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Hello everyone,

Thanks again for the earlier help with my research into Sgt. Raymond Shepherd (Service No. 929961), air gunner of Halifax JB803, 77 Squadron RAF. With your assistance I have confirmed that his mother was Ada H. Shepherd (née Corke), listed as a widow in the 1939 Register, living at 28 Belfort Place, Great Yarmouth. She is recorded by CWGC as his mother and next of kin.

However, one puzzle remains:
In my Air Ministry correspondence from April 1946, a letter is addressed to “B. Shepherd, Esq.” — presumably Raymond’s father or possibly a guardian. Yet CWGC lists only Ada.

Renewed Research Question:

Does anyone have access to Raymond Shepherd’s birth certificate (likely c.1921–22, Great Yarmouth) which should confirm his father’s full name?

Could the 1939 Register or earlier census/voter rolls provide more clarity on who “B. Shepherd” was?

Was Ada a widow before or after Raymond’s birth?

Why this matters:

Establishing exactly who the official Next of Kin was helps to complete both the genealogical and commemorative record.

Understanding why the Air Ministry wrote to a “B. Shepherd, Esq.” while CWGC only lists Ada may shed light on family circumstances, legal guardianship, or administrative inconsistencies.

What I already have:

CWGC entry: “Son of Ada Shepherd, of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk” (no father mentioned).

IBCC Losses / MREU records confirm his grave at Muiden, the Netherlands.

Forum discussions suggest Ada was a widow in 1939 with one closed entry in the Register at her address (likely Raymond).

A possible connection to a James Shepherd has been suggested but is unconfirmed.

What I am hoping for:

Someone with access to GRO records who can check/order Raymond’s birth certificate.

Any lookups from Ancestry/Findmypast for Norfolk parish records, probate, or newspapers that mention a B. Shepherd linked to Ada and Raymond.

Leads on family notices or obituaries that might clarify parentage and NOK.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. If I receive concrete details (certificate, scans, records), I’ll gladly share them here to close the loop for future researchers.

With thanks in advance,
David van Coolwijk
(Netherlands – independent researcher into Halifax JB803)

I have posted several inquires to some facebook groups in Northam, asking I Wilfred Leonard White is familiar in that area.

Hopefully someone responds!

Thank you very much! Hopefully he can give us more information!

Thank you so very much!! This helps me a lot!

I also found his casualty card through someone on facebook!