A Short History of an Air Crew of 97 (Straits Settlements) Path Finder Force Squadron: Lancaster B 111 JB708 OF-J

Foreword

 

This short history concerns one air crew of 97 Path Finder Force Squadron, and the personnel changes that took place. Their final fateful flight was in Lancaster 111 JB708 OF-J which exploded in flight over Vendville and crashed within the limit of Lille-Vendeville airfield, then used by the Luftwaffe. There is a brief introduction of the original crew and of 97 Squadron. This is followed by a ‘time line’ of Sgt WN Roberts RAFVR, Sgt JR Chapman RCAF, Sgt DED Harvey RAFVR and Pilot Officer LC Jones RAFVR. The data (history) continues with an overview of Number 8 Group and then aircrew positions in the Lancaster Bomber.  The data is taken from a number of sources under the heading of 97 Squadron Operations Record Book, August to December 1943. As the history unfolds the various crew members (who to date have been identified) are mentioned. Sgt DED Harvey was my late uncle, and my father’s younger brother. I served in the RAF for 9 years, joining at the age of 16 as a Boy Entrant at RAF Hereford. This research is still ongoing and any additional data will be added to this file. DR PN Harvey 25/02/2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Air Vice Marshall Donald Bennett CB, CBE, DSO with Geoffrey Lloyd, the Minister for Petroleum Warfare.  From front left: Sgt WN Roberts Pilot, PO L C Jones Bomb Aimer, Sgt Chapman AirGunner Sgt DED Harvey Wireless Operator, leaning on his left elbow. The three crew members at the rear, one with the forage cap is  Sgt J.D. Tinsdeall the other two are yet to be identified. From: Grey. J - http://www.ww2-pathfinders.co.uk/index.html