489 Sqn "An Unofficial History"?

[ianbw12]

Hi guys,

I've just received an enquiry from Holland regarding 489 Sqn, which I've cut and pasted below...

>>During WW2, on June 14th 1944, Beaufighter X s/n LZ543 crashed near our coast in the south west of The Netherlands, killing Flight Sergeant Tom Ransley Clegg. He is buried on one of the islands in SW Holland. The other crewmember Flt.Sgt. G.A. Flay. He came from New Zealand and was taken POW in Stalag Luft VII Banka. They came from RAF Langham, serving in RNZAF no. 489 Squadron.

We are trying to retell their story over here in The Netherlands so they are not forgotten! We are trying to get additional information on the mission, the crew, aircraft so that we can retell their story in one of our publications. We also would like to get in touch with the families. As we believe based on recent information, Mr Flay is still alive, living somewhere in NZ. <<

Does anyone know any more details, if Mr Flay can be contacted at all and if the book "An Unofficial History of 489 Sqn" is available for purchase still, please?

Thanks and Best Regards,
Ian

[Dave Homewood]

The book was never available for purchase. The author did not want to sell it.

If Flt Sgt Flay was Geoffrey A. Flay, then he is likely to be living at 88 Pipiroa Rd Ngatea 3503, Phone [phone]. Give him a call and find out. If it's not him he may be a relative as it's not a common name.

[ianbw12]

Cheers Dave!

[oggie2620]

There is great bloke on Rootschat who is a POW expert. Do you want me to see if he has the repatriation/POW/Escaper reports for this NZer?

[ianbw12]

Thanks for the offer Oggie, sorry about the late response.
Yes please, if the offer still stands!

[oggie2620]

OK will get on and email Brian straight away though I gather hes not at the National Archives for a bit. He has so much info though already I am sure he can find something.
Funnily enough I had someone else talking about this book to me. Such a pity its not generally available but since it was available to a limited number of museums I wonder if it might be worth contacting the Air Force Museum at Wigram see if they have a copy. If they do maybe someone can do a look up for information so you can get back to the Dutch gentleman Ian.
Dee

[scflay]

Hi,
Geoff Flay is my Grandpa. Yes, he still lives in Ngatea. Not sure if you have managed to get hold of him. If not, you can email me on [e-mail]

[davidnzl]

Good morning Sheryl - Good to see that you are willing to provide a link to your Grandpa for this type of enquiry. I was privileged to meet him at the book launch for the Unofficial History of 489 Squadron. I think of have a photo of him on this occasion that I am happy to pass on to you. Please feel free to contact me at davidnzl AT xtre if you would like me to dig it up.

re the inital enquirer seeking 489 History in relation to the Netherlands. If I can assist, please do not hesitate to contact me either via this discussion board - its moderator )Dave) who has my contact details

kind regards

David M Burrowes Editor - 489: Unofficial History