Thread: Help contacting Friedrichshagen Germany!

Originally Posted by bob10

Not a problem, mate.

No probs, to be honest I thought same as you but thought better check with spelling they used.

The flight was part of Operation Berlin (bombing Berlin centre) and this town is right there alongside Berlin where the survivor of the flight was captured (the only Canadian in the crew) .

Long shot Digger. Does any one know if the survivor is still alive?

Originally Posted by cuppabillytea

Long shot Digger. Does any one know if the survivor is still alive?

I know he was POW for the remainder of the war.. he was Canadian, and testified that other than the Navigator who he baled out after, he didn't see the others leave the aircraft.

I don't know if he is alive at all. I don't think he could help, his testimony is that he heard the others had been buried there via mail from the pilots widow in England whilst he was a prisoner.


Interesting to know...

In relation to official channels for search and help finding these gentlemen...

Most searches and finds have been carried out by family, friends or ex service people, government channels dont want to waste time they just seek the glory...

No different to what we experience with dealing with them at home and on a daily basis, all puff and wind with no result for decades...

One thing I would suggest Digger, is if anyone you know is going to Germany for business or holiday, to ask if they could look into things there for a day or so, while they are over there....Also anyone going to Europe, as it dont take long to catch a train to Berlin from most of Europe...

I will try to get back in touch with a friend who use to go over there every year or so, he has good research skills too... I haven't spoken to him for about 12 years so may have troubles but I'll try...

Everything is worth trying and keep at it...

You may find some answers here, the 10 Squadron Association.

HOME - 10 Squadron Association - Royal Air Force

Originally Posted by digger

G'day,

Today's mission is an unusual one. I am involved with researching and recording info for
Our local RSL & museum. One of our lads was missing presumed killed over Berlin on January 28/29 1944. He is recorded on the Airmans memorial at Runnymeade UK.

I believe that he and five members of his crew (1 servived and became a prisoner of war ) are buried in the Friedrichshagen Parish Cemetery, in Germany near Berlin. Having been buried on 30 January 1944. Our lad was the tailgunner and the only Australian in the crew the others were English or Canadian.

It seems that these graves, if they exist, with missed after the war by the grave relocation units Who by all accounts had very little time to recover our fallen before access to the area was restricted by the Russians.

It seems that when the wall came down nothing was done to correct this. I would like to contact someone who can assist me to find out if these graves do still exist and to be able to take photos of them for me if possible.

Does anyone know who I could contact that would be able to assist me with this I have tried to find a contact via the Internet but unfortunately any page that looks like it may be to do with that area is in German only in my year eight education allows me to understand Schultz from Hogans heroes only!

Appreciate any suggestions or help. I'm hoping to confirm the existence of these graves before contacting the commonwealth war graves commission to make further inquiries in relation to them.

Friedrichshagen is alongside BERLIN.

Thanks for any help in advance!
Digger.

Get in touch with "War Graves" people at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT., Regards Frank.