Harold Edward Houldsworth
apprentice fitter
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Son of Harold and Constance Houldsworth, of 22 Bleak Hills, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
Siblings; Roy born in 1922 and Jack born in 1932.
IBCC: Lancaster serial number ND551
Flight Engineer
Flew from Coningsby at 23.18 hrs on 21/6/1944 and was intercepted by a night fighter and the plane exploded. One of the crew, F/L Walker was blown clear. Walker spent the next few weeks evading capture until he was caught by the Gestapo and summarily excuted along with 2 other airmen F/S Nott and F/O Carter. The Dutch woman helping them, Jacoba Pulskens, was taken to a concentration camp where she was gassed on 17th march 1945.
The 4 other crew members died alongside Harold in the explosion on the 23rd June 1944.This had been the crew's 45 Pathfinder mission and they were all awarded either the DFM or the DFC (with effect from 21/6/1944) in January 1946.
Mansfield Chronicle advertiser: 24/1/1946: Local RAF Award.
The King has been graciously pleased to approve the following award of the D.F.M in recognition of gallentry and devotion to duty in air operations to Flt Sgt Harold Edward Houldsworth (since deceased) who was born at Mansfield in the year 1923 where is home was. Before enlisting in October 1941 he was an apprentice fitter.
His father, Harold had served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment in WW1.
No photos