Intro Lancaster LL902 EM-A

[Gail1701]

Recently unearthed this photograph of our dear Uncle Derek Brundle who was involved in the St Leu D’Esserent Raid 8 July 1944 with 207 Squadron. One crewman sadly lost his life as they were attacked by 2 night fighters. Can anybody put names to faces?Derek is standing far left. I believe George Dewhurst Chesworth is the tall gent standing far right.

 

[Bombardier]

I found this piece of info

In addition to the 5 crews that failed to return, there was a further fatality. Sgt John Butterworth, mid-upper gunner of LL902/EM-A (F/O Eric Oakes) was killed in an attack by two nightfighters and is buried in Manchester Southern Cemetery; the aircraft returned safely with the rest of the crew, including were the late Association members George Chesworth and Derek Brundle (uncle of the motor racing tv commentator Martin Brundle).

As a result of the attacks on the 4th/5th and 7th/8th July a total of 92 downed aircrew were on the run in northern France, of whom 52 successfully evaded.

Just as a point of interest I live in Manchester and not far from Southern Cemetery, I will see if I can visit his grave, take a photo and see what other information is available.

Rest in peace Sgt Butterworth and thank you for your service

 

[Bombardier]

 

[Bombardier]

Although this picture was post the original incident it describes the later fate of LL902-EMA

Avro Lancaster Mk I LL902 EM-A

• sas
• Feb 2, 2014
• 10
• 207 squadron raf avro lancaster bomber bomber command royal air force world war two

 

[BCNTM]

View attachment 372307
View attachment 372308

Recently unearthed this photograph of our dear Uncle Derek Brundle who was involved in the St Leu D’Esserent Raid 8 July 1944 with 207 Squadron. One crewman sadly lost his life as they were attacked by 2 night fighters. Can anybody put names to faces?Derek is standing far left. I believe George Dewhurst Chesworth is the tall gent standing far right.

Eric Oakes is the one in the middle back row - he is sporting wings on his uniform - Pilot

George Chesworth is more than likely the gentleman on the front row kneeling and to the left - his Sergeant stripes have a crown above them indicating Flight Sergeant

The second one in from the right and the bottom right are the two gunners?

GWJ Ainsworth is probably far right - back row - as his badge is slightly smaller than the others and thinner - bomb aimer

It is a pity the badges are all the same shape, just with the initial of their job in the roundel at the bottom

 

[Gail1701]

I found this piece of info

In addition to the 5 crews that failed to return, there was a further fatality. Sgt John Butterworth, mid-upper gunner of LL902/EM-A (F/O Eric Oakes) was killed in an attack by two nightfighters and is buried in Manchester Southern Cemetery; the aircraft returned safely with the rest of the crew, including were the late Association members George Chesworth and Derek Brundle (uncle of the motor racing tv commentator Martin Brundle).

As a result of the attacks on the 4th/5th and 7th/8th July a total of 92 downed aircrew were on the run in northern France, of whom 52 successfully evaded.

Just as a point of interest I live in Manchester and not far from Southern Cemetery, I will see if I can visit his grave, take a photo and see what other information is available.

Rest in peace Sgt Butterworth and thank you for your service

Thank you so much! That would be absolutely awesome. I know our Uncle Derek and John Butterworth were great friends. Thank you for such a lovely gesture.

 

[Gail1701]

Eric Oakes is the one in the middle back row - he is sporting wings on his uniform - Pilot

George Chesworth is more than likely the gentleman on the front row kneeling and to the left - his Sergeant stripes have a crown above them indicating Flight Sergeant

The second one in from the right and the bottom right are the two gunners?

GWJ Ainsworth is probably far right - back row - as his badge is slightly smaller than the others and thinner - bomb aimer

It is a pity the badges are all the same shape, just with the initial of their job in the roundel at the bottom

Many thanks for this. I had thought that the man kneeling in the front row would be the wireless operator due to the shoulder badge. I have several other photos of the crew which I will post and I feel that GWJ Ainsworth is the man standing second left. The other photo I have shows him holding a bomb of some sort in his hand.

 

[Ainsworth]

Eric Oakes is the one in the middle back row - he is sporting wings on his uniform - Pilot

George Chesworth is more than likely the gentleman on the front row kneeling and to the left - his Sergeant stripes have a crown above them indicating Flight Sergeant

The second one in from the right and the bottom right are the two gunners?

GWJ Ainsworth is probably far right - back row - as his badge is slightly smaller than the others and thinner - bomb aimer

It is a pity the badges are all the same shape, just with the initial of their job in the roundel at the bottom

GW Ainsworth is 2nd from the left, back row. He is my father.

 

[Ainsworth]

View attachment 372307
View attachment 372308

Recently unearthed this photograph of our dear Uncle Derek Brundle who was involved in the St Leu D’Esserent Raid 8 July 1944 with 207 Squadron. One crewman sadly lost his life as they were attacked by 2 night fighters. Can anybody put names to faces?Derek is standing far left. I believe George Dewhurst Chesworth is the tall gent standing far right.

GW Ainsworth is the second man from the left in the back row.