NZ Bomber Command Association

[lancman]

Mar 5, 2017 14:49:54 GMT 12 pjw4118 said:

Yes thats a 90 sq aircraft flown by NZ pilot Rodney Williams born in Oamaru.
He joined directly into the RAF as 1395356 but on the squadron sheets his number is NZ2074. Dont know why.
His logbook records R as LM187 and later PD433 but he flew a variety of Lancasters during his tour on 90 sq.

I am currently carrying out research on Richard J Bush on behalf of his son.  RJ Bush S/No 1713602 was the Navigator with Rodney Williams during his tour with 90 Sqn and I have his logbook loaned to me by his son.  His son knows very little about his father as he died when he was six years old and he would like to know more about his fathers wartime experiences.  Your post above indicates that there is a photograph of the Lancaster they flew in which is hopefully LM187 which they flew on eleven operations altogether and 3 in PD433.   I would be grateful if you have any further information on his pilot and a picture or any pictures he might have had with his crew would be marvellous as his son has absolutly nothing other than his logbook and navigational notes from his training days in Canada. 

[davidd]

As nobody else has piped up, I think you will find that NZ2074 is Rodney Williams' RNZAF service number, he must have been transferred from RAF at own request, as was his right. As you can see, RAF service numbers were often higher than 1,000,000.
David D

[errolmartyn]

From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 :

WILLIAMS, Flight Lieutenant Rodney Greville, MBE, DFC. NZ2074 & 133421; Born Milton, 12 Jun 1918; FAA 1940 to 22 Aug 1941; RAFVR 23 Aug 1941 to 14 Dec 1943, 150229; RNZAF 15 Dec 1943 to 26 Jan 1946, Res. to 17 Mar 1961; Pilot.
Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (17 Jul 1945): [90 Sqn RAF (Lancaster)] This officer has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty. Following his tour with 90 Sqn Flt Lt Williams instructed on 12 OTU RAF (Wellington).
Citation Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (NY1964): Flight Lieutenant Williams has completed nine years most meritorious service with the Air Training Corps. He assumed command of No 26 (Oamaru) Squadron in March 1954 when its disbandment was seriously contemplated and as a result of his unflagging enthusiasm under adverse conditions, his squadron has not only reached a very high standard of efficiency but has most deservedly attained a position second to none in the regard of the community. Under his leadership, No 26 Squadron is in the forefront of all community activities and now undertakes the organisation in its town of such national ceremonies as the observance of Battle of Britain Sunday and Anzac Day. Also assisted by the New Zealand Alpine Club, a rescue group of senior cadets from the Squadron is now an integral part of the local Search and Rescue Organisation. In his civilian occupation as a teacher, Flight Lieutenant Williams was transferred to King’s College Dunedin from Oamaru in 1961 but he has continued to serve as Officer Commanding No 26 (Oamaru) Squadron despite the distance of 160 miles which have to be travelled at his own expense to attend parades. His devotion to duty speaks for his unselfish and whole-hearted interest in the well-being of the Air Training Corps.
Died Dunedin, 28 May 1969.

Errol

[pjw4118]

Welcome Simon. We hold quite a file on Rodney Williams with many of his target photos. Rodney volunteered for the FAA but crossed to the RAF (as 1395356). In 1944 he moved to the RNZAF as NZ2074.

The photo below shows his crew L to R
Bainbridge W/OP, Brind F/E, Hadley B/A, Rodney P, Bush Nav, Maggs M/UG, Morris RG



Also one of his many target photos, this one of Bunn



I will email the family contacts to you

[lancman]

Brilliant....thank you very much indeed. Incidentally where you have the name Hadley as Bomb Aimer his name appears to be either Horiley or Hordley and his initial was J On the operational records I have from the National Archives his name is certainly 7 digits long but is frustratingly faint and I couldn't be certain which one it is yet. Any of the op photos would be much appreciated as I intend to put all 34 ops and target information into a word document which i will happily send over to his family once completed.
Best wishes and thanks again......this is going to be quite an emotional for moment for Richard his son when he sees this photo.
Simon
PS What is your name by the way and was your father in the Airforce in WW2 ?

[pjw4118]

Happy to help , contact details sent. No my father lost an eye in training so was Home Guard from there on .

[camtech]

My father lost an eye as a teenager, but was called up and served in the RNZAF 1941 to 1945 as a stores clerk in NZ. Went on to be one of the top football referees in the country. A genuine one-eyed Cantabrian!

[pjw4118]

The annual NZBCA memorial service will be held this Sunday ( 20th) at 10.30 in the Hall of Memories , Auckland War Memorial Museum . All welcome .