F/O J.S. CROSS - 630- Sqd - 20 Feb 1944

[Big Makk]

Hello once again.
Currently researching F/O 151248 John Stanley (Stan) CROSS, R.A.F.V.R., b. 1923, Leyland, Lancs., d. 20 February, 1944, night mission to Leipzig with 630 Squadron, Lancaster III, JB 710, LE-W, lost without trace, maybe North Sea 15 km north west of Ameland Island, north west Netherlands, potentially claimed by Oberfeldwebel Heinz VINKE, 11/NJG1, in BF 110 G-4. Remembered at Runnymede with other members of the crew.
Have read earlier notation on Forum giving brief details, as “lost without trace” presumably means just that.
Have managed to research family history showing parents married 1919 in Leyland, Lancs., but can’t find them on 1939 Register. Traced local addresses prior to marriage on censuses and subsequent death of father on probate register, so that side covered. CROSS appears at this stage to have been an only child. Next stop local newspapers etc.
There used to be a daily diary of Bomber Command showing a brief record of activities and losses. Does it not now exist? This particular night was described in the ORB of 630 Sqd as “one of the most bitterly fought battles of the war,” apparently seventy-eight aircraft, and crews, were lost that night. A tremendous toll.
Question. Is there anything further I should be looking for in RAF records to complete the obituary of our casualty?
Stewart

[alieneyes]

Stewart,

I believe he had a sister, Marjorie, born Chorley, Lancs in the June 1920 Qtr.

Married Robert Millward at Amounderness, Lancs in the December 1944 Qtr. Marjorie passed at Chorley in the December 2004 Qtr, Robert passed the following January.

There may have been another sibling, brother Phillip R, born Chorley June 1926 Qtr.

Regards,

Dave

[Big Makk]

Thanks for that Dave.

I saw the Marjorie one but wasn’t quite sure. Overlooked Phillip.

Have followed on from these and now found a living niece, not too far away, who has memorabilia. Just about to go away this week so have to await her return to see what there is. Hopefully a photo. May possibly have two other local connections to follow up also. Number of hits on Ancestry family trees so definitely another couple of weeks research in this darned awful weather we are currently experiencing here.

Cheers and thanks again.
Stewart