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Flight
Sergeant Brinley Hinks - RAFVR |
| F/Sgt Brinley
Hinks was serving on board Lancaster MK.III JA-925 coded GT-L
for an operation to Berlin on January 1/2, 1944. The aircraft
departed from Warboys at 0019hrs but was lost without a trace.
The crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
The rest of the crew were:
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Name |
Service |
Age |
Hometown |
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S/L Rowland Fawcett -DFC |
RAF |
- |
Duncan, B.C,
Canada |
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P/O Roland Bowen |
RAF |
23 |
Bridgenorth, Shropshire |
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P/O Geoffrey Vickers - DFC |
RAFVR |
22 |
Castleford, Yorkshire |
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P/O Percy Lyford - DFC |
RAFVR |
21 |
Willesden Green,Middx |
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F/S George Headley |
RAFVR |
19 |
Hull |
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F/S John Bell |
RAFVR |
22 |
Lancashire |
Flight
Sergeant Brinley Charles Hinks RAFVR, was born on the 11th
July 1923. Bryn, as he was known was the only son of Oswald
and Irene Hinks. When he was eight his mother died and he and
his sister, Doreen were raised by their father with the help
of an aunt and Grandparents.
He was a well loved young man with a grand personality. His wonderful
singing voice had won him a gold medal at the Eisteddfod in
Wales. In the letters of condolence to his father, his singing
voice is mentioned and how it moved those who heard it. On the
back of his Pathfinder certificate is jotted down the words of
"O Donna Mobile" which he was possibly going to sing at a Mess
function. After leaving school he worked for the Co-operative
Society in Pontypridd before joining the RAFVR in October 1940
at the age of 17. Bryn joined 156 squadron in July 1943, he
like most of the crew being transferred from 12 Squadron.
Letters to his family relay some of the missions hair raising moments,
although he wrote as if he was not part of it as he didn't
want his grandmother to know he was flying. He also asks for
Every Ready razor blades as they are unavailable and thanks
his Auntie for doing his washing .
"Bryn" was a much loved,
considerate and talented young man who is still sorely missed
by his family. He had returned home for leave with John Bell
before returning to base in the New Year and his death in
January 1944.
Brinley Hinks and Jack Bell Brinley Hinks in flying gear Brin has written the words of La Donna Mobile on the back of the Path Finder Efficiency Certificate Letter from Bryn from Sgts Mess,RAF Hixon,Staffs. Pages 1 & 2 Letter from Bryn from Sgts Mess,RAF Hixon,Staffs. Page 3 Letter from Bryn Sergeants Mess warboys page 1 & 2 Letter from Bryn Sergeants Mess warboys page 3 Letter from Wing Commander of 156 Squadron Sympathy Letter from Vi & Will Howell
On the rear of this photo Brinley writes that the Corporal (front row centre) was a pilot in the First World War and that he intended to fly again.
Brinley Hinks and Jack Bell
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