Flight Sergeant A Howell.

[JeffreyH]

New to forum and looking for anyone who has any possible information on my grandfather A. Howell.

He was a Flight Sergeant and served at RAF Upwood, l believe in a training role and having served with The Buffs and RFC WW1 was around 54/55 years of age in 1944. I have looked at crew records and photographs of Upwood throughout WW2 but am drawing blanks...

My father served with 37 and 148 squadrons the latter in Foggia/Tortorella died in 1981, my uncle killed in action 1941 serving with 144 squadron Hemswell! Both sons of A Howell.

If any kind soul could lead me in a positive direction reference my research l would love to hear from you.

[Lesley Robertson]

What was your Uncle's name? Maybe we can track him through CWGC...

[hijimhere]

You can write to the MOD, with proof of relationship, to get access to the records. There is a form you print then fill manually on the MOD

[hijimhere]

No Flight Sargent A Howell listed on here so he probably survived the war.

[christanel]

Welcome to the British-Genealogy forums JeffreyH
If you came to us from Forces War Records reading This will tell you a little about us.

This 'sticky' explains about service records for WW11.
Even though your grandfather served in WW1 if he also served in WW11 the MoD will still hold his records. This is a good thing because more than 60% of WW1service records were destroyed by bombing/fire in WW11.

Christina

[JeffreyH]

Thank you Christina for this useful information. Jeff.

[JeffreyH]

You can write to the MOD, with proof of relationship, to get access to the records. There is a form you print then fill manually on the MOD

Thanks Jim, a visit is planned to Kew in the next few weeks so hoping to clear the fog a little... Jeff.

[Lesley Robertson]

To get his service records, you need to apply to the MOD, see THIS message. You'll need to provide a copy of his death certificate - be warned, the process can take weeks.

Judging by their service numbers, your Uncle and my Father were at RAF Cranwell at the same time. Dad was a couple of entries (twice a year) later. There's a section of my website about the CEWBEA HERE

BTW it's easier to help if we have relevant available information. For example, was your Grandfather also called Albert, or do you not know what his forename was?

[JeffreyH]

Wow! Thank you Lesley that's fascinating information and am enjoying the website. Jack Howell did join before the war started but l hadn't any idea that he was at Cranwell, knowing your father was there too is wonderful. As stated, l have uncle Jacks log book which shows numerous operations over Germany in 1939, 40, 41 but no knowledge of before that so another piece of jigsaw placed. My grandfather Albert Howell was definitely at RAF Upwood in WW2 but drawing blanks apart from known certificate he was presented with at that base. Don't know date given but seems he had long RAF career so think application to M.O.D a must for next step... If you would like photo l have of uncle Jack, his DFM etc l would be more than pleased to send to you. Jeff.

[JeffreyH]

What was your Uncle's name? Maybe we can track him through CWGC...

Thank you Lesley. I have researched fully my Uncle who was indeed Sgt Jack Howell DFM, 144 squadron out of Hemswell and KIA 10th April 1941 returning from raid on Dusseldorf. Handley Page Hampden X3066, shot down by Hptmn Hans Dieter Frank ME110 B who was also killed in 1943. I am lucky enough to be in possession of his DFM, logbook and various photographs given to me by my dear old Mum. His father Albert and my Dad both served in WW2, my father in North Africa-Italy towards the end of the war with 148 squadron and Albert has a commendation from the Air Commanding Officer R.A Cochrain at RAF Upwood and certificate presented to him by a Group Captain Merton... This is where l draw a blank as Albert survived the war... You are very kind to take an interest and l will continue to dig around. Jeff.