AOP (Air Observation Post) Squadron Casualties

Name: JACKSON, FREDERICK MAYES Initials: F M Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Captain Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery Secondary Regiment: Royal Air Force Secondary Unit Text: attd. 654 A.O.P. Sqdn. Date of Death: 15/08/1943 Service No: 134767 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 2. Memorial: CASSINO MEMORIAL

　

 

Name: FARRER, ROBERT MICHAEL Initials: R M Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Captain Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery Secondary Regiment: Royal Air Force Secondary Unit Text: attd. 654 A.O.P. Sqdn. Age: 25 Date of Death: 23/09/1944 Service No: 121286 Awards: D F C Additional information: Son of Robert Noel and Maude Radford Farrer, of Alwoodley, Yorkshire; husband of Dorothy Carmen Farrer. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 2. Memorial: CASSINO MEMORIAL

　

 

Name: AITCHISON, GEORGE MICHAEL HOUGH Initials: G M H Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Captain Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery Secondary Regiment: Royal Air Force Secondary Unit Text: attd. 655 A.O.P. Sqdn., Age: 24 Date of Death: 19/05/1944 Service No: 149699 Additional information: Son of George and Marjorie Aitchison, of Ambleside, Westmorland. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: XV. C. 11. Cemetery: BEACH HEAD WAR CEMETERY, ANZIO
　

 

Name: STANDFIELD, JOHN TALMAN Initials: J T Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Captain Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery Secondary Regiment: Royal Air Force Secondary Unit Text: attd. 655 A.O.P Sqdn., Age: 24 Date of Death: 25/02/1944 Service No: 184034 Additional information: Son of George Frederick and Elsie G. L. Standfield; husband of Betty Eaton Standfield, of Bramshott, Hampshire. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: V. B. 1. Cemetery: BEACH HEAD WAR CEMETERY, ANZIO

　

 

I ran out of time for one of the AOP guys at the Beachhead Cemetery but will do that next time.

Next to Standfield is this chap, same date but seemingly different unit. Up in the plane with him?

Name: GOLDIE, JOHN Initials: J Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Gunner Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery Unit Text: 78 Field Regt. Age: 27 Date of Death: 25/02/1944 Service No: 887751 Additional information: Son of Donald and Eliza Goldie, of Edinburgh; husband of Jessie Goldie, of Edinburgh. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: V. B. 2. Cemetery: BEACH HEAD WAR CEMETERY, ANZIO
#

 

More coming later when I've finished the upload.

 

Hi Paul,

I was doing some work on No.43 Sqn OTU RAF Operations Record Book

June 1943 has a list of No.20 (AOP) Course Passing out which contains the line:
Lt G.M.H Aitchison, 149699, No.655 Sqn, Supernumary

So just less than 1 year from leaving OTU to death.

Regards
Ross

 

Name: DURRELL, LEONARD SIDNEY Initials: L S Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Gunner Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery Secondary Regiment: Royal Air Force Secondary Unit Text: attd. 651 A.O.P. Sqdn. Age: 32 Date of Death: 02/01/1944 Service No: 5777723 Additional information: Son of Arthur John and Charlotte Durrell, of Norwich; husband of Lily Durrell. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: XV. C. 20. Cemetery: SANGRO RIVER WAR CEMETERY

　

 

AOP Memorial at Anzio.

 

Hi paul,

When I get the 655 AOP War Dairy, I'll check it and also that of 78 Field Regt.

Thanks - Rob

I ran out of time for one of the AOP guys at the Beachhead Cemetery but will do that next time.

Next to Standfield is this chap, same date but seemingly different unit. Up in the plane with him?

Name: GOLDIE, JOHN Initials: J Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Gunner Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery Unit Text: 78 Field Regt. Age: 27 Date of Death: 25/02/1944 Service No: 887751 Additional information: Son of Donald and Eliza Goldie, of Edinburgh; husband of Jessie Goldie, of Edinburgh. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: V. B. 2. Cemetery: BEACH HEAD WAR CEMETERY, ANZIO
#

 

Name: AITCHISON, GEORGE MICHAEL HOUGH Initials: G M H Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Captain Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery Secondary Regiment: Royal Air Force Secondary Unit Text: attd. 655 A.O.P. Sqdn., Age: 24 Date of Death: 19/05/1944 Service No: 149699 Additional information: Son of George and Marjorie Aitchison, of Ambleside, Westmorland. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: XV. C. 11. Cemetery: BEACH HEAD WAR CEMETERY, ANZIO

"Hi Paul,

I was doing some work on No.43 Sqn OTU RAF Operations Record Book

June 1943 has a list of No.20 (AOP) Course Passing out which contains the line:
Lt G.M.H Aitchison, 149699, No.655 Sqn, Supernumary

So just less than 1 year from leaving OTU to death.

Regards
Ross"

From the war diary of 655 AOP. Capt Aitchison was killed instantly by own shell at 2,500 ft.

 

I ran out of time for one of the AOP guys at the Beachhead Cemetery but will do that next time.

Next to Standfield is this chap, same date but seemingly different unit. Up in the plane with him?

Name: GOLDIE, JOHN Initials: J Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Gunner Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery Unit Text: 78 Field Regt. Age: 27 Date of Death: 25/02/1944 Service No: 887751 Additional information: Son of Donald and Eliza Goldie, of Edinburgh; husband of Jessie Goldie, of Edinburgh. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: V. B. 2. Cemetery: BEACH HEAD WAR CEMETERY, ANZIO
#

Not killed in the same event as Standfield. Was killed with another man with 78 Field Regt, RA.

Name:UNDERWOOD, GEORGE CHRYSTIEInitials:G CNationality:United KingdomRank:LieutenantRegiment/Service:Royal ArtilleryUnit Text:309 Bty., 78 Field Regt.Age:21Date of Death:25/02/1944Service No:229061Additional information:Son of Lt.-Col. George Frederick Underwood and Jessie Prentice Underwood. of St. Andrews, Fife.Casualty Type:Commonwealth War DeadGrave/Memorial Reference:V. A. 9.Cemetery:BEACH HEAD WAR CEMETERY, ANZIO

 

As for who flew with an AOP Pilot, found this interesting entry for 655 AOP Squadron doing a recce of the battlefield in January 1944.

Lt Gen Crerar of 1 Canadian Corps who later went on to command 1st Canadian Army.

 

Name: LITTLE, LEICESTER
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Captain
Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery
Secondary Regiment: Royal Air Force
Secondary Unit Text: attd. 662 A.O.P. Sqdn.
Age: 29
Date of Death: 19/06/1944
Service No: 70733
Additional information: Son of Arthur and Mary Jane Little; husband of Verna Elizabeth Little, of Sunderland, Co. Durham.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: XIV. F. 24.
Cemetery: BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY

 

Just realised I had not posted an update for this casualty. Headstone photo also attached, but with no mention of being an AOP Pilot.

The war diary says he was shot down by FW190's and fatally wounded. Copy also attached.

"E-mail from CWGC dated 14 July 2011.

Further to my e-mail of 13th June 2011, I am pleased to inform you that our records department have concluded their investigation and we have agreed to amend our records for the two casualties shown below.

We have added the secondary unit AOP squadrons. Please see the information that we now hold"


Captain PUGH, ERIC VINCENT
Unit: 51 Heavy Regt.
Regiment: Royal Artillery
Secondary Unit Text: attd. 652 A.O.P. Sqdn.
Secondary Regiment: Royal Air Force
Service No: 126219
Age: 32
Date of Death: 10 June 1944
Commemoration: BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY
France
XI. F. 7.
Additional Information: Son of Vincent and Margaret Pugh; husband of Yvonne Jessie Pugh, of Worcester.

Captain McCORRY, CHARLES
Regiment: Royal Artillery
Secondary Unit Text: attd. 658 A.O.P. Sqdn.
Secondary Regiment: Royal Air Force
Service No: 179866
Age: 26
Date of Death: 22 September 1944
Commemoration: UDEN WAR CEMETERY
Netherlands
3. G. 7.
Additional Information: Son of Charles and Monica McCorry, of Larkhall, Lanarkshire. B.Sc. (Glasgow).

Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Yours sincerely,


Mrs J Williams
Enquiries Administrator
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
2 Marlow Road
Maidenhead
Berks
SL6 7DX


One of the AOP Pilots is listed on CWGC as being a casualty of 51 Heavy Regt, RA and no mention of being a pilot in 652 AOP Sqdn.

I have e-mailed CWGC with the war diary page of his death and a copy of the AOP roll of honour and I quote:-

"Dear Sir/Madam.

In the war diary of 652 AOP Squadron, RAF, there is an entry showing a Capt Pugh being shot down and fatally wounded in Normandy on 9 June 1944.

The only Pugh listed on CWGC is the following man:-

Name: PUGH, ERIC VINCENT
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Captain
Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery
Unit Text: 51 Heavy Regt.
Age: 32
Date of Death: 10/06/1944
Service No: 126219
Additional information: Son of Vincent and Margaret Pugh; husband of Yvonne Jessie Pugh, of Worcester.
Grave/Memorial Reference: XI. F. 7.
Cemetery: BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY

The majority of AOP pilots were Royal Artillery officers and Capt E V Pugh is listed in a Roll of Honour of AOP men killed.

I attach a copy of the AOP diary page and the ROH and look forward to receiving your comments."

 

Name: MACKLEY, PETER DEREK
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Major
Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery
Secondary Regiment: Royal Air Force
Secondary Unit Text: attd. 655 A.O.P. Sqdn.
Date of Death: 11/12/1944
Service No: 124024
Awards: D F C
Additional information: The Cross of Valour (Poland).
Son of Leopold Anderson Mackley and Constance Ada Mackley.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. G. 7.
Cemetery: FLORENCE WAR CEMETERY

The Commanding Officer of 655 AOP went missing and was eventually found on the 17th December. Italian locals reported that the plane was seen to crash into a mountain side. Judging by the weather conditions at the time (heavy snow and poor visibility), he should not have been flying.

The funeral was conducted by Lt. Col Gregory, the 13 Corps Padre on the 22nd December with officers from all flights in attendance.

 

Name: STUART, DENNIS IVOR
Rank: Captain
Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery
Secondary Regiment: Royal Air Force
Secondary Unit Text: attd. 659 A.O.P. Sqdn.
Age: 24
Date of Death: 04/02/1945
Service No: 201836
Additional information: Son of William Horace and Gwendolen Lewis Stuart, of Porthcawl, Glamorgan.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot RR. Grave 15.
Cemetery: EINDHOVEN (WOENSEL) GENERAL CEMETERY

Photo courtesy of PieterF if I am correct.

http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=45799&d=1297888299

Capt Stuart was shot down by an FW190 on the 3rd February 1945. His observer (see name below) died that same day and Stuart died of his wounds on the 4th February. It looks as though they were carrying out observations prior to the start of Operation Veritable.

Name: RICHES, VERNON JOWETT
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Leading Aircraftman
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 659 Sqdn.
Age: 23
Date of Death: 03/02/1945
Service No: 1137289
Additional information: Son of Harold Riches, and of Elsie Riches, of Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. F. 6.
Cemetery: MIERLO WAR CEMETERY

Copy of the war diary page from 659 AOP Squadron.

 

STRAUCH, KENNETH ALBERT
Rank:Bombardier
Service No:1134016
Date of Death:15/03/1945
Age:22
Regiment/Service:Royal Artillery
attd. 652 A.O.P. Sqdn. Royal Air Force
Grave ReferenceRow 3. Grave 6.
Cemetery: GOIRLE ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY
Additional Information:
Son of Albert Ernest and Florence Alice Strauch, of Brentwood, Essex.

 

STRAUCH, KENNETH ALBERT
Rank:Bombardier
Service No:1134016
Date of Death:15/03/1945
Age:22
Regiment/Service:Royal Artillery
attd. 652 A.O.P. Sqdn. Royal Air Force
Grave ReferenceRow 3. Grave 6.
Cemetery: GOIRLE ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY
Additional Information:
Son of Albert Ernest and Florence Alice Strauch, of Brentwood, Essex.



When the Flight was moving back to the Dunkirk area, Bombadier Strauch was mortally wounded when a V2 Rocket landed close to the convoy in which he was travelling. Copy of the war diary page below.

 

Name: MOLISON, WILLIAM STRACHAN
Rank: Captain
Regiment/Service: Royal Artillery
Secondary Regiment: Royal Air Force
Secondary Unit Text: attd. 622 A.O.P. Sqdn.
Age: 30
Date of Death: 28/03/1945
Service No: 109759
Awards: D F C and Bar
Additional information: Son of William James Molison and Hilda Maria Molison, of Sanderstead, Surrey.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 60. C. 13.
Cemetery: REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY


Details from the war diary of 662 AOP Squadron about the death of W S Molison. Another incorrect unit recorded on CWGC.



Hello,
War Diary of 4/7th Royal Dragoon Guards 28-03-1945:
An unfortunate accident occured when our Bde Air OP was hit in the air by shells of our own artillery, his plane crashing. He was killed.
Regards
Karl Lusink ARGA
Welkom op de site van ARGA, de aircraft research group achterhoek, welke onderzoek doet naar de gevolgen van de luchtoorlog 1940-1945