CHADWICK, Walter Lawrence - need more info

[n4mv3t]

G'day ... this is my second 'request' post at Rootschat so here is a short introductory explanation of where I am at.
Current status:- awaiting arrival of Certs on GParents and my father - then I can proceed further with my search on that area of the tree.

Current project:- to find more info on CHADWICK, Walter Douglas (known as 'Lawrie') ... he was my mothers brother

Have collected the following info on 'Uncle Lawrie'

dod 4th Jan 1944, age 21 (CWGC - Lee-on-Solent Memorial) ... rank; Leading Airman, HMS Illustrious, Service No; FAA/FX. 86678

I have some info on HMS Illustrious' 'movements' Sept '43 to March '44, but where was she on 4th Jan 1944? Some info I have states she left UK on 14th Jan, other indicates late December 1943. The Eastern Fleet she joined (which included 'sister' ship Unicorn) was sailing to the Med then on to Indian Ocean.

On naval-history dot net I located a reference to his death, however the reference states he was on HMS Unicorn (note 2 others died on the same day from HMS Unicorn - they were Holloway and Wallwork, both Ty/Sub Lieutentants (A) RNVR, MPK)

I have located http://www.fleetairarm.com/pages/research/ ... which certainly looks to be the key to my ongoing search to 'flesh out' Uncle Lawrie, however they have suspended all research until after the '2009 celebrations' ... 

questions I have:-
1. in BDM on ancestry(etc) he isn't listed (were war dead listed differently?)
2. my mother always stated he was a pilot however I am currently doubting that a Leading Airman would be a pilot (but hey, I don't know squeek about the FAA) would like a clarification on this, if possible.
3. regarding Holloway and Wallwork ... what does (A) stand for and what is MPK?

Any help and/or suggestions as to where else I can locate more info would be very much appreciated

Note: I have no connections with the family in the UK (am in OZ ...  ... ), and none living would have 'live' knowledge of Uncle Lawrie.

regards ... n4mv3t

[rafcommands]

Hi,

Fairey Barracuda II loss.

04/01/44
Engine failure after takeoff from HMS Unicorn. Force Landed into the sea, depth charges exploded in position 37 32N 18 05W. Crew killed. Sub/Lt Wallworth, Sub/Lt Holloway and LA Chadwick.

Wallworth was pilot, Holloway observer and Chadwick Telegraphist/Air Gunner

Regards
Ross

[n4mv3t]

rafcommands

thanks for the prompt reply ... by 'joining the dots' I had assumed that it may have been an aircraft problem, but now I know it was a Barracuda and who was what in the aircrew and where (37 32N 18 05W). As am not a sailor, would I be right in saying it occured 'near' Madeira? What is puzzling is why CHADWICK is listed as HMS Illustrious on CWG but 'other records' state HMS Unicorn ... any help on this would be appreciated ... again, thanks fo your help

regards n4mv3t

PS ... I posted halfway through this message (doh!) have corrected the error 

[rafcommands]

Hi,

The position plots to quite some way north of Maderia, more on a line between the Azores and Cadiz.

The ships logs at Kew will tell you the direction of steaming.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATID=2182508&CATLN=6&Highlight=%2CUNICORN&accessmethod=0

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATID=2181421&CATLN=6&Highlight=%2CILLUSTRIOUS&accessmethod=0

It was normal for flying ops to be shared between aircraft carriers. Only a set number of aircraft can be refuelled and rearmed on the flight decks at any time. Also turning into wind to launch disrupted the effective destroyer/anti submarine screen.

His assignment would have been notionally to one carrier but he would have flown onto and off other carriers in the force at regular intervals.

In military speak "detached" means that your parent unit is responsible for your pay etc and you are still on their muster roll for accounting purposes while "attached" means that your pay records etc are on the new unit.

So posted to Illustrious, on their strength and pay book, but killed while taking off from Unicorn while detached from Illustrious.

Regards
Ross

 

[n4mv3t]

rafcommands

Ross ... thanks for replying. The URL's and your explanations are very, very much appreciated.

I have replied to your PM, thank you again for taking the time.

regards ... n4mv3t

[tinarlh]

Hello,  I am a relative of ray holloway

[millymcb]

Hello and Welcome to Rootschat

The original poster has not been around for a few months but may see that there has been a reply to this thread and respond.

In the meantime - why not take a look around Rootschat. There are always lots of interesting discussions going on.

Milly

[n4mv3t]

Hello,  I am a relative of ray holloway

G'day Tinarlh ... Walter L Chadwick was an uncle (a twin)

...n4mv3t

PS ... Have now returned to Rootschat after health issues