Lost over Koblenz. Handley Page Halifax Bomber HX186 Search underway

[frochemig]

I am one of Herve Rochecouste's nephews. I was deeply moved when I came across this story. I knew that my uncle had been shot over Germany, but thanks tothis, and to the RAF Historical Association, I was able to discover how he perished. I hope that all the other relatives of the flight crew can find out what happened to, and where their relatives lie. My name is Francois Rochecouste, and my contact is frochecouste@iinet.net.au for anyone wishing to contact me. Peace be with you

[only1milligan]

I have information regarding Sgt A Grant, 10 sqn, rear gunner. Flew with my relative F/O Neville Hadley (Pilot) in LV912 ZA-A from Melbourne on 21/07/44. If you are a relative, please respond to amgrainger@sky.com. There is only 1 A Grant showing in 10 sqn's records. I think it must be the one your looking for.

[Glorydee1]

Herve, I'm sorry but I only just picked up your post. My uncle David was a relief tail gunner the night HX186 was shot down. His regular aircraft was Halifax, JD314 Z-AX (known among the crew as 'O for Ola') and for many years the family thought that, if David had not volunteered that night, he may have survived. However we have since learned that JD314 Z-AX went down over Holland only 9 days later with no survivors. You can contact me on dulciesgirl@hotmail.com

[Spokus999]

I live not far from Koblenz in germany. It's a well known fact that there is a Halifax that was shot down one night from a german night fighter based at Mendig.The wreck is now lying in Lake Maria quit near the shore. Lake Maria is a about 10KM east of Koblenz. There have been no attempt to salvage it, because it's suspected that it still has a full bomb load onboard.I don't know if it has any thing to do with the one you'r looking for.

[Spokus999]

@Spokus999

One more thing Boppard is about 15 Km. south of where this plane is now laying.

[carelessband]

@Spokus999 Thank you for this important information.. maybe someone could check it out? does anyone know a diving club that may consider a discrete dive on the wreck?

[carelessband]

@Spokus999 Thank you for this important information.. maybe someone could check it out? does anyone know a diving club that may consider a discrete dive on the wreck? "It's a well known fact that there is a Halifax that was shot down one night from a german night fighter based at Mendig.The wreck is now lying in Lake Maria quit near the shore. Lake Maria is a about 10KM east of Koblenz. There have been no attempt to salvage it,"

[Glorydee1]

For years we thought that HX186 had gone down near Koblenz as Oblt Paul Zorner, in his book claimed to have shot down an aircraft in the right vicinity at the right time. However a recent German records book shows:Oblt. Paul Zorner: 16 8./NJG3 Lanc/Halifax Hintermeilingen, N.W. 20.02, Frankfurt: 5.400 m, 77 Sqn Halifax LL121... HX186 is credited to:Oblt. Rudolf Szardenings: 4 5./NJG3 Lanc/Halifax Boppard, River Rhine: 3.100 m. 20.12 10 Sqn Halifax HX186. Could the one in Lake Marie be LL121?

[Spokus999]

I live not far from Koblenz in germany. It's a well known fact that there is a Halifax that was shot down one night from a german night fighter based at Mendig.The wreck is now lying in Lake Maria quit near the shore. Lake Maria is a about 10KM east of Koblenz. There have been no attempt to salvage it, because it's suspected that it still has a full bomb load onboard.I don't know if it has any thing to do with the one you'r looking for.

John Hepton E-mail jdhepton@t-online.de

[carelessband]

@Spokus999 Dear John, thank you for getting in touch this is possibly a breakthorugh. the data you give is accurate as apparently the aircraft now has been recorded roughly ten miles off Koblenz so this would fit! I shall get in touch with the RAFHA Chaps and see what can be arranged. maybe a casual dive reccie could be arranged. lots of red tape coming however this is a brilliant lead! many thanks indeed! jim.

[carelessband]

@Spokus999 Dear John, thank you for getting in touch this is possibly a breakthrough. the data you give is accurate as apparently the aircraft now has been recorded roughly ten miles off Koblenz so this would fit! I shall get in touch with the RAFHA Chaps and see what can be arranged. maybe a casual dive reccie could be arranged. lots of red tape coming however this is a brilliant lead! many thanks indeed! Speak shortly. Jim.

[HerveRochecouste]

I am a great nephew of Sgt Herve Rochecouste, and actually have the same name. I am also now living in Australia (Melbourne) and did not know that there were others with a keen interest in this story. I have several photos of the crew and always wondered who the others were. Maybe we can join the threads together and have a complete story. HR.

[Glorydee1]

@HerveRochecouste Herve, I'm sorry but I only just picked up your post. My uncle David was a relief tail gunner the night HX186 was shot down. His regular aircraft was Halifax, JD314 Z-AX (known among the crew as 'O for Ola') and for many years the family thought that, if David had not volunteered that night, he may have survived. However we have since learned that JD314 Z-AX went down over Holland only 9 days later with no survivors. You can contact me on dulciesgirl@hotmail.com

[carelessband]

I'll pass your comments onto the local RAFHA Chaps.

[66Sari1]

Lest we forget.

Any information that may lead to a way of finally bringing Flt Sgt Grant home would sincerely be appreciated by his remaining siblings, and their families.

Flt Sgt Grant's Great Neice

[scarlebloke]

Are any members of 10 Squadron still alive?

My great-uncle Sgt. Fred Griggs was a tail or beam gunner whose plane was shot down in April 1943. He's buried near Rheims.

Does anybody remember him or his crew?

[carelessband]

Great to get a public update on the progress. Sgt Rochecouste has now been found. we still search for Sgt Grant. anyone with ideas hunches or old memories please do comment

[Glorydee1]

It now seems that HX186 was shot down closer to Boppard (credited to Oblt R Szardenings)and part of the fuselage was found in the Rhine with the remains of Sgt Rochecouste, the U/G. He is now buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Three crew members were taken POW. However the remainder of the aircraft and the bodies of Flt Sgt Grant (Rear Gunner), the pilot Sgt Borthwick and the W/O Sgt Paling have never been identified. Flt Sgt Grant was my Uncle and we appreciate this assistance so much.