FastCounter by bCentral

kindly click on the links above to vote for this site

Last updated 23 July 2005	............	Still to do............	A site map
		............	Scan more documents for evidence
		............

This site is dedicated to my late uncle, Bertram Pinner, an air Navigator, in Lancaster bombers with the RAF during World War 2. Bert flew a full tour of duty with 101 Squadron ABC fitted aircraft. His missions involved the Battle of Berlin, D-Day support and diversionary flights as well as the notorious Nuremberg and Mailly-Le-Camp raids.

What started off as a challenge to see if I could make a web site and put something of my uncle down on record has turned into a full scale project. I originally had Berts Log Book and a few photographs but after a while this grew as newer things were uncovered. I have also found that the more I delve in to the world of Bomber Command the more I am in awe of the courage and resilience of those who flew in the air war against Germany. The contentious issue of Bomber Command not being properly recognised I feel is one of the great injustices of this country.

There are many original documents, photographs and links, including a full transcript of his Observers and Air Gunners Flying Log Book. I now have Berts official records and have recorded details where appropriate. Where possible I have named sources. Special thanks to my mother for keeping the original documents all these years and to everyone on the Bomber Command e groups, for their enthusiasm in keeping such an important part of history alive. I cannot personally thank everyone who has managed to supply information but am eternally in their debt.

It is with much regret to myself that I was unable to get my uncle to talk about his war experiences until a few years before his death in 1995. I now have so many questions for him that will be forever unanswered. I always had a special relationship with Bert as I was the only member of my mothers family to have a miltary career. (Royal Navy)

I, like my mother, still miss him dearly.

At the outbreak of WWII Bert was 25 years old working in a reserved occupation as a Diesinker for Moles of Birmingham. He applied to join the RAF as aircrew late 1941 and was welcomed into the service on 9th Feb 1942. His date of enlistment however is registered as 31st October 1941. Bert reported for duty at the Lords Cricket Ground, London 6 Apr 1942. He was felt that he was considered an old man amongst many of the crews he served with and joked about being their father.

He was finally demobbed 4 years later in the spring of 1946 having been promoted throught he ranks to Warrant Officer. On the way Bert collected his DFM for completion of tour of duty on 4th December 1945. Effective date of release 30th May 1946. Bert attended his Investiture at Buckingham Palace along with his father, brother and sister on 4th December 1945 where he proudly received his medal from the King.

First posting for basic training was to No5 Initial Training Wing (ITW) A Flight. 4 Squadron. This picture was taken shortly after joing the Squadron at the Toorak Hotel. Torquay May 1942. From his service records Bert was described as 5 ft 4 1/2" in tall. A 29 1/2" chest, brown eyes and brown hair. Even today I do not remember Bert as being so small. Passing out photograph.June 1942. Bert is the 3rd from right, 2nd row from front.

Navigation and flying training followed at West Freugh.