A list of the men by Surname D - F
This is a list of men who were either born or had a connection to either Frimley, Camberley or the local surrounding areas. Addresses are given as shown in the military and other records.
Toni Charles George, Dallimore 1924 - 1945;
Born between July and September 1924. Registered at Maidenhead, Berkshire.
Toni's parent's were living at Blackwater Lodge, Blackwater, Hampshire, in the 1939 Registers. Father Thomas was working as a Head Groundsman (Sports) while mother Ella was a housewife.
Enlisted unknown date.
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Service No: 1727239.
Rank: Aircraftman 2nd Class.
Promoted to Aircraftman 1st Class, unknown date.
Promoted to Leading Aircraftman, unknown date.
Posted to R.A.F. Shallufa, Egypt, unknown date.
Died on Active Service on the 14th of July 1945, aged 21.
Buried at Suez War Memorial Cemetery, Suez, Egypt.
Grave Reference: 4. D. 8.
Son of Thomas George and Ella M. Dallimore (nee Fowler), of Blackwater Lodge, Blackwater, Hampshire.
James Erroll, Dalrymple-Hay 1896 - 1946;
Born between July and September 1896. Registered at Brentford, Middlesex.
Living at 7 Edmond Road, Acton, Middlesex, in the 1901 census.
Educated at Malvern College, Malvern, Worcestershire, unknown dates.
Boarder at 9 The College, College Road, Malvern, Worcestershire in the 1911 census James now aged 14 is a scholar.
Whilst at Malvern College James enrolled as a cadet into the Officer Training Corps.
Appointed (Temporary) 2nd Lieutenant on the 1st of February 1915. Published in the London Gazette on the 2nd of February 1915, Issue 29055, Page 1024.
James relinquished his appointment as (Temporary) 2nd Lieutenant, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, on appointment to cadetship, on the 28th of January 1916. Published in the London Gazette on the 11th of February 1916, Issue 29470, Page 1592.
Educated as a Gentleman Cadet, Royal Military College Sandhurst, admitted February 1916.
Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Scots Fusiliers, on the 19th of July 1916. Published in the London Gazette, on the 18th of July 1916. Issue 29671, Page 7103.
Posted to the B.E.F. in France and Flanders, disembarking on the 20th of October 1916.
Wounded In Action on the 13th of November 1916.
Appointed (Temporary) Lieutenant, whilst employed by an Officer Cadet Unit, Royal Scot Fusiliers, on the 11th of April 1917. Published in the London Gazette on the 12th of May 1917. Supplement 30065, Page 4607.
Promoted to Lieutenant on the 19th of January 1918. Published in the London Gazette on the 22nd of April 1918. Supplement 30642, Page 4811.
Awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Promoted to Captain, unknown date.
James married Gladys Mary Fitzmaurice Craword Rew, at St. Mark's, North Audley Street, Mayfair, London, on the 20th of June 1928.
James was placed on the Army Half Pay List due to ill health on the 18th of December 1933. Published in the London Gazette on the 19th of December 1933. Supplement 34006, Page 8223.
James was re-appointed as Captain, Royal Scots fusiliers, from the Half Pay List, on the 10th of February 1934, with precedence next below Captain P. C. E.Wilkinson. Published in the London Gazette on the 9th of February 1934. Issue 34022, Page 905.
Promoted to Major on the 1st of August 1938. Published in the London Gazette on the 5th of August 1938, Supplement 34538, Page 5022.
Issued Service No: 10591, unknown date.
James retired from Army Service onto the Retired Pay List, on the 21st of November 1946 with honorary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Published in the London Gazette on the 22nd of November 1946. Supplement 37793, Page 5715.
Died on the 11th of December 1946, aged 50 at Cambridge Military Hospital, Aldershot, Hampshire.
Buried at St. Michael's, Yorktown, Camberley, Surrey, on the 16th of December 1946.
Grave Reference: Plot 3. Sec. 6. Row 3. Grave 8.
Son of John Barstow Mackensie Dalrymple-Hay and Frances Marion Dalrymple-Hay; Husband of Gladys Mary Fitzmaurice Craword Dalrymple-Hay (nee Hay), of St. Ives, Southwell Park Road, Camberley, Surrey.
Francis Derek, Deakin B.A. 1907 - 1941;
Born at Wargrave, Berkshire, between April and June 1907. Registered at Wokingham, Berkshire.
Living at Orchard House, Twyford Road, Wargrave, Berkshire, in the 1911 census. Francis' father is a Captain with the 2nd Battalion King's Own Royal Lancashire Regiment.
Enlisted in 1938.
Royal Artillery.
Service No: 1471907.
Emergency Commissioned as a Lieutenant (Ordnance Mechanical Engineers), into the Indian Army, on the 21st of September 1940. Published in the London Gazette on the 4th of October 1940. Issue 34960, Page 5842.
Promoted to Captain, unknown date.
Died on Active Service on the 26th of July 1941, aged 34.
Buried at Kirkee War Cemetery, Kirkee, India.
Grave Reference: 11. D. 4.
Son of Major Francis Howard Deakin and Katherine Anne Wall Deakin, of Teesgreen, Heatherside, Camberley, Surrey. B.A. (Cantab.). Solicitor.
James Pringle, Delius 1915 - 1944;
Born on the 25th of June 1915. Registered at Paddington, London.
Educated as a Gentleman Cadet at the Royal Military College Sandhurst, unknown dates.
Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, 13th/18th Royal Hussars, on the 31st of January 1935. Published in the London Gazette on the 1st of February 1935. Issue 34129, Page 772.
The 13th/18th Royal Hussars were renamed the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own) after Queen Mary, who was Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment, in December 1935.
Promoted to Lieutenant on the 31st of January 1938. Published in the London Gazette on the 1st of February 1938. Issue 34478, Page 663.
The 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own) transferred to the Royal Armoured Corps in April 1939.
Issued with Service No: 64567, unknown date.
Promoted to Captain on the 31st of January 1943. Published in the London Gazette on the 2nd of February 1943. Supplement 35884, Page 589.
Killed In Action on the 18th of July 1944, aged 29.
The 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own) landed in France on D-Day 6th of June 1944 equipped with Sherman DD (Duplex Drive) amphibious swimming tanks and fought throughout the Battle of Normandy. James was killed whilst fighting for the town of Caen.
Buried at Hermanville War Cemetery, Hermanville-sur-Mer, Calvados, France.
Grave Reference: 2. B. 17.
Son of Robert and J. J. Delius; husband of Cynthia Delius, of Camberley, Surrey.
John Scatliffe Dewar
John Scatliffe, Dewar D.S.O. D.F.C. 1907 - 1940;
John was born on the 10th of August 1907 at Mussoni, Lahore, India (now Lahore, Pakistan).
Baptised at the Cathedral Lahore, India, on the 15th of November 1907.
Educated at The King's School, Canterbury, Kent, unknown dates.
John was a School Monitor and played for the cricket XI and rugby XV whilst at King's School and was also a member of the Officers Training Corps, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was also Editor of the school magazine, The Cantuarian.
Educated as a Flight Cadet at Royal Air Force College Cranwell, Cranwell, Lincolnshire, from January 1926 until December 1927.
Commissioned as a Pilot Officer on the 17th of December 1927. Published in the London Gazette on the 17th of January 1928. Issue 33348, Page 370. John was regarded as a brilliant student with 'exceptional' ratings.
Posted to No.13 (Army Co-operation) Squadron, based at Andover, Hampshire, on the 17th of December 1927.
Promoted to Flying Officer on the 17th of June 1929.
Posted to the School of Naval Co-operation on the 18th of July 1929, at Lee-on-Solent, Hampshire.
Qualified as a Qualified Flying Instructor whilst at the School of Naval Co-operation.
Posted to No.822 Naval Air Squadron, aboard H.M.S Furious, on the 6th of May 1933.
No.822 Squadron served as part of the Home Fleet and in the Mediterranean. On one occasion he was washed overboard into the Bay of Biscay but was quickly rescued.
Promoted to Flight Lieutenant, on the 1st of February 1934.
Posted to No.801 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron, aboard H.M.S. Furious, on the 10th of July 1934.
Posted to Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, R.A.F. Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, on the 23rd of June 1936. John served here as a Test Pilot and participated in the early development of both the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire prototypes.
John married Kathleen Bowyer, on the 10th of July 1937. Registered at Southampton, Hampshire.
Promoted to Squadron Leader on the 1st of February 1938.
Posted to S.H.Q. (Station Headquarters) at R.A.F. Thorney Island, West Sussex, on the 26th of March 1938, as Senior Operations Officer.
John was Leader of No.12 Delivery Flight, which took off from R.A.F. Thorney Island on the 7th of June 1939 and arrived at Ismailia, Egypt, on the 10th of June 1939.
Posted to No.11 Group, for reassignment to a fighter squadron and a Hawker Hurricane refresher course at R.A.F. St. Athan, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, on the 20th of November 1939. John was by this time one of the most senior active duty pilots in the R.A.F.
Posted to No.60 Wing, in France, on the 25th of November 1939.
Appointed to Command No.87 Squadron, in Lille/Seclin, France, on the 2nd of December 1939.
On the 7th of May 1940, returning from a sortie in bad weather and low on fuel, john had to force land his Hurricane at an unserviceable airfield at Villefranche. As he touched down his wheels dug into the mud and the aircraft overturned, severely injuring his right shoulder. In spite of his injury, John refused to ground himself and continued to fly.
The Battle of France begun on the 10th of May 1940 when Germany invaded France and the Low Countries and No.87 Squadron, along with her sister squadron No.85, formed No.60 Wing of the Air Component of the B.E.F. During the early part of 1940 they carried out front line patrols, but with the advent of the Battle of France in May, they were at the forefront of the defensive fighting.
On the 11th of May, John claimed a Dornier Do-17 (shared) and two Junker Ju-87s of I./StG 2. The next day he shot down another Junker Ju-87.
On the 20th of May 1940, No.,87 Squadron was ordered to withdraw from France back to England due to the advance of the German Army.
During it's time in France, No.87 Squadron claimed a total of more than 60 enemy aircraft, with John credited with 5 kills. For and for his leadership of the Squadron, John was awarded both the Distinguished Service Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross. John was one of four Officers to be awarded the double of D.S.O and D.F.C.
D.S.O. Award published in the London Gazette on the 31st of May 1940, Supplement 34860, Page 3251.
"Squadron Leader John Scatliff Dewar, D.F.C. (26029)
The Recommendation, dated 25.5.1940, states: ´Before intensive operations started this officer injured his right shoulder in a severe flying accident. Despite this, he flew regularly and led his squadron with skill and dash, more than 60 enemy aircraft being destroyed by them. He remained in command of the squadron throughout the operations, in spite of the injured shoulder, trained his new pilots well and continued throughout to be a very efficient commander, inculcating an excellent spirit in his squadron."
No.14 Group Commander stated the following:
"Squadron Leader Dewar was in the Saar area when intensive operations started. He had had a severe flying accident on May 7th, which incapacitated his right shoulder. In spite of this he flew consistently and led his squadron with skill and dash. Under his leadership No 87 Squadron accounted for more than 60 enemy aircraft. He remained in command of his squadron until the evacuation, in spite of his injured shoulder, he trained his new pilots well, and throughout continued to be a very efficient commander. I cannot speak too highly of the spirit he inculcated in his squadron. I recommend the immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order."
D.F.C. Award published in the London Gazette on the 31st of May 1940. Supplement 34860, Page 3252.
"Squadron Leader John Scatliff Dewar (26029)
This officer has shot down five enemy aircraft and led many patrols with courage and skill."
The celebration of this award is taken up by Sir William Rothenstein in Men of the R.A.F.;
"When I returned during June I found fresh squadrons, among them one, under Wing Commander Dewar, which had done Homeric work in France during the retreat. But I heard nothing of self-glory in the stories they told of their exploits. ´In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.´ Our young airmen do not dramatize themselves, scarcely, indeed see anything dramatic in their daily or nightly adventures... Nor did I see a wink or a glance exchanged between the officers and the attractive young W.A.A.F.´s waiting at their tables. The men´s amusements and dissipations were simple enough - to foregather in some country pub, to drive to the nearest town, there to have a drink or two, or to visit the local cinema or a theatre. I have in mind an occasion when, the D.S.O. having been given to Squadron Leader Dewar, D.F.C.s were awarded to three other pilots of the squadron. The event must be fitly celebrated: they insisted on my joining in the jubilation. A lorry was requisitioned, wherein we drove to an inn some miles away, much frequented by airmen, where, in a crowded taproom, we drank lukewarm beer, each of my new firends treating in turn. To my amusement the proprietress came from behind the bar and placing a plump hand on my shoulder said: ´I do love you boys coming round to us!´ To me, approaching the end of my seventh decade! An airman from the Station, sitting with a bright-haired lady, invited my friends to go on with them to another place, what kind of place I failed to gather. He would lead the way in his car. It was a dark and starless night; no one knew where we were going, nor was it easy to keep in the track of the swifter car. We were uneasily seated on narrow benches; and at each turning the lorry swung and swerved. At last, after driving many miles, we followed the car through wide-open gates into the grounds of a Georgian mansion. As we turned in there was a loud report, a front tyre had burst. Alas, no jack or repairing outfit could be found in the lorry. What a dilemma! Then, to my surprise and amusement, I found myself in a Georgian interior, transformed into a gaudy night club, with cubist decorations. Our friend had settled down at a table with his attractive lady, and begged us to join them. But our party was preoccupied with the burst tyre; I sat down to a glass of wine. A jazz band was playing the usual dance tunes. At a table nearby three or four elderly military officers, the only guests at the club, sat with some stout, middle-aged ladies. From time to time a couple rose, to gyrate round the room. It was not a Rabelaisian sight; far from it... Somehow my friends had managed to get a fresh tyre - it was now too late to linger, we must get back to the Station. Getting back proved a risky affair. Our driver had but a vague notion of the route. There was no car, and no sign-posts to guide us. And even warm beer is not ineffective.
When at last we reached the Station gates and were challenged by the sentries, none of my friends had their identity cards with them, and all were taken to the Guard Room, to explain themselves. No, not a Rabelaisian evening!"
No.87 Squadron evacuated France to R.A.F. Debden, Essex, before moving to R.A.F. Church Fenton, North Yorkshire.
Posted to R.A.F. Exeter, Devon, on the 5th of July 1940.
John Dewar at R.A.F Exeter 1940
Appointed Officer Commanding, R.A.F. Exeter, on the 6th of July 1940, although John was not posted from No.87 Squadron until the 12th of July 1940.
The Battle of Britain officially begun on the 10th of July 1940 and No.87 Squadron fought its first dogfights on the 11th of July with John claiming 2 Messerschmitt BF-110's and one probable, the first being shot down 16 miles east of Weymouth, the second 4 miles east of Shambles and the last over Portland-Grange Heath.
Appointed (Acting) Wing Commander, on the 28th of July 1940, with effect from the 5th of July.
John despite his new role continued to fly occasional operational sorties during the height of the battle - often ´borrowing´ a Hurricane from his old squadron. On the 13th of August John shared a Junker Ju-88, 20 miles south of Bognor Regis, and on the 25th shot down another Ju-88 and a probable Messerschmitt Bf-109E both near Lulworth, Dorset.
Killed In Action on the 11th of September 1940, aged 33.
On the 11th of September 1940, John took off on a routine flight from R.A.F. Exeter heading to R.A.F. Tangmere in Hurricane V7306 from No.213 Squadron, but he failed to arrive and was reported Missing on the 12th of July. There was considerable enemy action in late afternoon that day around Southampton, including a low-level bombing raid on Eastleigh airfield by the elite Eprobungsgruppe 210. The timing of this raid closely approximates in time and location Dewar's route north of Southampton, so it has been speculated is that he may have observed enemy aircraft and decided to join the combat on his own.
John's body washed up on shore near to Kingston Gorse, Sussex, on the 30th of September 1940. There is some mystery surrounding his death as some reports suggest that he had taken to his parachute and that his body "was riddled with bullets" when it was found, implying that he had been shot and killed during his parachute descent. There are no German claims for aircraft destroyed in Luftwaffe records, so the cause of John's death remain unclear.
Sir William Rothenstein in Men of the R.A.F. stated;
"Dewar wrote that he had been moved to Exeter; from there he had set out for Tangmere, but had failed to arrive. For some time his fate was unknown; then his body, riddled with shot, was washed up on the coast. It was thought he had got entangled in a scrap, and was shot down over the sea".
An airman based at R.A.F. Exeter stated;
"Then one afternoon we lost our Station Commander, Johnny. He had borrowed one of our machines to fly to Tangmere for a conference. He was in excellent spirits when he took off. Just after he had left, Opps told us that there was a blitz in that sector. They warned Johnny on the R.T. He gave the usual answer, "Message received and understood." Then nothing more. Johnny´s body was washed up, riddled with bullets, five [sic] days later. We lost a grand Station Commander, and our friend".
John was the highest R.A.F. ranking Officer lost during the Battle of Britain.
Buried at St.John the Baptist, North Baddesley, Hampshire.
Grave Reference: North West part.
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial.
Son of Douglas and Edith Dewar, of Almora, Camberley, Surrey; Husband of Kathleen Dewar (nee Bowyer).
Arthur William Granville, Dobbie 1905 - 1944;
Born at Bermuda, on the 27th of September 1905.
Staying with paternal grandmother at Spes Bona, St Johns Road, Sidcup, Foots Cray, Kent, in the 1911 census.
Educated at Leconfield House, Cheltenham College, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, between 1919 and 1923.
Educated as a Gentleman Cadet at the Royal Military Academy Woolwich, London, unknown date.
Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Engineers, on the 3rd of September 1925.
Promoted to Lieutenant, on the 3rd of September 1927.
Posted to Egypt, embarking the Balranald at London. England, on the 9th of October 1930. Destination Port Said, Egypt.
Appointed Adjutant, Royal Engineers, on the 24th of April 1936. Published in the London Gazette on the 26th of June 1936, Supplement 34299, Page 4092.
Promoted to Captain on the 3rd of September 1936. Published in the London Gazette on the 4th of September 1936. Issue 34320, Page 5723.
Arthur married Benita May Cotter, between October and December 1936. Registered at Darlington, Durham.
Appointed Vice Adjutant to Captain J. K. Shepheard, B.A., on the 21st of January 1939. Published in the London Gazette on the 21st of February 1939. Issue 34600, Page 1210.
Living at 12 Staff College Cottages, Staff College, Camberley, Surrey, in 1939.
Arthur served with the 237th Field Company, Royal Engineers, unknown dates.
Promoted to Major on the 3rd of September 1942. Published in the London Gazette on the 1st of September 1942. Issue 35690, Page 3855.
Mentioned In Despatches, unknown date.
Killed In Action on the 19th of June 1944, aged 38.
Buried at Orvieto War Cemetery, Orvieto, Umbria, Italy.
Grave Reference: I, B, 19.
Remembered on the Cheltenham College War Memorial.
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial.
Son of Lieutenant-General Sir William George Shedden Dobbie,G.C.M.G., K.C.B., D.S.O., and of Lady Sybil Dobbie (nee Orde-Browne); husband of Benita May Dobbie (nee Cotter), of, Sefton, Gordon Road, Camberley, Surrey.
Arthur's father Sir William George Shedden Dobbie secured his place in history during the Great War 1914-18 when he happened to have been the staff officer on duty in November 1918 and his is the only signature on the cease-fire telegram that was sent to all troops. In later years, when asked what he did during the war, Dobbie would reply "I stopped the bloody thing!". Sir William Dobbie was also Govenor of Malta during the Second World War, from May 1941 until November 1942, during the height of German and Italian attempts to capture the island.
James Henry, Doe 1910 - 1945;
Born on the 20th of December 1910, at Newbury, Berkshire.
Living at 8 Chestnut Court, Bartholomew Street, Newbury, Berkshire, in the 1911 census.
Enlisted, unknown date.
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Service No: 1296952.
Rank: Aircraftman 2nd Class.
James served with No.242 Squadron as a Driver Mechanic.
Captured as a Prisoner of War at Singapore, between January and March 1942.
No.242 Squadron R.A.F. in December 1941, moved to the far East arriving at R.A.F. Seletar, Singapore on the 13th of January 1942. It was too late to stop the Japanese advance and with the situation desperate and it had to move to Palembang on Sumatra where the squadron collapsed through lack of spares and was dispersed by 10 March 1942.
James Henry, Doe 1910 - 1945;
Born on the 20th of December 1910, at Newbury, Berkshire.
Living at 8 Chestnut Court, Bartholomew Street, Newbury, Berkshire, in the 1911 census.
Enlisted, unknown date.
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Service No: 1296952.
Rank: Aircraftman 2nd Class.
James served with No.242 Squadron as a Driver Mechanic.
Captured as a Prisoner of War at Singapore, between January and March 1942.
No.242 Squadron R.A.F. in December 1941, moved to the far East arriving at R.A.F. Seletar, Singapore on the 13th of January 1942. It was too late to stop the Japanese advance and with the situation desperate and it had to move to Palembang on Sumatra where the squadron collapsed through lack of spares and was dispersed by 10 March 1942.
Died on the 27th of March 1945, aged 24. James died from Malaria.
No known grave.
Remembered on the Singapore Memorial.
Panel Reference: Column 455.
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial.
Son of Charles Henry and Lily Emily Doe, of, 3 Laurel Cottages, Branksome Hill Road, Camberley, Surrey.
John B, Donnelly 1902 -1942;
I have not confirmed birth or family details.
1st Battalion Welch Regiment
Service No: 3952719
Rank: Warrant Officer 3rd Class (Regimental Quarter Master Seargeant).
Trade: P.S.M.
Missing In Action between 29th of January 1942 and 20th of May 1942, aged 40.
The 1st Battalion Welch Regiment were involved in the fierce fighting for Benghazi, Libya, in January 1942. Rommel's advance on Benghazi, saw the city evacuated on the 28th of January 1942. The 1st Battalion Welch Regiment were then ordered to withdraw to the Egyptian frontier and having been split into individual companies and detachments, each group had to make its way across hundreds of miles of mine and German infested desert.Headquarters and B Company only covered about 25 miles when they were surrounded by German tanks and infantry and compelled to surrender. C Company had joined up with other units of the 7th Indian Infantry Brigade and after covering 250 miles managed to make it to Mechili which was within Allied lines.
A and D Companies set out at 8.45.pm on the 28th of January, to break through German lines. The column of about 150 soft vehicles and carriers encountered a road block at about 3.00.am, covered by mortars, machine guns and armoured cars. By 4.00.am after several valorous attempts to break through, it was deemed suicidal to continue attacking and the only option to avoid surrender and capture was to disperse and walk through the desert. The vehicles were destroyed and those fit enough to face the gruelling task set off in small groups to march over 200 miles through hostile territory, enduring heat, cold, thirst and hunger.
No known grave.
Remembered on the Alamein Memorial.
Panel Reference: Column 63.
Remembered on the Lych Gate Memorial, St. Andrew's, Frimley Green, Surrey.
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial.
John Patrick, Doody 1927 - 1947;
Born on the 8th of December 1927. Registered at Farnham, Surrey.
Enlisted, unknown date.
Royal Navy.
Service No: P/JX 581643.
Rank: Ordinary Seaman.
Promoted to Able Seaman, unknown date.
John served aboard H.M.S. Diadem.
Died on the 10th of September 1947, at Naval Section, London County Council Southern Hospital, Dartford, Kent, aged 19. John died from Chronic Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
Buried at St. Michael's, Yorktown, Camberley, Surrey, September 1947.
Grave Reference: Plot 3. Sec. 6. Row 3. Grave 10.
Remembered on the Camberley Memorial.
Son of John Harris Doody and Doris Gwendoline Doody, of, 38, Eaton Road, Camberley, Surrey.
James, Downs 1908 - 1945;
Born at Tilford, Farnham, Surrey, on the 2nd of July 1908.
Living at Meed End, Tilford Farnham, Surrey, in the 1911 census.
Living at 16 Moorlands Place, Vale Road, Camberley, Surrey, in 1930 - 1934.
James married Ellen Mavoureen Watt, between July and September 1934. Registered at Surrey North Western. (Ellen lived at 17 Moorlands Place, Vale Road, Camberley, Surrey).
Living at 31 Alexandra Avenue, Camberley, Surrey, 1935.
Enlisted, unknown date.
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Service No: 1228653.
Rank: Corporal.
Died on the 9th of July 1945, aged 36.
Buried at Brussels Town Cemetery, Brussels, Belgium.
Grave Reference: X. 31. 2.
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial.
Son of William and Jessie Downs (nee Addington), of, 17 Moorlands Place, Vale Road, Camberley, Surrey; Husband of Ellen Mavoureen Downs (nee Watts) of, 31, Alexandra Avenue, Camberley, Surrey.
Robert Arthur Dray
Robert Arthur, Dray 1922 - 1940;
Born on the 20th of March 1922 at Farnham, Surrey.
Entered into the Merchant Navy on the 23rd of November 1938, aged 16, at Victoria Docks, London.
Merchant Navy.
Official No: 163657.
Ship: Waipawa.
Discharged from service aboard the Waipawa, on the 19th of April 1939, at Victoria Docks, London.
Service aboard Eurymedon from the 5th of September 1939. Official No: 147291.
Service aboard Diogenes from the 26th of October 1939. Official No: 144184.
Service aboard Zealandic from the 14th of March 1940. Official No: 149300.
Promoted to Ordinary Seaman, March 1940.
Service aboard Eastern Glade from the 17th of July 1940. Commandeered by the Ministry of War Transport for troop transportation and renamed Empire Jaguar. Official No: 168033.
Killed by Enemy Action on the 8th of December 1940, aged 18.
At 1.32.am on the 9th of December 1940, the Empire Jaguar (Master Hywel Tudor Thomas), a straggler from convoy OB-252, was torpedoed and sunk by U-103 296 miles from Slyne Head, County Galway, Ireland. All 37 crew aboard presumed drowned at sea.
Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, Trinity Square, London.
Panel Reference: Panel 42.
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial.
Son of George Robert and Isabella Fairley Dray (nee Smith), of, 31, Bristow Road, Camberley, Surrey.
Howard Cyril Frederick Vella, Dunbar 1904 - 1942;
Born on the 20th of October 1904, at Poona (now Pune), Bombay, India.
Baptised on the 13th of November 1904, at Poona, Bombay, India.
Living at 18 Lynette Avenue, Clapham Common, London, in the 1911 census.
Educated as a Gentleman Cadet at the Royal Military College Sandhurst, unknown dates.
Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Tank Corps, on the 27th of August 1924. Published in the London Gazette on the 29th of August 1924. Issue 32969, Page 6499.
Promoted to Lieutenant on the 27th of August 1926. Published in the London Gazette on the 3rd of September 1926. Issue 33198, Page 5763.
Appointed as Assistant Instructor (CI. GG), Tank Driving and Maintenance School, Bovington, Dorset, on the 3rd of June 1934. Published in the London Gazette on the 12th of June 1934. Issue 34059, Page 3758.
Howard married Joan Helen Anderson, between October and December 1934. Registered at Marylebone, London.
Promoted to Captain, on the 21st of March 1936. Published in the London Gazette on the 29th of June 1936, Issue 34065, Page 4141.
Restored to Establishment on the 8th of April 1937. (Returned to original Regiment after secondment). Published in the London Gazette on the 14th of May 1937. Isssue 34398, Page 3185.
Appointed as Assistant Instructor (CI. FF), (on promotion) Tank Driving and Maintenance School, Bovington, Dorset, on the 21st of March 1936. Published in the London Gazette on the 15th of September 1936. Issue 34323, Page 5937.
Relinquished Appointment of Assistant Instructor (CI. FF), Tank Driving and Maintenance School, Bovington, Dorset, on the 1st of June 1937. Published in the London Gazette on the 1st of June 1937, Issue 34403, Page 3513.
Promoted to Major, on the 27th of August 1941. Published in the London Gazette on the 22nd of August 1941, Supplement 35256, Page 4936.
Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, unknown date.
Howard served with the 40th (KIngs) Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps.
Killed In Action on the 23rd of July 1942, aged 37.
In July 1942, Rommel’s Afrika Korps offensive had been halted at El Alamein, just short of Alexandria. The British 8th Army was hanging on, its divisions battered and its armour almost gone. Before they could push the German Afrika Korps back out of Egypt, the 8th Army needed reinforcements. The 40th Royal Tank Regiment was attached to the 23rd Armoured Brigade which had arrived in Egypt from England in July 1942 and with the situation being so desperate that they were sent into battle as soon as they arrived, not waiting for the rest of the division.
The Afrika Korps held the vital Ruweisat Ridge driving a wedge deep into the British position. If Egypt was to be held, the ridge must be recaptured. A previous attack by the 2nd New Zealand and 4th Indian Divisions had failed with heavy losses when the 1st Armoured Division failed to protect them from overwhelming German armour. At 8.00.am on the 23rd of July, the 104 Valentine tanks of 40th R.T.R. and 46th R.T.R. charged forward at 15 miles per hour, heading north towards the New Zealanders positions a mile and a half away. Within minutes they ran onto the minefields, losing two dozen tanks. Still they charged on, C Squadron, 40th R.T.R. in the lead when they soon they came under fire. The tanks and guns of both 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions surrounded them on three sides. Seeing only the guns ahead, the green crews valiantly sought to close the range and engage. Lacking high explosive ammunition for their 2 pounder guns, the Valentine crews had no choice but to attempt to drive right amongst the German guns and machine-gun them. Within 2 hours, both the 40th R.T.R. and 46th R.T.R. battalions had ceased to exist as fighting forces, losing 93 out of 104 Valentine tanks.
Buried at Hadra, Alexandria War Memorial Cemetery, Alexandria, Egypt.
Grave Reference: 3. D. 7.
Remembered on the Camberley Memorial.
Son of Colonel Benjamin Howard Vella Dunbar, D.S.O., and Helen Maud Vella Dunbar, of, Greenery Cottage, Yateley, Hampshire; husband of Joan Helen Dunbar (nee Anderson), formerly of Hurtwood, Firwood Drive, Camberley, Surrey, now of, Church Crookham, Hampshire.
Guy Ernest, Dunning D.F.M. 1917 - 1944;
Born between October and December 1917. Registered at Nottingham, Nottinghamshire.
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Service No: 174043.
Rank: Sergeant.
Trade: Flight Engineer
Guy married Lillias Mary Atkins, between October and December 1940. Registered at Surrey North Western.
Guy served with No.97 (Straits Settlements) Squadron. In April 1943 No.97 Sqd. moved to R.A.F. Bourn, Cambridgeshire, and joined No. 8 (Pathfinder Force) Group and became a "marker" squadron. In April 1944 No.97 Sqd. returned to R.A.F. Coningsby, Lincolnshire and No. 5 Group to help lead the Group against separate targets, continuing in a Pathfinder role.
Below is details of Operations that Guy completed as Flight Engineer.
22nd/23rd June 1943 - Target: Mulheim, Germany.
Lancaster ED938.
Crew: W/C R.C.Alabaster (Capt), F/L A.Eaton-Clarke (Pilot), Sgt G.E.Dunning (F/E), P/O L.Beeney (Nav), P/O A.N.Carlton (AB), FSgt G.K.Smith, E.Hambling, J.Williamson.
Take off at 10.48.pm.
Payload: 1 x 4000lb 12 S.B.C.
Primary objective Mulheim bombed. 20,000’. Rising moon, visibility good. Bombs released on cascading red TI marker. Nine big fires observed. Landed in England at 3.22.am.
24th/25th June 1943 - Target: Elberfeld, Germany.
Lancaster LM327.
Crew: F/Sgt V.D.Evans, Sgts G.E.Dunning, T.J.Lightfoot, G.E.Edgecombe, F.Martin, F.R.Higgins, A.L.Pole.
Take off at 10.47.pm.
Payload: 1 x 4000lb 12 x S.B.C.
Target Elberfeld bombed. 19,500’. No cloud. No moon. Visibility good. One red TI marker in bombsight when load released. Fires were brilliant and were illuminating interior of aircraft on leaving. Landed in England at 3.50.am.
3rd/4th July 1943 - Target: Cologne, Germany.
Lancaster EE174.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.E.Dunning, P/O L.Beeney, P/O A.N.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, J.Williamson.
Take off at 10.18.pm.
Payload: 1 x 4000lb 12 x S.B.C.
Target Cologne attacked. 19,700’, haze and smoke. No cloud. Red TI marker in bombsight at time of bombing. Smoke spread over whole area. Large fires were getting well going as aircraft left target.
8th/9th July 1943 - Target: Cologne, Germany.
Lancaster EE174.
Crew: W/C R.C.Alabaster (Capt), F/L A.Eaton-Clarke (Pilot), Sgt G.E.Dunning(FE), P/O A.N.Carlton (AB), Sgts S.Powell (AB2), F/Sgt K.I.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, J.Williamson.
Take off at 10.48.pm.
Payload: 4 x TI, 1 X 4000lb, 5 X 1000lb
Primary target Cologne bombed. 20,500’. 10/10ths cloud. Red/green skymarker in bombsight at time of bombing. One big explosion seen through cloud. Cloud obscured further indications. Attacked by enemy aircraft.
16 aircraft detailed for ops. Two markers were cancelled early. The remainder attacked Cologne except P/O Jones who was forced to return early through faulty ailerons control. Target was covered by cloud and bombing was carried out by means of sky marking. Fires and explosions were seen through cloud. F/L Eaton-Clarke’s aircraft was attacked by a night fighter a few minutes before reaching the target. Several cannon shells hit the aircraft, wounding the rear gunner and damaging the starboard motors and aileron controls. The fighter was evaded and the aircraft went on to bomb the target. On the return journey the starboard motor caught fire. Despite the difficulties in controlling the aircraft and damage to the undercarriage, the aircraft was successfully forced landed at Great Saling. One other aircraft, Captain F/O Palmer failed to return - no news was received since aircraft left base. The wounded air gunner, Sgt Williamson, was admitted to 121st Evacuation Hospital, Braintree, Essex.
24th/25th July 1943 - Target: Hamburg, Germany.
Lancaster ED882.
Crew: W/C R.C.Alabaster (Capt & Nav), F/L A.Eaton-Clarke (Pilot), Sgt G.E.Dunning, P/O A.N.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.
Take off at 10.32.pm.
Payload: 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb.
Hamburg attacked. 19,500’. Visibility good except for smoke. Target lit up by fires. Bombs released on one red TI in bombsight. Two very large fires seen with great pall of smoke. All aircraft returned safely to base. The use of “windows” was made on this raid for the first time. Landed back in England at 4.04.am.
25th/26th July 1943 - Target: Essen, Germany.
Lancaster ED882.
Crew: W/C R.C.Alabaster (Capt & Nav), F/L A.Eaton-Clarke (Pilot), G.E.Dunning, P/O Charlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.
Take off at 10.22.pm.
Payload: 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb.
Primary objective Essen attacked. 20,000’. No cloud, visibility hazy. Target identified by green TI and fires. Bombed on green TIs but bombs hung up temporaray. Fires seen from Dutch coast. Very concentrated raid. Landed back in England at 2.45.am.
29th/30th July 1943 - Target: Hamburg, Germany.
Lancaster JA715.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgts C.S.Chatten (2nd Pilot), G.E.Dunning (F/E), T.J.Lightfoot, P/O A.N.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.
Take off at 10.56.pm.
Bomb Load 6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb 1 x Flare.
Target Hamburg attacked. 19,500’. Visibility good. One green TI marker in bombsight when bombs released. Huge area of deep red fires in marked area and smoke pall up to 20,000’. Landed back in England at 4.03.am.
30th/31st July 1943 - Target: Remscheid, Germany.
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.E.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.N.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.
Take off at 9.55.pm.
Payload: 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb, 2 x 1000lb.
Primary objective Remsheid attacked. 19,000’. No cloud, visibility excellent. Bombed on red TI marker in bombsight. Early on target and only incendiaries and T.I.'s seen. Landed back in England at 3.05.am.
2nd/3rd August 1943 - Target: Hamburg, Germany
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.E.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O L.C.Jones (A/B), P/O A.N.Carlton (A/B), F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.
Take off at 11.48.pm.
Payload: 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb unless stated
Hamburg attacked. 13,500 feet. Target identified by river and fires. Bombed on fires, estimated position to be Hamburg. Two very good fires going in dock area. Bombing very scattered. Landed back in England at 5.08.am.
7th/8th August 1943 - Target: Milan, Italy.
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.E.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.N.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.
Take off at 9.34.pm.
Bomb Load 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb.
Primary target Milan bombed. 13,500’. No cloud. Visibility good. Red T.I. markers in bomb sight when bombs released. One very large explosion seen at 0125. Good fires raging as aircraft left target. Landed back in England at 5.36.am.
9th/10th August 1943 - Target: Mannheim, Germany.
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O H.A.Hitchcock, P/O A.N.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.
Take off at 11.19.pm.
Bomb Load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb.
Primary objective Mannheim attacked. 18,800’. Visibility good. Bombed on concentration of yellow TI markers. Fires well concentrated in target area. Red explosion seen at 0126. Landed back in England at 4.38.am.
12th/13th August 1943 - Target: Milan, Italy.
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G..Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.N.Carlton, F/O E.A.Adams (A/B2), F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.
Take off at 9.05.pm.
Bomb Load 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb
Target Milan attacked. 13,500’. No cloud. Some haze. Target identified visually and by red T.I. markers. Bombs dropped north of aiming point on red T.I.'s. Own bombs were seen to burst. Landed back in England at 5,30.am.
14th/15th August 1943 - Target: Milan, Italy.
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.E.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.
Take off at 9.29.pm.
Payload: 10 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 500lb.
Target Milan attacked. No cloud, visibility hazy. 11,700’. Target located by H2S. Bombs hung up over target but were jettisoned before recrossing the Alps. Flares appeared to be well placed. A large fire seen. Landed back in England at 5.45.am.
17th/18th August 1943 - Target: Peenemunde, Germany.
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.E.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.
Take off at 8.46.pm.
Payload: 16 Flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb.
Target Peenemunde attacked. Full moon. No cloud, smoke haze. 13,500’. Visually by coast and river and red T.I.'s. Bombs released on concentration of red and yellow markers. Two very large explosions observed. Landed back in England at 4.06.am.
23rd/24th August 1943 - Target: Berlin, Germany.
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, G/C N.H.Fresson (2nd Pilot), F/O Cameron (3rd Pilot), Sgt G.E.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, Newman.
Take off at 8.15.pm.
Payload: 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb
Primary objective Berlin attacked. 20,000’. No moon, no cloud, visibility good. Dropped 4 reds on aiming point by use of Nav aids “Y” which were working well. 3 other reds fell at same time. Concentration was maintained as aircraft left. Too early for results to be observed. Landed back in England at 3.05.am.
27th/28th August 1943 - Target: Nuremburg, Germany.
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgts Miller (2nd Pilot), G.E.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, sgt E.Hambling, S/L R.A.McKinna.
Take off at 9.01.pm.
Payload 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 1 x 500lb
Target Nuremburg attacked. No cloud, visibility good. 14,000’. Target found by “Y” equipment. First on scene, no markers seen. Bombed on built up area. Own bombing results not seen. Red TI seen. Incendiaries starting to fall on leaving target. Landed back in England at 4.24.am.
31st August/1st September 1943 - Target: Berlin, Germany.
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.E.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, G.Croll.
Take off at 8.04.pm.
Payload: 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb
Primary objective Berlin attacked. 10/10ths cloud. Target located by Nav aid “Y”. 19,000’. Unable to confirm aiming point owing to cloud. Few scattered red T.I.'s seen to fall. Cloud obscured results. Landed back in England at 3.14.am.
15th/16th September 1943 – Rubber works at Montlucon, France
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, F/O J.B.Nicolls (2nd Pilot), Sgt G.E. Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.
Take off at 9.01.pm.
Payload: 3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 3 x 500lb.
Montlucon bombed. Moonlight. 5/10ths cloud. Bombed between two red and two green T.I. markers – in bomb sight. No results of own bombing seen. Many bursts and fires seen with yellow flame and much black smoke. Target well alight. Landed back in England at 2.15.am.
22nd/23rd September 1943 - Target: Hanover, Germany.
Lancaster JA923.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, F/O J.H.Nicholls (2nd Pilot), Sgt G.E.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.
Take off at 6.49.pm.
Payload: 16 flares white, 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb.
Primary target bombed. 19,000’. No moon, no cloud, visibility good. Fires burning well and raid appeared to be well concentrated. 120 bundles of windows dropped at 20,000’. Bombed on H2S and visually. Landed back in England at 12.02.am.
23th/24th September 1943 – Target: Mannheim, Germany.
Lancaster JA923.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.E.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.
Take off at 7.22.pm.
Payload: 4 x 4 flares, 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb.
Target Mannheim attacked. 18,500’. Clear sky, vis good. First aircraft on target. Target located by precision device. No results of bombing seen owing to evasive action being taken. Raid shaping well. Landed back in England at 1.10.am.
27th/28th September 1943 – Target: Hanover, Germany.
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: F/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.E.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, P/O A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt G.K.Smith, Sgts E.Hambling, P.A.Walder.
Take off at 7.26.pm.
Payload: 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb.
Target Hanover attacked. 20,000’. No moon, no cloud, visibility good. Target located by H2S. Aircraft was first to arrive on target. Perfectly satisfied with identification of aiming point. Markers and fires were well going on leaving. Landed back in England at 12.04.am.
2nd/3rd October 1943 - Target: Munich, Germany.
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: S/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.E.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, F/L A.E.Carlton, W/O G.K.Smith, F/Sgt E.Hambling, Sgt P.A.Walder.
Take off at 6.52.pm.
Payload: 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb.
Target Munich attacked. 19,000’. No moon, no cloud. Slight haze. Built up area visually observed. Centre of yellow TIs in bomb sight at time of bombing. Good fires were burning among markers on leaving target. Landed back in England at 1.59.am.
4th/5th October 1943 – Target: Ludwigshaven, Germany.
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: S/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.E.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, F/L A.E.Carlton, W/O G.K.Smith, F/Sgt E.Hambling, Sgt P.A.Walder.
Take off at 6.40.pm.
Payload: 8 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb.
Mission abandoned – starboard outer engine u/s (unserviceable) causing H2S to be u/s. Landed back in England at 8.59.pm.
7th/8th October 1943 – Target: Stuttgart, Germany.
Lancaster JA846.
Crew: S/L A.Eaton-Clarke, Sgt G.E.Dunning, W/C R.C.Alabaster, F/L A.E.Carlton, W/O G.K.Smith, F/Sgt E.Hambling, Sgt P.A.Walder.
Take off at 8.50.pm.
Payload: 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb.
Primary objective Stuttgart attacked. 10/10ths cloud, 19,000’. Vis good. Target located by H2S. Bombed blind. Nothing seen owing to cloud. Landed back in England at 2.50.am.
Promoted to Flight Sergeant between the 8th October and the 3rd of November 1943.
3rd/4th November 1943 - Target: Dusseldorf, Germany.
Lancaster JB299.
Crew: P/O F.J.Roberts, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/Sgt R.Dudley, F/Sgt D.Young, F/Sgt H.J.Blower, Sgt P.A.Marsh, F/Sgt W.A.Parsley.
Take off at 5.36.pm.
Payload: 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb.
Target Dusseldorf. 19,500’. Good moonlight, hazy, no cloud. Bombed on centre of concentration of green T.I. markers – in bomb sight. One big fire seen in centre of T.I.'s. Smaller scattered fires also observed. Landed back in England at 9.32.pm.
17th/18th November 1943 – Target: Mannheim, Germany.
Lancaster JA960.
Crew: F/L J.W.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O R.J.Conley, F/O P.N.Lovick, F/Sgt A.W.Burnell, F/Sgt S.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson.
Take off at 5.24.pm.
Payload: 5 x 2000lb.
Primary Mannheim bombed. 17,000’. 3/10ths low cloud, hazy. Bombed by H2S. Large fire seen to start up. Many other bomb bursts seen. Four rapid explosions seen at 2010 giving off green and blue flame. Landed back in England at 10.55.pm.
18th/19th November 1943 – Target: Berlin, Germany.
This was the first raid of the British bombing campaign known as the Battle of Berlin launched by Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris, A.O.C. of RAF Bomber Command. From November 1943 to March 1944 operations continued to attack Berlin. Not just limited solely to Berlin, the campaign targeted other German cities as well, as diversions and to prevent the concentration of defences in Berlin. Generally regarded as a failure by the R.A.F. who lost 1,047 bombers, with a further 1,682 damaged, and the loss of well over 7,000 aircrew.
Lancaster JA960.
Crew: F/L J.W.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, P/O R.J.Conley, F/O P.W.Lowick, F/Sgt A.J.Burnell, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson.
Take off at 5.20.pm.
Payload: 4 x 2000lb.
Bombs dropped on Berlin from 19,500. Vis poor. 10/10ths cloud. One red T.I. seen in bomb sight at time of release of bombs. Little results could be seen owing to cloud and searchlight reflection. Landed back in England at 1.05.am.
22nd/23rd November 1943 – Target: Berlin, Germany.
Lancaster JA960.
Crew: F/L J.W.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O R.J.Conley, F/O P.M.Lowick, F/Sgt A.W.Burnell, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/Sgt E.Hambling.
Take off at 5.25.pm. Payload: 7 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb.
Attacked Berlin from 19,000’. Bombs released midway between flares, red and green stars. Huge glow observed below cloud. Landed back in England at 11.45.pm.
23rd/24th November 1943 – Target: Berlin, Germany.
Lancaster JA960.
Crew: F/L J.W.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O R.J.Conley, F/O R.G.Boston (AB1), p/o p.m.Lowick (AB2), f/Sgt A.W.Burnell, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/Sgt E.Hambling.
Take off at 5.20.pm.
Payload: 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb.
Berlin bombed from 19,000. Vis good, 10/10ths cloud. Too early for many results except good glow beneath cloud. Very bumpy weather encountered on return journey. Landed back in England at 11.25.pm
16th/17th December 1943 - Target: Berlin, Germany.
Lancaster JA960.
Crew: F/L J.W.Pelletier, F/O L.Henson (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O R.J.Conley, F/L P.M.Lowick, F/Sgt A.W.A.Burnell, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson.
Take off at 4.40.pm.
Payload: 4 flares red/green, 2 x TI red, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb.
Berlin bombed from 18,500’. 10/10ths cloud, visibility moderate. Smoke haze. First T.I. red very accurate. Remaining red and green T.I.'s fell very rapidly. Good concentration. No results observed owing to cloud. Landed back in England at 12.05.am.
The night of the 16th and 17th of December 1943 became known as "Black Thursday" by the R.A.F. due to the losses sustained on that nights operations and due to the bad weather encountered on the return to England. In total, Bomber Command suffered 327 deaths and lost 70 aircraft on this day with the death toll for the bad weather crashes in England close to 150, not counting those who later died of their injuries. No. 97 Squadron’s losses were the heaviest of all.
21 aircraft detailed to attack Berlin. Good concentration of bombing in early stages falling off later. No results seen only reddish glow. 10/10ths cloud tops 3/5000’, vis good. Defences H/F moderate to 22,000’ and moderate L/F 14,000’ – S/Ls ineffective. Many fighter flares and scarecrow flares. F/L Pelletier in Lanc JA960 was attacked by an enemy fighter JU88 and claims it damaged. One aircraft, F/L Brill and crew failed to return – no news heard since.
On returning to base aircraft encountered bad visibility over England and the Squadron had a disastrous night in aircraft losses and 28 aircrew being killed. The following is a brief summary of the return. 8 aircraft landed safely at Bourn and 3 at Graveley. One aircraft landed at Wyton. F/Sgt Coates after being hit by another aircraft’s incendiaries and having two engines put out of action on the same side by flak, put out a ditching signal when not far from the Danish coast. With great skill he flew the aircraft back on the two engines and landed safely without further damage at Downham Market. Two crews, P/O Smith and F/O Mooney the captains, baled out safely over Ely and Wyton. All the crews were uninjured but one aircraft is missing and untraced. S/L Mackenzie DFC crashed at Bourn on the edge of the airfield. Three were killed – S/L Mackenzie, F/O Colson, P/O Pratt, the remainder are either in hospital or sick quarters. F/O Thackway and crew crashed near Bourn airfield, killing all except Sgt Mack who is in hospital and Sgt Laver who escaped uninjured. S/L Deverill DFC DFM and crew crashed at Graveley, all being killed except for W/O Benbow who is in Ely hospital. F/Sgt Scott and crew crashed at Graveley, all being killed. P/O Kirkwood and crew crashed near Gransden, all being killed. Total loss of aircraft – 8. Aircrew killed – 28, injured 7.
20th/21st December 1943 - Target: Frankfurt, Germany.
Lancaster JA960.
Crew: F/L J.W.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, P/O R.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt A.W.Aburnell, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson.
Take off at at 5.19.pm.
Payload: 6 x 4 flares, 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb.
Target attacked from 18,300’ and located by “Y”. Red, yellow and green T.I.'s placed well concentrated. No results observed. Landed back in England at 10.03.pm.
23th/24th December 1943 - Target: Berlin, Germany.
Lancaster JA960.
Crew: F/L J.W.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt A.W.A.Burnell, F/L E.A.Adams, F/O G.Polson.
Take off at 12.11.am.
Payload: 7 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb, 1 x 500lb.
Berlin bombed from 18,500’. Target identified by concentration of red T.I.'s surrounded by red/green Wanganui flares. Too early on target to observe results. Landed back in England at 7.31.am.
14th/15th January 1944 – Target: Brunswick, Germany.
Lancaster JB361.
Crew: F/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt A.W.Burnell, F/Sgt F.R.Watson., F/O G.Polson.
Take off at 4.44.pm.
Payload: 16 flares, 3 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb.
Brunswick bombed from 18,000’. Poor visibility, 10/10ths cloud. TIs seen below cloud. No results observed. Landed back in England at 9.41.pm.
20th/21st January 1944 – Target: Berlin, Germany.
Lancaster ND425. Crew: S/L J.W.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, P/O J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt A.W.Burnell, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson.
Take off at 5.55.pm.
Payload: 5 flares, 4 x TI.
10/10ths cloud tops at 5,000’ over target. Bombs dropped on H2S. Reflection of bomb bursts seen through cloud. Sortie abandoned – Brunsbuttel bombed as alternative. Landed back in England at 1.00.am.
21st/22nd January 1944 – Target: Magdeburg, Germany.
Lancaster JB300.
Crew: S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O J.J.Conley, F/L McFadden, F/Sgt A.W.Burnell, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson.
Take off at 8.10.pm.
Payload: 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb.
Bombed last resort – airfield at Ascherslesen. Target located by flare path and aerodrome beacon. Good concentration of T.I.'s seen over primary target. Landed back in England at 2.40.am.
27th/28th January 1944 – Target: Berlin, Germany.
Lancaster ND425.
Crew: S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O J.J.Conley, F/L McFadden, W/O J.P.Dow, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson.
Take off at 5.20.pm.
Payload: 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb.
Berlin bombed successfully from 18,700’. 10/10ths cloud over target which was bombed on H2S. Glow from fires observed below cloud. Glare from searchlights prevented results from being observed. Landed back in England at 12.25.am.
28th/29th January 1944 – Target: Berlin, Germany.
Lancaster ND425
Crew: S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O J.J.Conley, F/L McFadden, F/Sgt F.White, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson.
Take off at 12.05.pm.
Payload: 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb.
Berlin bombed from 19,500’. Target illuminated by Wanganui flares. A terrific explosion seen lasting several seconds. Fires were burning well and could be seen past Rostock. Landed back in England at 7.25.am.
15th/16th February 1944 – Target: Frankfurt-on-Oder, Germany.
Lancaster ND425.
Crew: S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, Sgt S.J.Lewis, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson.
Take off at 5.00.pm.
Payload: 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 4 x TI red.
Weather over target 10/10ths cloud. Bad light, visibility poor. Bombed at 19,000’ with H2S. Landed back in England at 12.15.am.
19th/20th February 1944 – Target: Leipzig, Germany
Lancaster ND452.
Crew: S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, Sgt N.Coman, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson.
Take off at 11.30.pm. Payload: 4 x flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb.
Weather over Leipzig 10/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Vis good. Bombed at 19,100’. No results observed due to cloud. Landed back in England at 6.25.am.
Reports show that a total of over 70 aircraft were lost on this raid, over 800 aircraft being detailed for the raid
20th/21st February 1944 – Target: Stuttgart, Germany.
Lancaster ND452.
Crew: S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, W/O F.White, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson.
Take off at 12.40.am.
Payload: 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb.
Bombed Stuttgart from 19,000’ on H2S. weather at target 5/10ths cloud, vis good. Glow could be seen from along way on track home. Landed back in England at 7.25.am.
24th/25th February 1944 – Target: Schweinfurt, Germany.
Lancaster ND452.
Crew: S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.E.Dunning, F/O J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, W/O F.White, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson.
Take off at 6.50.pm.
Payload: 20 flares, 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb.
Primary target successfully attacked from 18,000’. Vis good, no cloud. Bombs released in centre of two red T.I.'s. Very good concentration of red T.I.'s. Fires could be seen and much smoke obscuring the town. Landed back in England at 1.45.am.
25th/26th February 1944 – Target: Augsburg, Germany.
Lancaster ND452.
Crew: S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, W/O F.White, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/O G.Polson.
Take off at 6.55.pm.
Payload: 8 flares, 10 x TI, 1 x 4000lb.
Primary target successfully bombed. Good visibility, no cloud. Good concentration of T.I.'s achieved. Ground detail well lit up by flares. Landed back in England at 1.50.am.
1st/2nd March 1944 - Target: Stuttgart,Germany.
Lancaster ND352.
Crew: S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, W/O F.White, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/L G.Polson.
Tke off at 11.50.pm.
Payload: 4 flares, 2 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb.
Primary target Stuttgart bombed. A really good concentration of Wanganui flares was down on bombing but T.I.'s were obscured by cloud. On way back from town fires could be observed starting. Landed back in Engalnd at 6.20.am.
15th/16th March 1944 - Target: Stuttgart,Germany.
Lancaster ND452
Crew: S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, W/O F.White, F/Sgt F.R.Watson, F/L G.Polson.
Take off 7.40.pm.
Vis perfect over Stuttgart. 10/10ths cloud. Bombed on H2S. Wanganuis were scattered. Through slight gap in cloud red T.I.'s were seen on town and fires observed but no accurate results of bombing could be seen. Landed back in England at 2.10.am.
30th/31st March 1944 - Target: Nuremburg, Germany.
Lancaster ND764
Crew: S/L J.Pelletier, F/Sgt G.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/L A.E.Carlton, F/Sgt A.W.Burnell, W/O F.R.Watson, F/L G.Polson.
Take off at 10.25.pm.
Payload: 4 x TI, 20 flares, 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb, 1 red/yellow flare.
Schweinfurt area attacked owing to failure of H2S and Gee and fact that no TIs were down on time. No cloud but thick haze over target. Bombs only dropped on to a defended area where attack was seen to be developing. Landed back in England at 4.45.am.
Appointed Acting Flight Sergeant on the 4th of April 1944. Published in the London Gazette on the 9th of May 1944. Supplement 36503, Page 2114.
9th/10th April 1944 – Target: Lille, France.
Lancaster ND739 OF-Z Z-Zebra
Crew: Wing Commander (No.97 Squadron Commander) E.J.Carter, Flight Sergeant G.Dunning, Flight Lieutenant J.J.Conley, Flight Lieutenant A.E.Carlton, Flight Sergeant A.W.Burnell, Sergeant J.Peill, Wireless Operator E.L.Wright.
Take off at 10.35.pm. from R.A.F. Bourn, Cambridgeshire.
Payload 12 x 1000lb, 2 x 500lb.
Full moon over Lille. 4/10ths cloud tops 5,000’. Vis good. Bombed from 16,000’ on red TI (Target Indicator). Marking by red TI was constant. Burst of own bombs seen followed by terrific explosion which rose above cloud tops. This was followed by another about two minutes later. Landed back in England at 1.50.am.
Promoted to Pilot Officer, unknown date.
In April 1944 No.97 Sqd. returned to R.A.F. Coningsby, Lincolnshire and No. 5 Group to help lead the Group against separate targets, continuing in a Pathfinder role.
22nd/23rd April 1944 - Target: Brunswick, Germany.
Lancaster ND739 OF-Z Z-Zebra
Crew: W/C E.J.Carter, P/O G.Dunning, F/L J.J.Conley, F/O H.W.Rieger, F/L A.Chambers, W/O F.R.Watson, S/L M.Bryan-Smith.
Take off at 11.04.pm. from R.A.F. Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
Payload 14 x 4 x 7” flares, 1 x 4 1/2” flare, 1 x green TI.
10/10ths cirrus cloud at 20,000’ over target area. Very poor visibility below, so thick that it looked like cloud. Target topped at 01.47.2 hours at 18,300’. No flares dropped on first run over. Not satisfactory. Came in again and dropped flares and Wanganui which dropped in middle of other flares. Built up area seen in light of flares. VHF failed over target. Received no weather report from Group or from 617 Sqn. Therefore, 20 minutes from target where cloud cleared, broadcast on VHF, 1196 and by W/T that flare party were to mark visually. As we neared target encountered 10/10ths cloud. Owing to this and bad visibility at target, ordered emergency Wanganui by VHF and W/T. Probably not received, as saw no Wanganui flares. Flares seemed fairly compact, then red spot seen going down. Kept trying to contact marker controllers to ascertain whether reserve flares required in view of weather, but no reply. Waited until received W/T signal to bomb, then returned to base. Before leaving, saw a second marker or dummy approximately two miles from first. Subsequently intercepted message from link aircraft that they had dropped green TI on marker to be bombed. As left target could see reasonably large area completely covered with “J” type incendiaries; appeared to be very few stragglers. Final impression was that if the marking was “on”, attack must have been very good indeed. All the way into target observed flares, red turning to green, believed fired from ground track indication. Also saw 5 or 6 red TIs cascading 12-15,000’; while cascading very good imitation but short burning on ground. Appeared to have same number of candles. Landed back in England 4.51.am.
26th/27th April 1944 – Target: Schweinfurt, Germany.
Lancaster ND739 OF-Z Z-Zebra.
Crew: W/C E.J.Carter, P/O G.Dunning, F/L R.J.Conley, F/O H.W.Rieger, F/L A.Chambers, W/O F.R.Watson, S/L M.Bryan-Smith.
Payload 6 x 7” hooded flares, 2 x green TI no 4, 6 x green R.S.F.'s.
Weather clear. Bombed on H2S and visually. First flares undershot to south-west of built up area. First R.S.F. also undershot. First flares 0207.6 hours – all bombing to the south of the T.I.'s. Datum point markers seen in correct position. H2S limited range and poor definition. Through change of wind it was obvious that we would be 15 minutes late so instead of going on route detailed we cut through from 4820N 0725E to target (north of Mannheim) which made us arrive a few minutes early. Contacted Mosquitoes on VHF using Channel C as Channel B was badly jammed. Then sent out first order to the Flares Force to change to Channel C. Waited several minutes for Flares Force. When they dropped first flares, they were a slight undershoot. The smoke screen was in operation, the Marker Leader requested more illumination, I therefore, ordered Reserve Flare Force to drop their flares to the north of those already down. Marker 3 dropped a RSF which Marker 1 assessed as being south of the aiming point. Then Marker 1 dropped a R.S.F. which should have been green an d these were assessed as being on the aiming point. Due to smoke screen these were hardly visible and I, therefore, called in all the Backers-up, including the reserves, to bomb the northerly R.S.F.'s, which I believe most of them did, although one bombed the southerly one. Someone in the Flare Force dropped a green TI which fell to the east of the target – I don’t think, however, that this affected the attack in any way. By this time (0224 hours) I called in the Main Force to bomb the northerly R.S.F.'s which most of them did, although some of the early bombs were aimed at the south end. I then called the Deputy Controller to mark the northerly aiming point with green spots, which he did. All markers were very quickly obscured by smoke from bombs and smoke screen but it was apparent that the bombing spread from the aiming point to the south spot fires. I, therefore, dropped all green TI, green spot fires, intending to re-mark the aiming point. These, however, fell approximately 1500 yards short. I, therefore, gave the Main Force the order to bomb the greens with 1000 yard overshoot. This they immediately did and I believe the bombing concentrated around target area. Main Force did their job very well indeed.
28th/29th April 1944 – Target: Kjeller (Oslo), Norway.
Lancaster ND739 OF-Z Z-Zebra. Crew: W/C E.J.Carter, P/O G.Dunning, F/L R,J,Conley, F/O H.W.Rieger, F/L A.Chambers, W/O F.R.Watson, S/L M.Bryan-Smith.
Take off at 9.15.pm. from R.A.F. Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
Payload 6 clusters 7” flares, 6 x 1000lb MC. (Controller).
No cloud over target area. Visibility perfect. Bombed visually. Datum point markers accurate. Flares released on visual identification. Flares seen over centre of runway, ours dropped to illuminate buildings on northern edge of airframe works. TI seen on bombing run. Some smoke on north-west corner of building “E”. Our own bombs went in salvoes approximately 200 feet north. Arrived target area 0103 hours having previously descended to 6,000’ and found bombing wind 003-36mph. I then received bombing wind 330-30mph from “J” and next from D/97 350-35. I then broadcast bombing wind of 353-35mph and wind appeared to be accurate. Datum point was down approximately on time and was kept backed up throughout the attack. Flares went down on time at Zero and target area was immediately illuminated perfectly. First marker to go down was on target “B” and for some reason was a RSF which dropped 200 yards north of target “B”. A green was then put down just south of target “B” and then assessor passed instructions to bomb between green and red spot fire. These instructions passed on to “Beetroot” Force. A RSF was then dropped between buildings 7 and 9 but as buildings shielded, I asked Marker Leader to re-mark. This he did very accurately and second R.S.F. went through building 5. This burned inside building and was difficult to see. I, therefore, asked marker leader to back up on target “A”, when he informed me that all other spot fires had hung up and that no more were available for marking. I, therefore, called in both forces A and B (0127 hours) to bomb. At 0133 hours most of the HE seemed to have been dropped and I called in the incendiary force. At the same time it was apparent that target “B” had been very thoroughly covered while very little bombing appeared to have been directed at target “A”. The markers on this target had meanwhile completely disappeared. I, therefore, ordered all remaining aircraft with an HE or incendiary to overshoot target “B” by approximately 2000 yards due west in an attempt to cover target “A”. The bombing then spread in the direction of target “A” and it is possible this was eventually completely covered but this was difficult to assess due to lack of markers. Note –markers took so long to mark target “B” that the flares had completely died before target “A” was marked. I, therefore, called in Reserve Force (0124 hours) who completely illuminated the whole of target area and enabled markers to mark successfully target “A”. Conclusions Green spot fires too weak to be satisfactory. Single spot fires of any colour are not effective on targets of this nature, since if they penetrate or fall between two buildings, they are practically invisible. Very obvious dummy fire sites illuminated approximately 300 yards to north of target “B”. I warned “Beetroot” Force at 0135 to beware of these dummies. Landed back in England at 4.34.am.
24th/25th May 1944 – Target: Eindhoven (Phillips Works), Holland.
Lancaster ND739 OF-Z Z-Zebra. Crew: W/C E.J.Carter, P/O G.E.Dunning, F/L R.J.Conley, F/L H.W.Rieger, F/L A.Chambers, W/O F.R.Watson, S/L M.Bryan-Smith.
Take off at 10.47.pm. from R.A.F. Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
Payload: 6 x 7” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares.
10/10ths cloud. Target not identified. Called up Controller and we agreed that it was useless to carry on with raid which was then called off. Landed back in England at 2.42.am.
31st May/1st June 1944 - Target: Maisy, France.
.
Lancaster ND739 Z-Zebra.
Crew: W/C E.J.Carter, P/O G.E.Dunning, F/L R.J.Conley, F/L H.W.rieger, P/O H.W.E.Jeffery (Vis A/B), F/L A.Chambers, W/O F.R.Watson, S/L M.Bryan-Smith.
Take off at 10.54.pm.
Payload: 6 x 7 x 4.5” clusters, 8 x 1000lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares, 2 x 4.5” green/red. (Deputy Controller).
Weather thundery all along route to Reading. Then improved slightly. Haze over sea. 10/10ths cloud over Maisy, base 9,000’, tops 2,200’. One small break in target area with ? cloud 100 feet. Location by H2S and Gee. Contacted Controller 20 minutes before “H” as ordered and then approx at “H”. Agreed on VHF it was useless to attempt raid under weather conditions prevailing and the attack was abandoned. Landed Chipping Warden, Northamptonshire, at 2.31.am.
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal on the 2nd of June 1944. Published in the London Gazette on the 2nd of June 1944. Issue 36542, Page 2537.
Killed In Action on the 6th of June 1944, aged 26.
5th/6th June 1944 – Target: St Pierre du Mont (Pointe du Hoc), Normandy, France. This was the coastal battery defending Omaha Beach, on the US sector on D-Day.
Lancaster ND739 OF-Z Z-Zebra.
Crew: W/C E.J.Carter, P/O G.E.Dunning, F/L R.J.Conley, F/L H.W.Rieger, F/O H.W.E.Jeffery (Vis A/B), F/L A. Chambers, W/O F.R.Watson, S/L M.Bryan-Smith.
Take off at 2.56.am. from R.A.F. Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
Payload: 11 x 1000lb MC, 4 x 500lb GP. (Deputy Controller).
Aircraft missing. Last heard on W/T at 5.04.am. hours, acknowledging message from Controller.
Charles Owen a pilot with No.97 Sqd. flying Lancaster ND961 N-NAN recorded in his diary;
"We thought the briefing sounded a little odd for this trip, and sure enough when we broke cloud over the French coast the Channel was full of ships. The army had pulled its finger out at last and D-Day was on. We bombed at 05.00 just as it was getting light, and had a grandstand view of the Americans running in on the beach. First-class prang on the battery, but saw Jimmy Carter shot down by a Ju88 over the target. Marvellous sight coming back as the sun came up. We on the way back and the Americans on the way out. Landed back in time for breakfast, but very disappointed that there was nothing on the 8 o'clock news."
Operational Record Book for No.97 Squadron:
"5.6.44 ... Today must be recorded as one of the most eventful days in the Squadron's history. The target had been given us at about 1pm. It was a battery of coastal heavy guns on the French coast at a point called St Pierre du Mont, which is situated just on the south eastern base of the Chernourg Peninsula, also La Peanelle. It seemed quite a normal target until various other things came trickling in things such as convoys to be avoided keeping strictly on track, news of impending naval actions to the East, and many other things, until one became aware of the obvious that the invasion of Europe was about to commence. The Squadron Commander was heard to say "Thank God I'm still on ops and not at an O.T.U." Everyone was delighted and excitement was at fever pitch; 18 of our aircraft were detailed. The attack started at 4.50am about 30 minutes before dawn with a red TI which was accurately dropped by an Oboe Mosquito on the target. It was instantly backed up by green TI dropped visually by Mosquito aircraft of 627 Squadron. These TI were not so accurate as those dropped on Oboe. However by the time Main Force came in to bomb, the target was well marked. The Main Force bombing was extremely accurate and the whole point was flattened. Crossing the Channel on the return journey thousands of landing craft were seen proceeding towards the French coast. Two of our crews failed to return. One was captained by the Squadron Commander, W/Cdr E.J.Carter DFC who was flying in "Z" and the other was a Norwegian crew captained by Lt. Jespersen. W/Cdr Carter had with him S/Ldr M.Bryan-Smith DFC, Gunnery Leader and F/L A.Chambers DFC, the Signals Leader. It is believed that they encountered some JU88s."
Lancaster ND-739 Z-Zebra with Guy aboard, came under fire from legendary fighter pilot Oberleutnant Helmut Eberspacher, shortly after 5.00am. as he shot down three R.A.F. Lancasters in five minutes. Eberspacher was scrambled to patrol the Normandy coast in his Focke-Wulf 190 fighter in the early hours of D-Day as the waves of R.A.F. bombers headed towards their targets. In his log book the Luftwaffe fighter pilot recorded;
" As soon as I took course I noticed above a row of British bombers flying below the moon lighted cloud cover. Similar to a shadow theatre, the bombers stood out against the clouds. However they could not see me against the dark earth. We were at war and the enemy had to be combated, and I was in a favourable flying position. Within a few minutes, three British Lancaster bombers went down in flames.
I observed several crew members descend by parachute towards France. Now it was high time that I landed some where, as not to become another casualty of the morning invasion."
No known grave.
Remembered on the Air Forces Memorial Runnymeade, Surrey.
Panel Reference: Panel 211.
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial.
Son of Guy Ernest and Susan Dunning, of Southend-on-Sea, Essex; Husband of Lillias Mary Dunning (nee Atkins), of, 64, Eaton Road, Camberley, Surrey.
In 2012 it was reported that Lancaster ND-739 crash site had been discovered, although not verified. See report in link below.
Vivian Dykes
Vivian, Dykes C.B.E, D.S.M. 1898 - 1943;
Born between on the 9th of December 1898. Registered at Bromley, Kent.
Living at 11 Shortlands Road, Beckenham, Kent, in the 1901 census.
Living at 19 Shortlands Road, Beckenham, Kent, in the 1911 census. Vivian now aged 12 is attending school.
Educated at Dulwich College Prep between 1907 and 1910. Junior Scholar from 1910 and Senior Scholar 1914.
Editor of the "Alleynian" Dulwich College magazine 1915 - 1916.
Captain of the School, 1915 -1916.
Cadet Officer O.T.C. of Dulwich College, 1916.
Educated at Corpus Christi College, Oxford University. 1916. Vivian did not reside at the College.
Educated at the Royal Miltary Academy Woolwich, 1916.
Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Engineers, on the 6th of June 1917. Published in the London Gazette on the 7th of June 1917, Supplement 30119, Page 5634.
Vivian married Ada Winifred Symth, on the 8th of June 1922. Registered at Bromley, Kent.
Promoted to Lieutenant on the 6th of December 1918.
Awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. (1914-1918)
Attached to the Royal Corps of Signals, between 1920 and 1922.
Promoted to Captain on the 8th of April 1928. Published in the London Gazette on the 13th of April 1928. Issue 33375, Page 2674.
Awarded the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.) June 1928. Published in the London Gazette on the 4th of June 1928, Supplement 33390, Page 3853.
Living at 4, Church Road, Farnborough, Hampshire in 1930.
Promoted to Major, on the 1st of January 1936. Published in the London Gazette on the 3rd of January 1936, Issue 34239, Page 54.
Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, unknown date.
Awarded the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (C.B.E.) on the 1st of January 1938. Published in the London Gazette on the 2nd of January 1938. Supplement 34585, Page 18.
Appointed (Temporary) Brigadier, unknown date.
Promoted to Colonel, on the 1st of July 1941. Published in the London Gazette on the 26th of May 1942. Supplement 35571, Page 2279.
Appointed Director of Plans, War Office between 1939 and 1941.
In the winter of 1940-41, before the U.S. had formally entered the war, Vivian was selected for an unusual, but important mission: to escort Colonel William Joseph Donovan, soon to become head of the Office of Strategic Services (forerunner to the CIA) and head of U.S. intelligence, on a fact-finding tour of the Mediterranean, the Balkans and the Middle East.
Appointed as the first Chief Combined Secretary, British Joint Staff Mission, Washington, U.S.A. in 1942. He was described as being "at the heart of allied military policy making."
Died on the 29th of January 1943, aged 44.
Vivian attended the Casablanca Conference held from 14th until the 24th of January 1943. The conference was held to plan the Allied European strategy for the next phase of World War II. In attendance were United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Also attending and representing the Free French forces were Generals Charles de Gaulle and Henri Giraud; they played minor roles and were not part of the military planning. Premier Joseph Stalin had declined to attend, citing the ongoing Battle of Stalingrad as requiring his presence in the Soviet Union.
Brigadier Vivian Dykes was killed on the 29th January, 1943, when the engines of the B-24 Liberator I, Registration AM913, he was travelling aboard, caught fire and crashed on its approach to R.A.F. Base Talbenny, Pembrokeshire, Wales, on a flight from Casablanca in French Morocco. Brigadier Guy Milton Stewart from Camberley, was also killed onboard this crash. (See Surnames S-U).
Vivian was posthumously awarded the U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility with the Combined Chiefs of Staff during World War II. Published in the London Gazette on the 23rd of February 1943. Supplement 35913, Page 923.
"War Office, 23rd February, 1943.
The KING has been pleased to approve the
acceptance of the following Decoration: —
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL.
Which has been personally conferred by the
President of the United States of America on the
late Colonel (temp. Brigadier) Vivian Dykes, C.B.E.
(15128) late R.E., in recognition of Services in the
cause of the Allies."
Vivian's funeral was a joint service alongside Brigadier Guy Milton Stewart, held at The Chapel, Royal Military College Sandhurst on the 3rd of February 1943.
Buried at St. Michael's, Yorktown, Camberley, Surrey.
Grave Reference: New Plot. Sec. 2. Row 9. Grave 2.
Vivian's war time diaries were edited by Alex Danchev and published under the title Establishing the Anglo-American Alliance: The Second World War Diaries of Brigadier Vivian Dykes in 1990.
Son of Alfred Herbert Dykes, J.P., and of Annie Louise Dykes (nee Jassmann); husband of Ada Winifred Dykes (nee Symth) of, 2 The Oaks, Blackwater, Camberley, Surrey.
R, Eaton ? - ?
No confirmed details for R. Eaton
Royal Artillery
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial.
Frank Ede pictured on the left with brothers William and Edward.
Frank, Ede 1913 - 1939;
Born between October and December 1913. Registered at Hartley Wintney, Hampshire.
Enlisted into the Royal Navy, unknown date.
Royal Navy.
Service No: P/KX 81595.
Rank: Leading Stoker.
Frank married Ivy May Reed, at St. Michael's, Yorktown, Camberley, Surrey, between April and June 1939.
Frank served aboard H.M.S. Royal Oak.
H.M.S. Royal Oak was anchored at Scapa Flow, Orkney, Scotland, where on the 14th of October 1939 she was torpedoed by German submarine U-47 at 1.04 am. A single torpedo struck her bow but it was initially thought to have been an internal explosion and many of the crew aboard returned to their hammocks. At 1.16 am another three torpedoes fired by U-47 struck blowing a hole in the armoured deck, destroying the Stokers', Boys' and Marines' messes and causing a loss of electrical power. Cordite from a magazine ignited and the ensuing fireball passed rapidly through the ship's internal spaces. H.M.S Royal Oak rolled onto her side and at 1.29 am disappeared beneath the surface only 13 minutes after first being attacked. 833 sailors out of a crew of 1234 men and boys died in the attack or later of their wounds.
Killed In Action on the 14th of October 1939, aged 25
Remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Portsmouth, Hampshire,
Panel Reference: Panel 35, Column 1.
Son of Allen and Maud Ede (nee Goddard); husband of Ivy May Ede, of Camberley, Surrey.
Maurice Seymour, Ekins 1898 - 1944;
Born on the 13th of October 1898, at Dartford, Kent.
Living at 24, Lowfield Street, Dartford, Kent, in the 1901 census. Maurice' father James is Post Master of Dartford.
Boarder at 17 Esplanade, Whitley Bay, Northumberland, in the 1911 census. Maurice now aged 12 is a Student, boarding with his parents.
Educated at Royal Grammar School, Newcastle-on-Tyne, unknown dates.
Educated at Aldershot County Secondary School. Admission on the 28th of April 1914.
Maurice passed the Woolwich and Sandhurst Entrance Exam, November 1916.
Left Aldershot County Secondary School on the 22nd of December 1916.
Educated as a Gentleman Cadet at the Royal Military College Sandhurst, admission 1917.
Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant Royal Fusiliers, on the 21st of December 1917. Published in the London Gazette on the 18th of December 1917. Supplement 30438, Page 13336.
Posted to France and Flanders, disembarking on the 10th of February 1918. Maurice served with the 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers.
Wounded In Action, unknown date. Maurice was evacuated to England, disembarking on the 16th of April 1918.
Posted to France and Flanders, disembarking on the 5th of September 1918. Maurice was serving until the wars end on the 11th of November 1918.
Awarded the British War Medal 1914-1918 and Victory Medal.
Promoted to Lieutenant on the 21st of June 1919.
Appointed (Temporary) Assistant Military Landing Officer in Turkey.
Appointed (Temporary) Staff Captain (Rhine Army) on the 11th of June 1928.
Promoted to Captain on the 19th of September 1928.
Maurice married Catherine Laura Henn, between July and September 1929. Registered at Kensington, Middlesex.
Appointed as Staff Captain, 5th Division (Northern Command) at Catterick Garrison, Catterick, Yorkshire on the 15th of October 1929.
Educated at the Staff College, Camberley, Surrey. Junior Division, June 1933.
Living at The Cottage, Heatherley Road, Camberley, Surrey, whilst a student at the Staff College.
Promoted to Major on the 1st of August 1938.
Posted to India. Embarked the Rajputana at London, England, on the 12th of August 1938. Disembarked at Bombay, India.
Appointed as Staff Captain, Directorate of Organisation, Adjutant-General's Branch, Headquarters Staff of the Army in India, on the 1st of October 1938.
Appointed as Brigade Major, Ambala Brigade, Ambala, Lahore District, Northern Command, India, on the 12th of November 1938.
Appointed as Temporary Lieutenant Colonel on the 9th of August 1940.
Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on the 16th of January 1941.
Appointed as Acting Colonel on the 10th of February 1942.
Appointed as Temporary Colonel and Commander of the 177th Brigade, on the 10th of August 1942.
Appointed as Temporary Brigadier on the 10th of February 1943.
Appointed as Commander, 131st (Surrey) Lorried Infantry Brigade, on the 28th of January 1944.
Appointed as Commander, 56th Infantry Brigade (North West Europe) on the 4th of July 1944.
Died of Wounds on the 4th of November 1944, aged 46.
There is some mystery around the death of Brigadier M.S. Ekins. The Book 56th Infantry Brigade and D-Day by Andrew Holborn states:
"A further unfortunate incident at this time was the death of Brigadier Ekins. In Normandy he had commanded first 131st Infantry Brigade, then taken over 56th Infantry Brigade from Brigadier Pepper in July. The means of his death is open to question and many decades later we are unlikely ever to know the real story. From investigation of 56th Infantry Brigade War Diary the following excerpts are relevant. First, the Field Return of Officers: 'Officers Quitted During Week: Ekins MS R FUS (Royal Fusiliers) 4 Nov. Fatal Battle Accident.' This entry shows signs of alteration and the pages have been burnt at the edges and repaired. The word 'accident' has been written and crossed out three times. Secondly, the 56th Brigade War Diary for 4 November reads: '4 November 0430 (approx) Brig MS Ekins was found dead outside the op room with a wound in the head.' A third piece of evidence is his death certificate from the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths, which contains the following information: 'Ekins, Maurice Seymour. P/19824. (His Service Number) Lt-Col. (Temp Col) (Temp Brig). The Royal Fusiliers. Age 46. Country of Birth: England. Date of Death 4-11-44. Place of Death: North West Europe. Cause of Death: Gunshot wound fired at close range to the right side of the head.'
At the time as one officer put it, this was skilfully hushed up. Men present at or around Brigade H.Q. say that there was no enemy action that night, such as shelling. Ekins was apparently found seated in his car. A number of men Brigade HQ say that they had to sign that they had to sign a document promising secrecy. This still seems to pertain, as no one interviewed for this study who was present at Brigade HQ the time of Brigadier Ekins death or very shortly afterwards was willing to go on record or give even vague details about that night."
Buried at Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.
Grave Reference: 9. B. 14.
Son of James Parker Ekins and Augusta Emma Ekins (nee Bent); husband of Catherine Laura Ekins (nee Henn), of Tranent, Grange Road, Camberley, Surrey. Maurices' brother Ronald Norman Ekins also fell.
Leslie, Evans 1918 - 1940;
Born between October and December 1918. Registered at Farnham, Surrey.
Leslie lived at Plantation Row, Camberley, Surrey.
Enlisted unknown date.
Durham Light Infantry
Rank: Private.
Service No: 4454219
Leslie served with the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Killed In Action between the 30th and 31st of May 1940, aged 21.
Buried at St. Venant Communal Cemetery, Pas De Calais, France.
Grave Reference: Plot 4. Row C. Grave 21.
During the 1939-45 War, St. Venant was the centre of heavy fighting when delaying actions covered the withdrawal of the British Expeditionary Force to the coast. In fact British troops continued fighting at St. Venant after the evacuation of Dunkirk, and 90 or more were buried in a mass grave in a field at St. Venant. The 1939-45 burials are in Plots III and IV.
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial.
Son of Jack (John) and Edith Florence Evans (nee Liddiard), of 14 Plantation Row, Camberley, Surrey.
Charles Neville Fane
Charles Neville, Fane 1911 - 1940;
Born on the 7th of February 1911, at London. Registered at Marylebone, London.
Living at Grandparents abode, Heanton Satchville, Huish, Devon, in the 1911 census. Charles' grandparents are Lord and Lady Clinton.
Charles married Gladys Mabel Lowther, on the 20th of December 1933, at St. Margaret's, Westminster, London. Registered at Westminster, London. Charles gives his residence as Boyton Manor, Codford, Wiltshire.
Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, Reserve of Officers, Coldstream Guards, on the 24th of February 1934, with Seniority from the 27th of August 1931. Published in the London Gazette on the 23rd of February 1934, Issue 340260, Page 1230.
Promoted to Lieutenant, Reserve of Officers, Coldstream Guards, on the 27th of August 1934. Published in the London Gazette on the 28th of Septemberv 1934. Issue 34091, Page 6101.
Promoted to Lieutenant, Regular Army, Coldstream Guards, on the 24th of May 1935, with Seniority from the 28th of January 1935. Published in the London Gazette on the 24th of May 1935. Issue34163, Page 3373.
Awarded Royal Aero Club Aviators Certificate No. 12802, on the 30th of May 1935. Charles flew the de Havilland 60G (Gipsy Moth) at Cinque Ports Flying Club, Lympne Aerodrome, Kent.
Appointed A.D.C (aide-de-camp) to the Commader of the 3rd Division, on the 28th of April 1936. Published in the London Gazette on the 5th of May 1936. Issue 34281, Page 2896.
Promoted to Captain, Coldstream Guards, on the 28th of January 1940. Published in the London Gazette on the 30th of January 1940. Supplement 34781, Page 590.
Posted to France with the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards, B.E.F. Charles was the Carrier Platoon Officer.
Killed In Action on the 21st of May 1940, aged 29.
The 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards War Diary records records;
"At 0100 hours Battalion H.Q. moved again to a large Chateau just East of ESTAIMBOURG.
There was a river mist in the early morning.
At about 0200 hours No. 3 Company was heavily mortared but though a very unpleasant experience, few casualties were sustained.
Some movement observed near the bridge.
At 0600 hours Mortar and Artillery fire started on the whole of the Battalion Front, and shortly afterwards it was reported that the enemy had crossed the river by No. 1 Company’s position.
Major W.S. STEWART BROWN was, therefore, sent forward to restore the situation, taking with him the Carrier Platoon under Captain FANE, who was shortly afterwards killed by a shell when making a recce."
Buried at Pecq Communal Cemetery, Hainaut, Belgium.
Grave Reference: Row A, grave 1.
Remembered on the East Budleigh War Memorial, East Budleigh, Devon.
Son of Henry Neville Fane and Harriet Fane (nee Hepburn-Stuart-Forbes-Trefusis) ; husband of Gladys Mabel Fane, of Blackwater, Camberley, Surrey.
Thomas Leslie, Fasson 1904 - 1944;
Born on the 16th of May 1904. Registered at Medway, Kent.
Educated as a Gentleman Cadet at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, unknown entry date.
Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, Border Regiment, on the 30th of January 1924. Published in the London Gazette on the 1st of February 1924. Issue 32903, Page 959.
Promoted to Lieutenant, Border Regiment, on the 31st of January 1926. Published on the 2nd of February 1926. Issue 33129, Page 790.
Posted to India, unknown date. Thomas served on the North West Frontier between 1930 and 1931.
Awarded the India General Service Medal with Clasp North West Frontier 1930-31.
Seconded for service under the Colonial Office, on the 18th of October 1933. Published in the London Gazette on the 21st of November 1933. Issue 33997, Page 7540.
Granted Temporary rank Captain whilst employed with the Royal West African Frontier Force, on the 27th of December 1935. Published in the London Gazette on the 31st of January 1936. Issue 34251, Page 669.
Promoted to Captain and to remain seconded under the Colonial Office, on the 31st of January 1937. Published in the London Gazette on the 2nd of February 1937. Issue 34366, Page 713.
Thomas married Patricia Gibbons, between July and September 1939. Registered at Marylebone, London.
Promoted to Major, Border Regiment, on the 31st of January 1941. Published in the London Gazette on the 31st of January 1941. Supplement 35059, Page 617.
Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, unknown date.
Apppointed Officer Commanding of the 4th Battalion Nigeria Regiment, Royal West Africa Frontier Force, unknown date.
Died on the 22nd of September 1944, aged 40. Thomas died from Blackwater Fever, a complication from malaria infection.
Buried at Christiansborg War Cemetery, Accra, Ghana.
Grave Reference: Plot 2. Row D. Grave 27.
Son of Major Thomas William Fasson and Lena Fasson; husband of Patricia Fasson (nee Gibbons), of Camberley, Surrey.
Arthur Guy Richard Elphinstone, Fenton 1922 - 1946;
Arthur's father was serving with the British Indian Army in 1922, so I believe Arthur was born in India.
Educated at Boyne House, Cheltenham College between 1937 and 1940.
Arthur served in the Office Cadet Training Unit.
Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Scots, on the 3rd of May 1941. Published in the London Gazette, on the 13th of May 1941. Supplement 35163, Page 2796.
Service No: 184671.
Posted to India, unknown date.
Arthur served with the 1st Battalion Royal Scots.
Appointed Acting Major on the 19th of September 1946. Published in the London Gazette on the 19th of September 1946. Supplement 37730, Page 4698.
Died on the 28th of December 1946, aged 24.
Buried at St. Mary's, Madras Cemetery, Chennai, India, on the 30th of December 1946.
Grave Reference: Plot 19. Grave 127.
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial. Rank given as Major on the memorial while CWGC record Arthur as a Captain.
Son of James Newmark Fenton and Amy Eugenie Fenton; husband of Irene Beryl Fenton, formerly of 17 Knightsbridge Road, Camberley, Surrey, Now of Garston, Hertfordshire. Arthur's Grandfather, Arthur Percy Archibald, Elphinstone 1863 - 1916, is also Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial. See Surnames D-F in the First World War Section.
Malcolm Francis John, Ferguson 1915 - 1940;
Born on the 20th of September 1915, unknown birth place. Malcolm's father was a Cambridge University Alumni and his University records show that he was a Tea Planter in Ceylon between 1900 and 1916.
Commissioned into the Royal Navy, unknown date.
Promoted to Lieutenant, on the 16th of August 1938.
Malcolm served aboard H.M.S. Gurkha.
Killed In Action on the 9th of April 1940, aged 24.
On the 9th of April 1940, Germany Invaded Norway. H.M.S Gurkha participated in the very first moves of the Norwegian Campaign sailing with H.M.S. Afridi and a force of cruisers and destroyers from Rosyth, Scotland on 7/8th April 1940. On the 9th April at 1400 hours, the force was attacked by Ju-88 and He-111 bombers. One bomb hit her aft end and blew a 40 foot hole in the starboard side. The stern caught fire and the after magazine had to be flooded. Soon the stern was awash and Gurkha had a 45 degree list to starboard. All the lights were out but the wounded were brought up and laid on the focastle. Many of the crew were blinded by oil and everyone had to cling to the guard rails or anchor chains to keep from falling overboard. Some made it to the boats and Carley floats. It was now getting dark and cold. Usable guns fired air bursts to attract anyone's attention. H.M.S. Aurora arrived on the scene. She stopped 200 yards away and lowered her boats. Gurkha heeled over onto her side. Those men who had not lost their hold on the focastle clambered through the guard rails and sat on the port side. At 1900, she rolled right over and sank about 35 nautical miles west of Karmoy Island, Norway. Aurora managed to pick up 190 survivors. They were treated and eventually ended up in Devonport, Devon, and given survivors leave. Gurkha was the first Tribal and first British destroyer to be sunk by air attack.
Body not recovered for burial.
Remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth, Devon.
Panel Reference: Panel 36, Column 1.
Son of Alan Cort Wright Ferguson and Ruth Ferguson (nee Perry), of Camberley, Surrey.
Gordon Maurice, Field 1915 - 1943;
Born between July and September 1915. Registered at Croyden, Surrey.
Educated as a Gentleman Cadet at the Royal Military Academy Woolwich.
Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Artillery, on the 30th of January 1936. Published in the London Gazette on the 31st of January 1936. Issue 34251, Page 670.
Promoted to Lieutenant, Royal Artillery, on the 30th of January 1939. Published in the London Gazette on the 31st of January 1939. Issue 34594, Page 680.
Granted Service Number: 67043.
Gordon married Marianne Rayner Gaunt between April and June 1939. Registered at Wharfedale, Yorkshire.
Promoted to Captain, unknown date.
Gordon served with 320th Battery, 131 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.
Accidentally Killed on the 10th of February 1943, aged 27. Death Registered at Fakenham, Norfolk.
Buried at St. Peter's, Frimley, Surrey, on the 16th of February 1943.
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial.
Son of Cyril Durrant Field and Lilian Mary Field; husband of Marianne Rayner Field (nee Gaunt) , of Hope Fountain, Camberley, Surrey.
George Alfred, Foster 1912 - 1943;
Born on the 20th of November 1912. Registered at Farnham, Surrey.
Enlisted unknown date.
Corps of Military Police.
Service No: 7689790.
Promoted to Lance Corporal, unknown date.
Posted to Singapore, unknown date.
George served with 18 Divisional Provost Company, Corps of Military Police.
Captured as a Prisoner of War by the Japanese with the Fall of Singapore on the 15th of February 1942.
Held at No.1 P.O.W. Camp, Changi, Singapore.
Moved to Burma (now Myanmar) on the 24th of April 1943.
Died on the 26th of August 1943, aged 30.
The notorious Burma-Siam railway, built by Commonwealth, Dutch and American prisoners of war, was a Japanese project driven by the need for improved communications to support the large Japanese army in Burma. During its construction, approximately 13,000 prisoners of war died and were buried along the railway. An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 civilians also died in the course of the project, chiefly forced labour brought from Malaya and the Dutch East Indies, or conscripted in Siam (Thailand) and Burma (Myanmar).
Two labour forces, one based in Siam and the other in Burma worked from opposite ends of the line towards the centre. The Japanese aimed at completing the railway in 14 months and work began in October 1942. The line, 424 kilometres long, was completed by December 1943.
Buried at Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Myanmar (Burma).
Grave Reference: B1. A. 8.
Thanbyuzayat became a prisoner of war administration headquarters and base camp in September 1942 and in January 1943 a base hospital was organised for the sick. The camp was close to a railway marshalling yard and workshops, and heavy casualties were sustained among the prisoners during Allied bombing raids in March and June 1943. The camp was then evacuated and the prisoners, including the sick, were marched to camps further along the line where camp hospitals were set up. For some time, however, Thanbyuzayat continued to be used as a reception centre for the groups of prisoners arriving at frequent intervals to reinforce the parties working on the line up to the Burma-Siam border.
Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery was created by the Army Graves Service who transferred to it all graves along the northern section of the railway, between Moulmein and Nieke.
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial.
Son of Thomas Alfred and Margaret Edith Foster (nee Powles), of 37 Bristow Crescent, Camberley, Surrey; nephew of Mrs. R. C. Powles, of Camberley.
Brian and John Finch shown here with their siblings playing in the old village pound located on The Grove, Frimley, Surrey.
Brian Edward, Finch 1924 - 1944;
Born at Frimley, Surrey, between April and June 1924. Registered at Farnham, Surrey.
Brian and his family lived at The Grove, Frimley, Surrey.
Enlisted unknown date.
5th Battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.
Rank: Private.
Service No. 14332883.
Killed In Action between the 12th and 13th of August 1944, aged 20.
Buried at Banneville-la-Campagne War Cemetery, Normandy, France.
Grave Reference: XII. C. 26.
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial.
Remembered on the Lych Gate Memorial, St. Andrew's, Frimley Green, Surrey.
Remembered on The Grove, Frimley, Surrey. This memorial consists of a plaque on a tree opposite the old village pound. Also commemorates Brian's brother John. The original plaque was replaced due to age and wear, by Rob Agar in 2014.
Son of Harry H. and Bessie E. Finch, of The Grove, Frimley, Surrey. Brian's brother John also fell. (See Below).
John Weston, Finch 1920 - 1944;
Born at Frimley, Surrey, between July and September 1920. Registered at Farnham, Surrey.
John and his family lived at The Grove, Frimley, Surrey. (See picture above in Brian Finch's profile).
Enlisted unknown date.
Royal Air Force.
Rank: Sergeant.
Trade: Pilot.
Service No. 570118.
Posted to India, unknown date.
Killed In Action on the 30th of November 1944, aged 24.
Buried at Madras War Cemetery, Chennai, India.
Grave Reference: 4. D. 10.
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial.
Remembered on the Lych Gate Memorial, St. Andrew's, Frimley Green, Surrey.
Remembered on The Grove, Frimley, Surrey. This memorial consists of a plaque on a tree opposite the old village pound. Also commemorates Brian's brother John. The original plaque was replaced due to age and wear, by Rob Agar in 2014.
Son of Harry H. Finch and Bessie E. Finch, of The Grove, Frimley, Surrey; husband of Ivy Finch, of Frimley, Surrey.
Ronald Arthur John, Foulsham 1919 - 1940;
Born between October and December 1919. Registered at Farnham, Surrey. Ronald's mother's family were from 42 Frimley Street, Frimley, Surrey. His mum died between January and March 1920.
Living at Canterbury, Kent on enlistment.
Enlisted, unknown date.
Royal Corps of Signals
Rank: Signalman.
Service No: 2326926.
Posted to France with the B.E.F. in 1940.
Ronald served with the 2nd Divisional Signals
Killed In Action on the 27th of May 1940, aged 20.
Buried at Dunkirk Town Cemetery, France.
Grave Reference: Plot 2 Row 6 Grave 47.
Son of James Henry and Lilian Fair Foulsham (nee South); nephew of Mrs. N. Filmer, of Canterbury. Grandson of Arthur E. South of 42 Frimley Street, Frimley, Surrey.
Alexander Robert, Fowler 1908 - 1944;
Born on the 23rd of November 1908 at the Royal Military College Chapel Sandhurst. Registered at Easthampstead, Berkshire.
Living at the Royal Military College Sandhurst, in the 1911 census. Alexanders's father is an Army Musician.
Enlisted unknown date.
Royal Engineers.
Rank: Sapper.
Service No: 2130990.
Alexander served with 87 Assault Squadron, Royal Engineers.
87 Assault Squadron took part in the D-Day landings.
Died on the 7th of July 1944, aged 35. Registered at Eastbourne, Sussex.
Buried at St. Michael's, Sandhurst, Berkshire.
Grave Reference: Row. 2. Grave 262.
Son of Henry James Fowler and Gertrude Fanny Fowler, of 2 York Villas, College Road, Camberley, Surrey.
John Hazel, Fulton 1914 - 1940;
Born at South Africa, unknown date.
Enlisted, unknown date.
Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey).
Rank: Private.
Service No: 6091271.
Accidentally Killed on the 5th of July 1940, aged 26.
Buried at St. Andrew's, Wraysbury, Buckinghamshire.
Remembered on the Camberley War Memorial.
Son of George and Mary Fulton, of 23 Bridge End, Frimley, Surrey.
Lest We Forget
Lee Thomas
October 2020