Flight Sergeant George Edmund Powell
(1107452)
Flight Engineer
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Born on 23rd February 1910 George was the 'elder statesman' of the crew at 34 years old.
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Before the war he is recorded as a 'Publicity Driver' and 'Special Constable'.
At the time of his death he left behind his wife, Constance and their 2 sons, 9 year old George and 13 year old Ralph.
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Tragically the boys also lost their mother a few years after the war.
George was a Flightline Mechanic (Engines) FME. Trained at St Athan (No 4 School of Technical Training) and worked on single seaters with 72 Sqn and although there is an out of sequence date for a posting to 404 Sqn RCAF (then converting to Spitfires), it seems that a week in hospital was followed by more training and an application for aircrew.
He then went to the Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment at Ringway before another course at St Athan.
A quick spell at No 15 (pilot) Aircrew Evaluation Establishment saw him selected for Flight Engineer training.
He qualified as aircrew on 31 Feb(?) 43.
Then to join his crew on 1662 Conversion Unit at RAF Hemswell and a posting to his first squadron, 103 Sqn on 29 Sep 43 (RAF Elsham Wold) followed by 626 Sqn when it formed at Wickenby in November 1943.
Posted as None-Effective presumed dead on 15 Jan 44.
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Thanks to Sarah and Jayne for these details
