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ADF Serials Message Board > Aircrew > Sgt Bill Malley / Lancaster PB383

Posted by: Martin Edwards Oct 18 2012, 04:46 PM

Hi

I'm wondering if someone could help?

I'm researching PB383 Lancaster Bomber which apparently went missing on 5 November 1945 after leaving Naples - I see it registered to the RAAF 460 Sqn between 03/09/44-09/04/45 on your website.

My Grandfather was on board when it went missing but we have had no luck with the MOD helping find out what happened to it.
What is interesting though... is that although it was apparently on Op DODGE to remove British troops from N Africa and Italy to return them to UK - my Grandfather was infact Australian but working for the, British, RAF at the time in the Palace of Casserta. His name was Sgt Bill Malley and may have been quite well known as he was also a musician and organised bands and concerts as well as his day job for the Intelligence set up at Northwood, London.

Could you tell me any researchers or organisations who would have clearer knowledge of the Naples area post-war Sept 1945 to Nov 1945. I'm presuming there just might be some Australian veterans who might remember him or the operations at that time... but time is not on their side.

Thank you,
Claire Morton

Posted by: Warhawk Oct 22 2012, 09:18 PM

Just a little more information though he's not known officiallt in Australia either in AWM or NAA: Always good to get a full name and DOB when people send these things in!!!!!!!!!

But I preservered, as usual

Lancaster PB383 went onto 49 Squadron RAF ex 460Sqn (RAAF) and served in 1945 to the end of the war.

Whether it was on strength with them at the time of the accident is unknown.

A starting point would be: archivist@49squadron.co.uk

Also try : www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com and www.cwgc.org (Commonwealth War Graves)

Specifically: www.cwgc.org/about-us/contact-us.aspx

This will help as I found this in my lateral research "ways"

Cemetery / Malta

MALLEY, WILLIAM EDWARD

Sergeant

Serv#993015

DOD 05/11/1945

Age 30

Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

United Kingdom

Panel 18, Column 2.

MALTA MEMORIAL

So now she will have a service number and able to contact the UK authorities.

All of the Best, happy to help a another anytime

Gordy

Posted by: Warhawk Oct 27 2012, 06:23 PM

Hey Martin,..

this get back to the author?

Best
Gordy