In Memoriam - Those Air Force Pilots/Crews who died on this day in WW2.

Discussion in 'The War In The Air' started by spidge, Nov 20, 2009.

  1. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    On this day there were 71 Commonwealth Air Force Deaths.

    RAF 56

    RAAF 2

    RCAF 12

    RNZAF

    SAAF

    WAAF 1


    :poppy::poppy::poppy: :poppy::poppy:


    RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE
    SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH
    NO KNOWN GRAVE.

    406964 Sergeant TOWNSEND, Charles Richard

    Source:

    NAA : A705, 166/40/16
    Aircraft Type: Wellington
    Serial number: HZ 263
    Radio call sign: EX – E
    Unit: 199 Sqn RAF

    Summary:

    Wellington HZ 263 of 199 Sqn RAF took off from a satellite drome at Ingham at 1938
    hours on the night of 12/13th March 1943 to attack Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard
    from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base.

    Crew:

    RAF Flt Lt King, W J Captain (Pilot)
    RAF Sgt Nunn, D A (Navigator)
    RAAF 406964 Sgt Townsend, C R (Air Bomber)
    RAF Sgt White, C F (Wireless Operator)
    RCAF Sgt Edwards, R I (Air Gunner)

    The body of Sgt Edwards (RCAF) was washed ashore the coast of Holland, some 20
    miles north of Haarlem, and is interred in the Bergen General Cemetery. It was recorded
    in 1949 that the remaining missing member of the crew had lost their lives at sea.

    William John King
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
    In Memory of
    Flight Lieutenant
    41712, 199 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
    who died on 13 March 1943

    Douglas Arthur Nunn
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    1160293, 199 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 13 March 1943 Age 21
    Son of Hubert Henry and Mabel Nunn.

    Charles Richard Townsend
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    406964, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 13 March 1943 Age 24
    Son of Charles George and Ellen Townsend, of Bassendean, Western Australia.

    Cyril Frank White
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    1312741, 199 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 13 March 1943 Age 22
    Son of Fred and Hilda White, of Thame, Oxfordshire.

    Russell Irwin Edwards
    Remembered with Honour
    Bergen General Cemetery
    In Memory of
    Flight Sergeant Air Gnr.
    R/153973, 199 (R.A.F.) Sqdn, Royal Canadian Air Force
    who died on 13 March 1943 Age 26 and hailed from Los Angeles, California.
    Wife, Mrs R.I. Edwards.
     
  2. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    On this day there were 40 Commonwealth Air Force Deaths.

    RAF 25

    RAAF 5

    RCAF 2

    RNZAF 2

    SAAF 6

    WAAF


    :poppy::poppy::poppy:

    RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE
    SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH
    NO KNOWN GRAVE.

    Source:

    NAA: A705, 163/105/94
    Aircraft Type: Blenheim
    Serial number: 27899
    Radio call sign:
    Unit: 45 Sqn RAF

    Summary:

    On 14March 1942, Blenheim 27899 from 45 Sqn RAF piloted by Sgt Powell was
    detailed to carry out a low level offensive recce of the Lower Irrawaddy – Mingaladon –
    Himawbi Road area, Burma. The aircraft took off from Magwe drome at approx 1530
    hours but did not return to base.
    The following day one aircraft went out on a search, but owing to low cloud and general
    weather conditions being bad, they found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew.

    Crew:

    RAAF 404656 Sgt Powell, L S (Pilot)
    RAAF 400526 Sgt Connor, L W H (Observer)
    RAAF 407496 PO Eden, J J (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner)

    In 1953 following searches by the British Far Eastern Graves Service, it was reported that
    “the aircraft crashed in the Lower Irrawaddy area of southern Burma about half a mile
    from the Mingaladon – Hmawbi road. The aircraft exploded on impact and all three
    would have been killed instantaneously. Their bodies were thrown from the aircraft and
    later cremated by the local villagers who witnessed the crash and gave the information to
    the search party”. All crew recorded as missing with no known grave.


    Lance Sydney Powell
    Remembered with Honour
    Singapore Memorial
    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    404656, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 14 March 1942 Age 24
    Son of Arthur Edward and Winnifred Muriel Powell, of Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia.

    Les William Higgs Connor
    Remembered with Honour
    Singapore Memorial
    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    400526, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 14 March 1942 Age 24
    Son of George William and Lilian Anne Catherine Connor, of Middle Brighton, Victoria, Australia.

    John Jerram Eden
    Remembered with Honour
    Singapore Memorial
    In Memory of
    Pilot Officer
    407496, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 14 March 1942 Age 26
    Son of James and Myrtle Ruby Stella Eden, of Glenelg, South Australia.
     
  3. Ron Goldstein

    Ron Goldstein WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    GOLDSTEIN, JACOB (Jack)

    Rank: Sergeant
    Trade: Air Gnr.
    Service No: 2235812
    Date of Death: 16/03/1945
    Age: 33
    Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    166 Sqdn.
    Grave Reference 11. K. 22.
    Cemetery DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY

    In loving memory of a dear brother who was killed 67 years ago on this very day. A tribute by the Aircrew Remembrance Society can be found here:
    Churchyard Bud


    Ron
     
  4. alieneyes

    alieneyes Senior Member

    Russell Irwin Edwards
    Remembered with Honour
    Bergen General Cemetery
    In Memory of
    Flight Sergeant Air Gnr.
    R/153973, 199 (R.A.F.) Sqdn, Royal Canadian Air Force
    who died on 13 March 1943

    F/Sgt Edwards next of kin was his wife, Mrs R.I. Edwards. He was 26 years of age and hailed from Los Angeles, California.
     
  5. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    On this day there were 61 Commonwealth Air Force Deaths.

    RAF 28

    RAAF 21

    RCAF 5

    RIAF 1

    RNZAF 4

    SAAF 2

    WAAF


    :poppy::poppy:

    RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE
    SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH
    NO KNOWN GRAVE.

    402536 Sergeant HANNAFORD, Jack Coulson

    Source:

    NAA : A705, 163/120/404.
    Aircraft Type: Beaufighter
    Serial number: T 4878
    Radio call sign:
    Unit: 236 Sqn RAF

    Summary:

    Beaufighter T 4878 of 236 Sqn RAF took off at 3pm on 15 March 1942 from RAF
    Station Wattisham, on an operational shadow patrol over the North Sea off the Dutch
    coast. The aircraft failed to return from this mission.

    Crew:

    RAAF 402536 Sgt J.C.Hannaford, Pilot.
    RAF Sgt F.A.Robinson, Navigator (Wireless).

    Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing
    crew had lost their lives at sea.

    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    Jack Coulson Hannaford
    402536, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 15 March 1942 Age 26
    Son of Henry William Coulson Hannaford and Ruby Constance Hannaford, of Coogee, New South Wales,
    Australia.
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial

    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    Frederick Arthur Robinson
    1304032, 236 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 15 March 1942
    Son of William Arthur and Tatiana Robinson, of Bombay, India.
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
     
  6. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    On this day there were 174 Commonwealth Air Force Deaths.

    RAF 115

    RAAF 13

    RCAF 41

    RIAF

    RNZAF 1

    SAAF 4

    WAAF

    :poppy::poppy::poppy::poppy: :poppy::poppy::poppy:

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

    418299 Flight Sergeant PHILIPSON, Ernest John

    Source:

    AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/32/327 Commonwealth War Graves records
    W R Chorley RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 117,
    Volume 1944.
    Aircraft Type: Lancaster
    Serial number: ND 583
    Radio call sign: LE – V
    Unit: 630 Sqn RAF

    Summary:

    On the night of 15/16th March 1944, Lancaster ND583 took off from RAF East Kirkby,
    near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, at 1857 hours, detailed to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing
    was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

    Crew:

    RAF PO Rodbourn, K Captain (Pilot)
    RAF Sgt R J H Easter, (Flight Engineer)
    RAF Sgt a H Wilkinson, (Navigator)
    RCAF WO2 A McC Freeman, (Air Bomber)
    RAF Flt Sgt F J Hobbs, (Wireless Air Gunner)
    RAF Flt Sgt L Hall,(Mid Upper Gunner)
    RAAF 418299 Flt Sgt E J Philipson, (Rear Gunner)

    The aircraft crashed and exploded near Bourguignon-sous-Coucy in the Department of
    the Aisne, 23kms north west of Soissons, France.

    All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Bourguignon-sous-Coucy Churchyard,
    France.
    Philipson_EJ.jpg
    Bourguignon-Sous-Coucy Churchyard Entrance.jpg

    In Memory of
    Pilot Officer Pilot
    Kenneth Rodbourn
    169004, 630 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 16 March 1944 Age 22
    Son of James and Sarah Elizabeth Rodbourn; husband of Monica Sheila Rodbourn, of Shirley, Croydon,
    Surrey.
    Remembered with Honour
    Bourguignon-Sous-Coucy Churchyard

    In Memory of
    Richard John Harry Easter
    Sergeant Flt. Engr.
    1636431, 630 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 16 March 1944 Age 21
    Son of Arthur George and Louisa Mary Easter, of Fyfield, Essex.
    Remembered with Honour
    Bourguignon-Sous-Coucy Churchyard

    In Memory of
    Albert Henry Wilkinson
    Sergeant Nav.
    1622716, 630 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 16 March 1944 Age 20
    Son of Charles Henry and Violet Annie Wilkinson, of Coniston, Yorkshire.
    Remembered with Honour
    Bourguignon-Sous-Coucy Churchyard

    In Memory of
    Alexander Mccowan Freeman
    Warrant Officer Class II Air Bomber
    R/160030, 630 (R.A.F.) Sqdn., Royal Canadian Air Force
    who died on 16 March 1944 Age 24
    Son of Peter Alexander and Annie Mary McCowan Freeman, of Milliken, Ontario, Canada.
    Remembered with Honour
    Bourguignon-Sous-Coucy Churchyard

    In Memory of
    Frank James Hobbs
    Flight Sergeant W.Op./Air Gnr.
    1262633, 630 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 16 March 1944 Age 35
    Husband of Kathleen Mabel Hobbs, of Tooting, Surrey.
    Remembered with Honour
    Bourguignon-Sous-Coucy Churchyard

    In Memory of
    Flight Sergeant Air Gnr.
    Leslie Hall
    1495938, 630 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 16 March 1944 Age 23
    Son of James and Bertha E. Hall, of Widdrington, Northumberland.
    Remembered with Honour
    Bourguignon-Sous-Coucy Churchyard

    In Memory of
    Flight Sergeant
    Ernest John Philipson
    418299, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 16 March 1944 Age 25
    Son of Ernest George and Catherine White Philipson; husband of Mavis Elise Philipson, of Coburg,
    Victoria, Australia.
    Remembered with Honour
    Bourguignon-Sous-Coucy Churchyard
     

    Attached Files:

  7. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    F/Sgt Edwards next of kin was his wife, Mrs R.I. Edwards. He was 26 years of age and hailed from Los Angeles, California.

    Thanks Alieneyes!

    Details edited.
     
  8. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    On this day there were 118 Commonwealth Air Force Deaths.

    RAF 78

    RAAF 13

    RCAF 19

    RNZAF 5

    SAAF 1

    WAAF 2

    :poppy:

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

    419408 Warrant Officer GREEN, Jack Dawson

    Source:

    AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/16/593 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves records
    Aircraft Type: Spitfire
    Serial number: SM 473
    Radio call sign:
    Unit: 603 Sqn RAF

    Summary:

    On the 17th March 1945, Spitfire SM473 took off at 1455 hours to carry out an armed
    reconnaissance on a junction north east of Ulrecht, Holland. The aircraft was hit by
    ground fire and crashed, and the pilot was killed.

    Crew:

    RAAF 419408 WO J D Green, (Pilot)

    The pilot is buried in the Barendrecht General Cemetery, Netherlands. Barendrecht is a
    village and commune, 11kms SSE of Rotterdam.
    The CO of 603 Sqn who was leading the formation on this operation, later reported :
    “ At 1410 hours on 17th March 1945, I was leading the formation attack a junction north
    east of Ultrecht. The Squadron attacked and reformed successfully. At 1435 White 2
    (Green) reported that a three ton truck was behind the formation and I ordered Blue
    Section to attack, but as the truck entered the Dutch village before this was possible, Blue
    Leader refrained from doing so owing to the possibility of civilian casualties. On seeing
    Blue section was not attacking, I set course for elsewhere, and did not notice the absence
    of White 2 until the Squadron reformed into battle formation. White 4 reported on
    landing that he saw White 2 attack the vehicle in the face of intense light flak. About this
    time I heard someone call on the R/T that they had been hit, but as their were several
    sections engaged on dive bombing and using the same R/T frequency, I did not attribute
    this call too our Squadron as no call sign had been given.”
    Green_JD Photo.jpg

    In Memory of
    Warrant Officer
    Jack Dawson Green
    419408, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 17 March 1945 Age 21
    Son of Walter Dawson Green and Elise Maude Green, of Camberwell. Victoria. Australia.
    Remembered with Honour
    Barendrecht General Cemetery
     

    Attached Files:

  9. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    :poppy::poppy:

    455 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES
    Date of Crash : 5 September 1942

    5372 Flight Sergeant Davidson, John Donald

    Source:

    AWM 64 1/244
    AWM 237 (63) (64)
    AWM 54 779/3/129 Parts 1, 8 and 3.
    NAA : A705. 166/9/455.
    Aircraft Type: Hampden
    Serial number: AT 109
    Radio call sign: UB – C
    Unit: 455 Sqn RAAF

    Summary:

    Hampden AT109 took off from RAF Sumburg at 2040 hours on the night of 4/5th September 1942 for Vaenja, Northern Russia, via Afrikanda. The aircraft was one of 16 aircraft of the Squadron to take off for Vaenja. AT 109 failed to arrive at its destination.

    Crew:

    RAAF 400364 Sqn Ldr Catanach, J DFC MID Captain (Pilot) (Murdered Great Escaper)
    RAAF 400316 FO Anderson, G R (Navigator BombAimer) POW
    RAAF 404632 Flt Sgt C W Cameron, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) POW
    RAAF 404462 Sgt J R Hayes, (2nd Wireless Operator Air Gunner) POW
    RAAF 5372 Flt Sgt J D Davidson (Fitter 11A) (Died on March)

    All the crew initially became POW’s.

    In a 1945 report the then Flt Lt Anderson stated : “The aircraft when proceeding to Russia was holed in the petrol tanks by ground fire. The Captain force landed without damage to aircraft or crew. Approx position of the crash Kirkness (Northern Norway)".

    Sqn Ldr Catanach was one of 50 Officers massacred at Gorlitz in March/April 1944 after his escape from a tunnel at the North Compound, Sagan. I was in the East Compound at the time. Flt Sgt Davidson died as a result of the rigours of a march in early 1945. I have been told this since my return from Germany. Released by the Russians on 21/4/45.”
    Flt Lt Anderson escaped from prison but was recaptured at Holzensalzer (Poland) after walking 26 miles over 3 days. He survived the war as did Sgt Hayes and Flt Sgt Cameron.
    Sqn Ldr Catanach died on 29/03/1944 and is buried in the Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery, Poland.

    Flt Sgt Davidson died on 17/03/1945. He died in Stalag POW Camp Bad Sulza after marching from Silesia. It was reported that he was buried by a Chaplain the Rev McIntyre at Bad Sulza Cemetery on 20/3/45. It was recorded in 1950 that since it was not possible to visit Bad Sulza which was in the Russian Zone of Occupation, his name had been commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

    In Memory of
    Flight Sergeant
    John Donald Davidson
    5372, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 17 March 1945 Age 36
    Son of James and Catherine Mary Davidson, of Horsham, Victoria. Australia.
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial

    In Memory of
    Squadron Leader
    James Catanach
    D F C, Mentioned in Despatches
    400364, 455 Sqdn., Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 29 March 1944 Age 22
    Son of William Mercer Catanach and Ruby Catanach, of Malvern, Victoria, Australia.
    Remembered with Honour
    Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery
     
  10. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    On this day there were 41 Commonwealth Air Force Deaths.

    RAF 26

    RAAF 4

    RCAF 9

    RNZAF 1

    SAAF

    WAAF 1



    :poppy::poppy::poppy::poppy:

    SECOND WORLD WAR FATALITIES
    RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING IN RAF
    BEAUFORT SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS

    400161 Flying Officer THORNTON, William Austin

    Source :

    NAA : A705, 163/58/65 Commonwealth War Graves records
    Aircraft Type: Beaufort
    Serial number: W 6474
    Radio call sign:
    Unit: 86 SQN RAF

    Summary:

    Beaufort W6474 of 86 Sqn RAF in transit from RAF Station Portreath to the Middle
    East, was reported missing on 18 March 1942.

    Crew:

    RAAF 400161 FO Thornton, W A, Captain (Pilot)
    RCAF FO Brinkworth E P (Navigator/Bomb Aimer)
    RAF Sgt Brigstocke A L, (Wireless/Air Gunner)
    RAF Sgt Bohling C N B, (Wireless/Air Gunner)

    Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was recorded in 1948 that the crew
    had lost their lives at sea. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the
    Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

    In Memory of
    Flying Officer
    William Austin Thornton
    400161, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 18 March 1942 Age 29
    Son of Frederick William and Annie Thornton.
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial

    In Memory of
    Flying Officer
    Ernest Peter Brinkworth
    J/3276, 86 (R.A.F.) Sqdn., Royal Canadian Air Force
    who died on 18 March 1942 Age 21
    Son of Ernest Edward and Christina Brinkworth, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial

    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    Andrew Lawrence Brigstocke
    977612, 86 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
    who died on 18 March 1942 Age 23
    Son of William Osborne Brigstocke Ruby Helen Brigstocke, of Liverpool.
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial

    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    Cyril Norman Byron Bohling
    1161242, 86 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 18 March 1942 Age 26
    Son of George Ernest and May Bohling.
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
     
  11. RAFCommands

    RAFCommands Senior Member

    Geoff,

    Aircraft for transit and crews sometimes moved as a unit but more often than not they were subject to a short term transfer to the OADU.

    In the case of W6474 Form 78 shows it assigned to No.22 Sqn on the 18th and SOC due to loss on the 21st.

    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/searching-someone-military-genealogy/43586-need-assistance-cause-death-details-raaf-members-ii-2.html

    Thornton had been flying Ops with No.22 Sqn since 09/12/1941
    Brinkworth since 20/07/1941
    Bohling since 20/07/1941
    Brigstocke since 09/05/1941

    Thorton A705 does not give a unit and his A9300 has not been digitised so the only RAAF mention of No.86 Sqn is in the RoH.

    If they had been transferred to No.86 Sqn then it was only in the preceeding few days and not mentioned in either No.22 or No.86 Sqn ORBs

    Regards
    Ross
     
  12. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    Geoff,

    Aircraft for transit and crews sometimes moved as a unit but more often than not they were subject to a short term transfer to the OADU.

    In the case of W6474 Form 78 shows it assigned to No.22 Sqn on the 18th and SOC due to loss on the 21st.

    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/searching-someone-military-genealogy/43586-need-assistance-cause-death-details-raaf-members-ii-2.html

    Thornton had been flying Ops with No.22 Sqn since 09/12/1941
    Brinkworth since 20/07/1941
    Bohling since 20/07/1941
    Brigstocke since 09/05/1941

    Thorton A705 does not give a unit and his A9300 has not been digitised so the only RAAF mention of No.86 Sqn is in the RoH.

    If they had been transferred to No.86 Sqn then it was only in the preceeding few days and not mentioned in either No.22 or No.86 Sqn ORBs

    Regards
    Ross

    Thanks Ross,

    A very interesting report here on this site corroborating your detail to a point. Had not seen this site previously.

    Land in, Aterrem em Portugal, Bristol Beaufort W6474

    The aircraft was seen the last time around 14.25 hours, off Cape Espichel, by a British patrol boat. The Beaufort was seen 50 feet (15 meters) over water and there was also a Fw-200 Condor in the area. The ship made several research effort’s but was unable to locate any aircraft or crew remains. The crew was part of 86 Squadron but was monetarily flying under the OADU control.

    Cheers

    Geoff
     
  13. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    On this day there were 109 Commonwealth Air Force Deaths.

    RAF 75

    RAAF 11

    RCAF 21

    RNZAF 2

    SAAF

    WAAF


    :poppy::poppy::poppy::poppy: :poppy::poppy::poppy:

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

    423449 Pilot Officer De VIS, Selwyn George

    Source:

    AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/9/572 Micro Film No 463 OAFH,
    Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses
    of the Second World War, Page 137, Volume 1945.
    Aircraft Type: Halifax
    Serial number: RG 529
    Radio call sign: KN – C
    Unit: ATTD 77 SQN RAF

    Summary:

    Halifax RG529 took off from RAF Full Sutton at 0047 hours on the night of 18/19th
    March 1945, detailed to bomb Witten, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft
    after take off and it failed to return to base.

    Crew:

    RAF Flt Lt Ward, E Captain (Pilot) (Executed - Shot)?
    RAF Sgt R A C Pearce, (Flight Engineer) (Executed - Shot)?
    RAF PO Anderson, J A (Navigator) (Executed - Shot)?
    RAF PO Kerr, T M (Air Bomber) (Executed - Shot)?
    RAAF 423449 PO De Vis, S G (Wireless Operator Air) (Executed - Shot)?
    RAF Flt Sgt J Dyke, (Mid Upper Gunner) (Executed - Shot)?
    RAF PO Edwards, W J (Rear Gunner) (Executed - Shot)?
    RG529 crashed at Merklinde, 4kms west of Dortmund and all the crew lost their lives.
    They are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Locality Kamo Lintfort, Nordrhein-
    Westfal, Germany. Rheinberg is 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south west of Wesel.
    W R Chorley records the following in his above book “Oliver Clutton-Brock suggests all
    baled out in the vicinity of Opladen, only to be shot within hours of being captured. Three
    Germans, at least, were implicated for their part in this crime and one, Lt Karl Schaefer,
    received a fifteen year prison sentence. Of the other two, one escaped before being
    brought to trial, and the other was, subsequently, executed.”
    Rheinberg War Cemetery 10 [1280x768].JPG .JPG]

    Edwin Ward
    Remembered with Honour
    Rheinberg War Cemetery
    In Memory of
    Flight Lieutenant Pilot
    162829, 77 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 19 March 1945 Age 24
    Son of Alton and Edith Ward, of Clayton, Yorkshire.

    Robert Alan Clark Pearce
    Remembered with Honour
    Rheinberg War Cemetery
    In Memory of
    Sergeant Flt. Engr.
    1593715, 77 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 19 March 1945 Age 21
    Son of Albert Pearce, and of Ann Pearce, of Scarborough, Yorkshire.

    John Alexander Anderson
    Remembered with Honour
    Rheinberg War Cemetery
    In Memory of
    Pilot Officer Nav.
    195050, 77 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 19 March 1945 Age 23
    Son of Alexander Edward and Ruth Anderson, of Hounslow, Middlesex.

    Thomas Macdonald Kerr
    Remembered with Honour
    Rheinberg War Cemetery
    In Memory of
    Pilot Officer Air Bomber
    191000, 77 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 19 March 1945
    NO NOK LISTED

    Selwyn George De Vis
    Remembered with Honour
    Rheinberg War Cemetery
    In Memory of
    Pilot Officer
    423449, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 19 March 1945 Age 21
    Son of Frederick Selwyn de Vis and Hazel Doreen Victoria de Vis, of Magill, South Australia.

    James Dyke
    Remembered with Honour
    Rheinberg War Cemetery
    In Memory of
    Flight Sergeant Air Gnr.
    2221046, 77 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 19 March 1945 Age 21
    Son of Arthur and Eleanor Dyke, of Longton, Stoke-on-Trent; husband of J. Dyke, of Longton, Stoke-on-
    Trent.

    William James Edwards
    Remembered with Honour
    Rheinberg War Cemetery
    In Memory of
    Pilot Officer Air Gnr.
    195404, 77 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 19 March 1945 Age 21
    Son of William and Margaret Ellenor Edwards; nephew of Mr. R. Clingan, of Liverpool.
     

    Attached Files:

  14. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    On this day there were 36 Commonwealth Air Force Deaths.

    RAF 28

    RAAF 4

    RCAF 1

    RNZAF

    RIAF 1

    SAAF 2

    WAAF

    :poppy:

    RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE
    SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH
    NO KNOWN GRAVE.

    403390 Sergeant RITCHIE, Malcolm Jack

    Source:

    NAA : A705, 163/157/142
    Aircraft Type: Spitfire
    Serial number: P 7363
    Radio call sign:
    Unit: 66 Sqn RAF

    Summary:

    Spitfire P 7363 of 66 Sqn RAF on 20 March 1942 was detailed to carry out air to sea
    firing against sea markers, being under instruction not to continue to dive below 700 feet.
    The weather at the time was excellent and the sea calm. Eye witnesses reported that each
    time the aircraft pulled out of a dive it appeared to do so quite sharply.
    The last time the aircraft pulled out of the dive, it rose from about 100 feet before it
    crashed into the sea. This seemed to indicate a high speed stall at a low altitude with the
    pilot being unable to recover in time. The location was one mile north west off Gull
    Rock, Portreath

    Crew:

    RAAF 403390 Sgt Ritchie, M J (Pilot)

    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    Malcolm Jack Ritchie
    403390, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 20 March 1942 Age 23
    Son of Gilbert Malcolm and Pauline Ritchie; husband of Dorothy Dale Ritchie, of North Strathfield, New
    South Wales, Australia.
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
     
  15. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    On this day there were 24 Commonwealth Air Force Deaths.

    RAF 17

    RAAF 3

    RCAF 2

    RNZAF 1

    SAAF 1

    WAAF

    :poppy::poppy:

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

    414478 Sergeant FRANCIS, Bryan Gordon Grosvenor

    Source:

    AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/14/27 Commonwealth War Graves records
    Aircraft Type: Oxford
    Serial number: AB 725
    Radio call sign:
    Unit: 15 Advanced Flying RAF

    Summary:

    On the 21st March 1943, Oxford AB725, from RAF Standlake, Oxfordshire, on a non operational
    day training flight, crashed at 1631 hours at Stanton Harcourt, Oxford. The
    crew of two were killed.
    The starboard wing struck the ground when the aircraft was carrying out low flying
    practice which the instructor had authorised. The accident was considered an apparent
    error of judgement by the pilot.

    Crew:

    RAF WO J R T Hazelton, (1st Pilot Instructor)
    RAAF 414478 Sgt B G G Francis, (Pupil Pilot)

    WO Hazelton is buried in the Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, Yorkshire, UK
    Sgt Fancis is buried in the Ramsbury Holy Cross Churchyard, Wiltshire, UK.

    Francis_BGG Photo.jpg

    In Memory of
    Warrant Officer Pilot
    Jack Richard Thomas Hazelton
    D F M
    906210, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 21 March 1943 Age 29
    Son of John William and Mary Ethel Hazelton; husband of Muriel Hazelton, of Harrogate.
    Remembered with Honour
    Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery

    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    Bryan Gordon Grosvenor Francis
    414478, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 21 March 1943 Age 21
    Son of Charles Gordon and Eileen Marion Francis, of Gooburrum, Queensland, Australia.
    Remembered with Honour
    Ramsbury (Holy Cross) Churchyard
     

    Attached Files:

  16. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    On this day there were 43 Commonwealth Air Force Deaths.

    RAF 35

    RAAF 3

    RCAF 4

    RNZAF

    SAAF 1

    WAAF

    :poppy::poppy:

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

    413475 Sergeant BARBER, Francis John McNeil

    Source:

    AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/5/94 Commonwealth War Graves records
    Aircraft Type: Tiger Moth
    Serial number: R 5203
    Radio call sign:
    Unit: 2 Elementary Flt Trg School RAF

    Summary:

    On the 22nd March 1943, Tiger Moth R5203 on a non-operational day flight, crashed at
    1430 hours and both the crew were killed.
    The aircraft carried out two loops at approx 600 feet over the Moreton-in-Marsh drome.
    The aircraft then went into a succession of steep dives and climbs coming down to as low
    as 150/200 feet. At the end of the last climb, the aircraft appeared to stall on the top of a
    climb, and then dive into the ground. .
    The Pilot was carrying out unauthorised low flying aerobatics.

    Crew:

    RAAF 413475 Sgt F J McN Barber, (Pilot)
    RCAF Sgt O C Dunn, (Navigator)

    Both the crew are buried in the Moreton-in-Marsh New Cemetery, UK.

    Gloucestershire Moreton in Marsh The Fallen.jpg

    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    Francis John McNeil Barber
    413475, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 22 March 1943 Age 23
    Son of John Thomas Ellesban Barber and Agnes Isabelle Barber, of Trangie, New South Wales, Australia.
    Remembered with Honour
    Moreton-In-Marsh New Cemetery

    In Memory of
    Sergeant Nav.
    Orval Clarence Dunn
    R/134678, Royal Canadian Air Force
    who died on 22 March 1943 Age 28
    Son of George H. Dunn and Arabella V. Dunn, of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada.
    Remembered with Honour
    Moreton-In-Marsh New Cemetery
     

    Attached Files:

  17. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    On this day there were 24 Commonwealth Air Force Deaths.

    RAF 23

    RAAF

    RCAF 1

    RNZAF

    SAAF

    WAAF

    :poppy:

    Do not have any information on this loss.


    Gaze was an Aussie in the RAF listed as UK and just 19years old.

    Son of Sqdn. Ldr. Irvine Owen Gaze, R.A.A.F., and Freda Gaze, of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

    Portfield All Saints Churchyard 60097 Gaze_ISO.jpg

    GAZE, IRVINE SCOTT OWEN
    Pilot Officer
    60097 610sq
    RAF
    23/03/1941
    19
    Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    UK
    PORTFIELD (ALL SAINTS) CHURCHYARD
    UK
    Sussex

    PILOT-OFFICER GAZE KILLED.
    LONDON. March 30. (A.A.P.)
    Pilot-Officer Irvine Scott Owen Gaze, of the RAF., has been killed on active service. He was a son of Squadron-Leader Gaze, of Melbourne.

    His older brother was not well known however his achievements speak for themselve:

    Frederick Anthony Owen Gaze DFC & Two Bars,[1][2] OAM[3] (born 3 February 1920) is a decorated World War II flying ace credited with 12.5 aerial victories and a former racing driver from Australia. He was born in Melbourne. He participated in four World Championship Grands Prix driving his HWM, debuting on 22 June 1952.[4] He also participated in numerous non-Championship Formula 2 races across Europe as well as competing in the Australian and New Zealand Grands Prix in the early 1950s. Gaze is also step-grandfather to the third generation of Davison racing drivers, Alex, Will and James.
    His war time service highlights included becoming the first Squadron Leader of an Allied jet air wing (RAF 616 squadron) to operate over enemy territory, first Allied pilot to land in France after D-Day, the first Australian to shoot down a jet (Me 262) in combat and becoming the first Australian jet fighter pilot flying the Gloster Meteor during the closing stages of the war. His Me 262 victory also resulted in Tony Gaze being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for the third time and as such become the only Australian during World War II to have achieved this honour. He escaped from occupied France with the help of the French Resistance after being shot down in combat. After 488 combat missions he ended the war as Australia's tenth highest ace achieving 12.5 victories all while flying his favourite mount the Supermarine Spitfire. During the war he had also flown with some of the most famous names including Wing Commander Douglas Bader, highest allied European war Ace Johnnie Johnson (Spitfire Ace with 38 victories) as part of the RAF's famous Tangmere Wing and Paul Tibbets (pilot of the 'Enola Gay', B29 Bomber) who dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

    The website and bio of Tony Gaze:

    Squadron Leader Tony Gaze OAM DFC** Official Website (WWII Ace & Grand Prix driver) —

    His father was: Sqdn. Ldr. Irvine Owen Gaze, R.A.A.F
    He was part of Ross Sea Party, part of Sir Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1914–17. The Ross Sea Party occupied Scott's expedition base at Cape Evans from 1915 - 1917.

    New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust: preservation of Antarctic heritage

    Born in 1890, and a cousin of Spencer-Smith. Educated at Scotch College, West Australia, and was in business in Melbourne when he joined the expedition. After the expedition, went to England and joined the Royal Flying Corps and qualified as an instructor. He was shot down twice. Between the two World Wars held an executive position with the Clifton Shoe Company at Clifton Hill Victoria and in World War Two was an instructor with the RAAF and became a Squadron Leader. He then farmed sheep, and died in 1988.
     
    Pieter F likes this.
  18. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    On this day there were 65 Commonwealth Air Force Deaths.

    RAF 53

    RAAF 3

    RCAF 6

    RNZAF 3

    SAAF

    WAAF

    :poppy::poppy:

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

    36128 Squadron Leader CREMIN, Daniel Edward (Of Australia)

    404315 Sergeant NORMAN, William David (Of Australia)

    Source:

    AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/147/198 Commonwealth war Graves records
    Aircraft Type: Spitfire
    Serial number: AB 496 and AB 462
    Radio call sign:
    Unit: ATTD 66 SQN RAF

    Summary:

    Spitfires AB496 flown by Sgt Norman RAAF and AB462 flown by Sqn Ldr Cremin (RAF) took
    off from RAF Station Portreath, Cornwall, detailed to carry out night flying practice. The
    weather was clear with moonlight. During the practice the aircraft collided in the air.
    AB462 spun in minus its starboard wing, and AB496 dived vertically into the ground. No
    chutes were used and both pilots were killed
    AB496 crashed at Frythem Farm in St Erth, Cornwall.
    A subsequent Court of Inquiry into the accident found “ that AB496 had misjudged the
    distance between itself and AB462, and it collided with the starboard side of the fuselage
    and main plane of AB462.”

    Crew: AB462

    RAF 36128 Squadron Leader D.E. Cremin (DFC)

    Crew: AB496

    RAAF 403315 Sgt W D Norman, (Pilot)


    Sgt Norman is buried in the Illogan (St Illogan) Churchyard, near Portreath, Cornwall,
    UK.

    Squadron Leader Cremin is buried in the Wardour (Roman Catholic) Cemetery, Wiltshire, UK


    Wardour-Catholic-Cemetery 2.jpg

    View attachment Illogan War Graves Cemetery.jpg

    In Memory of
    Squadron Leader Pilot
    Daniel Edward Cremin
    D F C
    36128, 66 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
    who died on 24 March 1942
    Remembered with Honour
    Wardour Roman Catholic Cemetery

    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    William David Norman
    404315, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 24 March 1942 Age 25
    Son of William David and Alice Mabel Norman, of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
    Remembered with Honour
    Illogan (St. Illogan) Churchyard

    Obituary
    FALLEN OFFICERS
    “THE TIMES LIST” OF CASUALTIES
    We have received news of the death of the following officers in addition to those whose names have been published in the official list:-
    ROYAL AIR FORCE
    ACTING SQUADRON LEADER DANIEL EDWARD CREMIN, D.F.C., killed on active service, was an Australian, born at Sydney in 1917 and educated at Sydney High School. He enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1936, became an air cadet the following year, and was commissioned in the RAF as a pilot officer on February 10, 1938. After training he qualified as a flying instructor, and was employed as such in the Middle East Command from November, 1938. He was promoted flight lieutenant in January, 1940. In October, 1941 he was awarded the D.F.C. for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations.
    London Times dated 6 Jun 42
     

    Attached Files:

  19. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    On this day there were 23 Commonwealth Air Force Deaths.

    RAF 20

    RAAF 1

    RCAF 2

    RNZAF

    SAAF

    WAAF

    :poppy::poppy::poppy: :poppy::poppy::poppy: :poppy::poppy::poppy:

    RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE
    SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH
    NO KNOWN GRAVE.

    404007 Pilot Officer MCLEOD, Eric William

    Source:

    NAA: A705, 163/47/55
    Aircraft Type: Wellington
    Serial number: R 1155
    Radio call sign:
    Unit: 20 Operational Training RAF

    Summary:

    Wellington R 1155 of 20 Operational Training RAF during an operational training flight
    on 25 March 1941, crashed into the sea 4 miles north of Kingston, Moray Firth, Spey,
    Scotland.

    Crew:

    RAAF 404007 PO McLeod, E W (Pilot)
    RAF Flt Lt Ritchie, J F
    RAF Sgt Crosswell, W A
    RAF Sgt Murray, H S
    RAF Sgt Wilkinson, W P
    RAF Sgt Turner, A J
    RAF Sgt Salt, H C
    RAF Sgt Whittaker, G
    RAF PO Ford, F H S

    Fl Lt Ritchie (RAF) was buried at Brechin, Scotland, but no trace of the remainder of the
    crew was found, and it was recorded that they were lost at sea.



    Eric William McLeod
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
    In Memory of
    Pilot Officer
    404007, Royal Australian Air Force
    who died on 25 March 1941 Age 29
    Son of William and Florence Margaret McLeod, of Bulimba, Queensland, Australia.

    John Frederic Ritchie
    Remembered with Honour
    Edzell Churchyard
    In Memory of
    Flight Lieutenant Pilot
    39684, Royal Air Force
    who died on 25 March 1941
    NOK Not Listed

    William Arthur Crosswell
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    903426, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 25 March 1941 Age 28
    Son of William Arthur and Clara Crosswell; husband of Erica Florence Crosswell, of Eastcote, Middlesex.

    Hubert Stephen Murray
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    976892, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 25 March 1941 Age 21
    Son of Edward William and Mary Florance Murray, of Wimbledon, Surrey.

    Walter Powney Wilkinson
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    917136, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 25 March 1941 Age 30
    Son of Arthur Stanley Wilkinson and Lily Gair Wilkinson, of Spaxton, Somerset. A.R.C.M.

    Alfred James Turner
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    541403, Royal Air Force
    who died on 25 March 1941 Age 21
    Son of Frederick William and Mabel Turner, of Fulwood, Lancashire.

    Horace Charles Salt
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    947364, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 25 March 1941 Age 22
    Son of Mrs. E. M. Salt, of Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

    George Whittaker
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
    In Memory of
    Sergeant
    1107550, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 25 March 1941 Age 28
    Son of John Albert and Rose Sarah Whittaker, of Manchester; husband of Violet Mary Whittaker, of
    Manchester.

    Frank Stewart Heathcote Ford
    Remembered with Honour
    Runnymede Memorial
    In Memory of
    Pilot Officer
    60785, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died on 25 March 1941
    NOK not Listed


    McLeod (O B A Churchie) Motif.jpg

    Churchie List of the Fallen

    P.O. Eric William McLeod
    404007
    RAAF
    ATT 20 OTU RAF
    25/03/1941
    Runnymede Memorial,
    Surrey,
    UK
    Panel 62
    29
    474
    1924-1926
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2018
  20. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    On this day there were 23 Commonwealth Air Force Deaths.

    RAF 10 (1 Australian)

    RAAF

    RCAF

    RNZAF

    SAAF

    WAAF


    :poppy::poppy::poppy:

    Battle L4980
    105 Squadron

    Night flying training exercise. Crashed west of Cheniers.

    Edgar and Pettit had joined the squadron in December, and Jones had been with the squadron since April 1937

    Pilot Officer (Pilot) Allan M. Edgar, RAF 41270 (Of Australia), 105 Sqdn., age 27, 26/03/1940

    Sergeant (Obs.) Hugh E. Pettit, RAF 580495, 105 Sqdn., age 20

    Corporal (W. Op.) Alexander E. Jones, RAF 531577, 105 Sqdn., age 22

    Terlincthun 423700Furniss_OS 1 [1600x1200].JPG .JPG]

    Remembered with Honour
    Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille
    In Memory of
    Pilot Officer Pilot
    Allan Matheson Edgar
    41270, 105 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
    who died on 26 March 1940 Age 27
    Son of John Matheson and Jessie Edgar, of Essendon, Victoria, Australia.

    Remembered with Honour
    Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille
    In Memory of
    Sergeant Obs.
    Hugh Edward Pettit
    580495, 105 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
    who died on 26 March 1940 Age 20
    Son of Warrant Stores Offr. Sydney James Pettit, R.N. and Winifred Mary Pettit, of Ipswich, Suffolk.

    Remembered with Honour
    Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille
    In Memory of
    Corporal W. Op.
    Alexander Egerton Jones
    531577, 105 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
    who died on 26 March 1940 Age 22
    Son of Charles William and Mabel Jones, of Kington, Herefordshire.
     

    Attached Files:

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