F/O Robert M Cumming RAFVR and crew – 103 Squadron – RAF Elsham Wolds – 1942
Failed to Return – 2/3rd December 1942 – Avro Lancaster I – W4339 – Op Frankfurt.
Robert Cumming and his crew were posted to 103 Squadron at RAF Elsham Wolds from 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit on the 28th October 1942. They completed 2 operations before being lost on their second.
22-Nov-42 – Stuttgart – Lancaster – W4339 – P/O RM Cumming
28-Nov-42 – Turin – Lancaster – W4788 – P/O RM Cumming
02-Dec-42 – Frankfurt – Lancaster – W4339 – F/O RM Cumming – FTR - Flak victim. Crashed in Germany.
The aircraft crashed between Trebur and Gross Gerau, Hessen, approx 5 miles south Russelheim.
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Alan Hamilton
Reginald Wallace
F/O Robert Morison Cumming RAFVR – Pilot – 21 – 103 Sqn - Son of Howard and Eileen Norah Cumming of Cookham, Berkshire – Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany
Sgt Hedley Dyke RAF – Flight Engineer – 21 - 103 Sqn - Son of Joseph and Dorothy Dyke of Ilkeston, Derbyshire - Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany
Sgt Thomas Tweedy Wilkinson RAFVR – Navigator - 22 – 103 Sqn - Son of Robert and Gertrude Wilkinson, of Monkseaton, Whitley Bay, Northumberland - Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany
Sgt Alan Moffatt Hamilton RAFVR ( Pictured above ) - Observer – 18 – 103 Sqn - Son of Ian Moffatt Hamilton and Phyllis Hamilton, of Chester - Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.
The age of this airman is correct. A family member has informed me Sgt Hamilton enlisted under age.
F/O Reginald Wallace RAFVR ( Pictured above ) – Wireless Operator / Air Gunner – 27 – 103 Sqn - Son of Arthur and Rose Wallace - Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany
F/S John William Edward Wilson RAAF – 32 – 103 Sqn - Son of Edward and Mary Ann Wilson, of Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia - Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany
F/S Richard Grange Stolz-Page RAFVR – Air Gunner – 29 – 103 Sqn - Husband of Suzanne Stolz-Page (nee Simon) of Luxembourg - Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.
This airman had also previously served as an Air Gunner in 151 Squadron flying Bolton Paul Defiant night fighters from RAF Wittering. Also commemorated on the Luton Vauxhall Motors War Memorial
Robert Cumming was a fine golfer and winner of the 1939 Ramsey Town Cup on the Isle of Man. During the summer of that year he was staying in the IOM during his summer break from University
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02-Dec-42 – Frankfurt
103 Squadron detailed 14 aircraft for this attack on the German city of Frankfurt. No crews identified the aiming point but most bombed built up areas from between 5000 ft and 14000 ft and reported fires. F/S Austin and crew were attacked by 2 Ju88s and succeeded in shooting one down this being confirmed. F/S Newitt evaded a diving attack by an Me 109 which was lost to sight. Flak was moderate to heavy co-operating with searchlights.
F/S Moriarty returned early because of a faulty blind flying service panel. Sgt Greig and Sgt Morris failed to take off. F/O Cumming and crew failed to return. All other aircraft were directed Middleton St George but three managed to land at base and one at Oakington.
For this attack on Frankfurt Bomber Command detailed a total of 112 aircraft - 48 Halifaxes, 27 Lancasters, 22 Stirlings, 15 Wellingtons. 6 aircraft - 3 Halifaxes, 1 each of the other types - lost, 5.4 per cent of the force.
There was thick haze and the Pathfinders were unable to establish the location of Frankfurt. Most of the bombing fell in country areas south-west of the city; it is possible that a decoy fire site was operating.
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Lancaster W4336
This machine was lost on its 2nd operation.
22-Nov-42 – Stuttgart – Lancaster – W4339 – P/O RM Cumming
02-Dec-42 – Frankfurt – Lancaster – W4339 – F/O RM Cumming – FTR - Flak victim. Crashed in Germany.
Item compiled by David Fell. Thanks to the Hamilton family for the photo and Michael Wallace for the photo of Reg Wallace and his input.
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