Reichswald Forest

Col Tigwell · #1 06-03-08, 20:00

I have been doing some research, into the death of an Australian Airman, who is now interned in the Reichswald Forest War cemetry.

I believe the actual site, was the scene of a battle between the Germans and Canadian units in 1944.

I can find no information on this matter.

Can anyone throw any light on the matter.

Thanks guys.

Regards

Col

John McGillivray · #2 06-03-08, 22:39

It was called Operation Veritable and was launched in Feb. 1945. You can start on the link below.

http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.../canada2/rhine

Col Tigwell · #3 07-03-08, 19:16

Thank you for your kind help.

Flt/Lt John Leslie Wilson, killed staying at the controls, so others could leave the airplane JD413 Halifax from 77 Sqdn.

John's mother went to her grave, never knowing what had really happened.

John's remains were only interned in 2006

Regards

Col

marco · #4 10-03-08, 22:01

Hello Col,

Do you know when and (approx.) where the airplane crashed?

We have a museum here in the eastern part of Holland which has been doing research on WWII airplane crashes for 30 years.
I can ask them and they might be able to find out more.

Best regards,

Marco Hogenkamp

marco · #5 06-04-08, 19:45

Hello Col,

This is what I found today in our local museum.
Copy from the book RAF Bomber Losses 1943.
The date is August 31st/September 1st 1943.
The mission was a bombing raid on Berlin.

Best regards,

Marco

Col Tigwell · #6 07-04-08, 08:07

Well we have established that the airplane was brought down at 0223 hours on the 1/9/43.

If you send me your address I will mail to you the full file on the event.

Would include many photos, will be completed mid May.

My email address

Regards

Col