83/Leigh Crew: Cleasby in civilian clothes
Name/Title
83/Leigh Crew: Cleasby in civilian clothesEntry/Object ID
2021.500.04Description
Frederick James Cleasby, flight engineer, 83 Squadron. (2 images)Context
The photograph was probably taken before Cleasby joined the RAF. The Leigh crew were shot down 5 May 1943. Their Lancaster crashed at Dortmund, in the target area. All the crew were killed. They were buried at Dortmund main cemetery in a communal grave, and later moved by the British to Reichswald Forest War cemetery. CREW LIST: Sgt J R Leigh FO O M Cornish, RCAF Sgt D H Rock W/Cdr J R Gillman Sgt T Griffith Sgt P R Smith Sgt F J Cleasby Sgt F Johnson John Gillman was the Squadron’s Commanding Officer. In 83 Squadron's ORB, the inserted typing of Gillman's name on the crew list suggest that his flying with them may have been a last-minute arrangement. The ORB states: ‘W/Cdr Gillman, during his short stay, created a good squadron spirit …’, and says elsewhere, ‘ … yet another sad loss’. Chorley ("Bomber Command Losses, 1943") records that Gillman had taken over as CO on 10 February 1943. Also shown here are contemporary copies of letters relating to his loss. Donated by Valerie and Dave Smith.Collection
83 Squadron, Y/M: Small collections or single itemsCategory
QAD: Personal - mixed items