Raaf Personnel Serving on Attachment in Royal Air Force Squadrons and Support Units in World War 2 and Missing with No Known G

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Compilation Alan Storr 2006 The information appearing in this compilation is derived from the collections of the Australian War Memorial and the National Archives of Australia.

Author : Alan Storr Alan was born in Melbourne Australia in 1921. He joined the RAAF in October 1941 and served in the Pacific theatre of war. He was an Observer and did a tour of operations with No 7 Squadron RAAF (Beauforts), and later was Flight Navigation Officer of No 201 Flight RAAF (Liberators). He was discharged Flight Lieutenant in February 1946.

He has spent most of his Public Service working life in Canberra – first arriving in the National Capital in 1938. He held senior positions in the Department of Air (First Assistant Secretary) and the Department of Defence (Senior Assistant Secretary), and retired from the public service in 1975.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Melbourne University) and was a graduate of the Australian Staff College, ‘Manyung’, Mt Eliza, Victoria.

He has been a volunteer at the Australian War Memorial for 21 years doing research into aircraft relics held at the AWM, and more recently research work into RAAF World War 2 fatalities.

He has written and published eight books on RAAF fatalities in the eight RAAF Squadrons serving in RAF Bomber Command in WW2.

He is a member of Canberra Legacy.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Author acknowledges and thanks Kerrie Leech, currently Curator, Private Records, at the Australian War Memorial, for the great contribution she has made ensuring compatibility between my laptop and an AWM computer, so that research material on my laptop can be downloaded, and for her expertise in solving any computer problem that has arisen during the project. Without her contribution, the project would not have got off the ground.

Alan Storr. A WW2 photo of the Author

REFERENCE SOURCES :

Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour Print Outs.

AWM 237 (65) RAAF WW2 Fatalities by Squadrons

AWM 237 (63) Airmen and (64) Officers : Register of Deaths and Burials of RAAF Personnel who died on service 1939-1947

AWM 65 ( ) Citations held by Australian War Memorial

(NAA) National Australian Archives at East Block, Canberra :: Series A705 RAAF WW2 Casualty files. Series A9300 and A9301 RAAF Members WW2 Service records files.

Micro Film No 463 OAFH ) Office of RAAF Air Force History.

Veteran Affairs Nominal Roll 1939-1947 RAAF members .

Commonwealth War Graves records.

RAAF WW2 POW Files held at the Australian War Memorial : File Ref Series A54 File 779/3/129, Parts 1 to 30.

W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Volumes 1939 to 1947.

Michael Maton : DFC’s for Australians in World War 2

Ian Tavender : DFM Registers for WW2 Volumes 1 and 2.

SECOND WORLD WAR OVERVIEW : ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

The Royal Australian Air Force was expanding when war broke put, having 12 Squadrons formed, or in the process of forming. Most were located in Australia, but Australian airmen would end up serving in every theatres of war.

At the outbreak of war, 10 Squadron RAAF was in Britain collecting Sunderland flying boats purchased by the RAAF. The squadron was offered to Britain to serve as part of the Royal Air Force Coastal Command, flying anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic Ocean for the duration of the war. 11 Squadron was stationed at Port Moresby with Catalina flying boats, flying long-range reconnaissance patrols over northern Australia and north of Papua New Guinea. In 1940, 3 Squadron was posted to the Middle East as an army co-operation squadron with the Australian Imperial Force, but became a fighter squadron.

Plans had been made to raise and send more squadrons overseas but the Australian Government then signed up to the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS), under which the Royal Australian, New Zealand and Canadian Air Forces would train aircrews to be loaned to the Royal Air Force. Most would serve in British squadrons, though some would be posted to ‘Article XV’, or ‘400-series’squadrons. These squadrons were raised by the RAF but with their nationality officially recognised – for instance 460 Squadron RAAF, to which the famous Lancaster G for George at the Australian War Memorial belonged. Many aircrews who survived their tours of duty returned to Australia to serve in RAAF Squadrons as instructors.

Training of EATS recruits took place in Australia, Canada, Rhodesia and Britain. By war’s end almost 40,000 Australians had been sent overseas under this scheme., serving in Europe, the Middle East, Burma and other places. Many men in Australia and overseas died in training accidents. Many who graduated from courses flew with Bomber Command, which had the highest operational loss rate of any British Commonwealth force in the war. The RAAF also sent ground crews to serve in most of the Article XV squadrons (as well as 3 and 10 Squadrons), most serving up to four years service overseas. Hundreds of RAAF members became prisoners of war in Germany and Italy, as well as a smaller number in the Far East.

The majority of RAAF personnel remained in Australia. The massive expansion of the forces required extensive administration, training, supply and maintenance services, and there was also a strong commitment to ‘home defence’, so many men and most women who volunteered for the RAAF never got a chance to serve overseas. To assist in meeting the demand for manpower within Australia, the RAAF formed the Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force in 1941, recruiting women to serve in administrative roles and to perform routine maintenance on aircraft, serving alongside men, in non-operational units (mostly training establishments) in Australia.

In 1940, the RAAF sent three squadrons to Malaya; in 1941 these were joined by an Article XV squadron, 453, raised at Bankstown, New South Wales, along with some EATS graduates posted to British squadrons. They were the first to see action against Japanese forces.About 200 RAAF men, mostly ground staff, were taken prisoner by the Japanese. By the end of 1942, RAAF squadrons also had seen extensive operational service in northern Australia, the Netherlands East Indies and Papua New 2.

Guinea. Other squadrons flew anti-submarine patrols over the shipping lanes around Australia. .

The majority of RAAF personnel who saw active service served in these campaigns against Japan. A few had previously served in Europe or the Middle East. Along with flying squadrons, RAAF members served in various supporting units including headquarters, supply depots, communications flights, medical aerial evacuation units, radar stations and airfield construction squadrons – some of the latter two types of units serving in the Philippines in 1945 with American forces. The RAAF also played a part in the repatriation of prisoners of war at the end of the war. The only RAAF servicewomen to see active service were members of the RAAF Nursing Service.

Source : Veteran’s Affairs World War 2 Nominal Roll

Note : There were 11,061 RAAF fatalities in World War 2.. (Australian War Memorial Fact Sheet No 19 refers).*

comprising 5,117 fatalities in RAAF members attached to RAF (primarily) or in some instances other Air Forces (Source : Count of fatalities in AWM 237 (62) Register of Deaths. and 5,944 fatalities in RAAF Squadrons and support units..

* Source AWM 148 Roll of Honour cards, RAAF, Second World War.

RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410653 Flight Lieutenant GARRARD, John Percival

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/15/440 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Sunderland Serial number: ML 743 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 201 SQN RAF

Summary: Sunderland ML743 on 14th March 1945, half an hour after take off, was proceeding on an anti submarine patrol via the corridor from Castle Archdale to Donegal Bay, when it flew into high ground, crashed and burnt, 5 miles north west of Killy Begs, County Donegal, Eire. The aircraft and all engines were totally destroyed.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Matten, D R Captain (Pilot) RCAF PO Becker, R D A (2nd Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt S B Frith, (3rd Pilot) RAF FO Hawkins, V (Navigator) RAAF 410653 Flt Lt Garrard, J P (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt D J T Twist, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Cave, E N (1st Wireless Operator) RAF Flt Sgt N Davidson, (2nd Wireless Operator) RAF Flt Sgt J G Robinson (WO Mech Air) RAF Sgt J McAvey, (FME/Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt G R Kennedy, (Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt F N G Ford, (Air Gunner)

PO Becker, Flt Sgt Frith, Flt Lt Garrard, FO Cave and Flt Sgt Kennedy are buried in the Irvingstown Church of Ireland Churchyard, UK. The little town of Irvingstown is in the north of the County Fermanagh, 12kms north of Enniskillen. Flt Sgt Twist is buried in the Llanfair Caereinion Cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt Robinson is buried in the Hucknall Cemetery, UK. Hucknall is 8 miles north west of the City of Nottingham. Flt Ford is buried in the Taunton (St Mary) Churchyard, UK. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Flt Lt Matten, FO Hawkins, Sgt McAvey and Flt Sgt Davidson are buried.

1 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400821 Flying Officer RIMMINGTON, Colin Arthur

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/55/206 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Sunderland Serial number: W 4029 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 202 SQN RAF

Summary: Sunderland W4029 was returning from operations on 22nd August 1942, and on the approach to land at Gibraltar it crashed into the sea and sank at 0023Z hours and the depth chares on board exploded. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF 400821 FO Rimmington, C A (Pilot) RCAF Flt Sgt F D Scott (Pilot) RAF Sgt J M Corcoran (Pilot) RAF Sgt E F Chaplin, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Gray K G (Observer) (Seriously injured) RAF Sgt C J R Orr, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G Form, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J S Hay, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A Morgan, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt C J Leess, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H Wallis, (FME Air Gunner) RAF PO Adams, N K (

FO Rimmington, Flt Sgt Scott, Sgt Corcoran, Sgt Chaplin, Sgt’s Orr, Hay and Wallis and PO Adams are buried in the Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery, Gibraltar. Sgt Form, Sgt Morgan have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Malta Memorial, Malta. Commonwealth War Graves does not record where Sgt Leess is buried..

2 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418883 Pilot Officer SHARP, William John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9300 Barcode 5247070 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTS 202 SQN RAF

Summary: PO Sharp (Navigator) was killed on 20th November 1944, during air operations from County Fermanagh, Ireland. No other information is available as Archives do not hold a RAAF Casualty file.

PO Sharp is buried in the Irvinstown Church of Ireland Churchyard, UK. The little town of Irvinestown is in the north of County Fermanagh, 12kms north of Enniskillen.

3 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404199 Warrant Officer COOKMAN, Frederick Charles

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/98/544 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 203 SQN RAF

Summary: On 22nd June 1942, a bathing party of Squadron members had picked up from the beach and brought back to the Squadron camp in the motor transport, what appeared to be a hollow float. It exploded when the lorry arrived back at the camp at Burg El Arab.

The casualties were as follows RAAF 404199 WO F C Cookman (Observer) (Seriously injured bur died of his injuries on the way to hospital): RAAF 406131 Flt Sgt W G Lee, (Observer) RAAF 402080 FO Thomson, R R (Seriously injured Admitted to hospital) RAAF 12390 Sgt B M Heffernan (Wireless Air Gunner) (Slightly injured) RAAF 406001 A L Fox, (Seriously injured. Admitted to hospital) RAF Flt LT Stead, G S (Pilot) RAF PO Hornby, M G L (Pilot) RAF PO Bushel, D J (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO Hopkins, (Wireless Air Gunner) (Slightly injured) RAF PO Lewis, R D (Air Gunner)

WO Cookman, Flt Lt Stead, PO Hornby, PO Lewis, PO Bushel and Flt Sgt Lee were killed in the accident and are buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. Alamein is a village bypassed by the main coast road, approx 130kms from Alexandria and on the road to Mersa Matruh. FO Thomson died of his injuries on 25th June 1942.and is buried in the Alexandria War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. A L Fox (RAAF) survived the crash and the war and was discharged Flt Lt in Nov 1945. Sgt Heffernan survived the crash and the war and was discharged FO in Nov1945..

4 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406034 Flight Lieutenant FOX, Robert Graham

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA A705, 163/32/280 Micro Film No 463 OAFH, Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: MP 740 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 203 SQN RAF

Summary: Wellington MP740 flown solo by Flt Lt Fox on 5th November 1943, on a non-operational day training flight, crashed at Landing Ground 95 in the Middle East and Flt Lt Fox was killed.

On the previous day, Flt Lt Fox had been given instruction on the aircraft which to him was a new type. The take off of MP740 on 5th November was good, but a few minutes later with the wheels retracted, the aircraft dived into the ground from a height of about 500 feet.

Crew: RAAF 406034 Flt Lt Fox, R G (Pilot)

In a report on the accident the Station Commander stated “ I was the first person at the scene of the accident. From the marks left by the aircraft it appeared that it had either dived or stalled without dropping a wing and caught fire on impact. I spoke to the pilot who had previously given Flt Lt Fox dual instruction on the aircraft. He had instructed Fox to raise the flaps with the aircraft in a nose up attitude. I consider the most likely cause of the accident to be the premature raising of the flaps in a nose up position by a pilot inexperienced on Wellington aircraft. “

Fl Lt Fox is buried in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

5 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404821 Flying Officer FRITH, Robert Hamilton

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9300, 5243309 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 203 SQN RAF

Summary: FO Frith a Pilot was killed on 30th June 1942, in a flying accident in the Middle East. No other detail is available as Archives do not hold a RAAF Casualty file.

6 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406131 Warrant Officer LEE, William George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/98/544 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 203 SQN RAF

7 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402744 Flight Lieutenant LEYDIN, Allan Timothy

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/4/203 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commo0mnwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: FA 662 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 203 SQN RAF

Summary: Baltimore FA662 on 18th October 1943, crashed on take off from Gamut, Middle East. One of the crew was killed and the others were injured.

Crew: RAF FO Mennell, D K Captain (Pilot) Injured RAAF 402744 Flt Lt Leydin, A T (Navigator) Killed. RAF Flt Lt Nourse, J C D (Wireless Air Gunner) Injured RAF Flt Sgt C Salvage, (Wireless Air Gunner) Injured

Flt Lt Leydin is buried in the Tobruk War Cemetery, Libya. Tobruk is a seaport on the Mediterranean coast.

8 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402080 Flying Officer THOMSON, Richard Ronald

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/98/544 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 203 SQN RAF

9 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413751 Flight Sergeant EVANS, Bruce Sydney

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/12/38 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Sunderland Serial number: JM 710 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 204 SQN RAF Summary: Sunderland JM710 crashed at RAF Bathurst on 22nd September 1943, while turning on its circuit prior to landing. In an a Court of Inquiry into the accident, a witness Cpl White, RAF Marine Coxswain stated “ I was coxswain of Pinnace engaged on flare path duty on 22/9/43. At approx 2100 hours on the same night I was stationed at No 2 flare and the aircraft was proceeding on a course of 030 degrees to the flare path downwind, and going from the taxying side of the flare path towards the alighting side of the flare path .I then also observed the aircraft to commence a turn to port. Whilst completing this turn the aircraft seemed to fall very quickly, struck the water and burst into flames. Whilst the aircraft was flying overhead it appeared to be flying normal circuit height.” In its findings the Court of Inquiry stated ; “ The cause of the accident is obscure. The aircraft crashed whilst turning on its circuit prior to landing. A possible cause was that the Pilot with not much night flying experience returned to RAF Bathurst whilst the weather conditions were not ideal, and the aircraft stalled in its turn. It was thought that the pilot was about to make his run up the flare path to set the gyro, as is normal practice, and stalled in the turn.” Crew: RAF FO Finney, J G Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Cuithbert, S B (2nd Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt R G Craig, (Fitter 2B/Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt R D Britton, (Navigator) RAF Sgt G Weston, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 413751 Flt Sgt B S Evans, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 420196 Flt Sgt E C Hobbins, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H Revell, (Fitter Mech/Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt R B Billows, (Air Gunner) FO Finney, Sgt Weston and Flt Sgt Evans are buried in the Fajara War Cemetery, Gambia. All the others on board have no known grave Their names are commemorated on the Malta Memorial, Malta. The Memorial is situated in the area of Floriana and is easily identified by the Golden Eagle which surmounts the column. It stands outside the main entrance to Valetta.

10 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409251 Pilot Officer SYMONS, Frederick Lloyd

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/604 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Sunderland Serial number: DV 991 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 204 SQN RAF

Summary: Sunderland DV991 took off from RAF Bathurst, Gambia, on 13th July 1944, detailed to carry out an operational patrol. The take off run was long and this took the aircraft into rough water. After the last bounce the aircraft was observed to be in an attitude with the nose 45 degrees above the horizontal. The aircraft then stalled with nose and wing down, crashed into the water and broke up. The aircraft sank in a matter of seconds, and immediately it was submerged there was a very heavy explosion, presumed to be the depth charges exploding, followed by fire on the water. All on board the aircraft were killed.

Crew: RAF FO Staffiers, A G Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt B Puig, (Pilot) RAF Sgt J B Parkin, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 409251 PO Symons, F L (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt I F Wheatley, (Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt H Bemulayd, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E C Stilwell, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R P G Allen, (FME/Air Gunner)

Commonwealth War Graves do not record where FO Staffiers and Sgt Nemulayd are buried. The records also show that Flt Sgt Wheatley has no known grave and that his name is commemorated on the Malta Memorial. The other five crew members are buried in the Fajara War Cemetery, Gambia.

11 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400858 Sergeant CAMPBELL, Archibald Dethridge

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/113/163 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: AM 604 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 206 SQN RAF

Summary: Hudson AM604 took off from RAF Aldergrove, Headquarters Coastal Command, on 1st January 1942, took off on a non-operational aerodrome defence exercise. The aircraft struck some trees with its starboard wing, landed upside down and was set on fire by the impact. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF 402051 PO Fraser, H G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400858 Sgt A D Campbell; (Observer) RAF Sgt P A Fry, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G T Kettle, (Air Gunner)

PO Fraser and Sgt’s Campbell Fry are buried in the Killead (St Catherine) Church of Ireland, UK. Sgt Kettle is buried in the Cowes (Northwood) Cemetery, UK.

At a later Court of Inquiry, the Station Commander RAF Aldergrove stated : “The Pilots in Sqn Ldr Hennock’s Flight, were ordered to follow the Flight Leader in echelon starboard. He gave all the necessary orders required by any reasonable pilot. The aircraft hit trees as a result of an error of judgement by Fraser in flying too low or diving too close to the ground.”

The AVM Commanding No 15 Group RAF stated : “ Had Fraser conformed normally to the manoeuvres of the Flight Commander as was done by the second aircraft in the formation, the accident would not have occurred.” .

12 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402322 Flying Officer DELARUE, Jack Edward

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/119/48 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Fortress Serial number: FL 454 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 206 SQN RAF

Summary: On 6th October 1942, Fortress FL454 detailed to carry out a night operational anti submarine patrol, took off at 0559 hours when another aircraft taxied on to the runway directly in the path of FL454 taking off. To avoid a collision FO De LaRue was forced to pull his aircraft violently off the ground and the aircraft was seen to climb steadily, and then stall, crash into the sea, and break up. The accident took place at Benecula, Hebrides, Scotland. Five of the crew were killed in the crash and two were slightly injured.

Crew: RAAF 402322 FO DeLaRue J E Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J C H R Jaeger (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt FA Robinson, (Navigator) RAAF 406452 Sgt J F Guppy, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 407607 Flt Sgt J B Taplin, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt D S Coutts, (Wireless Air Gunner) Slightly Injured RAF Sgt J Hunt, (Wireless Air Gunner) Slightly Injured

FO DeLaRue, Sgt Guppy and Flt Sgt Taplin are buried in the Nunton Old Churchyard, UK. Sgt Jaeger is buried in the Highgate Cemetery, UK. Sgt Robinson has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

13 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402051 Pilot Officer FRASER, Hugh Gavin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/113/163 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: AM 604 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 206 SQN RAF

Crew: RAAF 402051 PO Fraser, H G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400858 Sgt A D Campbell; (Observer) RAF Sgt P A Fry, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G T Kettle, (Air Gunner)

PO Fraser and Sgt’s Campbell Fry are buried in the Killead (St Catherine) Church of Ireland, UK. Sgt Kettle is buried in the Cowes (Northwood) Cemetery, UK.

14 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406452 Sergeant GUPPY, John Flower

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/119/48 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Fortress Serial number: FL 454 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 206 SQN RAF

15 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

422734 Flight Sergeant SMALL, John Charles Lindsay

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/617 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: EV 873 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 206 SQN RAF

Summary: Liberator EV873 took off from RAF Leuchars, Fifeshire, Scotland, detained to carry out a daytime flight. The aircraft crashed and eight of the crew were killed and two slightly injured.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Hancock J D (Pilot) RCAF FO A Tulloch, (Pilot) RAF Sgt G A Girling (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt D Braithwaite, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Thomas,( RAAF 422734 Flt Sgt J C L Small, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 420713 Flt Sgt E P Smith, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt C J Greenhill, (Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt Hoyle, ( Slightly Injured RCAF Flt Sgt Nadeau, ( Slightly Injured

Flt Lt Hancock is buried in the Fulwood (Christ Church) Churchyard, UK. FO Tulloch, Flt Sgt’s Small and Smith are buried in the Leuchars Cemetery, UK. Sgt Braithwaite is buried in the Horsforth Cemetery, UK. Sgt Girling is buried in the Hornchurch Cemetery, UK. Sgt Greenhill is buried in the Farnham (St Mary) Churchyard, Essex, UK Commonwealth War Graves do not reveal where Sgt Thomas is buried..

16 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420713 Flight Sergeant SMITH, Edward Patrick Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/617 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: EV 873 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 206 SQN RAF

Summary: Liberator EV873 took off from RAF Leuchars, Fifeshire, Scotland, detained to carry out a daytime flight. The aircraft crashed and eight of the crew were killed and two slightly injured.

17 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407607 Flight Sergeant TAPLIN, John Blatch

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/119/48 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Fortress Serial number: FL 454 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 206 SQN RAF

18 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419396 Pilot Officer TOPLIFF, George Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/40/598 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records,

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: KH 410 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 206 SQN RAF

Summary: Liberator KH410 took off on the night of 20/21st April 1945 detailed to carry out an anti- submarine patrol off the Danish coast. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: Dutch Navy Lt Cdr Guilonward, N Captain (Pilot) RNZAF FO Smith, A R T (2nd Pilot) RAF PO Gale, W T H (Flight Engineer) RAAF 419396 PO Topliff, G H (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF FO Harding, A J (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RCAF WO1 W W Spencer, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Lt Laycock, P S L (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF WO1 T K Theaker, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt F R Orritt, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF WO G C K Long, (Air Gunner) RAF WO K Emery, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed in a forest at Norland, Denmark presumably as a result of enemy action and all the crew were killed. Norland is 21 miles south of Aalborg, Denmark.

Ten of the crew are buried in the Aarrestrup Churchyard, Denmark. Aarrstrup is a small village in mid Jutland some 25kms south west of the port of Aalborg. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Lt Cdr Guilinward is buried.

19 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

` 421459 Flight Sergeant WILLIAMS, James Henry Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/851 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: BE 961 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 206 SQN RAF Summary: Liberator BE961 crashed at 1815 hours on 14th September 1944 at Fife Redstome Quarry, Balmull Hill, Fife, Scotland. The aircraft was travelling in transit from Tain to Leuchars having completed an operational sortie. All on board the aircraft were killed.

Crew: RAF FO Bayard, J W Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Taylor, R (2nd Pilot) RAF FO G J Dunn, (Navigator) RAF WO A W H Watson, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF PO Thompson, W H (Wireless Operator Air) RAF FO Walker, R (Wireless Operator Air) RNZAF WO G J Dorres, (Wireless Operator Air) RAAF 421459 Flt Sgt J H Williams, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H Nimmo, (Air Gunner) RAF FO Alabaster, RA (Pilot) Mr J Davidson (Civilian employee of R M) PAX In a report on the accident the CO of the Squadron stated “ This is a clear cut case of the Pilot coming too low in bad visibility in spite of the fact that he knew high ground was to the west of the drome. The Pilot had been briefed to approach from the sea. Repeated efforts were made to contact by R/T and W/T instructing him to approach from the west side of the airfield. The aircraft could not be contacted by W/T. R/T messages were sent by Flying Control but the aircraft reported they were unreadable owing to heavy distortion in spite of a number of tuning transmissions.”

FO Bayard, FO Dunn and WO Williams are buried in the Leuchars Cemetery, Fife, Scotland. FO Taylor is buried in the Stanley New Cemetery, UK. WO Watson is buried in the Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (All Saints) Cemetery, UK. PO Thompson is buried in the Rumney (St Augustine) Churchyard, UK. FO Walker is buried in the Grimsby (Scartho Road) Cemetery, UK. Sgt Nimmo is buried in the Carnwath New Cemetery, UK. FO Alabaster is buried in the Ilford (Barkingside) Cemetery, UK. Mr Davidson is buried in the Fife County, Scotland. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where WO Dorres is buried.

20 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417773 Pilot Officer ABELL, Douglas Roy

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 444, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 667 Radio call sign: EM – X Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster ME667 took off from RAF Spilsby at 1730 hours on the night of 6/7th October 1944, detailed to bomb Bremen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. .

Crew: RAAF 423153 FO Middleton, J H Captain (Pilot) RAAF 417773 PO Abell, D R (Pilot) RAF Sgt G A Payne, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt C H Houghton, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt T R Maravan-Williams, (Air Bomber) RAAF 403204 WO S J Trimble, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 435371 PO Felgate, J M (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 115476 PO Furse, W W (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at 2032 hours at Lehester Deich, a small hamlet 10kms north east from Bremen, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Hamburg Cemetery, Germany. The War Cemetery in Hamburg is situated within a large civil cemetery known locally as the ‘Ohlsdorf Cemetery’.

21 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420808 Flying Officer BAKER, John Albert

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/803 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 484, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 428 Radio call sign: EM – T Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster PB428 took off from RAF Spilsby at 1624 hours on the night of 11/12th November 1944, detailed to bomb Harburg, Germany. On return from the mission PB428 collided in the circuit area with another Lancaster of 44 Sqn RAF, and both aircraft crashed out of control. The crews of both aircraft were killed.

Crew : EAF FO Sparks, W O Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Cullington, A F (Flight Engineer) RCAF PO Armour, W G (Navigator) RAAF 420808 FO Baker, J A (Air Bomber) RAAF 424880 PO Plowman, A L (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Nugent, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt G Rye, (Rear Gunner)

All the crew were killed. FO Baker and PO Plowman are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. . The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. PO Armour and Flt Sgt Rye are buried in the Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, Harrogate, Yorkshire. UK. FO Sparks is buried in the Barking (Rippleside) Cemetery, UK. FO Cullington is buried in the Liverpool (Ford) Roman Catholic Cemetery, UK. Sgt Nugent is buried in the Vale of Leven ( or Bonehill) Cemetery, UK.

22 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416402 Pilot Officer BALFOUR, Donald Campbell

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/403 Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page, 33, Volume 1944

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 369 Radio call sign: EM- D Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster DV369 took off from RAF Spilsby at 1632 hours on the night of 14/15th January 1944, detailed to bomb Braunschweig, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RAAF 416402 PO Balfour, D C Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Colwell, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt E E L Richardson, (Navigator) RAF Sgt H Taylor, (Air Bomber) RCAF Flt Sgt L C Smart,(Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt E V Yeo, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J F Potter, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Sgt J H Fraser, (Rear Gunner)

PO Balfour was killed and all the other crew members were POW’s

PO Balfour is buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Locality : Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany..

In his POW report, Sgt Potter stated “ I was the last person to leave the plane by the front entrance and then Balfour was preparing to leave the aircraft. Seeing myself coming along he returned to his seat and I saw him last at his controls. He appeared to be alright then but I could not be positive. The Germans told me that Balfour was dead beside the crashed aircraft.”

23 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419523 Flying Officer BOWES, Lyle Edward

Source : AWM 237 (65) Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page, 294, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 578 Radio call sign: EM –L Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster LM578 took off from RAF Spilsby at 2321 hours on the night of 21/22nd June1944, detailed to bomb Wesseling. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RAF FO Smart, T T DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R C McArthur, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Faires, D J (Navigator) RAAF 419523 FO Bowes, L E (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt L F Jackson, (2nd Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt H A Shaw, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt K Sansom, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF PO Boyce, C D (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed into the sea off the Dutch coast and all the crew were killed. Four bodies were eventually found and buried, and the other four have no known grave.

Sgt McArthur is buried in the Castricum Protestant Churchyard, Netherlands. FO Bowes is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. Flt Sgt Shaw is buried in the Bergen General Cemetery, Netherlands. Sgt Sansom is buried in The Hague (Wsestduin) General Cemetery, Netherlands.

The other four crew members have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, UK.

24 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410446 Flight Sergeant BRETT, Ronald Oswald Charles

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/93/513 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 229, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial Number ED 412 Radio call sign: EM – Q Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster ED412 took off from RAF Langar at 2235 hours on the night of 12/13th July1943, detailed to bomb Torino, Italy. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RAF PO Badge, H Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R Wood, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Lt Jepps, A C (Navigator) RAF Sgt A C Wright, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt E Higgins, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF 410446 Flt Sgt R O C Brett, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J A Spence, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft strayed into Swiss airspace and was shot down by flak, crashing on Mount Grammont above le Bouvenent, where in 1939 a Memorial was erected to the crew.

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Vevey (St Martin’s) Cemetery, Switzeland. Vevey is a town on the shores of Lake Geneva.

25 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423780 Flight Sergeant BRUCE, Frederick Thomas Robert

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/473 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 163, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 685 Radio call sign: EM – C Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster ME685 took off from RAF Spilsby at 2020 hours on the night of 5/6th April 1944, detailed to attack the aircraft works at Toulouse, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RAF WO J R Senior, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A F Woolley, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt S W Sayce, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt J T Read, (Air Bomber) RAAF 415706 WO W J Waycott, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 423780 Flt Sgt F T R Bruce, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H Wilson, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was hit by flak, exploded with great force and crashed at 0030 hours on the 6th April 1944, some 5kms from the centre of the city.

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Toulouse (la Fourguette) Communal Cemetery, France.

26 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

429495 Flight Sergeant BUCKLAND, John William James

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/467 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 153, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 436 Radio call sign: EM – G Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster LM436 took off from RAF Spilsby at 2211 hours on the night of 30/31st March 1944, detailed to bomb Nurnberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RNZAF PO Riddle, B C Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt F Keightley, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt G F Clulow, (Navigator) RAF PO Larsen, J L (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt D A Anderson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S Jones, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 429495 Flt Sgt J W J Buckland, (Rear Gunner)

When outbound the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Freiensteinau, a small town 12kms north west of Schluchtern, Germany.

All the crew were killed. Two of them Sgt Jones and Flt Sgt Buckland are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Locality Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany.

The others have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

27 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409663 Pilot Officer BURGESS, Thomas James

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/94/300 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 176, Volume1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 564 Radio call sign: EM – H Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster ND564 took off from RAF Spilsby at 2212 hours on the night of 20/21st April1944, detailed to bomb railway yards at La Chapelle, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RAAF 409663 PO Burgess, T J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J E N Smith,(Flight Engineer) RCAF PO Fonseca, D E (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt H W Moss, (Air Bomber) RAF R C Robinson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO Dearman, D R DFC, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt M O’Connpr, (Rear Gunner)

Six of the crew were killed in the crash and Sgt Moss evaded capture.

Those who lost their lives are buried in the Clichy Northern Cemetery, France. Clichy is a town adjoining the northern boundary of Paris.

28 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409507 Warrant Officer CAMERON, Royston Richard

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/909 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 143, Volume 1945

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 522 Radio call sign: EM – X Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster ME522 took off from RAF Spilsby at 0145 hours on the night of 21/22nd March 1945, detailed to bomb the Deutsche Erdolwerke refinery at Hamburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RNZAF Flt Lt Werner, R L Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt N McD Cox,(Flight Engineer) RAAF 409507 WO R R Cameron, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt J D Grime, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt A West, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt K W Clapperton, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J Johnson, (Rear Gunner)

It was believed that the aircraft was shot down by flak and crashed at 0406 hours on the 22nd March at Hamburg-Freihafen, Germany.

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Becklingen War Cemetery, Locality Soltau, Niedersachsen, Germany. The cemetery is 13kms south east of Soltau, on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hanover.

29 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414465 Flight Sergeant CHALMERS, Ivor Frederick

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/405 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 61, Volume1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 366 Radio call sign: EM-H Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster LM366 took off from RAF Spilsby at 0003 hours on the night of 28/29th January 1944, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RAF Flt Lt Taylor, J G Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt T F Westmoreland, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Mitchell, I (1st Navigator) RAF Sgt DA Turner, (2nd Navigator) RAF Sgt J P Rothera, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt L A Croston, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt R Hughes, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 414465 Flt Sgt I F Chalmers, (Rear Gunner)

It was believed that the aircraft crashed at Reichenwalde, 4kms ENE of Storkow. Seven of the crew were killed and Sgt Croston was a POW.

Flt Lt Taylor, Sgt Westmoreland and Flt Sgt Chalmers are buried in the Berlin1939-1945 War Cemetery. The other five crew members have no known grave, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede,UK .

30 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN THEROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417992 Flying Officer CHURCH, David Campbell

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/7/681 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page, Volume

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 271 Radio call sign: EM – L Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster LM271 took off from RAF Spilsby at 2239 hours on the night of 28/29th October 1944, detailed to bomb U boat pens at Bergen, Norway.. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RAAF 417992 FO Church, D C Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A Chatwell, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt J McLean, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt C Whitehead, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt H G Smith, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A Walmsley, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R J H Tuddenham, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed in the target area and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Bergen (Mollendal) Church, Norway. Bergen is a large seaport in the north west of Norway, about 500kms by road from Oslo.

31 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415764 Flight Sergeant CLUNAS, Eric Clark

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/74/400 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 47, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: R 5895 Radio call sign: EM – B Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster R5895 took off from RAF Spilsby at 2011 hours on the night of 21/22nd January 1944, detailed to bomb Magdeburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RAF PO Read, J M Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt L F Abel, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Sharp, R W (Navigator) RCAF FO Travers, C (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt R A B Boydon, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt R Codling, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 415764 Flt Sgt E C Cunas, (Rear Gunner)

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Berlion1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

32 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407695 Sergeant DANGERFIELD, John Charles

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, `163/132/155 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 24, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4365 Radio call sign: EM – B Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster W4365 took off from RAF Langar at 1729 hours on the night of 21/22nd January 1943, detailed to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RAAF 407695 Sgt J C Dangerfield, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J T Howe, (Pilot) RAAF 411096 Flt Sgt R De C Darken, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt V J Wood, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 403464 Sgt F A K Gallagher, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt J R L Sterrett, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt A R Sutton, (Rear Gunner)

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality : Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

33 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

411096 Flight Sergeant DARKEN,Raymond De Champfleur

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, `163/132/155 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 24, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4365 Radio call sign: EM – B Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality : Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

34 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402590 Flight Sergeant DELATORRE, Melville George

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/9/39 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 59, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 365 Radio call sign: EM – U Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster ED365 took off from RAF Langar at 1900 hours on the night of 3/4th March 1943, detailed to bomb Hamburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RAF Sgt P Evison, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R W E Holley, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Johnson, B (Navigator) RCAF WO2 W V Wallace, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF Flt Sgt M G Delatorre, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt L R Thompson, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF WO2 W E Cain, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed on 3rd March 1943, at Wedel, 16kms west of Hamburg, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Hamburg Cemetery, Germany. The War Cemetery in Hamburg is situated within a large civil cemetery known locally as the ‘Ohlsdorf Cemetery’..

35 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421187 Flying Officer EDMONDS, Stanley Allan

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/11/126 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page165, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 688 Radio call sign: EM - E Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster ME688 took off from RAF Spilsby at 2126 hours on the night of 9/10th April 1944, detailed to carry out a gardening mission and lay mines in Baltic waters. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RAAF 421187 FO Edmonds, SA Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt S H Mills, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Macpherson, J (Navigator) RCAF FO McLeod, A C (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt R Duffy, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt C R Hanks, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt T Heslop,(Rear Gunner)

It was presumed that the aircraft was lost over the North Sea. All the crew lost their lives.

The body of FO Edmonds was washed ashore near Houvig on 13th August and he is huried in the Nysogn Churchyard, Denmark. The bodies of Sgt’s Hanks and Heslop were washed ashore at Blavand and they are buried in the Esbjerg (Fourfelt) Cemetery, Denmark. Esbjerg is a major port on the west coast of Jutlland..

The other three crew members have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

36 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403508 Flying Officer EDMONDS, Wilfred Milton

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/30/72 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 185, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: R 5616 Radio call sign: EM – J Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster R5616 took off from RAF Bottesford at 2100 hours on the night of 16/17th August 1942, detailed to carry out a gardening mission and lay mines in the Geraniums area. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RAF FO Southwell, A J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J Read (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Quinlan, D J (Observer) RAF Sgt R Robson, (Wireless Air Gunner)) RAAF 403508 FO Edmonds, W M (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt J A McLean, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt T Douglas, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed into the sea SSW of Mano Island. Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Read was a POW.

Those who died are buried in the Fourfelt Cemetery (Esberg), Denmark.

37 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

435371 Pilot Officer FELGATE, John Mervyn

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 444, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 667 Radio call sign: EM – X Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

38 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415518 Flight Sergeant FRENCH, Keeble Charles

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/14/86 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page293, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 334 Radio call sign: EM – V Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary : Lancaster LM334 took off from RAF Langar at 2126 hours on the night of 27/28th August 1943, detailed to bomb Nurnberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RAAF 413918 FO Welch J R Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt L T Reynolds, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 410698 FO McCulloch, F J (Navigator) RAAF 408909 Flt Sgt G A Lynch, (Air Bomber) RAAF 415518 Flt Sgt K G French, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Seddon, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt A H Whetton, (Rear Gunner)

A Research & Enquiry report stated that the aircraft crashed at Lohe, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Locality Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east o Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich.

39 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

115476 Pilot Officer FURSE, William Walter

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 444, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 667 Radio call sign: EM – X Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

40 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403464 Sergeant GALLAGHER, Francis Alexander Kevin

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, `163/132/155 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 24, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4365 Radio call sign: EM – B Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality : Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

41 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406450 Sergeant GOLDIE, Peter Charles Herbert

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/168/110 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 17, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Manchester Serial number: L 7322 Radio call sign: EM – Q Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Manchester L 7322 of 207 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Bottesford, Nottingham at 0359 hours on 9 January 1942, in company with other aircraft to attack the Scharnhorst and Gneissnau at Brest. L 7322 carried 4 x 2000 lb A P bombs. Other aircraft on the mission reported that the weather and visibility en route was poor, and over the target there was 8-10/10ths cloud and a half moon. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Bayley, G R Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404786 Sgt Toohill, N M (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt Harris, A G (Observer) RAF Flt Sgt Jones, J E DFM (1st Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt Griffiths, R V (2nd Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 407806 Sgt Seymour, W E (Air Gunner) RAAF 406450 Sgt Goldie, P C H (Air Gunner)

Post war enquiries and investigations established that the aircraft crashed in the sea near Crozon (Finistere), France, at approx 6am on 9 January 1942. There were no survivors. The bodies of PO Bayley (RAF), Sgt Seymour and Sgt Goldie (RAAF) were washed ashore and are interred in the Crozon Local Cemetery, France. In 1948 it was recorded that the remaining missing crew members lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

42 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403169 Flight Sergeant GRAINGER, Athol Richard

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9301 Barcode 5538889 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 42, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: L 7547 Radio call sign: EM – M Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster L7547 took off from RAF Langar at 1914 hours on the night of 14/15th February1943, detailed to bomb Milano, Italy. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RNZAF Flt Sgt J H F Whyte, Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt S H Eyre, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt T W Strong, (Observer) RAF Sgt F I Tillen, (Air Bomber) RAAF 403169 Flt Sgt A R Grainger, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H G Bone, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt K White, (Rear Gunner)

When homeward bound the aircraft crashed at St-Brisson (Nievre), 11kms west of Saulieu (Cote D’or) France. The cause of the crash was attributed to overheating in the engines which led to a fire in the port outer.

Five of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Whyte and Sgt Eyre evaded capture. Those killed are buried in the St Brisson Communal Cemetery, France. St Brisson is a village and commune in the Department of Nievre. .

43 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425849 Flying Officer HENDERSON, Bryon John

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/895 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 503 , Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PD 322 Radio call sign: EM- C Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster PD322 took off from RAF Spilsby at 1552 hours on the night of 5/6th December 1944, detailed to bomb Giessen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and failed to return to base.

Crew : RAAF 425849 FO Henderson, B J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J F Taylor, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO McQuade, W (Navigator) RAF Sgt R A Massey-Shaw, (Air Bomber) RAAF 434012 Flt Sgt D A Reid, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E J Gibson, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt P W Hornfeck (Rear Gunner)

Four of the crew were killed and Sgt’s Taylor, Massey-Shaw and Hornfeck were POW’s.

Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality : Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Wesrfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kmsnorth of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. .

44 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408999 Warrant Officer JENKINS, Allan Keith

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/20/204 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 500 , Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 968 Radio call sign: EM-K Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster LL968 took off from RAF Spilsby at 1634 hours on the night of 4/5th December 1944, detailed to bomb Heilbronn, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and failed to return to base.

Crew : RAF FO Lovett, M J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A F Langstone, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt N L T Day, (Navigator) RAAF 408999 WO A K Jenkins, (Air Bomber) RAAF 423547 Flt Sgt J B Maloney, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Wiper, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J W Thorne, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Barenbach in the Department of Bas-Rhin, some 2kms East of Schirmeck, All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Choloy War Cemetery, France. Choloy is a village 20kms west of Nancy. .

45 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426616 Flying Officer KERWIN, Raymond Thomas

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA :A705, 166/22/326 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 434, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PD 318 Radio call sign: EM- J Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster PD318 took off from RAF Spilsby at 1902 hours on the night of 23/24th September 1944, detailed to attack the airfield at Munste-Handorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and failed to return to base.

Crew : RAAF 426616 FO Kerwin, R T Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt F R Baker, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt V A Hanmer, (Navigator) RAF Sgt A D Ghisletta, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt R Newboult, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt F P Boyle, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt K W Clarke, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Apeldorn (Ugchelen-Heidenhof) General Cemetery, Netherrlands..

46 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414495 Flying Officer KINGSTON, Patrick Noel

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705,166/22/175 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 33, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 383 Radio call sign: EM- R Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster LM383 took off from RAF Spilsby at 1644 hours on the night of 14/15th January 1944, detailed to bomb Braunsschweig, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and failed to return to base. Other crews reported ground defences were weak with barrage to18,000 feet. Fighters were a good deal in evidence..

Crew : RAAF 414495 FO Kingston, N P Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G A Walton, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt S H Rattray, (Navigator) RCAF Sgt T Bownkill, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt R E Swan, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J A Morrish, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt G J Ferguson, (Rear Gunner)

German documents revealed that the aircraft crashed at 1935 hours on14th January1944,on the road from Edeesheim to Wiebrechtshausen, 3kms northof Northeim,25 miless outh west of Brunswick.

Sixof the crew were killed and Sgt Bowskill was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Hannover War Cemetery,Germany.

47 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419881 Flight Lieutenant LAWSON, Edward McMaster

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/24/725 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 99 , Volume1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 473 Radio call sign: EM- N Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster ME473 took off from RAF Spilsby at 0021 hours on the night of 1/2nd March 1945,detailed to carry out a night fighter training affiliation exercise with a Lancaster from NO57 Sqn RAF. During the exercise both aircraft collided in the air and crashed at 0118 hours at Fan Farm, Ruskington, UK. The crew on both aircraft were killed.

Crew : of ME473 RAAF 419881 Flt Lt Lawson, E McM Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G W Flitt, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Lord, W M (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt A Henderson, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt B Richardson, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt G Wilkinson, ((Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R C Banks, (Rear Gunner) RAF LAC J Morrison, (a batman who joined the flight for flying experience)

Flt Lt Lawson , FOLord, Flt Sgt Henderson and Sgt Banks are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. Sgt Flitt is buried in the Watford North Cemetery, UK Sgt Richardson is buried in the Felling (Newworth) Cemetery, UK. Sgt Wilkinson is buried in the Alnwick Cemetery, UK LAC Morrison is buried in the Greenock Cemetery, UK. .

48 `` RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407868 Sergeant LODGE, Wallace Eugene

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/139/201 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 273, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: R 5570 Radio call sign: EM – R Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster R5570 took off from RAF Langar at 1747 hours on the night of 8/9th Dece3mber 1942, detailed to bomb Torino, Italy. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and failed to return to base.

Crew : RAF Wg Cdr Bain, F G L Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt C M Hurley, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt W H Ellis, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Lt Nicoll, D A DFC (Observer) RAF Sgt W Hingley, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R Boardman, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 407868 Sgt W E Lodge, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed near Milano and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Milan War Cemetery, Italy.

49 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408145 Sergeant LOVELL, John Henry, DFM

Source : AWM 237 (65) AWM 65 (3238) NAA : A705, 163/139/187 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 256, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: L 7546 Radio call sign: EM – G Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster L7546 took off from RAF Langar at 1801 hours on the night of 7/8th November 1942, detailed to bomb Genova, Italy Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and failed to return to base.

Crew : RAF PO Wilson, A V R S DFM Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W A H Ball, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt W J Rose, DFM (Navigator) RAAF 408145 Sgt J H Lovell, DFM (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt A J Perrin, DFM (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt A P Strain, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt C W W Peck, DFM (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Champignol-lez-Mondeville (Aube), 11kms south west of Bar- Sur-Aube, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Champignol-lez- Mondeville Churchyard, France. W R Chorley states that the five DFM’s were awarded for outstanding devotion to duty on 17th October 1942, and full details of their action were Gazetted on 20th November 1942.

Citation : The Citation for the DFM awarded to Sgt Lovell reads as follows : “ As Pilot, Navigator, Air Bomber, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, and Rear Gunner respectively, these airmen flew in an aircraft whish took part in an attack on Le Creusot on 17th October 1942. Shortly after taking off engine trouble developed. Despite great efforts, Sgt Wilson was unable to continue his mission and course was set for base. Near to the French coast, whilst flying at only 40 feet above the sea, the aircraft was attacked by three enemy float planes. In the face of a trying situation Sgt Wilson displayed fine

50 airmanship, and, spendidly supported by his gunners, whose skill destroyed two of them and drove off the third, he eventually flew the aircraft back to an aerodrome in this country. During the combat, Flt Sgt Rose coolly continued his duties and his subsequent navigation was of the greatest assistance to his pilot. Throughout, this crew displayed great courage, high skill and perfect teamwork.”

51 `` RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403411 Sergeant LUTON, John Campbell `

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/140/99 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 204, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: R 5755 Radio call sign: EM – N Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster R5755 took off from RAF Bottesford at 0030 hours on the night of 4/5th September 1942, detailed to bomb Bremen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and failed to return to base.

Crew : RAAF 407728 PO Rowlands, R G Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G Fleck, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Hastings, A B (Observer)) RAF Sgt F J C Barnes, (Observer) RAAF 403411 Sgt J C Luton, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J W Atkinson, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt C V Pattison, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot about by a night fighter near Groningen, and later, blew up and crashed at 0359 hours on the 5th September 1942, at Rouveen (Overijssel), 13kms NNE of Zwolle, Holland. All the crew were killed.

PO Rowlands is buried in the Hemelumer Oldeferd (Scharl) General Cemetery, Netherlands. Scharl is a small community on the south Friesland coast. PO Hastings is buried in the Lemsterland (Lemmer) General Cemetery, Netherlands.. Lemmer is a small port on the south coast of Friesland. Sgt’s Barnes and Atkinson are buried in the Bergen General Cemetery, Netherlands. Sgt Luton is buried in the Staveren General Cemetery, Netherlands. Staveren is a small community 45kms south of Harlingen. Both Sgt’s Fleck and Atkinson have no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

52 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408909 Flight Sergeant LYNCH, Geoffrey Augustine

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/14/86 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page293, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 334 Radio call sign: EM – V Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

53 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423547 Flight Sergeant MALONEY, John Benedict

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/20/204 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 500 , Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 968 Radio call sign: EM-K Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

54 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410698 Flying Officer McCULLOUGH, Hugh John

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/14/86 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page293, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 334 Radio call sign: EM – V Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

55 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418972 Flight Sergeant McDONNELL, David Kenneth

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/24/300 Digitiaed Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 293, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 360 Radio call sign: EM – U Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster DV360 took off from RAF Spilsby at 2323 hours on the night of 21/22nd June1944, detailed to bomb Wesseling, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Goodman E O Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J D H Pierce, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt J P Shaw, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt D A Houben (Air Bomber) RAAF 418972 Flt Sgt D K McDonnell, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G Lackie, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt E V Evans, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed east of the Wehebach Stausee and between the villages of Grosshau and Kleinhau, 10kms SSW of Duren. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp-Linhtfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

56 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423153 Flying Officer MIDDLETON, John Hartley

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 444, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 667 Radio call sign: EM – X Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

57 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401182 Sergeant MURPHY, John Charles

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/146/167 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 186, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: R 5863 Radio call sign: EM - Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster R5863 crashed at 0115 hours on 19th August 1942, at Normanton, 12 miles north east of Nottingham, UK. It crashed while on a training flight practising overshooting procedures on three engines. All the crew of six were killed.

Crew: RAF Sgt W D Fordwych (Pilot) RAAF 401182 Sgt J C Murphy, (Pilot) RAF PO D V Morris-Edwards, (Observer) RAF Sgt S O Spicer, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A J Boyne, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt B M Smith, ( Air Gunner)

Sgt’s Fordwych and Murphy are buried in the Bottesford (St Mary) Churchyard, UK PO Morris-Edwards is buried in the Stoke-on-Trent (Fenton) Cemetery, UK Sgt Spicer is buried in the Hitchin Cemetery, UK. Sgt Boyne is buried in the Logie Cemetery, UK. Sgt Smith is buried in the Carlton (Gedling) Cemetery, UK.

58 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

432010 Flying Officer PEREZ, Miguel Louis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/604 Digitised. Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 34, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NE 168 Radio call sign: EM – F Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster NE168 took off from RAF Spilsby at 0052 hours on the night of 5/6th January 1945, detailed to attack supply channels in the Belgian Ardennes at Houffalize.. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 432010 FO Perez, M L Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt E Deller, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt G E Patterson, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt W L Cleary, (Wireless Air Gunner acting as Air Bomber) RAF Sgt J Kennedy, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J G Shepherd, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt K A W Ottewell, (Rear Gunner)

It was believed that the aircraft crashed in the target area. Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Ottewell was a POW. Those killed are buried in the Houffalize Communal Cemetery, Belgium. Houfalize is a small town 60kms SSE of Liege.

59 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424880 Pilot Officer PLOWMAN, Arthur Leslie

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/803 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 484, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 428 Radio call sign: EM – T Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

60 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

434012 Flight Sergeant REID, Donald Alan

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/895 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 503 , Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PD 322 Radio call sign: EM- C Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Four of the crew were killed and Sgt’s Taylor, Massey-Shaw and Hornfeck were POW’s.

Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality : Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Wesrfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. .

61 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407728 Pilot Officer ROWLANDS, Richard Gerald

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/140/99 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 204, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: R 5755 Radio call sign: EM – N Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

62 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421399 Flight Sergeant RYALL, Cecil Ernest

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/164 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: Radio call sign: DV 361 Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster DV361 took off on 12th December 1943, on a non-operational flight, and crashed at 1342 hours about 4 miles east of Kettering, Northhanrs, UK. The starboard engine caught fire and the aircraft was abandoned. Three of the crew were killed and four were uninjured.

Crew: RAF Sgt Baker, Captain (Pilot) Uninjured RAF Sgt Brown, (Flight Engineer) Uninjured RAF Sgt Welfare, (Navigator) Uninjured RAF Sgt Finch, (Air Bomber Uninjured RAAF 421399 Flt Sgt C E Ryall, (Wireless Air Gunner) Killed RAF Sgt O”Neill (Air Gunner) Killed RAF Sgt Higgins, (Air Gunner) Killed

Flt Sgt Ryall is buried in the Oxford (Bottley) Cemetery, UK. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Sgt’s O’Neill and Higgins are buried, but they are probably buried in their hometown cemeteries.

63 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407808 Sergeant SEYMOUR, William Rex

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/168/110 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 17, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Manchester Serial number: L 7322 Radio call sign: EM – Q Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

64 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409772 Flying Officer TICKLE, Frank Reginald

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/24/300 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 331, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 807 Radio call sign: EM – S Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster ME807 took off from RAF Spilby at 2214 hours on the night of 15/16th July1944, detailed to bomb railway yards at Nevers, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Jones G L Captain (Pilot) RAF FO E Dalgleish, (Pilot) RAF PO Woollard B St J (Flight Engineer) RAAF 409772 FO Tickle, F VR (Navigator) RCAF PO Graham F G (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt J H Fellows, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R A Gaut, (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF PO Cantwell, M J W (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft came down at Lignieres-de-Touraine (Indre-et-Loire), a small village south of the Loire ands some 22kms WSW of Tours, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Lignieres-de-Touraine (Communal Cemetery, France.

65 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403204 Pilot Officer TRIMBLE, Samuel John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 444, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 667 Radio call sign: EM – X Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

66 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424127 Flight Sergeant WATTS, Raymond Oswell

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/632 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 195, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 631 Radio call sign: EM – K Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster ME631 took off from RAF Spilsby at 2111 hours on the night of 26/27th April 1944, detailed to bomb Schweinfurt Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr A N Jones Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R H R Exley, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Carmichael, J A (Navigator) RCAF FO Seibel, A A (Air Bomber) RAF WO L L Inganni, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 424127 Flt Sgt R O Watts, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF Flt Sgt W A Griffin, (Rear Gunner)

Following a sustained attack by a night fighter, at least six of the crew jumped from around 14,000 feet leaving their aircraft to crash in the Black Forest south east of the village of Reichental, 6kms South east of Grnsbach.

Flt Sgt lost his life and he is buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Locality Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bade Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich.

67 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415706 Warrant Officer WAYCOTT, William John

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/473 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 163, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 685 Radio call sign: EM – C Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

The aircraft was hit by flak, exploded with great force and crashed at 0030 hours on the 6th April 1944, some 5kms from the centre of the city.

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Toulouse (la Fourguette) Communal Cemetery, France.

68 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413918 Flying Officer WELCH, John Richard

Source : AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/14/86 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves Records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page293, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 334 Radio call sign: EM – V Unit: ATTD 207 SQN RAF

69 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403553 Flying Officer BRITTEN, Frank Terry

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A9300 Barcode 5377541 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 208 SQN RAF

Summary: FO Britten (Pilot) was killed in a flying accident in the Middle East on 29th January 1943. No other details are available as Archives do not hold a RAAF Casualty file.

FO Britten is buried in the Mosul War Cemetery, Iraq. Mosul is the most northerly town in Iraq.

70 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414512 Flight Sergeant RASMUSSEN, Richard Easthope

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : 705, 166/35/132 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Catalina Serial number: FP 287 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 210 SQN RAF

Summary: Catalina FP 287 on the 24th August 1943 crashed at Long Island Poole Harbour, Dorset, while on a non-operational training flight. The aircraft overshot the landing path and was attempting to go around again when the aircraft flew into sea fog at the end of the flare path and crashed. Eight on board were killed and four were injured.

Crew: RAF FO Duff, P R Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Ahmed, D C (2nd Pilot) Injured RAF Sgt J Garnett, (3rd Pilot) Injured RAAF 414512 Flt Sgt R E Rasmussen, (Observer) RAF FO M Cohen, (1st Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt A B Allen, (2nd Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt R J Kingston, (3rd Wireless Operator) Injured RAF Sgt K M Doyle, (1st Fitter/Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Weley, (2nd Fitter) Injured RAF Sgt F Frogson, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Harper, RCAF Flt Lt Hobson, WA (Spare Pilot)

FO Duff, Flt Sgt Rasmussen and Flt Lt Hobson are buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, UK. FO Cohen is buried in the Golders Green Jewish Cemetery, UK. Sgt Allen is buried in the Poole (Parkstone) Cemetery, UK. Sgt Doyle is buried in the Hounslow Cemetery, U. Sgt Frogson is buried in the Hoyland Nether Cemetery, UK. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Sgt Harper is buried

71 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404295 Sergeant KEEPING. John Blane

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : 705, 166/132/150 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Blenheim Serial number: Z 7699 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 211 SQN RAF

Summary: On 10th February 1942, all the aircraft of 211 Sqn RAF and some from 84 Sqn RAF took off from Palembang to carry out a raid on Kluang aerodrome (Malaya) occupied by the Japanese. Blenheim Z7699 failed to return from the raid in which all the crew lost their lives.

Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Dundas, K C V, DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400453 PO Ritchie, G R (Observer) RAAF 404295 Sgt J B Keeping, (Wireless Air Gunner)

PO Ritchie and Sg Keeping are buried in the Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. The name of Sqn Ldr Dundas is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, which is located within the Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore.

I his report at enclosure 13a and enclosure 26a of above 166/132/150 RAAF Casualty File, Wg Cdr Bateson CO of No 211 Sqn RAF stated : “ I led the first flight of 6 aircraft on 26 January 1942 to the Far East, followed each day by a further 6 aircraft led by the Sqn Flight Commanders Sqn Ldr Dundas left Egypt on 29/1/1942 with the last flight of 6 aircraft.

I arrived Sumatra on 31st January, and Sqn Ldr Dundas some 3/4 days later. The operation in question from which Sqn Ldr Dundas failed to return was a raid on the Japanese drome at Kluang. The target was heavily defended by anti-aircraft guns and several searchlights were in operation. Several night fighters were also operating. I was No 6 aircraft to attack the target and Sqn Ldr Dundas was No 5. Each aircraft attacked at 5 minute intervals from a zero hour. I presume that the aircraft flown by Sqn Ldr Dundas was shot down by ack-ack or by a night fighter.”. .

72 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406459 Sergeant McNAMARA, John Charles

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA :A9301 Barcode 5531950 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 211 SQN RAF

Summary: Sgt McNamara (Pilot) was killed on 25th February 1942 at Mingaladon, Burma, as a result of enemy action.. No other details are available as Archives do not hold a RAAF Casualty file.

73 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400453 Flying Officer RITCHIE, George

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : 705, 166/132/150 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Blenheim Serial number: Z 7699 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 211 SQN RAF

Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Dundas, K C V, DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400453 PO Ritchie, G R (Observer) RAAF 404295 Sgt J B Keeping, (Wireless Air Gunner)

74 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402165 Pilot Officer McCLELLAND, Bruce Johnston

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : 705, 163/47/155 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: BP 462 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 213 SQN RAF

Summary: Hurricane BP462 on 9th October 1942, set out on a ground strafing raid behind enemy lines. The aircraft crashed behind enemy lines and the pilot was killed. It was assumed that the aircraft had been hit by intense ack-ack fire encountered.

Crew: RAAF 402165 PO McClelland, B J (Pilot)

PO McClelland is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.

75 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403366 Sergeant NEWICK, John Dudley

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : 705, 163/147/223 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: BN 539 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 213 SQN RAF

Summary: Hurricane BN539 flown by Sgt Newick was in a formation of aircraft which was jumped by 5 ME109F’s, when taking off at 1830 hours on 27th July 1942 from Landing Ground No 172 in the Middle East. BN539 crashed at position 409894 and the pilot was killed. .

Crew: RAAF 403366 Sgt J D Newick, (Pilot) Sgt Newick is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. Alamein is a village bypassed by the main coast road, approx 130kms west of Alexandria on the road to Mersa Matruh.

76 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400581 Pilot Officer CREED, Eric William Cuthbert

Source: AWM237 (65) Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War :Page 53, Volume 1942..

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1143 Radio call sign: BU - Unit: ATTD 214 SQN RAF

Summary: Wellington Z1143 took off from RAF Stradishall on the night of 26/27th March 1942, detailed to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 400581 PO Creed, E W C Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400885 Sgt W W R Norton, (Pilot) RAAF 404277 Sgt W I Christsen, (Observer) RAF Sgt A F M Emms, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J R Payne, (Wireless Air Gunner) ARMY Capt Mair A P (Royal Artillery attached to 214 Sqn)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 2225 hours at Vriezenveen (Overjissel) on the east side of the Overjissel Canal and some 9kms NNW of Almelo, Holland.. All on board were killed and they are buried in the Vriezenveen General Cemetery, Netherlands. Vriezaenveen is a small town 9kms north of Almelo and 1.5kms east of the Overjissel Canal.

77 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400481 Flight Sergeant MUIR, Clarence Henry

Source: AWM237 (65) Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War :Page 107, Volume.1942.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: W 7534 Radio call sign: BU – E Unit: ATTD 214 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling W7534 took off from RAF Sradishall on the night of 30/31st May6 1942, detailed to bomb Koln, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Dent H Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400481 Flt Sgt C H Muir, (Pilot) RAF Sgt R S Cruise, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO S S Dimond, (Observer) RAF Sgt G C Bunning, (Wireless Air Gunner)) RAF Sgt J H Munday, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO Davies, W (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt P G McGrath, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Monchengladbach, Germany, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

78 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400009 Pilot Officer ARMSTRONG, Donald Noel Robert

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA 163/22/77 Digitised Micro Film No 463, OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 85, Volume 1941.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: T 2992 Radio call sign: BU - Unit: ATTD 214 SQN RAF

Summary: Wellngton T2992 took off from RAF Stradishall at 2204 hours on the night of 7/8th July1941, detailed to bomb Cologne, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO R M P Jenkyns, Captain (Pilot) RAF PO J McNally, (Pilot) RAAF 400009 PO Armstrong, D N R (Observer) RAF Sgt E H King, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A Evans, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G F Roughton, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Genk-Bodem )Limburg) Belgium. Five of the crew were killed and Sgt Roughton was a POW. Those killed are buried in the As-Communal Cemetery, Belgium. The village of As is located north east of the town of Gent on the N730.

79 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426496 Warrant Officer BRIGHT, Keith Mortimer

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/782 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Fortress Serial number: HB 788 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 214 SQN RAF

Summary: Fortress HB788 took off at 1623 hours on the night of 6/7th November 1944 from RAF Oulton, Norwich, Norfolk, detailed to carry out a special duty operation to Rheine, Germany. The aircraft crashed at Altenberge, Germany, and all the crew were killed.

Crew : RAF FO Jackson, J F Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt R C Bartlett, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Harding, W R (Navigator) RCAF WO R D Picciano (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt H C Pollard, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO Hardie, D (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt M G Magwick, (Wst/Gunner) RAF Sgt K J Fletcher (Wst/Gunner) RAF Sgt L G Kelly, (Special Operator) RAAF 426496 WO K M Bright, (Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery. Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

80 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404277 Sergeant CHRISTSEN, Walter Irvine

Source: AWM237 (65) Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War :Page 53, Volume 1942..

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1143 Radio call sign: BU - Unit: ATTD 214 SQN RAF

81 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405678 Flying Officer DAVIE, John Henry Claremce

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 1661/9/133 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 243, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: BK 686 Radio call sign: BU – C Unit: ATTD 214 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling BK686 took off from RAF Chedburg at 2245 hours on the night of 25/26th Jly1943, detailed to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Clements, J S Captain (Pilot) RAAF 405678 FO Davie, J H C (Pilot) RAF Sgt S J Greer, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Weddell, D M (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt E N Bird, (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt G B Fielder (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF FO McCleary, G F (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H Owen, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Essen-Borbeck and all the crew were killed They are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein- Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve..

82 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415126 Flight Sergeant EGAN, John Joseph

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/11/44 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 158, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: MZ 261 Radio call sign: BU – T Unit: ATTD 214 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling MZ261 took off from RAF Chedburgh at 2315 hours on the night of 23/24th May1943, detailed to bomb Dortmund, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 415126 Flt Sgt J J Egan, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt F J North, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Liddle, PH (Navigator) RAF Sg D E Alford, (Air Bomber) RAF Sg L Martin, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt V H Archer,(Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Dodd, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed on the24th May 1943 at Unna, 15kms ENE of Dortmund. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

83 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407642 Sergeant HANNA, Colin Leslie

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/120/588 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 225, Volume 1942,

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: R 9356 Radio call sign: BU – U Unit: ATTD 214 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling R9356 took off from RAF Stradishall at 2020 hours on the night of 19/20th September 1942, detailed to bomb Munchen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF WO P J McNamara, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J Holland, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Whittingham C J (Navigator) RCAF WO2 R T J Collett, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 407642 Sgt C L Hanna, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt W M Thompson, (Air Gunner) RCAF FO Findlay, G W (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Hader Germany. Fout of the crew were killed and WO McNamara, Flt Sgt Thompson and FO Findlay weer POW’s.

Those killed are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Locality : Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich.

84 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420197 Pilot Officer HOCKLEY, Allan James Neville Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/18/365 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 23 W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 244, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Fortress 11 Serial number: SR 384 Radio call sign: BU – A Unit: ATTD 214 SQN RAF Summary: Fortress SR384 took off from RAF Station Oulton, Norfolk, at 2340 hours on the night of 24/25th May 1944, detailed to carry out Operation BS, a special duty operation to Antwerp. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 420197 PO Hockley, A J N Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W W Hackett, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt T D Glenn, (Navigator) RNZAF Flt Sgt R Y Gundy, (Air Bomber) RAAF 421541 Flt Sgt R C Lyall, (Navigator) RAF Sgt R F Lloyd, (Specialist Operator) RCAF Sgt J E McCutchan, (Waist Gunner) RAF Sgt R G V Simpson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E Lovatt, (Air Gunner) The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 0057 hours on the 25th May 1944 into the Oosterschelde. Both PO Hockley and Sgt Simpson were killed and the others were POW’s. PO Hockley’s body was washed ashore on 11th June1944 at the port of Yerseke. . Both PO Hockley and Sgt Simpson are buried in the Yerseke General Cemetery (Zeeland) on the island of Zuid Beveland, Netherlands. Yerseke is a village and commune in Zuid Beveland 13kms east of Goes and 35kms west of Bergen-op-Zoom. These two are the only Commonwealth airmen WW2 fatalities buried in the cemetery. In a POW report the hen WO Lyall stated : “ The aircraft was damaged by flak (4 hits). The Captain gave the order “abandon” but it was not acknowledged by any of the others.. I do not know if any of the others were injured. Flt Sgt Glenn, Sgt Lloyd, Flt Sgt Gundy and Sgt Hallett all baled out before me, and Sgt McCutchan was still in the aircraft when I left. I baled out at 2000 feet. The controls of the aircraft were shot away, and we were losing height and making wide circuits with the whole port wing on fire. The aircraft crashed near Tolen, Holland. I landed in a flooded area and was taken in by Dutch people who handed me over to a German patrol a few hours later. PO Hockley was killed, and I know nothing about Sgt Simpson. All the others plus myself were POW’s.”

85 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420469 Flight Sergeant HOUGHTON, Douglas Conway

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/37/203 166/18/164Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 304, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EE 970 Radio call sign: BU – B Unit: ATTD 214 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling EE970 of 214 (Federated Malay States) Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Chedburgh, Suffolk at 2042 hours on the night of 31st/1st September 1943 detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base.

Crew: RAAF 413675 PO Simpson, K J, Captain (Pilot) RCAF Sgt H M Diebel, (Navigator) RAF Sgt J A Giblin, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt D Daulby, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J E Chisholm, (Air Bomber) RCAF Sgt W R Case, (Air Gunner) RAAF 420469 Flt Sgt D C Houghton, (Air Gunner)

In 1947 it was established that the aircraft crashed in the Russian Zone of Germany at Jutterbug, quite close to Berlin. There were four survivors from the crash viz: Sgt’s Diebel, Case, Giblin, and Daulby who were POW’s. The survivors stated that Flt Sgt Houghton was killed having baled out without a parachute. Flt Sgt Houghton’s grave is located in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery. PO Simpson has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

86 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412465 Pilot Officer MATTHEWS, Frederick George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/27/104 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 267, Volume1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EF 390 Radio call sign: BU – A Unit: ATTD 214 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling EF390 took off from RAF Chedburgh at 2153 hours on the night of 12/13th August 1943, detailed to bomb Torino, Italy. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 412465PO Matthews, F G Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J G Knight, (Flight Engineer) RNZAF Flt Sgt A F Rose, (Navigator) RAF FO Holland, F W (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt K J Cork, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H G Ott, (Air Gunner) RNZAF Flt Sgt A D Harris, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at la Bussiere-sur-Ouche (Cote d’Or), 25kms south west of Dijon, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Bussiere-sur-Ouche Communal Cemetery, France. These seven crew members are the only Commonwealth airmen WW2 fatalities to be buried there.

87 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400885 Sergeant NORTON, William Wynes Robey

Source: AWM237 (65) Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War :Page 53, Volume 1942..

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1143 Radio call sign: BU - Unit: ATTD 214 SQN RAF

88 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417595 Warrant Officer ODGERS, Lindsay Joseph

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705,166/31/332 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 104, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Fortress 11 Serial number: HB 815 Radio call sign: BU – J Unit: ATTD 214 SQN RAF

Summary: Fortress HE815 took off from RAF Oulton at 1840 hours on the night of 3/4th March 1945, detailed to carry out window duties on Operation BS. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF PO Bennett, H DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt L E Billington, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt H Barnfield, (Navigator) RAAF 417595 WO L J Odgers, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt W Bridden, ( RAF Flt Sgt L A Hadder, (Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt F Hares, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt A McDirmid, ( RAF WO R W Church, ( RAF Sgt P J Healy, (Air Gunner)

On return to the base the aircraft was shot down by a JU88. On fire the Fortress crash landed at 0051 hours on 4th March at Lodge Farm on the airfield boundary. Eight of the crew were killed and Sgt McDirmid and WO Church were injured.

FO Bennett is in the Islington Cemetery and Crematorium, UK. Sgt Billington is buried in the Blickling (St Andrew) Churchyard, UK. Flt Sgt Barnfield is buried in the Salford (Agecroft) Cemetery, UK. WO Odgers is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK. The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. Flt Sgt Hadder is buried in the Thorpe-Next-Norwich (St Andrew) Church Cemetery, UK. Sgt Healy is buried in the Lettonstone (St Patrick’s) Roman Catholic Cemetery, UK Commonwealth War Records do not record where Flt Sgt Bridden is buried.

89 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406681 Sergeant RAE, Donald James

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/155/112 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 82, Volume1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: BF 453 Radio call sign: BU – L Unit: ATTD 214 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling BF453 took off from RAF Chedburgh at 1940 hours on the night of 27/28th March 1943, detailed to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Challis E Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R G Martin, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt R Anderson, (Navigator) RAF Sgt C K Phin, (Navigator) RAF Sgt E Greenhalgh, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S A Woodrow, (Air Gunner) RAF 406681 Sgt D J Rae, (Air Gunner) The aircraft was reported crashed at Finkenwerder, a town on the south bank of the Elbe and some 8kms south west from the centre of Hamburg, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany..

90 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417450 Warrant Officer BOUCAUT, Peter Le Rey

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/1183 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: KN 254 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 215 SQN RAF

Summary: Dakota KN254 crashed at 0730 hours on 7th June 1945, on a non-operational flight, on the main Dacca/Chittagong road, some 60 miles in an easterly direction from Dacca. The aircraft disintegrated in mid air in bad weather, and all on board were killed.

Crew: RAAF 417450 WO P Le R Boucaut, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 430516 Flt St G K Gibb, (Pilot) RAF Sgt A Stephen, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF Cpl R F Sandilands, RAF LAC H N Sandford, Plus 19 PAX (Indian Army Personnel)

The five crew are buried in the Maynamati War Cemetery, Comilla, Bangladesh.

91 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404312 Flying Officer ENRIGHT, Cecil Tom

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/107/70 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 126 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 215 SQN RAF

Summary: Wellington HE126 took off from Jessop, India, at 0745 hours on the 8th August 1943, detailed to carry out a FIRPO intruder operational patrol off the Arakan coast. After becoming airborne the aircraft commenced a circuit of the drome, and the aircraft was observed at a height of about 3/400 feet approaching the runway at right angles in a slight dive and making an unusual screaming noise.

It levelled out about 300 feet when the screaming noise stopped. After passing over the runway, the aircraft turned to port, the screaming noise started again. The aircraft seemed to go into a steeper turn until the plane was almost vertical, when it crashed into trees and burnt on impact. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RAF PO Dowling, E C Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404312 FO Enright C T (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt E R E Thomas, (Navigator) RAF Sgt N A J Ovenden (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF WO11 F W Holcombe, ((Wireless Air Gunner/Front Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J Hyde, (Rear Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Chittagong War Cemetery, Bangladesh.

92 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

430516 Flight Sergeant GIBB, Gordon Keith

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/1183 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: KN 254 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 215 SQN RAF

The five crew are buried in the Maynamati War Cemetery, Comilla, Bangladesh.

93 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

429155 Warrant Office PRATT, Garnett

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/33/376 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: KN 283 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 215 SQN RAAF

Summary: Dakota KN283 crashed on a non-operational flight, on 2nd June 1945 at 0700 hours nine mile south east of Karin, and all on board were killed. The aircraft encountered violent turbulence when flying in cumulus cloud, it was stressed beyond design limits and it disintegrated while airborne.

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt R P Elston, Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt Sarkin, (Co-Pilot) (of 673 Sqn RAF) RAF Flt Sgt T D Muren, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 429155 WO G Pratt, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W S Norton, (Air Gunner)

Flt Sgt Elston, WO Pratt and Sgt Norton are buried in the Gauhati War Cemetery, Assam, India. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Flt Sgt’s Sarkin and Muren are buried.

94 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406792 Flying Officer PYKE, Laurence Cuthbert MID

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/52/110 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 216 SQN RAF

Summary: A Hudson aircraft of No 216 Sqn RAF crashed at 1.15pm on 4th November 1942 at Khanka drome, Egypt, Middle East. Four of the crew were killed, two died of their injuries and one was slightly injured.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Bradshaw, R T (Flying Instructor Pilot) Killed RAAF 406792 FO Pyke, L C MID (Pilot) Died of injuries on 5/11/1942 RAAF 406637 FO Browne, F V (Pilot) Killed RAF Sgt A McDonald, (Observer) Killed RAF Sgt M O Brown, (Wireless Air Gunner) Killed RAF LAC C Ironmonger, (FME) Died of Injuries on 4/11/1942 RAF LAC G M Paulger, Fitter 2A Slightly Injured

Flt Lt Bradshaw, PO Pyke, FO Browne, Sgt Brown, and LAC Ironmonger are buried in the Heliopolis War Cemetery, Egypt. Heliopolis is a major suburb of Cairo, and is 10kms north east of the main city centre, and approx 6kms from the airport Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Sgt McDonald (RAF) is buried.

95 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403488 Flight Sergeant ARMSTRONG, Peter William Alexander

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/4/32 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: FH 430 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 217 SQN RAF

Summary: Hudson FH430 took off from RAF Vavunia at 0555 hours on 30th April 1943,detailed to carry our an anti-submarine NE detector patrol B & C. On return from the patrol the Pilot was ordered to carry out an anti-aircraft gun cooperation exercise.

On the return from the patrol, the pilot dived down to the runway and flew from one end to the other about 5 feet off the ground. He then pulled up sharply and climbed to approx 3000 feet. From approx 2,500 feet he apparently sighted a gun -post position as a target and dived straight on the gun position at about a 30 degree angle of dive. He failed to pull out at a reasonable height, and it was not until he was approx 100 feet from the ground that any apparent effort was made to pull out. Owing to the high speed the aircraft had gathered in the dive and to the terrific strain imposed on pulling out, the wings of the aircraft pulled back and the fuselage continued on to crash into trees approx 50 yards from the runway at RAF Vavunia. The aircraft crashed at 1145 hours and all the crew were killed.

Crew: RNZAF PO Sanders, L W Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404702 PO Maddison, H L (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt R P Lansdale, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RNZAF Flt Sgt B L McDonald, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 403488 Flt Sgt P W A Armstrong, (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Colombo (Kanatte) General Cemetery, Sri Lanka.

96 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404782 Pilot Officer MADDISON, Hamilton Lewis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/4/32 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: FH 430 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 217 SQN RAF

All the crew are buried in the Colombo (Kanatte) General Cemetery, Sri Lanka.

97 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

215 Flight Lieutenant OAKLEY, Richard Arthur

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/50/19 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 217 SQN RAF

Summary: Early in the afternoon of 1st February 1942 an aircraft flown by Flt Lt Oakley (Pilot) left RAF Station, St Eval. It was detailed to carry out a daylight bombing raid on Brest, France. At 4.15pm a message was received saying the port engine had failed and the aircraft was losing height. It was presumed the aircraft had force landed in the sea between Ushant and the UK. Searches were carried out but were unsuccessful.

Crew: RAAF 215 Flt Lt Oakley, R A (Pilot)

There is no other detail about the aircraft type or crew on the above RAAF Casualty file.

Flt Lt Oakley is buried in the Pihen-Les-Guines Communal Cemetery, France. Pihen- Les-Guines is a village 10kms SSW of Calais. Flt Lt Oakley was a permanent member of the RAAF, and at the time of his death he was attached to the RAF.

98 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404685 Flying Officer SANDERSON, Owen James

Source: AWM 237 (65): Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 187, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: W 7573 Radio call sign: HA – U Unit: ATTS 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling W 7573 took off from RAF Downham Market on the night of 20/21st August 1942, detailed to lay mines in the Fehmarn Channel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 404685 FO Sanderson, O J Captain, (Pilot) RAF Sgt R T Higgins, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Tudor, G L (Observer) RCAF Flt Sgt C D Dixon, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt C Smith, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J Farrimond, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt F J James, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed between Brodersby and Geel, 9kms ENE of Schleswig. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Kiel War Cemetery, Germany. .

99 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416404 Pilot Officer ALLAN, Stanley Gordon

Source: AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 166/3/156 Digitised: Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 171, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: BF 565 Radio call sign: HA – H Unit: ATTS 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling BF565 took off from RAF Downham Market at 2303 hours on the night of 29/30th May 1943, detailed to bomb Wuppertal, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 4116404 PO Allan, S G Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J C Thomas, (Flight Engineer) RNZAF Sgt H N J Wade, (Navigator) RAF PO Garai, E S (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt W F Henderson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt K M Campbell, (Air Gunner) RNZAF Sgt D P Strong, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed on a plot of land known as Kathrinemplei near Kattenis (Liege) , 2kms NNE of Eupen, Belgium.

All the crew were killed. PO Allan, Sgt Wade and PO Garai are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Locality Hotton, Luxembourg. Hotton is located south of Liege on the N86.

The other four crew members have no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runneymede, UK..

100 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408948 Flight Lieutenant BALDING, Keith Todd DFC

Source: AWM 237 (65 ) AWM 65 (166) NAA : A705 : 166/5/301: Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 338, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: BF 472 Radio call sign: HA – D Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling BF472 took off from RAF Downham Market at 2000 hours on the night of 27/28th September 1943, detailed to bomb Hanover, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 408948 Flt Lt Balding, K T DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt E Otter, (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Lawrenson, G A (Navigator) RAF FO Hurst, G G DFC (Air Bomber) RCAF FO Hamilton, W F (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S J Harris, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J McGovern, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed on 27th September 1943, at Bothfeld in the north eastern suburbs of Hanover and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

Citation : The Citation for the DFC awarded to Flt Lt Balding is as follows : “On all his missions, Flt Lt Balding has shown the utmost determination to seek and bomb his objective accurately. In May 1943, whilst operating over Dusseldorf, his aircraft was struck several times by anti-aircraft fire and sustained extensive damage. Regardless of this he continued the attack through heavy opposition. The aircraft was again hit and one engine became unserviceable, but despite this, a safe return was made. In August 1943, this officer again displayed determined and tenacious spirit in the face of adverse weather conditions and heavy opposition when the electrical system became unserviceable over Hamburg. Most of his operational flights have been over Hamburg or the Ruhr targets.” (London Gazette 15/10/1943, Page 4560).

101 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400393 Flying Officer BARNFATHER, Eliot Ralph

Source: AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 163/23/127 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 95, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: N 6071 Radio call sign: HA – G Unit: ATTS 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling N6071 took off from RAF Marham at 2316 hours on the night of 17/18th May 1942, detailed to carry out a gardening operation. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Humphreys, A G L DFC Captain (Pilot) RNZAF Sgt R I Hill, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt J N T Taylor, (Navigator) RAAF 400393 FO Barnfather, E R (Observer) RAF Sgt R Layfield, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G Toynbee-Clarke, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt WA Lawrence, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was hit by flak and abandoned at 0100 hours on the 18th May 1942. Six of the crew were POW’s and FO Barnfather was killed. Three members of the crew were hit by shrapnel as they descended and FO Barnfather died after being struck in the stomach. He is buried in the Esbjerg (Fourfelt) Cemetery, Denmark. Esbjerg is a major port on the west coast of Jutland.

Sgt Hill in a POW report stated ” I was informed by the Germans that Barnfarther was found dead in a field, but he was unable to say whether his death was due to his wounds due to the failure of his chute or an over delayed jump owing to the late height at which he baled out.”

102 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400074 Sergeant BARTON, Allan Ernest Ross

Source: AWM 237 (65 NAA : A9301 Barcode 5549067 Digitised: Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 78, Volume 1941.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: T 2806 Radio call sign: HA – T Unit: ATTS 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Wellington T2806 took off from RAF Marham at 2250 hours on the night of 29/30th June 1941, detailed to bomb Bremen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Bryant, F E Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400074 Sgt A E R Barton, (Pilot) RAF PO Ellner, E E (Observer) RAF Sgt J J Jordan, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt D C Smallbone, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt T R Marshall, (Air Gunner)

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Backlingen War Cemetery, Locality Soltau, Niedersachsen, Germany. The cemetery is 13kms south east of Soltau on the side of the road from Hamburg to Hanover.

103 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

434492 Flight Sergeant BENNETT, Fred

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 166/5/875: Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 525, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NG 330 Radio call sign: HA - M Unit: ATTS 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster NG330 took off from RAF Chadburgh at 1115 hours on the 31st December 1944, detailed to bomb Vohwinkel. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 437135 FO Kench, R H Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt V T Phillips, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt C Williams, (Navigator) RAF Sgt J Barton, (Air Bomber) RAAF 434492 Flt Sgt F Bennett, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt D W Maycock, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R Morley, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at Solingen, Germany, and all the crew were killed. Six of them are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality : Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve. Commonwelth War Graves record that Sgt Barton is buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

104 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415608 Pilot Officer BLACK, Clarence Alwin

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 163,192/148 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 419, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: :Lancaster Serial number: PD 262 Radio call sign: HA – G Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster PD262 took off from RAF Methwold at 1835 hours on the night of 12/13th September 1944, detailed to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Seller, H T Captain (Pilot) RAAF 419658 FO Leibhardt, W L (Pilot) RAF Sgt W H T Pettman, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Sinclair, G O B (Navigator) RCAF PO Clarke, D W (Navigator) RAF PO Clarke, H (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Flt Sgt K C Spiers, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 415608 PO Black, C A (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed at 2330 hours on 12th September 1944 in side a triangle made up of the villages of Flomborn to the west, Eppelsheim on the north and Gundersheim to the east, all bring some 15kms north west of Worms. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality : KampLintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north if Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

105 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423217 Flight Sergeant BRASINGTON, George Charles

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 :166/6/432 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 96, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EJ 125 Radio call sign: HA – J Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling EJ125 took off from RAF Downham Market at 1810 hours on the night of 21/22nd February 1944, detailed to carry out a gardening mission and lay mines off Borkum, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Wiseman, J I Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt V L Twydell, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Cragg, W P (Navigator) RCAF FO Theriault H P (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt D Copley, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G H Foreman, (Air Gunner) RAAF 423217 Flt Sgt G C Brasington, (Air Gunner)

It was believed that on 22nd February 1944, the aircraft crashed in the sea off the uninhabited island of Rottumeroog, and all the crew lost their lives.

The body of Flt Lt Wiseman was fond on the 8th May 1944 near Pieterburen (Groningen), Holland, and he is buried in the Westernieland General Cemetery, De Marne, Netherlands. Westerieland is a village in the commune of Eenrum, and is 23 miles north of the town of Groningen. The body of Flt Sgt Brasington was washed on to Borkum on 16th March 1944, and he is buried in the Sage War Cemetery, Locality Oldenburg, Niedersachsen, Germany. Sage is a village 24kms south of Oldenburg, a town 43kms west of Bremen .

All the other five crew members have no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

106 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412490 Flying Officer CORLIS, John Edwin

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 166/8/637 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 419, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NF 906 Radio call sign: HA – B Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster NF906 took off from RAF Methwold at 1847 hours on the night of 12/13th September 1944, detailed to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 412490 FO Corlis, J E Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J B Fawcett, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt D Robertson, (Navigator) RAF PO Blacklock, H W (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt H Hardy, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Harrison, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt D Kedward, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed near Bad Homburg vor der Hohe on 12th September 1944, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Locality Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz a town 48kms south of Munich.

107 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412921 Flight Sergeant DAVIS, Noel Michael Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 166/9/156: Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 19 W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 293, Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EF 448 Radio call sign: HA – P Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF Summary: Stirling EF448 took off from RAF Downham Market at 2135 hours on the night of 27/28th August 1943, detailed to bomb Nurnberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 412921 Flt Sgt N M Davis, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G L Terry, (Flight Engineer) RCAF Sgt D J Mullen, (Navigator) RAF Sgt J Curson, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt R H B Searle, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCF Sgt D A Ross, (Air Gunner) RAAF 418035 Sgt J K White, (Air Gunner) The aircraft crashed at Munster-maifeld, west of the Mosel, 13kms south west of Mayen. Five of the crew were killed and Sgt’s Searle and White were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality : Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Rhsinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel. .

In a POW report the then WO White stated : “The Mid Upper Gunner was hit by flak and his turret put out of action. We were attacked by an ME210 which put the I/Com, Signal lights and my turret out of action. I registered hits on the enemy aircraft before he broke away and went into a vertical dive. The Skipper pulled our aircraft out of a very steep dive, and a few minutes later we were attacked from above by a JU88 which put the port inner engine on fire. The Navigator came down and signalled us to able out. The last I saw of him, he was heading back up the fuselage through thick oily smoke. I baled out at approx 5000 feet as the aircraft went into a spin. The aircraft crashed north west of Koblenze. As I came down I could see the aircraft blazing on the ground. As far as I know all the others were in the aircraft when it went into a spin and I baled out. I made contact with the WOP Sgt Searle on the ground, who had baled out through the Astro dome. The Germans told me there were five bodies in the aircraft. I hid in the day and travelled by night. “I was sound asleep in a bush when I was discovered by farmers, only about 100 yards outside a village. I was captured near Koel.”

108 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408278 Flight Sergeant DAVIS, William Arthur Mathias

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 166/9/96 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 171, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: BK 688 Radio call sign: HA – A Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling BK688 took off from RAF Downham Market at 2308 hours on the night of 29/30th May 1943, detailed to bomb Wuppertal, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 408278 Flt Sgt W A M Davis, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G A A Grant, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt T W Dixon, (Navigator) RAF Sgt W R Howes, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt T L Portrey, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J A Bramble, (Air Gunner) RAF Flt Lt Abbiss, L W (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter at 0200 hours on 30th May 1943, and crashed on Schaffen airfield (Brabant), 2kms NNE of Diest, Belgium. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Schaffen Communal Cemetery Belgium.

109 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421008 Flight Lieutenant DOOLAN, Gregory McGowan

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 166/102/216 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 175, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: LJ 448 Radio call sign: HA – D Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling LJ448 took off from RAF Woolfox Lodge at 2103 hours on the night of 20/21st April 1944, detailed to bomb the railway depot at Chambly, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 421008 Flt Lt Doolan, G McG Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt C T Bishop, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Vidler, E F D (Navigator) RAAF 422210 FO Levy, A J D (Air Bomber) RAAF 420989 1PO O’Neill, F H (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt C Robinson, (Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt D R R J Pepall, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed on 20th April 1944 at Asnieres-sur-Gise, in the Department of Seine- et-Oise, 38kms north east of Versailles. Flt Lt Doolan and Sgt Bishop were killed, Sgt Robinson was a POW and the others evaded capture. Those killed are buried in the Asnieres-sur-Oise Communal Cemetery, France. Asnieres is a small town, 35kms north of Paris pn the D922.

110 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413838 Pilot Officer DUFFY, Rodney Ernest

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 166/25/230 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 327, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EJ 105 Radio call sign: HA – N Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling EJ105 took off from RAF Downham Market at 1850 hours on the night of 22/23rd September 1943, detailed to bomb Hanover, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 413838 PO Duffy, R E Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt C Rutherford (Flight Engineer) RAAF 415076 Flt Sgt T D Ellis, (Navigator) RAF PO Pryde-Williams, W (Air Bomber) RNZAF Flt Sgt AH J Morgan, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt C Kemmery, (Air Gunner) RAAF 421899 Sgt R L Gehrig, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was damaged by flak and abandoned by three members of the crew. Sgt Rutherford and Sgt Kemmery who were POW’s, while Sgt Gehrig lost his life and he is buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany. PO Duffy regained the East Anglia coast, but with one engine on fire the aircraft crashed on 23rd September 1943 at Hall Farm, Barrow, 5 miles WSW of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, and the four crew on board were killed. Flt Sgt’s Duffy, Ellis and Morgan are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Flt Sgt Rutherford is buried.

111 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415076 Flight Sergeant ELLIS,Thomas Douglas

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 166/25/230 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 327, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EJ 105 Radio call sign: HA – N Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

112 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401115 Flying Officer FRANKCOMB, John Clarence

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 163/32/132 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 216, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: N 3725 Radio call sign: HA – D Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling N3725 took off from RAF Downham Market at 1955 hours on the night of 14/15th September 1942, detailed to bomb Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 401115 FO Frankcomb, J C Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt D I Pearce, (Pilot) RAF Sgt V Picken, (Observer) RAF Sgt E Watson, (Observer) RAF Sgt W W Marshall, ( RAF Sgt E N Bell, ( RNZAF Sgt E T Pellow, (Air Gunner) RNZAF Sgt S H Ives, (Air Gunner)

While over the target the starboard inner engine failed. The crew succeeded in returning to base on three engines, but while preparing to land the starboard outer motor lost power and the aircraft spun in at 0055 hours on the 14th September 1943, one mile east of Stoke Ferry and 9 miles south west of Swaffam, Norfolk, UK.

Six of the crew were killed in the accident and Sgt’s Marshall and Bell were injured. FO Frankcomb and Sgt’s Pellow and Ives are buried in the Marham Cemetery, UK. Marham is a parish and village 7 miles north west of Swaffam. Flt Sgt Pearce is buried in the Bristol (Canford) Cemetery, UK. Sgt’s Picken and Watson are buried in the Bangor Cemetery, UK.

113 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421899 flight Sergeant GEHRIG, Roy Lawrence

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 166/25/230 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 327, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EJ 105 Radio call sign: HA – N Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

114 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417578 Flying Officer GRIVELL, Robert Garfield

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 166/16/510 Digitised: Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 26, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 768 Radio call sign: XH – B Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster PB768 took off from RAF Chedburgh at 1606 hours on the night of 1/2nd January 1945, detailed to bomb railway yards at Vohwinkel, Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 417578 FO Grivell, R G Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt L Peckett, (Flight Engineer) RCAF Flt Sgt H Claments, (Navigator) RCAF FO Ingram, G (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt K Bennett, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E P Buttrum-Gardiner, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt RE Keel, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was hit by flak over the target at 21,000 feet, sustaining damage to the duel supply feeding inner engine. This engine was stopped. Over Namur when homebound, the aircraft was hit twice in quick succession, by American AA fire and the entire port side caught fire. As the order to bale out was given, the aircraft spun and fell at Emines in the Belgian province of Namur, 11kms south east of Gembloux.

Six of the crew were killed and FO Ingram was injured. Those killed are buried in the Leopoldsburg War Cemetery, Belgium. Leopoldsburg is located 58kms north east of Leuven on the N73.

115 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400612 Flight Sergeant HEMING, Keith Ronald

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 163/12/147: Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 67, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: R 9333 Radio call sign: HA – Y Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling R9333 took off from RAF Downham Market at 1929 hours on the night of 5/6th March 1943, detailed to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF PO Ratcliffe, G A Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J Turner, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 400612 Flt Sgt K R Heming, (Navigator) RAF Sgt D H Melville, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt W E Waddington, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J T Charlton, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W T Hurl, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed at Essen-Kray on the 5th March 1943. All the crew were killed and are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The Cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

116 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417488 Pilot Officer HUMPHREY, Vernon Leicester

Source : AWM 237 (65) AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 26. NAA : A705 : 166/18/432 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 382, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PD 252 Radio call sign: HA – D Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster took off from RAF Methwold at 2159 hours on the night of 12/13th August 1944, detailed to bomb Russelsheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 417488 PO Humphrey, V L Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G E Bower, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt A D Chew, (Navigator) RAAF PO Hynd, J H (Navigator/Air Bomber) RAF WO A T Lyon, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt T B R Horrocks, (Mid Air Gunner) RAF Sgt L E Westbrook, (Rear Gunner)

PO Humphrey, Flt Sgt Chew and WO Lyon were killed in the crash on 13th August 1944, Sgt Horrocks who was injured died later. The other three crew members were POW’s.. PO Humphrey and Flt Sgt Chew are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Luxembourg, Belgium. Hotton is located south of Liege on the N86. WO Lyon has no known grave. His name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

In a POW report PO Hynd stated : The aircraft was hit by flak and the Inter Com failed. It was shot down at 0001 hours on 13 August. . The pilot gave me the visual signal to bale out, and I was first out at 18,000 feet. The aircraft was diving and burning and crashed south of Aschen. I met Bower and Westbrook two days later in the lock up. The Germans said that Humphrey and Chew were killed in the crash, and Lyon and Horrocks were injured and in hospital. I landed safely by chute and walked until captured at Melmady at 2300 hours on 13/8. Released by 11th Armoured Division at Lubeck 2/5/45.”

117 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

17332 Flight Lieutenant JENYNS, Robert Lance

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 1166/20/266 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 169, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NF 955 Radio call sign: HA – H Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster NF955 took off from RAF Chedburgh at 0700 hours on the 24th April 1945, detailed to bomb railway yards at Bad Oldesloe. As the aircraft became airborne on take off, the starboard engines faltered and lost power. With its air speed decaying by the second, the aircraft staggered across the airfield and crashed at 0701 into a hedgerow near the WAAF site and close to the Bury St Edmunds to Haverill road. For the next 30 seconds explosions rent the air before the flames were extinguished and what remained of the bomb load was made safe. The seven crew on board were killed. . Crew: RAAF 17332 Flt Lt Jenyns, R L Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Morris, F A (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt H R Williams, (Navigator) RAF WO P M Nicholls, (Air Bomber) RAAF 433109 Flt Sgt G Kilpatrick, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO Jolly, C (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt H K Harper, (Rear Gunner)

Flt Lt Jenyns, WO Nicholls and Flt Sgt Kilpatrick are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK The Cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery. PO Morris is buried in the Wolsingham (St Thomas) Roman Catholic Churchyard, UK. Flt Sgt Williams is buried in the Chorleywood Road Cemetery, UK. PO Jolly is in the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium, UK. Flt Sgt Harper is buried in the Stourbridge Cemetery, UK.

118 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

437135 Flying Officer KENCH, Robert Harold

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 166/5/875: Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 525, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NG 330 Radio call sign: HA - M Unit: ATTS 218 SQN RAF

The aircraft crashed at Solingen, Germany, and all the crew were killed. Six of them are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality : Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve. Commonnwelth War Graves record that Sgt Barton is buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

119 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

433109 Flight Sergeant KILPATRICK, George

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 1166/20/266 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 169, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NF 955 Radio call sign: HA – H Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

120 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419658 Flying Officer LEIBHARDT, Winston Leslie

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 163,192/148 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 419, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: :Lancaster Serial number: PD 262 Radio call sign: HA – G Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

121 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

426230 Flight Sergeant LYNCH, John

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 166//25/74. Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War Page 298, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EE 903 Radio call sign: HA – Q Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling EE903 took off from RAF Downham Market at 0039 hours on the night of 30/31st August, 1943, detailed to bomb Monchengladbach, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Sgt S G Bennett, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G D Cox, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt D G Yardley, (Navigator) RCAF WO2 F Middleton, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt F G Pryde, ((Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt F J Lucas, (Air Gunner) RAAF 426230 Flt Sgt J Lynch, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed in the target area and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein- Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel.

122 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418560 Flight Sergeant OSBORNE, Ronald Henderson

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 166/31/187 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 203, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: EF 504 Radio call sign: HA – P Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling EF504 took off from RAF Woofox Lodge at 2214hours on the night of 1/2nd May 1944, detailed to bomb the railway and stores depot at Chambly. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Jones, I I Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt E W Wright, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Taylor, S D (Navigator) RAAF 418560 Flt Sgt R H Osborne, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt A A Snook, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF PO Twining, R E S (Air Gunner) RCAF WO2 M R Bell, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft crashed on 2nd May 1944 in the vicinity of Poix-de-la-Somme, France. Five of the crew were killed and Sgt Wright and PO Taylor evaded capture. Those killed are buried in the Poix-de-Picardie Churchyard, France. Poix is a small town 28kms south west of Amiens.

123 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414183 Pilot Officer RICH, Donald Robert

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 1661/39/61 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 195, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: BK 722 Radio call sign: HA – G Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling BK722 took off from RAF Downham Market at 0016 hours on the night of 21/22nd June 1943, detailed to bomb Krefeld, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 414183 PO Rich, D R Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H Hill, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt F Fawcett, (Navigator) RAF Sgt B Kermode, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt A J Small, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt J S McDonald, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S H Burrows, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by flak batteries and crashed on 22nd June 1943 at Maarheeze (Nord Brabant), 16kms south east of Eindhoven. Holland. PO Rich, Sgt Kermode and Sgt Burrows were killed and the other four were POW’s.

Those killed are buried in the Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Netherlands.

124 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417760 Pilot Officer ROBERTS, Robert Edward

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 1166/136/412 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 504, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 674 Radio call sign: HA – Q Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster PB674 took off from RAF Chedburgh at 1112 hours on the 12th December 1944, detailed to bomb Witten. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 417760 PO Roberts, R E Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W J R Jeffree, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt R J Ketley-Rolph, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt E D Brick, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt K Jones, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt J Williams, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H R Williams, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed on 12th December 1944 and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality : Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

125 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412846 Pilot Officer SHILLINGLAW, William Golder

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 : 155/37/124 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 195, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: BK 712 Radio call sign: HA – D Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling BK712 took off from RAF Downham Market at 0014 hours on the night of 21/22nd June 1943, detailed to bomb Krefeld, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 412846 PO Shillinglaw, W G Captain (Pilot) RAF FO A R Helvard, (Pilot) (Attached from No1651 CU RAF) RAF Sgt R P Goward, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt P D McArdle, (Navigator) RAF Sgt T R Lunn, (Air Bomber) RNZAF Flt Sgt D J Ashby-Peckham, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A E Gurney, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E D Hart, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down on 22nd June 1943, by flak from batteries, and crashed at Maarheeze, (Noord Brabant), 15kms south east of Eindhoven. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Langdorp Churchyard, Belgium. The village of Langdorp is situated to the east of Aarschot off the N10 which runs between Diest and Geel.

126 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416630 FlightLieytenant SMITH, James Brooks Hamilton

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 :166/38/180 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 201, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: BF 572 Radio call sign: HA – K Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling BF572 took off from RAF Downham Market at 0009 hours on the night of 22/23rd June, 1943, detailed to bomb Mulheim, Germany. The aircraft was last heard on W/T when its position was plotted as 52.10N 03. The aircraft failed to return to base..

Crew: RAAF 416630 Flt Lt Smith, J B H Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G E Rose, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt R H Cramm, (Navigator) RAF Sgt W H Davies, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt C R Minns, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt C Labiuk, (Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt P W Parr, (Air Gunner)

It was presumed that the aircraft was lost over the North Sea. Six of the crew lost their lives and Flt Sgt Parr was a POW.

Flt Lt Smith is buried in the Castricum Protestant Churchyard, Netherlands. Castricum is 21kms north from Harlem and 20lms north west of Amsterdam, on the main Harlem Den Helder road. Sgt Davies is buried in the Bergen-op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery, Netherlands. Sgt Labiuk is buried in the Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery, Netherlands. Sgt’s Rose, Cramm and Minns have no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

127 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

428566 Flight Sergeant STAGG, John Leslie

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705 166/38/850 Digitised: Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 525, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NF 926 Radio call sign: HA – K Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster NF926 took off from RAF Chedburgh at 1115 hours on the 31st December 1944, detailed to bomb Vohwinkel. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO Woodrow, R W Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Lt G N Chandler, (Pilot) RAF Sgt D Morris, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt W N Watson, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt C H R James, (Air Bomber) RAAF` 428566 Flt Sgt J L Stagg, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Carver, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt V Melbourne, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed on 31st December 1944, near Solingen, Germany. Seven of the crew were killed and Sgt Melbourne was a POW.

Those killed are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The Cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

128 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400314 Sergeant WILSON, Alexander MacGregor

Source : AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705: 166/43/1000 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 123, Volume 1941.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: N 2844 Radio call sign: HA – M Unit: ATTD 218 SQN RAF

Summary: Wellington N2844 took off from RAF Marham at 2348 hours on the night of 18/19th August 1941, detailed to bomb Duisberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Sgt K C Shearing, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R G Boswell, (Pilot) RCAF Sgt L J George. (Observer) RAAF 400314 Sgt A MacG Wilson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S A Maguire, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO Pockney, E D (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 0206 hours on the 18th August 1941 in the Ljsselmeer. All the crew were killed.

Sgt Wilson is buried in the Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery, Locality Noord-Brabant, Netherlands . Bergen-op-Zoom is a town in the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant 40kms north west of Antwerp Belgium. Sgt Boswell is buried in the Harlingen General Cemetery, Netherlands. PO Pockney is buried in the Lemsterland (Lemmer) Genertal Cemetery, Netherlands. The other three crew members have no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede,UK.

129 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404602 Pilot Officer CAPEL, Davis Farqhar

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/95/342 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Fortress Serial number: FK 207 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 220 SQN RAF

Summary: Fortress FK207 took off on the 10th August 1942, from RAF Butts Corner, Northern Ireland, detailed to carry out a night convoy operational patrol. The aircraft crashed and all the crew were killed.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident stated : “ The aircraft passed over the drome at Butts Corner at about 2330 hours, turned left as if to turn in on the runway. When immediately downwind of the runway the aircraft dived into the ground, caught fire and disintegrated with the bomb load exploding. The weather at the time was poor with low cloud which forced the aircraft to fly very close to rising ground.

The Group Captain Commanding RAF Bellekelly Station stated : “ This appears to be a case of losing flying speed in a turn at too low an altitude to permit recovery. “

Crew: RAF` PO Sanderson, G A Captain (Pilot) RAF WO E W Bristow, (2nd Pilot) RAAF 404602 PO Capel, D F (Observer) RAF Sgt H Garcia, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt V C Fretter, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt P G Foster, (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew were killed in the crash.

PO Sanderson and Sgt Garcia are buried in the Portsmouth (Kingston) Cemetery, UK. WO Bristow is buried in the Brighton (Bear Road) Borough Cemetery, UK. PO Capel is buried in the Killead (St Catherine) Church of Ireland Cemetery, Northern Ireland. Sgt Fretter is buried in the Broughton Astley Cemetery, UK. Sgt Foster is buried in the Glenady Roman Catholic Churchyard, UK.

130 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408252 Pilot Officer JOHNSON, James Geoffrey

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/32/252 166/21/103 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Flying Fortress Serial number: FK 206 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 220 SQN RAF

Summary: Flying Fortress FK 206 of 220 Sqn RAF on a non-operational flight on 4 December 1943, crashed in the sea two and a half miles north of Lagens, Azores. It took off normally but two miles from the end of the runway it turned to starboard and either dived or stalled into the sea. The cause of the crash is not known

Crew: RAF FO Mompis, D R (1st Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt R Morrison,(2nd Pilot) RAAF 408252 PO Johnson, J G (Observer) RAAF 406868 PO Pearce, A (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) RAF PO Lawson, H (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF WO2 C T Flack, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt M P Campion, George Cross (Air Gunner) RCAF WO Boudrearlt, (Air Gunner)

PO Johnson, WO Flack and WO Boudrearlt are buried in the Lagens War Cemetery Azores. The remaining missing members of the crew have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

131 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

422812 Warrant Officer RYAN, Neville Vincent

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/502 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: KG 913 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 220 SQN RAF

Summary: Liberator KG913 took off from RAF Lagens, Azores, on 8th March 1945 detailed to carry out an air sea rescue mission. The starboard outer propeller struck the runway during take off. This caused the aircraft to swing violently to the right and the aircraft crashed in flames before the pilot had time to regain control. Two of the crew were seriously injured in the crash and the others were killed. On this flight WO Ryan who was killed had volunteered to take the place of a sick Wireless Operator.

Crew: RAF FO Munce, I L Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt L J Bence, (2nd Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt F C D Evans, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Laronde, H D (1st Navigator) RAF Sgt A D Dodd, (2nd Navigator) RAAF 422812 WO N V Ryan, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Flt Sgt E E Smith, (Wireless Operator Air) Seriously Injured RCAF Flt Sgt H R Dobbie, (Wireless Operator Air) Seriously Injured RAF Sgt R G Herring, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G A Reeve, (Air Gunner)

The eight crew members killed are buried in the Lajes War Cemetery, Azores.

132 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404354 Sergeant YOUNG, Fawkner Cotton

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/1811/55 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: AM 615 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 220 SQN RAF

Summary: Hudson AM615 took off on 1st July 1942 from RAF Station Nutts Corner, with the Pilot instructed to carry out low level attack exercises against troops. The aircraft crashed at 1120am and all the crew were killed. At the time the weather was poor with low cloud and rain.

Crew: RAF Sgt G Ireland, (1st Pilot Captain) RAF Sgt C R Morley (2nd Pilot) RAAF 404354 Sgt F C Young, (Pilot) RAF Sgt R C Walker, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W H M Watts, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt K Horton, (Wireless Air Gunner)

Sgt Ireland is buried in the Paisley (Hawkhead) Cemetery, UK. Sgt Morley is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, UK. Sgt Young is buried in the Killead (St Catherine) Church of Ireland Churchyard, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Sgt Walker is buried in the Long Eaton Cemetery, UK. Sgt Watts is buried in the Wigston Cemetery, UK. Sgt Horton is buried in the Killead Presbyterian Churchyard, UK.

A report on the flying accident later reported : “ The accident was caused by dangerous flying due to the Pilot carrying out the instructions to the extreme. Two pilots were the normal crew. The CO of RAF Station Nutts Corner stated “ The accident was due to over keenness and to take full advantage of the opportunity to fly low.” The AVM Group Commander stated : “I concur in the CO’s remarks. I am satisfied the crew were adequately briefed for the exercise and the accident was the result of over keenness rather than lack of flying discipline. The deceased pilot was the only individual who could be considered to blame for the accident.”

133 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

15705 Pilot Officer BROWN, Reginald Archibald Percival

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/611 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: MP 759 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 221 SQN RAF

Summary: Wellington MP759 took off on 6th July 1944, detailed to carry out an offensive shipping recce.in the Arma straight, Adriatic. The aircraft crashed during take off and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Bari War Cemetery, Italy.

Crew: RAF FO Pattison, K F Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt T E Sunley, ((Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt D G Passmore, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 15705 PO Brown, R A P (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 410917 PO Rooke, A S (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt F Myers, (Wireless Air Gunner)

A Court of Inquiry into the accident stated that the cause could have been : “ The accident occurred in fading light. Witnesses stated that it appeared the Pilot was having difficulty in getting the aircraft off. The Pilot finding the aircraft did not become airborne at the last flare tried to jettison his load butt with the fusing position “ON” the bombs were dropped live and 13 of them exploded on impact. There was no evidence to show how or why the fusing switches came to be in the “ON” position.

The CO Of 221 Sqn stated “ There is no evidence to show the primary cause of the accident. I am in agreement with the Court that the bombs were dropped live and not that they exploded through fire.”

The Group Commander stated “ The cause was obscure. It seemed quite likely that the Pilot instructed his crew to jettison the bombs on finding he was not leaving the ground, and that the bombs were dropped live.”

134 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421344 Flight Sergeant COCK, Walter Downes

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/482 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HZ 594 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 221 SQN RAF

Summary: Wellington HZ594 took off on 4th January 1944 from RAF Luqa, Malta, detailed to escort one of our own convoys and carry out an anti submarine patrol. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF WO R G Reid, (Pilot) RCAF FO W P Campbell, (Pilot) RAAF 414537 Flt Sgt C J Daley, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RNZAF Sgt G G Wilde, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 413917 Flt Sgt H L Walker, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 421344 Flt Sgt W D Cock, (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew were killed. FO Campbell is buried in the Agira Canadian War Cemetery, Sicily. The other five members of the crew are buried in the Catania War Cemetery, Italy.

135 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414537 Flight Sergeant DALEY, Carol James

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/482 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HZ 594 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 221 SQN RAF

All the crew were killed. FO Campbell is buried in the Agira Canadian War Cemetery, Sicily. The other five members of the crew are buried in the Catania War Cemetery, Italy.

136 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406470 Flying Officer DAVEY, George Frank

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9300 Barcode 5379866 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 221 SQN RAF

Summary: FO Davey a Wireless Air Gunner, was killed on 27th February 1943. He is buried in the Catania War Cemetery, Sicily, Middle East. No other details are available as Archives do not hold a RAAF Casualty File.

137 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405353 Sergeant FOX, Harry Donald

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/113/242 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington

Serial number: DV 542 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 221 SQN RAF

Summary: Wellington DV54 on the 13th August 1942, overshot the drome at RAF Luqa Malta, and in attempting to go around again crashed at 0230 hours in the morning. Sgt Fox was killed in the crash and all the others were slightly injured.

Crew: RAF PO Shepherd, R S RAF Sgt J F Maslin RAF Sgt R G Target RAAF 405353 Sgt H D Fox, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt K M R Thompson RAF Sgt H Langley

Sgt Fox is buried in the Malta (Capuccini) Naval Cemetery, Malta.

138 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401533 Warrant Officer O’NEILL, Richard Benjamin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705,166/31/136 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: JA 363 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 221 SQN RAF

Summary: Wellington JA363 took off from RAF Luqa, Malta, at 2245 hors on 30th December 1943, detailed to provide escort cover for one of our own convoys. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after takeoff and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 401533 WO R B O’Neill, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R Stripe, (Pilot) RAAF 413301 Flt Sgt C Wilson, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt H W Hewitt, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt L C Cornwell,(Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J E Fake, (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Salerno War Cemetery, Italy.

The cause of the crash is unknown. The wreckage of another aircraft was found nearby and it was suggested that there had been a collision, but this was not confirmed by any evidence.

139 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410917 Pilot Officer ROOKE, Alan Sidney

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/611 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: MP 759 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 221 SQN RAF

140 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413917 Flight Sergeant WALKER, Harry Leonard

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/482 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HZ 594 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 221 SQN RAF

All the crew were killed. FO Campbell is buried in the Agira Canadian War Cemetery, Sicily. The other five members of the crew are buried in the Catania War Cemetery, Italy.

141 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413301 Flight Sergeant WILSON, Colin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705,166/31/136 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: JA 363 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 221 SQN RAF

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Salerno War Cemetery, Italy.

The cause of the crash is unknown. The wreckage of another aircraft was found nearby and it was suggested that there had been a collision, but this was not confirmed by any evidence.

142 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416826 Warrant Officer CATFORD, Gilmour Sidney

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 1166/7/900 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Tempest Serial number: EJ 873 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 222 SQN RAF

Summary: Tempest EJ873 was flying No 4 in Sqn Ldr Lyons section (CO) on a sweep over enemy territory. The formation encountered a thick layer of cloud which the formation had to climb through. This was accomplished and it was then found that EJ873 was not with the Section. Both Ground Station and Sqn Ldr Lyons repeatedly called Catford over the R/T but there was no reply. EJ873 did not return to bass.

Crew: RAAF 4116826 WO G S Catford,(Pilot)

WO Catford is buried in the Rheichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrehin-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

143 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408973 Sergeant CUBITT, Lewin Stevens

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 1166/8/6 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: AR 274 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 222 SQN RAF

Summary: Spitfire AR274 at 1545 hours on the 8th January 1943, collided in the air with another aircraft at Dredhorn, near Auchengate, Ayrshire, Scotland, and the pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 408973 Sgt L S Cubitt (Pilot)

Sgt Cubitt is buried in the Hammersmith Old Cemetery, London.UK

144 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412624 Flight Lieutenant McAULIFFE, Leo

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/854 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Tempest Serial number: NV 910 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 222 SQN RAF

Summary: Tempest NV910 on17th March 1945, was one of two Tempests detailed to carry out a patrol of the Nijmegan-Cleve-Xanten area and to supply weather information.

Flt Lt McCauliffe piloting the leading aircraft took off at 1015 hours and 25 minuted later were in a position approx 25 miles south east of the Zuider Zee. McCauliffe informed the pilot of the other aircraft and base that he was going down through the cloud to investigate its thickness and height. This was completed and both aircraft began to climb again. On the way up the 2nd pilot asked McCauliffe for his height. This was given as 6000 feet, but the transmission was very distorted.

On breaking cloud the 2nd pilot saw no sign of McCauliffe nor could he obtain any reply to calls made on the R/T. Ground control then intervened and continued to call while the 2nd pilot circled the area and obtained a fix of the position which was near Devenor to the north east of Apeldoorn. Nothing further was seen or heard of NV910.

Crew: RAAF 412624 Flt Lt McCauliffe, L (Pilot)

The aircraft crashed near Hellendoorn, Holland, and the pilot was killed/ Flt Lt McCauliffe is buried in the Hellendoorn General Cemetery, Netherlands. Hellendoorn is a small village 20kms west of Almelo.

145 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

411798 Sergeant MILLINGEN, Ian Leslie

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/144/217 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves Records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: AD 235 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 222 SQN RAF

Summary Spitfire AD235 crashed 2 miles due south of Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland, at 1035 hours on 1st October 1942, when the aircraft had a wing structural failure. The Pilot was killed.

:Crew: RAAF 411798 Sgt I L Millingen, (Pilot)

Sgt Millingen is buried in the Dirleton Cemetery, East Lothian, Scotland.

146 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423867 Flight Sergeant PARKER, Robert Glenie

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/582 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: MK 511 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 222 SQN RAF

Summary: Spitfire MK511 on 1st December 1944 was detailed to carry out non-operational daytime practice flying. The aircraft crashed on Tholan Island, Holland, and the Pilot was killed carrying out a dive bombing practice. Eye witnesses stated that the aircraft disintegrated in mid air, the main plane first coming apart from the fuselage, with much of the wreckage scattered over a one mile radius. The Pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 423867 Flt Sgt R G Parker, (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Parker is buried in the Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery, Locality Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident reported : “ A Section of three aircraft with Parker as No 3 were in line astern formation and proceeded to carry out a dive bombing attack practice on Tholen village. No 1 and No 2 commenced to pull out of their dive at approx 6000 feet., but No 3 continued on the dive which was at an angle of 60 degrees and commenced a steep turn to port. At a height of probably well below 2000 feet, the main plane broke away and the tail, fuselage and engine crashed to the ground. “

147 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408008 Flight Sergeanr ANNELLS, Harold Paul Stanfield

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/87/124 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 941 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: Baltimores AG941 ad AG966 on 5th November 1942, were two of a formation detailed to carry out as operational bombing mission of motor transport in the Western Desert. Intense and accurate heavy and light anti-aircraft fire was encountered while approaching and over the target. While over the target the two aircraft were seen to collide and both aircraft crashed to the ground and burst into flames. Four of the crews baled out, three were seen to open and one failed to open.

Crew: AG941 RAAF 400285 Flt Sgt A J Newman, Captain (Pilot) POW RAAF 408008 Flt Sgt H P S Annells, (Observer) Killed RAF Sgt R H Stevens, (Wireless Air Gunner) Killed RCAF WO2 R C Mutch, (Air Gunner) Killed

Crew : AG966 RAF PO Kirkham, B A Captain (Pilot) Killed RAAF 402403 PO Rowe, D F (Observer) Killed RCAF Sgt E B Skuce, (Wireless Air Gunner) POW RAF Sgt J P Canavan (Air Gunner) Killed

All those killed are buried in the El AlameinWar Cemetery, Egypt. Alamein is a village, bypassed by the main coast road, approx 130kms west of Alexandria on the road to Mersa Matruh

148 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407197 Flight Sergeant ASH, Robert Charles Addison

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/88/117 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 777 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: On the 8th June 1942 in the Middle East, a bomb on AG777 exploded while dropping some shrapnel. AG777 disintegrated in the air and all the crew on board were killed. The burst bomb damaged Baltimores AG825 and DG742 but the with the exception of one member who was injured, the crews of those aircraft were not injured. This included PO Robinson, T S (RAAF) on DG742 who was not injured.

Crew: AG777 RAAF 406492 Sgt F J A Saunders, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 406320 Sgt T A Auld, (Observer) RAAF 407197 Flt Sgt R C A Ash, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S M Moore, (Air Gunner)

All the crew of AG777 are buried in the Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya. Benghazi is a seaport on the Mediterranean.

149 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406320 Sergeant AULD, Tom Allen

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/88/117 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 777 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Crew: AG777 RAAF 406492 Sgt F J A Saunders, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 406320 Sgt T A Auld, (Observer) RAAF 407197 Flt Sgt R C A Ash, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S M Moore, (Air Gunner)

All the crew of AG777 are buried in the Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya. Benghazi is a seaport on the Mediterranean.

150 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408166 Sergeant BANNISTER, John Russell

Source: AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705, 163/90/390 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 814 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: Baltimore AG814 crashed at 1520 hours on 25th September 1942, four miles north west of Landing Ground 86 in the Middle East. All the crew were killed in the accident.

Crew: RAAF 401170 Sgt A M Kettle, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 408166 Sgt J R Bannister, (Observer) RAAF 406609 Sgt N R Buchanan, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G H Watterson, (Air Gunner)

The three RAAF crew members are buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Sgt Watterson is buried.

151 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406609 Sergeant BUCHANAN, Norman Ross

Source: AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705, 163/90/390 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 814 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: Baltimore AG814 crashed at 1520 hours on 25th September 1942, four miles north west of Landing Ground 86 in the Middle East. All the crew were killed in the accident.

Crew: RAAF 401170 Sgt A M Kettle, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 408166 Sgt J R Bannister, (Observer) RAAF 406609 Sgt N R Buchanan, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G H Watterson, (Air Gunner)

The three RAAF crew members are buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Sgt Watterson is buried.

152 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400917 Flying Officer DAVIS,Ian Herbert Gordon

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/27/136 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 782 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: Baltimore AG782 on 26th June 1942, was brought down by an enemy fighter and crashed at 1400 hours.. The aircraft crashed near Landing Ground 116 in the Middle East. All the crew lost their lives.

Crew: RAAF 400917 FO Davis, I H G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 406078 Flt Sgt F G Mantle, (Observer) RAF Sgt R P Griffiths, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 400669 Sgt F D Dobson, (Wireless Air Gunner) Injured but died later RAF Sgt F A Rhoden, (Air Gunner)

Commonwealth War Graves record the following burial details :

FO Davis and Flt Sgt Mantle died on 27th June 1942 and are buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. Sgt Dobson died on 26th June 1942 and is also buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. The names of Sgt’s Griffiths and Rhoden are commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. The Memorial forms the entrance to El Alamein War Cemetery.

153 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400669 Sergeant DOBSON, Frank David

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/27/136 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 782 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Commonwealth War Graves record the following burial details :

154 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

405351 Flight Sergeant EASTGATE, Mervyn Louis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/11/28 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: FA 193 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: Baltimore FA193 on the morning of 2nd April 1943, was one of a formation of aircraft engaged in bombing enemy positions. While over the target area, heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire was encountered and the aircraft was seen to blow up after receiving a direct hit. Two of the crew were seen to bale out.

Crew: RAF Sgt B G Shearing, Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt F Craig, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 405351 Flt Sgt M L Eastgate, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt R V Harris, (Air Gunner)

Flt Sgt’s Eastgate and Harris were killed in the crash and Sgt Shearing and Flt Sgt Craig were POW’s.

Those killed are buried in the Medjez-El-Bab War cemetery, Tunisia, Medjez-El-Bab is 60kms west of Tunis.

Flt Sgt Craig in a POW report stated “ I saw Eastgate’s body near the remnants of the aircraft and was able to identify it. The aircraft crashed near Wadi Akarit, Tunisia.”

155 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401281 Pilot Officer FOX, Lloyd Alan

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/14/118 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: FA 475 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: Baltimore FA475 was on an operational mission on 29th October 1943. At approx 1350 hours when near Lucera, Italy, a violent explosion took place and the Pilot left the formation in order to investigate the cause. Flt Sgt Burchett was also jammed in his turret and unable to free himself. The WAG informed the Pilot and suggested he land immediately in order to release the air gunner. The Pilot began to lose height with that object in view. At the same time he made repeated enquiries of his crew as to what was wrong but received no reply as the Inter-com was U/S. At this stage PO Fox jettisoned his hatch and baled out at about 1500 feet. Although his chute opened it must have been too late to be of any assistance and his body was found by an Army Unit. There being no landing place the Pilot then set course for base and landed.

Crew: RAAF 401282 WO F E Hastilow, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 401281 PO Fox, L A ((Observer) RCAF Sgt Meason, A W (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt C E Burchett, (Air Gunner)

FO Fox is buried in the Bari War Cemetery, Italy. The cemetery is on the outskirts of Bari in the locality of Carbonara.

156 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401170 Sergeant KETTLE, Andrew Murray

Source: AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705, 163/90/390 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 814 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: Baltimore AG814 crashed at 1520 hours on 25th September 1942, four miles north west of Landing Ground 86 in the Middle East. All the crew were killed in the accident.

Crew: RAAF 401170 Sgt A M Kettle, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 408166 Sgt J R Bannister, (Observer) RAAF 406609 Sgt N R Buchanan, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G H Watterson, (Air Gunner)

The three RAAF crew members are buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Sgt Watterson is buried.

157 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407503 Sergeant LAUGHTON, Ivan Alfred Harold

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/136/153 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 772 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: Baltimore AG772 on 20th June 1942, was returning from an operational mission in the Middle East, when it crashed. The wing tip of the aircraft struck the ground while the aircraft was trying to locate the flare path and it ran into ground mist. The machine crashed at 0130 hours and a bomb on board blew up and exploded. Three on board were killed and one was injured..

Crew: RAF PO Bowley, M L Captain (Pilot) Killed RAF PO Bignold, J N (Observer) Injured RAAF 407503 Sgt I A H Laughton, (Wireless Air Gunner) Killed RAF Sgt J D Paulick, (Air Gunner) Killed

PO Bowley and Sgt Laughton are buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. Commonwealth War Graves do not reveal wher Sgt Paulick is buried..

158 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406506 Flying Officer LEAKE, David George Walpole

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA :A705, 163/42/130 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 854 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: ON 24th October 1942, BaltimoreAG854 was one of a formation of aircraft taking part in an operational mission. While over the target heavy and intense anti aircraft fire was encountered. The aircraft was seen to leave the formation going down in flames. One of the crews was seen to bale out.

Crew: RAAF 406506 FO Leake, D G W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J H Campbell,(Observer) RAAF Sgt R Roberts, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J R Bertram, (Air Gunner)

Three of the crew were killed and Sgt Roberts was a POW.

Those killed are buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.

159 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406078 Flight Sergeant MANTLE, Frank Gordon

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/27/136 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 782 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Commonwealth War Graves record the following burial details :

160 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406028 Pilot Officer MIDDLETON, Alan Stewart

Source: AWMK 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/45/109 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Maryland Serial number: 1655 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: Maryland 1655 crashed three miles north of the Suez Cairo road, approx 30 miles from Suez. The aircraft was engaged in carrying out certain exercises which included firing at a ground target. During these manoeuvres the Pilot was engaged in firing practice with the front gun. The Pilot dived the aircraft too steeply near the ground, and in attempting to recover, the aircraft became power stalled at a low height and crashed. All the crew were killed.

Crew: SAAF 2ndLt Blatherwick, RA W Captain (Pilot) RAAF 406028 PO Middleton, A S (Observer) RAF Sgt A M Fowler,(Wireless Air Gunner) SAAF Sgt J S Dunn, (Air Gunner)

The crew are buried in the Fayid War Cemetery, Egypt. Fayid is a small town 20kms south of Ismailia on the western shore of the Great Bitter lakes, at mid point in the Suez Canal.

161 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406400 Flight Sergeant MIDDLETON, Leonard Stewart

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/144/173 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 852 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: Baltimore AG 852 of 223 Sqn RAF Middle East, was one of a formation of aircraft in an operation to bomb stores at Chazal Station on 2 November 1942. Over the target there was heavy ack-ack fire, and AG 852 was hit, blew up and seen to leave the formation going down in flames. One of the crew was seen to bale out, but it was impossible to state who it was. There was no further news of the aircraft or crew which did not return to base.

Crew: RAAF 401133 Flt Sgt A C Maclure, (Pilot) RAAF 406400 Flt Sgt C S Middleton, (Observer) RAAF 407198 Flt Sgt C M Chenoweth, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 402006 Sgt T G Richards, (Air Gunner)

Flt Sgt Middleton is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. The search for the graves of the remaining missing crew members was abandoned in 1946. They have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, which is situated at the entrance to the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. .

162 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

415820 Flying Officer PALMER. Geoffrey Robert

Source: AWMK 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/618 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 45, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: TT 336 Radio call sign: 6G – R 44-10597 Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: Liberator TT336 took off from RAF Oulton at 1606 hours on the night of 14/15th January, 1945, for Jostle duties in support of the Grevenbroich raid. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RCAF Flt Lt Noseworthy, G Captain (Pilot) RCAF Sgt A L Evens, (Pilot) RAAF 415820 FO Palmer, G R (Navigator) RAF Sgt B Hartop, (Flight Engineer) RCAF Flt Sgt WA Gray, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF WO J G Galley, DFM (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF WO R E Ralph, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt D R Clark, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF FO P A Mason, (Air Gunner) RAF Fl Lt G Trail, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Mellors, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was either hit by Allied AA fire (as suggested by the Squadron records), or despatched by an enemy night fighter at 6000 feet. It crashed on 14 January near Meerhout (Antwerpen) , a small town some 8kms south east of Geel.

Eight of the crew were killed, and FO Palmer who was injured died of his injuries in hospital on 14th January 1945. Flt Lt Noseworthy and Sgt Mellors were uninjured.

Those who lost their lives are buried in the Leopoldsburg War Cemetery, Locality Leopoldsburg , Limburg, Bek\lgium. Leopoldsburg is located 58kms north east of Leuven on the N73.

163 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402403 Flying Officer ROWE, Donald Frederick

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/87/124 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 941 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Crew: AG941 RAAF 400285 Flt Sgt A J Newman, Captain (Pilot) POW RAAF 408008 Flt Sgt H P S Annells, (Observer) Killed RAF Sgt R H Stevens, (Wireless Air Gunner) Killed RAF Sgt R C Mutch, (Air Gunner) Killed

Crew : AG966 RAF PO Kirkham, B A Captain (Pilot) Killed RAAF 402403 PO Rowe, D F (Observer) Killed RCAF Sgt E B Skuce, (Wireless Air Gunner) POW RAF Sgt J P Canavan (Air Gunner) Killed

All those killed are buried in the El AlameinWar Cemetery, Egypt. Alamein is a village, bypassed by the main coast road, approx 130kms west of Alexandria on the road to Mersa Matruh

164 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406492 Sergent SAUNDERS, Frederick John Alfred

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/88/117 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 777 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Crew: AG777 RAAF 406492 Sgt F J A Saunders, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 406320 Sgt T A Auld, (Observer) RAAF 407197 Flt Sgt R C A Ash, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S M Moore, (Air Gunner)

All the crew of AG777 are buried in the Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya. Benghazi is a seaport on the Mediterranean.

165 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400571 Flight Sergeant STEWART, Kevin Ellsmore

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/165/101 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 717 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: Baltimore AG717 at 1225 hours on 23rd May 1942, crash-landed due to enemy action at Tobruk, Libya, and five of the crew were killed.

Crew: RAF Sgt H C Hogsfield, (Pilot) Killed RAAF 406506 PO Leake, D M W (Pilot) Not Injured * RAAF 407700 Flt Sgt W J Taylor, (Observer) Killed RAAF 406507 PO Cummins, D C (Observer) Slightly Injured RAAF 400571 Flt Sgt K E Stewart (Wireless Air Gunner) Killed RAF Sgt M D O’Neill, (Air Gunner) Killed RAF Sgt D G Downing, (Air Gunner) Killed  PO Leake later lost his life on 24th October 1942.

Those killed are buried in the Tobruk War Cemetery, Libya. Tobruk is a seaport on the Mediterranean coast. Leaving the port of Tobtuk on the main road to Alexandria, the Cemetery is located about 7kms inland.

166 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407700 Flight Sergeant TAYLOR, William Jack

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/165/101 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: AG 717 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: Baltimore AG717 at 1225 hours on 23rd May 1942, crash-landed due to enemy action at Tobruk, Libya, and five of the crew were killed.

167 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408073 Flight Sergeant WAYN, David Percival

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/54 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Baltimore Serial number: FA 236 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 223 SQN RAF

Summary: Baltimore FA236 at 1100 hours on 3rd February 1943, during mist and rain, collided in the air with an aircraft from No 55 Sqn RAF. Both aircraft crashed one half mile from landing Ground No 86 on the side of the Cairo/Alexandria road.

Crew: FA236 RAF Sgt H Hewitt, Captain (Pilot) Killed RAF Sgt W Tanner, (Navigator) Died of injuries on same day RAAF 408073 Flt Sgt D P Wayn, (Wireless Air Gunner) Killed RAF Sgt D M Edgecombe, (Air Gunner) Minor injuries

Those who lost their lives are buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. .

168 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403343 Flying Officer INGRAM, Ian Ross

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/37/22 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: HL 887 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 225 SQN RAF

Summary: Hurricane HL887 flown by FO Ingram crashed on 27th November 1942, and the pilot was killed. HL887 left Sour-el-Arba on the morning of 27th November, detailed to act as a weaver escort to Flt Lt Stewart on a tactical recce. At 1000 hours when approx 30 miles east of Tabarra, an enemy dive-bombing raid escorted by fighters was encountered, and both 225 Sqn aircraft were attacked by four ME 109’s. Stewart lost touch with Ingram who failed to return to base after the encounter. It was presumed that Ingram had been shot down by the ME 109’s.

Crew: RAAF 403343 FO Ingram, I R (Pilot)

FO Ingram is buried in the Bone War Cemetery, Annaba, Algeria, North Africa.

169 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

423032 Flight Sergeant AHEARN, Donald Joseph Algernon

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/573, 166/3/233 Digitised. Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mitchell Serial number: FL 192 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 226 SQN RAF

Summary: Mitchell FL192 of 226 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Hartford Bridge, near Camberley, Surrey, detailed to attack the battle zone in France on the night of 18th/19th June 1944. The aircraft was damaged by enemy action. The crew tried to fly the aircraft back, but it crashed into the sea on the way back to base.

Crew: RCAF Flt Sgt C P V Middlecombe Captain (Pilot) RAAF 426772 Flt Sgt D.G.Badgery, Navigator Bombaimer. RAAF 423032 Flt Sgt D.J.A.Ahearn, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner). RCAF Flt Sgt R W T Ulens, (Air Gunner).

Fl Sgt’s Middlecombe, Badgery and Ulens have no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK. Flt Sgt Ahearn is buried at the Bayeaux War Cemetery, France. Bayeux is a town in Normandy, 24kms north west of Caen.

170 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407190 Sergeant BARTLETT, Gordon Kenneth

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 1163/90/169 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Blenheim Serial number: V 6422 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 226 SQN RAF

Summary: Blenheim V6422 from RAF Huntingdon was shot down during an operational flight on 20th September 1941, and crashed. All the crew lost their lives.

Crew: RAF Sgt J T Colmer, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 407190 Sgt G K Bartlett, (Observer) RAF Sgt L Trevor, (Wireless Air Gunner)

Sgt’s Colmer and Bartlett are buried in the Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery, Netherlands. Sgt Trevor has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

171 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400472 Pilot Officer HUDSON, Raymond Meridith

Source: AWM 237 (65) 163/36/114 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Blenheim Serial number: Z 7493 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 226 SQN RAF

Summary: Blenhein Z7493 on 15th October 1941, while on an operational flight over enemy territory, crashed into the North Sea and all the crew were missing.

Crew: RAAF 400472 PO Hudson, R M Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt D Poulson, ( RAF Sgt G S Needlets, (

PO Hudson’s body was washed ashore and he is buried in the Fecamp (Le Val Aux Clercs) Communal Cemetery, France. Fecamps is a coastal town and port, 41kms north east of Le Havre and Rouen. Commonwealth War Graves do not record any burial details re the remainder of the crew.

172 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421929 Pilot Officer OSMOND, Wallace Edgar

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/31/272 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mitchell Serial number: FW 146 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 226 SQN RAF

Summary: Mitchell FW146 was reported missing during an operational mission on 19th February 1944. Immediately after bombing, the starboard wing was seen to receive a direct hit from flak just outboard of the engine. The aircraft broke away from the formation, turned upside down and was last seen going down in an uncontrollable dive from a height of about 6000 feet. Five of the crew were killed and WO Cote returned safe to the UK.

Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Campbell,G DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Farquhar D G, DFC (Navigator) RAF FO Halliday J L (Navigator) RAF FO Hodson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 421929 PO Osmond, W E (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF WO J F Cote, (Air Gunner)

Those killed are buried in the Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Locality Gelderland, Netherlands.

173 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413145 Flight Sergeant SMITH, Keith McRae

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/329 Commonwealth Wae Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mitchell Serial number: FV 927 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 226 SQN RAF

Summary: Mitchell FV927 on 8th November 1943, took off from RAF Swanton Morley, Norfolk, along with other aircraft from the Squadron, detailed to carry out high level bombing of constructional works at Mimoyecques During the bombing, FV927 received a direct hit from flak in the centre of the fuselage, which set the starboard wing and fuselage on fire. The aircraft dived steeply, side slipped, and began to spin to the ground where it blew up. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF 413145 Flt Sgt K McR Smith Captain (Pilot) RCAF WO2 C M Berg, (Navigator) RCAF WO2 J H Cowieson, (Wireless ir Gunner) RCAF WO2 J A Grenier, (Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Calais Canadian War cemetery, Leubringhen, France.

174 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416310 Sergeant WILSON, Adrian Grey

Source: AWM 237 (65) Naa : A705, 166/43/37 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 26, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Boston Serial number: W 8354 Radio call sign: MQ – J Unit: ATTD 226 SQN RAF

Summary: Boston W8354 took off from RAF Swanton Morley at 1046 hours on the 25th January 1943, detailed to bomb Vlissingen, Netherlands. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 416310 Sgt A G Wilson, Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Evans, R H A (Navigator) RAF Sgt D J D Thomas, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A S Oakes, (Air Gunner)

The aircraft was hit by Kriegsmarine flak and crashed in the target area at 1147 hours on 25th January 1943. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Flushing (Vlissingen) Northern Cemetery, Netherlands. The port of Flushing is on the south coast of the island of Walcheren in the Schelde Estuary.

175 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419604 Pilot Officer BENDALL, Jabez Kevin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/842 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 504, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 646 Radio call sign: 9J – P Unit: ATTD 227 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster PB646 took off from RAF Balderton at 1704 hours on the night of 6/7th December 1944, detailed to bomb Giessen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO London, R Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt H Monks, (Flight Engineer) RCAF FO Stratford, F (Navigator) RAAF 424497 WO J P White, (Air Bomber) RAAF 419604 PO Bendall, J K (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO Andre, E G F G (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H S Martin, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed on 6th December 1944 and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Locality Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany.

176 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404276 Flying Officer BRENNAN, John Joseph

Source: AWM 237 (65 NAA : A705, 166/6/199 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Beaufighter Serial number: JL 524 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 227 SQN RAF

Summary: Beaufighter JL524 took off from Gardarbia West on the night of 9th July 1943, it struck the ground shortly after take off and crashed about half a mile from the flare path. The aircraft did not rise above 50 feet and held that height until just about the end of the runway. It then sank a little, hit the ground caught fire and burnt out. Flt Lt Curtis was killed and FO Brennan was injured suffering sever burns from which he died at 11.20am on 10th July.

Crew: RAF Fl Lt Curtis, M B Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404276 FO Brennan, J J (Observer)

Both the crew are buried in the Tripoli War Cemetery, Libya.

177 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

428753 Pilot Officer BUCKMAN, Patrick John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/986 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 104, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NG 170 Radio call sign: 9J – S Unit: ATTD 227 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster NG170 took off from RAF Balderton at 852 hours on the night of 3/4th March 1945, detailed to bomb Ladbergen. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew : RAAF 427098 FO Johnson, J M Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt P Mahon, (Flight Engineer) RCAF PO Ross-Ross, P D (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt V H Binch, (Air Bomber) RAAF 428753 PO Buckman, P J (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt G A Jeans, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J B Gayland, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed on 4th March 1945 at Altenberge. Four of the crew were killed and Sgt Mahon, and Flt Sgt’s Jeans and Gayland were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The Cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve. .

178 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404537 Flight Sergeant CARSON, Allan Edwin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/95/367 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: W 7674 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 227 SQN RAF

Summary: Halifax W7674 was one of a formation of aircraft that set out on 6th September 1942 to bomb Heraklion drome, Crete. W7674 leading a formation of 3 aircraft made a run over the target and bombed in a shallow dive pulling out at 7000 feet. The starboard outer engine was hit presumably by light flak at the end of the run and petrol was seen streaming away from it. The Pilot turned the aircraft southward and one was seen to bale out at 6000 feet. Soon after other chutes were seen to open as the aircraft broke up in mid air.and crashed south east of Kastelli Pediada. Two members of the crew were safe and others were POW’s. The safe crew members later confirmed that only one other member of the crew had baled out and he was a POW, and that the Captain, Flt Sgt Carson and one other crew member were found dead in the aircraft.

Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Hacking, A E Captain (Pilot) RCAF Sgt J W McFarlane, (Fitter/Flight Engineer) RAF PO Turner, N H (Observer) RAF Sgt J Bradley, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 404537 Flt Sgt A E Carson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt W J Porritt, (Air Gunner)

Sqn Ldr Hacking and Flt Sgt’s Carson and Porritt are buried in the Suda Bay War Cemetery, Greece. Suda Bay is on the northern coast of Crete. .

179 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

436696 Pilot Officer FAIRHEAD< Leslie Herbert Ephriam

Source: AWM 237 A(65) NAA : A705, 166/13/362 Commonwealth War Grave records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 501, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 672 Radio call sign: 9J – C Unit: ATTD 227 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster PB672 took off from RAF Balderton at 1640 hours on the night of 4/5th December 1944, detailed to bomb Heilbronn, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF FO E I Britton, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt E W Matthews, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt H R Thomas, (Navigator) RCAF Flt Sgt R C Hase, (Air Bomber) RAF FO R J Dunstan, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 436696 PO Fairhead, L J E (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt B Wood, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft crashed on 4th December 1944 at Grandfontaine (Bas-Rhin), 6kms WNW of Schirmeck, and all the crew were killed. They are buried at the Choloy War Cemetery, Locality Meurthe-et-Moselle France. Choloy is a village 28kms west of Nancy and 5kms west of Toul, a town on the N4 from Paris to Nancy.

180 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401124 Flight Sergeant HOSKIN, Christopher George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/29/52. Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Beaufighter Serial number: JL 640 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 227 SQN RAF

Summary: Beaufighter JL640 took off with 10 other Beaufighters to attack Maritza aerodrome on the Island of Rhodes in the Aegean Sea. The attack was carried out independently, and JL640 was shot down by enemy aircraft over Maritza and crashed at Peragno Central. A search of the area the next day found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew.

Crew: RAAF 416450 Flt Sgt R S Neighbour, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 401124 Flt Sgt C G Hoskin, (Navigator BW)

Both the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rhodes War Cemetery, Greece. The cemetery is in the southern outskirts of the town of Rhodes.

181 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

427098 Flying Officer JOHNSTON, James Malcolmson

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/986 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 104, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NG 170 Radio call sign: 9J – S Unit: ATTD 227 SQN RAF

Crew : RAAF 427098 FO Johnson, J M Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt P Mahon, (Flight Engineer) RCAF PO Ross-Ross, P D (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt V H Binch, (Air Bomber) RAAF 428753 PO Buckman, P J (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Flt Sgt G A Jeans, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J B Gayland, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed on 4th March 1945 at Altenberge. Four of the crew were killed. Sgt Mahon, and Flt Sgt’s Jeans and Gayland were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The Cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve. .

182 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416450 Flight Sergeant NEIGHBOUR, Robert Sutton

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/29/52. Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Beaufighter Serial number: JL 640 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 227 SQN RAF

Crew: RAAF 416450 Flt Sgt R S Neighbour, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 401124 Flt Sgt C G Hoskin, (Navigator BW)

Both the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rhodes War Cemetery, Greece. The cemetery is in the southern outskirts of the town of Rhodes.

183 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419970 Flying Officer PEARCE, William Norman Roy

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : 166/32/688 Commonwealth War Graves recoirds W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, page 110, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 644 Radio call sign: 9J – R Unit: ATTD 227 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster PB644 took off from RAF Balderton at 1727 hours on the night of 5/6th March 1945, detailed to attack a synthetic oil plant at Bohlen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 422907 Flt Lt McCusker, G A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 419970 FO Pearce, W N R (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt J Robb, Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt W A Senior, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt E Thompson, (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt K Pratt, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt C B Carter, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J Connell, (Rear Gunner)

The aircraft was abandoned by all the crew on 5th March 1945. All were POW’s with the exception of FO Pearce, who had accompanied the crew for operational experience, but had the tragic misfortune to land in a tree. Possibly dazed, or perhaps not realizing how far he was above the ground, he released his parachute harness and fell to his death.

FO Pearce is buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Locality Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz, a town 48kms south of Munich. .

184 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

436480 Flying Officer PITTS, Warren Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : 166/32/171 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 141, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PA 259 Radio call sign: 9J – Z Unit: ATTD 227 SQN RAF

Summary: Lancaster PA259 took off from RAF Balderton at 2339 hours on the night of 20/21st March 1945, detailed to attack a synthetic oil plant at Bohlen, Germany, after first making a feint run over Halle. Nearing the turning point at Halle, and flying at 15,000 feet, the aircraft came under attack from a night fighter. The aircraft disintegrated and crashed on 21st March 1945 near Eschwege.

Crew: RAAF 427193 Flt Lt King, R D Captain (Pilot) RAAF 436480 FO Pitts, W H (Pilot) RAF Sgt R W Fytton, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Neilsen, W T (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt W A Roots, (Air Bomber) RAAF 427409 Flt Sgt B T Long, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt L E Baxter, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt L Marshall, (Rear Gunner)

FO Pitts, and Sgt’s Fytton, Baxter and Marshall were killed and the others were POW’s. Those who lost their lives are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

In a later POW report Flt Lt King stated “The aircraft was attacked by 2 or3 enemy fighters and was badly damaged and on fire. The aircraft could not be controlled and I gave the order to bale out. A few seconds later the aircraft blew up and crashed approx 20 miles east of Eschwege.”

185 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424497 Warrant Officer WHITE, John Paterson

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/842 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 504, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 646 Radio call sign: 9J – P Unit: ATTD 227 SQN RAF

The aircraft crashed on 6th December 1944 and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Locality Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany.

186 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420093 Flying Officer WILL, Alexander Harold

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/505 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Beaufighter Serial number: JL 708 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 227 SQN RAF

Summary: Beaufighter JL708 on 26th January 1944, was taking part in an attack on shipping on the Greek coast when it was seen to crash into the sea. It was believed that either the aircraft or the pilot was hit by Ack-Ack fire. Other aircraft on the mission circled the position but could only see small pieces of wreckage. The crew of two were missing.

Crew: RAAF 420093 FO Will, A H Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Findley, B (Observer)

Both the crew are buried in the Phaleron War Cemetery, Athens, Greece.

187 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403961 Flying Officer SMTH, Sydney Wood Source: AWM 237 (65) AWM 65 (4766) NAA: A9300, Barcode 5253132 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Sunderland Serial number: W 4026 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 228 SQN RAF Summary: Sunderland W4026 took off from RAF Invergordon at 1311 hours on the 25th August 1942, detailed to carry out a non-operational flight from Invergordon to Iceland. The aircraft was routed from Invergordon via Tarbat Ness, Clyth Ness, Thurbo, Cape Wrath and Butt of Lewis to Iceland. The aircraft slipped its moorings at 1250 hours and became airborne at 1311 hours. It took off in a north easterly direction and was lost to sight climbing steadily Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off. The aircraft crashed at Eagles Rock, Scotland at 1330 hours and all were killed except Flt Sgt Jack (RAF) who was seriously injured. The cloud base at Inverness at take off was 1000 feet with some fragments at 200 feet with visibility from 2200 to 2400 yards. A supplementary weather forecast was sent to the Captain at 1100 hours showing a further deterioration in the weather. Crew: RAF Wg Cdr Moseley, T (1st Pilot) CO of 228 Sqn RAF RAF Flt Lt Goyen, F M Captain (Pilot) RAAF 403961 FO Smith, S W (2nd Pilot) RAF PO Saunders, G R (Navigator) RAF Sgt L E Sweet (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt W R Jones, (FME/Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt E J Hewardine, (WEM/Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E E Blacklock, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt E N Lewis, (F Mech/Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt AS W Jack, (Air Gunner) RAF Air Cdr HRH Duke of Kent, PAX (RAF Auxiliary Air Force) RAF PO Hon Strutt, M PAX RNVR Lt Lowrger J, PAX RAF KAC Hales, PAX.

Wg Cdr Moseley and FO Smith are buried in the Oban (Pennyfuir) Cemetery, Argyle, Scotland. The Duke of Kent is buried in the Frogmore Royal Burial Ground, UK. The Duke of Kent is the fourth son of HM King George V and Queen Mary, and the husband of HRH the Duchess of Kent. The family name of the Duke of Kent is Windsor, Christian names George Edward Alexander Edmund..

188

A Court of Inquiry into the accident convened at Invergordon on 28/8/1942, was chaired by AVM D Colyer, CB, DFC.

The Findings of the Court were : “The cause of the accident was in our opinion due to the aircraft being flown on a wrong track at too low an altitude to clear the rising ground on the track. The responsibility for this serious mistake in airmanship lies with the Captain of the aircraft Flt Lt Goyen, who changed his flight plan for reasons unknown, was such that he commenced the flight by climbing into cloud and then started to descend but failed to take the elementary precaution of making sure that he was over the water and crashed into a hillside while still in cloud. In our opinion the weather encountered should have presented no difficulties to an experienced pilot. The examination of the propellers showed that the engines were under power when the aircraft struck the ground.”

In his remarks the Group Captain RAF Station Oban stated :“I concur in the findings of the Court as to the actual cause of the accident, but I am of the opinion that, in the weather conditions pertaining at the time, a non operational flight should not have been carried out.

The AVM Group Commander commanding No 15 Group stated “ I concur with the findings of the Court, and consider the weather conditions should have presented no difficulty to a crew of such experience.”

The survivor Flt Sgt Jack in his evidence to the inquiry stated “ Flt Lt Goyen told us over the inter-com that there would be a, lot of cloud about but he did not think it would last long. I was in the rear turret. As we proceeded the cloud became thicker. I felt the aircraft losing height after about 20 minutes. The pilot was apparently trying to get under the cloud base. I don’t remember anything after that “

The Medical officer at RAF Wick stated “ I was informed by Flying Control at about 1430 hours on 25/8/42 that there had probably been an accident in the region of Scaraben.

A Sub Lt of the RNVR stated “ I am Watch Keeping officer at RNO Wick, and was fishing near Berriedale River to the west of Eagles Rock. A few minutes later I heard an aircraft approaching from the sea. It was impossible to see the aircraft but from the sound it appeared to be very low, so low indeed that I half expected it to crash. Immediately after this I heard a dull thud and the sounds of the engines ceased, and I assumed the aircraft had crashed. I packed up my fishing tackle and proceeded towards Braemore. Owing to the thick mist it was not until 1630 hours that we came upon the scene of the accident. I was accompanied by three shepherds. We were the first to find the crash and made a further search to see if there were any survivors. None were found. “

189 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408971 Flying Officer COOK, Frank Rene Malyon

Source: AWM 27 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/616 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: MH 907 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 229 SQN RAF

Summary: On 29th August 1944, Spitfire MH907 flown by FO Cook was flying in Section 4 on a Ranger patrol east of the Zuider Zee. A Tug towing 3 Barges and an armed Trawler was seen coming out of Camden Bay. The armed trawler was attacked by the Section and MH907 was apparently hit by flak as it was seen to continue in its dive and crash in flames just inside the north east Polder. The pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 408971 FO Cook, F R M (Pilot)

FO Cook is buried in the Lemsterland (Lemmer) General Cemetery, Nertherlands. Lemmer in the commune of Lemsterland is a small port on the southern coast of Friesland, and is 24kms south of Sneek.

190 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403476 Flight Sergeant PARKS, Walter

Source: AWM 237 (65) A705, 163/149/271 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 229 SQN RAF

Summary: While taking off at 0810 hours from Ta Kali drome Middle East, on 29th October 1942 on an operational patrol, Spitfire ET3290 flown by Flt Sgt Parks crashed into an obstruction on the drome. Flt Sgt Parks was injured in the crash but died of his injuries at 9am on the same day. The above RAAF Casualty confirms that he is buried in the Royal Naval Cemetery, Cappucini, Malta. Note : Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Flt Sgt Parks is buried.

191 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409276 Flight Sergeant RIPPER, Donald Edward

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA A705, 166/35/106 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: EF 615 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 229 SQN RAF

Summary: Spitfire EF615 flown by Flt Sgt Ripper at 0550 hours GMT on 26th October 1943, blew up in mid air. It might have been struck by lightning. The Pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 409276 Flt Sgt D E Ripper (Pilot)

In a subsequent Inquiry into the accident it was reported “From examination of the wreckage, there is evidence that both main planes became detached in the air, probably at a fairly low altitude. On impact the fuselage complete with engines apparently exploded dispersing the wreckage over a wide area.”

Flt Sgt Ripper is buried in the Malta (Capuccini) Naval Cemetery, Malta.

192 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404059 Flying Officer RUSSELL, William Coxon

Source: AWM 237(65) NA : A9300 Barcode 5259661 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 229 SQN RAF

Summary: A Hurricane flown by FO Russell crashed on 16th May 1942, and the pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 404059 FO Russell, W C (Pilot)

FO Russell is buried in the Moascar War Cemetery, Egypt. The cemetery is situated just off the main Ismailia-Cairo road, 10kms by road from Ismailia.

193 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412727 Flight Lieutenant SMALL, Ronald Harold

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 1667/38/578 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: NA 817 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 229 SQN RAF

Summary: Spitfire NA817 took off from RAF Tangmere at 1550 hours on 23rd June 1944, part of a formation of eight aircraft from the Squadron detailed to carry out a beachhead patrol over Normandy, France. On arrival at the beachhead, the formation divided into two sections of four, with Blue Section led by Flt Lt Small patrolling the east flank.

PO Clark in Blue Section later reported :: “ At approx 1645 hours the Controller reported enemy aircraft to our east and on going to investigate, 6 FW190’s were sighted at 2 o’clock at our own altitude of 4000 feet diving. We turned to engage them and while turning 3 FW190’s attacked us from the opposite direction. As we broke into them FO Armstrong Small’s No 2 received damage to the starboard wing and was forced to break away. Also Flt Lt Hayes my No 2 received damage to his starboard wing and spun off, returning to the fight almost immediately.

In the dog fight which ensued, I caught only occasional glimpses of Small in one of which I believe he was behind a FW190 which received strikes on the cockpit and subsequently crashed. I then got behind a FW190 which broke and I chased him for 5 minutes. After breaking off the engagement, I returned to the patrol area and made several attempts to contact Small on the R/T, all of which were unsuccessful I remained in the patrol area for a few minutes, but seeing no other aircraft about obtained permission from the Flight Controller to return to base.”

Crew: RAAF 412727 Flt Lt Small R H (Pilot)

Flt Small is buried in the St Samson Churchyard, Calvados, France. St Samson is a village and commune on the Caen-L’Eveque road (N815), 9 miles east of Caen. France. Flt Lt Small is the only WW2 Commonwealth Air Force fatality to be buried in the Churchyard.

194 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404000 Flight Sergeant ADAMSON, Robert David

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/85/82 Commonwealth War Graves record

Aircraft Type: Sunderland Serial number: W 3927 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 230 SQN RAF

Summary: Sunderland W3927 took off at night on 7th September 1942, and during and shortly after take off at 2pm the port outer engine caught fire, and the cockpit filled with smoke. In attempting to land the aircraft, it crashed into the sea The accident occurred near Aboukir, Middle East

Crew: RAAF 400226 Flt Lt Howell, A F (Pilot) RCAF FO Dunfield, S R H (Pilot) (Seriously injured, admitted to hospital) RAAF 404037 PO Richmond, A G G (Pilot)(Seriously injured, admitted to hospital) RAF Cpl F Milne, (Fitter 2E/Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Lt Ctockett, R F (Observer) RAAF 404000 Flt Sgt R D Adamson, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 403029 Sgt B W Jenkins, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J McSherry, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF PO Lunn, R J (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 403265 Sgt A M Goldsmith, (Wireless Air Gunner) (Seriously injured admitted to hospital) RAF AC1 W Thomas, (Wireless Air Gunner (Slightly injured) RAF SGT G F A WHITEHEAD, (AIR GUNNER) (SLIGHT INJURIES) RAF LAC K Barrow, (Fitter 2E/Air Gunner) RAF LAC Cowles, (Instr Rept) (Slightly Injured)

Flr Lt Howell, Flt Sgt Adamson, Sgt Jenkins, Cpl Milne, Flt Lt Crockett, Sgt McSherr and POLunn, were killed in the crash and are buried in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

PO Richmond survived the accident and the war and was discharged Flt Lt in February 1946. He was awarded the George Medal. Sgt Goldsmith survived the accident and the war and was discharged WO in August 1945.

195 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400113 Pilot Officer CARLSSON, Kenneth Charles

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/95/385 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Sunderland Serial number: T 9050 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 230 SQN RAF

Summary: Sunderland T9050 of 230 Sqn RAF was detailed to carry out a patrol ordered by No 201 Group on 30th September 1942. The aircraft took off from Abourkir Bay at 0545 hours. The weather was good with the sea flat calm and a half moon. The aircraft failed to return to base

In a later statement to a Court of Inquiry into the accident, the CO 230 Sqn RAF reported “ The aircraft was forced to return from patrol owing to failure of the port outer engine. There was no indication from any member of the crew including the fitter that any other engine appeared to be giving trouble. When the Captain thought the port engine was failing he should have immediately checked his engine instrument readings. Although the approach appears to have been normal the Captain did in fact make an error in the he did not allow for the facts that there was a flat calm or that he was making an approach off a flare path. Finally the pilot made the fatal mistake of attempting to look at the water. Such an act especially on a glassy sea is nearly always disastrous.

The accident appears to have been brought about by the fact that the pilot attempted to land when a landing was unnecessary, and he made an error in his landing in that he appears to have used insufficient engine to flatten his approach. He also attempted to carry out a landing on a glassy sea at night by looking at the water.”

The Group Commander in his remarks stated ; “ I consider this accident was primarily due to the fact that there had been a fatal accident in the Squadron a few days previously due to an engine catching fire in the air and the resulting smoke filled the cockpit, making it impossible for the pilot to make a safe landing. In this case, the pilot after flying for 35 minutes on thee engines, states that he suddenly noticed a bright glow and small burst of flame on another engine and decided to land immediately, in so doing he stalled the aircraft which broke its back on hitting the water. I consider the pilot, FO Murphy, made a wrong decision in deciding to land and was guilty of an error of judgement in making the actual landing. AVM Slatter 201 Group”

196

Crew : RAAF 402524 FO Murphy, R J (1st Pilot) Slight injuries RAF PO Scott, R C (2nd Pilot) Serious injuries RAF FO Sanderson, T W (3rd Pilot) Slight injuries RAAF 400192 PO Matthews, A H (Navigator) Serious injuries RAF Flt Sgt J Harkins, (Wireless Air Gunner) Slight Injuries RAAF 400113 Sgt K J Carlsson, (Wireless Air Gunner) Killed RAF Sgt J Adam, (Wireless Air Gunner) Killed RCAF Sgt J Groleau, (Wireless Air Gunner) Serious injuries RAF Sgt G Lindsay, (W E M Air Gunner) Killed RAF Sgt D Hall, (Flight Engineer) Serious injuries RAF LAC D McLean, (2nd Fitter) Not injured RAF LAC N Kelly, (Rigger) Slight injuries.

Sgt Carlsson and Sgt Adam are buried in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Sgt Lindsay has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. FO Murphy’s appointment was terminated on 23.8.1945 on medical grounds.

197 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400226 Flight Lieutenant HOWELL, Alan Frederick

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/85/82 Commonwealth War Graves record

Aircraft Type: Sunderland Serial number: W 3927 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 230 SQN RAF

Flr Lt Howell, Flt Sgt Adamson, Sgt Jenkins, Cpl Milne, Flt Lt Crockett, Sgt McSherr and POLunn, were killed in the crash and are buried in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

198 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412811 Flying Officer INGHAM, Frank Lawson

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/19/37 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Sunderland Serial number: EJ 140 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 230 SQN RAF

Summary: Sunderland EJ140 on 29th December 1943, was on a non-operational flight when it crashed into a hillside in bad weather. All of the crew were killed.

Crew: RAF FO Mills, R J A Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt G C Peaker, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 412811 FO Ingham, F L (Navigator) RAF WO G Crombie, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt M A Keith, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt Sgt G K J Shears, (Wireless Operator Mechanic/Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J H Waters, (Air Gunner) RAF LAC A V Hood, (Fitter 2E)

All the crew are buried in the Nairobi Forest Road Cemetery, Kenya, Africa.

199 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403029 Sergeant JENKINS, Bede William

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/85/82 Commonwealth War Graves record

Aircraft Type: Sunderland Serial number: W 3927 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 230 SQN RAF

Flr Lt Howell, Flt Sgt Adamson, Sgt Jenkins, Cpl Milne, Flt Lt Crockett, Sgt McSherr and POLunn, were killed in the crash and are buried in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

200 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409347 Flying Officer TRASK, Kenneth John Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/40/63 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mustang Serial number: AG 547 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 231 SQN RAF

Summary: Mustang AG547 took off from RAF Redhill, Surrey, at 0930 hours on 11th November 1943, flying as No 2 to FO Panitaki who was flying as No 1. They were detailed to carry out a “Rhubarb” in the Le Havre area. The French coast was crossed at Pte De La Perce and a southerly course maintained until reaching Montain, when the railway was followed in an easterly direction.

At Dompront and Cautenne No 1 estimated that the cloud base was about1000 feet above ground level and decreasing very slightly as higher ground approached. On reaching higher ground No1 flying a little ahead of No 2, encountered 10/10ths cloud and rain, and immediately called his No 2 to climb. No 2 replied he was climbing but could not see No 1. No 1 called again and instructed No 2 to climb to 7000 feet on a course of 270 degrees. No 1 replied climbing to 7000 and on correct course.

No 1 continued to climb and when it became apparent that the operation would have to be abandoned due to cloud, No 1 instructed No 2 to turn on to a course of 360 degrees and return to base. No 2 did not reply to this message. As No 1 did not receive any reply he continued on his original course of 270 degrees, and called No 2 at regular intervals. Nothing was heard from No 2.

On breaking cloud at 7000 feet, No 1 circled for approx 15 minutes calling No 2. After this the Controlling R/T station contacted No 1 asking if he knew his position, and if No 2 was w2ith him. No 1 then requested Control to try and contact No 2 and asked for a fix. No 1 then returned to based and landed at 1122 hours. Mustang AG547 failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 409347 FO Trask, K J (Pilot)

FO Trask is buried in the Laval (Valfleury) Communal Cemetery, France. Laval is the chief town and the seat of the Prefecture of the Department of the Mayenne, and is 80kms south east of Rennes, and 5kms north west of Le Mans.

201 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412383 Flight Sergeant BURROUIGHS, Phillip Fothergill

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/106 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: ER 186 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 232 SQN RAF

Summary: Spitfire ER186 crashed near Medjez-El-Bab, Tunisia, at 1715 hours on 13 April 1943, during an operational flight, and the pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 412383 Flt Sgt P F Burroughs, (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Burroughs is buried in the Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia. Medjez-El- Bab is 60kms west of Tunis.

202 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402499 Sergeant BENSON, Sydney William

Source: AWM 237 (45) NAA : A705, 163/91/277 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: AM 535 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 233 SQN RAF Summary: Hudson AM535 on 8th March 1942, took off from RAF Station Sr Eval, UK, detailed to carry out three circuits and landings,. After a normal take off at 2300 hours, the aircraft turned down wind in a normal manner at about 800 feet, and then appeared to be losing height gradually and as the aircraft turned across wind on its approach the aircraft was observed to be under shooting badly.

The navigation lights of the aircraft then appeared in a steep left turn heading towards the drome. The aircraft then appeared to climb and turn away from the drome down wind, as the taillight was seen. Immediately after, the aircraft crashed and caught fire, three miles north of St Merryn drome.

In a report on the accident, the Group Captain RAF Station St Eval stated “ It was considered the Pilot allowed his height to decrease before and during his turn across wind and undershooting. The strength of the wind was 20 mph. From the movement of the navigation lights it then appeared the Pilot realized he was very low and attempted to climb, but lost control and the aircraft struck the ground. It was probable that owing to his lack of height that he lost sight of the flare path. “

Crew: RAF Sgt W W Parr, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 402499 Sgt S W Benson, (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt S E Hyam, (Wireless Operator) All the crew were killed in the accident. Sgt Parr is buried in the Marton (St Paul) Church Burial Ground, UK. Sgt Benson is buried in the St Columb Major Cemetery, situated 7kms from RAF Station St Eval, UK. Sgt Hyam is buried in the Burnham-on-Crouch Cemetery, UK.

203 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414923 Warrant Officer FIRTH,Louis James

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/17/757 166/43/872 Micro Film NO 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: KG 566 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 233 SQN RAF

Summary: Dakota KG 566 of 233 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Station Blakehill Farm near Swindon, Wiltshire, at 1320 hours on 21 September 1944, to carry out a mission dropping panniers in a Market resupply operation on a DE in the Arnhem area. .

This aircraft was one of twenty which were engaged on the operation and the Captains of other aircraft on the mission reported intense enemy opposition in the form of flak and fighter aircraft were encountered around the target area. No reports were received from KG 566 which did not return from the mission. It was assumed that the aircraft was shot down in or around the target area.

In a later report from Rear Hdqrts No 83 Group RAF, it was advised that at approx 1620 hours on 21 September 1944, 2 Dakotas were shot down by an unidentified fighter in the Eindhoven area, Holland. These aircraft crashed and immediately burst into flames. It was not possible for the RAF Regiment Sqn located near the scene of the crash to quell the flames, but they were able to extricate seven bodies from the wreckage. Crew: RAAF 409695 FO Hamilton, C D, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 436353 Flt Sgt Wheeler, W B (2nd Pilot) RAAF 409798 PO Knight, F B (Navigator) RAAF 414923 WO Firth, L J (Wireless Operator) RASC Cpl J Dellanzo RASC L/Cpl F Sharpe RASC Driver R W Crooks RASC Driver C Van Ingen The RASC personnel were from No 800 Air Despatch Company.

With the exception of FO Hamilton (RAAF) who was listed as missing with no known grave, the bodies of the other three crew members and the four RASC personnel were buried in the Eindhoven (Woensal) General Cemetery, Netherlands. FO Hamilton name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing Runnymede, UK.

204 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409798 Pilot Officer KNIGHT, Frederick Benbow

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/17/757 166/43/872 Micro Film NO 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: KG 566 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 233 SQN RAF

205 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403673 Flight Sergeant MACKIE, John Stewart

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/103 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: FH 350 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 233 SQN RAF

Summary: Hudson FH350 took off from RAF Station North Front, Gibraltar, on 24th April 1943, detailed to carry out a day operational Air Sea Rescue. The aircraft crashed into the sea in perfect weather conditions. It was plotted 36 miles from base when returning from the patrol and the plot then faded. The position of the crash was 36.07N 04.42W. . All the crew lost their lives.

Crew: RAAF 403673 Flt Sgt J S Mackie, Captain (Pilot0 RCAF WO1 J M Main, (Navigator) RAF FO I B Brown, (Navigator) RAF Sgt W B McCallum, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J C W Thomson, (Wireless Air Gunner)

Flt Sgt Mackie, WO Main and Sgt McCallum were buried at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Gibraltar Memorial. The Memorial stands in a triangular site close to the sea and west of the Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery. FO Brown and Sgt Thomson have no known graves and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

206 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416883 Flight Sergeant OAKLEY Frederick John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/31/126 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: V 9090 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 233 SQN RAF

Summary: Hudson V9090 took off from RAF Gibraltar on 30th November 1943, detailed to carry out an RP practice exercise day training flight. The aircraft crashed in the sea near Gibraltar at 090 degrees and approx 15 miles.

Crew: RAF FO Baugean, R Captain (Pilot) Uninjured RAAF 416883 Flt Sgt F J Oakley, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) Killed RAAF 412419 Flt Sgt E C Y Brewer, (Wireless Air Gunner) Uninjured RCAF Flt Sgt D S Gillander, (Wireless Air Gunner) Uminjured

An Enquiry into the flying accident stated ; “ On the second dive having released two RP’s at an indicated height of 500 feet, the aircraft failed to pull out of a dive in sufficient time to avoid hitting the water. It was considered an error of judgement by the Pilot due to the use of the Reflector sight. It was not considered possible to obtain an accurate sighting without closing one eye, with the result that the Pilot was unable to judge his height and had to rely entirely on the altimeter, which appeared in thios case to have had a considerable lag. “

Flt Sgt Oakley’s body was recovered and he was buried at sea. His name is commemorated on the Gibraltar Memorial.

207 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

436353 Flight Sergeant WHEELER, William Burnaby Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 166/17/757 166/43/872 Micro Film NO 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: KG 566 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 233 SQN RAF

208 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412534 Warrant Officer HARRIS, James Morgan

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/996 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mustang Serial number: FB 115 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 234 SQN RAF

Summary: Mustang FB115 took off from RAF Bentwaters, Woodbridge, Suffolk, on 7th February 1945, on an operational day mission. The wing ran into some very bad weather and the Squadron was split up. Harris was flying a Blue 4 in close formation in cloud. At 25,000 feet, the Flight Section Leader’s instruments became U/S, and Blue 3 tried to take over. By then conditions had become extremely bad, and the Section split up. Blue 4 flown by Harris was last seen turning away, and was not heard of on the R/T. FB115 failed to return to base..

Crew: RAAF 412534 W O J M Harris (Pilot)

The aircraft crashed in Belgium and the Pilot was killed. WO Harris is buried in the Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium The cemetery is 30kms from Brussels and 3kms north of Leuven. .

209 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401452 Sergeant MARSHALL, Mervyn Wilfred

Source:. AWM 237 (65 NAA : A9301 Barcode 5548976 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 234 SQN RAF

Summary: On 13th November 1942, a Hurricane aircraft flown by Sgt Marshall caught fire in flight, and although Marshall successfully baled out, his chute failed to open properly and he was killed, Technical examination failed to reveal the cause of the accident. Sgt Marshall served in the UK and the Middle East. At the time of his death he was flying with the RAF Takoradi, West Africa Command.

Crew: RAAF 401452 Sgt M W Marshall, (Pilot)

Sgt Marshall is buried in the Christiansborg War Cemetery, Ghana. Christiansborg is one of the main suburbs of Accra.

210 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410034 Flight Lieutenant BERULDSEN, Kenneth Cupples

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/854 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: HR 127 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 235 SQN RAF

Summary: Mosquito HR127 on 16th December 1944, was one of a formation of six aircraft which took off from RAF Bannf, Bannfshire, Scotland, to carry out a patrol off the Norwegian coast. The aircraft attacked a 3500 ton MV in Ktaskheilesund, just north of the Sogne Fiord and approx 40 miles north of Bergen. Shortly after the formation was attacked by an enemy strike force.

Flt Lt Baulderson was at the rear of the formation and during the attack he was heard to say over the VHF “I’ve got it”. Very shortly after a bright flash and column of black smoke was seen on the hillside about 200 feet from the top of Losneo, and it was assumed that the aircraft had crashed.

Crew: RAAF 410034 Flt Lt Beruldsen, K C Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Rabbitts, T D S (Navigator Wireless Operator)

Both the crew were killed in the crash. They are buried in the Sola Churchyard, Norway. Sola is situated on the south west coast south of Stavenger and just north of Sandes.

211 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402646 Sergeant DENLEY, Richard Charles

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/101/100 Micro Film NO 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Beaufighter Serial number: TF 4751 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 235 SQN RAF

Summary: Beaufighter TF4751 took off on 9th February 1942, detailed to carry out a daytime non- operational flight The pilot who was not experienced on aircraft type , lost control and spun in while attempting to avoid a hill in a snow storm. The aircraft crashed at 1530 hours, caught fire on impact and the crew were killed. .

The Pilot on local flying failed to land at once when the weather unexpectedly started to deteriorate. He was under Fighter Control on a local W/T exercise in uncertain weather conditions. He did not carry out instructions to remain over the drome, but returned when conditions were deteriorating, and circled the drome several times. Attempts were made to divert the aircraft south but no W/T or R/T communication could be established. Although the aircraft wireless was fully serviceable before take off. .

Crew: RAAF 402646 Sgt T C Denley, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J G Cameron, (Observer) RAF Sgt J R Lord, (Obsrever)

Sgt Denley is buried in the Lerwick New Cemetery, Sumburg, Shetland Islands,UK. Sgt Cameron is buried in the Knockando Parish Cemetery, UK. Sgt Lord is buried in the Oldham (Chadderton) Cemetery, UK.

212 ` RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419538 Flying Officer REDFORD, Norman Louis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/35/378 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Mosquito Serial number: HP 967 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 235 SQN RAF

Summary: On 4th November 1944, Mosquito HP967 crashed when carrying out operational mission against shipping in the Kihn Harbour, Norway.

The aircraft carried out an attack and on turning away dived suddenly and steeply and crashed on the Island of Storgen, about 30 miles south of Vaagso, Norway. The aircraft exploded and a Pilot who flew low over the wreckage stated that both the crew must have been killed.

Crew: RNZAF FO Powell, H L Captain (Pilot) RAAF 419538 FO Redford, N L (Navigator)

Both the crew are buried in the Trondheim (Stavne) Cemetery, Norway. Trondheim is on the west coast of Norway, approx 300kms north of Oslo.

213 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402482 Sergeant AVERN, Geoffrey Lennox

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/89/18 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Beaufighter Serial number: 4936 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 236 SQN RAF

Summary: Beaufighter 2936 on 19th April1942, was missing on an operational flight between UK and the Middle East, and was en route from Treebelzue to Gibraltar. The aircraft was found by Military authorities at Madrid. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF `402482 Sgt G L Avern, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt P B Crossan. (Wireless Operator/Observer)

Both the crew are buried in the Huelva British Cemetery, Spain. Huelva is the chief town in the province of the same name in the south west of Spain, and is a port on the Atlantic coast.

214 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401331 Flying Officer WHITE, Frederick Norman Croxford

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/20/49 166/24/43 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Catalina Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 262 SQN RAF

Summary: On 25th June 1943, a Catalina aircraft of 262 Sqn RAF from RAF Station Congella, near Durban, South Africa, crashed into the sea at 7.10pm in St Lucia Bay, South Africa.

Crew : RAAF 416122 Flt Sgt Jenkins, R F (Pilot) RAAF 401331 FO White, F N C (Pilot) RAAF 14635 Sgt Soady, A F (Flight Engineer) RAAF 408285 Sgt Lane, T H T (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt R P Kay, (FM Air/Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A J Mills, ( RAF Sgt R T Cork, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Barrington (

The bodies of all the crew were recovered from the sea, with the exception of Flt Sgt Jenkins (RAAF) who lost his life at sea. His name is commemorated on the Alamaein Memorial, Egypt. All the others are buried in the Durban (Stellawood) Cemetery, South Africa.

215 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420819 Warrant Officer LEE, Sidney George

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705,166/24/552 Micro Film NO 463 OAFH, Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: BS 530 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 238 SQN RAF

Summary: On 21st September 1944, Spitfire BS530 was flying with the Sqn Ldr CO of 238 Sqn on a strafing mission over Northern Italy attacking ground objectives. At approx 1600 hours BS530 failed to pull out of a dive. The CO n pulling out of his dive and flying over the area, saw the remains of a crashed aircraft. WO Lee was killed

Crew: RAAF 420819 WO S G Lee, (Pilot)

WO Lee is buried in the Milan War Cemetery,Italy.

216 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403055 Flying Officer KEARNEY, Neville Patrick Peter

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A9300 Barcode 5250305 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: N 7253 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 231 SQN RAF

Summary: Hudson N7253 from a Communication Flight in Northern Ireland. left Belfast on `7th July 1942, and crashed 2.5 miles south east of Ruthven, North Wales. All on board were killed

Crew: RAF Flt Lt J B G Rogers, Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt T D Butcher, (Observer) RAF Sgt G R Bell, (Wireless Operator), RAF AC1 K M Tucker, (Fitter 11E) RAF Wg Cdr McMullen, M M Mc (HQFC) PAX RNAS Lt Cdr Waring, A N PAX Major Watts, T A (GHQ Liaison Regiment) PAX RAF Sqn Ldr Hoggar, A W (HOGC) PAX RAF Flt Lt Bannister, B S (CCDU) PAX RAAF 403055 FO Kearney, N P P (Pilot 231 Sqn) PAX Mr Smith NAAFI PAX Mt Coatman AM Lands Branch PAX Mr Armitage, Home Office PAX

FO Kearney is buried in the Hawarden Cemetery, UK. All the others are buried in various locations.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident found that “the cause was due to a structural failure involving the detachment of the major portion of the port outer main plane following loss of control in low cloud and in general adverse weather. The reason for the loss of control is obscure.”

217 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403584 Flight Lieutenant HAMLET, Joseph Aylmer

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/17/82 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: HW 745 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 241 SQN RAF

Summary: Hurricane HW745 crashed on 27th April 1943 at 1645 hours, at approx six miles north of Pont Du Fahs, Tunisia. The aircraft burst into flames while diving through enemy ack- ack fire, and the pilot was killed. His body was found by members of a British Regiment.

Crew: RAAF 403584 Flt Lt Hamlet, J A (Pilot)

Flt Lt Hamlet is buried in the Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia. The town of Enfidaville is 100kms south of Tunis on the main coast road.

218 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413306 Flying Officer GOW, David Murray

Source: AWM 237 (65) MAA : A705, 166/16/347 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: MH 560 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 242 SQN RAF

Summary: Spitfire MH560 took off from Poretta airfield at 0700 hours on the 25th May 1944, to carry out an armed recce near Viterbo, Italy. A message was received from the aircraft at 0745 hours, but since then nothing has been heard.

At approx 0740 eight FW 190’s were sighted and engaged. Gow was heard to say at approx 0745 hours that he had “got a 190”. His aircraft was seen to be smoking near the port side of the engine and MH560 failed to return from the mission.

Crew: RAAF 413306 FO Gow, D M (Pilot)

FO Gow is buried in the Rome War Cemetery, Italy. The cemetery is alongside and within the Aurelian Wall of the ancient city of Rome.

219 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406582 Flight Sergeant SUBLET, Montrose Edward

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/203 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Blenheim Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 244 SQN RAF

Summary: On 15th July 1943, a Blenheim aircraft from 244 Sqn RAF, took off at 0155 hours from W-3 runway and crashed at 0158 hours at Masirve in the Middle East. All on board the aircraft were killed.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident stated that, “On being airborne smoke was seen to be coming from the port engine. The aircraft did a left hand circuit and approached the runway from the south east. Both engines appeared to be developing power but the aircraft did not climb above 400 feet. The aircraft hit some rough ground with the wheels up and burst into flames. About five minutes later there was a heavy explosion when the depth charges which had apparently not been jettisoned, exploded.. “

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt D W H Nash, Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt G Keir, (Navigator) RAAF 406582 Flt Sgt M E Sublet, (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Basra War Cemetery, Iraq. Basra is a town on the west bank of the Shatt-Al-Arab, 90kms from its mouth in the Persian Gulf. The cemetery is 8kms north west of Basra.

220 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402956 Sergeant JABOUR, Roy John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/24 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Sunderland Serial number: DV 979 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 246 SQN RAF

Summary: Sunderland DV979 took off from RAF Port Ellen on the 24th January 1943, and crashed

A Court of Inquiry into the accident found that “ The cause of the accident was an error of judgement by the Captain (1st Pilot) of the aircraft in that he overestimated his altitude thereby undershooting the flare path and striking an object 35 feet above sea level and 1300 yards from the first flare. It would appear that both pilots were concentrating on looking for objects directly below instead of using the flare path to estimate their height and relative position.” The depth charges on board the aircraft exploded when the aircraft crashed. Nine on board the aircraft were killed and three were injured

Crew: RAF Sgt E J Lever, Captain (1st Pilot) Seriously injured RCAF Sgt W A Johnston, (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt W C Heath, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt G C Major, (Observer)) RAF Sgt D Howarth, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt W Simpson, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt H J Tasker, Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 401718 Sgt E G Palmer, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 402956 Sgt R J Jabour, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G C Phillips, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G Hogg, (WOM) Slightly Injured RAF Sgt J I Williams, (FME/Air Gunner) Slightly Injured

Sgt’s Johnston, Palmer and Jabour ar buried in the Bowmore New parish Churchyard, Isle of Islay, UK. The Burial ground is at the southern end of the village of Bowmore on the shore of Loch Indal. All the others who lost their lives are buried in their home town cemeteries.

221 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401718 Sergeant PALMER, Ernest Gordon

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/24 Digitised Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Sunderland Serial number: DV 979 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 246 SQN RAF

Summary: Sunderland DV979 took off from RAF Port Ellen on the 24th January 1943, and crashed

222 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

430047 Flying Officer OSBORNE, William Ward

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/31/236 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Typhoon Serial number: JP 937 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 247 SQN RAF

Summary: Typhoon JP937 crashed at approx 1315 hours on 9th November 1944,and the Pilot was killed. The aircraft was returning to B78 from No 83 GSU with JP937 a replacement aircraft and when over Aalst Belgium, the aircraft developed engine trouble.

The Pilot made every endeavour to land clear of the town. To that end he lengthened his glide to such an extent that when just clear and over the village of Nieukeres which is more or less and extension of the town, the aircraft stalled at a height of fifty feet spun in and crashed in a field near Nieukeres Visibility was extremely poor at the time.

Crew: RAAF 430047 FO Osborne, W W (Pilot)

FO Osborne is buried in the Aalst Communal Cemetery, Belgium. Aalst is a town astride the main Brussels-Gent road, about 29kms from each.

223 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403774 Flying Officer VAN ZUILECOM, Herbert Langtree

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/42/48 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Typhoon Serial number: JQ 544 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 247 SQN RAF

Summary: Typhoon JQ544 crashed on 10th November 1943 at 1448 hours at Church Farm Lykinster, Sussex, and the pilot was killed. The aircraft crashed after the starboard bomb had fallen away

A Court of Inquiry into the accident concluded that : “From the evidence one of the bombs carried by the aircraft fell off and at approx the same time the aircraft burst into flames in the air then travelled about three quarters of a mile and crashed. Half the witnesses say that the aircraft burst into flames before the bomb went off, and the other half say that the aircraft did not catch fire before he saw an upheaval on the ground.

The Pilot flying behind JQ544 is certain the aircraft did not catch fire before he saw an upheaval on the ground. From available evidence it would appear that for reasons unknown a bomb fell from the aircraft, the blast from which caused the aircraft to turn on its back and set it alight.”

The Wg Cdr CO of 247 Sqn stated : “It must be assumed that the starboard bomb fell off and the port bomb dropped off by the aircraft being in contact with the ground. The starboard bomb exploded and set fire to the aircraft, at the same time causing it to roll to the left and it hit the ground almost on its back.

The Air Cdre Group Commander stated “ I agree with the remarks of the CO. I am of the opinion the aircraft was set on fire by the explosion of the bomb which for some reason fell off the aircraft.”

Crew: RAAF 403774 FO Van Zuilecom, HL (Pilot)

FO Van Zuilecom was cremated in the Woking (St John’s) Crematorium, UK.

224 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408117 Flying Officer WATCHORN, James Bayly

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/372 Commonwealth war Graves records

Aircraft Type: Typhoon Serial number: JP 729 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 247 SQN RAF Summary: On 4th October 1943, Typhoon JP724 when it was approaching to land, crashed near New Romney, about 20 miles south west of Dover. The pilot was killed.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident found that : “FO Watchorn flying JP729 had been flying solo for about 30 minutes in formation with FO Calder. As they came into the circuit to land FO Watchorn cut inside his leader and made an approach to the airfield as though to land cross wind. He was turning left and coming down fairly steeply but was undershooting; Just before reaching the ground the nose of JP729 came up and the aircraft seems to have made a heavy three point landing in a ploughed field about 150 yards short of the airfield boundary. Fire occurred and the pilot was fatally injured. “.

“The primary cause for the accident in the Courts opinion was an engine failure. The Pilot attempted to reach the airfield but was unable to do so. The nearest witness was certain that there was a burst of engine just before impact and others saw the nose rise; marks on the ground show a three point landing. It was quite possible therefore that the Pilot by priming or working his throttle did in fact bring his engine to life even supposing that his fuel pump was no longer working.’

“The shaft driving all the pumps was certainly fractured and this was considered the probable cause of the engine failure though expert examination might show this fracture was caused by the crash. Fire occurred the moment the starboard drop tank touched the ground, the Pilot would not have had time to jettison those tanks on this occasion.”

“ If Technical examination proves that the shaft did not fracture in flight there must be some there cause for the engine failure as no Pilot would carry out these manoeuvres if he had full control of his power unit”. Crew: RAAF 408117 FO Watchorn, J B (Pilot)

FO Watchorn is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery UK. The cemetery is 30 miles from London.

225 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403232 Flying Officer WAUGH, Geoffrey William

Source: AWSM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/413 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Typhoon Serial number: JP 675 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 247 SQN RAF

Summary: TyphoonJP675 crashed at Merston at 1251 hours on the 11th November 1943 and the pilot was killed. A hung up bomb dropped off when the aircraft was landing and exploded.

The port wing bomb fell off on landing and exploded. The explosion was due to the protruding part of the Bakelite tail pistol No 28 Mk 1V, being broken when the tail was sheared from the bomb, and the striker receiving a sharp blow, breaking the remaining part of the pistol and so allowing the striker to strike the detonator.

Crew: RAAF 403232 FO Waugh, G W (Pilot)

FO Waugh is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, which is 30 miles from London.

226 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

414550 Pilot Officer LEE, Bernard Francis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/24/444 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Typhoon Serial number: MN 998 Radio call sign: Unit: ATD247 SQN RAF

Summary Typhoon MN998 was attacking with cannon and rockets a target south west of Boxcell at 1100 hours on 28th September 1944, when it was last seen spinning into the target and hit the ground bursting into flames. The tail of the aircraft had broken off after pulling out of its dive.

MN998 was flying No 3 in ellowsection in a propaganda beat up of a wood south west of Boxcel. The aircraft dived on the target and No 4 aircraft who followed No 3 down said “Gr Capt Green who was leading the formation went into the attack followed by his No 2who went into attack and seen to fire his rockets. Yellow 4 stated that he saw a small panel come off PO Lees aircraft, then the tail came completely off and the aircraft went into a spin and crashed into the ground. The aircraft was seen by several other pilots going up in flames. All pilots reported no flak of any kind, and the apparent cause of the accident was not the result of enemy action.

Crew: RAAF 414550 PO Lee, B F (Pilot)

PO Lee is buried in the Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Netherlands.

227 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401440 Flying Officer HEATHCOTE, Clifford Clark

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166//17/444 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Typhoon Serial number: JR 196 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 247 SQN RAF

Summary: Typhoon JR196 took off from RAF Station Marsden and crashed on the 14th January 1944 near St Valerie, France. The Pilot was killed.

The aircraft was one of a formation of eight aircraft carrying out dive bombing attacks against a target near Doudeville, south of St Valerie. The target was bombed at approx 1100 hours causing a huge explosion and much debris rising in the air. This occurred as JR196 section of the formation was already in their dive and as JR196 pulled out of its dive after having scored further hits on the target, it was observed that grey smoke was coming from the engine of the aircraft. FO Heathcote was told of this on the R/T, but there was no reply, and the aircraft was then lost sight of by the CO of the Squadron. JR196 was last seen of by another aircraft in the formation when its hood was jettisoned at approx 3/4000 feet in Doudeville. As there was no flak encountered during the dive, it was assumed that the debris from the explosion may possibly have been the cause of the engine trouble.

Crew: RAAF 401440 FO Heathcote, C C (Pilot)

FO Heathcote is buried in the Grandcourt War Cemetery, France. Grandcourt is a village 30kms east of Dieppe.

228 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410262 Flight Lieutenant RUTTER, Donald Hemphill

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/276 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Typhoon Serial number: SW 526 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 247 SQN RAF

Summary: On 5th April 1945, Typhoon SW526 flewYellow 2 in a formation of aircraft detailed to carry out an armed recce of the Cloppenbg/Ahlhorn road. Arriving in the target area a large MET was seen and Red and Blue sections went down to attack. Red 1 called up on the R/T and warned all pilots to be careful of a high-tension cable stretched across the road.

Yellow Section went down to attack and Yellow 1 (WO Lesley) stated that after his attack he looked around for his Number 2 but could not see him. He called up to contact him by R/T but there was no reply, and then flew an orbit searching for him but could see no sign. The entire Squadron then orbited the area but there was no sign of Yellow 2.- certainly no wreck burning on the ground was seen. A small amount of heavy flak and some medium light flak was encountered. SW526 failed to return to base.

Crew: RAAF 410262 Flt Lt Rutter, D H (Pilot)

Flt Lt Rutter is buried in the Hanover War cemetery, Germany.

229 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402178 Flight Sergeant WOOD, Norman Walter Ross

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/179/133 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: BN 220 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 247 SQN RAF

Summary: Hurricane BN220 crashed on 7th February 1942 at Predannack Cornwall, and the pilot was killed. The aircraft got into difficulties at too low to enable the Pilot to make use of his chute.

A Court of Inquiry found that : “ The accident was an error of judgement by the Pilot in attempting to execute a roll at high speed and at such a height as to make recovery impossible.

In his comments on the findings of the Court, the Station Commander stated “ I witnessed the accident from the air at a height of 1000 feet and adjacent to the position which the Pilot chose to attempt a climbing roll. I saw the Pilot pull out of a dive at a low height and roll on to his back at approx 500 feet. He continued to climb on his back and then at about the level at which I was flying at 1000 feet he flicked into a spin from which he never recovered and the aircraft hit the ground and burst into flames. This regrettable flying accident must primarily be contributed to by a flagrant breach of flying regulations.”

Crew: RAAF 402178 Flt Sgt N W R Wood, (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Wood is buried in the Landewednack (St Winwallow) Churchyard, UK.

230 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403136 Flying Officer GUERIN, James Joseph

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/34/167 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 249 SQN RAF

Summary: On 21st March 1942, during an enemy air raid on Rabat, Malta, FO Guerin was killed when a bomb hit the Officers Mess. He is buried in the Malta (Capucinni) Naval Cemetery, Malta.

231 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400152 Pilot Officer MURRAY, Kenric Newton Lathrop

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/45/143 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: AB 343 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 249 SQN RAF

Summary: On 19th march 1942, Spitfire AB343 flown by PO Murray crashed at 1440 hours at Dingli, Middle East during enemy action. He died from injuries received when the aircraft crashed.

Crew: RAAF 400152 PO Murray, K N L (Pilot)

PO Murray is buried in the Malta (Capucinni) Naval Cemetery, Malta.

232 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410380 Pilot Officer RAY, Edgar

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A93300 Barcode 5245315 Commonwealth war Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire or Mustang Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 249 SQN RAF

Summary: PO Ray a Pilot attached to No 349 Sqn RAF was presumed dead by OS Hdqrts on 27th September 1944.He lost his life when carrying out a mission in the Salonika coast area, Greece, during which four locomotives were destroyed. He was last seen baling out of his aircraft.

Crew: RAAF 410380 PO Ray, E (Pilot)

PO Ray is buried in the Phaleron War Cemetery, Greece. The Cemetery is a few kms to the south east of Athens.

233 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401163 Warrant Officer WADDELL, Peter Victor

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/588 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 249 SQN RAF

Summary: On 30th March 1944, a Spitfire flown by WO Waddell, took off at 1155 hours with a Section of No 242 Sqn aircraft to cooperate with Cant aircraft over the Durazzo area. WO Waddell was seen going down to investigate a fluorescent patch near the shore when his aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire. Waddell called up and said “They have got me” and the aircraft dived into high ground on the shore. The Pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 401163 WO P V Waddell, (Pilot)

WO Waddell is buried in the Tirana Park Memorial Cemetery, Albania.

234 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400642 Pilot Officer BUCKLAND, Graham George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/93/308 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Kittyhawk Serial number: AK 704 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 250 SQN RAF

Summary: On 30th May 1942, Kittyhawk AK704 flown by PO Buckland crashed in the Middle East and the pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 400642 PO Buckland, G G (Pilot)

PO Buckland is buried in the Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya.

235 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407247 Sergeant MORTIMER, Arthur Thomas Lort

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/145/124 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Tomahawk Serial number: AK 423 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 250 SQN RAF

Summary: On 3rd July 1941, Tomahawk AK423 flown by Sgt Mortimer, crashed in Libya 40 miles south of base when the aircraft spun in. The pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 407247 Sgt A T L Mortimer, (Pilot)

Sgt Mortimer is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.

236 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402130 Pilot Officer MUNRO, Donald Alexander Ronald

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/45/103 Digitised Commonwealth War graves records

Aircraft Type: Tomahawk Serial number: AK 383 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 250 SQN RAF

Summary: On 18th June 1941, Tomahawk AK383 flown by PO Munro crashed in the Tobruk- Sollum area Middle East, as a result of enemy action, and the Pilot was killed. PO Munro’s body was found by an Army Unit operating in the area on 8/2/1942.

Crew: RAAF 402131 PO Munro D A R (Pilot)

PO Munro is buried in the Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt. The Cemetery is on the main coast road from Mersa Matruh to Libya, and is on the eastern side of Halfaya Sollum, approx 12kmsfrom the Egyptian/Libyan border.

237 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406637 Flying Officer BROWNE, Francis Valentine

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/52/110 163/24/337 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 216 SQN RAF

238 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

406243 Squadron Leader GALE, William Walter Beresford

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/15/281 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: MK267 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 238 SQN RAF

Summary: On 17th July 1944, Sqn Ldr Gale, CO of 451 Sqn RAAF from 3/7/1944, was leading a mission engaged on a tactical recce between Florence and Pisa, Italy. Two aircraft were covering the Napoli-Pisa area and two the Florence-Pisa area independently. Sqn Ldr Gale was presumably hit by ack-ack fire. The incident occurred at 0635 hours on 17th July.

Spitfire MK267 was seen from 2000 feet by his No 2 Flt Sgt G G Ball (RAAF) about 300 feet above the ground and pouring white smoke. Flt Sgt Ball then lost sight of the aircraft momentarily while he was doing a tight turn. A few seconds after Ball saw fire on the ground, which he considered almost certainly to be an aircraft burning. Ball circled taking camera gun shots for about 8 seconds. These however were not successful. Ball was then forced to withdraw as the light ack-ack was intense and accurate.

Crew: RAAF 406243 Sqn Ldr Gale, W W B (Pilot)

Sqn Ldr Gale is buried in the Florence War Cemetery, Italy.

239 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402022 Sergeant PYKE, George Arthur

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/153/9 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 250 SQN RAF

Summary: Sgt Pyke a Pilot attached to No 250 Sqn RAF died in the Middle East of peritonitis on 24th May 1941. He is buried in the Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel.

240 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412285 FlyingOfficer WALKER, Alexander Watt

Source: AWM 237(65) NAA : A705, 166/43/404 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Kittyhawk Serial number: FX 659 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 250 SQN RAF

Summary: On the afternoon of 24th February 1944, Kittyhawk FX659 was detailed along with other aircraft to carry out a bomb attack on Arce. The aircraft set course from base at 5000 feet and above10/10ths cloud After climbing another 2000 feet a very thin layer of cloud about 500 feet thick was encountered. The top section flew over the top and the bottom section climbed through the cloud. After about 30 seconds it was found that one aircraft was missing. R/T contact was not successful.

The aircraft was later found burnt out 3 miles north east of Gastiglione, and the Pilot had been killed.

Crew: RAAF 412285 FO Walker, AW (Pilot)

FO Walker is buried in the Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy.

241 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408850 Pilot Officer JONES, Frederick Charles Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/21/167 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Beaufighter Serial number: NE 497 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 252 SQN RAF

Summary: On 6th July 1944.Beaufighter NE497 crashed at 1310 hours on a solo non-operational air test flight at Landing Ground 08, Egypt. The Pilot was killed.

The accident occurred during a test flight following a 40 hour inspection. The Pilot was solo and had been airborne for 10 minutes when he requested permission in the normal manner, to land from Flying Control. Permission was passed and the aircraft was seen to lower the undercarriage as if making a normal approach. The aircraft was then seen to lose height rapidly and the undercarriage was retracted. The aircraft continued to lose height and finally hit the ground and was set on fire.

Flying Control received no further message from the Pilot after the request for permission to pancake. It was considered that the accident appeared to be due to the loss of power on one engine, but the engines were so badly damaged in the crash this was impossible to substantiate.

Crew: RAAF 408850 PO Jones, F C H (Pilot)

PO Jones is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.

242 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

412922 Warrant Officer DEAR, Kenneth

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/9/293 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Spitfire Serial number: CJG 130 Radio call sign: Unit: 253 Sqn RAF

Summary: On the 16th April 1944, Spitfire CJG130 took off at 0840 hours on a test flight, when the engine cut out on take off. The aircraft crashed one mile west of Calvi Corsica, and the pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 412922 WO K Dear, (Pilot)

WO Dear is buried in the Bigugkia War Cemetery, France. Biguglia is a small village 9kms south of Bastia which is a town and sub prefecture of the Department of Corsica, situated on the sea coast north east of the Island.

243 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400145 Sergeant HORSFALL, Lloyd George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/123/127 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: Z 3918 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 253 SQN RAF

Summary: Hurricane Z3918 was Blue 2 in Blue Section, which had been ordered to take off in a convoy patrol at dawn on 26th October 1941, from RAF Hibaldston, Lincolnshire. On the way out he called up Blue 1 (PO C B Brown) and said “I am 300 yards behind and throttle back”. This Blue I did and at the same time his aircraft was passing through two rain clouds. Blue 2 then called up and asked Blue I to put on his lights. This was the last message passed by Blue, and as he did not join up, Blue 1 continued the patrol on his own, being asked to look for Blue 2 by OPS when he was returning.

The CO 253 Sqn stated “It is difficult to give any reason for the accident except that Blue 2 may have got into difficulty in a rain storm. The Pilot was operational but not too good in rain storms.”

Crew: RAAF 400145 Sgt L G Horsfall, (Pilot)

Sgt Horsfall is buried in the Kirton in Lindsey Burial Ground, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, UK.

244 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408843 Sergeant WATSON, Alan Berton

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA: A705, 163/176/229 Commonwealth War Graves Records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: BN 284 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 253 SQN RAF

Summary: On 25th February 1942, Hurricane BN284 crashed at 2015 hours at Yewfield Farm, Holton-Le-Moor, near Caister Lincolnshire, when the engine failed due to running the reserve fuel tank empty. The aircraft dived into the ground and was extensively damaged, and the pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 408843 Sgt A B Watson, (Pilot)

Sgt Watson is buried in the Kirton-In-Lindsey Burial Ground,UK.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident reported : “ An examination of the aircraft revealed that at the time of the crash the fuel cock was in the Reserve On position. The aircraft had been airborne for 37 minutes. If the Pilot had originally taken off and flown for that duration on the Reserve tank, it would have been empty and lack of fuel in the carburettor would have caused the engine to cut out As the Pilot started the engine before taking off for the flight it is impossible to state the position of the fuel cock for take off.

The Pilot reported on R/T at 2015 hours that his engine had cut and he was ‘baling out’. An examination of the crash pointed to the fact that an attempt had been made to bale out as the Sutton harness was found undone. As the Fuel Cock was found to be in the Reserve On position it is thought that the Pilot had failed to turn over to Mains after starting the engine.”

245 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

437044 Flight Sergeant BOYDA, Gordon Alex

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/449 166/6/909 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Beaufighter Serial number: NV 118 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 254 SQN RAF

Summary: On 19th January 1945, Beaufighter NV118 on a non-operational flight, crashed at 1410 hours on a beach 300 yards north east of North Coates airfield, Lincoln. All on board were killed. The aircraft crashed when the pilot lost control of the aircraft in a heavy snow storm after attempting to land at North Coates. Flt Sgt Rothwell had previously taken off from RAF Woodbridge in NV118 at 1316 hours with the object of ferrying the aircraft back to North Coates.

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt R J Rothwell, (Pilot) RAAF 430767 Flt Sgt J S Robinson (Pilot) PAX RAAF 437044 Flt Sgt G A Boyd, (Pilot) PAX

Flt Sgt Rothwell is buried in the Southampton (Hollybrook) Cemetery, UK. Flt Sgt’s Robinson and Boyd are buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, UK The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery.

246 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

430767 Flight Sergeant ROBINSON, Jack Stanley

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/36/449 166/6/909 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Beaufighter Serial number: NV 118 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 254 SQN RAF

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt R J Rothwell, (Pilot) RAAF 430767 Flt Sgt J S Robinson (Pilot) PAX RAAF 437044 Flt Sgt G A Boyd, (Pilot) PAX

247 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400345 Sergeant GREENWOOD, Stanley Wheatley

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/118/275 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Defiant Serial number: V 1116 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 256 SQN RAF

Summary: On 7th February 1942, Defiant V116 crashed at 4.30 pm at the Lytham Pier, Lancashire, and the crew were killed. The aircraft was carrying out an exercise with the local AA Batteries.

Crew: RAF PO Olney, W J (Pilot) RAAF 400345 Sgt S W Greenwood, (Air Gunner)

PO Olney has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, UK. Sgt Greenwood is buried in the Haltemprice (Hessle) Cemetery, UK.

A Court of Inquiry found that : “ In our opinion the cause of the accident was an error of judgement by the Pilot when carrying out a steep turn at low altitude, which was indirect contravention of flying Standing Orders and a specific verbal instruction by an officer authorising the flight.

The Group Commander No 9 Group stated : “I agree the accident resulted from disobedience of orders on the part of the Pilot, who was experienced and well qualified to carry out the exercise. The Squadron will not be permitted to take part in such exercises in the future.”

248 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404255 Flying Officer NEILL, Robert Nason

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/46/35 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: 1771 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 256 SQN RAF

Summary: On 5th April 1942 Hurricane 1771 took off flying in a formation led by Flt Lt Sharp. The formation was engaged and split up soon after take off in order to attack enemy aircraft which were attacking base. No information is available as to the final action in which Neill was killed, but his body was found by Army officials. His aircraft had crashed near Colombo.

Crew: RAAF 404255 FO Neill, R N (Pilot)

FO Neill is buried in the Colombo (Kanatte) General Cemetery, Sri Lanka.

249 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419213 Flying Officer CAMBRIDGE, Thomas Hudson

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA A705, 166/7/763 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Thunderbolt Serial number: KJ 232 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 261 SQN RAF

Summary: On the 21st December 1944, Thunderbolt KJ232 was one of a 261 Sqn formation that carried out a normal dive bombing attack on Gangaw, during which Red 3 had a hang up and was ordered by the Formation Leader to carry out another attack when the Squadron had finished strafing. FO Cambridge who was flying Red 4, followed Red 3 around and climbed up above him to about 5000 feet over the target.

Red 1 was doing a large orbit to port to enable the Squadron to join up, and as he was reapproaching the target, he saw Cambridge in a steep dive. At the time he took it to be Red 3 doing his second attack. After a moment he saw the aircraft in an almost vertical dive and travelling very fast and realized it was not going to pull out in time. No effort seemed to be made to pull out and the aircraft went straight in, blowing up on impact. There was known to be a light ack-ack post near the target. The position of the crash was Long 94.08E, Lat 22.10N

Crew: RAAF 4119213 FO Cambridge, T H (Pilot)

FO Cambridge is buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar.

250 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402825 Sergeant PEARCE, William Ernest

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/150/159 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: Z 5533 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 261 SQN RAF

Summary: On 9th April 1942, Sapphire Section was patrolling base at 15,000 feet, and the Section Leader dived to attack a formation of Japanese Navy 0 fighters at about 12,000 feet, with Pearce No 2 and No 3 in line astern After this nothing was seen of Pearce but his aircraft was found 40 miles west close to Dambulla, on Trincomalee Road. The Pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 402825 Sgt W E Pearce, (Pilot)

PO Pearce is buried in the Trincomalee War Cemetery, Sri Lanka.

251 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413463 Pilot Officer WESTGARTH, Donald Dudley

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/1322 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Thunderbolt Serial number: KJ325 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 261 SQN RAF

Summary: On 25th April 1944, PO Westgarth was leader of a Section of two aircraft taking part in an offensive patrol over Pyu. The section carried out the patrol sortie and were entering the landing circuit at base, RAF Myingyaw, Burma, when KJ325 collided with a Harvard aircraft of No 261 Sqn which was also preparing to land.

The Harvard aircraft crashed immediately, but KJ325 continued on the circuit for a considerable distance until the engine began to splutter and then completely cut. The aircraft finally crashed near the airstrip and the Pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 413463 PO Westgarth, D D (Pilot)

PO Westgarth is buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar.

252 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408285 Flight Sergeant LANE, Thomas Henry Teston

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/20/49 166/24/43 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Catalina Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 262 SQN RAF

Summary: On 25th June 1943, a Catalina aircraft of 262 Sqn RAF from RAF Station Congella, near Durban, South Africa, crashed into the sea at 7.10pm in St Lucia Bay, South Africa.

253 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

14635 Sergeant SOADY, Albert Francis

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/20/49 166/24/43 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Catalina Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 262 SQN RAF

Summary: On 25th June 1943, a Catalina aircraft of 262 Sqn RAF from RAF Station Congella, near Durban, South Africa, crashed into the sea at 7.10pm in St Lucia Bay, South Africa.

254 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408207 Flight Sergeant HICKS, Francis Leslie

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 1166/17/52 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Whirlwind Serial number: P7062 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 263 SQN RAF

Summary On the 19th February 1943, Whirlwind P7062 crashed near the drome at Wroughton Wiltshire, on a daytime non-operational exercise, and the Pilot was killed.

Crew : RAAF 408207 Flt Sgt F L Hicks, (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Hicks is buried in the Wroughton (St John the Baptist and Helen) Churchyard, UK

:A Report into the Flying Accident stated : “Hicks was on “Mock” readiness at Wormwell as No 2 to FO King. Two sections were standing by as part of Army cooperation exercise “Longford”. Both sections were ordered to scramble to Wroughton and attack Army transports on the Wroughton-Swinden road.

At approx 1550 hours Yellow Section (FO King and Hicks) followed Red Section to attack their objectives. Three attacks were made, the aircraft pulling up on each occasion to about 500 feet ASI 240/250mph FO King saw Hicks follow him round on only one occasion as Hicks was flying line astern.

Red 1 states that he saw Hicks about 500 feet behind King then after taking his eyes off him momentarily, he saw Hicks aircraft half rolling half spinning and crash into a field a few miles north of Wroughton airfield. Other witnesses state that the wing of Hicks aircraft hit a tree causing the pilot to lose control and crash.”

A Sqn Ldr of No 263 Sqn stated “In my opinion the accident was due to an error of judgement by the Pilot. He was a capable Pilot, and competent to undertake the exercise on which he was engaged.”

The Wg Cdr CO of 263 Sqn stated : “ The accident was apparently due to an error of judgement, possibly due to the prevalent lack of appreciation of the sink experience when pulling out of high speed dives unless the “pull out” is very gentle indeed.”

255 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416719 Pilot Officer SMITH, Graham Natt

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/452 Commonwealth War Graves records .

Aircraft Type: Typhoon Serial number: MN 129 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 263 SQN RAF

Summary: On 12th March 1944, Typhoon MN129 crashed at 1505 hours approx half a mile from the drome at RAF Warmwell, Dorset. The aircraft was on a non-operational flight, and had been detailed to practice low flying formation. The Pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 416719 PO Smith, G N (Pilot)

PO Smith is buried in the Bath (Haycombe) Cemetery, UK

A Court of Inquiry into the accident reported : “ The aircraft took off from RAF Warmwell at 1450 hours and while waiting for his No 1 to be airborne, PO Smith dived at a low altitude across the airfield towards his dispersal point and then pulled up sharply and attempted a roll to starboard. The Engine cut momentarily twice and then the Pilot appeared unable to recover from the manoeuvre, and the aircraft struck the ground at high speed.”

The Engineer Officer at RAF Warmwell.stated “The engine cuts were due to mishandling on the part of the pilot”

The Court concluded that “the accident was due to a breach of flying discipline by the Pilot.”

256 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404565 Flight Sergeant LEWIS, Wallace George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/137/144 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Defiant Serial number: AA 377 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 264 SQN RAF

Summary: On 26th April 1942, Defiant AA377 crashed at Sheerness, UK, and the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF 404565 Flt Sgt W G Lewis, (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt W Mair, (Gunner)

Flt Sgt’s Lewis and Mair are buried in the Leysdown (St Clement) Churchyards, UK. Leysdown is a coastal parish and village in the north eastern side of Sheppey, six miles NNE of Faversham.

Flt Sgt Corserr a witness to a Court of Inquiry into the accident stated : “ On 26th April WO Lauder, Flt Sgt Lewis and self were detailed for air to sea firing at the Leysdown range. Lauder was firing and Lewis and I were orbiting the range at approx 2000 feet. Sgt Lewis was approx 500 feet above me and half a mile in front when I observed that his port wing dropped, and he went into a vertical dive travelling in the opposite direction to his original course. It appeared that Lewis tried to pull out of this dive but only partially succeeded in doing so, when the machine turned to starboard and then hit the ground.”

Flt Sgt Rose, Flt Sgt Corser’s Gunner stated : “ We were at approx 2000 feet awaiting our turn to do our air firing practice. I saw a Defiant diving past us at a very steep angle about 50 feet away on our port side, this dive continued until 500 feet from the ground, The aircraft then went into a flat spin to starboard doing 3 or 4 slow turns before hitting the ground and bursting into flames “

The opinion of the Court was that : “ the accident was due to loss of control by the Pilot, but we cannot determine what caused the loss of control.

Wg Cdr CO RAF West Melling stated,:“ I concur with the findings. There is no evidence to show whether the loss of control was due to some structural failure or to some temporary physical failure on the part of the Pilot.”

257 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

251432 FlightLieutenant GARDINER, Desmond Edward James

Source: AWM237 (65) NAA : A705,166/15/282 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: KG 472 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 267 SQN RAF

Summary: On the night of 16/17th July 1944, Dakota KG472 was detailed to carry out a special operation of Infiltration and Evacuation in Yugoslavia. The aircraft attempted to go around again and took normal overshoot procedures. The aircraft gained height rapidly for a short distance then rapidly lost height and crashed about 500 yards beyond the end of the flare path. The aircraft hit the ground on an even keel with both motors under power and crashed. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF 251432 Flt Lt Gardiner, D E J Captain (Pilot) SAAF Capt Solms, H W (2nd Pilot) RAF FO Cameron, F A B (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt H A Burril, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Cpl G Holroy, (Fitter 2A)

All the crew are buried in the Belgrade War Cemetery, Serbia and Montenegro.

A Court of Inquiry found that : :”the accident was caused by the retraction of the flaps when the aircraft was at a low speed near the ground.”

A press cutting at Enclosure 6A on the above file 166/15/282 from The Sun newspaper dated 25th July 1944, reported : “Major Randolf Churchill son of Winston and Captain Evelyn Waugh, Novelist, who is now a Commando, had a narrow escape when the plane in which they were flying to Tito’s Headquarters in Yugoslavia, crashed and caught fire. Members of the crew included an Australian were killed in the crash.”

258 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

407151 Sergeant GRAY, Brian Chadwick

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/176/159 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: 5164 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 267 SQN RAF

Summary: On 5th October 1941, Hudson 5164 crashed at 0845 hours at the Edge of Dead City, near Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt, and all on board were killed.

Crew: RAF Sgt L G Levy, (Pilot) RAAF 408078 Sgt F D Ward, ((Pilot) RAAF 407151 Sgt B C Gray, (Air Gunner) RAF LAC C Chapman, (Flight Mech) British Army Passengers Lieutenant General V V Pope, CBE DSO MC, Royal Tank Regiment Colonel E S Unwin, MC, Royal Army Service Corps. Brigadier H E Russel, DSO, Royal Armoured Corps, 12th Royal Lancers Capt G R Amery, Royal Tank Regiment, RAC.

All on board are buried in the Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Cairo, Egypt.

259 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400087 Flying Officer HARPER, Roy Anderson

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/35/225 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Lodestar Serial number: EW 984 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 267 SQN RAF

Summary: On 22nd October 1942, Lodestar EW984 took off from Bilbeis Camp, detailed to carry out a non-operational day flight and transport passengers toLydda. Middle East. Soon after take off the aircraft struck the top of a tent, crashed on its back and burst into flames All on board were killed.

Crew: RAF Wg Cdr Smyth, J R S DFC (1st Pilot) RAF PO Hawkes, C St L (2nd Pilot) RAAF 400087 FO Harper, R A (Pilot) Plus ten other passengers.

Wg Cdr Smyth, PO hawkes and FO Harper are buried in the Helioplis War Cemetery, Cairo, Egypt. Heliopolis is a major suburb of Cairo and is 10kms from the main city centre.

A witness at a Court of Inquiry into the accident stated : “ At approx 1530 hours on the 22nd October, I saw a Lodestar become airborne and climb to approx 600 feet in a steep right hand climbing turn, that is against the circuit. The aircraft then dived across the Camp over the Tents at approx 15 feet. The aircraft then did a climbing turn to the left through approx 270 degrees and it then did another diving turn across the Camp from about 200 feet. It approached the Mess Tent at approx eight feet above the ground and failed to clear it. It struck the Tent with its left wing and I think, but am not sure, that a piece of the left wing came off. The aircraft then climbed slightly, rolled on its back and struck the ground inverted, bursting into flames.”

In its Findings the Court stated : “ In the Courts opinion, Wg Cdr J P S Smith was directly to blame for the accident by flying at a dangerously low height over the camp, and was guilty of culpable negligence resulting in the loss of 12 lives in addition to his own, the loss of an aircraft and injuries to one civilian and six native workmen.”

260 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

408078 Sergeant WARD, Frank Deryck

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/176/159 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: 5164 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 267 SQN RAF

Summary: On 5th October 1941, Hudson 5164 crashed at 0845 hours at the Edge of Dead City, near Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt, and all on board were killed.

All on board are buried in the Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Cairo, Egypt.

261 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403748 Flying Officer LAWRENCE, Edward Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/24/240 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Tiger Moth Serial number: EM 913 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 268 SQN RAF

Summary: On 3rd Decenber 1943, Tiger Moth EM913 flew into some power cables at Linlithgow, Scotland, and crashed. Both on board were killed.

Crew: RAAF 403748 FO Lawrence, E H (Pilot) ARMY Capt P R A Bagley, (PAX) Injured

FO Lawrence is buried in the Edinburgh (Corstorphine) Hill Cemetery, Scotland.

An Inquiry into the Accident reported that : “ The aircraft was carrying out local flying at the time to enable the Army Liaison Officer to study the layout of the heavy ack-ack battery near the scene of the crash. The crash is directly attributed to loss of height and the Pilots failure to see the high tension cables. The electric cables were supported on short wooden poles and were not prominent to view.”

The Inquiry concluded that “ From witnesses evidence it appears that the Pilot flew away from the drome at a very low height and in a dangerous manner. Having reached a gun position about 10 miles north west of the drome he was circling still very low and he decided to dive even lower. The reason for the dive is not apparent. He failed to see high tension cables about 25 feet high stretching across his path and collided with them. This caused the aircraft to stall, dive into the ground and overturn. The Pilot was killed and the passenger was injured “but got out”. The aircraft burnede extensively and exploded.”

In opinion of the Inquiry “the accident was caused through the Pilot flying in such a dangerous manner as to strike high tension wires and wreck the aircraft while carrying out unauthorised low flying.”

262 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420905 Flight Lieutenant NORMOYLE, Francis Robert

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/30/96 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Mustang Serial number: FD 546 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 268 SQN RAF

Summary: On 8th February 1945, Mustang FD546 was detailed to carry out a tactical recce of the battle area. The weather at the time was poor with visibility down to one mile. Cloud base was 400/500 feet.

FD546 was flying No 1 and his No 2 of the section reported that “ No 1 after flying somewhat erratically for a few minutes, flew into cloud, and No 2 finding himself in cloud called No 1 on R/T but there was no reply. No 2 made another call suggesting they climb over the cloud and make a rendezvous. To this Normoyle replied “OK, I am going up” After flying for about five minutes above the cloud, and still not able to see No 1, No 2 then broke through the clouds and found himself over the area where hundreds of shells were bursting. Normoyle was then heard to say “I don’t think we can find each other, return to base.” Thereupon No 2 climbed through the cloud and returned to base. Flying Control also called up No 1 but No 1 FD546 failed to return to base.”

Crew: RAAF 420905 Flt Lt Normoyle, F R (Pilot)

Flt Lt Normoyle is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms southwest of Kleve.

263 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402982 Flight Sergeant DUBOIS, Evariste Pierre

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/10/8 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: T 9464 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 269 SQN RAF

Summary: On 29th April1943, Hudson T9464 crashed at 0637 hours, when taking off from RAF Kaldadarnes drome, Iceland. The aircraft was detailed to carry out a night anti- submarine patrol. Flying Control said the aircraft took off in the normal manner. Eye witnesses stated that the both engines appeared to cut out immediately after take off when the aircraft was at a height of about 150 feet. The aircraft crashed on the surface ice of a river finally coming to rest on the side of the river bank Three of the crew were killed and Sgt Hunter was dangerously injured in the crash.

Crew: RAF Flt Sgt D Mallet, Captain (Pilot) RCAF PO Ebert, W G H (Navigator) RAAF 402982 Flt Sgt E P Dubois, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 406395 Sgt C O Hunter, (Wireless Air Gunner)

The three crew members killed are buried in the Reyjavik (Fossvogur) Cemetery, Iceland. Sgt Hunter survived the crash and the war and was discharged Flying Officer on 23 April 1945.

264 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

401996 Warrant Officer McCLEAN, George Gordon

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/392 Micro Film No 463 OAFH. Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: NE 791 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 269 SQN RAF

Summary: On 6th March 1944, Hudson NE791 encountered a severe electrical storm which caused the port engine to misbehave. Just before 0600 hours the port engine failed, the aircraft went out of control and crashed. The aircraft was on a non-operational night flight flying the aircraft to the Azores via Gibraltar. The aircraft crashed near Mia, 30kms north of Figueira Da Foz, Portugal.

Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Petrie, D D (Captain (Pilot) RAAF 401996 WO G G McLean, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RCAF WO 1 P A Gallop, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF WO H N T Potwayka, (Wireless Air Gunner)

Three of the crew were killed and WO Potwayka baled out but the extent of his injuries was not known.

The three killed are buried in the Oporto (St James) British Cemetery, Portugal. Oporto, a seaport, is the second largest town in Portugal, and is on the northern bank of the River Douro.

265 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416965 Flying Officer HOLDER, Sydney John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/18/565 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Dakota Serial number: KG 584 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 271 SQN RAF

Summary: On 10th December 1944, Dakota KG584 crashed at 1625 hours at Leith Hill Surrey, UK, about 10 miles south of East Guilford. The aircraft flew into the hill in low cloud, and all the crew were killed.

Crew: RAF PO Gibson, K Captain (Pilot) RAAF 416965 FO Holder, S J (Navigator) RAF FO Smith, R McN (Wireless Operator Air)

PO Gibson is buried in the Halesowen Cemetery, UK. FO Holder is buried in the Cirencester Cemetery, Gloucestershire, UK. FO Smith is buried in the Glasgow (Sandymount) Cemetery, UK.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident reported that : “ The aircraft left B56 for Base, RAF Station Down Ampney, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, after having some temporary repairs made to the aircraft. Weather conditions were not good but were sufficient for this flight to be carried out. On nearing Gatwick, the aircraft was observed flying in and out of the base of the cloud. After failing to answer “Darky” calls from Gatwick, the aircraft disappeared into cloud and apparently commenced a right hand turn, and whilst doing so struck Leith Hill still in cloud.”

266 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

`` 403783 Flying Officer PALMER, Ivan Sydney Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/7 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Beaufighter Serial number: EL 458 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 272 SQN RAF

Summary: On 6th January 1943, Beaufighter EL458 on an operational day offensive sweep crashed north west of the runway at Krendy in Malta, and the Pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 403783 FO Palmer, I S H Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J C Trotman, (Observer) Seriously injured.

FO Palmer is buried in the Malta (Capucinni) Naval Cemetery, Malta.

267 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409840 Flight Lieutenant KENNEDY, Roy Campbell

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/22/413 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Tempest Serial number: EJ 942 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 274 SQN RAF

Summary: On 24th March 1945, Tempest EJ942 was one of seven aircraft from the Squadron which took off at 0600 hours, detailed to carry out a fighter sweep, and attack a target at Plantcunnd, Germany. EJ942 was hit by flak while attacking aircraft on the ground. It exploded in the air and the Pilot was killed. The aircraft crashed near Helschen, about 10 miles north west of Rheine, Germany.

Crew: RAAF 409840 Flt Lt Kennedy, R C (Pilot)

Flt Lt Kennedy is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Locality Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The cemetery is 5kms south west of Kleve.

268 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404184 Pilot Officer PERSSE, Charles William Parry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/150/116 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: BE 864 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 274 SQN RAF

Summary: On 11th June 1942, Hurricane BE864 was shot down by enemy action at 1740 hours and the pilot was killed. The aircraft was seen to burst into flames, and it crashed five miles south east of El Adem in the Middle East.

The Squadron had taken off at 1705 hours to carry out a sweep of the El Adem/Tobruk area Six enemy 109’s were sighted from the north west escorting several JU87’s. The 109’s turned to attack the Squadron aircraft from astern, and the Hurricanes turned to engage the enemy aircraft in a head on attack. BE864 and one other aircraft were attacked by 2 ME109’s and both were shot down.

Crew: RAAF 404184 PO Persse, C W P (Pilot)

PO Persse is buried in the Knightsbridge War Cemetery (Acroma) Libya.

269 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420492 Pilot Officer SMITH, Norman John Walford

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/610 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Warwick Serial number: BV 353 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 276 SQN RAF

Summary: Warwick BV353 crashed in the English Channel approx 20 miles south of Bolt Head on 17th July 1944, when carrying out an operational day ASR Patrol No 2. The aircraft crashed into the sea after reporting engine trouble, and three of the crew were killed and four were missing.

Crew: RAF FO Benson, H G (1st Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt N F Whalen, (2nd Pilot) RAAF 420492 PO Smith, N J W (Navigator) RAF Sgt W R Melling, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt K S Clelland, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt I E Smith, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Flt Sgt F Warner, (Air Gunner)

Flt Sgt Whalen is buried in the Plymouth (Weston Mill) Cemetery, UK. PO N J W Smith is buried in the Bath (Haycombe) Cemetery, UK Sgt I E Smith is buried in the Malpas (St Mary) Churchyard, UK.

The remaining four crew members have no known grave. Their names art commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident reported : “The Pilot reported by R/T that the aircraft had an oil leak in the starboard engine and asked for permission to return to base at Portreath, UK. One minute later the Pilot asked to be vectored to Bolt Head and acknowledged the course given. Nothing further was heard from BV353 and it did not return from the patrol. At approx the same time a Liberator reported seeing an aircraft dive straight in apparently out of control and explode when it hit the sea. A High Speed Launch recovered three bodies from the sea.”

270 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400973 Sergeant FARRER, Henry Thomas

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 11633/36/196 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: V 8987 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 279 SQN RAF

Summary: On 8th September 1942, Hudson V8987 at 1745 hours struck the top of a hill and crashed one mile east of St Eval, Cornwall owing to bad weather. All on board were killed.

Crew: RAAF 400973 Sgt H T Farrer, Captain (Pilot) RCAF Flt Sgt J D Granger, (Navigator) RAAF 404828 FO Waters, L W (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 403741 FO Holloman, J J (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the St Columb Major Cemetery, UK. The cemetery was used during WW2 by RAF Station St Eval which was abut 7kms away.

A report into the Flying Accident stated : “ Bad weather conditions developed during an operational night patrol and instructions were given to Sgt Farrrer by Flying Control to proceed to Chivenor where landing conditions were better. These instructions were acknowledged but the Pilot announced his intentions to land at St Eval and in doing so the aircraft struck the top of a hill in the vicinity.

The RAF Station Commander at St Eval stated : “ I was present in Flying Control while this aircraft was in difficulty. Instructions were given to the Pilot of the aircraft to proceed to Chivenor where landing conditions were better. Those instructions were acknowledged by the Captain but he announced his intention of landing at St Eval and crashed while doing so and before further information could be obtained. To the best of my knowledge and the available evidence the engines and the aircraft were serviceable.”

271 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403741 Flying Officer HOLLOMAN, John James

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 11633/36/196 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: V 8987 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 279 SQN RAF

Summary: On 8th September 1942, Hudson V8987 at 1745 hours struck the top of a hill and crashed one mile east of St Eval, Cornwall owing to bad weather. All on board were killed.

Crew: RAAF 400973 Sgt H T Farrer, Captain (Pilot) RCAF Flt Sgt J D Granger, (Navigator) RAAF 404828 FO Waters, L W (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 403741 FO Holloman, J J (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the St Columb Major Cemetery, UK. The cemetery was used during WW2 by RAF Station St Eval which was abut 7kms away.

272 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403165 Sergeant LOGAN, John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/160/162, 163/169/104, Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: V 8993 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 279 SQN RAF

Summary: Hudson V 8993 of 279 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Docking, Norfolk at 0830 hours on 13 February 1942 to carry out a sea patrol off the east coast of UK bounded by an area 52.25N 03.30E and 52.35N 03.30E. Visibility was good with patchy mist and low cloud. The icing index was high. The aircraft was due to return at 1130 hours but it failed to return to base.

Crew: RAF Sgt G R M Gerrard, (Pilot) RAF Sgt J H Redhead, (Observer) RAAF 404859 Sgt H H Schultz, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 403165 Sgt J Logan, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)

The body of Sgt Logan (RAAF) was washed ashore on the shoe at Palling, Norfolk, some 14 miles north west of Yarmouth. He is buried in the Scottow Cemetery, Coltishall. It was recorded in 1948 that the three missing crew members had lost their lives at sea. Their names are recorded on the Memorial to the Missing Runnymede, UK.

273 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403828 Flying Offcer WATERS, Leslie Walter

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 11633/36/196 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: V 8987 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 279 SQN RAF

Summary: On 8th September 1942, Hudson V8987 at 1745 hours struck the top of a hill and crashed one mile east of St Eval, Cornwall owing to bad weather. All on board were killed.

Crew: RAAF 400973 Sgt H T Farrer, Captain (Pilot) RCAF Flt Sgt J D Granger, (Navigator) RAAF 404828 FO Waters, L W (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 403741 FO Holloman, J J (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the St Columb Major Cemetery, UK. The cemetery was used during WW2 by RAF Station St Eval which was abut 7kms away.

274 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410580 Flight Lieutenant WHEELOCK, Curtis Warren

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705 : 166/43/1364 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Warwick Serial number: NG 189 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 279 SQN RAF

Summary: On 16th May 1945, Warwick NG189 crashed four miles north west of Aberdeen. The accident occurred at 1940 hours as a result of the failure of an engine.

Crew: RAAF 410580 Flt Lt Wheelock, C W Captain (Pilot) Killed RAF Flt Sgt E Wood. (Pilot) Killed RAF Flt Sgt R Clark, (Observer) Injured RAAF 424585 FO Heath, J D (SE Operator) Injured RAF Flt Sgt C J Borner, (WT Operator) Injured RAF WO W Teague, (Str/AG) Injured

Flt Lt Wheelock is buried in the Cairnbulg and Inverallochy Burial Ground, Rathen, UK. Flt Sgt Wood is buried in the Manchester Southern Cemetery, UK. FO Heath survived the crash and the war and was discharged Flt Lt on 6th December 1945.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident found that : “ with the failure of the port engine an emergency landing was attempted but the approach was made down wind on a runway that sloped slightly downwards. The aircraft was in a perfect position to land at the beginning of the runway and only about 10 feet up. Excessive speed carried the aircraft straight above the runway until apposition approx 200 yards from the drome boundary, when the aircraft touched down. Full brakes were applied but there was insufficient room to pull up. The aircraft collided with a goods train on the railway just outside the drome boundary. The aircraft caught fire and four were rescued and two killed.

The aircraft was called on the wireless several times and warned to land and told which runway to use, and the crash tender was on the spot immediately. It was evident that the accident was caused by the Pilot being in a hurry to land, thus landing down wind on a short runway and over shooting. It was unfortunate that Flying Control was unable to contact the aircraft on the R/T.”.

275 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402490 Flight Sergteant CHRISTISON. Ian Harry

Source: AWM 237(65) NAA : A705, 163/96/143 Micro Film No 463 OAFH Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Anson Serial number: AX 649 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 280 SQN RAF

Summary: Anson AX649 crashed on 26th June 1942 at 0030 hours at Stockbury, Kent, UK and all the crew were killed.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident stated that : “ The aircraft glided down the beam of a searchlight from about 2000 feet. The searchlight was switched off the aircraft which continued to descend. The Pilot was heard to open the throttles and seconds later a heavy crash was heard.

The aircraft was taking part in a Canopy exercise with the RAF Detling drome searchlights at Kent. It had been airborne about one hour approaching the drome from various directions and various heights up to 6000 feet, with the NAL lights off, and then took evasive action when picked up.

It is possible that the Pilot was concentrating on the evasive action and failed to watch his altimeter. The searchlight glare may have been a contributory factor but that is not new under “Canopy”. A secondary cause was that the Pilot failed to realize how low he was getting, aggravated by searchlight glare.”

Crew: RAAF 402490 Flt Sgt I H Christison, Captain (Pilot) RCAF Flt Sgt A J Norwick, (Observer) RAF Flt Sg A Bell, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E R Brooks-Clarke, (

Flt Sgt’s Christison and Norwick are buried in the Maidstone Cemetery, Kent, UK. Flt Sgt Bell is buried in the Eaglesham Cemetery, UK. Commonwealth War Graves do not reveal whether Sgt Brook-Clarke is buried survived the crash.

276 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421033 Flight Sergeant BELLINGHAM, Ronald Charles Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/290 166/16/181 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Warwick Serial number: BC 300 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 283 SQN RAF Summary: On the 8th September 1943, Warwick BC300 crashed at 0135 hours at Dorset, UK, and all the crew were killed. After take off, a very flat turn resulted in a stall and the aircraft spun in from about 500 feet. Crew: RAAF 22930 PO Gordon, H P Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409548 PO Holdsworth, F D (Observer) RAAF 421033 Flt Sgt R C Bellingham, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 413133 Flt Sgt G W Murtagh, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Cpl Kiernam, ( The four RAAF members are buried in the Christchurch Cemetery, UK. Commonwealth War Graves do not show whether Cpl Kiernam was killed.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident stated : “ The aircraft had arrived at 30 ADU Hurn at about 1200 hours on the 7th September from RAF Station Bircham Newton. It was en route to North Africa, and it took off from RAF Station Hurn airfield at 0131hours on 8th September, loaded approx 600 lbs under Max take off load and about 200 lbs below Max landing load. The weather and visibility was good. Evidence shows that the aircraft took off in the normal manner and immediately turned to starboard and flew for a short distance in an erratic manner. Upon reaching a height of 6/800 feet it fell out of control and burst into flames from impact with the ground. Flt Sgt Gordon was a very steady pilot, and for the last nine months had flown Hudson, Wellington and Warwick aircraft. It must have been impressed on him throughout his training that to attempt turns in a heavy aircraft immediately after take off was highly dangerous especially at night from a strange airfield. In view of the evidence that a turn starboard was made immediately after takeoff it is considered that the turn was not intended by the Pilot. The manoeuvres of the aircraft during the short flight seemed to indicate that the Pilot was unable to control it properly.”. In was the opinion of the Court that “the accident was not caused as a result of airmanship or by carelessness on the part of PO Gordon. The damage to the aircraft was total and complete and from a careful examination of the wreckage no conclusion could be known as to why the aircraft fell out of control.”

277 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

22930 Pilot Officer GORDON, Harace Palmer

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/290 166/16/181 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Warwick Serial number: BC 300 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 283 SQN RAF Summary: On the 8th September 1943, Warwick BC300 crashed at 0135 hours at Dorset, UK, and all the crew were killed. After take off, a very flat turn resulted in a stall and the aircraft spun in from about 500 feet. Crew: RAAF 22930 PO Gordon, H P Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409548 PO Holdsworth, F D (Observer) RAAF 421033 Flt Sgt R C Bellingham, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAAF 413133 Flt Sgt G W Murtagh, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Cpl Kiernam, ( The four RAAF members are buried in the Christchurch Cemetery, UK. Commonwealth War Graves do not show whether Cpl Kiernam was killed.

278 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409548 Pilot Officer HOLDSWORTH, Frank David

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/290 166/16/181 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Warwick Serial number: BC 300 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 283 SQN RAF Summary: On the 8th September 1943, Warwick BC300 crashed at 0135 hours at Dorset, UK, and all the crew were killed. After take off, a very flat turn resulted in a stall and the aircraft spun in from about 500 feet. Crew: RAAF 22930 PO Gordon, H P Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409548 PO Holdsworth, F D (Observer) RAAF 421033 Flt Sgt R C Bellingham, (Wireless Air Gunne) RAAF 413133 Flt Sgt G W Murtagh, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Cpl Kiernam, ( The four RAAF members are buried in the Christchurch Cemetery, UK. Commopnwealth War Graves do not show whether Cpl Kiernam was killed.

279 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413133 Flight Sergeant MURTAGH, George Wilson

280 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413121 Flying Officer HOLMES- A’COURT, Brian

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/18/118 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: V 6725 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 286 SQ RAF

Summary: On 24th June 1943, Hurricane V6725 from RAF Weston-S-Mare, Cornwell, crashed at 1755 hours when detailed to carry out a low flying army cooperation exercise. The aircraft stalled from a steep climbing turn from the ground, and the pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF FO Holmes-A’Court B (Pilot)

FO Holmes-A’Court is buried in the Bath (Haycombe) Cemetery, UK.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident found that : “ The Pilot of this aircraft was engaged in low level attacks on coastal gun posts. It appeared that he made a series of these attacks and went into a climbing turn after passing over the various posts. From one of these turns he appears to have side slipped into the ground. The Pilot was killed and the aircraft smashed.

It is possible that the Pilot blacked out temporarily and lost height on his turn thereby striking the ground, which was of undulating nature, OR the aircraft stalled owing to the mishandling of the controls at high speed.

It was considered that the Pilot who was comparatively inexperienced tried to turn too violently near the ground. “

281 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

403225 Warrant Officer McCRABB, Robert Maxwell

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/26/440 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Oxford Serial number: BG 567 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 288 SQN RAF

Summary: At 27th April 1944, Oxford BG567 crashed at 0100 hours when carrying out a non- operational solo searchlight cooperation exercise. The aircraft crashed at Norfolk, about two miles south west of Mothwold, and the Pilot was killed. Crew: RAAF 403225 WO R M McCrabb, (Pilot)

WO McCrabb is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire. The cemetery is known locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery.

A Report into the Flying Accident stated : “ The Pilot was carrying out a searchlight cooperation exercise between two marker beacons approx 25 miles apart at 8000 feet. After 50 minutes on course the Pilot gave the Douse signal on the DR Light in the region of the southerly marker beacon. This is understood to have been illuminated by two searchlights at the time.These searchlights are understood to have been doused immediately, but the Pilot is said to have fired off the Colours of the Period. Also the aircraft was heard to dive with the engines “screaming”. The aircraft was suspected to “break up” in the air subsequent to the dive. It was also suspected that the aircraft had collided with a solid packet of “Windows”. The aircraft crashed vertically and the Pilot was killed. .

A Sqn Ldr of 288 Sqn stated : “ It seems apparent that the wing tips and the plywood skin of the main planes of the aircraft broke off, followed by the tail plane. The cause is obscure. It was the Pilots first solo searchlight cooperation flight. He had however previously flown as 2nd Pilot, and had also had experience of enemy searchlights on operational flying on Baltimores. Loss of control through dazzle was considered unlikely as the Pilot was a careful and experienced type. Also dazzle is not great from two searchlights at 8000 foot height.”

The Wg Cdr RAF Wittering stated : The cause is unknown. It does not appear that dazzle alone was the cause of the crash.”

282 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

402678 Pilot Officer SMITH, Hunter George Wilberforce

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/162/553 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: W 9244 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 288 SQN RAF

Summary: On 10th December 1942. Hurricane W9244 crashed two miles south of Ashry, near Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, UK, and the Pilot was killed. The aircraft was engaged in an ack-ack cooperation exercise, and the aircraft caught fire when approx 70 feet up before impact.

Crew: RAAF 402678 PO Smith H G W (Pilot)

PO Smith is buried in the Scopwick Church Burial Ground, UK.

A Technical Report into the accident by Flt Lt Deverill of RAF Kirton Lindsay reported that : “ On investigation it was discovered that a hole four inches in diameter on the starboard side of the crankcase suggested that a Big End failure had occurred on No 3 Big End. Connecting bolts on the forked rod were broken, and the connecting rod on No 4 Big End was found to have made a hole approx eight inches in diameter on the port side of the engine crankcase. Disintegration of the engine and the aircraft made further examination impossible, and the cause of the accident could not be ascertained, but it is suggested that the Big End failure occurred first and in some manner the aircraft caught fire in the air.”

283 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

428583 Flight Sergeant BRADY, William George

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/949 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hurricane Serial number: LF 599 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 289 SQN RAF

Summary: On 13th February 1945, Hurricane LF599 crashed at 1455 hours while engaged in an non-operational ack-ack cooperation exercise. The Pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 428583 Flt Sgt W G Brady, (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Brady is buried in the Edinburgh (Corstorphine Hill) Cemetery, UK.

A Flying Accident Inquiry into the accident reported that : “ The aircraft took off at 1400 hours for ack-ack cooperation which involved flying straight and level at 5/7000 feet . The aircraft was fit for flying and had been flown by the same Pilot earlier in the day for one and a half hours. The main cloud base was at 2500 feet with the main tops at 4000 feet and the occasional cumulus to about 14,000 feet.

The aircraft was in normal R/T communication with the Sector Ops Room from take off, and at 1449 hours the Pilot was given s course to steer and he acknowledged, stating he was at 7000 feet. At 1455 hours SOR called the Pilot but there was no reply, and another aircraft flying in the vicinity called immediately. After that there was no response. SOR Was informed a few minutes later that a single engine unidentified aircraft had flown into the Firth of Forth, Fifeshire, Scotland.

A Sqn Ldr from RAF Servicing Wing later reported : “ An examination of the wreckage is consistent with the aircraft impacting while pulling out of a high speed dive and that there was no indication of any structural failure.”

284 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

424580 Flight Sergeant TAUBMAN, Kenneth John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA :: A705, 166/39/331 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Martinet Serial number: JN 549 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 290 SQN RAF

Summary: On the 8th August 1944, Martinet JN549 crashed during a non-operational solo flight for ground controlled interception training. The aircraft crashed at 1610 hours at Ballyreach, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, and the pilot was killed.

Crew: RAAF 424580 Flt Sgt K J Taubman (Pilot)

Flt Sgt Taubman is buried in the Eglantine Church of Ireland Cemetery, UK.

A Court of Inquiry into the accident stated : “ The aircraft flew into thick cloud and then flew into the ground. The aircraft and engine disintegrated on impact. An examination of the wreckage revealed no signs indicative of structural or engine failure. Eye witnesses reported that the engine was running strongly up to the time of the crash and no parts were observed to fly off the aircraft which spun into the ground.”

285 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420377 Flight Sergeant CONNELL, Geoffrey Maurice

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/155 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Whitley Serial number: LA 856 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 295 SQN RAF

Summary: On 24th July 1943, Whitley LA856 from RAF Hurn, Huntingdon crashed at 1247 hours, two miles north of Bournemouth.. Dual instruction was being given on the aircraft type, when the port engine failed after take off. It was believed this was due to a glycol leak Those on board were killed.

Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Kerr, J N W (Instructor Pilot) RAAF 413418 Flt Sgt T H Payne, (Pilot) RAAF 420377 Flt Sgt G M Connell, (Air Gunner)

Sqn Ldr Kerr is buried in the Littleham (St Margaret and Andrew) Churchyard, UK. Flt Sgt’s Payne and Connell are buried in the Christchurch Cemetery, UK.

286 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

413418 Flight Sergeant PAYNE, Thomas Harold

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/155 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Whitley Serial number: LA 856 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 295 SQN RAF

Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Kerr, J N W (Instructor Pilot) RAAF 413418 Flt Sgt T H Payne, (Pilot) RAAF 420377 Flt Sgt G M Connell, (Air Gunner)

Sqn Ldr Kerr is buried in the Littleham (St Margaret and Andrew) Churchyard, UK. Flt Sgt’s Payne and Connell are buried in the Christchurch Cemetery, UK.

287 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

409854 Flight Sergeant SCHULTZ, Frederick Carl

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/37/115 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: ES 132 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 295 SQN RAF

Summary: On 11th June 1943, Halifax ES132 crashed at 1200 hours at Ashley Coombe, Forlock Weir, Somerset, when out an operational ferry from base to Portreath. Four of the crew were killed and two injured.

Crew: RAF FO Tomkins B L (1st Pilot) Injured RAAF 409854 Flt Sgt F C Schultz, (2nd Pilot) Killed RAF FO Gardner A D (Navigator) Killed RAF Sgt E J Rogers, (Flight Engineer) Injured RCAF FO Stokes, W A B (Wireless Air Gunner) Killed RAF Flt Sgt J Hansen,(Air Gunner) Killed.

Flt Sgt Schultz, FO Stokes and Flt Sgt Hansen are buried in the Heanton Punchardon (St Augustine) Cemetery, UK. FO Gardner is buried in the Ockbrook (All Saints) Churchyard, UK

A Flying Accident report stated : “ The Pilot was instructed to fly from Helmesley South to Portreath via Bridgewater to Minehead. The weather deteriorated at Bridgewater, and the Pilot struck the coast and followed it just out to sea and was forced lower and lower almost to sea level, with the cloud base right down to the sea. The Navigator instructed the Pilot to steer a course of 270 degrees which would be approx parallel to the coast. The Pilot had just started to climb when he saw some trees ahead. He pulled the stick back and that was his last recollection.”

The Group Capt RAF Helmsley South stated : “ An avoidable accident arising from (1) faulty method of navigation (2) an endeavour to keep sight of the ground, (3) failure to note the height of the ground over which the aircraft had to pass. It has the indications of lack of experience.”

288 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400694 Flying Officer CALLAHAN, John

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/25/199 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Whitley Serial number: BD 543 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 296 SQN RAF

Summary: On 4th September 1942, Whitley BD543 crashed at Hurn when on a non-operational training flight. All on board were killed.

Crew: RAAF 400694 FO Callahan, J Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Stephens, W R (Observer) RCAF PO Lavery, K G (Wireless Operator) RAF Flt Sgt R J Mayes, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt A Dougherty, ( British Army Passengers Capt H R Taylor, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 70th Battalion 2nd Lt A E G Twelvetrees. Hampshire Regiment, 70th Battalion

FO Callahan, PO Lavery and Flt Sgt Mayes are buried in the Christchurch Cemetery, Hampshire, UK. PO Stephens was cremated in the Croydon (Mitcham Road) Crematorium, UK. Sgt Dougherty is buried in the Llansantfraid Glan Conway (St Fraid) Churchyard Extension. UK. Capt Taylor is buried in the Nuneaton (Attleborough) Cemetery, UK 2nd Lt Twelvetrees is buried in the Thorney Hill (All Saints) Churchyard, UK.. . The CO of 296 Sqn stated : “ The evidence available tended to indicate that the port engine failed in the air and the Pilot was making an attempt to regain the vicinity of the drome with a view to landing on the runway in use at the time. The aircraft stalled to the left and crashed.”

289 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

404024 Pilot Officer BRADLEY, Charles Carol, MID’s

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/443 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Tiger Moth Serial number: DE 303 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 297 SQN RAF

Summary: On 11th March 1944, Tiger Moth DE303 crashed at 1125am hours, while carrying out a non-operational day flight transferring the aircraft as part of the move of the Squadron to Brize Norton. Both the crew were killed.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt James, C H L (Pilot) RAAF 404024 PO Bradley, C C (Navigator Bomb Aimer) PAX * *PO Bradley was twice Mentioned in Despatches

Flt Lt James is buried in the Walton-Upon-Trent (St Laurence) Churchyard, UK. PO Bradley is buried in the Black Bourton (or Burton Abbots) (St Mary) Churchyard, UK The Churchyard is approx 5 miles from RAF Station at Brize Norton.

The CO of 297 Sqn reported : “As apart of the Squadron move to Brize Norton, it was necessary to fly the Squadron Tiger Moth there. During the morning I was flying to Brize Norton myself in the Albermarle, when I saw a light aircraft doing aerobatics at 2 or 3 miles off my port quarter. I was flying at about 1800 feet and this aircraft was ahead of three Oxford and heading across my track. I estimated its height at 3/400 feet above me.

I saw the aircraft complete one loop and I think it completed a “Roll off the Top”. My attention was distracted momentarily looking after my own aircraft, and when I next saw this aircraft which I identified as a Tiger Moth, it appeared to be spinning inverted at about 500 feet. It seemed to spin for about a turn and a half and slide and strike the ground. almost vertically. James was flying the aircraft from the rear cockpit and his passenger Bradley was map reading.

The cause of the accident was the Pilot carrying out unauthorised aerobatics at too low an altitude, thereby contravening flying regulations.”

290 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

400317 Warrant Officer BURROWS, John Benjamin

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/94 Commonwealth War Graves Records

Aircraft Type: Whitley Serial number: BD 554 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 297 SQN RAF

Summary: On 5th April 1943, Whitley BD554 crashed at Weyhill Railway station during an operational night flying Nickelling sortie. Two of the crew were killed and the others injured.

Crew: RAF FO Sproule, L A Captain (Pilot) Killed RAAF 400317 WO J B Burrows, (Navigator) Killed RAF FO Bullivant, B (Wireless Operator) Injured RAF Flt Sgt D A Brooks,(Air Gunner) Injured Army Lt D W H Dickson. Injured

FO Sproule is buried in the Rutherglen Cemetery, UK. WO Burrows is buried in the Cannock Cemetery, UK.

A Flying Accident report stated that : “ The aircraft was returning from an operational flight at which intense flak was encountered, and caused the Pilot to suspect the fuel system had been damaged. Owing to fog the aircraft was diverted on the way home, but the Pilot considered he could not with safety make the diversion, and decided to try and land at base using the beam. In making the final approach he apparently allowed the aircraft to get too low with the result that the aircraft hit the ground about one mile short of the drome. The Mk11 airfield lighting was used; rockets and verey lights were fired. Fatigue, mental stress and fog conditions were factors in the accident.

The CO of 297 Sqn stated : “It seems clear to me that the Pilot was probably suffering from fatigue and mental stress when he considered that it would be safer to attempt a landing at his own drome than risk running out of petrol making the diversion. In making a blind approach on the beacon he hit the ground directly in line with, but a mile short of the runway. The aircraft was a total wreck and no information can be gleaned regards the fuel shortage. Both engines were thrown out on the impact of the crash so the amount of petrol left in the aircraft cannot be ascertained.”

291 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

421246 Flight Sergeant CHRISTIE, William Morton

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/684 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LL 273 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 298 SQN RAF

Summary: Halifax LL273 crashed at approx 0036 hours on the 11th September 1944, when carrying out a supply drop in occupied France. The aircraft hit the ground in the Drop Zone and crashed at Mt Les Veaux near Epinac, 10 miles south west of Dijon. All the crew were killed.

In a Flying Accident report, The CO of 298 Sqn RAF Station Tarrant Rushton, stated that : “The Pilot made an error of judgement. The Drop Zone was in mountainous country. Crews were briefed not to descend into the valley, but were if necessary to make the drop position the height of the hills on either side of the DZ. Through, I think, over enthusiasm, the Pilot sees to have gone down into the valley and hit the hills. Details to the accident have not long been to hand since we had no information until one of the crews arrived back in the UK.”

Crew: RAAF 425782 PO Smith, O K Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt L Royce, (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Solomons, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt A Leverick, (Air Bomber) RAAF 421246 Flt Sgt W M Christie, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A C Bate, (Air Gunner)

PO Smith, Flt Sgt Christie and Flt Sgt Leverick are buried in the Epinac Churchyard, France. Epinac is a village and commune 78kms north west of Macon. Commonwealth War Graves does not show the burial place of the other crew members.

292 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

425782 Pilot Officer SMITH, Owen Keith

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/38/684 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LL 273 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 298 SQN RAF

293 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

418806 Pilot Officer COATES, Albert Lance

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/496 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: LJ 855 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 299 SQN RAF

Summary: On 6th June 1944, Stirling LJ855 took off from RAF Station Keevil, Troubridge, Wiltshire, detailed to carry out Glider operation ”Mallard.” It was believed that the aircraft completed its mission in a satisfactory manner, but on the way back the aircraft was hit and crashed into the sea.

The CO 299 Sqn later reported ; “ The route was Keevil-Bognor Ref\gis-French coast-to the Landing Zone near Caen at a release height of 1000 feet ASL drop containers and Tow Rope, turn and head out to sea flying 200 feet ASL. Return to the English coast s\and cross at 3000 feet and then to Keevil. One aircraft was seen to crash into the sea and explode soon after leaving the French coast. “

Crew: RAAF 418806 PO Coates, Captain (Pilot) RCAF FO Clark, J H (Pilot) RCAF FO Boyce, F A ( RCAF WO E H Scrump, ( RCAF WO J H Munroe, ( RAF Sgt E H Mills, (

PO Coates is buried in the La Deliverance War Cemetery, Douvres, France. La Deliverance is a village 14kms north of Caen. FO Clerk is buried in the Hermanville War Cemetery, France. The rest of the crew have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, UK.

294 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

410536 Flight Sergeant EUNSON, Leonard Allan

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/12/96 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: LJ 878 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 299 SQN RAF

Summary: Stirling LJ878 took off at 2300 hours on the night of 5/6th August 1944, detailed to fly an operational sortie dropping containers over Western France. The aircraft failed to return and all the crew were killed.

Crew: RNZAF WO H W Ure, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A A Hill, (Flight Engineer) RNZAF WO R J Braddock, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 410536 Flt Sgt L A Eunson, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RCAF PO Irving, W N (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF WO1 G F Harrison, (Air Gunner)

After crossing over the enemy coast at 5/6000 feet, the aircraft was detailed to drop sown to map reading height of approx 2000 feet and drop its load at 500 feet. Two other aircraft saw some incident. They were due over the drop zone 29 and 30 minutes respectively before WO Ure, but they had to circle for some time because they found no reflector lights. Both Pilots reported seeing each other circling at 0038 on 6th August when Ure was due. Both Pilots saw an aircraft hit by flak and go down in flames.

All the crew are buried in the Plougoumelen Communal Cemetery, France. Plougoumelen is a village and commune 12kms west of Vannes.

295 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417081 Pilot Officer HOUGH, William

Source: AWM 237(65) NAA : A705, 166/18/436 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Stirling Serial number: LJ 940 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 299 SQN RAF

Summary: On 15th August 1944, Stirling LJ940 took off at 2230 hours from RAF Keevil, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, on an operational sortie, and crash at Mereau, approx 15miles west of Bourges, France All the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF 417081 PO Hough, W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt A G Shipton,.( Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt C R Dutton, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt P Walker,(Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt F Fielder, (Wireless Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J T Henry, (Air Hunner)

The CO of 299 Sqn RAF reported in a circumstantial report that : “ Stirling LJ940 was detailed to fly an operational sortie (Pick/08) on the evening of 14th August. This entailed dropping containers in Central France. The Pilot was briefed to drop from a height of approx 2000 feet after crossing the American lines and release his load at 500 feet AGL. Two other crews reported seeing an aircraft shot down by flak and crash in flames near Bourges. This could have been LJ940 as that aircraft failed to return to base. “

All the crew are buried in the St Doulchard Communal Cemetery, France. St Doulchard is a village and commune approx 2kms north west of Bourges.

296 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

419222 Flying Officer SALT, Albert Henry

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/37/263 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Ventura Serial number: AE 735 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 299 SQN RAF

Summary: On 11th December 1943, Ventura AE735 from RAF Stoney Cross, Lyndhurst, Hants, crashed at 12.20 hours when carrying out a non-operational day training flight. The aircraft crashed at Kingston, Warren Watchfield, Wiltshire, and all on board were killed.

Crew: RAF Sgt R L Sanders, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 416795 FO Selth, J B (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 419222 FO Salt, A H (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RCAF WO 2 W R Chester, (Wireless Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt J M Thompson, (Air Gunner)

Sgt Sanders is buried in the Morden Cemetery, UK. The other four crew members are buried in the Oxford (Botley) Cemetery, UK

In an enquiry into the accident the Unit Commander stated : “The aircraft struck high ground in a snow storm and all were killed. There was local bad weather at the scene of the crash. No W/T message was made by the aircraft contrary to orders and the Carb Heaters were found in the cold position. It was an error of judgement and disobedience of orders . The crew were briefed to get a ‘W/T GO’ before proceeding and were told to return if the weather was bad. Other crews on the same route obeyed orders and experienced no trouble.”

The Station Commander stated : “The Primary cause for the accident was an error of judgement on the part of the Pilot. A secondary cause was failure to obey orders on the part of the Wireless Operator.”

297 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

416795 Flying Officer SELTH, John Burnett

Source: AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/37/263 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Ventura Serial number: AE 735 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 299 SQN RAF

Sgt Sanders is buried in the Morden Cemetery, UK. The other four crew members are buried in the Oxford (Botley) Cemetery, UK

298 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

420524 Warrant Officer BLATCH, Benjamin George.

Source: NAA : A705, 166/9/355 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: FH 381 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 251 SQN RAF

Summary: Hudson FH381 took off from Reykjavik at 0202 hours on 16th July 1944, on a meteorological reconnaissance sortie. The takeoff appeared normal and was seen a few minutes later some 3 miles off the airfield flying straight on an easterly course at about 500 feet. The aircraft was then seen to bank violently to the left. It was presumed the aircraft had stalled and had dived into the ground out of control. It appeared that the aircraft had crashed as a result of loss of control caused by the stall. All the crew were killed.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Pain, C A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 420524 Flt Sgt B S Blatch, Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAAF 417164 WO L C De Garis, (Navigator Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt D H Bowbridge, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt R Winterburn, (Wireless Operator Air)

Four of the crew are buried in the Reykjavik (Fossvogur) Cemetery, Iceland. Reykjavik is in the south west part of the island. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Sgt Bowbridge is buried.

299 RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

417164 Warrant Officer De GARIS, Lewis Clement

Source: NAA : A705, 166/9/355 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Hudson Serial number: FH 381 Radio call sign: Unit: ATTD 251 SQN RAF

Four of the crew are buried in the Reykjavik (Fossvogur) Cemetery, Iceland. Reykjavik is in the south west part of the island. Commonwealth War Graves do not record where Sgt Bowbridge is buried.

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