Short Stirling & RAF Bomber Command Forum

Hi, has anyone come across Reginald ( Reg) Frederick Trim? He joined the RAFVR in 1938, in July 1940 he was posted to 59 squadron, some time in 1943 he was posted to 42 operational training unit at Asbourne.From there to 297 squadron , by this time he is a squadron leader. He flew one of the 3 planes on the Merville Battery raid on d -day. Shortly after he was posted to another squadron, I don't know which one. During the war he played football for Bournemouth. Nottingham Forest and Derby. Strangely I cant find any record of him playing for any of the RAF teams.
Thanks
Brian

Hello Brian,
I've done a quick search but to no avail at present.
Hopefully another member will step up with some detail.
Cheers,
John

Hi John, thanks for having a look. If it helps anyone Reg went back into the RAF in 1950 as a flight controller.

A man of that name was a Bournemouth Postman in 1925 and another man of that name joined the GPO as a temporary postman in March 1930. Apparently father and son.

Trim (younger) appears to have been born 1 October 1913, married March 1936 in Wandsworth, his wife died in 1948.

He joined the RAF with service number 742011 being commissioned on 29 June 1940, after being commissioned his service number was 82664. He was promoted Flying Officer on 29 June 1941 and I think Flight Lieutenant on 29 June 1942. The London Gazette of 8 June 1944 has a Mention In Despatches for him as an Acting Squadron Leader. On 19 January 1949 he transferred to the RAFVR as a Flying Officer and on 19 July 1954 transferred within the RAFVR to the Fighter Control Branch.

On 1 December 1955 he rejoined the RAF (GD Branch) as a Flying Officer with a permanent commission. Flight Lieutenant Trim retired 16 May 1964 retaining the rank of Squadron Leader.

Married 2nd time Sep 1979 in Bournemouth
He died in Bournemouth June 1997 (his father had died 29 August 1962)

Apparently he played football for England at junior level and then went on to play professional football for clubs such as Bournemouth, Swindon, Nottingham Forrest, Derby County and Arsenal

Hi Peter, thanks very much for the reply, that's my man. The postal job in 1930 is interesting as he was supposed to have played football for Bournemouth Postal FC. I would assume by the date, the mention in Despatches is for the Merville Battery raid.Excuse my ignorance what is GD branch? Reg played football for England schoolboys twice, in the first game he was captain.

GD = General Duties Branch - aircrew
Glad I was able to help,