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

Air Sergeant (94468) Maurice James FLEMING SAAF

This lad is on the Australian Commemorative Roll however I am unable to find anything whatsoever on him to prove that he is actually Australian as there is no country mentioned for the next of kin.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Summary of Loss:

11 December 1941

21 Squadron SAAF
Maryland II AH344 'Y'
Op. Patrol.

Took off from LG 76 as No.2 of four pairs of Maryland's sent at intervals to patrol an area over the Mediterranean Sea about 53 km north of Derna to intercept German Ju 52s ferrying fuel from Crete to Appolonia. Shot down by return fire and crashed 1.5 km north Gazala.

Crew:

Lt. W L. Wood (103252) SAAF +
2/Lt. D. Harris (103254) SAAF +
Air Sgt. M. Greenberg (102171V) SAAF +
Air Sgt. M J. Fleming SAAF +
2/Lt. A H M. Moolman SAAF + ????? (No deaths for these initials however (2) SAAF killed in 1944 (SA) and 1945 (Suez))

Extract from 'RAF Bomber Losses In The Middle East And Mediterranean' - D. Gunby / P. Temple

Page 1 of 1
001 FLEMING MJ 94468 21 SQDN 11/12/1941 SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE
COLUMN 246.
002 GREENBERG M 102171V 21 SQDN 11/12/1941 SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE
COLUMN 247.
003 HARRIS D 103254 21 SQDN 11/12/1941 SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE
COLUMN 246.
004 WOOD WL 103252 21 SQDN 11/12/1941 SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE
COLUMN 246.


In Memory of
Air Sergeant M J FLEMING

94468, 21 Sqdn., South African Air Force
who died age 23
on 11 December 1941
Son of Maurice E. and Mary Fleming.
Remembered with honour
ALAMEIN MEMORIAL

In Memory of
Lieutenant W L WOOD

103252, 21 Sqdn., South African Air Force
who died age 25
on 11 December 1941
Son of Harry and Gladys F. Wood, of Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa.
Remembered with honour
ALAMEIN MEMORIAL


In Memory of
Second Lieutenant D HARRIS

103254, 21 Sqdn., South African Air Force
who died age 22
on 11 December 1941
Son of Arthur Harris, and of Esther Harris, of Durban, Natal, South Africa.
Remembered with honour
ALAMEIN MEMORIAL


In Memory of
Air Sergeant M GREENBERG

102171V, 21 Sqdn., South African Air Force
who died
on 11 December 1941

Remembered with honour
ALAMEIN MEMORIAL


Commemorative Roll - Maurice James Fleming

Service number: 94468
Rank: Air Sergeant
Unit: No 21 Squadron
Service: South African Air Force
Conflict: 1939-1945
Date of death: 11 December 1941
Place of death: Over Derna
Cause of death: Killed in action
Cemetery or memorial details: Alamein Memorial, Egypt

 

This lad is on the Australian Commemorative Roll however I am unable to find anything whatsoever on him to prove that he is actually Australian as there is no country mentioned for the next of kin.

Any assistance would be appreciated.
In Memory of
Air Sergeant M J FLEMING

94468, 21 Sqdn., South African Air Force
who died age 23
on 11 December 1941
Son of Maurice E. and Mary Fleming.
Remembered with honour
ALAMEIN MEMORIAL


Details of the above loss........


11 December 1941

21 Squadron SAAF
Maryland II AH344 'Y'
Op. Patrol.

Took off from LG 76 as No.2 of four pairs of Maryland's sent at intervals to patrol an area over the Mediterranean Sea about 53 km north of Derna to intercept German Ju 52s ferrying fuel from Crete to Appolonia. Shot down by return fire and crashed 1.5 km north Gazala.

Crew.

Lt. W L. Wood SAAF +
2/Lt. D. harris SAAF +
Air Sgt. M. Greenberg SAAF +
Air Sgt. M J. Fleming SAAF +
2/Lt. A H M. Moolman SAAF +

Extract from 'RAF Bomber Losses In The Middle East And Mediterranean' - D. Gunby / P. Temple

 

Details of the above loss........


11 December 1941

21 Squadron SAAF
Maryland II AH344 'Y'
Op. Patrol.

Took off from LG 76 as No.2 of four pairs of Maryland's sent at intervals to patrol an area over the Mediterranean Sea about 53 km north of Derna to intercept German Ju 52s ferrying fuel from Crete to Appolonia. Shot down by return fire and crashed 1.5 km north Gazala.

Crew.

Lt. W L. Wood SAAF +
2/Lt. D. harris SAAF +
Air Sgt. M. Greenberg SAAF +
Air Sgt. M J. Fleming SAAF +
2/Lt. A H M. Moolman SAAF +

Extract from 'RAF Bomber Losses In The Middle East And Mediterranean' - D. Gunby / P. Temple

Thanks Peter,

Great info as always.

Now I just need to find the Australian connection!

Cheers

Geoff

 

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

406104 Flying Officer GALVIN, John Anthony
404081 Sgt PURVES, Leonard Lucas

Source :

AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/33/54 Commonwealth War Graves records
Aircraft Type: Blenheim
Serial number: V 5588
Radio call sign:
Unit: ATTD 113 SQN RAF

Summary:

Blenheim V5588 crashed at Giarabub on 12th December 1941 during air operations in the
Middle East and all the crew were killed.

Crew :

SAAF 2nd Lt Summersgill, C N Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 406104 FO Galvin, J A (Observer)
RAAF 404081 Sgt L L Purves, (Wireless Air Gunner)

The crew are buried in the Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery,Egypt.


In Memory of
Second Lieutenant CEDRIC N. SUMMERSGILL

102077, 113 Sqdn., South African Air Force
who died age 25
on 12 December 1941
Son of the Revd. James W. Summersgill and Helena Summersgill, of Pinelands, Cape Town, South Africa.
Remembered with honour
HALFAYA SOLLUM WAR CEMETERY


In Memory of
Flying Officer JOHN ANTHONY GALVIN

406104, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 25
on 12 December 1941
Son of John and Leonorah Galvin, of Mundijong, Western Australia.
Remembered with honour
HALFAYA SOLLUM WAR CEMETERY

In Memory of
Sergeant LEONARD LUCAS PURVES

404081, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 24
on 12 December 1941
Son of Lucas Fred and Bessie Florrie Purves, of North Ipswich, Queensland, Australia.
Remembered with honour
HALFAYA SOLLUM WAR CEMETERY

 

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

403113 Sergeant SAWYER, Roy Ernest Frederick

Source:

AWM237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/160/140 Digitised Commonwealth War Graves
records
Aircraft Type: Aircobra
Serial number:
Radio call sign:
Unit: 601 Sqn RAF

Summary:

On the 13th December 1941, an Aircobra of 601 Sqn RAF, flown by Sgt Sawyer, crashed
at 1030am, 100 yards from the perimeter wire at RAF Station, Debden, Essex, UK.
The accident was attributed to an error of judgement by the pilot, when making an
approach to landing.
Sgt Sawyer was killed in the accident, and he is buried in the Saffron Walden Cemetery,
Essex, UK. Saffron Walden is a municipal borough, market town and parish in the East
Anglian Heights, 12 miles north of Bishops Stortford, and about 50 miles by rail north
east of London.


In Memory of
Sergeant ROY ERNEST FREDERICK SAWYER

403113, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 24
on 13 December 1941
Son of Harry Ernest and Mary Jane Sawyer, of Punchbowl, New South Wales, Australia.
Remembered with honour
SAFFRON WALDEN CEMETERY

 

458 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 14 December 1944

Source:

AWM 64 1/280 AWM 237 (63)
Aircraft Type: Wellington
Serial number: NB 864
Radio call sign:
Unit: 458 Sqn RAAF

Summary:

The Sqn ORB records the following “ On the night of 13/14th December 1944 six
Wellingtons from Foggia, Italy were detailed to carry out an armed recce from Maestro
Point coastwise to Cape Salvere. No coastal sightings were made. Weather deteriorated
during the patrols and three of the aircraft were diverted to Falconara. Two of these
landed safely, but when NB864 arrived over Falconara they were unable to permit him to
land and at 0210 hours the aircraft was diverted to Jesi the next drome about 7 miles
away. It appears that the aircraft overshot Jesi and crashed into a hillside. Later the
aircraft was found burnt out some 10 to 12 miles south west of Jesi and all the crew were
killed.”

Crew:

RAAF 416371 WO G G Simons, Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 419785 Flt Sgt K J Leslie, (2nd Pilot)
RAAF 425388 WO J H M Watson, (Navigator)
RAAF 427457 WO R Ellis, (Wireless Operator ASV)
RAAF 420068 W O H S Shying, (Wireless Operator ASV)
RAAF 427504 WO P J Farrell, (Wireless Operator ASV)

All the crew are buried in the Ancona War Cemetery, Italy. The cemetery is located in
the rural locality of Tavermelle in the Commune and Province of Ancona, 3kms south of
the town of Ancona, Italy.



In Memory of
Warrant Officer GORDON GEORGE SIMONS

416371, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 26
on 14 December 1944
Son of Thomas Edward and Amelia Isobel M. Simons; husband of Margaret Simons, of Sandringham, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
ANCONA WAR CEMETERY


In Memory of
Flight Sergeant KENNETH JAMES LESLIE

419785, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 22
on 14 December 1944
Son of John and Ethel Leslie, of East Brunswick, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
ANCONA WAR CEMETERY

In Memory of
Warrant Officer JOHN HENDRY MAURICE WATSON

425388, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 24
on 14 December 1944
Son of John Andrew and Minna Pauline Watson; husband of Margaret Joyce Watson, of Longreach, Queensland, Australia.
Remembered with honour
ANCONA WAR CEMETERY

In Memory of
Warrant Officer ROBERT ELLIS

427457, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 30
on 14 December 1944
Son of John and Mabel Ellis, of Mt. Lawley, Western Australia.
Remembered with honour
ANCONA WAR CEMETERY

In Memory of
Warrant Officer HENRY SAMUEL SHYING

420068, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 31
on 14 December 1944
Son of Horace Edward and Charlotte Shying; husband of Brenda Florence Shying, of Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia.
Remembered with honour
ANCONA WAR CEMETERY

In Memory of
Warrant Officer PATRICK JOHN FARRELL

427504, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 28
on 14 December 1944
Son of Patrick Joseph and Eileen Christina Farrell, of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.
Remembered with honour
ANCONA WAR CEMETERY

 

RAAF FATALITIES IN SECOND WORLD WAR
IN NUMBER 10 SQUADRON RAAF BASED
IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

49216 Sergeant BURLEIGH, Herbert Keith

Source:

AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/6/319 Commonwealth War Graves Records
Aircraft Type: Sunderland
Serial number: HK 573
Radio call sign:
Unit: 10 Sqn RAAF

Summary:

On the 15th December 1943, Sunderland HK573 on an anti-sub patrol Percussion A-5
(500 feet), took off at 0730 hours from RAF Mount Batten, and it was waterborne at 0948
hours at the Scilly Isles. Sgt Burleigh who wounded died of his wounds, and he is buried
in the Bath (Haycombe) Cemetery, Somerset, UK.
At 0910 hours when flying at a height of 2,400 feet in position 50.08N 08.40W, smoke
began to emerge from the nacelle of the starboard engine inner, and within a few seconds,
the propeller flew off and took with it the prop of the starboard outer engine. The aircraft
immediately set course for the Scillies, and six depth charges plus 1000 gallons of petrol
were jettisoned. At 0912 hours, the plane was rapidly losing height, so all manoeuvrable
apparatus was jettisoned. While the guns were being thrown overboard, the 2nd Fitter Sgt
Burleigh received a serious bullet wound in the left knee. At 0922 a message was sent to
base saying the aircraft may be forced to land without further signals, as both the
starboard outer and inner were U/S. At 0930 hours a message was sent that the aircraft
was on course 100 deg. and 45 miles from Scilly Island, which after two minutes was
followed up by an SOS signal 40 miles from Scilly. The aircraft continued on course and
at 0942 a further signal saying an attempt was being made to land at Scilly, and the plane
was finally waterborne at 0948 hours.

Crew:

RAAF 416164 Flt Lt Williams, B A DFC Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 411030 FO McGregor, H A L (Pilot)
RAAF 422532 PO Bevis, P J (Pilot)
RAAF 285147 FO Gross, R W S (Navigator)
RAAF 49216 Sgt H K Burleigh, (2nd Fitter) (Died of Wounds)
RAAF 14611 Sgt W C Moser, (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 402705 Flt Sgt J W V Guy, (Wireless Operator Air0
RAAF 408581WO Jackson, R E (Wireless Operator Air)
RAAF 427276 Sgt F L F Williams, (Air Gunner)
RAAF 427125 Flt Sgt J T Linton, (Air Gunner)
RAAF 418059 Flt Sgt R O Calder, (Air Gunner)

In Memory of
Sergeant HERBERT KEITH BURLEIGH

49216, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 22
on 15 December 1943
Son of Herbert and Annie Florence Burleigh, of Maryborough, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
BATH (HAYCOMBE) CEMETERY

 

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

404248 Sergeant JACK, Douglas Gordon

Source:

NAA : A705, 163/126/73
Aircraft Type: Whitley
Serial number: Z 6973
Radio call sign: DY -
Unit: 102 Sqn RAF

Summary:

Whitley Z6973 of No 102 (Ceylon) Sqn RAF took off at 1643 hours on 16 December
1941 from RAF Station Dalton, to attack docks and shipping at Dunkirk, France. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base.

Crew:

RAAF 404248 Sgt Jack, D G (Pilot)
RCAF Sgt Caldwell, W G
RAF Sgt Baldock, F E
RAF Sgt Thompson, G E
RCAF Sgt Evans, W A

It was presumed that the aircraft was hit by flak and had crashed into the sea. Following
post war enquiries and investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft or crew could
be found, it was recorded that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea.



View attachment 68290
In Memory of
Sergeant DOUGLAS GORDON JACK

404248, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 25
on 16 December 1941
Son of William Harris Watson Jack and Roberta Julia Jack; husband of Olive Mary Jack, of Roadville, Queensland, Australia.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL


In Memory of
Flight Sergeant WILSON GILMORE CALDWELL

R/68575, 102 Sqdn., Royal Canadian Air Force
who died age 26
on 16 December 1941
Son of Benjamin Wilson Caldwell and Mary Irene Caldwell, of Carberry, Manitoba, Canada.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

In Memory of
Sergeant FREDERICK EDWARD BALDOCK

1163598, 102 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 29
on 16 December 1941
Son of Frederick Rowland Baldock and Hannah Baldock; husband of Alice Wina Isabelle Baldock, of Purley, Surrey.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

In Memory of
Sergeant GEORGE EDWARD THOMPSON

637513, 102 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 20
on 16 December 1941
Son of David and Isabella Thompson, of Dunbar, East Lothian.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

In Memory of
Flight Sergeant WALTER ARTHUR EVANS

R/78195, 102 Sqdn., Royal Canadian Air Force
who died age 20
on 16 December 1941
Son of David S. and Edna Evans, of Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

 

I only have a small amount of information on the loss of Harold.

I have also included his younger brother, Flying Officer Graham Harris Joseph who was sadly killed over Germany with 467sq RAAF on 17th June 1943.

These two Jewish lads were from the Melbourne suburb of Armadale in Victoria.



L/Aircraftman, Harold Walter Harris Joseph RAF (956834)

5 FTS.
Killed in Master N7691


The aircraft crashed on take off at 0950 hours, 17/12/1940. The aircraft wings had not been covered by frost covers during the night and resulted in a sluggish take off and then a side slip into the ground at Tern Hill.


This is a photo of Harold Walter Harris Joseph:
Australian War Memorial - P08876.002

View attachment 68344 .jpg]

Quote:
Studio portrait of a militia unit in a coronation review for King George VI, Royal Park Melbourne in 1937. Second row, fourth from the right, is Harold Walter Harris Joseph. Joseph later served in England with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a Leading Aircraftman. He was killed in England on 17 December 1940, aged 24. His brother 400415 Flying Officer Graham Harris Joseph, No. 467 Squadron RAAF, was killed during operations over Germany on 17 June 1943.




This is a photo of Graham Harris Joseph: Australian War Memorial - P08876.001

.JPG]

Quote:
Informal portrait of 400415 Flying Officer (FO) Graham Harris Joseph, No. 467 Squadron, RAAF, of Armadale, Vic. A salesman prior to enlisting in August 1940, FO Joseph trained in Australia, Canada and England under the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS). He was killed on operations over Germany on 17 June 1943. FO Joseph was 25 years of age. His brother, Leading Aircraftman Harold Walter Harris Joseph, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve was killed in England on 17 December 1940, aged 24.


In Memory of
Leading Aircraftman HAROLD WALTER HARRIS JOSEPH

956834, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 24
on 17 December 1940
Son of Clifton Hyman Joseph and Vera Rachel Joseph, of Armadale, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
STOKE-UPON-TERN (ST. PETER) CHURCH CEMETERY


In Memory of
Flying Officer GRAHAM HARRIS JOSEPH

400415, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 25
on 17 June 1943
Son of Clifton Hyman Joseph and Vera Rachael Joseph, of Armadale, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY

 

I only have a small amount of information on the loss of Harold.

I have also included his younger brother, Flying Officer Graham Harris Joseph who was sadly killed over Germany with 467sq RAAF on 17th June 1943.

These two Jewish lads were from the Melbourne suburb of Armadale in Victoria.



L/Aircraftman, Harold Walter Harris Joseph RAF (956834)

5 FTS.
Killed in Master N7691


The aircraft crashed on take off at 0950 hours, 17/12/1940. The aircraft wings had not been covered by frost covers during the night and resulted in a sluggish take off and then a side slip into the ground at Tern Hill.


This is a photo of Harold Walter Harris Joseph:
Australian War Memorial - P08876.002

.jpg] View attachment 70316 View attachment 70314

Quote:
Studio portrait of a militia unit in a coronation review for King George VI, Royal Park Melbourne in 1937. Second row, fourth from the right, is Harold Walter Harris Joseph. Joseph later served in England with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a Leading Aircraftman. He was killed in England on 17 December 1940, aged 24. His brother 400415 Flying Officer Graham Harris Joseph, No. 467 Squadron RAAF, was killed during operations over Germany on 17 June 1943.


This is a photo of Graham Harris Joseph: Australian War Memorial - P08876.001

View attachment 70313 View attachment 70312 View attachment 70311

Quote:
Informal portrait of 400415 Flying Officer (FO) Graham Harris Joseph, No. 467 Squadron, RAAF, of Armadale, Vic. A salesman prior to enlisting in August 1940, FO Joseph trained in Australia, Canada and England under the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS). He was killed on operations over Germany on 17 June 1943. FO Joseph was 25 years of age. His brother, Leading Aircraftman Harold Walter Harris Joseph, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve was killed in England on 17 December 1940, aged 24.

In Memory of
Leading Aircraftman HAROLD WALTER HARRIS JOSEPH

956834, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 24
on 17 December 1940
Son of Clifton Hyman Joseph and Vera Rachel Joseph, of Armadale, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
STOKE-UPON-TERN (ST. PETER) CHURCH CEMETERY


In Memory of
Flying Officer GRAHAM HARRIS JOSEPH

400415, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 25
on 17 June 1943
Son of Clifton Hyman Joseph and Vera Rachael Joseph, of Armadale, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY

 

Flying Officer LEWIS, Oliver John Trevor (40054)


37 Squadron
Wellington IA N2889
LF-P
Op. Reconnaissance.

Crew:

F/O. O J T. Lewis + RAF (Of Australia)
Sgt. M W. Barrington-Taylor +
P/O. R M. Ross +
AC1. P T. Jones +
AC1. G W. Geddes +

Summary:

Took off Feltwell. Broke up in the air and crashed in the sea off Borkum following a sustained attack by Lt Helmut Lent. AC1 Geddes was alive when found but died from his wounds. He is buried in the Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau. The rest are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

BCL Vol.1 - Chorley.

Nos 9, 37 and 149 Squadrons were ordered to the Schillig Roads on 18 December 1939. Fore-warned by radar stations, German fighters were able to intercept the formation en-route. Nine Wellingtons were shot down, three ditched into the sea and a further three were forced to seek other landing strips as they were too badly damaged to return.
Note.

This was the first time in the war that German fighters were directed on to the bomber force by a ground controller who was being given information from the experimental Freya radar station located on the nearby island of Wanerooge. The radar station had detected the Wellingtons when they were 70 miles out on their approach flight.


'The Bomber Command War Diaries' - Middlebrook/Everitt




In Memory of
Flying Officer OLIVER JOHN TREVOR LEWIS

40054, 37 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
who died age 24
on 18 December 1939
Son of Oliver James Lewis and Vera Ernestine Lewis, of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL


In Memory of
Sergeant MAURICE WILLIAM BARRINGTON-TAYLOR

516752, 37 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
who died age 26
on 18 December 1939
Son of Mabel Barrington-Taylor, of Hammersmith, London.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL


In Memory of
Pilot Officer RODERICK MENZIE ROSS

41070, 37 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
who died age 25
on 18 December 1939
Son of Charles Walter and Elizabeth Ross; husband of Valerie Alice Margaret Ross, of Bedford.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

In Memory of
Aircraftman 1st Class PETER THOMAS JONES

540554, 37 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
who died age 21
on 18 December 1939
Son of Thomas Arthur and Mabel Ada Jones, of Colchester, Essex.
Remembered with honour
RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL



In Memory of
Aircraftman 1st Class GEORGE WARNE GEDDES

539328, 37 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
who died
on 19 December 1939

Remembered with honour
SAGE WAR CEMETERY

Roll of Honour - Oliver John Trevor Lewis

Service number: 40054
Rank: Flying Officer
Unit: 37 Squadron
Service: Royal Australian Air Force
Conflict: 1939-1945
Date of death: 18 December 1939
Place of death: Germany
Source: AWM148 Roll of Honour cards, 1939-1945 War, Air Force

 

Lancaster 83 Sqn. (Pathfinders) EO 439 OL-N
Crashed 18th.June 1943
Parent unit was RAF Wyton
On 18th June 1943, as a young lad I was playing in the school playground during the lunch break in the vii/age of Scredington Nr. Sleaford here in Lincolnshire. On hearing a tow-flying aircraft I looked up to see a Lancaster fly very low over the school. The side door was open and I could see a member of crew sitting on the edge with his legs dangling in those very recognisable flying boots. The aircraft continued across the sky and disappeared from view in the direction of where I lived at the time, namely High Gate Farm.
A few hours later it was "Home-time" and as usual, had to walk the 2 and J1 miles home together with children of the farm next to where I lived. On reaching home, my mother was not in the house and the front door was wide open! This was very unusual, but went into the house to awaited my mother's return. It wasn't long before my Mother appeared, knowing that it was about my "home time". She then quickly went on to tell me that an aircraft had crashed in the field right behind our house.
This field belonged to Mr& Mrs Chamberlain of High Gate Farm; we were Jiving in the farm managers bungalow at the time, having moved there to get away from the ravages of the towns and cities we had lived in from the start of the war with the nightly bombings. When the crash occurred, the Chamberlains and my Mother had rushed out of the house with the thought of assisting in some way. But as they neared the field where the aircraft had come down - which was just the width of the hay-stack yard distance from the
houses - it was realised that regrettably nothing could be done for this Lancaster crew. (My mother explained the severity of the 'site' in later years when I was old enough to be informed) The only recognisable object I recall seeing a few days after the "authorities" had completed the investigation, was an oleo leg, complete with a tyre still fully inflated, which had been blown almost 2 fields away!

As a matter of interest, the Crash Guard which was supplied by RAF Cranwell, were members of ENSA., the entertainment branch of the services, who, when they arrived, turned out to be those entertainers who went on to be "The Crazy Gang". This incident has recurred in my thoughts many times over the years. I a/so recall it being mentioned that there were 2 extra personnel on board this aircraft when it crashed, which has always puzzled me.
Why, I don't know, but it never occurred to me to investigate this incident whilst I was serving when I had a telephone to hand every day connected to all military lines and facilities. Then, in 2002, I decided I would really get down to finding out more about this crash. So drafted a letter to the Lincolnshire Lancaster Society, the address for which is a box number, outlining the experience I had had in connection with this incident - but had no reply. A couple of years later, whilst researching something else, I noticed that the letter I had sent to The Lincolnshire Lancaster Society, had been placed on the web, with a note to the effect, "Should anyone know anything associated with this incident, get in touch with the addressee". But I still heard nothing! A friend, who is to remain nameless at this stage, who I met about 5 years ago and had some influence in high places, when told this story of the High Gate Farm Incident and my frustration at not being able to get any information, said, "Leave this one with me Neil". Our next meeting was about 6 months later. He came to me and placed a large brown envelope on the table in front of me and said, "Read that when you have a few minutes!" When I read the contents, I couldn't believe the information he had acquired for me. He had managed to find the Service No; rank, name and nationality of all the casualties - even down to where each one had been buried. And the mystery of the 2 extra personnel on board had also been solved •... this crew had been on a mission over Germany the night before - returning to base in the early hours of the morning. Later that day, they were sent on a ''Training Flight" but a different aircraft from the one they had been on operations with the previous night. Following the crash and bodies identified, it was discovered that in addition to the official members of crew, there were 2 Corporals among the casualties. It can therefore only be assumed that these two ground crew lads very likely said to the crew, "As you are only on a Training flight, would you take us for a ride?”

About 5 weeks ago, , received an E-mail from a lady and her husband, Chris and AI Pywell, who live in Scredington, saying that she has known of this crash and feels a Memorial should be created. As this has been my feeling for such a long time now, I quickly replied to Chris and her husband to make arrangements for us to meet. But as I was going to the Continent in a couple of weeks I said I would be in touch on my return. Our meeting took place on Monday of this week in the church at Scredington. I told them I was very keen to do something about this well overdue memorial to these 9 airmen and said that I would mention all of this to our Lincolnshire Branch of the NS(RAF)A, who I felt sure would be whole-heartedly in favour of being the Sponsors of this project. In the meantime, I asked her to approach the Church authorities for permission and approval to place a memorial in St. Andrews Church, Scredington. Yesterday morning I received an E- mail from Chris to say she had sent a letter to the church authorities explaining the situation and seeking approval for this memorial. Should this branch accept and agree to sponsor this project, I will take it upon myself with the approval of the Chairman &
Committee, to make the necessary approaches to MOD Air for guidance and approval for the memorial tribute to go ahead. It also has to be borne in mind that I think we should bring the local ATC Wing H.Q. into the picture (they could become the custodians maybe?) Also, but can be left to a later date when we know the dedication date, we should request uniform representation from various RAF Stations in the area to attend on dedication day - which I feel should be on a Sunday nearest to the incident date. Finally, RAF Records may be able to assist in tracing living relatives who may wish to attend the Service on the day of dedication.

 

Re Post #412. Difference in aircraft serial ED439/EO439



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

408904 Pilot Officer CUMMINGS, Max Keirnan

6756 Sergeant LUKER, Henry Whitfield

Source:

AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 166/8/141 Micro Film No 463 OAFH
Commonwealth War Graves records, W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses
of the Second World War, Page 190, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Lancaster
Serial number: ED 439
Radio call sign: OL – N
Unit: ATTD 83 SQN RAF

Summary:

Lancaster ED439 took off from RAF Wyton at 1010 hours on 18th June 1943 to carry out
a day practice bombing training exercise, but the aircraft did not carry out the detail. It
dived out of cloud and struck a house at High Gate Farm in Swaton, 7 miles south east of
Sleaford, Lincolnshire, UK. All the nine on board the aircraft were killed

Crew:

RAAF 408904 PO Cummings, M K Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 6756 Sgt H W Luker, (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt F W Wilcox, (Navigator)
RAF Sgt J Roughley, (Air Bomber)
RAF Sgt H W Cheshire, (Wireless Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt N Woodcock, (Mid Upper Gunner)
RCAF Flt Sgt R A Taylor, (Rear Gunner)
RAF Cpl T J Bond Pax
RAF Cpl F N Sloss Pax

PO Cummings and Flt Sgt Taylor are buried in the Grantham Cemetery, Lincolnshire.
UK. Grantham is a market town, 25 miles SSW of Lincoln

Sgt Luker is buried in the Henley-on-Thames Cemetery, Oxfordshire, UK
Sgt Wilcox is buried in the Manchester (Gorton) Cemetery, Lancashire. UK.
Sgt Roughley is buried in the Latham (St James) Chuchyard, Ormskirk, Lancashire, UK.
Sgt Cheshire is buried in the Wimblington (St Peter) Churchyard, Cambridgeshire, UK.
Sgt Woodcock is buried in the Whitchurch Cemetery, Shropshire,. UK.
Cpl Bond is buried in the Blaenavon Cemetery, Monmouthshire, UK.
Cpl Sloss is buried in the Bangor Cemetery, County Down, UK.

In Memory of
Pilot Officer MAX KEIRAN CUMMINGS

408904, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 30
on 18 June 1943
Son of Edwin Joseph and Lizzie Florence Cummings; husband of Kathleen Helen Cummings, of Victor Harbour, South Australia.
Remembered with honour
GRANTHAM CEMETERY


In Memory of
Sergeant HENRY WHITFIELD LUKER

6756, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 24
on 18 June 1943
Son of John and Helen Mary Luker of Cleveland, Queensland, Australia.
Remembered with honour
HENLEY-ON-THAMES CEMETERY

In Memory of
Sergeant FRANCIS WILLIAM WILCOX

537936, 83 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
who died age 24
on 18 June 1943
Son of Bernard and Minnie Wilcox, of Gorton, Manchester.
Remembered with honour
MANCHESTER (GORTON) CEMETERY

In Memory of
Sergeant JOHN ROUGHLEY

1431821, 83 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 21
on 18 June 1943
Son of John and Sarah F. Roughley, of Lathom.
Remembered with honour
LATHOM (ST. JAMES) CHURCHYARD, ORMSKIRK

In Memory of
Sergeant HARRY WILLIAM CHESHIRE

1336708, 83 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died
on 18 June 1943

Remembered with honour
WIMBLINGTON (ST. PETER) CHURCHYARD

In Memory of
Sergeant NORMAN WOODCOCK

1588938, 83 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 19
on 18 June 1943
Son of Samuel Massey Woodcock and Eva Woodcock, of Whitchurch.
Remembered with honour
WHITCHURCH CEMETERY

In Memory of
Flight Sergeant ROBERT ALLAN TAYLOR

R/113958, 83 (R.A.F.) Sqdn, Royal Canadian Air Force
who died age 25
on 18 June 1943
Son of Robert and Isabel Taylor, of Lower Derby, New Brunswick, Canada.
Remembered with honour
GRANTHAM CEMETERY

In Memory of
Corporal THOMAS JOHN BOND

1024724, 83 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 30
on 18 June 1943
Son of Thomas and Alice M. Bond, of Forge Side, Blaenavon.
Remembered with honour
BLAENAVON CEMETERY

In Memory of
Corporal FRANCIS NEVILLE SLOSS

1544915, 83 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 19
on 18 June 1943
Son of Francis Alexander and Alice Mary Frances Violet Sloss, of Bangor.
Remembered with honour
BANGOR CEMETERY

 

Hi CyclingBill,

A very admirable project.

Please keep the forum advised of your progress.

Cheers

Geoff

 

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

404542 Sergeant FERGUSON, Archibald Henry

Source:

NAA : A705, 163/111/30
Aircraft Type: Tomahawk
Serial number: AM 372
Radio call sign:
Unit: 112 Sqn RAF

Summary:

Tomahawk AM 372 of 112 Sqn RAF was reported missing on 20 December 1941 5 miles
west of Barce.

Crew:

RAAF 404542 Sgt Ferguson, A H (Pilot)

Post war searches and enquiries did not locate any grave of the missing pilot, and it was
recorded that he had no known grave.

In Memory of
Sergeant ARCHIBALD HENRY FERGUSON

404542, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 28
on 20 December 1941
Son of James Smith Ferguson and Bijou Marian Ferguson, of Mackay, Queensland, Australia.
Remembered with honour
ALAMEIN MEMORIAL

 

[FONT=&quot]32035 SQUADRON LEADER HICKEY, WILLIAM JOSEPH, DFC[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Born in Australia on the 9[FONT=&quot]th [/FONT][FONT=&quot]May 1907. Enlisted/Served in the Royal Air Force and[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]killed on the 21[FONT=&quot]st [/FONT][FONT=&quot]December 1940.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]REFERENCES :[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot](1) AWM Commemorative Roll ; Number 322035 Rank : Sqn Leader[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Born 9[FONT=&quot]th [/FONT][FONT=&quot]May 1907. Educated at St Aloysius College, Sydney, and later studied[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]engineering at Sydney University. During the years 1926 until 1928 he served[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]voluntarily as an aircraftsman in No 3 Citizens Air Force Squadron, then stationed at[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Richmond, New South Wales.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Hickey joined the RAAF as a Cadet on the 9[FONT=&quot]th [/FONT][FONT=&quot]December 1929, and was[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]commissioned as Pilot Officer on 2[FONT=&quot]nd [/FONT][FONT=&quot]April 1940. In the following year on the 12[/FONT][FONT=&quot]th[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]May, he resigned his commission with the intention of proceeding overseas to join the[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Royal Air Force.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]He was stationed at Calshot in 1933, where he gained considerable experience on[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]flying boats, but he always preferred fighter aircraft. In 1939 he was posted to the[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Middle East to command No 80 Squadron RAF.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]When the Nazis began to overrun Greece, No 80 Sqn was moved to that locality.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Under the able leadership of Sqn Ldr Hickey, in the space of two months, the[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Squadron accounted for forty-two enemy aircraft destroyed in Combat, with the loss[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]of three of its own aircraft. Sqn Ldr Hickey himself lost his life in one of the three[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]squadron aircraft shot down, on the 21[FONT=&quot]st [/FONT][FONT=&quot]December 1940..[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]His concern for his pilots is best illustrated by an incident which occurred the day[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]before his death in action. During an engagement with a greatly superior number of[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]enemy aircraft he saw one of his pilots, severely wounded, jump from his burning[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]aircraft. The Sqn ldr followed and circled round again and again to attract the[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]attention of Greek troops in the vicinity. Having done so, he flew off, landed in very[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]difficult country, and organised a relief party to bring in the wounded pilot.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]He was not satisfied until the officer had been carried over miles of mountainous[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]territory, sometimes under heavy enemy shellfire, and was safely in hospital. He[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]remained by his side practically the whole night to ensure that everything possible[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]was done. When dawn came, Sqn ldr Hickey returned to his squadron, and was up[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]again a few hours later leading them into a very heavy engagement, during which he[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]was shot down.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Citation DFC[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]“This officer has participated in 18 raids over enemy territory and has led his[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]squadron with great courage and tenacity. Since the commencement of operations in[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Greece, Sqn Ldr Hickey has led his squadron in attacking enemy columns with great[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]valour in the face of anti-aircraft fire. His skilful efforts has been reflected in the fine[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]work of the squadron, which has destroyed some 30 enemy aircraft.”[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot](2) Commonwealth War Graves : Sqn Ldr Hickey died on 21st December 1940. His[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]name is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. The Memorial forms the[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]entrance to the Alamein War Cemetery. Alamein is a village bypassed by the main[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]coast road, approx 130kms west of Alexandria on the road to Mersa Matruh.[/FONT]


In Memory of
Squadron Leader WILLIAM JOSEPH HICKEY

32035, 80 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
who died
on 21 December 1940

Remembered with honour
ALAMEIN MEMORIAL

 

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

400779 Pilot Officer CHRISTIAN, Harold David

Source :

AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/25/221 Commonwealth War Graves records
Aircraft Type: Spitfire
Serial number: ER 605
Radio call sign:
Unit: ATTD 111 SQN RAF

Summary:

Spitfire HR 605 when carrying out an operational sweep in the Middle East on 22nd
December 1942, was shot down by Allied ack-ack gunners at Ehemis. The pilot was
injured in the crash but died at 9.l20 am the same day during an operation.

Crew :

RAAF 400779 PO Christian, H D (Pilot)

PO Christian is buried in the Medjez-el-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia. Medjez-el-Bab is
60kms west of Tunis.

In Memory of
Pilot Officer HAROLD DAVID CHRISTIAN

400779, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 25
on 22 December 1942
Son of Henry James Christian and Irene Martha Medwin Christian, of Brighton, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
MEDJEZ-EL-BAB WAR CEMETERY

 

Hi CyclingBill,

A very admirable project.

Please keep the forum advised of your progress.

Cheers

Geoff
CyclingBill

http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/war-grave-photographs/22411-raaf-burials-uk-england-wales-27.html
Luker mentioned in the link below
Roll of Honour - Lest We Forget - Churchie

 

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

401273 Sergeant DIVE, Peter Benjamin

Source:

AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/102/39 Commonwealth War Graves records
Aircraft Type: Maryland
Serial number: BS766
Radio call sign:
Unit: ATTD 69 SQN RAF

Summary:

Maryland BS766 when returning from night air operations on 23rd December 1941, was
shot up by an enemy night fighter and as a result crashed on landing at Luqa Aerodrome,
Malta. All the crew were killed.

Crew:

RAF Flt Sgt P C Wells, Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 401273 Sgt P B Dive, (Observer)
RAF Flt Sgt H B Metcalfe, (Wireless Air Gunner)

All the crew are buried in the Malta (Cappucini) Naval Cemetery, Malta.


In Memory of
Flight Sergeant PETER CHARLES WELLS

748775, 69 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 20
on 23 December 1941
Son of Philip Wells, and of Elisabeth Wells, of Whorlton, Co. Durham.
Remembered with honour
MALTA (CAPUCCINI) NAVAL CEMETERY


In Memory of
Sergeant PETER BENJAMIN DIVE

401273, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 21
on 23 December 1941
Son of Jeffrey Cecil and Hilda Florence Dive, of East Malvern, Victoria, Australia.
Remembered with honour
MALTA (CAPUCCINI) NAVAL CEMETERY

In Memory of
Flight Sergeant HENRY BEYNON METCALFE

653570, 69 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
who died age 21
on 23 December 1941
Son of Henry Beynon Metcalfe and Nellie Metcalfe, of Higher Tranmere, Birkenhead.
Remembered with honour
MALTA (CAPUCCINI) NAVAL CEMETERY

 

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

404263 Pilot Officer ROWLAND, Henry Barrymore
404393 Sergeant AKES, Vernon Charles

Source:

AWM 237 (65) NAA : A705, 163/55/149 Commonwealth War Graves records
Aircraft Type: Stirling
Serial number: N 6066
Radio call sign:
Unit: 51 Operational Trg RAF

Summary:

On the 24th December 1941, Stirling N6066 from RAF Station Waterbeach, crashed at
1445 hours at West End Farm, Kimpston, near Bedford.

Crew:

RAAF 404263 PO Rowland, H B (Observer) Captain Killed
RAF Sgt E R Bowman, (Pilot) Died of Injuries
RAAF 404393 Sgt V C Akes, (Pilot) Died of injuries
RAF Sgt G H Savoy, (Flight Engineer) Killed
RAF Sgt E C Welsh, (Air Gunner) Killed
RAF Sgt Clarke, Died of injuries
RAF Cpl J Dawson, Seriously Injured
RAF Cpl J Mainwaring, Slight Injuries
RAF Cpl Atkinson, Slight Injuries

PO Rowland is buried in the Slinfold (St Peter) Churchyard, UK.
Sgt Bowman is buried in the Bangor Cemetery, UK.
Sgt Akes is buried in the Wyton (St Margaret and All saints) Churchyard, UK.
Sgt Savoy is buried in the Waterbeach Cemetery, UK.
Sgt Welch is buried in the Wyton (St. Margaret and All Saints) Churchyard



.JPG]

In Memory of
Pilot Officer HENRY BARRYMORE ROWLAND

404263, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 22
on 24 December 1941
Son of Henry Joseph Edward and Bertha Dunlop Rowland, of Warwick, Queensland, Australia.
Remembered with honour
SLINFOLD (ST. PETER) CHURCHYARD


In Memory of
Sergeant ERIC RITCHIE BOWMAN

1500548, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 25
on 24 December 1941
Son of Hugh and Annie Bowman, of Bangor. His brother Geoffrey Alexander also died on service.
Remembered with honour
BANGOR CEMETERY

In Memory of
Sergeant VERNON CHARLES AKES

404393, Royal Australian Air Force
who died age 23
on 24 December 1941
Son of Charles and Vera Akes, of Rosewood, Queensland, Australia.
Remembered with honour
WYTON (ST. MARGARET AND ALL SAINTS) CHURCHYARD

In Memory of
Sergeant GERALD HARRY SAVOY

569909, Royal Air Force
who died age 21
on 24 December 1941
Son of William and Alice M. Savoy, of Bradfield Combust, Suffolk.
Remembered with honour
WATERBEACH CEMETERY

In Memory of
Sergeant EDWARD CAMERON WELSH

1257327, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died age 34
on 24 December 1941
Son of Edward Charles Albert and Florence Lillian Welsh, Kingwilliamstown, Cape Province, South Africa.
Remembered with honour
WYTON (ST. MARGARET AND ALL SAINTS) CHURCHYARD