cissystar650
23-02-2008, 16:25
I wanted to share something that's been happening in my world lately...totally unrelated to all things Naval...so I hope it's ok here! This goes a way to explaining why my energies haven't been expended on this site so much this week (but never fear, my first love is always gonna be Naval History :p)
My Grandfather disappeared off the face of the earth back in 1980, when at the age of 66, he up sticks and left my Nana. I have spent the last ten years searching for him... looking through records, phoning nursing homes and Bowls Clubs all over the South, all to no avail.
Finally, in January 2007, I contacted the Salvation Army Missing Persons department, where for a fee of £45 and copies of birth/marraige certificates etc, they will undertake the search. In May 2007, I left for Spain, not returning until 1st October 2007. I asked my (by now) estranged Husband for permission to collect my mail from his solicitors (I needed Solicitors Name, address etc). He refused to give me permission.
In the same month, I wrote again to the Salvation Army, explaining that, had they written to me, I wouldn't have received the letter, and they sent me another one, informing me that as of August 2007 Granddad was alive and living in New Zealand! I had the address, and thanks to the New Zealand phone directory, I was able to obtain a phone number. All I had to do was wait until later in the evening here to call. By now we were into January of this year....
At 9pm I phoned the number, only to be told that it wasn't recognised! Back online to the phone directory, and the number that had been there in the morning was now gone!!
I knew that Granddad would have been coming up to 94, so chances of finding him alive were always going to be slim! I wrote a letter, sent it by the fastest means I could and sat back and waited.
Just over a week ago, I received an email from a woman who told me she was Granddad's step daughter, and that Granddad George had passed away on 31st October 2007. I missed him by a couple of months.
Anyway, I have since spoken to 'Barbara' many times on the phone. She knew nothing of his life here in the UK, as we knew nothing of his new life in New Zealand. She is a lovely woman, and I feel that although I may have lost my Granddad, I have gained a new friend. We swapped stories, and it turns out that she is in possession of George's Flying record from his days in the RAFVR (578 Squadron). In it it states that he recieved the Distinguished Flying Medal.
My research this week has led me to the fantastic 578 Squadron Association and they very kindly sent me the attached photo and Medal recommendation. Grandad (George Ward) is standing at the back on the right. I have also included what I was told in email.
I know that this is totally unrelated, but I wanted to share it with you all.... although it is sad that I missed him, somehow he has come alive through finding out all of this.
Cissy x
EMAIL ONE:
Mandy,
I am the Archivist for the 578 Squadron Association. I have seen your request on our website.
Your Grandfather was Mid Upper Gunner in the crew captained by Flight Lieutenant Roly Bleakley DFC. The other members of the crew were:-
Flying Officer Terry Pringle DFC RCAF Navigator
Sergant Arthur Dickinson DFM Rear Gunner
Pilot Officer Jacko Jackson DFC Wireless Operator
Flying Officer Alan Miles DFC Bomb Aimer
Sergeant Reg Roberts DFM Flight Engineer
EMAIL TWO:
Mandy
Attached is the photo of your Grandfather's crew.
Back Row Left - Right
Sergeant Dickinson, Flying Officer Alan Miles, Padre Hollis, Pilot Officer Jacko Jackson, Sergeant George Ward.
Front Row Left - Right
Sergeant Reg Roberts, Flight Lieutenant Roly Bleakley, Flying Officer Terry Pringle
It was taken as the crew were about to take off on the last operation of their tour. The date was 11 September 1944 anad the target was Gelsenkirchen.
The crew members decided that because they were taking off in daylight and their return would be after dark, to be sure of obtaining a good photo, the picture should be taken before they took off. However, as an additional 'insurance' for their safe return, they asked Padre Hollis (my Father) to join them in the group photo.
MEDAL RECOMMENDATION:
Sergeant George Dudley Ward
Recommendation
Sergeant Ward has taken part in 37 sorties totalling 161.24 hours during which he has shown a contemptuous disregard of the enemy’s efforts at interception. This Gunner’s constant successful look-round combined with a brilliant running commentary has on more that one occasion assisted his Captain to out-wit attacking fighters. His assured, determined confidence has at all times helped to maintain the high morale of his crew. Sergeant Ward’s enthusiastic and fearless attitude towards his operational duties has set a magnificent example to his fellow aircrew and it is recommended that he should be considered for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.
21 August 1944
Remarks by Station Commander
This Air Gunner has at all times shown a keen spirit and a rugged determination in the face of the enemy. I recommend that his fine record of operations should be recognized by the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.
Air Gunner. Air 2/8828
Sorties – 37 Flying Hours – 161.24
London Gazette 17 November 1944
My Grandfather disappeared off the face of the earth back in 1980, when at the age of 66, he up sticks and left my Nana. I have spent the last ten years searching for him... looking through records, phoning nursing homes and Bowls Clubs all over the South, all to no avail.
Finally, in January 2007, I contacted the Salvation Army Missing Persons department, where for a fee of £45 and copies of birth/marraige certificates etc, they will undertake the search. In May 2007, I left for Spain, not returning until 1st October 2007. I asked my (by now) estranged Husband for permission to collect my mail from his solicitors (I needed Solicitors Name, address etc). He refused to give me permission.
In the same month, I wrote again to the Salvation Army, explaining that, had they written to me, I wouldn't have received the letter, and they sent me another one, informing me that as of August 2007 Granddad was alive and living in New Zealand! I had the address, and thanks to the New Zealand phone directory, I was able to obtain a phone number. All I had to do was wait until later in the evening here to call. By now we were into January of this year....
At 9pm I phoned the number, only to be told that it wasn't recognised! Back online to the phone directory, and the number that had been there in the morning was now gone!!
I knew that Granddad would have been coming up to 94, so chances of finding him alive were always going to be slim! I wrote a letter, sent it by the fastest means I could and sat back and waited.
Just over a week ago, I received an email from a woman who told me she was Granddad's step daughter, and that Granddad George had passed away on 31st October 2007. I missed him by a couple of months.
Anyway, I have since spoken to 'Barbara' many times on the phone. She knew nothing of his life here in the UK, as we knew nothing of his new life in New Zealand. She is a lovely woman, and I feel that although I may have lost my Granddad, I have gained a new friend. We swapped stories, and it turns out that she is in possession of George's Flying record from his days in the RAFVR (578 Squadron). In it it states that he recieved the Distinguished Flying Medal.
My research this week has led me to the fantastic 578 Squadron Association and they very kindly sent me the attached photo and Medal recommendation. Grandad (George Ward) is standing at the back on the right. I have also included what I was told in email.
I know that this is totally unrelated, but I wanted to share it with you all.... although it is sad that I missed him, somehow he has come alive through finding out all of this.
Cissy x
EMAIL ONE:
Mandy,
I am the Archivist for the 578 Squadron Association. I have seen your request on our website.
Your Grandfather was Mid Upper Gunner in the crew captained by Flight Lieutenant Roly Bleakley DFC. The other members of the crew were:-
Flying Officer Terry Pringle DFC RCAF Navigator
Sergant Arthur Dickinson DFM Rear Gunner
Pilot Officer Jacko Jackson DFC Wireless Operator
Flying Officer Alan Miles DFC Bomb Aimer
Sergeant Reg Roberts DFM Flight Engineer
EMAIL TWO:
Mandy
Attached is the photo of your Grandfather's crew.
Back Row Left - Right
Sergeant Dickinson, Flying Officer Alan Miles, Padre Hollis, Pilot Officer Jacko Jackson, Sergeant George Ward.
Front Row Left - Right
Sergeant Reg Roberts, Flight Lieutenant Roly Bleakley, Flying Officer Terry Pringle
It was taken as the crew were about to take off on the last operation of their tour. The date was 11 September 1944 anad the target was Gelsenkirchen.
The crew members decided that because they were taking off in daylight and their return would be after dark, to be sure of obtaining a good photo, the picture should be taken before they took off. However, as an additional 'insurance' for their safe return, they asked Padre Hollis (my Father) to join them in the group photo.
MEDAL RECOMMENDATION:
Sergeant George Dudley Ward
Recommendation
Sergeant Ward has taken part in 37 sorties totalling 161.24 hours during which he has shown a contemptuous disregard of the enemy’s efforts at interception. This Gunner’s constant successful look-round combined with a brilliant running commentary has on more that one occasion assisted his Captain to out-wit attacking fighters. His assured, determined confidence has at all times helped to maintain the high morale of his crew. Sergeant Ward’s enthusiastic and fearless attitude towards his operational duties has set a magnificent example to his fellow aircrew and it is recommended that he should be considered for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.
21 August 1944
Remarks by Station Commander
This Air Gunner has at all times shown a keen spirit and a rugged determination in the face of the enemy. I recommend that his fine record of operations should be recognized by the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.
Air Gunner. Air 2/8828
Sorties – 37 Flying Hours – 161.24
London Gazette 17 November 1944