mackie: injured; Stirling N6081,149 Squadron, aircraft caught in heavy flak barrage returning from operational flight over Rostock, Germany, 27 April 1942. C17206355

AIR81/13721 Stirling I W7510 Sergeant P R Trevayne, Sergeant C H Goodwin: injured; Stirling W7510,149 Squadron, aircraft attacked by an enemy fighter returning from an Operational flight over Rostock, Germany, 27 April 1942. C17206358

AIR81/13809 Stirling I N6068 Pilot Officer M L Field, Pilot Officer A L Ellis (RNZAF), Sergeant Brunsdon P S, Sergeant C Moynes, Sergeant N G Hutson, Sergeant G V Phillips, Sergeant S Briggs, Sergeant E A Kirk: killed; Stirling N6068, 149 Squadron, aircraft shot down by flak near Ostende, Belgium, during operational flight over Dortmund, Germany, 16 April 1942. C17206446

AIR81/14034 Stirling I N6124 Pilot Officer A F Cheetham, Pilot Officer K W B Moodie (RCAF), Sergeant F B Pomeroy, Flight Sergeant F D Jago, Flight Sergent V Carriline, Flight Sergeant J A Shaw, Sergeant B E Smith: killed; Stirling N6124, 149 Squadron, aircraft crashed at Agincourt, France during an operational flight to Stuttgart, Germany, 5 May 1942. C17206671

AIR81/14345 Stirling I R9320 Flight Sergeant J H N Wooton, Sergeant G J V Lock: missing believed killed; Flight Sergeant G H Woodhouse, Sergeant G D Anderson, Sergeant R J Nason, Sergeant R H P Waite, Sergeant G Grant: prisoners of war; Stirling R9320, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from mining operations over the Baltic sea, 18 May 1942. C17206982

AIR81/14346 Stirling I N3752 Sergeant M A Battle, Sergeant A Laurison, Sergeant J A Jerman, Sergeant J Sloane, Sergeant A T Lewis, Sergeant F Hoyland, Sergeant S Butcher (RNZAF): prisoners of war; Stirling N3752, 149 Squadron, aircraft crashed at Aabenraa, Denmark during an operational flight over occupied territory, 17 May 1942. C17206983

AIR81/14366 Stirling I R9310 Pilot Officer G W Coldwell (RCAF), Sergeant A H Smith, Sergeant J H Baillie, Sergeant W Collins, Pilot Officer R P Gent: killed; Pilot Officer A J Frost, Sergeant J Currie: missing believed killed; Stirling R9310, 149 Squadron, aircraft shot down and crashed off the Danish coastline, 18 May 1942. With photographs. C17207003

AIR81/14918 Stirling I W7508 Pilot Officer P L Clayton, Sergeant J H Mouat, Pilot Officer D M P Jones, Sergeant T A George, Sergeant J F Gwyther, Sergeant M J Kelleher: killed; Sergeant D J Poynter: prisoner of war; Sergeant B F Goldsmith: evaded capture; Stirling W7508, 149 Squadron, enemy action, aircraft shot down and crashed near Beauvechain, Belgium during an operational flight over Essen, Germany, 6 June 1942. With photographs. C17386417

AIR81/14923 Wellington R1531 Sergeant K Roderick: killed; Flight Sergeant E V Whitney, Sergeant B G Cheek, Flight Sergeant E J Jones, Sergeant W L Martin, Sergeant R Shields: missing now safe; Stirling R9314, 149 Squadron, enemy action, aircraft collided with a Wellington bomber and force landed at sea during an operational flight over Essen, Germany, 6 June 1942. C17386422

AIR81/14925 Stirling I R9321 Squadron Leader R B Harris, Sergeant J Parris, Sergeant F D Lindsay (RCAF), Sergeant S D England, Sergeant N Kortright, Sergeant J S Flockhart, Sergeant J Easting: killed; Stirling R9321, 149 Squadron, enemy action, aircraft shot down and crashed near Duisberg-Wannheimerort, Germany during an operational flight over Essen, Germany, 6 June 1942. C17386424

AIR81/15461 Stirling I N3755 Sergeant R C Cook (RAAF): injured; Stirling N3755, 149 Squadron, wounded by enemy shrapnel, remaining crew uninjured, Lakenheath aerodrome, 17 June 1942. C17386960

AIR81/15602 Stirling I N6084 Pilot Officer E A Phillips, Pilot Officer V W J Mansell (RAAF), Flight Sergeant H L Davis, Sergeant E F W Booth, Sergeant E Ward, Sergeant N Peake, Sergeant T Whittle: killed; Stirling N6084, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Essen, Germany, 9 June 1942. C17477805

AIR81/15867 Stirling BF310 Pilot Officer C W Simmons (RCAF), Flying Officer K White (RCAF), Sergeant L Lloyd, Sergeant W E Thomas, Sergeant R E Barr, Sergeant F Squires, Sergeant W C Scarlett: killed; Stirling BF 310, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Bremen, Germany, 30 June 1942. C17478070

AIR81/15892 Stirling I N6082 Sergeant L C Collins (RAAF): prisoner of war; Flight Lieutenant W G Barnes, Pilot Officer C W Dellow, Squadron Leader G W Alexander, Sergeant L Shearer, Flight Sergeant L Wiltshire, Sergeant P F Hickley, Sergeant R Gallagher: killed; Stirling N6082, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Bremen, Germany, 30 June 1942. C17478095

AIR81/16169 Stirling A312 Pilot Officer J M P Forward, Pilot Officer A W Mace (RAAF), Sergeant J B Locke (RCAF), Pilot Officer F J Austin, Sergeant C Turner, Sergeant G S Burnett: prisoners of war; Sergeant C T Shepherd, Sergeant H E Duckworth: missing believed killed; Stirling A312, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Lubeck, Germany, 16 July 1942. C17478372

AIR81/16254 Stirling I R9142 Sergeant A E Hill: injured; Stirling R9142, 149 Squadron, aircraft accident Lakenheath aerodrome, 17 August 1942. C17478457

AIR81/16497 Stirling I W7572 Flight Sergeant V S Wood: injured; Stirling W7572, 149 Squadron, engaged by enemy aircraft during an operational flight over Bremen, Germany 03 July 1942. C17478700

AIR81/16580 Stirling I W7580 Flying Officer A J L Bowes, Sergeant D Morris, Sergeant G Blatherwick, Sergeant E C Isted, Sergeant N Acton, Sergeant E H Boumphrey, Pilot Officer P H Basson: missing believed killed; Stirling W7580, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Duisburg, Germany, 24 July 1942. C17478783

AIR81/16766 Stirling I R9161 Pilot Officer F G Neate, Pilot Officer R Graham (RCAF), Sergeant J T Avedisian (RCAF), Sergeant A Allsopp, Sergeant E J Leblanc (RCAF), Sergeant H W Sampson (RNZAF): missing believed killed; Flight Sergeant C W Hazell: prisoner of war; Stirling R9161, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from operational flight over Saarbrucken, Germany, 30 July 1942. C17478969

AIR81/16938 Stirling I BF320 Pilot Officer T M F Hulse, Flight Sergeant G K Sutherland (RCAF), Flight Sergeant W V Pickering (RCAF), Sergeant R B Kendall, Sergeant G Martins, Sergeant C R Spratt (RCAF), Sergeant R G P Capham, Sergeant E J Buckton: missing believed killed; Stirling BF320, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from operational flight over Saarbrucken, Germany, 30 July 1942. C17479141

AIR81/17158 Stirling I R9329 Sergeant G E Robertson, Sergeant D H Harris, Sergeant F S Clarke, Sergeant D R Simpson, Sergeant L H Nicholson, Sergeant C J Bond, Sergeant P E J Jenkins: killed; Stirling R9329 149 Squadron, aircraft crashed returning from an operational flight over Gironde Estuary, France, 21 August 1942. C17479361

AIR81/17199 Stirling I R9162 Sergeant C W S Oliver (RAAF), Sergeant L R Sims, Sergeant G Smith (RCAF), Sergeant J H Storey, Sergeant N P Gregson, Pilot Officer W C Sutton, Sergeant W H Streater: missing believed killed; Stirling R9162, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over the Baltic, 11 August 1942. C17479402

AIR81/17366 Stirling I W7572 Sergeant J B Downing, Flight Sergeant V S Wood: prisoners of war; Sergeant D A Baker, Sergeant F J Berthelson (RNZAF), Sergeant H Williams, Sergeant G Robinson, Sergeant T J Jenkins: missing now safe; Stirling W7562, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight, 25 August 1942. C17479569

AIR81/17403 Stirling N6081 Wing Commander C Charlton Jones, Sergeant J W Gray, Sergeant E D Butler, Flying Officer C D Dobson, Sergeant T Hickman, Sergeant D McNamee: killed; Warrant Officer C Steele, Warrant Officer W Hughes: prisoner of war; Stirling N 6081,149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Mannheim, Germany, 29 August 1942. C17479606

AIR81/17507 Stirling N6083 Pilot Officer E P Wynn (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant D A Pebworth, Sergeant R L Raphael, Flight Sergeant A N Charlton, Sergeant W Green, Flight Sergeant S Martin, Pilot Officer J A Trotter (RAAF): killed; Stirling N6083, 149 Squadron, aircraft accident, Lakenheath, Suffolk, 24 August 1942. C17685097

AIR81/17935 Stirling BF334 Sergeant A J Ottaway, Sergeant R Spencer: missing believed killed, Sergeant F H King: killed, Sergeant J Philip, Sergeant L V Fossleitner, Sergeank G K Reardon (RCAF), Sergeant I G Davies: injured, Stirling BF334, 149 Squadron, returning from an operational flight over Munich, aircraft made a forced landing at sea 4 miles north of Margate, Kent, 20 September 1942. C17685525

AIR81/18010 Sergeant A Potts, Sergeant A Yates, Sergeant G E Martin (RNZAF), Sergeant J M Wallace, Sergeant F Roberts, Sergeant J Lumsdeh (RNZAF), Sergeant Swindlehurst (RNZAF): killed, Stirling R9170, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Dusseldorf, Germany, 10 September 1942. C17926623

AIR81/18286 Stirling R9164 Sergeant R A Russelll, Sergeant M J Kynaston, Sergeant J A Waterman, Sergeant W Walker, Sergeant J Collumbell, Sergeant E D Booty, Sergeant A C Rault: killed; Stirling R9164, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Essen, Germany, 17 September 1942. C17926899

AIR81/18495 Stirling BF328 Flight Sergeant S D Wells (RNZAF): killed; Sergeant M H Elliott (RNZAF), Sergeant E H C Phillips, Sergeant L J Tighe (RCAF), Sergeant R B L Flint, Sergeant E G Souter, Flight Sergeant G F McHugh (RCAF): missing believed killed; Stirling BF328, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over the Friesian Islands, 30 September 1942. C17927108

AIR81/18523 Stirling R9167 Squadron Leader W R Greenslade, Sergeant E L Moore, Sergeant B F Goldsmith, Sergeant M K Smith, Sergeant F L Hughes, Flight Sergeant W Orange, Sergeant R F McIntyre (RCAF): killed; Stirling R9167, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Krefeld, Germany, 2 October 1942. C17927136

AIR81/18614 Stirling N3755 Pilot Officer R Lonsdale: killed; remaining crew members uninjured; Stirling N3755, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Aachen Germany, 6 October 1942. C17927227

AIR81/18687 Stirling BF348 Sergeant L J Warren (RNZAF), Sergeant H C Whitwell (RNZAF), Sergeant K G McKenzie (RNZAF), Flight Sergeant H J Hart, Sergeant A W Corker, Sergeant R I F Connelly (RNZAF): killed; Sergeant H R Battrick: injured; Stirling BF348, 149 Squadron, 10 October 1942. C17927300

AIR81/19042 Stirling W7526 Sergeant J C Brockett (RNZAF), Sergeant R G Blair (RCAF), Sergeant F W O'Sullivan (RNZAF), Sergeant T C B Pike (RNZAF), Sergeant J Denny, Sergeant M J Howe, Sergeant T B Bywaters: killed; Stirling W7526, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Cologne, Germany, 15 October 1942. C17927655

AIR81/19184 Stirling BF389 Sergeant C Hill: injured; Stirling BF389, 149 Squadron, aircraft accident, Lakenheath aerodrome, Suffolk, 27 October 1942. C17927797

AIR81/19839 Stirling W7566 Sergeant C R McMullin (RCAF), Sergeant H Carter: killed; Sergeant W R St Georges Fairfield, Sergeant K S Gunning (RCAF), Sergeant T H Short (RCAF), Sergeant B D Allen, Sergeant T A West: missing believed killed; Stirling W7566, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight, 16 November 1942. C17928452

AIR81/19853 Stirling W7682 Sergeant AA Siwak (RCAF), Pilot Officer F K Randall, Sergeant D J Bowden, Sergeant R A Blake, Sergeant E E C Holmes, Sergeant S F Taylor, Sergeant L J Barnard (RCAF): killed; Stirling W7682, 149 Squadron, aircraft crashed returning from an operational flight over enemy territory, near Gravesend, Kent, 24 October 1942. C17928466

AIR81/20126 Stirling R9201 Sergeant A T Carter, Sergeant N A McLeod, Flight Sergeant V T Bowie (RNZAF), Sergeant W M Wright (RCAF), Flight Sergeant P M Everson, Sergeant C Smith, Sergeant L H Smith, Sergeant G N Beames: killed; Stirling R9201, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Milan, Italy, 30 November 1942. C18044993

AIR81/20155 Stirling BF372 Flight Sergeant R H Middleton VC (RAAF), Sergeant J E Jeffrey, Sergeant J W Mackie: killed; Flight Sergeant L A Hyder: injured; Pilot Officer N E Skinner, Flight Sergeant D Cameron, Sergeant H W Gough, Pilot Officer G R Royde: uninjured; Stirling BF372, 149 Squadron, aircraft hit by flak during operational flight over Turin, Italy, 29 November 1942. C18045022

AIR81/20322 Stirling BF391 Flying Officer M H Good, Flight Sergeant P H Murray, Sergeant J A Clough, Sergeant L P J French, Sergeant C R Long, Sergeant W T Taylor, Sergeant H T Williams: killed; Stirling BF391, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from a sea mining operation in the Baltic Sea, 8 December 1942. C18045189

AIR81/20336 Stirling W7639 Pilot Officer J Philp, Flight Sergeant G E Hills, Pilot Officer C W Higgins, Flight Sergeant T H Harris, Sergeant W S Hughes, Sergeant F Craven, Flight Sergeant T G Williams: killed; Stirling W7639, 149 Squadron, aircraft accident returning from a sea mining operation in the Baltic Sea, 8 December 1942. C18045203

AIR81/20443 Sergeant D McAleese: killed; Flying Officer L T Izzard, Sergeant R H Williams, Flight Sergeant S H Hopkinson, Sergeant J L Strachan, Sergeant F H Watt, SergeantP W Ditchburn, Sergeant W Osborn: missing believed killed; Stirling R9253, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight, 8 December 1942. With artefacts. C18307220

AIR81/20773 Stirling N3723 Sergeant L Jones, Pilot Officer L J Keating: injured; Flight Sergeant F H J Ashley, Sergeant D G Detaris, Sergeant W E C Morris (RCAF), Sergeant J Mackie, Sergeant J E Woolnough, Sergeant P R Trevayne: uninjured; Stirling N3723, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight, enemy action, Ascot Racecourse, Windsor, 7 December 1942. C18306318

AIR81/22452 Beaufort 1005 Aircraftman C W Tucker: injured; 1 RCAF killed, 2 RCAF injured; Beaufort 1005, 149 Squadron, aircraft accident on take-off, Patricia Bay, British Colombia, Canada, 2 December 1942. C18414377

AIR81/22481 Stirling R9265 Flying Officer E A R Hunt, Flight Sergeant G E Tait (RNZAF), Sergeant J F Alpe (RNZAF), Sergeant I N T McNaughton (RNZAF), Sergeant L E Neary, Sergeant G W Williams, Sergeant R McAulay, Sergeant H S Taylor: killed; Stirling R9265, 149 Squadron, aircraft accident, near Gransden, Bedfordshire, 19 December 1942. C18414406

 

1943

( The National Archives have not released the vast majority of the documents for 1943 at the time of writing.

 

AIR81/20639 Stirling R9334 Sergeant T Whitelock: killed; Sergeant J L Blair (RNZAF), Sergeant F Giacamelli (RCAF), Sergeant W F Johnson, Sergeant J C Barker (RCAF): injured; Sergeant R Zambra, Sergeant W H Clayton: uninjured; Stirling R9334, 149 Squadron, aircraft accident, Lakenheath, Suffolk, 3 January 1943. C18307416

AIR81/21777 Stirling W7638 Sergeant W A Summerson, Flight Sergeant J G Gow (RNZAF), Sergeant P T C Oldham: killed; Flight Sergeant C Loughlin (RCAF), Sergeant V W Tulley (RNZAF), Sergeant G S S Reynolds (RNZAF), Sergeant J Brigden: prisoners of war; Stirling W7638, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight, Bergen, Holland, 14 February 1943. C18413702

AIR81/21782 Stirling R9143 Sergeant G V Hancock, Flying Officer D McNarey (RNZAF), Flight Sergeant W L Harvey (RNZAF): injured; Flying Officer L J Drummond (RNZAF), Flying Officer G A Patrick (RNZAF), Sergeant G W Morris, Sergeant Craw (RNZAF), Sergeant H Henry: uninjured; Stirling R9143, 149 Squadron, aircraft damaged during an operational flight, enemy action, RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, 16 February 1943. C18413707

AIR81/22119 Stirling BK692 Flight Lieutenantenant R E Richman, Sergeant D A Crofts, Sergeant R A Nunn: killed; Pilot Officer R J Taylor, Sergeant N Thornley, Sergeant D R Clayton, Sergeant H J Gillingham (Newfoundland): prisoners of war; Sergeant R H Hale: evaded then captured; Stirling BK692, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight, enemy action, Dieppe, France, 2 March 1943. C18414044

AIR81/22812 Stirling EF343 Flying Officer T C Timney, Flight Sergeant R F Whitaker, Sergeant J J O'Neill, Sergeant C W E Leach, Flight Lieutenant W E Davey, Sergeant G J C Hall, Sergeant D R Higgs, Flight Sergeant E H Finch (RAAF): killed; Stirling EF343, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight, enemy action, near Hommerts, Netherlands, 5 May 1943. With photographs and newspaper clipping. C19179474

AIR81/22828 Stirling BK969 Flight Sergeant N K Sunderland (RCAF), Flight Sergeant F Giacomelli (RCAF), Sergeant A G Davison, Sergeant R Zambra: injured; Pilot Officer J L Blair (RNZAF), Sergeant W F Johnson, Sergeant J C Barker (RCAF): uninjured; Stirling BK969, 149 Squadron, aircraft accident during an opreational flight, Chalton, Hampshire, 2 May 1943. C19179490

AIR81/22852 Stirling BK799 Flying Officer D H Lyne, Sergeant A Coull, Sergeant J Atkinson, Sergeant D C H Fudge, Sergeant E G Hird, Pilot Officer J Lowrie, Sergeant E C Waite: killed; Stirling BK799, 149 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight, enemy action, Makkumerwaard, Netherlands, 22 June 1943. C19179514

AIR81/22859 Stirling EE411 Sergeant R E Priest: injured; Sergeant B A North, Pilot Officer R D Morrison, Sergeant S N Rowley, Sergeant R Maunder, Sergeant R A Campbell (RCAF), Sergeant S J Harpeg: uninjured; Stirling EE411, 149 Squadron, aircraft damaged during an operational flight, enemy action, Mulheim, Germany, 23 June 1943. C19179521