About this Site

Boys of 624 (song)

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Last Updated 5th March 2000

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New Additions 24th March 2001

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Now working, but under construction Last Updated 3rd November 2000

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Last Updated 9th April 2001

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Last Updated 24th Jan 2001

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Last Updated 29th Jan 2000

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NEW 30th Jan 2000

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Last updated 3rd December 2000

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New 19th February 2002

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New 15th March 2004

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Updated 26th October 2004

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Updated 30th January 2001

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Updated 30th January 2001

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COMING SOON : The stories of 624 - The Maquis viewpoint

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Updated 28th March 2001

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This site was developed following my research into my Uncle who was " Missing Presumed Dead" in August 1944.

As a boy I grew up always showing an interest in the R.A.F. and was very close to my Grandma. I asked many questions about Uncle Edmund but I was unable to find very much information. Few in the family appeared to know why he was flying. He had always been a mechanic and a member of ground crew.

In August of 1999, I found information on the Commonwealth Graves Site which informed me that he had been serving with 624 Squadron and that a plaque on the MALTA MEMORIAL commemorated his name.

I then found that 624 was a Special Operations Squadron and was informed that information would be very limited. However I placed a message on Larry's Bomber Command site, contacted the R.A.F. Personnel Management Agency at Insworth Gloucester. and sat back and waited.

In Mid October, having virtually given up hope, I received an E-mail from a John K. Mattison in America, he served with the 885th B.S. which was stationed at Blida at the same time as 624.

He sent me records of all flights by 624Sqdn, and informed me that the aircraft my uncle was flying in was Halifax JN896, along with this, he sent other valuable information. This included a list of surviving members of 624Sqdn and on 27th October I wrote to these men trying to find out if anyone remembered Edmund.

I was really touched by the quick response from everyone of them, and with the information they all provided I felt that I had known them for all of my life. Even though none of them could personally remember Edmund, on reading what they forwarded me I fully understood. Most of them only new the crew they worked with and the officers. I felt that their story needed to be told. In a short space of time, I started to find my way around the internet and my computer in order to develop this, my first and only website.

I hope that as time goes by the story of 624 Squadron will become known to many in the world, a world that may not have known the freedom it does now, had it not have been for the dedicated men of 624Squadron R.A.F.

In acknowledgment of their gallantry I would like to thank them for their services, commitment and memories.

Especially the following members whose permission has been granted :

John B Austin DFC & Bar  ( Acting C.O. S/Ldr )

Ken A. Bedford               ( Bomb Aimer)

Ken L. Pierce                  ( Dispatcher)

Len Sharp                      ( Bomb Aimer)

Cecil W. A. Keys             ( Wireless Operator )

Stanley M. David             ( Air Gunner-Dispr.)

William ( Billy) Rae         (Air Gunner-Dispr.)

Ivor R. Soar                    ( Flt. Sgt ) ( Pilot )

Jack Slade                      (Flt.Sgt-Ground Crew)

Bernard Lievesley            (Ground Crew)

Jack White                      ( Flt. Engr.)

Colin C Ogilvie                 ( Flt. Engr.)

Les Povey                        ( Pilot)

Roy Cutler

J. L. Paulden, DFC.            (Pilot)

A. J. Hanmore, DFC.

Frank Edkins                     ( Wireless Operator)

Harry Jenner                     ( Fitter llE )

Jim Rosbottom                  ( Air Gunner )

George H Messenger          ( Flt. Engr.)

Peter Bagnall                    (Ground Crew)

John G Palmer                   (Wireless Operator)

Victor Scott                       (Wireless Operator)

Brian Snell                        (Flt. Engr.)

Joe Gundry                        (Navigator)

Jack Healey                        

and other's whose names will not be published without their permission

I would also like to thank

Wing Commander Bob Dixon,OBE, and Flt Lt Mark Dover of 4624 Squadron RAUXAF. Brize Norton for their support. They made both Marianne & myself feel so welcome on our visit on 20th January 2000, to confirm facts which are now in process of being  published on this site. Their help & effort is very much appreciated. We are very much looking forward to meeting old and new faces at the Reunion 2001 on Saturday 23rd June again at RAF Brize Norton

(please feel free to take part in the tribute to the Unsung Heroes and join the message board below)

İRM1999RM