I am trying to find the fate of this officer for a war memorial project at his old prep school and am hoping someone can assist. His is in CWGC as 177 Squadron which, from what I can tell with a google session, had not gone fully operational at the time of his death but were operating with another squadron at the time. Can't find anything on hima anywhere so any information or a pointer in the right direction would be much appreciated. What I have so far:- Statham, Ivan George Squadron Leader AFC 72119 177 Squadron Royal Air Force Killed in action on the 26th of March 1943 aged 35 He was the third son of Ernest E. Statham and Katherine Statham of Rookery Wood House, Rickmansworth On the 27th of April 1936 he was married in London to Elizabeth "Betty" Jocelyn (nee Ledward) who lived later at Kensington in London. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Auxiliary Air Force for service with 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron, a daylight bomber squadron, on the 28th of June 1930. He was promoted to Flying Officer on the 28th of December 1931 and to Flight Lieutenant on the 7th of October 1933 In 1934 the squadron converted to fighters and he relinquished his commission on completion of his service with them on 28th of June 1935. He was promoted to Squadron Leader on the 3rd of September 1941 He was awarded the Air Force Cross which was announced by the Air Ministry on the 11th of June 1942. He was reported missing on air operations in India He is buried at Rangoon War Cemetery Joint Grave 3. Row G. 11-12 Thanks John
I am trying to find the fate of this officer for a war memorial project at his old prep school and am hoping someone can assist. His is in CWGC as 177 Squadron which, from what I can tell with a google session, had not gone fully operational at the time of his death but were operating with another squadron at the time. Can't find anything on hima anywhere so any information or a pointer in the right direction would be much appreciated. What I have so far:- Statham, Ivan George Squadron Leader AFC 72119 177 Squadron Royal Air Force Killed in action on the 26th of March 1943 aged 35 He was the third son of Ernest E. Statham and Katherine Statham of Rookery Wood House, Rickmansworth On the 27th of April 1936 he was married in London to Elizabeth "Betty" Jocelyn (nee Ledward) who lived later at Kensington in London. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Auxiliary Air Force for service with 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron, a daylight bomber squadron, on the 28th of June 1930. He was promoted to Flying Officer on the 28th of December 1931 and to Flight Lieutenant on the 7th of October 1933 In 1934 the squadron converted to fighters and he relinquished his commission on completion of his service with them on 28th of June 1935. He was promoted to Squadron Leader on the 3rd of September 1941 He was awarded the Air Force Cross which was announced by the Air Ministry on the 11th of June 1942. He was reported missing on air operations in India He is buried at Rangoon War Cemetery Joint Grave 3. Row G. 11-12 Thanks John Hello John, I have the following regarding your man...... Friday 26 March 1943. Over Yedashi Beaufighters of 27 Squadron sighted two Ki 43s which gave chase. S/L. I G. Statham was last seen in a dive in Beaufighter EL286 'U' near Shwebandaw with a fighter on his tail. He was being pursued by Lt Sanae Ishii who rammed the tail of Stathams aircraft with the wing of his Ki 43 to bring it down. S/L. Statham and his observer, P/O. K C. Briffett were both killed. 'Air War For Burma' - C. Shores. S/L. I G. Statham AFC CWGC :: Casualty Details P/O. K C. Briffett CWGC :: Casualty Details
Hi John, Did you ever find anything else out about this officer please? I have located his side cap and medals and hope to receive them shortly. Rather like you, I can find little info apart from the above. Kind regards, Richard Hill
Hi Richard Better late than never I suppose. Just spotted this. I have a pretty faded photo of him when he was a youngster if that's of interest. If you'd like a copy email me on jcdothamblinat btopenworlddotcom Cheers John
