More from the RW Russell collection

[Splitpin]

A follow on from last night's post ....75 Sqn RNZAF in WW2, Photos from R.W Russell, a Lancaster Pilot.

The line up for takeoff


Russell himself posing with a crew member in front of "AA-C" which you may note has become a "Ton-up Lanc" having completed 100 missions.


And, sadly, but its history now, a shot of an earlier raid on Wesel by 75 Sqn (NZ) . You can see the Captain's name at the bottom of the frame.



Wesel is located in Westphalia Germany, there were bridges there that were important to the allied advance ...or something.

[simonh]

Marty, I'm not sure but I think that Lancaster is mentioned in Norman Franks book "Ton Up Lancs"..will check it out later.

[Splitpin]

I'm sure it did mate, to get too 100 ops was definitely an achievement.
Norman Franks has done a few really good books on the war.

[simonh]

Marty, the only Lancs in Ton Up Lancs with New Zealand crews are " Uncle Joe '' A reference to Stalin, I believe... 'Flying Kiwi' and ' The Captains Fancy'
I think Uncle Joe was also used on a Wellington... will check that out.

[Splitpin]

So where does that leave "AA-C" ?

[simonh]

Not sure... Norman Franks book only covers thirty five aircraft. Best bet is look up RAF Bomber Command records.
That's the best I can do...or Norman Franks other book Forever Strong a complete history of 75 Squadron.

[Splitpin]

Found this in the NZ Bomber Command associations website ...dated a few years ago.

"It is with great sadness we record the passing of our Honorary
Chaplain, The Reverend Neville Selwood, Archdeacon Emeritus
of Dunedin on April 19 in Dunedin.
Neville (NZ
4215767) trained
as a navigator and
was posted to 75
Squadron at Mepal
with F/O Russells
crew. They finished
the war with 22 ops
and later flew on
Mana drops and
POW repatriation flights. The crew flew Lancaster PB418 coded
AA-C (it had 100 ops up) and carried the tail markings of a GH leader.

[Splitpin]

A very interesting link.
https://internationalbcc.co.uk/about-ib ... r-bombers/

[Radar88]

Marty in case you missed this from the 6 Squadron RNZAF group photo posting.

Here's the link to the largest online resource for 75(NZ) Squadron RAF. It's dedicated to the Life of Robert Douglas ‘Jock’ Sommerville Air Bomber and the aircrews of 75(NZ) Squadron RAF it contains lists of all Pilot and Crew Name and Logbook Details with detailed links to the aircraft of 75(NZ) Squadron RAF along with Group Photo's of 75(NZ) Squadron showing crew standing on the wings of the Lancaster. It has a wealth of information and is filled with the stories of the brave boys that flew 75(NZ) Squadron RAF 1940 -1945. These are held on this website for younger generations to discover and understand.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them. 75(NZ) Squadron RAF

[Splitpin]

Thanks Radar, what a great resource .