Kenneth Lionel Trent

Post war he left the RAF and ran a chain a shops for many years which he eventually sold and retired to the Channel Islands where he was a well known and respected personality.

Find A Grave record (If Available)

The Trent crew were posted to 576 Squadron at RAF Elsham Wolds from 11 Base in August 1944.

The crew consisted of

P/O K L Trent

Sgt A R Dunford

Sgt J N Wadsworth

Sgt H B Reynolds

Sgt R L Skelton

Sgt C Dalby

F/O G C Riccomini

This crew appear to have flown unchanged and completed 14 operations with one did not take off and an early return.

26/08/1944 – Kiel - Point of Aim – LM594 – P/O KL Trent

29/08/1944 – Stettin - Point of Aim – LM227 – P/O KL Trent

31/08/1944 – Agenville - V weapon – LM122 – P/O KL Trent

03/09/1944 – Eindhoven – Airfield – ME854 – F/O KL Trent

05/09/1944 - Le Havre - Army support – ME854 – F/O KL Trent – Did not take off - Aircraft unserviceable

06/09/1944 - Le Havre - Army support – ME854 – F/O KL Trent

10/09/1944 - Le Havre - Army support – ME854 – F/O KL Trent

12/09/1944 – Frankfurt - Point of Aim – ME801 – F/O KL Trent

15/09/1944 - Oslo, Kattegat and River Elbe - Mine laying – ME801 – F/O KL Trent

16/09/1944 – Leeuwarden – Airfield – ME801 – F/O KL Trent – Early return - Engine unserviceable

17/09/1944 – Flushing - Flak positions – ME801 – F/O KL Trent

23/09/1944 – Neuss - Point of Aim – LM227 - F/O KL Trent

24/09/1944 – Calais - Army support – LM227 – F/O KL Trent

05/10/1944 – Saarbrucken - Army support – LM227 – F/O KL Trent

07/10/1944 – Emmerich - Army support – LM227 – F/O KL Trent

14/10/1944 – Duisburg - Operation Hurricane – LM227 – F/O KL Trent

At this point the Trent crew were transferred to 625 Squadron at RAF Kelstern where Ken Trent was awarded the first of his DFCs see citation below :-

Acting Flying Officer Kenneth Lionel TRENT (176283),R.A.F.V.R., 625 Sqn. In October, 1944, this officer was pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Cologne. Early on the outward flight the rear gunner was involved in an accident and had to be taken to a rest position. A little later, the port outer engine became defective and the propeller had to be feathered. In spite of these unsettling incidents Flying Officer Trent went on to the target which he attacked with precision. Whilst over the sea at a low altitude on the return flight a member of the crew observed a flashing light and Flying Officer Trent concluded that a dinghy was adrift. He thereupon flew over a merchantman in the vicinity and requested his wireless operator to transmit details of the position Afterwards three motor boats were approached, and an effort was made to lead them to the scene. Despitet he loss of power from one of the engines Flying Officer Trent remained over the area for nearly half an hour doing everything possible to assist in the search. As a result, several 'members of an aircraft crew adrift in a dinghy were rescued. This officer displayed skill and determination throughout a notable sortie, whilst his devoted efforts to help comrades in distress set a very fine example.

He went on to finish the war with 617 Dambusters Squadron at RAF Scampton and was awarded another DFC.

Item compiled by David Fell. Photo from my archive.

Additional information available here.

To be completed