Appeal to find relatives of WWII mid-air crash airmen ahead of memorial ceremony
An appeal to find the relatives of 14 airmen who perished in a mid-air crash during World War II has been launched.
The call comes ahead of the dedication of a memorial to mark the deaths of two Halifax bomber crews (102 Squadron DY-K LW333, Pocklington and 77 Squadron KN-Y LW264, Elvington) who collided over Barmby Moor on the evening of November 22, 1943.
The incident occurred while the aircraft were circling, waiting for permission to land, after returning to Pocklington and Elvington from an operation to Berlin.
Fourteen young lives were lost when both aircraft came down near the York Road.
The dedication service will take place during the 102 (Ceylon) Squadron Association Reunion Weekend (Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 7).
It is hoped that relatives of the crew members will be able to attend the unveiling of a new memorial plaque on Saturday, June 6 at 2.15pm.
Two have made contact with the association so far, including one who is travelling from Canada to attend the commemoration.
A spokesperson for the 102 (Ceylon) Squadron Association, a second world war RAF Bomber Squadron operating from Pocklington Airfield between 1942/45, said: “Some years ago, the Scott family at Mohair Farm planted 14 oak trees as a memorial. Sadly those trees succumbed to disease.
"Later, the family planted another 14 trees, but these succumbed to a drought.
“The new memorial plaque will provide a permanent memorial to those young men who gave their lives in the cause of freedom.
“We are appealing for any relatives, particularly linked to the 77 Squadron crew, who would like to attend the service to get in touch with us.”
The crew members were:
LW333 DY-K 102 (Ceylon) Squadron, Pocklington
Pilot Officer. Walter Hughes; Sgt William Waterson Cottle – Navigator; Sgt Roy Alfred Dabnor – Wireless Operator; Sgt John Boxall – Flight Engineer; Sgt Roland Barnsley Bainbridge; Sgt David Willington – Air Gunner; Sgt Frederick Thomas Dunn – Bomb Aimer.
LW264 KN-K 77 Squadron, Elvington
Flight Sgt (?Flt Lt?). Lineham – Pilot; Sgt West; Flight Sgt Godsen; Sgt Twedle; Sgt Elder; Sgt Bennet; Sgt Thompson.
Relatives of the airmen can contact [email protected] for further information about the ceremony.