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Frank Welford, World War 2 Bomber Pilot

Frank Welford began his flying career with the New Zealand Air Force at the Kimberley Training Camp in Levin.

Frank was part of the Flight 1B Squadron 1 in Levin in August 1941. Frank Welford, Bomber skipper Following this initial training he went to Harewood, Christchurch to learn to fly Tiger Moths. As soon as he graduated Frank sailed to Britain on a meat ship carrying frozen lamb. After two months advanced training at Ossington he was posted to No.26 Operation training unit (OTU) at Wing, near Oakham. By September 13th 1942 the Bomber command planned to send a mammoth raid of 1000 bombers to Bremen, Germany. to make up the numbers novice crews still under training were included. Frank's war had begun with a vengeance. There were three mass bomber raids in which the OTU were involved. Of the eight New Zealand captains involved only two survived. Frank flew 29 operations before being granted leave to spend time with his wife Polly who had joined him in Britain.

The story of Frank's flying career which makes fascinating reading, is told in the December 1999/January 2000 issue of Pacific Wings, From Tiger Moths to Valiants by Max Pudney.

There is also an article in New Zealand Memories, August/September 2000 pages 9 -12.

Frank received the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) for his actions on 26/27th April 1944 when his aircraft was damaged on a bombing run to Essen.

The message from Air Chief Marshal Sir A. T Harris reads:-

The Commander-in-chief wishes to bring to the notice of all ranks in the Command the commendable conduct of the under mentioned members of a crew of No. 629 Squadron.

NZ 414366 P/O F.L. Welford Pilot and Captain
1131395 F/Sgt. B.J.G. Marlow W/Op.Air
1527435 F/Sgt. B. Kent A/B
Can/R.186372 Sgt. J. C. Tyler R/G

On the night of 26/27th April 1944 the above named officer and N.C.O.s were members of a crew detailed to bomb Essen. The aircraft reached the target on the ordered route and the bombing run was carried out and bombs dropped without incident, despite considerable searchlight and flak activity. Immediately after the release of the bomb load the aircraft was struck by falling incendiaries, the Perspex canopy over the cockpit being pierced by one of these. P/O Welford the Pilot received extensive injuries on the head and the Flight Engineer was fatally injured and collapsed. Another incendiary bomb landed forward of the rear turret door and exploded. Sgt Tyler .... Opened his door and successfully put out the flames with the fire extinguisher, being severely wounded in the process hen the bomb exploded. When the Pilot was hit the aircraft went into a dive and lost 3,000 feet, but P/P Welford managed to regain control after he had been attended to by F/Sgt Kent the Air Bomber ( the latter having assumed the duties of the Flight Engineer)

Despite the intense pain he was suffering and the possibility of his losing consciousness, P/O Welford carried on and completed the flight, successfully landing at Woodbridge. F/Sgt Marlow, the Wireless Operator, attended to the Mid Upper Gunner, whose right arm had been severely torn, and supplied a tourniquet. He then proceeded to gibe first aid to the Rear Gunner, who was lying on the rear fuselage duckboard, before returning to his seat and latter informing M/F of their predicament.

The coolness and initiative displayed by the above-mentioned members of the crew is a magnificent example of captaincy and crew co-operation in the most trying circumstances and their exemplary conduct and discipline are worthy of high praise.

Frank had sustained a depressed fracture of the skull, but he still managed to get his boys home. John Tyler had be hit in the legs by the exploding incendiary. He was taken off to hospital and the two lost touch.

Many years later, long after his retirement Frank made a trip to Calgary, Canada for a reunion with John Tyler. The Newspaper clipping of the report of the visit is inscribed by Tyler "To Frank, the greatest skipper in the RAF, Johnny".

Frank received the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) for his actions on 26/27th April 1944 when his aircraft was damaged on a bombing run to Essen.

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