Bertram Thomas Henry Scudder

[ErikSchaddelee]

Jool,

for as far we know (thanks to family of Clary) the men on the crewphoto are (from left to right) : Scudder, Hovey, Stewart, Lockhart, Bellinger, Johnnie Dodge and Clary.

[Jool]

Just a brief update on the Scudder appeal in the Southend (and District) Evening Echo.
As I couldn't see anything on their website, I tried "Scudder" in their search box.

Not only was there a link to Rob Lanting contacting them back in 2004 but also congratulation notices for several Scudder children.... Hopefully, as there still seem to be Scudders living locally when the item is published we should have several responses..... that is, if they are at all interested. We have to remember that in France, Belgium and Holland where they were occupied for many years, the sacrifices of the bomber crews and others is still commemorated. Over here, things tend to be forgotten.
Let's hope they are proud of their relation and do respond.

When is the item going to be published Kevin?

[STAN54]

Kevin has managed to get the article in the Southend Echo for Monday (12th August).

Well done again Kevin.

FYI the link to the BBC Essex report is now expired. I've contacted them to see whether they might re install it for those joining in on the search.

Regards to all.

Chris.

[KevinBattle]

Not to detract from the main issue here, but the mention of "Johnny" Dodge reminded me of a photo on the 434 Sqdn Association page
13 - P/O S.H. Dunn - P/O G.V. Hastings - Sgt N. Venber - Sgt G.B. Hellens - P/O A.H.B. Hall - Sgt I.A. McDonald - Sgt O. Harper. Members of Crew 13
http://www.rcaf434squadron.com/debriefing-coffee/socializing-and-meetings/663959
L to R W/O2 N. Venber, F/O "Johnny" Dodge
F/O "Johnny" Dodge (right) & W/O2  N. Venber (from crew 13) who is a keen and capable member of his crew, N. Venber knows a little about every other crew member’s job. As soon as the navigator receives the target, Venber gets out his maps of the area and discussed the route with the crew, noting carefully pin points, landmarks, etc. He sees the meteorology officer along with his navigator to get information on the winds, clouds over the route and target area, position of the moon at zero hour.
Here he is with the navigator in his crew (right). Flying Officer J.S.H. “Johnny” Dodge , Middleton , N.S.
W/O2 N. Venber currently member of crew 13, later transferred to 420 squadron and "FTR" KIA.
J.S.H. “Johnny" Dodge (spare) 21
VENBER, NICK. Rank: Pilot Officer. Service No: J/85634. Date of Death: 01/05/1944.
Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Air Force. 420 Sqdn.
Panel Reference: Panel 253. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL
and
DODGE, JAMES HARPER. Rank: Flying Officer. Service No: J/21046. Date of Death: 28/01/1944. Age: 20.
Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Air Force. 426 Sqdn.
Panel Reference: Panel 245. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL
Additional Information: Son of Freeman James Dodge and Edith Catherne Dodge, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
The photo appears to be dated October 1943 but doesn't mention that "Johnny" Dodge (if this is he) also FTR, and that was Jan '44 as against Venber in March '44.

[Jool]

Here's another obituary for Lockhart with more info about his life after the war.  Has contact been made with his family yet?

http://yourlifemoments.ca/sitepages/obituary.asp?oid=503506

[RobLanting]

Here's another obituary for Lockhart with more info about his life after the war.  Has contact been made with his family yet?

http://yourlifemoments.ca/sitepages/obituary.asp?oid=503506

Jool

Thanks for the site!l
Yes we are already in contact with a daughter and son of Lockhart, Kevin and Bronwyn.

Rob

[RobLanting]

Dear all,

First of all, a great compliment to David Smith, he found relatives of Mr. Hastings.
We are awaiting response of them, as they allready have been informed about or search.
David, thanks again your offer to help us out, we definately could not do this without the help of you and others! Things went fast!

On the moment we are also very happy to tell that Geoffrey and Alan Soderstrom (webmaster 434 squadron website) found Bellinger relatives! There is still a brother and the wife of this brother living! I received a emailadress of her. Walter, the brother of William George Bellinger, has quite a short term memory but is still living. The cousins of William George are on travel, and get back soon. We will contact them too. Great stuff. Geoffrey, thank you so much for helping out on the ancestry information on William George Bellinger.

Everybody thanks again. Hopefully Stuart and Hastings relatives will contact us soon.

Rob

[STAN54]

The local press (Castle Point Echo)in the Hadleigh, South Essex area have published the appeal for family of Bertram today - well done to Kevin for getting that sorted out.

I have also traced a cousin of Bertram in nearby Benfleet (with Geoff Pains help) - Daphne Benson, but learnt from neighbours that she sadly died in April this year. Her brother Dennis Bridge had a son who lives in Leicestershire somewhere which is the next line of enquiry. The newspaper appeal however may yield further results.

[Geoff Pain]

The Hadleigh and Thundersley Community Archive has very kindly published my contact page re the Scudder family

http://www.hadleighhistory.org.uk/page_id__457.aspx

Geoff