Short Stirling & RAF Bomber Command Forum

Steve,
I've got this photo from someone who said that i can pass it on to you. It is of the Balding crew (OTU) before getting their two extra men and going to 218sqdn. They were lost on an op to Hanover Sept 43. All she knows is that Balding in front, and Hurst first left (back).
Regards.....Alan.

Hi Alan,

Thank you mate.

Could you email the pic, squadron218 AT yahoo.co.uk please.

Regards

Steve

The 218 squadron ORB shows that Keith Balding, George Hurst and four other members of the crew posted to 218 from 1657 HCU on 16 April 1943. That group of six did not include any of the flight engineers who later flew with the crew.

Trying to identify the others in the photo. Besides Balding and Hurst the only other commissioned officer on the crew was William Norman "Bill" Hamilton RCAF - the WOp/AG - so he is likely the man at back right. The Air Gunner front left would likely be McGovern or Harris. No brevet is visible on the Sergeant front right, but I am reasonably certain he is George Lawrenson the Navigator.

RCAF records online show that Hamilton was posted to 11 OTU in November 1942 so the photo would presumably taken in that period.

Will1604 wrote:The 218 squadron ORB shows that Keith Balding, George Hurst and four other members of the crew posted to 218 from 1657 HCU on 16 April 1943. That group of six did not include any of the flight engineers who later flew with the crew.

Trying to identify the others in the photo. Besides Balding and Hurst the only other commissioned officer on the crew was William Norman "Bill" Hamilton RCAF - the WOp/AG - so he is likely the man at back right. The Air Gunner front left would likely be McGovern or Harris. No brevet is visible on the Sergeant front right, but I am reasonably certain he is George Lawrenson the Navigator.

RCAF records online show that Hamilton was posted to 11 OTU in November 1942 so the photo would presumably taken in that period.

Many thanks for your input there, 'Will1604' ............ and welcome to the forum.
Cheers,
John

Based on an OTU photo I'm now certain that George Lawrenson is front right and Stanley Harris is at front left.