Regiment: R.A.F..
Died: 31 March 1944 aged 32 in Germany. Missing, presumed killed in action.
Battle: Bomber Command. Cemetery: Hanover War Cemetery 8. J. 6.
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