PJW 'Paddy' Raine DFC 101 Sqn

[Ludford101]

Sad to report the passing of another 101 veteran ... I was privilaged to have been able to attend Paddy's funeral on the 15th March along with 101 squadron representatives Flt/Lt Tom Gallagher and Flt/Lt Dave Marsh. I have included part of the forthcoming obituary from 101 Matters Spring Newsletter courtesy of Flt/Lt G.Weightman editor...


Patrick John Wallace Raine DFC. We are very sad to announce that “Paddy” Raine passed away on the 24th February 2013 after a short illness. Initially serving in the RAFVR as an NCO, after his first tour Paddy was commissioned as a Pilot Officer On Probation (temporary) in December 1942. He joined 101 Sqn at Ludford Magna in October 1943 as a Flg Off and served on Sqn Ldr Moody and later Flt Lt Todd’s crew as an “ABC” Special Operator and eventually as Special Op leader. His tour took him through the “Battle of Berlin” in the winter of 1943/44 and he flew on the Nuremberg raid on 31st march 1944, when 101 Squadron lost 7 out of 26 Lancasters launched from Ludford sent out that night. Paddy was awarded the DFC on the 21st April 1944 at the end of his tour with 101 Sqn. In all Paddy completed two tours totaling 57 Ops with Bomber Command and he continued to serve after the war, being granted a permanent commission in the RAF in the secretarial branch in 1949. Paddy finally retired from the RAF in 1960 and later studied theology in Salisbury before being ordained as a priest in 1974. Paddy had met his wife Pat while serving at Ludford and together they were regulars at our reunions. As a distinguished 101 Sqn veteran and also a padre, Paddy gave a moving address at the annual reunion memorial service at Ludford in 1995. Paddy will be greatly missed by all who knew him and our deepest condolences go to his wife, Pat and family.

Many thanks
Gary

[K4KittyCrew]

Many thanks, Gary ........... your work is appreciated.
Cheers,
John