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RAF 624 (Special Duties ) Squadron |
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This site was launched on 19 December 1999 following my research into my Uncle Edmund Hurst who was born in Rochdale Lancashire England on 19 December 1914 and who was posted " Missing Presumed Dead" in August 1944.
As a boy I grew up always showing an interest in the R.A.F. and was very close to my Grandma. I asked many questions about Uncle Edmund but I was unable to find very much information. Few in the family appeared to know why he was flying. He had always been a mechanic and a member of ground crew. In August of 1999, I found information on the Commonwealth Graves Site which informed me that he had been serving with 624 Squadron and that a plaque on the MALTA MEMORIAL commemorated his name. I then found that 624 was a Special Operations Squadron and was informed that information would be very limited. However I placed a message on Larry's Bomber Command site, contacted the R.A.F. Personnel Management Agency at Insworth Gloucester. and sat back and waited. In Mid October, having virtually given up hope, I received an E-mail from a John K. Mattison in America, he served with the 885th B.S. which was stationed at Blida at the same time as 624. He sent me records of all flights by 624Sqdn, and informed me that the aircraft my uncle was flying in was Halifax JN896, along with this, he sent other valuable information. This included a list of surviving members of 624Sqdn and on 27th October I wrote to these men trying to find out if anyone remembered Edmund. I was really touched by the quick response from everyone of them, and with the information they all provided I felt that I had known them for all of my life. Even though none of them could personally remember Edmund, on reading what they forwarded me I fully understood. Most of them only new the crew they worked with and the officers. I felt that their story needed to be told. In a short space of time, I started to find my way around the internet and my computer in order to develop this, my first and only website. I hope that as time goes by the story of 624 Squadron will become known to many in the world, a world that may not have known the freedom it does now, had it not have been for the dedicated men of 624Squadron R.A.F. In acknowledgment of their gallantry I would like to thank them for their services, commitment and memories.
and other's whose names will not be published without their permission I would also like to thank Wing Commander Bob Dixon,OBE, and Flt Lt Mark Dover of 4624 Squadron RAUXAF. Brize Norton for their support.
Ron Mckeon |
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Background to the site |
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History |