COLIN GORTEN’S WEDDING AUTUMN 1943

© RAF Lichfield Association

Colin Gorten’s wedding to an Irish girl, Father Cunnane (also Irish) stooped in front of groom.

Standing L to R: Brian Reid who later married Jan Henderson, Intelligence Officer Jimmy James, over his shoulder Bob Hetherington  I/C 27 O.T.U. Navigation Section (took over from ’Rosie Rosevear), behind him S/Ldr Billy Brill. At side of bride Doug Glasscock, right end of line Peter Lord.

Front L to R Danny O’Shea who coined the term ‘Kelly’s Brickyard’, Ben Sinnamon, Roly Cooper, Fr Cunnane, ’Trapper’ Hamlyn Harris.

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F/O Brian Reid DFC RAAF whilst on second tour was killed on the 12th December 1944 on a raid to Essen whilst with 460 Sqdn at Binbrook. He is buried in Reichswald Cemetery.

P/O Peter Lord RAAF whilst on second tour was killed on the 6th October 1944 on a raid to Sterkrade whilst with 466 Sqdn at Driffield. He is buried in Reichswald Cemetery.

S/Ldr Bill Brill DSO, DFC & Bar, RAAF was one of the original members of 460 RAAF Sqdn in March 42 flying 33 Ops on his first tour. Returned to 27 OTU as an Instructor in July 42, became flight commander on 463 RAAF Sqdn and then promoted to Wg/Cdr CO of 467 RAAF Sqdn. He and Wg/Cdr Arthur Doubleday DSO, DFC  RAAF (see Officers 44 photo front row ) were two of the great pilots and leaders of the RAAF and were known as 'The Heavenly Twins'. Bill Brill died whilst still aged in his 50's.