Neville was a much valued friend of my parents, Bill and Janet Boothman. He was Best Man at their wedding - September 16th, 1939. I believe that he often visited them when they lived in the Dunsop Bridge/Whitewell area (then Yorkshire). My father was a gamekeeper and my mother was Headteacher of the very small Whitewell School. At that time, I imagine that Neville would have been in his late twenties/early thirties as were Bill and Janet. I have kept many family photos and have a number of black and white ones showing Neville and my parents out walking in the countryside, rearing fields, etc. There is a watercolour painted by Neville which I think depicts a view from Closes Cottage when mum and dad lived there.
After Neville's tragic death, my parents tried in vain to find out the whereabouts of his brother whom they had met before. Unfortunately, I can't remember his first name but I remember that the Blackpool area was mentioned and that ..........? had been part of a variety act: "The Cordites"?!
Mum mentioned a Mrs. Whitaker to me and I have a feeling that she lived in Blackpool. She gave mum a necklace which I still have. I know that Gary Whitaker (a nephew or great nephew of Neville) has provided information about Neville for 'The Complete Dambusters' by Charles Foster. If Gary or any other family wishes to have the photos, etc., please write a reply on this site. I'm sure that we can find a way to make direct contact. Lynn.
