This blog is a tribute to my Grandfather, Andrew John Broodbank. During the Second World War, he was a Radar Operator (Navigator) with 488 (NZ) Squadron, RAF. His Operational Tour lasted from 3/ix/43 until 6/x/44. I am lucky enough to have a significant collection of material from this period including flight logs, photos, personal journals and notes. The blog initially set out to follow, 70 years later, his time with the squadron. It has now expanded slightly to cover more generic information about 488(NZ) Squadron in the hope that it will serve as a good research tool for others with an interest in the Squadron, Night Fighters, de Havilland Mosquitos and the air war in general. I hope you enjoy reading this blog, which I hope will serve as a lasting tribute to my grandfather and all those he served with.
All photographs and images belong to my personal collection unless credited otherwise.
Broody's war 
December 19th, 2013 at 11:07 pm
My dad was with RCAF 409 Sqdn on Mosquitos during the war.Cheers ! John.
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:19 pm
I love this homage.
I did the same with another Mosquito pilot even if I was not even related to him.
I just saw you subscribeb to my blog 23 Squadron.
I have been writing a lot since 2010.
Now I write only when people share pictures or stories about 23 Squadron.
I will reblog this page to let my readers know there is someone else who knows how these airmen were unsung heroes.
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:22 pm
[…] Please click here. […]
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:22 pm
Here you are…
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:46 pm
Can you add a search button with a widget?
March 23rd, 2014 at 8:54 am
I discovered your site through Pierre Lagace. When it comes to honoring the heroes of the war, Pierre is your man; he has helped me since I first started my site to honor my father and his unit in the Pacific and I continue to learn from him to this day – 18 months later.
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:53 pm
You’re so nice GP.
I hope you will read his post on HK365. Great detective work!
March 24th, 2014 at 10:25 am
I am following Broody’s War, but obviously missed that one – takes me a while to read everyone’s entire blog (I don’t read as fast as you) Quite amazing isn’t it!?
July 6th, 2014 at 6:59 pm
I found this very interesting, it’s great that you are sharing such information and keeping alive the legend of your Grandfather.
I have a similar blog there may be something of interest there. https://aviationtrails.wordpress.com/
keep up the posts.
July 1st, 2016 at 10:44 pm
I was delighted to discover your blog about your grandfather Andrew who flew with my father Peter Hamley during the war. If you would like any further information about my fathers career please do not hesitate to contact me. Well done, you have created a fitting tribute to the men who stood alone in defending Britain in her hour of need.
July 2nd, 2016 at 9:08 am
Thanks for getting in touch Nigel. I would love to learn more about your father’s career. Perhaps we could put together a biography to add to those I’ve already managed to write? If you could send me a note using the ‘Contact’ page I’ll be able to get in touch via email. Thanks – Adam.
July 8th, 2016 at 4:39 am
Thank you for your reply. I am a bit busy at present with my grandchildren but will try to put something together next week. Good luck Nigel