The following is a list with biographies of the 249 people who attended Malvern College and died due to the Second World War. There is also a corresponding page commemorating the 459 casualties in the First World War.
The fallen are commemorated at Malvern with the statue of St. George, which is inscribed 'To Our Brothers', and the names themselves are written on a marble memorial in the Ante-Chapel.
After the Phoney war had ended, there was not a month from May 1940 to May 1945, that an Old Malvernian did not lose their life, though unlike the First World War there were not major spikes in losses on a particular day or month.
5 were killed in the Battle of Dunkirk at the end of May 1940, and 4 during the Battle of Britain between July and October 1940.
3 OMs lost their lives during the Blitz between September 1940 and May 1941.
21 lost their lives in the Western Desert Campaign between June 1940 to February 1943 with 5 buried at El Alamein War Cemetery and 6 commemorated at the Alamein Memorial.
4 were killed during the Allied invasion of Sicily between July and August 1943, and 5 at the Battle of Monte Cassino between January and May 1944 with 8 commemorated at the Cassino Memorial And Cemetery.
8 were killed after the D-Day landings during Operation Overlord between June and August 1944, and 2 in Operation Market Garden in September 1944.
In South-East Asia, 2 were killed during the Japanese-Thai occupation of Malaya between Dec 1941 and Jan 1942, 4 were killed during the Japanese occupation of Singapore in February 1942, and 7 were killed during the Burma Campaign between 1942 and 1945.
Most (97) OMs served in the R.A.F. with many in Bomber Command. 22 are commemorated at Runnymede Memorial as they have no known grave.
14 served in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, 5 in the Royal Navy, 31 in the Royal Artillery, and 4 in the Royal Tank Regiment, with the remainder disbursed among 75 other units.
George Chesterton in the Remembrance Day Service of 2009, having described the lives and loss of five of his friends, reflected:
'Some of these brave men have no known grave, but we must remember them, along with all the tens of thousands of others, who gave their lives for their homelands and their friends. It is thanks to them that all of us sit in this Chapel, from a wide variety of countries and backgrounds and are able to sit together in security and friendship.'
The information below is based on 'The Malvern College Register, Second Supplement, 1949' edited for the Malvernian Society by F. W. Roberts, the 'The Malvernian' school magazine, and 'Malvern College: A 150th Anniversary Portrait' by Roy Allen.
Further information was also obtained from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website, the Unit War Diaries held at the National Archives in Kew, and various online commemorative websites whose links have been provided.
Below is a map showing the locations of the 126 cemeteries where Old Malvernians are buried or commemorated in. The markers are coloured yellow for one casualty, orange for between 2 and 4, and red for 5 or more. The name of the cemetery and number of casualties can be seen by hovering over the marker, and the list of names seen by clicking on the marker. Their full biographies can be seen by clicking on 'Further Info'.
The records can be filtered and/or sorted by surname, house, age, regiment, date, place etc by clicking on the appropriate drop down box and then the 'Search' button below the map.
Son of Mrs Maclean, Heybridge, Prestbury, Macclesfield.
Math V. House Prefect. Cricket XI 1935-36. XL Football.
38 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
The squadron flew Wellington Bombers.
Missing believed killed, the other members of the crew being prisoners of war.
Missing report:
The Wellington Mark IC Q, R. 3219, with a bomb load of nine 230 lb N.D.T, one small bomb container with sixty 4lb incendiary bombs and one 5.5. flare left base at 1904 hours for target A.77 on the 30th September 1940.
'Gerald Hipping, the Navigator, stated:
Our machine, containing P/O Maclean crashed and exploded somewhere along a position line joining Osnabruck and
Diepholg.
After capture I was taken to Diepholg aerodrome and there met the Hun who had shot me down. His name was Streib and he received the
Iron Cross for his achievement of shooting down four British machines in quick succession on the same night - 30/9/40.'
The crew were 1st Pilot - P/O Maclean, 2nd Pilot - Sgt S Williams, Navigator - Sgt G Tipping, W/Operator - Sgt V. F. Gammon, Tail Gunner - P/O Mathieson, Front Gunner - Sgt J Hamilton.
P/O Maclean was still in the aircraft when Sgt Gammon, who was the last of the crew, safely went out. The aircraft blew up a second later in the air.
Missing Report: Air 81/3568
Son of William Edward and Dorothy Bulmer, of Starcross, Archer Rd., Penarth, Glamorgan.
School Prefect. Cricket XI. Football XI. Boxing Colours 1935-37 (Capt.). Rackets Vest. Gym Colours. Anderson Medal. Cadet Officer in O.T.C.
Brasenose College, Oxford.
49 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Hampden bombers and carried out the attack on the Dortmund-Ems Canal on 12 August 1940.
'On leaving School he went up to B.N.C., Oxford, and made his mark in Rugby Football, playing many times for the University and with every likelihood of getting his "blue" if the war had not come.
Alan Bulmer had an engaging personality and his sensible and cheery outlook will be long remembered by his many friends. He was outstanding intellectually and athletically, and was a great asset to his School in every way. If he had been spared, he would most certainly have made his mark in the world. His family has our deep-felt sympathy in their great bereavement. H.D.E.E.' (Malvernian, Jul 1941).
He was the Pilot in Hampden X.3021 which took off at 23:14 on the 10th November 1940, and was then reported as 'Missing'.
Squadron Operations: AIR-27_480_26
Son of Thomas Edgar and Frances Campbell Corrie, of Heathway, Chobham, Woking, Surrey.
Class VI.
53 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew the Bristol Blenheim light bomber undertaking anti-submarine and anti-shipping operations. He died just before the Blenheims were replaced by the Lockheed Hudson in July 1941 .
'23/6/41
A/c 'S' on convoy escort duties failed to return to base - Crew P/O Bolten, Sgts Corrie and Kircher.'
Squadron diary, AIR-27_504_11
AIR-27_504_12
He was flying a Blenheim Mark Four V.5647.
The aircraft was ordered for escort duties at 09.00 hours on 23 June 1941, and was reported at 13.00 hours to have crashed in flames in the sea.
Missing Record
Son of Thomas Bailey Tate, C.S.I. (5.01), and Decima Tate, of Alnmouth, Northumberland, and Eglingham Lea, Eglingham, Northumberland.
Sci. V.
Jesus College, Cambridge.
83 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Handley Page Hampden bombers with raids against German naval and coastal targets, including against concentrations of Invasion shipping in the Channel Ports in the late summer/autumn of 1940, with a raid on Antwerp on the night of 15 September 1940.
'"Nicky" was captain and navigator of a bomber, which made a forced landing off Holland on the return journey from Germany, and is presumed to have been killed then. His death will be keenly felt by all his contemporaries and many friends.' (Malvernian, Dec 1941).
The following is an extract from the report on the fate of the crash:
Hampden AD.835 with crew of four took off from Scampton at 22.05 on 25.7.1941 for an attack on Hanover, but failed to return. A telegram from the International Red Cross states that the pilot Sgt Draper was taken prisoner and Sgts Tate, Marsden and Ireson were killed.
Sgt Tate was acting as the Navigator. The aircraft was attacked by a German Night Fighter just off the coast of Schiermonnikoog.
The pilot states: 'There was first one burst of cannon fire fired at us from a fighter. The gunners never saw him and I presume both of them to have been killed in the attack. The starboard inner fuel tank was hit and in due course exploded. It contained 160 gallons of petrol which burnt very rapidly owing to the wind fanning it. Myself and Nicky (Tate) were unhurt so I gave orders to abandon the machine before the other fuel tanks blew up. I then presume Nicky baled out through his emergency exit and I proceeded to leave. At this stage my feet were trapped inside the machine whilst I was outside. I could do nothing until another fuel tank exploded and blew me clear. I then came down by parachute and was very fortunate in first landing on the beach. Owing to the fact that I was very near the ground when my parachute opened the wind did not make me drift very far. I presume what happened to Nicky was that he came out much before I did and much higher, and the wind took him out to sea.'
The aircraft Hampden AD 835 took off at 22:00 on the 25th July 1941 to bomb Hanover, and crashed at 23:55 on the foreshore of Schiermonnikoog on the north coast of the Netherlands near KM Pole 8 N. It seems that Sgt Tate's body was washed up from the sea and that Marsden and Draper were still in the aircraft.
Report at National Archives: AIR 81/7885
July 1941 Ops AIR-27_686_37
July 1941 Ops Detail AIR-27_686_38
Son of Horace B. and Florence Greey, of Beoley, Worcestershire, England, and 41 St Agnes Rd., Moseley, Birmingham.
Mod Lan. V. House Prefect.
103 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Vickers Wellington bombers.
Reported Missing Aug. 1941; now known to have been killed with all his crew.
Wellington W.5656, with a crew of six, took off from Elsham at 22:15 on 5th August 1941 for operations over Frankfurt. A last W/T communication stating mission completed at 01:13 was received at 02:20 on the 6th. Six other aircraft from the Squadron successfully attacked the same target. There were no reports of other than the normal amount of flak and searchlight activity over enemy territory.
Telegrams from the International Red Cross state that all six members of the crew (Sergeant D M Greey - Captain, Sergeant J P Taylor (RCAF) - 2nd Pilot, Sergeant J Moules - Navigator, Sergeant F W Alleway - 1st W/T Operator, Sergeant R G G Griffin - 2nd W/T Operator, Sergeant C Deges - Air Gunner) were killed.
The aircraft crashed in the midst of a windstorm at 'Moscou' in the communue of Tardinghen. According to the proprietor of the farm, the aircraft exploded on touching the ground, and the wreckage was thrown over a considerable area.
This was Sgt Greey's fourteenth sortie as Captain with this crew, he had previously completed a further nine sorties as 2nd pilot.
Missing report: AIR 81/8104
Squadron operation records: AIR 27_813_41
Detailed records: AIR 27_813_42
Son of J. M. Tucker, 5 Paper Buildings, Temple, E.C.4.
Sci. V.
78 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Armstrong Whitworth Whitley night bombers, and in February 1941, flying from Malta, were used to drop paratroops over southern Italy for Operation Colossus, the first British paratroop operation of the Second World War.
Aircraft Whitley V Z.6754 was airborne from Middleton-St-George at 23.06 on 16th Aug 1941. It was shot down and crashed near Roermond, Holland.
The crew were Sergeant J H Malet-Warden, Sergeant J C Beardmore, Sergeant A J R Millard-Tucker, Sergeant G H Buchanan (RCAF), Flight Sergeant A Brown.
Aug 1941 Operations AIR-27-660-27
Aug 1941 Operations AIR-27-660-27 Detail:
Missing report: AIR 81/8369
Son of Maj. Robert H. E. Bennett, M.C., and Dorothy M. Bennett, of 77 Kensington Gardens, Kensington, London.
Bus V. House Prefect.
226 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber sqdn)
The squadron used Douglas Havoc, Douglas Boston and North American Mitchell medium bombers, whilst carrying out attacks on German ports and anti-shipping strikes.
On the 7th September 1941, P/O Bennett was acting as Observer in plane Z.7312 along with F/L Haggitt and P/O Ramsay (A/G), along with six other planes led by S/Ldr MacClancy.
They were Up at 11.30 for an attack on a convoy about 4 miles west of The Hague consisting of a heavily laden merchant vessel escorted by three flak ships.
1 flakship of 800 tons was seen to blow up and the merchant vessel enveloped in smoke.
P/O Bennett was reported as missing along with the rest of his crew.
Flight record: AIR-27_1406_38
Son of William Charles Ferris, and of Lilian Sythe Maria Ferris, of Westminster, London; stepson of Lt.-Col. Raymond J. Hartmann, Royal Artillery.
Swimming VIII.
142 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command)
The squadron used Vickers Wellington heavy bombers, flying night bombing missions over Germany
His brother Cecil Frank also died on service.
Son of Dr. Walter Tyrrell Cooper, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., L.D.S., and Dulcie Elizabeth Cooper, of 44 Cholmeley Park, Highgate, Middlesex.
Army V.
50 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew the Hampden medium bomber where it attempted to attack German warships off Kristiansand returning from the German invasion of Norway on the 12th April 1940, but with heavy losses daylight raids were abandoned, and it continued operations by night, taking part in the RAF's strategic bombing offensive against the Germans through the remainder of 1940 and 1941.
On the night of the 23rd October 1941, the squadron was on a bombing run to Kiel. One aircraft out of the 16 failed to return.
The operation overall was successful with 13 aircraft being able to locate and bomb the target. A total of 6 x 1,000 lb; 40 x 500 lb; 16 x 250 lb bombs and 1,924 lbs of incendiaries was expended.
Squadron diary: AIR-27_486_18
Son of Cecil Philip and Violet Marianne Adcock, of Redhill, Surrey.
Mod Lan VI. Hansell French (3) and German (2). Chance Prize (2). School Prefect. Head of House. Football XI.
St John's College, Cambridge.
Husband of Penelope Adcock.
61 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Hampden medium bombers and took part in the first bombing raid on Berlin (25/26 August 1940). It converted in July 1941 to Manchesters.
His aircraft, L7494, had taken off at 17.42 from Woolfox Lodge. It was part of a force of 19 aircraft consisting of Manchesters, Wellingtons and Hampdens tasked to attack Boulogne. It was the only aircraft lost. The Avro Manchester aircraft exploded and crashed, cause not recorded, into the sea off Boulogne.
Details of final flight
Son of H. N. Murray, Elcot, 7 Derby Rd., Caversham, Oxon.
Boxing Cols.
214 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Killed while Captain of a Wellington Bomber over Germany.
April 1942 operations AIR-27_1321_7
Detail AIR-27_1321_8
Son of John and Annie Hardman Cowan, of Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire.
Boxing Colours.
Manchester Univ.
150 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Bomber Command).
The squadron flew Vickers Wellingtons bombers from October 1940 operating from RAF Newton near Nottingham.
'He had taken part in very many raids on Germany.' (Malvernian, Jul 1942)
'27/28.4.42 Executive order for Operations No 81 gave instructions for fourteen main aircraft to attack Cologne. Weather conditions were exceptionally good for this operation, no cloud and good visibility making the location of the target a matter of ease. The bridges across the Rhine could be clearly seen and the detonation of bombs were observed to be well in the target area. Numerous small fires could be seen burning over a widespread area of the town. Anti-aircraft and searchlight activity was intense and extremely accurate and the impression left with our crews was that a large proportion of the Rhur's defences were concentrated on Cologne and the surrounding districts.
Two aircraft and crew are missing from this operation.
Sgt Cowan was listed as one of the Pilots missing in Aircraft X.3288 'H'.'
150 Squadron diary: AIR-27_1010_7
150 Squadron diary: AIR-27_1010_8
Son of E. Liversidge, Lynwood, Oxford Rd, Dewsbury.
Math VI. School Prefect. F. XXII.
Scholar, Trinity, Camb. 1st Cl. Math. Trip.
Husband of Joan Liversidge, of Marylebone, London. B.A. (Cantab.).
405 (R.C.A.F.) Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
(Converted from Wellington bombers to the Handley Page Halifax in April 1942, taking part in the historic 1,000-bomber raid on Cologne on the night of 30/31 May 1942.)
F/Lt Liversidge was the Captain of a Halifax II ('H') with Sgts Bradbrook (Navigator), Alcazar (Observer), Dearlove (Wireless Operator), Foot (A/G), Druommond (A/G) and McFee (A/G).
He took off at 23:04 on the 29th June 1942 from RCAF Pocklington in Yorkshire for a bombing attack on Bremen along with 9 other aircraft in his squadron. His aircraft was one of three that did not return.
Operation records, June 1942: AIR 27_1787_25
Detailed records: AIR 27_1787_26
Son of Alexander Graham Low and Annie Low, 9 Holland Park.
Husband of Susan Mary Low, of Farnham, Surrey.
57 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Vickers Wellington bombers from November 1940.
He was the Air Gunner in a Wellington III X.3653 together with Captain W/C P-Smith, Observer F/O Hodson, 1st W/T Sgt Moses, and 2nd W/T Sgt Drysdale. The aircraft took off at 15:30 on the 27th July 1942 for a bombing raid over Bremen but failed to return.
57 Squadron Operation records, July 1942
Detailed records
Son of Captain Alfred Geoffrey and Evelyn Gladys Corah, of Durfold, Warnham, Horsham, Sussex.
House Prefect.
107 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Blenheim bombers, and was based at Malta in 1941 and received very heavy losses with 90% of all original and replacement crews killed in action. In January 1942, it received US Douglas Boston light bombers and began flying daylight operations again in March 1942 from Great Massingham, Norfolk.
Son of Frank Branson Richards and of Harriett Louise Richards (nee Bowman), of San Francisco, California, U.S.A, and Merlins Mead, Riversdale, Bourne End, Bucks.61 Sqdn.
Math V. Football XXII.
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 61 Sqdn
Beginning operations with Hampdens, the squadron converted in July 1941 to the more modern Manchesters and later (spring 1942), Lancaster bombers.
His brother Branson also died on service.
Son of R.H. Sandon, 6 Half Moon St., Piccadilly
Mod. Lan. V. White Medal.
142 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew night bombing missions over Germany and occupied western Europe in the Vickers Wellington heavy bomber.
P/O Sandon took off from Grimsby on aircraft BJ915 with a crew of 4 on the 16th Sept 1942 at 20:22 with a bomb load of 810 x 4lb Incendiaries to attack Essen. The aircraft failed to return with no news after take-off. Seven aircraft from his Squadron were involved in the raid with 3 failing to return.
142 Sqdn. Sep 1942 Operations Detail, AIR-27-973-18
142 Sqdn. Sep 1942 Operations Summary, AIR-27-973-18
Son of Henry Herbert Russell Gresham and of Gladys Elizabeth Gresham (nee Smethurst), c/o Falkland Islands Co., 61 Gracechurch St. Nephew of Irene Dunnett, of Boscombe, Bournemouth, Hampshire.
House Prefect. Swimming Team.
148 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Vickers Wellington bombers.
Missing as a result of air operations in Tobruk Harbour.
He was the 2nd Pilot in Wellington HD 947 with P/O S.C Pearson as the 1st Pilot, Sgt A.H. Threfall as the Navigator, F/Sgt D.D. Miller as the WO/AG, F/Sgt D.A. Miller as the F/Gnr and Sgt R.M.G. Banbury as the R/Gnr.
The aircraft set off at 22.35 for operations on Tobruk but failed to return.
Squadron operations, June 1942: AIR 27_994_37
Detailed operations: AIR 27_994_38
Son of Herbert Stanley and Marion Grant, St Anthony, 15 Lathbury Rd, Oxford.
Hist VI. Martin History Prize. School Prefect.
Trinity College, Oxford.
Husband of Kathleen De Angelis Grant, of Tooting, Surrey.
10 O.T.U. Royal Air Force
Bomber training unit
Son of Major Thomas Richard Barter Seigne, formerly Royal Field Artillery, and of Anna Eliza Seigne, of St. Anns Hill, Co Cork, Ireland.
Boxing Cols.
149 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Vickers Wellington bombers and then, in November 1941, the Short Stirling, taking part in the first 1,000 bomber raid.
Combat report:
On the night of October 15/16th 1942, Captain Sgt Siwak was at 2053 hours about 5 miles west of the Cologne area, flying at a height of 12,000 feet and on a heading of 120 degrees. The I.A.S. was 150mph and bombs had not been dropped. An ME 110 approached from port quarter and just above to 400 yards. Mid upper Gunner, P/O Seigne fired one short burst. E/A passed over our aircraft, stall turned and approached from starboard quarter. As he came in to 100 yards, Mid Upper Gunner P/O Seigne and Rear Gunner Sgt Taylor each fired a short burst. E/A passed close over our aircraft and was lost to port. No. I.F.F. and no moon. The E/A was lit up by the light of flares. E/A did not open fire.
On 7th November 1942 P/O Seigne was the Mid Upper Gunner on a Stirling bomber with Genoa (Ansalds Works) as the target.
He is not mentioned in the operational records of the 10th November.
Combat report AIR-50_219_30
November 1942 Operations AIR-27-1002-21
November 1942 Operations AIR-27-1002-22 Detail
Son of Spencer John and Mabel Newey, 62 Wake Green Rd., Moseley, Birmingham
House Prefect.
Husband of Anne Newey, of Bassett, Hampshire.
Assoc. Auctioneers and Surveyors Insts.
179 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Wellington bombers.
27th December 1942. F/O Newey and crew in 'M' took off at 08:36 on a patrol sweep westward.
At midday an S.O.S. was received from aircraft 'M' referring to engine trouble in position 3620N 1240W. The aircraft and crew failed to return to base.
Dec 1942 Operations AIR-27_1126_7
Detail AIR-27_1126_8
Son of Horace Lionel Potter, and of Florence Jane Potter, of Penn, Oatlands Chase, Weybridge, Surrey.
Bus V.
Clerk in N. Y. K. Line.
Wireless Operator.
115 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
His squadron, in August 1941, undertook the initial Service trials of Gee, the first of the great radar navigational and bombing aids. (Gee was developed on the grounds of Malvern College as Malvern relocated to Blenheim Palace and then Harrow during the war). As a result of its subsequent report on these trials Gee was put into large-scale production for RAF Bomber Command.
Lancaster bombers replaced the Wellingtons in March 1943.
Son of G. W. Eves (§.90). c/o H. S. King & Co., 9 Pall Mall.
School Prefect. Second Eleven Cricket and Football.
Husband of B. W. Eves, of Montreal, Province of Quebec.
British Overseas Airways Corporation, attached R.A.F. Ferry Command
The following personal tribute is taken from The Times :— A correspondent writes:— Captain Pat Eves, B.O.A.C., attached R.A.F. Ferry Command, who lost his life in an air crash in Newfoundland on February 9, was an Irishman and one of our leading civil pilots. Born in 1910, he was educated at Malvern and started life in the Merchant Navy. Learning to fly at Redhill, he entered Imperial Airways in 1936, flying for them regularly in the Near East and between Karachi and Singapore. In the winter of 1940 he set up a new Atlantic speed record, flying a new type of American bomber, at a time of year in which the Atlantic had never before been flown successfully. He subsequently was the first pilot to fly non-stop from Montreal. His gay and fearless personality and rich sense of humour endeared him to all who knew him. He leaves a widow.
Son of John and Eveline Maud Wilson, of Richmond Ho., Elms Rd., Leicester.
Mod. Lan. V.
102 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Handley Page Halifax heavy bombers.
He was an Observer and killed in a bombing raid over Cologne.
Feb 1943 Ops AIR-27_809_3
Feb 1943 Ops Detail AIR-27_809_4
Son of Christopher and Phyllis Clare Owen, of Lustleigh, Devon, and Annfield, Dickoya, Ceylon.
106 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Lancaster bombers with W/Cmd Guy Gibson being with the squadron for a year whose last sortie was on the 11th March 1943, before being put in charge of 617 Squadron and being awarded the Victoria Cross for the Dam-Busters raid on 16–17 May 1943. On 16 January 1943, Gibson took the BBC's war correspondent, Richard Dimbleby on a sortie to Berlin.
Sgt Owen was killed on a bombing raid on Essen on the 12th March 1943 with F/Sgt McDonald as the Pilot. The other 11 aircraft in the squadron managed to return and the operation was deemed a success with accurate bombing in the 'face of very fierce opposition'.
March 1943 Operations AIR 27/833/5
and AIR 27/833/6
Combat report
Richard Dimbleby
Son of Archibald and Olive Davies, 47 Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park, W2.
In business. Heating Engineer (Graduate).
Husband of Ellen Margrethe Davies, of Westminster, London.
156 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Wellington bombers, and it became one of the original pathfinder squadrons, converting to Lancasters in January 1943.
He was the Pilot on Lancaster plane W4850 which was shot down on a bombing raid to Kiel.
Squadron diary: AIR-27_1041_30
Son of Robert and Ruby Lydia Gibbs, of Petra, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
Football XL.
Bank Clerk.
467 Sqdn. Royal Air Force
The squadron flew Avro Lancaster heavy bombers and formed part of No. 5 Group, RAF Bomber Command. It flew its first operation on 2 January 1943, laying mines off the French coast near Furze. It then conducted raids on Germany, France, Norway, Czechoslovakia, and Italy.
13th July 1943. This was a dark and dismal 13th for the squadron, for we lost 3 valuable crew, namely F/L Gibbs, F/O Mitchell and F/Sgt Chapman. F/L Gibbs was acting as Flight Commander at the time on the raid to Turin.
July 1943 Ops, AIR-27_1930_13
July 1943 Ops Detail AIR-27_1930_14
Son of Colonel John Southey Bostock, C.B.E., M.B., Ch.B., formerly of the R.A.M.C., and of Olivia Emslie Bostock (nee Horniman), of Sea View, Isle of Wight.
Sixth Form.
Exeter College, Oxford B.A. (3rd Cl. Hist.) 1932.
Solicitor.
415 (R.C.A.F.) Sqdn, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron was part of the Royal Canadian Air Force, flying Hampden torpedo-bombers and attacking enemy convoys and shipyards.
Son of William Stuart Robertson and Margaret Robertson, of Lyme Regis, Dorsetshire, and Uplands, Brocton, Stafford.
Class VI.
106 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Manchester, and then Lancaster bombers, taking part in the 1,000-bomber raids on Cologne, Essen and Bremen, and in 1942 in the first "shuttle-bombing" raids of Friedrichshafen and Spezia, and the attack on Peenemunde.
He was Captain on Lancaster DV182 which took off at 19.50 on 5th Sept 1943 to bomb Manheim. 'Nothing was heard from this aircraft after takeoff'.
106 sqdr operations in Sep 1943
Detail AIR-27_833_18
Combat report
Son of Vincent Rawson Scott Vickers and Gwyneth Howard Vickers, of Yew Trees, Wye, Kent.
Mod. Lan. V. Cricket XL.
Diploma in Estate Management, Wye College A.L.A.S.
Asiatic Petroleum Co.
104 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew the Bristol Blenheim before converting to the Vickers Wellington bomber in 1941.
F/O D.R. Vickers was on Aircraft V.LN386 which took off from Oudna in Tunisia at 16.42 on 24th November 1943 for a bombing raid on the ball bearing factory at Turin. The aircraft was reported as Missing. Many of the 14 other aircraft reported very bad weather and poor visibility and none managed to locate the factory.
Nov 1943 Operations Detail AIR-27-821-70
Nov 1943 Operations Summary AIR-27-821-69
Son of Lt.-Col. Henry Hemsted and Muriel Hope Hemsted, of Naivasha, Kenya and Hilton Park, Wolverhampton.
Hist. VI. School Prefect. Cricket XL.
18 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Blenheim bombers and from 1943–45 supported the allied advance through Italy.
He was the pilot in Boston 'K' Z.2234. He took off from Pomigliano at 03:30 on the night of the 17/18th January 1944 but crashed shortly after take-off with all four member of the crew killed. (F/L R.H.R. Hemsted, F/S H.F. Tolliday, P/O R. Hepworth, F/S T. Campbell).
18 Squadron operation records: AIR 27_245_1
Detailed records: AIR 27_245_2
Son of William Henry and Rose Winifred Moss, of Godden Green, Sevenoaks, Kent.
Junior Chapel Prefect. Head of House. Rackets Pair. Cricket XI 1928- (Capt. '29, '30).
Trinity College, Oxford, B.A. (2nd Cl. Mod. History). Golf Blue, 1931-34 (Capt. '33).
Schoolmaster at St David's Reigate and Radley College.
61 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Bomber squadron. Flew Lancasters from May 1942.
The Warden of Radley (Mr. J. C. Vaughan Wilkes) wrote the following for The Times: — 'Squadron Leader E. H. Moss, D.F.C., whose death was recently reported, was killed in March of last year at the age of 32. He was educated at Hawtreys', at Malvern, and at Trinity College, Oxford; and was a master at Radley College from 1936 until war broke out, when he joined The Wiltshire Regiment. He was promoted captain in 1940, but in 1941 transferred to the R.A.F. After being trained as a pilot, he was for some time an instructor, and then flew a number of operational flights in Lancasters. He was awarded the D.F.C. shortly before his death. At Malvern Jimmy Moss was in the cricket XI for four years, captain of cricket his last two years, and in the rackets pair.
At Oxford he narrowly missed his cricket "blue"—many people would agree that he amply deserved it. He was a beautiful bat and a rapid scorer. He played four years for the University at golf, and was captain his last two years—and a very good player he was. He came "down" with a good degree in history and became a schoolmaster—an extraordinarily good one, beloved by all who knew him, boys and masters. His capacity for seeing always the best in other people, his modesty, his high sense of duty, won instant admiration and affection. He was always natural, genuine, and sincere, giving himself heart and soul to whatever he had to do, and surprised if others seemed grateful for services which he regarded as obvious and simple duties.
The high standard he set himself was infectious and inspiring, so that it was natural for all who knew him to respond with the best they had to give. Many who heard him talk of Bomber Command will remember how moving was his enthusiasm for his service, his admiration of his brother airmen from all parts of the Empire and America, his warm appreciation of the ground crews that served him—in fact, his whole love of humanity and humble thankfulness to God.'
'Air Ministry, 24th March, 1944. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve
the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy — Distinguished Flying Cross:
Acting Squadron Leader, Edward Henry Moss (106228), Royal Air Force Volunteer
Reserve, No. 61 Squadron. This officer has completed very many sorties, and
on 5 occasions has attacked Berlin. - On one of these sorties, when returning
from the German capital, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. The front
and mid-upper turrets were damaged, the flaps and the tail trim were rendered
unserviceable and a tyre on one of the landing wheels was punctured but Squadron
Leader Moss brought his aircraft safely back to an airfield and effected a safe
landing. This officer has displayed great leadership, skill and courage, setting a fine example to all.'
The Gazette
Combat report AIR-50_191_77
Son of Harry Lucas Webb and Florence Julia Webb, of Hutchins Barn, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.
Math. V. House Prefect.
Clare College, Cambridge.
635 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew Lancaster bombers from RAF Downham Market in Norfolk.
F/L H.J.L. Webb was Captain of 1 of 14 aircraft detailed to attack Nurnberg on the 30th March 1944, and was 1 of 3 that did not return.
March 1944 Ops AIR-27_2155_1
March 1944 Ops Detail AIR-27_2155_2
Son of Group Captain Frederick Frank Garraway, O.B.E. (killed on active service, 12th May, 1941), and of Buddug Garraway, of Cockfosters, Barnet, Hertfordshire , and 47 Lancaster Gate, W2.
House Prefect. Athletic and Boxing Colours.
78 Sqdn Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
On the night of 30/31 May 1942, 78 Squadron contributed 22 Halifaxes to Operation Millennium, the first "1,000 bomber" raid against Cologne.
Combat report:
On the night of the 20th April 1944 at 01:26, a red light which approached gave the impression of a navigation light, slightly different from our own, at approximately 1000 yards. Enemy aircraft started a curve of pursuit attack at 450 yards level, fine starboard quarter. Just before reaching this position enemy aircraft opened fire. Gunners immediately gave corkscrew to starboard and opened fire immediately at approximately 400 yards range. Fighter went down and exploded on the ground. Fighter recognised as single engine aircraft probably ME.109.
Sgt Garraway was the Bomb Aimer in Halifax L.V.875 which took off from Breighton at 22:06 on the 26th April 1944 for Villeneuve St George. The aircraft was reported as Missing. The other 21 aircraft managed to return having reached and attacked the target.
Combat reports AIR-50_195_138
Squadron Operations Summary April 1944 AIR-27_661_7
Squadron Operations Detail April 1944 AIR-27_661_8
Son of A. C. Goodall, Dalesbrook, Solihull.
Hist V. House Prefect. Gym. Colours. Swimming team.
Jesus College, Cambridge.
Barrister. In Business. Director, A. Goodall & Co. Ltd (Birmingham).
420 (R.C.A.F.) Royal Air Force
The squadron flew Manchester, Hampden, Wellington, Halifax, and Lancaster aircraft on strategic and tactical bombing operations.
On the night of May 27/28 1944, 27 aircraft were detailed to target Bourg-Leopold military camp in Belgium with the raid considered successful. A heavy ground fog prevented all aircraft from returning to base and were dispersed over many stations. One aircraft was considered damaged due to enemy fighter opposition, and one Halifax Bomber failed to return from operations and is presumed missing with 'B' Flight Commander S/L C.S. Beal and crew including that of P/O Goodall.
420 Squadron operation records book, May 1944: AIR 27_1826_7
Detail of operations: AIR 27_1826_8
Son of Arnett Richardson Dunton and Sylvia May Dunton, of Paignton, Devon, and of Sunnyside, Bentick Rd., Altrincham.
Hist VI. Junior Chapel Prefect. Head of House. Sixth Form. Editor of the Malvernian. C.S.M. in Corps.
Exhibitioner of Christ's College, Cambridge.
166 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
The squadron flew regularly night sorties as part of No. 1 Group Bomber Command using Wellingtons before converting to the Avro Lancaster in September 1943.
Presumed killed during a raid on Stettin on the night of 29th August, 1944.
Son of John Purnell Purnell-Edwards and of Gwladis Ruth Purnell-Edwards (nee Liddon), of Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
186 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
On 5 October 1944, the squadron was reformed as a Bomber Command Lancaster unit, based at Tuddenham, and William Purnell-Edwards seems to have been killed on one of its first bombing raids.