50 Squadron crew, June '41

[David Layne]

Gus Walker Christmas card.

[David Layne]

This picture of 50 Squadron was taken at Skellingthorpe I believe.  I would be grateful if someone can confirm that.

My father is directly below the left hand propeller hub.

[cravens]

David,that's a fine photo of 50 Sqd you have posted. I have had a good look and do not think i can see my father,which would point to it being taken at Skellingthorpe as he left the 50 a few weeks before the move.Regards Bryan.

[David Layne]

Bryan omitted.............."It shows my fathers crew [X2919] in the Ops Room at Lindholme the morning after a trip to Hamburg 12/3/41. L/R Sgt Thompson,AG, F/L Rippingale pilot,Intelligence Officer;F/O Grant Observer,Sgt Craven A/G.The notice boards on behind can be clearly read on the original. Note the ME110 model above their heads Regards Bryan"

[simon h]

Hi David, My name is Simon Welford, son of Wuff Welford. I read with interest that you are trying to find out more about 50 Squadron and some of it's aircrew. I remember my father speaking of Wally Layne with great fondness. When I saw some of the photos you have posted on this site it prompted me to search through my dad's old pictures, and guess what I have found the first picture that you are enquiring about and I think I can help you solve the puzzle of the unknown person. His name was Stew Hobson, unfortunately that is all I know about him. I will look at my father's old log book and hopefully I will be able to give you more info about my father's antics after 50 Squadron.
All the Best
Simon

[David Layne]

Great to hear from you Simon.  I look forward to hearing more.

[simon h]

David, I have looked through my fathers log book and he was with 50 Squadron at Lindholme in July 41 then went with 50 Squadron to Swinderby until August '41 when he had 6 months off due to unjuries recieved by crashing after ops on 29th August '41 fliying in Hampdens. Feb '42 he was with 50 sqd Skellingthorpe mainly in Manchesters stayed there until July then went to Swinderby and converted to Lancasters until Aug '42, Wigsley on Lanc's until Feb '43 then onto 57 Squadron Scampton until Aug '43 when he went to India until Nov '44 then changed to 276 Squadron in Belguim in '45 on Airsea Rescue on Walrus's.
If you want any more info just let me know
Simon

[simon h]

David, Thought you may like to see this photo of your dad dated 1942, found it in amongst my fathers photos.
Cherrs
Simon

[David Layne]

Great Simon.  That's my parents on their wedding day, February 15th 1942.  My Father is wearing your Father's Jacket, borrowed for the day!

As my Mother was walking into St. John's Church (Grantham) 3 Hampdens from 50 Squadron buzzed the church.  I wonder if your Father was one of them?  My Mother was so excited she threw her bouquet into the air!


Thanks for identifying Stew Hobson for me, I wonder what became of him.

Thanks also for the update on your dad's activities after leaving 50 Squadron.  He certainly got around and was obviously a 2 tour man also.

Below is a picture of their class in 14 OTU.