Flight Sergeant Thomas James Lightfoot - 57 Squadron
Association Member Mark Lightfoot, has pieced together various pieces of information relating to the service of his great uncle, Flight Sgt Thomas James (Jim) Lightfoot (1485692) who flew as a navigator with 57 Squadron from East Kirkby. Jim’s crew was shot down on 24 February 1944 and along with Sergeant Francis Butler (1359064) lost his life. The other crew members were taken POW – with the exception of Sergeant Greenwell who evaded; his photo is in the museum at East Kirkby.
Flight Sergeant Thomas 'Jim' Lightfoot
Mark has unearthed two very moving letters about the crash. The first was sent in April/early May 1945 by Emily, Jim Lightfoot’s mother (and Mark’s great grandmother), to the aircraft captain, Flying Officer Norman Harland.
Dear Sir,
I am writing to ask you, if you can give me any information regarding my son Flight Sgt Navigator Thomas James Lightfoot. 1485692 missing since February 24-25th 1944 on air operations over Germany, the last letter I received from him was 23 February 1944.
I will be most grateful for any news.
I remain yours truly
Emily Lightfoot
Norman’s reply is dated 19 May 1945 and tells the harrowing tale of the engagement of the Lancaster with the Germans, the subsequent fire and order to abandon the aircraft.
Dear Mrs Lightfoot,
I have been home for three or four days now and having taken things easily during them I feel very well. I have read your letters to Mrs Lawson, my sister and can appreciate how worried you have been and must still be for definite news of Jim.
Flight Sgt Greenwell thinks it was flak that hit us but I'm of the opinion that it was a fighter stalling below us. The first came through the starboard inner fuel tank which caught fire. Lancaster's seem to burn for about two minutes and then explode so I told the chaps that we were on fire and that they were to prepare to abandon the aircraft; that is open hatches and put on parachute packs.
Gordon Levers, engineer was in the nose, Freddie Greenwell was with Jim on the navigator's seat. Finding I could do nothing about the fire I ordered the crew to “abandon” aircraft. Gordon went first then Freddie walked past and then Jim, he had his ‘chute on properly and didn't seem too worried about leaving. I baled out from the same hatch myself a while later. I landed safely enough but was captured. I could hear nothing about Jim either near Strasbourg or at Frankfurt where they questioned us. Jim left the aircraft Mrs Lightfoot with his parachute on but after that I'm afraid I do not know what happened.
This long war has been very terrible, it killed my dad and my sister’s husband while he was a young man. Thank God it's over. Your life must be very empty without Jim, I've watched mum since dad died and know how hard it is to lose a dear one.
My deepest sympathy is not a great help to you I know but I have thought of you and Mrs Butler and her ShirleyAnne many, many times whilst I was over there. Try to take things gently and don't worry too much. Words are such cumbersome useless things.
Very sincerely
Norman Harland (Jim’s pilot)
