|
|
Post by diederick89 on Nov 16, 2014 5:31:02 GMT 12
Hi,
My name is Diederick ten Brinke and i come from the Netherlands.
I hope my english is a good, otherwise my apologies.
From childhood on, I am interested in WW2 and now I'm a lot older (25yr) increasingly begins to be a challenge to find out stories about my village Enter at WW2.
I live in a village called Enter and at WW2 on 3 February 1943 crashed a short sterling near Enter at the fields. Four crewmembers died and four survived the crash. they were all at the 75(nz)squadron.
By searching on google I arrived at this site and hope through this topic that people can help me further.
I'm looking for information and photos of the crew and of the crew who survived the crash are still alive.
Airplane: Stirling I BK604 AA.S
Crew;
P/O McCullough, John Captain NZ4041 (Died at the by crash)
P/O Henderson, Raymond William 2nd Pilot NZ411894
F/S Gibbes, William Edmund. Nav NZ404535
Sgt Allen, Francis Frederick. F/Eng 936019 (Died at the by crash)
Sgt Smith, Keith James Stockley. W/Op NZ411783
Sgt Murphy, T. A. A/B NZ413306 (Died at the by crash)
Sgt Kimberley, K. E. M/U/Gnr 1576231
Sgt Trevayne, Paul Rodney. R/Gnr 1291308 (Died at the by crash)
Hoping that you can work with this information and can help me. It would be an honor for me to what to do for the crew by example a monument.
Thanks for the help in advance.
Sincerely,
Diederick ten Brinke
|
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on Nov 29, 2014 21:40:09 GMT 12
Diederick89
P/O McCullough, John Captain NZ4041 (Died at the by crash)
From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999:
McCULLOUGH, Pilot Officer John, DFC.
NZ40410; Born Timaru, 5 Aug 1912; RNZAF 26 Jan 1940 to (kao) 3 Feb 1943; Pilot.
Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (24 Apr 1945 to date from 1 Feb 1943): [75(NZ)Sqn RAF (Wellington/Stirling)] Throughout his operational career Pilot Officer McCullough has participated in many raids over enemy territory. He is a keen and determined captain of aircraft, who invariably presses home his attacks with the utmost vigour. The great courage which he habitually displays, sets an excellent example to all ranks in his squadron. His determination and devotion to duty are most praiseworthy.
While still under training, at 11 OTU RAF (Wellington), Sgt McCullough took part in his first sortie - a raid on Dusseldorf. He joined 75(NZ)Sqn in Aug 1942 and survived a crash-landing in a Wellington at RAF Bradwell Bay, on 28 Nov 1942, after aborting a sortie to Turin. Kao Hamburg, Germany, 3 Feb 1943 with 75(NZ)Sqn RAF (Stirling) on his 27th sortie. Buried Wierden General Cemetery, Overijssel, Netherlands. Other RNZAF members of the crew were - Sgt T A Murphy of Dannevirke (killed) and F/S W E Gibbes of Auckland, Plt Off R W Henderson of Invercargill and Sgt K J S Smith of Wellington (all PoW).
From my trilogy For Your Tomorrow - A record of New Zealanders who have died while serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services since 1915 (Volume Two: Fates 1943-1998):
Wed 3/Thu 4 Feb 1943
BOMBER COMMAND
Raid on Hamburg, Germany (by 263 aircraft - 17 lost)...
. . .75 (NZ) Squadron, RAF (Newmarket, Suffolk - 3 Group)
Stirling I BK604/S - took off at 1823 on same raid as the above and shot down by a night-fighter when returning over the Netherlands, crashing near Enter, 8km south of Wierden at 2013. Four of the crew survived to be taken prisoner - the RAF mid-upper gunner and RNZAF airmen 2nd pilot Plt Off R W Henderson, navigator Flt Sgt W E Gibbes, and wireless operator Sgt K J S Smith, who was wounded. The air bomber had baled out but his parachute failed to deploy in time. He is buried at Wierden with the three others who died when BK604 crashed.
Captain: NZ40410 Plt Off John McCULLOUGH, DFC, RNZAF - Age 30. 446hrs. 27th op.
Air Bomber: NZ413307 Sgt Terence Austin MURPHY, RNZAF - Age 30. 389hrs. 20th op.
And from Volume Three (Biographies & Appendices):
McCULLOUGH, Pilot Officer John, DFC.
NZ40410 (prev A40410); b Timaru 5 Aug 12; Chch BHS; clerk - State Forest Service, Eyrewell. RNZAF Levin/RTS as Aircrafthand (GD) 26 Jan 40, HQ Levin 1 Mar 40, Harewood 12 Jul 40, Levin 15 Dec 40, remust as Airman Pilot u/t & ITW 23 Mar 41, 3EFTS 4 May 41, 2FTS 14 Jun 41, Pilots Badge [wef 26.7.41] & Sgt 6 Sep 41, att RAF & emb for UK 23 Sep 41, 3PRC 14 Nov 41, 1516BATF c.16 Dec 41, 2SFTS 19 Jan 42, 11OTU (Wellington - 1 op) 3 Mar 42, 75(NZ)Sqn (Wellington, Stirling; 26 ops) 11 Aug 42, Comm 15 Oct 42, c/ldg after aborting op to Turin (uninj) 28/29 Nov 42, kao 3 Feb 43. Wierden General Cemetery - A.8, Overijssel, Netherlands. Son of Armstrong & Ellen Jane McCullough (née McCann), Papanui, Chch. [OHT1, OHT2 & BSD].
P/O Henderson, Raymond William 2nd Pilot NZ411894
F/S Gibbes, William Edmund. Nav NZ404535
Sgt Allen, Francis Frederick. F/Eng 936019 (Died at the by crash)
Sgt Smith, Keith James Stockley. W/Op NZ411783
Sgt Murphy, T. A. A/B NZ413306 (Died at the by crash)
And from Volume Three (Biographies & Appendices):
MURPHY, Sergeant Terence Austin.
NZ413307; b Eketahuna 28 Jul 12; Dannevirke HS (1st XI/XV); herd tester - Wgtn & Hawkes Bay Herd Improvement Assn [at Pahiatua?]. RNZAF Levin/ITW as Air Observer u/t 7 Jun 41, emb for Canada 14 Aug 41, att RCAF 29 Aug 41, 6AOS 31 Aug 41, 3BGS 23 Nov 41, Air Observers Badge & Sgt 3 Jan 42, 1ANS 5 Jan 42 [hosp 11-25 Jan], 1 Y Depôt 3 Mar 42, att RAF & emb for UK 20 Mar 42, 3PRC 30 Mar 42, 2(O)AFU 25 Apr 42, 11OTU (Wellington) 26 May 42, remust as Air Bomber 23 Jul 42, 75(NZ)Sqn (Wellington, Stirling; 20 ops) 18 Aug 42, kao 3 Feb 43. Wierden General Cemetery - A.5, Overijssel, Netherlands. Son of Patrick & Adelia Crimlin Murphy (née Doherty), Matamau. [BSD & phot. TWN 14.4.43].
Sgt Kimberley, K. E. M/U/Gnr 1576231
Sgt Trevayne, Paul Rodney. R/Gnr 1291308 (Died at the by crash)
Errol
|
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on Nov 29, 2014 22:05:51 GMT 12
Continued . . .
Regarding RNZAF PoW men:
HENDERSON, Flight Lieutenant Raymond William.
NZ411894. Born Kennington, Southland, 23 Aug 1917. RNZAF 23 Mar 1941 to 22 Nov 1945. Shot down on his 4th sortie. Baled out, breaking some ribs which set badly while a PoW. Safe UK 11 May 1945. Died Invercargill, 25 October 1979.
Photo of him on page 18 of The Weekly News of 28 April 1943
GIBBES, Flight Lieutenant William Edmund.
NZ404535. Born Wellington, 7 Jan 1909. RNZAF 24 Nov 1940 to 30 Jan 1946. Had flown 190 operational hours. Safe UK 27 May 1945. Died Auckland, 17 March 1995
Photo of him on page 18 of The Weekly News of 31 March 1943
SMITH, Warrant Officer Keith James Stockley.
NZ411783. Born Wellington, 2 Mar 1922. RNZAF 16 Mar 1941 to 10 Jul 1946. Safe UK 12 Apr 1945. Died 13 October 2009
Photo of him on page 18 of The Weekly News of 14 April 1943 (also Murphy, same page and issue)
The Air Force Museum of New Zealand can provide copies of these photos from the illustrated pages of The Weekly News for a small fee. They may also be able to provide other, better prints from elsewhere in their collection. Their contact is info@airforcemuseum.co.nz
Errol
|
|
|
|
Post by fwx on Nov 30, 2014 12:54:45 GMT 12
|
|
matamau
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 2 
|
Post by matamau on Dec 1, 2014 22:58:15 GMT 12
I also note that Diederick has made contact with me , Russell Murphy ,[ Uncle of Terrence Austin Murphy of BK604 ]] through Waynes site 75 Squadron Remembered . All uncle Terry's records are recorded on my computer , should anyone want a copy of them // War records + family history === I also have Raharhhi log books on record
Best Wishes
Russell Murphy
|
|
|
|
Post by fwx on Dec 4, 2014 11:14:57 GMT 12
|
|
matamau
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 2
|
Post by matamau on Dec 5, 2014 20:20:39 GMT 12
Hi Chris ,all emailed to you to day
Russell
|
|
|
|
Post by oggie2620 on Jan 8, 2015 3:53:50 GMT 12
Hi Diederick I have some other contacts in the Netherlands who have done memorials etc for 75 (NZ) Sqn crews and if you pm me I will be happy to put you in touch with them. They can give you some good guidelines on the pitfalls etc of getting a memorial put in place. I am also the treasurer for the Friends of 75 (NZ) Sqn Assn (based in the UK). Happy to put you in touch with them too. They have a newsletter that I can send you a copy of. There is also a New Zealand based Assn which has a newsletter and also Squadron Memorabilia such as badges, ties etc. You can find more details on www.75squadron-raf-rnzaf.com for those. I am trying to get Glen to put some more stuff on the website but hes away in Arizona at the moment! Regards Dee |
|
|
|
Post by diederick89 on Oct 7, 2015 19:54:02 GMT 12
Gentlemen, thank you for the comments that you have posted. no longer thought about it that I had posted something here. Meanwhile a year further year and a lot information richer. My main goal was always to erect a monument to the crew. This still plays in the background but make contact with relatives for me now is the main goal. Russell (the nephew of Sgt. Murphy) and I have almost weekly contact about a range of issues. In my eyes, become a good friend. Also there has already been contact with the son (Mike) of Sgt. Smith. Have ensured that Russell and Mike were able to make contact with each other. I would like to get in touch with more relatives of crew members. I especially focus on the new Zealanders now. Below, the information of the persons. Hopefully you can me / us further help in this quest. John Mc CulloughRank:Pilot Service No:NZ40410 Date of Death:03/02/1943 Age:30 Regiment/Service:Royal New Zealand Air Force 75 (R.A.F.) Sqdn Additional Information: Son of Armstrong and Ellen Jane McCullough, of Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand Born: Timaru, 5 Aug 1912 RNZAF: 26 Jan 1940 to (kao) 3 Feb 1943   Raymond William HendersonRank:Pilot Service No:NZ411894 Date of Death: Invercargill, 25 October 1979. Regiment/Service:Royal New Zealand Air Force 75 (R.A.F.) Sqdn Born: Southland, 23 Aug 1917 RNZAF: 23 Mar 1941 to 22 Nov 1945   William Edmund Gibbes
Rank:Pilot Service No:NZ404535 Date of Death:Auckland, 17 March 1995 Regiment/Service:Royal New Zealand Air Force 75 (R.A.F.) Sqdn Born: Wellington, 7 Jan 1909 RNZAF: 24 Nov 1940 to 30 Jan 1946. Safe UK: 27 May 1945   Thanks for your help already! |
|
|
|
Post by fwx on Oct 9, 2015 15:40:32 GMT 12
I'm sorry I can't help you with locating family members of the McCullough crew, but I was very interested to see the Pilot's graduation course photo that you have posted above (first group photo, No. 14B Course, 2SFSTS Woodbourne, July 1941). As well as John McCullough, there are at least two other pilots in that class who went on to serve with 75 (NZ) Squadron.
Back row, second from right, is Trafford McRae Nicol, who flew as 2nd Pilot with Eric Jarman and his crew out of Feltwell, between 10 March and 22/23 April 1942. Trafford was tragically wounded when their Wellington was attacked by a nightfighter on their way back from Cologne early on the morning of the 23rd April. It was the second time the aircraft had been hit that night - the Rear Gunner had been killed, two others in the crew were injured, and the aircraft was badly damaged. Jarman managed to make it back to Feltwell and made a wheels-up landing. P/O Nicol survived the crash landing but died of his wounds the next morning.
Front row left, is Cyril "Mac" Baigent, who went on to fly two tours with Bomber Command (15 Sqdn and 115 Sqdn), earning a DFC and bar in the process. By the time he was promoted to Wing Commander and appointed Commanding Officer (CO) of 75 (NZ) Squadron, arriving at Mepal in early January 1945, he was still 10 days short of his 22nd birthday! - the youngest squadron commander in RAF Bomber Command. Baigent was a very well-respected CO, and well-liked. He later served back in NZ with 75 Squadron RNZAF, became Base Commander Whenuapai, and was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1948.
|
|
|
|
Post by diederick89 on Oct 12, 2015 20:55:43 GMT 12
Thank you for this message fwx.
Nice to get more information about people that are also in the picture.
Did the information stored and who knows this may also help me in my search again.
No one else who can help me further or know which organizations I can approach?
|
|
|
|
Post by diederick89 on Oct 15, 2015 17:48:39 GMT 12
Anybody who can help me further in my research?
|
|
barrie
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 1
|
Post by barrie on Oct 16, 2015 6:59:58 GMT 12
Diederick89, I have just read your request for help. Personally I can't do much to help you except put you into contact with someone who can. Not far from where you are, in Markelo is a man who does a lot of remembrance in his area, but also at a number of 75(NZ) Sqn crash sites. including mine at Kessel, Limburg (75(NZ) Sqn RAF, Lancaster, shot down 21 July 1944. Website available with the story of how and why I did it, if you would like it). If you like I will ask him if he can and will help you ? Maybe you know him already or the memorial for 3 aircraft where he lives.
In any case, I wish you success in your search.
Barrie
|
|
|
|
Post by diederick89 on Oct 19, 2015 19:14:04 GMT 12
Thanks Barrie for your message.
The man you're talking about is called Benny, right?
Meanwhile I have been brought in contact with him through another person.
There is also a journalist from new zealand who wants to help me.
Hopefully I will get in touch with relatives.
I will post the state of affairs here!
|
|
|
|
Post by sinsa548 on Sept 8, 2017 18:57:30 GMT 12
Hello I am the great grandson of Raymond William Henderson,
I do have information available such as that he was in the great escape and about why him as the second pilot survived rather than the first pilot.
I can give you more information if needed,
|
|
|
|
Post by kiaoramary on Feb 28, 2018 16:23:34 GMT 12
Hello, very interesting reading. I am the great-niece of PO John McCollough. My Mother (his niece) has a lot more information than I do but can get this as needed. We have both visited the graves at Wierden and amazed at how the locals have taken such wonderful care of these since WWII.
|
|
|
|
Post by fwx on Mar 1, 2018 15:26:34 GMT 12
Hi sinsa548 and kiaoramary; great to have family members on here! I would be keen to gather more information about the crew on this page, which is dedicated to them, and intended for the addition of more personal information, photos, etc., as a lasting tribute: 75nzsquadron.wordpress.com/j-mccullough-crew-20-08-42-%E2%80%A0/The 75nzsquadron.com website is already a great repository of information about the squadron, and the stories of the brave individuals and crews. Russell Murphy has sent me a lot of information, and I am long overdue to put it together into an article (sorry Russell!), but it would be great to have something on John McCullough and Raymond Henderson in there as well. I can be reached at chris "at" foodworks.co.nz. Cheers, Chris |
|
matt72
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 1
|
Post by matt72 on Jul 11, 2020 23:03:49 GMT 12
Hi, My name is Diederick ten Brinke and i come from the Netherlands. I hope my english is a good, otherwise my apologies. From childhood on, I am interested in WW2 and now I'm a lot older (25yr) increasingly begins to be a challenge to find out stories about my village Enter at WW2. I live in a village called Enter and at WW2 on 3 February 1943 crashed a short sterling near Enter at the fields. Four crewmembers died and four survived the crash. they were all at the 75(nz)squadron. By searching on google I arrived at this site and hope through this topic that people can help me further. I'm looking for information and photos of the crew and of the crew who survived the crash are still alive. Airplane: Stirling I BK604 AA.S Crew; P/O McCullough, John Captain NZ4041 (Died at the by crash) P/O Henderson, Raymond William 2nd Pilot NZ411894 F/S Gibbes, William Edmund. Nav NZ404535 Sgt Allen, Francis Frederick. F/Eng 936019 (Died at the by crash) Sgt Smith, Keith James Stockley. W/Op NZ411783 Sgt Murphy, T. A. A/B NZ413306 (Died at the by crash) Sgt Kimberley, K. E. M/U/Gnr 1576231 Sgt Trevayne, Paul Rodney. R/Gnr 1291308 (Died at the by crash) Hoping that you can work with this information and can help me. It would be an honor for me to what to do for the crew by example a monument. Thanks for the help in advance. Sincerely, Diederick ten Brinke Hi, I am interested in some more photos if possible too. My grand father flew with this crew also, but not on the operation you mention. 02/10/1942 – Operations. Attack Against Targets At Krefeld Thirteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above target. Bomb load of 4,000 lb and incendiaries were dropped in the target area. Fires were seen, which appeared to be mainly in open country. Heavy and light A.A. fire was encountered, mainly on enemy coast. Searchlights were considerable, operating in cones over the target area. A few enemy aircraft were seen but no attacks were made. The weather was fine at target, with considerable ground haze, Navigation was good. Wellington Mk.III X.3959 AA-L/R Sgt. John McCullough, RNZAF NZ40410 – Pilot. F/S William Edmund Gibbes, RNZAF NZ404535 – Navigator. Sgt. Keith James Stockley Smith, RNZAF NZ411783 – Wireless Operator. Sgt. William Alfred Maxwell Hardy, RNZAF NZ401226 – Front Gunner. P/O Derek Arthur Stuart-White, RAFVR 917071/ 105152 – Rear Gunner. Take Off 18:45 – Landed 00:30 Flight Time 05:45 plz message for email perhaps, if that is possible on this board. Best regards M Hardy |
|
