NFRS 2024 02 - Lancaster Bomber from 106 Squadron

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I am currently researching the circumstances surrounding an incident where a Lancaster Bomber from 106 Squadron crashed in a village called Valsonne, a short distance from where I live.

There were (unusually) 8 crew on board. Four died and are buried in the CWG in Lyon. 4 survived and became Prisoners of War.

One of these airmen in particular interests me: John PICKEN B. 10/09/1913 in Sutton in Ashfield.

He was the rear gunner and the only surviving crew member who did not receive significant burn injuries.

I am trying my best to trace any surviving relatives of John PICKEN, who I assume is sadly no longer with us.

He married May RILEY in 1941 in Mansfield, and together, they emigrated to Australia in 1950. At this time, he showed his occupation as "Fire Service." This in itself is an incredible fact in view of the nature of his colleagues' injuries in 1943. Indeed, the Pilot Douglas Lyall THOMPSON of the RCAF went on to become a member of the Guinea Pig club after being repatriated to the UK in 1944 due to the horrific nature of his injuries.

So, my question is this: Could you provide me with any information to enhance my search for any known relatives of John PICKEN? I fully understand the issues regarding data protection, etc., and in that regard, should you discover some information, I have no objection to you forwarding my contact details to them, leaving them free to contact me should they wish.

Our Response

Answer: - No Information Held, on speaking to our HR department it has been determined that we do not hold records going that far back.