The crew of AD872 consisted of the following members:

The Pilot

1.  82655 Flying Officer W. P. Carroll, Pilot.  He was posted to the squadron from Operation Training Unit number 14 based at RAF Cottesmore with effect from 5.9.41.  He is buried at Southampton. He was 25 years of age.  He entered Taunton School Bournemouth in 1927 remaining there for 6 years.  After leaving Taunton, he obtained a post with the Union Castle Shipping Co., and was with then until the outbreak of war.  Joining the RAFVR in the spring of 1939, he underwent flying training at Hamble and was called up in September of that year.  He was commissioned in June 1940, after marrying in December 1939.  At the time of his death he had a 4 month old son.  F/O. Carroll was a keen musician, playing a violin in his school’s orchestra.  Above is shown a picture of him in uniform and of his headstone in Southampton.

The Wireless Operator

2.  1305460 Sgt. Leonard Arthur Smith, Wireless Operator.  He was the youngest son of Mr. Harry & Mrs. Gertrude Smith of 21 Norely Drive Sale Moor Sale.  He was 25 years of age and had been on flying duties for 6 months.  He had completed 27 raids over enemy territory including Italy and Germany.  He was educated at Chorlton High School, Sale, Cheshire and was a great athlete, playing for Rusholme.  Prior to enlistment, he was employed by the Prudential Assurance Company Limited, as an agent for 3 years.  He had an elder brother, Harry Leslie Smith, who was also serving in the RAF as a leading aircraftman.  He is buried in Sale Cemetery, along with his parents who died in 1968, and is also recorded on the local war memorial.  Above is poor quality photo of Leonard together with a photo of his headstone in Sale.

The Rear Gunner

3.  997911 Sgt.  Pietro Alfredo Giovetti, Rear Gunner.  A Portuguese nationalist, Pietro was posted to 144 Squadron from 16 Operational Training Unit, RAF Upper Heyford on the 24th June 1941.  He had completed 12 previous raids over enemy territory.  This was his 13th.  AD872 was his regular plane, but this was not his regular crew.  He normally flew with P/O Hay; P/O Brister and Sgt. Daniells in AD872.  Prior to the war, Pietro was a keen Rugby player having played for both Bridlington RFC and represented Yorkshire.  He is buried at St. Mary and All Saints Churchyard, South Kyme, Lincolnshire.  Above is a photo of Pietro in full flying gear - he is on the right - together with a photo of his headstone in South Kyme.

The Navigator

4.  944883 Sgt. Clifford Kellington, Navigator.  He was the only son of John and the late Mildred Kellington of 133 Fifth Avenue Hull.  He is buried at Hull Northern Cemetery.  Above is a photo of his headstone in Hull.  Unfortunately, I have no photograph of Clifford himself, nor any further personal information about him.