Photo: Margaret Allison

RAF Graveley, Cambridgeshire

Lancaster and original crew members

Flight Sergeant Redford was serving with 35 Squadron. He was a crew member of Lancaster III PB197 TL-P which took off from Graveley on a mission to Wanne-Eickel. On return, the aircraft overshot the runway and crashed into a wood near Cambridge. Five crew members died, two were injured.
Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War: 1944; W.R. Chorley; 1997; Midland Counties Publications; ISBN 0 904597 91 1
Also killed in the same incident was F/Off. W.G. Heatley from Newcastle.

The London Gazette 12/11/1944 records the award of the D.F.M. to Flight Sergeant Redford.

Flight Sergeant George Hossack Redford D.F.M.
Service Number 1639906
No 77 Squadron (No 4 Group) and 35 Squadron (No 8 Group)
Bomber Command, Royal Air Force
My eldest brother George enlisted in the Royal Air Force on the 10th August 1942 (for the duration of the present emergency). He was called to No. 2 Recruitment Centre R.A.F. Cardington in Bedfordshire to enlist and given the rank and mustering of Aircraftman 2/Aircrafthand/Flight Mechanic (Engine/Airframe). On the 24th September 1942 he subsequently reported to No 2 Recruitment Centre R.A.F. Cardington for kitting out and inoculations. On the 2nd October 1942 he reported to No. 16 Recruitment Centre at R.A.F Great Yarmouth and Sudbury for initial training. On completion of this training he was posted to No. 7 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit at R.A.F. Peterborough on the 12th November 1942. A reposting to No. 1 School of Technical Training at R.A.F. Halton occurred on the 3rd December 1942.

On the 4th June 1943 he was again reposted to No.4 School of Technical Training and mustered as an Under training Fitter 2 (Engine). On the 13th August 1943 he was promoted to Temporary Sergeant and on the 18th September 1943 was posted to 1663 Heavy Conversion Unit at R.A.F. Rufforth in Yorkshire.

R.A.F. Rufforth housed the 1663 Heavy Conversion Unit flying Handley Page Halifax Mark 11 with which No. 4 Group Bomber Command were converting to this Group was based in Yorkshire. With effect from 23rd September 1943 George was mustered as a Flight Engineer. Whilst at the Heavy Conversion Unit he joined a crew from No.77 Squadron as their Flight Engineer, this Squadron was converting from Armstrong Whitworth Whitleys. George had now joined an Operational Unit of the Royal Air Force.

This crew were an all NCO crew and the other members had flown together for a considerable period, and George was the new boy along with two more gunners. The crew comprised Sgts. M W. Mills Pilot, H.A. Satterthwaite Navigator, S.J.H. Andrews Mid Upper Gunner, W. Davies Wireless Operator, R.L. Williams Bomb Aimer, R.W. Garrard Rear Gunner and G.H. Redford Flight Engineer. On completion of the course the Squadron returned to their base at R.A.F. Elvington S.E. of York.

The 3rd November 1943 saw their first Operational Flight to Dusseldorf in Halifax EB 208 with Flt/Sgt McCormack and Sgt Mills as Pilots a flight of 5.30 hours. Their next Operation was to Mannheim on the 18th in EB 208 with Squadron Leader Whyte and Sgt. Mills as Pilots a flight of 7.45 hours. The 22nd November saw them on Operations against Berlin in EB 208 with Sgt. Mills as Pilot a flight of 6.50 hours on this occasion there was a diversion as they landed first at R.A.F. Little Snoring in Norfolk and returned to base two days later. Their next Operation was to Frankfurt in EB 208 with Sgt. Mills as Pilot a flight of 6.57 hours. The 26th November saw their last Operation for the month and it was to Stuttgart in DG 407 with Squadron Leader. Whyte and Sgt. Mills as Pilots a flight of 7.50 hours. A number of training flights were also carried out during the month.

The 20th December saw their next Operation to Frankfurt in LW 341 with Sgt. Mills as pilot a flight of 6.16 hours. 29th December saw their last Operation for the month against Berlin in LL133 with Flt/Sgt. Jakeman as the pilot a flight of 7.50 hours. There were further training flights during the month.

In January 1944 the whole crew volunteered for Path Finder Force duties and were posted to No. 35 Squadron PFF the reason being that when PFF was formed in 1942 35 Squadron was the nominated Squadron from No.4 Group. The crew were posted first to the Pathfinder Navigational Training Unit at R.A.F Upwood in Huntingdonshire this unit was under the command of Wing Commander Dean. On completion of this course they were posted to 35 Squadron at R.A.F. Graveley in Huntingdonshire on the 8th February 1944. By this time the Pilot, Navigator and Bomb Aimer had been promoted to Flight Sergeants and Flying Officer respectively.

Operations began with 35 Squadron on the 19th February against Leipzg in Halifax JN 954 Z with Flt/Sgt Mills as Pilot a flight of 7.05 hours; their role was as a Supporter. 7 aircraft from this Squadron took part in the Operation and 1 failed to return. Their next Operation was against Schweinfurt in Halifax HI 347 B with Flt/Sgt. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 5.32 hours; their role was as a Supporter. 20 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. Their final Operation for February was against Augsburg on the 25th in Halifax HR 913 T with Flt/Sgt. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 7.22 hours, as a Supporter. 17 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. Various training flights took place during the month including “Y” training; this was the early use of radar in the Bombers.

March 1st was their next Operation against Stuttgart in Halifax HX 166 X with Flt/Sgt. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 3.15 hours; their role was as a Supporter. 18 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. On March 22nd the Operation was against Frankfurt in Lancaster ND 702 G with Flt/Sgt. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 5.15 hours, as a Supporter. 14 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation and 2 failed to return. March 26th the Operation was against Essen in Lancaster ND 646 R with Flt/Sgt. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 4.01 hours, as a Supporter. 6 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. This was their final Operation for the month. Various training flights took place during the month including converting to the Lancaster which was to be the Squadron’s aircraft for the rest of the War.

April 10th was their next Operation against Laon in Lancaster ND 691 M with Flt/Sgt. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 3.40 hours, as a Supporter. 4 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. The Operation on the 18th was against Rouen in Lancaster ND 645 U with Flt/Sgt. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 3.35 hours, as a Visual Backer Up. This crew had now become very experienced. 16 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. April 22nd saw a return to Laon in Lancaster ND 691 M with Flt/Sgt Mills as Pilot in a flight of 3.45 hours, as a Supporter. 13 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. April 24th saw a return to Germany the Operation was against Karlsruhe in Lancaster ND 691 M with Flt/Sgt. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 5.30 hours, as a Visual Backer Up. 13 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. April 26th saw a return to Essen in Lancaster ND 734 R with Flt/Sgt. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 4.30 hours, as a Visual Centre Marker. 8 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. This was their final Operation for April. The early part of the month had concentrated on attacks against railway centres in France and Belgium in Preparation for the forthcoming Invasion of Europe, followed by a return to German targets. Training flights were also conducted mainly in the use of Radar and bombing by Radar or Blind Bombing as against Visual.

May 6th the Operation was against Nantes Gassicourt in Lancaster ND 703 G with Plt/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 3.02 hours, as a Supporter. 4 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. Once again crew members had been promoted, Flt/Sgt Mills to Pilot Officer and Sgts. Andrew and Davies to Flt/Sgts. May 8th the Operation was to Haine-St. Pierre in Lancaster ND 696 E with Plt/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.55 hours, as a Main Force Bomber. 14 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation and 1 failed to return. The 10th May the Operation was against Lens in Lancaster ND 692 F with Plt/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.20 hours, as a Bomber. 14 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 11th May saw an Operation against Louvain in Lancaster ND 692 F with Plt/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.35 hours, as a Supporter. 9 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 21st May the Operation was against Duisburg in Lancaster ND 692 F with Plt/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 4.35 hours, as a Supporter. 11 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation and 1 failed to return. 25th May the Operation was against Aachen in Lancaster ND 696 E with Plt/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 3.40 hours, as a Supporter. 11 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 27th May the Operation was against a night fighter station at Bourg Leopold n Lancaster ND 696 E with Plt/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 3.30 hours, as a Backer Up. 14 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 28th May the Operation was against a Coastal Battery at Mardick in Lancaster ND 696 E with Plt/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.05 hours, as a Bomber. 14 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. Their final Operation for May was against Trappes Marshalling Yard in Lancaster ND 696 E with Plt/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 4.30 hours, as a Visual Backer Up. 9 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. This was their final Operation for May a variety of training flights were also undertaken during the month with a large concentration on Radar or “Y” training.

June 5th the Operation to commence “D” Day was against a coastal battery at Longues in Lancaster ND 696 E with Plt/Off Mills as Pilot in a flight of 3.00 hours, as a Bomber. 13 aircraft from this Squadron. took part in this Operation. Once again further promotion had occurred Sgt. Garrard to Flt/Sgt. On the 7th June the Operation was against the Foret De Cerisy where Panzer Forces were concentrated, this was in Lancaster ND 696 E with Plt/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 4.00 hours, as a Visual Backer Up. 16 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. The 9th June the Operation was against Rennes Airfield a fighter base, in Lancaster ND 696 E with Plt/Off Mills as Pilot in a flight of 4.10 hours, as a Bomber. 11th June the Operation was against the Railway Marshalling Yards at Maissy Palmiseau Paris in Lancaster ND 696 E with Plt/Off Mills as Pilot in a flight of 3.05 hours, as a Backer Up. 8 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 11th June the Operation was against Evrecy in Lancaster ND 696 E with Plt/Off Mills as Pilot in a flight of 3.45 hours, as a Backer Up. 8 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. On the 23rd June the Operation was against Coubrounne in Lancaster ND 755 B with Plt/Off Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.05 hours, as Deputy Master Bomber. However, the Master Bomber was lost and Plt/Off Mills and crew assumed the role. 16 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation including the Master Bomber; theirs was the only aircraft from the Squadron to fail to return. 24th June the Operation was against a fighter airfield Middel Straete in Lancaster ND 696 E with Plt/Off Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.00 hours, as a Bomber. 12 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. This was their last Operation for June although a few training flights had been undertaken especially with fighters.

10th July saw a morning Operation against Nucourt in Lancaster ND 696 E with Plt/Off Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.45 hours, as a Bomber. 12 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. A further promotion had occurred with Flt/Sgt. Satterthwaite being promoted to Plt/Off. 12th July saw an afternoon Operation against Rollez in Lancaster ND 696 E with Plt/Off Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.30 hours, as a Bomber. 6 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 15th July saw a return to Nucourt in Lancaster ND 696 E with Plt/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 3.20 hours, as a Bomber. 15 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 18th July saw a morning Operation against Manneville in Lancaster ND 696 E with Flg/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.45 hours, as a Visual Backer Up. 5 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. A further promotion had occurred with Plt/Off Mills being promoted to Flg/Off. 18th July an Operation against Wesseling in Lancaster ND 696 E with Flg/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 3.50 hours, as a Visual Backer Up. 12 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 20th July saw an Operation against Wizernes a “V” Bomb site, in Lancaster PB 123 F with Flg/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.05 hours, as Deputy Master Bomber. 4 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 23rd July saw an Operation to Kiel in Lancaster ND 696 E with Flg/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 5.40 hours, as a Visual Centrer. 16 aircraft from this Squadron took part in the Operation. 24th July saw an Operation against Stuttgart in Lancaster ND 696 E with Flg/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 7.10 hours, as a Visual Centrer. 16 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation and 1 failed to return. 25th July saw a return to Stuttgart in Lancaster ND 696 E with Flg/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 7.40 hours, as a Visual Centrer. 16 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation and 1 failed to return. 28th July saw a further return to Stuttgart in Lancaster ND 696 E with Flg/Off Mills as Pilot in a flight of 6.25 hours, as a Visual Centrer. 10 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. The 30th July saw their final Operation for the month a morning attack against Caen in the Normandy Battlefield in Lancaster ND 696 E with Flg/Off Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.55 hours, as a Visual Backer Up. 13 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. Various training flights were also undertaken during the course of the month.

The 1st August saw an evening Operation against Le Nieppe a “V” Bomb site in Lancaster PB 257 C with Flg/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.05 hours, as Master Bomber. 2 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation and provided both Master and Deputy Master Bomber. 18th August a night Operation against Bremen n Lancaster PB 343 E with Flg/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 4.45 hours, as the Primary Visual Marker. 10 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 25th August saw 2 attacks in the one Operation against Brest, Pointe Robert & Ponscorrf in Lancaster PB 343 E with Flg/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 5.40 hours, as Master Bomber. 15 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 26th August saw a return to Kiel in Lancaster PB 343 E with Flg/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 5.25 hours, as Primary Visual Marker. 11 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 29th August saw their last Operation for the month against Stettin in Lancaster PB 343 E with Flg/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 8.40 hours, as Primary Visual Marker. 6 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. During the month 2 training flights were also carried out.

3rd September saw a daytime Operation to Gilze Rijin a fighter airfield in Lancaster PB 343 E with Flg/Off. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.45 hours, as Master Bomber. 9 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 5th September another daylight Operation to Le Havre in Lancaster PB 343 E with Flt/Lt. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.35 hours, as Master Bomber. 4 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. Flg/Off. Mills had now been promoted to Flt/ Lt. 6th September saw an evening Operation against Le Havre in Lancaster PB 343 E with Flt/Lt. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 2.35 hours, as Master Bomber. 15th September saw a return to Kiel in Lancaster PB 343 E with Flt/Lt. Mills as Pilot in a flight of 5.00 hours, as Primary Visual Marker. 13 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. The final promotion had now occurred for this crew, Sgt. Redford was promoted to Flt/Sgt.

This crew had now completed more Operations than tour required and were to be rested. Flt/Sgt Redford was recommended for the Distinguished Flying Medal and the Officers for the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Flight Sergeant Redford volunteered to remain at Graveley and to act as a spare Flight Engineer when required. In June 1944 his wife had died during a “V” bomb attack on London.

5th October Flt/Sgt. Redford joined the crew of Flt/Lt. J.J. Osmond RAAF Pilot, Plt/Off. R.W.E. Bennett RAAF Navigator, Plt/Off. R.M. Hilliard RAAF 2nd Navigator, Flt/Sgt. M. Cochrane Wireless Operator, Flt/Sgt. G.A Perry Mid Upper Gunner and Plt/ Off. J.C. Black Rear Gunner, for an Operation against Saarbrucken in Lancaster PB 197 O with Flt/Lt Osmond as Pilot in a flight of 5.00 hours, as a Blind Marker. 16 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 14th October a daylight Operation against Duisburg in Lancaster PB 197 O with Flt/Lt. Osmond as Pilot in a flight of 4.00 hours, as Supporter. 15 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 14th October a night attack against Duisburg in Lancaster PB 197 O with Flt/Lt. Osmond as Pilot in a flight of 4.05 hours, as Blind Secondary Marker. 16 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 19th October saw an Operation against Stuttgart in Lancaster PB 197 O with Flt/Lt. Osmond as Pilot in a flight of 5.30 hours, as Blind Marker. 16 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation and 1 aircraft failed to return.

25th October Flt/Sgt. Redford joined the crew of Flg/Off. N.C. Blackband A.F.C. Pilot, Flg/Off. W.G. Heatley Navigator, Flg/Off. M.D. Singleton 2nd Navigator, Flt/Sgt. S.G. Watts Wireless Operator, Sergeant A.S. Fleming Mid Upper Gunner and Sergeant R.H.R. Grayson Rear Gunner, for an Operation against Essen in Lancaster PB 614 H with Flg/Off. Blackband A.F.C. as Pilot in a flight of 3.40 hours. 16 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation.

4th November saw an Operation against Bochum in Lancaster PB 614 Q with Flg/Off. Blackband A.F.C. as Plot in a flight of 3.45 hours, as a Supporter. 12 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 6th November saw an Operation against Gelsenkirchen in Lancaster PB 614 Q with Flg/Off. Blackband A.F.C. as Pilot in a flight of 3.30 hours, as a Supporter. 13 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 16th November saw an afternoon Operation against Duren in Lancaster PB 197 O with Flg/Off. Blackband A.F.C. as Pilot in a flight of 4.00 hours, as a Supporter. 12 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 18th November saw an Operation against Wanne Eickel a synthetic oil plant in Lancaster PB 197 O with Flg/Off. Blackband as Pilot in a flight of 4.35 hours, as a Supporter. 11 aircraft from this Squadron took part in this Operation. 1 aircraft PB 197 O crashed on returning to R.A.F. Graveley. The total number of aircraft from Nos 1 & 8 Groups Bomber Command were 285 Lancasters and 24 Mosquitos, there was only the one aircraft lost.

From 35 Squadron Operations Record Book, Station Sick Quarters, R.A.F. Graveley.

Lancaster Mk. 111 PB 197 O carried out overshoot procedure on landing but crashed 1 ½ miles South of the Aerodrome.

The following members of the crew were killed as a result of multiple injuries.
F/O Blackband (170204), F/O Heatley V.G. (169319) F/O Singleton M.D. (153307),180090 F/Sgt Watts J.H. and 1639906 F/Sgt Redford G.H.
The Mid Upper Gunner 1595708 Sgt. Fleming A.G. who was in the rest position sustained no physical injuries but was suffering from acute emotional stress.
1689447 Sgt. Grayson R.H. Rear Gunner escaped with mild concussion and fracture of the left Humerous when the tail unit broke off.

18th November notification was received at R.A.F. Graveley of the award of the D.F.C. to Flt/Lt M.W. Mills followed on the 21st the award of D.F.C. to F/O R.L. Williams and P/O H.A. Satterthwaite.

Following notification of George’s death my parents received his personal flying log-book and personal effects and the following medals and stars -: Air Crew European Star with clasp France and Germany, 1939-45 Star, Defence Medal.

In late 1945 my parents John and Jane Redford were invited to an investiture at Buckingham Palace on November 5th. My parents received the Distinguished Flying Medal from His Majesty King George V1th.

In 1984 there was a World Wide Reunion for the Path Finder Force in Adelaide during Anzac Week. I contacted the Organisers and was invited to meet Ex-members of 35 Squadron. I met several people from the Squadron over two evenings notably Allan Vial (Queensland), George “Pompey” Hatton (England) and Mary Hatton ex-WAAF (England), David Leicester (Adelaide), Allan & Nora Munday, who encouraged me to research my brother’s Air Force Career. It was interesting to note that Mary Hatton could tell me more about the crash than anyone else as she had been on duty that night in the Sergeants Mess. After numerous letters I eventually received a copy of the original citation recommending my brother for the Distinguished Flying Medal. From this document I found that my brother’s Station Commander was my Air Officer Commanding the Group that I was in in the Technical Training Command. It also came out that we had started our Service life at the same Station Cardington as had another brother, David in 1949 and myself in 1958.

During a holiday in the UK in 2000 I had the opportunity to meet Arthur Satterthwaite and we had a very interesting morning talking about life on 35 Squadron during the War and how and when George had joined their crew. Unfortunately, Maurice Mills had died some 25 years previously. Research continues and little by little I find minute details.

William Edmund Redford
Whyalla Norrie South Australia

Simon Glancey has added this:
The recommendation for his D.F.M. is as follows:
"Flight Sergeant Redford has taken part, as a Flight Engineer, in many attacks against the enemy and has consistently proved himself to be capable under all conditions. He has recently operated in a crew engaged in a vital marking role and his enthusiasm to fly and his coolness under the heaviest engagement by ground defences, has gained him the confidence of his crew.
It is considered that this NCO's record of many sorties successfully completed coupled with the example he sets to his fellow aircrew fully merits the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal."

George H. Redford is remembered at Ashington on A17.01 (A17.27) and A17.43

The CWGC entry for Flight Sergeant Redford