My Grandfather and the rest of his Lancaster Crew were all killed 12 Sep 1944 on a mission to Frankfurt. I have managed to track down descendants of the Australian and one Canadian and find out a bit of their history, but the descendants of the three English crew members are proving elusive. With the 75th anniversary of their loss fast approaching, I was hoping that someone here may have some information which could point me in the right direction.
The three men in question are:
Sgt Alan Richard LEWENDON 1608368 RAFVR, Flight Engineer, son of Frederick and Nellie Elizabeth Lewendon of Guildford Surrey. Born approx 1924. Alan was on his 25th mission. My Grandmother went to visit his mother a couple of times and thinks that he may have had a sister.
Sgt Stanley ORMONDROYD, Wireless Operator, RAFVR 1520717, Son of Smith and Annie Ormondroyd of Stoney Croft Liverpool. Born approx 1921. Stanley was on his 25th mission.
Sgt Joseph Wilkinson, RAFVR, Air Gunner, 1590798, Son of Joseph and Lily Wilkinson of Morley, Leeds Yorkshire. Born approx 1924. Joseph was on his first operation having joined the crew to replae the regular Mid-Upper Gunner.
I know that all three men were posted to 576 Sqn RAF at RAF Elsham Wolds and were killed on 12 Sep 1944 in Lancaster ME854 (UL-D2) which was hit by flak and then by a nightfighter near Gundersheim Germany. All are now interred at Rheinberg War Cemetery.
I know a fair bit about their war history but would love to make contact with descendant for each of the men. As far as I know, none of them were married and it is possible that there are no descendants. If that is the case, at least I will know to stop looking.
Thanks in advance.
The three men in question are:
Sgt Alan Richard LEWENDON 1608368 RAFVR, Flight Engineer, son of Frederick and Nellie Elizabeth Lewendon of Guildford Surrey. Born approx 1924. Alan was on his 25th mission. My Grandmother went to visit his mother a couple of times and thinks that he may have had a sister.
Sgt Stanley ORMONDROYD, Wireless Operator, RAFVR 1520717, Son of Smith and Annie Ormondroyd of Stoney Croft Liverpool. Born approx 1921. Stanley was on his 25th mission.
Sgt Joseph Wilkinson, RAFVR, Air Gunner, 1590798, Son of Joseph and Lily Wilkinson of Morley, Leeds Yorkshire. Born approx 1924. Joseph was on his first operation having joined the crew to replae the regular Mid-Upper Gunner.
I know that all three men were posted to 576 Sqn RAF at RAF Elsham Wolds and were killed on 12 Sep 1944 in Lancaster ME854 (UL-D2) which was hit by flak and then by a nightfighter near Gundersheim Germany. All are now interred at Rheinberg War Cemetery.
I know a fair bit about their war history but would love to make contact with descendant for each of the men. As far as I know, none of them were married and it is possible that there are no descendants. If that is the case, at least I will know to stop looking.
Thanks in advance.