Flt Lt Charles M. Blakeney, RAFVR, RCAF 425 Sqdn

[georgetanksherman]

Not sure if anyone can lend a hand,

Looking for info on Flt Lt Charles Mack Blakeney, RAFVR, #121784, from Stephenville, Texas (Just down the road from me) was assigned to RCAF No. 425 Squadron flying Vickers Wellingtons, then on to Handley Page Halifax's, where he received a DFC on October 10, 1943 while flying with RCAF No. 425 Squadron, somewhere after that he did transfer over to USAAF, but not sure when, he gained the rank of Lt. Col. in the USAF, flying missions in WW II, Korea and Vietnam, sadly he passed away December 23, 1978, and is buried in San Antonio, Texas

Any help with further info would be appreciated !

Cheers

George

[Temujin]

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[Temujin]

Found his records at 425 Squadron (RCAF)

His “last” flight was on the 17th Sep 1943…….and then he and his entire crew were posted to No 2 Base Personnel Depot..as of 24 Sept 1943 as their flying tour had ended

And on the second record you can see his “award” of the Distinguished Flying Cross

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[Temujin]

George, I don’t believe he flew Halifax’s, as he left 425 Squadron JUST BEFORE they started to convert to that aircraft

[Temujin]

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[Temujin]

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[georgetanksherman]

Temujin,

George, I don’t believe he flew Halifax’s, as he left 425 Squadron JUST BEFORE they started to convert to that aircraft

Yeah, that was on me, I did not think the Ole' Wellington was used that late in the war, I knew of the conversion, but thought it already had happened, with the exception of Coastal Command. But Thank You for the heads up. Appreciate all the info you posted. It helps with the story I am putting together !

Cheers

George

[georgetanksherman]

Cheers Temujin,

What I have found out so far,

Vickers Wellington "R" - HE269

CREW:
Pilot: Flt Lt C.M. Blakeney, DFC, RAFVR, 121784, Stephenville, Texas, U.S.A.
Navigator: F/O J.L.G. Taschereau, DFC, RCAF, J/10715, Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada
Wop/Gnr: Flt Lt L.A. Wainwright, RCAF, J/15457, Hometown Currently Unknown
Bmb Aim: P/O G.S. Hutton, RCAF, J/16823, Hometown Currently Unknown
Gnr: Flt Sgt J.P. Goyette, RCAF, R/108365, Hometown Currently Unknown

June 26, 1943
Wellington HE269 "R"-Roger on bombing mission to Sciacca, Sicily was attacked by a Junkers Ju. 88 whose presence was realized only when it opened fire. Gunner Flight Sergeant J. P. Goyette was so startled that his thumbs automatically hit the firing buttons and froze there for fully six seconds. The range throughout most of the long burst was practically point blank. He couldn't miss. The German fell away, and moments later an aircraft was seen blazing on the Mediterranean. Claimed as destroyed, the Ju. 88 was No. 425's aerial victim number one.

September 17, 1943
The above crew again flying Wellington HE269 "R" on a bombing mission to Cerveteri, Italy, aircraft completed the mission and safely returned to base. For Flt Lt C.M. Blakeney, F/O J.L.G. Taschereau, and P/O G.S. Hutton it was their last mission as they were tour expired and was sent to No. 2 Base Personel Depot.

Thanks, Temujin for helping as always

George