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

Thanks Peter.

Cheers

Geoff

 

Fl/Lt Richard Nigel "Ape" Cullen (DFC) 80sq (of Australia)

In Memory of
Flight Lieutenant RICHARD NIGEL CULLEN
D F C

39967, 80 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
who died age 23
on 04 March 1941
Son of Horace David and H. Cullen, of Putney, London.
Remembered with honour
TIRANA PARK MEMORIAL CEMETERY



Fl/Lt Richard Nigel Cullen (DFC) was an Ace and the 3rd highest scoring Australian of WW2 with 161/2 kills.

Commonwealth biplane fighter aces - Nigel Cullen

Richard Nigel Cullen was born in Newcastle, New South Wales, on 5 June 1917, but lived in England, in the London suburb of Putney.

He was known as "Ape" due to his physique and raced Norton motorcycles at Brooklands in 1934. He joined the International Brigade in Spain during the Spanish Civil War, fighting on the Republican side. He was wounded in the stomach and returned to England.

Back in the U.K., he joined the RAF and was promoted to Pilot Officer on probation on 24 August 1937 (with seniority of 9 August).

Promotion to Pilot Officer followed on 31 May 1938.

On 31 December 1939, he was promoted to Flying Officer.





Nickname "Ape"
Place of birth Newcastle, New South Wales
Place of death Himarë , Albania
Allegiance Australia United Kingdom
Service/branch Royal Air Force
Years of service 1937–1941
Rank Flight Lieutenant
Unit No. 267 Squadron RAF (1940)
No. 80 Squadron RAF (1940–41)
Battles/wars Spanish Civil War

World War II

• Middle East Theatre
• Western Desert Campaign
• Mediterranean Theatre
• Battle of Greece

Awards Distinguished Flying Cross

Death details:

At this point six G.50bis dived on the Hurricanes, shooting down V7801 in flames; 24-year-old Warrant Officer Harry J. Goodchild DFM (RAF No. 517435) was killed. It seems that the Italian fighters did not see the bombers, for they reported only single-engined types - ten ‘Spitfires’, three ‘Battles’ (obviously Hurricanes) and 20 Gladiators. Once the Blenheims had completed their run and were on their return flight, Pattle ordered the Hurricanes to hunt in pairs over the warships, where a number of Italian fighters were seen. At once a lone G.50bis attacked Pattle and his No 2 - on this occasion Flying Officer Cullen - but Pattle promptly shot this down and watched it spiral into a mountainside just north of Himare. At this moment a second Fiat ‘jumped’ Cullen (Hurricane V7288) and he was not seen again; his aircraft crashed near Himare, and the Australian ‘ace’ was killed.

 

In Memory of
Flight Sergeant CHARLES CARR ATKIN

12316, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 27
on 05 March 1943
Son of George and Amy Atkin; husband of Jessie Hamilton Atkin, of East Maitland, New South Wales, Australia.
Remembered with honour
FLUSHING (VLISSINGEN) NORTHERN CEMETERY



In Memory of
Sergeant JOSEPH ANTHONY MOLLOY

1621707, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 19
on 04 March 1943
Son of Michael and Josephine Molloy, of Bootle, Lancashire.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL



12316 Flight Sergeant ATKIN, Charles Carr
Source:
AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/4/15 Commonwealth War Graves records
Aircraft Type: Wellington
Serial number: Z 1109
Radio call sign:
Unit: 28 Operational Trg RAF
Summary:
On the 4th March 1943, Wellington Z1109 took off from RAF Station Wymeswold. At
1846 hours, detailed to bomb Breskens, Holland. The aircraft crashed near Breskens, and
two of the crew were killed with three being POW’s.
Crew:
RAAF 12316 Flt Sgt C C Atkin, Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt C Gunning, (Navigator)
RAF Sgt G S Loveday, (Air Bomber)
RAF Sgt R H Roskell, (Wireless Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt J A Molloy, (Rear Gunner)
Flt Sgt Atkin is 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. .
Sgt Molloy has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the
Missing, Runnymede, UK.
The following is a summary of W/T communications to and from the aircraft
Station Signals intercepted an MF Fix 50.40N.01.33E, 2nd Class passed to the aircraft by
Fulham at 2245 hours. This was acknowledged by the aircraft and was the last word
heard from the aircraft, except that it told Fulham that it would call later.
Stanmore checked up their RDF Plots and reported that an aircraft had turned south east
from the position of the Fix for about 20 miles, then turned north or perhaps north east,
and near Calais definitely went north east. The height then was about 13,000 feet as far as
a position over the sea about 30 miles west of The Hague. The plot then faded at 6,000
feet and it was thought possible that the aircraft crashed in Holland “
Sgt Gunning a POW later stated : “I had plenty of time to get out of the aircraft. I was the
last to see Charles. I landed about a mile inland, but if Charles was a good swimmer, as
we were led to believe, he could certainly have made the coast as he could not have
landed more that two miles out.”
Sgt Loveday a POW reported : “The aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire in the vicinity of
Flushing, Holland. At 5,000 feet the Captain ordered bale out.”

 

Can anybody confirm that the Canadian listed at the end of this post, was the pilot of the other Typhoon (DN 615) or was his death and burial at the same cemetery just a coincidence?

Confirmed - See next post!

In Memory of
Flight Sergeant HARRIS ROBERT FRASER

401791, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 22
on 06 March 1943
Son of Andrew Currie Fraser and Beatrice Irene Fraser, of Camberwell, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
ORPINGTON (ST. MARY CRAY) CEMETERY




View attachment 47284

401791 Flight Sergeant FRASER, Harris Robert
Source:
AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/14/17 Commonwealth War Graves records.
Aircraft Type: Typhoon
Serial number: R 8942
Radio call sign:
Unit: ATTD 1 SQN RAF
Summary:
Typhoon R 8942 flown by Flt Sgt Fraser was returning on 6 March 1943 from an
operational patrol in loose formation as No2, Green Section. The weather at the time was
low cloud, drizzle and visibility had closed down to less than 1000 yards. It appears that
the Leader Green 1 (Typhoon DN 615) realised that the clouds were right down on the
hills, and pulled up into the clouds. G2 probably lost sight of G1 and also climbed up
through the clouds independently. Both aircraft collided in the clouds, and both pilots
were killed.
R8942 crashed at Pedhouse Farm, Benenden, Kent. UK.
Crew:
RAAF 401791 Flt Sgt H R Fraser, (Pilot)
Flt Sgt Fraser is buried in Orpington (St Mary Cray) Cemetery, Kent, England.
In Memory of
Flying Officer GEORGE CARSON WHITMORE

J/15843, 1 (R.A.F.) Sqdn., Royal Canadian Air Force
who died age 24
on 06 March 1943
Son of Thomas and Minnie L. Whitmore, of Durham, Ontario, Canada.
Remembered with honour
ORPINGTON (ST. MARY CRAY) CEMETERY

 

Can anybody confirm that the Canadian listed at the end of this post, was the pilot of the other Typhoon (DN 615) or was his death and burial at the same cemetery just a coincidence?

6 March 1943

Typhoon Ib DN615, P/O. G C. Whitmore + (Defensive patrol near Tenterden) collided with Typhoon Ib R8942, Sgt. H R Frazer + Both No.1 Squadron

 

6 March 1943

Typhoon Ib DN615, P/O. G C. Whitmore + (Defensive patrol near Tenterden) collided with Typhoon Ib R8942, Sgt. H R Frazer + Both No.1 Squadron

Thanks Peter,

I thought it would be however you never know!

Cheers

Geoff

 

In Memory of
Flying Officer GEORGE CARSON WHITMORE

J/15843, 1 (R.A.F.) Sqdn., Royal Canadian Air Force
who died age 24
on 06 March 1943
Son of Thomas and Minnie L. Whitmore, of Durham, Ontario, Canada.
Remembered with honour
ORPINGTON (ST. MARY CRAY) CEMETERY

This memorial is located in the town of Durham, Ontario. Pilot Officer Whitmore is mentioned at the bottom (left).

 

Well done Pieter.

 

In Memory of
Flying Officer FRANCIS MONTAGUE WILSON

417031, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 31
on 07 March 1944
Son of John Vernon Caldicott Wilson and Alice Jane Wilson; husband of Thelma Mary Wilson, of Plympton, South Australia. A.F.I.A., A.I.S.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL



SECOND WORLD WAR FATALITIES
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING IN RAF
BEAUFORT SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
417031 Flying Officer WILSON, Francis Montague
Source:
AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/43/552 Commonwealth War Graves records
Aircraft Type: Beaufort
Serial number: ML 444
Radio call sign:
Unit: ATTD NO 1 OADU RAF
Summary:
Beaufort ML444 on a delivery flight from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, to Radat,
Sale, North Africa, on 7th March 1944, but it failed to reach its destination,.
Crew:
RCAF Flt Sgt O C Markle, Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 417031 FO Wilson, F M (Navigator BombAimer)
RAF Sgt P C Brown, (Wireless Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt E R Groves, (Wireless Air Gunner)
All the crew have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial
to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK
In Memory of
Pilot Officer ORIN CLEMENS MARKLE

J/91091, Royal Canadian Air Force
who died age 24
on 07 March 1944
Son of Mervyn Clemens Markle and Lydia Isabella Bates Markle, of Shoal Lake, Manitoba, Canada.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL


In Memory of
Sergeant PETER CHARLES BROWN

1713691, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 20
on 07 March 1944
Son of Stanley J. A. and Daisy Brown, of Luton, Bedfordshire.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL


In Memory of
Sergeant EDWARD ROY GROVES

1324475, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 22
on 07 March 1944
Son of Walter and Adelaide Groves, of Freshwater, Isle of Wight.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

 

In Memory of
Flying Officer ALAN LOUDEN PEARSALL

408266, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 28
on 08 March 1944
Son of Benjamin James Pearsall and Olive Pearsall; husband of Dorothy Eva Pearsall, of Sandy Bay, Tasmania. Australia.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL



RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE
SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH
NO KNOWN GRAVE.
408266 Flying Officer PEARSALL, Alan Louden
Source:
NAA: A705, 166/32/318
Aircraft Type: Spitfire
Serial number: PA 863
Radio call sign:
Unit: 16 Sqn ATTD RAF
Summary:
FO Pearsall flying Spitfire PA 863 of 16 Sqn RAF, RAF Station Northolt, Middlesex,
had been briefed to carry out on 8 March 1944, a photo sortie north-east of Calais. Just
after he had completed his task, he called up on Button C stating the engine had stopped.
Approx 4 minutes after his first intimation of engine trouble, and on instructions from
Bradwell Bay he baled out over the sea at 2000 feet. From the 1st transmission to time of
bale out he was in constant touch by R/T with Bradwwell, Bay and Manston.
11 Group Controller immediately despatched search aircraft. Owing to the fact that the
pilot did not go over to Button D (Biggin Hill), no accurate fix was made. Bradwell Bay
and Manston both obtained bearings, but owing to their respective positions relative to
the aircraft, obtained a very inaccurate bearing only.
ASWR craft did not go out. There were gale conditions in the Channel and no sight of the
pilot or dinghy had been obtained from search aircraft. The search continued for two days
with nil result.
Crew:
RAAF 408266 FO Pearsall, A L (Pilot)
With no trace of the missing pilot being found following post war enquiries and
investigations it was recorded in 1948 that FO Pearsall had lost his life at sea and had no
known grave. Hs name is co0mmemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede
UK.

 

In Memory of
Flying Officer JOHN LESLIE GILBERT

401940, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 23
on 09 March 1944
Son of Leslie Victor and Christina Nisbet Gilbert, of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL



RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT IN ROYAL AIR FORCE
SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS IN WORLD WAR 2 AND MISSING WITH
NO KNOWN GRAVE.
401940 Flying Officer GILBERT, John Leslie
Source:
NAA: A705, 166/15/199
Aircraft Type: Proctor
Serial number: R 7570
Radio call sign:
Unit: 132 Sqn RAF
Summary:
Proctor R 7570 of No 132 (City of Bombay) Sqn RAF from RAF Station, Castletown,
Caithness, crashed on 9 March 1944. There were 2 survivors among those on board, with
FO Gilbert reported missing.
In a statement made by one survivor, FO Everall (RAF), a Medical Officer of 132 Sqn,
he reported: “I boarded R 7570 at RAF Station Turnhouse about 1300 hours en route for
Castletown. While crossing the Moray Firth, the pilot FO Gilbert informed me that the oil
pressure was dropping and he immediately turned the aircraft west to hit land as quickly
as possible. The aircraft engine cut out during the crossing, and he ordered the other two
to remove their overcoats and put on mae wests. The aircraft ditched close to a fishing
vessel. All on board were thrown into the water. Gilbert was wearing his great coat and
had no life saving jacket. Everall tried for 15 to 20 minutes to help Gilbert remove his
great coat, but was unsuccessful due to heavy swell and intense cold. They became
separated and Everall did not see Gilbert again. Everall and Redwood were rescued by a
trawler about 35 minutes after the crash.”
Crew:
RAAF 401940 FO Gilbert, J L (Pilot)
RAF Flt Sgt Redwood, E W
RAF FO Everall, J D (Medical Officer, Pax)

 

In Memory of
Sergeant GARFIELD LLOYD SKINNER

407461, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 26
on 10 March 1942
Son of Lloyd and Eleanor Edith Rose Skinner, of Hackney, South Australia.
Remembered with honour
REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY



455 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES
Date of Death: 10 March 1942
Source:
AWM 64 1/243 AWM 237 (63)
Aircraft Type: Hampden
Serial number: AT 192
Radio call sign: UB – R
Unit: 455 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
Hampden AT192 took off from RAF Wigsley at 1917 hours on the night of 10/11th
March 1942 to bomb Essen, Germany. Eight aircraft from the Squadron took part in
the raid and AT192 failed to return.
Crew:
RAF PO Gandy, O Captain (Pilot)
RNZAF PO Wright, L A (Navigator Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt E M Jennings, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 407461 Sgt G L Skinner, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed and all the crew were killed. They
are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, which is 40 miles north
west of Duisberg, Germany.

In Memory of
Pilot Officer ORRELL GANDY

103553, 455 (R.A.A.F.) Sqdn, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 29
on 10 March 1942
Son of James and Ethel Gandy, of Birkenhead; husband of Nora Gandy, of High Tranmere, Birkenhead.
Remembered with honour
REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY


In Memory of
Pilot Officer LEWIS ALFRED WRIGHT

401800, 455 (R.A.A.F.) Sqdn, Royal New Zealand Air Force
who died age 26
on 10 March 1942
Son of Alfred Edward and Katie Matilda Wright, of Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Remembered with honour
REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY


In Memory of
Sergeant ERIC MAYNARD JENNINGS

1171218, 455 (R.A.A.F.) Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 21
on 10 March 1942
Son of Ivor Walter and Edith Anne Jennings, of Milton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire.
Remembered with honour
REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY

 

In Memory of
Flight Lieutenant ALEXANDER WILLIAM WAUGH

413460, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 30
on 11 March 1945
Son of Vivien Thomas Waugh and Elsie Ida Waugh; husband of Joyce Clare Waugh, of Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia.
Remembered with honour
CAMBRIDGE CITY CEMETERY

View attachment 47222

RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT
IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
413460 Flight Lieutenant WAUGH, Alexander William
Source:
AWM 237 (45) NAA : A705, 166/43/1211 Commonwealth War Graves records
W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War. Page 124,
Volume 1945.
Aircraft Type: Mosquito
Serial number: PP 450
Radio call sign: P3 -
Unit: 692 Sqn RAF
Summary:
On the night of the 11/12th March 1945, Mosquito PP450 took off from RAF Graveley,
Huntingdonshire, UK, took off at 1828 hours, detailed to bomb Berlin. Soon after take
off, the aircraft lost power on one engine and it headed back towards the airfield.. The
approach was made at 1852 hours, but the aircraft overshot the runway, crashed into a
hedge and caught fire. The Pilot died of his injuries and the Navigator was injured in the
crash.
Crew:
RAAF 413460 Flt Lt Waugh, A W Captain (Pilot)
RAF FO Corrigan, F L (Navigator)
Flt Lt Waugh is buried in the Cambridge City Cemetery, UK The Cemetery is known
locally as the Newmarket Road Cemetery.
A report into the accident stated : “ The starboard engine failed approx 10 minutes after
take off. On attempting a single engine landing, the Pilot approached too fast with no
flaps and ran off the runway, crashed through a hedge and came to rest in flames at the
south west end of the runway. The Pilot died of his injuries.
The Pilot made an error of judgement by cutting his approach too short, coming in to land
too fast and failing to put his flaps down. A Secondary error of judgement was by not
aligning himself correctly on the runway.”

 

In Memory of
Sergeant MURRAY ALEXANDER McDONALD

400352, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 23
on 12 March 1942
Son of Alexander Frederick and Elsie Lucy McDonald, of Stanhope, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
KIEL WAR CEMETERY



400352 Sergeant MCDONALD, Murray Alexander
Source:
AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/141/494 Commonwealth War Graves records
W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 46,
Volume 1942.
Aircraft Type: Wellington
Serial number: X 3282
Radio call sign: AA -
Unit: 75 Sqn RAF
Summary:
On the night of 12/13th March 1942, Wellington X3282 took off from RAF Feltwell
Detailed to bomb Kiel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it
failed to return to base.
Crew:
RAF Sgt J F M Parnham, Captain (Pilot0
RNZAF Flt Sgt J L Brown, (Pilot)
RAF Sgt R McGibbon, (Observer)
RNZAF Flt Sgt C E J Aitchison, (Wireless Air Gunner)
RAAF 400352 Sgt M A McDonald (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt J H Godfrey, (Air Gunner)
It was presumed that the aircraft had crashed in or near the target area.
All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Kiel War Cemetery, Germany.
In Memory of
Sergeant JOHN FREDERICK MASSEY PARNHAM

1254725, 75 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 21
on 12 March 1942
Son of Fred and Lucy Annie Parnham, of Cheshunt, Hertfordshire.
Remembered with honour
KIEL WAR CEMETERY


In Memory of
Flight Sergeant JOHN LUKIES BROWN

402534, 75 (R.A.F.) Sqdn., Royal New Zealand Air Force
who died age 22
on 12 March 1942
Son of Mrs. M. W. McNee, of Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Remembered with honour
KIEL WAR CEMETERY


In Memory of
Sergeant ROBERT McGIBBON

998735, 75 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 26
on 12 March 1942
Husband of Mabel Elizabeth McGibbon, of Countess Wells, Aberdeen.
Remembered with honour
KIEL WAR CEMETERY


In Memory of
Flight Sergeant CAMPBELL EWIN JUSTIN AITCHISON

402974, 75. (R.A.F.) Sqdn., Royal New Zealand Air Force
who died age 22
on 12 March 1942
Son of Harry and Lily Evans Aitchison, of Manurewa, Auckland, New Zealand.
Remembered with honour
KIEL WAR CEMETERY


In Memory of
Sergeant JOSEPH HENRY GODFREY

1378233, 75 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died
on 12 March 1942

Remembered with honour
KIEL WAR CEMETERY

 

This crew were the first WW2 fatalities for 460 squadron on an
operational mission.

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES
Date of Death : 13 March 1942
Source:
AWM64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 163/169/81
Aircraft Type: Wellington
Serial number: X 1251
Radio call sign: UV – X
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
Wellington X 1251 took off at 1934 hours on 13/3/1942 from RAF Breighton to bomb
Dunkirk, France. The aircraft failed to return to base after the mission. Five aircraft of the
squadron were engaged on the mission.
Crew:
RNZAF Sgt Cooney, P J D Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 404688 Sgt Turnock, J S (2nd Pilot)
RAAF 400413 Sgt Hart, I E (Observer)
RAF Sgt Woodward, J (1st Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Winter, G N (Front Gunner)
RAF Sgt Pascoe, W A (Rear Gunner)
It was later established that the aircraft crashed at St Georges near Yeser Canal, Belgium,
and exploded on impact. This crew were the first WW2 fatalities of the squadron on an
operational mission. Both Sgt Turnock and Sgt Hart are interred in St Joris Communal
Cemetery, Lez, Nieuport, Belgium.
View attachment 47650


In Memory of
Flight Sergeant PATRICK JOHN DENIS COONEY

403951, 460 (R.A.A.F.) Sqdn, Royal New Zealand Air Force
who died age 22
on 13 March 1942
Son of Patrick Francis Cooney and of Maria Elizabeth Cooney (nee Kean), of Gore, Southland, New Zealand.
Remembered with honour
ST. JORIS COMMUNAL CEMETERY

In Memory of
Sergeant JOHN SIVYER TURNOCK

404688, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 28
on 13 March 1942
Son of John Howard Turnock and Blanche Turnock, of Tweed River, New South Wales, Australia.
Remembered with honour
ST. JORIS COMMUNAL CEMETERY

In Memory of
Sergeant IAN ERIC HART

400413, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 23
on 13 March 1942
Son of Eric Thomas Hart and Maude Isobel Hart; husband of Mavis Hilda Hart, of Ivanhoe, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
ST. JORIS COMMUNAL CEMETERY

In Memory of
Sergeant JACK WOODWARD

1359686, 460 (R.A.A.F.) Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died
on 13 March 1942

Remembered with honour
ST. JORIS COMMUNAL CEMETERY

In Memory of
Sergeant GEORGE NORMAN WINTER

989226, 460 (R.A.A.F.) Sqdn, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 21
on 13 March 1942
Son of Charles and Florence Mary Winter, of Thornton, Bradford, Yorkshire.
Remembered with honour
ST. JORIS COMMUNAL CEMETERY

In Memory of
Sergeant WILLIAM ALLAN PASCOE

1380051, 460 (R.A.A.F.) Sqdn, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 35
on 13 March 1942
Son of William T. and Leah B. Pascoe, of Sedgley, Staffordshire.
Remembered with honour
ST. JORIS COMMUNAL CEMETERY

 

Born in Wangaratta and originally buried at Le Touquet cemetery he was a Draughtsman and living in Hawthorn in Melbourne.

In Memory of
Flight Sergeant ROBERT MAXWELL McLAY

401995, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 23
on 14 March 1943
Son of Robert Maxwell McLay and Rose Olive McLay, of Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY



RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT
IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
401995 Flight Sergeant MCLAY, Robert Maxwell
Source:
AWM 237(65) NAA : A705, 166/26/54 Commonwealth War Graves records
Aircraft Type: Spitfire
Serial number: BS 510
Radio call sign:
Unit: 611 Sqn RAF
Summary:
On the 14th March 1943, Spitfire BS510 took off from RAF Biggin Hill at 1700 hours,
with eleven other aircraft from the Squadron, detailed to carry out an offensive sweep
over northern France. At 1745 hours action was joined with enemy fighters, in the
vicinity of Berck Bay, France. In the ensuing encounter others saw BS510 diving steeply
with two enemy aircraft behind him. Nothing was seen or heard from BS510 after that
and the aircraft failed to return to base.
Crew:
RAAF 401995 Flt Sgt R M McLay, (Pilot)
Flt Sgt Mclay is buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery, France. Etaples is a town about
27kms south of Boulogne, France.

 

In Memory of
Sergeant SYDNEY WALTER WHITE

404191, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 24
on 15 March 1942
Son of Arthur Garnet Gordon and Eirvron Lydia White, of Coorparoo, Queensland, Australia.
Remembered with honour
COLOMBO (KANATTE) GENERAL CEMETERY

In Memory of
Sergeant NOEL ALEXANDER WATT

404223, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 21
on 15 March 1942
Son of George Alexander and Fredrica Wilhelmina Watt, of Nanango, Queensland, Australia.
Remembered with honour
COLOMBO (KANATTE) GENERAL CEMETERY





RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT
IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
404223 Sgt WATT, Noel Alexander
Source:
AWM 237 (65) NAA : 705, 163/177/248 Commonwealth War Graves records
Aircraft Type: Blenheim
Serial number: Z 7968
Radio call sign:
Unit: ATTD 11 SQN RAF
Summary:
Blenheim Z7968 took off on an operational flight on 15 March 1942 from the adjoining
aerodrome at Satmalana near Colombo, India, and crashed at 2.15pm as a result of engine
failure on take off. Along with other Squadron aircraft Z7968 had been detailed to find
and attack 50 seaborne enemy aircraft which had been reported on the north west coast of
Ceylon.
About half way along the runway the pilot cut in plus boost and the aircraft became
airborne. At about 50 feet the starboard engine failed and in spite of efforts by the pilot to
maintain control, the aircraft swung to the right and spun into coconut trees.
The aircraft carried 4 x 250lb bombs.
The Pilot was killed, and the Air Gunner was dangerously injured and died of his injuries
on the same day. The Observer was also badly injured in the accident.
Crew:
RAAF 404191 Sgt S W White, Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 400196 Sgt R D Stair (Observer)
RAAF 404223 Sgt N A Watt, (Air Gunner)
Both Sgt White and Sgt Watt are buried in the Colombo (Kanatte) War Cemetery, Sri
Lanka. The Cemetery is at Borella, an important road junction on the Kanatte road and is
known locally as the Borella cemetery.

 

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



GOLDSTEIN, JACOB

Initials:J


Nationality:United Kingdom


Rank:Sergeant (Air Gnr.)


Regiment/Service:Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve


Unit Text:166 Sqdn.


Age:33


Date of Death:16/03/1945


Service No:2235812


Additional information:Son of Joe and Fanny Goldstein ; husband of Sarah Hyman (formerly Goldstein) of Stoke Newington, London N.16.


Casualty Type:Commonwealth War Dead


Grave/Memorial Reference:11. K. 22.


Cemetery:DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY



In abiding memory of a much loved brother

Sgt.Air Gunner Jacob (Jack) Goldstein

166 Squadron, Bomber Command, Kirmington

Who died in the skies over Nuremberg on the night of the 16th March 1945.

This, from his son's tribute to his father.

BBC - WW2 People's War - The night my father was killed in action

Jack’s son Michael, who, like many others of his generation, was to lose his father at the tender age of five, was later to become Vice Chancellor of Coventry University and was awarded the CBE for his services to Higher Education.

Lest we forget !

Ron

 

Dealt with in another thread on Irish bases however much of it is undecipherable due to some past problems on this site.
Now within the date thread.

RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR AMONG
RAAF PERSONNEL SERVING ON ATTACHMENT
IN ROYAL AIR FORCE SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT UNITS
402677 Flight Sergeant SLOMAN, Herbert William Thornley
Source :
AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, Commonwealth War Graves records
Aircraft Type: Liberator
Serial number: AL 577
Radio call sign:
Unit: ATTD 108 SQN RAF
Summary:
Liberator AL577 took off from Egypt for the UK on 15/3/1942. It was intended to land
at RAF Station Hurn, near Dundalk Eire, at approx 2.10pm on 16th March 1942.
During an early part of the flight the aircraft acknowledged orders to return to Egypt
owing to bad weather over the British Isles at the time, but the aircraft was west of its
course and it crashed into high ground at Jenanstown, Kilkenny, Eire. All the crew of 6
and 9 passengers were killed with 4 passengers being seriously injured.
Crew :
RAAF 402429 Flt Sgt L R Williams, Captain (Pilot)
RAF PO Tolson, J P (Pilot)
RAF Flt Sgt P H Morey, (Observer)
RAF Sgt H S Gibbons, (Wireless Operator)
RAF Sgt C J Ingram, (Wireless Air Gunner)
RAF Flt Lt Barrett, P C DFC (Air Gunner)
Passengers ::
RAF Wg Cdr Wells R J (Pilot)
RAF FO Anderson, J R DFC (Pilot) Seriously injured
RAF Sgt C R Amos (Pilot) Seriously injured
RCAF PO King, G F (Observer)
RAF Sgt S H Hayden, (Wireless Air Gunner) Seriously injured
RAF PO Stephens, W R (Pilot)
RAAF 402677 Flt Sgt H W T Sloman, (Pilot)
RAF Sgt L G Jordan (Observer)
RAF Sgt T E Pattison, (Wireless Air Gunner) Seriously injured
RAF Sgt A M S Brownlie
RCAF Flt Sgt C S Goodenough
RAF Sgt Buchanan
RAF Sgt Brooks
Flt Sgt Williams (RAAF) and Flt Sgt Sloman (RAAF) are buried in the Belfast City
Cemetery, UK.
PO Tolson is buried in the Diss Cemetery, UK.
Flt Sgt Morey is buried in the Shirley (St John) Churchyard, UK.
Sgt Gibbons is buried in the Newpoet (Christchurch) Cemetery, UK.
Sgt Ingram is buried in the West Ham Cemetery, UK.
Flt Lt Barrett is buried in the Belfast City Cemetery, UK.
All the other passengers are buried in various UK cemeteries.

Thanks to Peter Clare who sourced this info below on the crash in another thread.

Consolidated 32 Liberator II (LB-30) AL577 N RAF OADU / 108 Sqn Crew Louth Slieve na Glough, Jenkinstown 15 4

W/Cmdr Richard John Wells DFC 39918 +
P/O John Peile Tolson 67640 +
Sgt Paul Herrick Morey 917067 +
Sgt Henry James Gibbons 948393 +
Sgt Charles Joseph Ingram 916998 +
F/Lt Francis Charles Barrett DFC 77959 + (of Australia)
F/O James Robert Anderson DFC 79508
Sgt Cyril Rowland Amos 1182180 DIS
F/Sgt Lindsay Ross Williams 402429 + RAAF
P/O Wilfred Bertrand Stephens 113267 +
Sgt Thomas Edward Pattison 644625
Sgt Sydney Frederick Hayden 910905
Sgt Andrew McMillan Smith Brownlie 546659 +
Sgt Walter Paul Brooks 931402 +
F/Sgt George Buchanan 1060536 +
F/Sgt Carlton Stokes Goodenough R/62738 + RCAF
F/Sgt Leslie George Jordan 905148 +
P/O George Frederick King J/15525 RCAF +
F/Sgt Herbert William Thornley Sloman 402677 + RAAF


Aircraft was on a ferry flight from North Africa when it crashed on hill side. No newspaper announcement has been found. [J Andersons son Jim emailed me March 2006. A quick review of MA File G2/X/986; Articles by Cummins, Irish Air Ltr date Unkn; Flypast Date Unknown: Irish NA File A.26; M. O'reilly Article RAF B-24 Liberator in Cooley Mountains, April 2002, Irelands Eye; L R Williams files on Australian NAA; Amos names found on LG; All dead names checked on CWGC.org and AWM Nominal Roll; IMA #B38, MacCarron p.56 s/n wrong; Robertson p.182; Quinn p.177-188; Joe Baugher site mentions a/c; ABS AA-AZ agrees with loss, give OADU as unit, The Sqn. was trying to equip with Liberators at this time. Interview with Joe Whoriskey of the Irish Army on G Byrne Show, RTE, 2003. Most reports call Pattison, Paterson but he is Pattison in the Australian reports; Hayden service file available on AusNA; Dundalk Democrat Article March 2006.]


Aircraft Landings Ireland 1939 - 1946
A little more on the loss of Liberator AL577.

On march 16 1942 Liberator AL577/N of 108 Squadron crashed at Slieve na Gloc, in the Rock Marshall Mountains near Jenkinstown, Co. Louth, killing fourteen of the nineteen on board. Another four died later of their injuries.
The aircraft had a crew of six, and was captained by Wing Commander Wells DFC and was carrying thirteen other squadron crewmen, whose job it would be to ferry back Liberators from the UK, to the squadron in Egypt. The aircraft had left an advanced Landing Ground at Fayid at 16.55 hrs the previous day, en route for a base in the south of England, when it ran into problems as its radio became unserviceable. It veered off course, and low on fuel, the crew saw the lights of a city and believed it to be Dublin. They cruised around for some time, and decided to attempt a landing at Greencastle Airfield, Co. Down. However, it ran into thick mist and visibility was nil, resulting in the Liberator crashing into Slieve-na-Gloc from a northerly direction, breaking into pieces, with the cabin burning on impact.

When a military party reached the site of the crash at 13.30 hrs they found the scene strewn with bodies, baggage and debris. The aircraft had broken up with the tail, body and fore-part spread over a fifty yard distance. the wings, tail and centre-part were not burned but were badly wrecked. Three of the survivors were still conscious and sheltering under the aircraft. They were F/O. Anderson, suffering badly from burns to his legs and hands; F/S. Amos, with a broken leg and facial injuries; and Sgt. Patterson with back injuries, and P/O. Stephens was conscious but sadly dying. These survivors were removed to the Louth Hospital, Dundalk, but one died on the way and P/O. Stephens died the following day.

The following is taken from the 108 Squadron ORB dated 17 March 1942.....

It is with deep regret that this Squadron records that the Liberator captained by Wing Commander Wells DFC, carrying crews home for the Liberator Ferry Flight, crashed in Ireland - this was a great blow indeed for the Squadron. It has since been learned that out of the nineteen personnel (including five officers) that F/O. J R. Anderson DFC and Sergeants Amos, Patterson and Haydon were injured, and the remainder killed. The Squadron could ill-afford to lose these valuable crews.

Wing Commander R J. Wells DFC, by his splendid leadership, enthusiasm and zest for operations built up for this Squadron a worthy reputation. It was his ambition to have the Squadron re-equipped with Liberators and it was with this end view that he proceeded to the UK. All who knew him were impressed by his remarkable courage, his sense on justice and his interest in the welfare of all ranks. His personality and high spirits made him a favourite with all - his loss is deeply felt.

F/L. F C. Barratt DFC, P/O. J P. Tolson and P/O. W B. Stephens were all officers with a keen sense of duty; at all, times their work in the Squadron was of exceptionally high standard.

It is a complete mystery to all as to how this crash occurred as both Captain and crew had a wide, extensive and varied experience.

In Memory of
Wing Commander RICHARD JOHN WELLS

39918, 108 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
who died age 28
on 16 March 1942
Son of Richard Alexander and Ada Wells. of Diss.
Remembered with honour
DISS CEMETERY


In Memory of
Pilot Officer JOHN PEILE TOLSON

67640, 108 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 21
on 16 March 1942
Son of Sqdn. Ldr. Wilfred George Tolson, M.C., R.A.F. (V.R.) (died on service, 12th April, 1943), and Marjorie Seymour Tolson, of Harpenden.
Remembered with honour
HARPENDEN (WESTFIELD) CEMETERY


In Memory of
Flight Sergeant PAUL HERRICK MOREY

917067, 108 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 22
on 16 March 1942
Son of Herbert George and Jessie Mary Morey, of Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.
Remembered with honour
SHIRLEY (ST. JOHN) CHURCHYARD


In Memory of
Sergeant HENRY JAMES GIBBONS

948393, 108 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 20
on 16 March 1942
Son of Herbert F. J. Gibbons and Lilian E. Gibbons, of Newport.
Remembered with honour
NEWPORT (CHRISTCHURCH) CEMETERY


In Memory of
Sergeant CHARLES JOSEPH INGRAM

916998, 108 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died
on 16 March 1942

Remembered with honour
WEST HAM CEMETERY


In Memory of
Flight Lieutenant FRANCIS CHARLES BARRETT
D F C

77959, 108 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 32
on 16 March 1942
Son of J. F. Barrett and Ida Barrett; nephew of Walter Beames, of Frewville, South Australia. His brother Allen Bernard also died on service.
Remembered with honour
BELFAST CITY CEMETERY


In Memory of
Flight Sergeant LINDSAY ROSS WILLIAMS

402429, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 26
on 16 March 1942
Son of Henry Stanley and Elsie Ethel Mary Williams, of Five Dock, New South Wales, Australia. Dip. Agr. (Hawkesbury).
Remembered with honour
BELFAST CITY CEMETERY


In Memory of
Pilot Officer WILFRED BERTRAND STEPHENS

113267, 108 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died
on 19 March 1942

Remembered with honour
CITY OF WESTMINSTER (PADDINGTON) CEMETERY, MILL HILL


In Memory of
Sergeant ANDREW MCMILLAN SMITH BROWNLIE

546659, 108 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
who died age 29
on 16 March 1942
Son of Thomas and Marion Smith Brownlie, of Glasgow.
Remembered with honour
GLASGOW (EASTWOOD) CEMETERY


In Memory of
Sergeant WALTER PAUL BROOKS

931402, 108 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 20
on 16 March 1942
Son of Walter Horace Harry Brooks, and of Mabel Brooks, of Hampton, Middlesex.
Remembered with honour
WANDSWORTH (PUTNEY VALE) CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM


In Memory of
Flight Sergeant GEORGE BUCHANAN

1060536, 108 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 22
on 16 March 1942
Son of William and Helen Buchanan, of Paisley.
Remembered with honour
ABBEY CEMETERY, THORN


In Memory of
Flight Sergeant CARLTON STOKES GOODENOUGH

R/62738, 108 (R.A.F.) Sqdn, Royal Canadian Air Force
who died age 28
on 16 March 1942
Son of Wright E. Goodenough and Eva Stokes Goodenough; husband of Margaret Bagley Goodenough, of East Angus, Province of Quebec, Canada.
Remembered with honour
BELFAST CITY CEMETERY


In Memory of
Flight Sergeant LESLIE GEORGE JORDAN

905148, 108 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 20
on 16 March 1942
Son of John B. Jordan and Rose Jordan, of Portslade.
Remembered with honour
BRIGHTON (DOWNS) CREMATORIUM


In Memory of
Pilot Officer GEORGE FREDERICK KING

J/15525, 108 (R.A.F.) Sqdn, Royal Canadian Air Force
who died age 25
on 16 March 1942
Son of Philip and Belinda King, of New Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Remembered with honour
BELFAST CITY CEMETERY


In Memory of
Flight Sergeant HERBERT WILLIAM THORNLEY SLOMAN

402677, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 22
on 16 March 1942
Son of William George and Mary Alice Sloman, of Pymble, New South Wales, Australia.
Remembered with honour
BELFAST CITY CEMETERY

 

A very sad loss of two crews after an accident over Bir-El-Baheira landing ground in the Middle East.

Source:
AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/118/302 Commonwealth War Graves records
Aircraft Type: Blenheim
Serial number: T 2124
Radio call sign:
Unit: ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary:
Blenheim T2124 took off from the landing ground at Bir-El-Baheira, Middle East, on
17th March 1942 on a daytime operational flight. The aircraft crashed after colliding with
Blenheim Z7991 and T2124 crashed and burst into flames.
It was thought that the attention of the pilot of T2124 was focused on the Leader of his
formation to whom he was endeavouring to draw near, and that he failed to observe the
other aircraft which was circuiting the landing ground with its undercarriage half
retracted. The crews of both aircraft were killed.
Crew:
RAAF 407073 Sgt R J Good, Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt J S Windmill, (Observer)
RAAF 400175 Sgt W B T Godly, (Wireless Air Gunner)
The crew of T2124 are buried in the Tobruk War Cemetery, Libya.
Tobruk is a seaport on the Mediterranean coast. Leaving the port of Tobruk on the main
road to Alexandria, the cemetery is located about 7kms inland, set back about 100 meters
along an access track branching from the left side of the road, and clearly visible from the
road.
In Memory of
Sergeant ROBERT JAMES GOOD

407073, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 22
on 17 March 1942
Son of Arthur Raymond and Laura Emma Burgess Good, of Glenelg, South Australia.
Remembered with honour
TOBRUK WAR CEMETERY


In Memory of
Sergeant JOHN STANLEY WINDMILL

926510, 14 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 21
on 17 March 1942
Son of Albert Stanley Windmill and Ada Gertrude Windmill, of Bruton, Somerset.
Remembered with honour
TOBRUK WAR CEMETERY


In Memory of
Sergeant WILLIAM BERNARD TURLEY GODLY

400175, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 20
on 17 March 1942
Son of Bernard William Turley Godly and May Godly, of Sandringham, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
TOBRUK WAR CEMETERY



Source:
AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/124/122 Commonwealth War Graves records
Aircraft Type: Blenheim
Serial number: Z 7991
Radio call sign:
Unit: ATTD 14 SQN RAF
Summary:
Blenheim Z7991 took off from the landing ground at Bir-El-Baheira, Middle East, on
17th March 1942 on a daytime operational flight. The aircraft crashed after colliding with
Blenheim T2124 and Z7991 was completely destroyed by the explosion of bombs on
board.
Z7991 was circuiting the landing ground with its undercarriage half retracted when it
collided with the other aircraft which was endeavouring to catch the leader of the
formation. It was assumed that neither of the pilots saw each other. The crews of both
aircraft were killed.
Crew:
RAF Sgt R G S Linley, Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 407351 Sgt A J B Humphries, (Observer)
RAAF 400184 Sgt T G Smail, (Wireless Air Gunner)
The crew of Z7991 are buried in the Tobruk Was Cemetery, Libya.
Tobruk is a seaport on the Mediterranean coast. Leaving the port of Tobruk on the main
road to Alexandria, the cemetery is located about 7kms inland, set back about 100 meters
along an access track branching from the left side of the road, and clearly visible from the
road.

In Memory of
Flight Sergeant RICHARD GEORGE SHERIDAN LINLEY

1162048, 14 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 22
on 17 March 1942
Son of Clifford Sheridan Linley and Dorothy Linley, of Limpsfield, Surrey.
Remembered with honour
TOBRUK WAR CEMETERY


In Memory of
Sergeant ARNOLD JAMES BIRRELL HUMPHRIES

407351, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 31
on 17 March 1942
Son of Charles Birrell Humphries and Hannah Humphries; husband of Shirley Emma Humphries, of Glenelg, South Australia.
Remembered with honour
TOBRUK WAR CEMETERY


In Memory of
Sergeant THOMAS GILES SMAIL

400184, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 26
on 17 March 1942
Son of Thomas and Catherine Smail, of Gardenvale, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
TOBRUK WAR CEMETERY