Hi, LAC E V Grimble 961875, died 28 August 1941 around the Exeter area and is buried at Exeter High Cemetery, a CWGC headstone in a plot lid aside for such headstones. Has anyone any idea where he might have been stationed? Thanks Colin
Originally posted by Colin12@Nov 13 2004, 08:51 PM Hi, LAC E V Grimble 961875, died 28 August 1941 around the Exeter area and is buried at Exeter High Cemetery, a CWGC headstone in a plot lid aside for such headstones. Has anyone any idea where he might have been stationed? Thanks Colin [post=29424]Quoted post[/post] Given his rank and date of death, it is more than likely that he was involved in one of the many accidents. Also, Flying was done from what is now exeter Airport.
LAC Grimble could have been stationed at RAF Exeter or could have originated from Exeter and interred in his home town.His CWGC record gives no information on his NOK. His service number indicates that he joined the RAF at RAF Cardington nr Bedford,a major induction centre at the time for the RAF,between September 1939 and August 1940. At the time of his death, Exeter housed No 307 Squadron equipped with the Defiant MK1 and No 504 Squadron equipped with the Hurricane MK1,both of No 10 Group, Fighter Command. LAC Grimble might have been on one of these squadrons as groundcrew or he could have been based on the station in another capacity. If he was stationed at RAF Exeter at the time of his death,there should be an appropriate entry in the Station Operational Record Book (ORB RAF Form 540).The squadrons would also have their own ORBs but the Station ORB might well be more comprehensive on "domestic" matters. It is surprising to note the toll in deaths taken in road accidents during the war, due primary to the strickly enforced blackout procedures.The ORBs were compiled on a monthly basis and any reference to LAC Grimble's death should be in the August 1941 one. ORB files are held by the Public Record Office,now the National Archives.
Edward Victor Grimble is recorded as having died of natural causes in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter 28 August 1941 His unit is given as R.A.F., without clarifying his Station or Sqquadron He was buried 3 September 1941 No details of next of kin recorded. Possibly his death is mentioned in Exeter newspapers of the time Hope this helps David
