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Messages - IainK

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World War Two / Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
« on: Tuesday 18 November 08 21:42 GMT (UK)  »
Thanks annsa, I'll do that. I've since learnt of the recent(ish) death of G G Heyes.

The picture by B P Allen, done whilst at the Stalag III is at:

http://www.bombercrew.com/142/keen/through%20the%20wire.htm

Scroll across the drawings. It is of a baseball player.

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World War Two / Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
« on: Tuesday 18 November 08 16:39 GMT (UK)  »
I have another question re my search.

One of Harry Selman's fellow crew members in the downed Halifax was a Canadian airman

P/O B P Allen J/21173, he ended up in L3 with P/O Frisby.

(I found a great drawing, online, done by Allen, of a fellow prisoner!!!)

Would I be able to see his records as I have the Australian Pilot? If so, where do I go?

I seem to be lucky it was an International crew or I'd have to wait until I can get to Kew!

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World War Two / Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
« on: Monday 17 November 08 17:04 GMT (UK)  »
It's a real shame we don't get to see the full files.

BTW in the book "Last Take Off" which has been mentioned, will the full co ordinates of the crash be given? Thanks to Milly I now know the name of the wood, but looking on Google Earth it is a large area. I'd like to visit the site at some stage to pay my respects. I also wonder if there is anything in the local press archive about the crash.

I suppose this can take on a slightly macabre fasination but the driving factor is not morbid curiosity but respect for a young man who lost his life in the line of duty, and the pride associated in my being related to him.

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World War Two / Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
« on: Sunday 16 November 08 21:46 GMT (UK)  »
This is truely incredible. Yesterday I find this forum and mention Harry, then within 24hrs I'm reading (and seeing) a hand written account, of his plane being shot down over Germany and his capture, by his Captain. Breathtaking. And it all tallies with the stories I have carried with me since childhood of this family Hero.

When you mention "Kew" in regard to Harry's own service records I presume these to be the official RAF records? Why then are our records not public like the Australian one's? I will have to contact Harry's twin sister, my Great Aunt, to request these files I presume.

Thanks to everyone who has helped me out with this.

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World War Two / Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
« on: Sunday 16 November 08 14:37 GMT (UK)  »
Many many thanks for your replies. I'm feeling that flush of emotion which I'm sure you've all experienced when part of your personal history comes alive.

I've already begun planning a trip to the museum at Stalag 4b. My ultimate goal is to find someone, still living, who knew Harry. I never met him of course but he has always loomed large in my imagination.

Kyt, presumably you have access to this type of information, those few facts you gave me are incredibly helpful.

I'll post a new thread on the subject, as advised, and see if that brings more results.

I'm amazed that I've found so much so soon, thanks to you all.

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World War Two / Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
« on: Sunday 16 November 08 09:47 GMT (UK)  »
Many thanks Annie & Milly.

I've seen the rafcommands website and am waiting to be registered so that I can try and contact the chap who first mentioned Harry. I'm hoping it's someone who may have known him.

I'm new to all this and would really appreciate any advice on how to gather more information about Harry's service history. I know he was a POW, how would I find out where? Or where he was stationed? Is the IWM the place to go?

I believe he was a member of the Caterpillar club after bailing out over Germany. He was a Bombadier in Halifax's I think.

Thanks again

Iain

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World War Two / Re: Air Force Lookups - if you need help
« on: Saturday 15 November 08 21:28 GMT (UK)  »
Hi

With regard to the aforementioned Wellington accident in 1950: My Great Uncle was F/Lt Harry Selman. If anyone has further details of the accident which took his life, or of his fellow crew members I would be very grateful.

Milly, may I ask if your friend is related to one of the crew?

Thank you

Iain

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