254 Squadron 

Pilot Officer Charles Cunningham

Charles Cunningham was a member of Air Vice-Marshall Simpson's (A.O.C 18 Group) crew at one stage along with F/O Chapman D.F.M. Dad mentioned that he flew in short nose Blenheims. My Godfather, Trevor Woodhead, was one of his pilots. I'm pretty sure Trevor was RAAF. My mother, Amelia Emily Cunningham (nee Dickson) was a parachute packer from Belfast.
One of the things she used to tell the aircrew was " Well, if it doesn't work, bring it back and we'll give you another."

I have enclosed some pictures.

Amelia Emily Dickson and Charles Cunningham


Air Vice-Marshall Simpson and his crew. F/O Chapman, D.F.M and P/O Cunningham with A.O.C of 18 Group

Standing beside Avro Anson NM512 taken March 17 1944 on the occasion of a flight from Leuchars to Wick.



I just realised that the group photo is taken by the sea, my father is on the far right.



Here's some more photos.
Dad's dogtags may help. The medals may also give an idea of his area of operation. He was a radio operator/air gunner.
Mum thought he was at Dyce 1946.

P/O Cunningham's dogtags.



P/O Cunningham's medals

    1939-1945 Star            Atlantic Star              Defence Medal              War Medal

Contributed by Ian Cunningham

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