Trafford

Joined the Metro-Vicker's Company as a Probationary Trade Apprentice in
November 1933 and became a Trade Apprentice in March 1935.    On
completeion of his apprenticeship in July 1938 he joined the staff of the
General Drawing Office.    Joined the RAFVR in July 1941 and later promoted
to the rank of Flight Sergeant.     KinA whilst on air operations over
enemy territory in March 1944.

They were assigned to Lancaster L.L 625-C (for Charlie) of their 514
Squadron, based in Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire.
 
The total force consisted of 811 aircraft - 577 Lancasters, 216 Halifaxes,
18 Mosquitoes. The losses were, 72 aircraft comprising 44 Lancasters, 28
Halifaxes. Gerry's Lancaster crashed on the return journey home, on Friday,
24 March 1944. The cause is not known. The crash occurred near Worlitz, a
small town south of the Elbe and approximately 2-kms ENE of Dressau.
Initially those who died were buried in Worlitz but were later relocated to
the 1939-1945 War Cemetery in Berlin. 

Gerry was killed as were the remainder of the crew with the exception of
his friend R B McAllister. He was awarded posthumously; Defence Medal; War
Medal 1939-1949; Air Crew Europe Medal; 1939-1945 Star.

The crew consisted of: F/O J R Laing; Sgt. P C K Bennett; Sgt. A Vickers;
F/Sgt. J Knights; F/Sgt. G E Scott; F/Sgt. R B McAllister (RCAF POW); Sgt.
C A Salt.