550 Squadron

Sgt Albert Laidlaw

Sgt Albert Laidlaw flew as a rear gunner with 550 Squadron.

Sgt Laidlaw, along with the rest of the crew of PD319, was killed on 14 October 1944 when his Lancaster bomber PD319 / BQ-G was shot down on the raid to Duisburg.

The crew on that last flight were:

Other information about the flight and the target available here.

The entry on the 550 Squadron Roll of Honour here.

	Sgt Albert Laidlaw Picture courtesy of Evelyn Miller
	D-Flight Picture courtesy of Evelyn Miller
	D-Flight signatures (rear of photo) Picture courtesy of Evelyn Miller

The pictures labelled "D Flight" are a little bit of a puzzle. The picture showing the signatures is clearly labeled October 1943 D Flight". Indeed one or two signatures are individually dated at what looks like 21/10/1943.

The reason for the puzzle: on the 550 Squadron history page (http://www.550squadronassociation.org.uk/original-site-archive/index.htm) is noted that the squadron was formed out of 100 Sqdn C Flight in November 1943 and originally started with two flights, growing later to three (Flights A, B and C).

The 100 Squadron webpage (http://www.100squadronassociation.org.uk/history5.html) essentially confirms these details although noting:

"In October of 1943, 100 Squadron produced an 'offspring' when 'C' Flight was formed into 550 Squadron to be based at North Killingholme. 550 Squadron was to inherit EE139 HW-R ROGER the 'Phantom of the Ruhr', which went on to complete over 100 missions."

The following is speculation: perhaps the picture is of 100 Sqdn C-Flight expanding rapidly immediately prior to 550 Squadron formation and they were simply adopting the next available letter, and that within a month things had moved on to 550 Squadron proper. Where the photograph was taken is unclear, but the white flashes on the caps indicate "aircrew in training" and so the photographs may well have been taken in Canada.

If there is anyone with information on this do get in contact and let us know so that the web-site can be updated accordingly.

To see a list of the last few operations the F/O Dodds crew, including Sgt Laidlaw, took part in click here.