PLAQUE 1

Scroll through each aircrew listing on Plaque One, it's 1 to 20

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 1)

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

BF309. HA-M

BF309 completed five operations with the squadron, but lost on its six operations with the squadron.

28 / 29 JULY 1942 - OP: HAMBURG - GERMANY

T/O: 2322 HRS TUESDAY 28TH JULY 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
44355	Pilot	Squadron Leader	Gordon Allen Powell DFM	RAF VR	33	KIA
1380633	2nd Pilot	Sergeant	Gerald Frederick Elliott	RAF VR	21	PoW
1120672	Air Observer	Sergeant	Jack Rawlinson	RAF VR	30	PoW
R805580	Air Observer	Sergeant	Herbert Horace Fothergill Harker	RCAF	24	PoW
R58690	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Flight Sergeant	Thomas Allen Harp	RCAF	27	KIA
540385	Air Gunner	Flight Sergeant	Ronald John Preston	RAF	23	KIA
1386710	Air Gunner	Sergeant	John William Garrod	RAF VR	20	PoW
1212740	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	Charles Harrold Forsythe	RAF VR	35	PoW

Photo left of the only member of this crew available, Wireless Operator A/G. Flight Sergeant Thomas Allen Harp RCAF.

Pilot of the crew Gordon Powell was born in Fulham, London, on 18 December 1909. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1928 as an aero engine mechanic and initially served with No. 1 Squadron, equipped with the Siskin fighter. He was later posted to No. 8 Squadron in Aden from 1934 to 1935. During this time, Gordon was recommended for pilot training.

In 1935, Gordon Powell returned to England and joined No. 99 Squadron as a qualified pilot at RAF Mildenhall, operating the H.P. Heyford Mk. I, Mk. II and Mk.III. In 1937, he was posted to No. 115 Squadron based at nearby RAF Marham. While flying the Vickers Wellington with No. 115 Squadron, he received an immediate Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) for an attack on Stavanger airfield in April 1940. After his first tour, Powell was posted to No. 21 Operational Training Unit and had a stint with No. 1501 B.A.T.F., having by this time risen in rank to the position of Flying Officer. By the time he was posted to No. 218 Squadron on 26 June 1942, his skills and abilities had already been recognised, with the promotion to squadron leader. He completed two operations with No.218 Squadron, one of which was flown as a second pilot. Tragically, Gordon Powell's life was cut short on his third operation against Hamburg. His body was recovered still at the controls of his Stirling, and he was initially buried on 30 July 1942.

Homeward bound. Damaged by flak over the target, the aircraft was shot down by Oberfeldwebel Karl Kades of the 5. /NJG 3. The Stirling crashed in the North Sea, near the Wesselburener Loch, 4 km west of Westerkoog. German reports are conflicting. One reports that the body of Squadron Leader Hickling DFM was found in the wreckage. The other was found along with another in the Sea. All survivors were injured.

Photo Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 2)

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

N6129. HA-X

28 / 29 JULY 1942 - OP: HAMBURG - GERMANY

T/O: 2327 HRS TUESDAY 28TH JULY 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
108074	Pilot	Pilot Officer	Colin MacQueen Farquharson	RAF VR	24	KIA
122072	Air Observer	Pilot Officer	Roger Charles Eldridge	RAF VR	21	KIA
1309939	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Sergeant	Norman Jackson	RAF VR	26	KIA
1360376	Wireless Operator	Sergeant	Ronald Douglas Holder	RAF VR	25	KIA
999625	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Harold Windle	RAF VR	30	KIA
1351987	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Russell Stanley Brandish	RAF VR	21	KIA
1221261	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	Rodney Kenneth Helyer (Con Flt)	RAF VR	31	KIA

Pilot Officer Colin Macqueen Farquharson was born in Jamaica in 1917. Before he enlisted in the RAF, he was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Northamptonshire Regiment. Colin arrived on the squadron in April 194,2 direct from………… His early career and experience would be shaped by his pilot, with whom he would fly on eight operations between April and May 1942. He was fortunate to be assigned to the crew of 'A' Flight under Squadron Leader Harold Ashworth. His first operation was on 10 April 1942, from RAF Marham. The target was Essen, and their aircraft sustained slight damage from flak. Two nights later, they were back in the Happy Valley and Essen. On this occasion, without trouble. Dortmund was attacked next; on this occasion, the crew were coned by searchlights and fended off a 'twin-engined' fighter, which they claimed as 'destroyed'. An attack on Hamburg followed, followed by a long-distance attack on Pilsen on the 25th. The Skoda Works in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, was the distant target assigned to just six crews of No. 218 Squadron. Pilsen was almost at the limit of the Stirling's range and would require the crews to be over enemy-held territory for a considerable period. Navigation was critical; beyond the range of TR1335 (Gee), the success of the operation was placed squarely on the accuracy of the navigators. This operation was code-named Operation CANONBURY and was shrouded in mystery for many years. Cologne followed on the 27th, but engine problems resulted in the bombs being jettisoned. On 2 May, Colin would carry out his first minelaying operation. A 'Nickle' operation to the south of France almost ended in disaster. Having completed the raid, the crew were flying over Sussex when a modified American twin-engine Douglas Turbinlite of No.1455 Flight and a Hawker Hurricane of No.1 Squadron up on patrol mistook the Stirling for a German intruder and shot it down in flames. Thankfully, all the crew managed to bail out safely. However, Pilot Officer Farquharson suffered a fractured right elbow. This incident marked the last operation that Colin flew as a second pilot. His first operation as captain was on 27 June to Bremen. Two more visits followed, on 29 July 1942 and 2 August 1942. A minelaying operation to the West Frisian Islands resulted in six mines being planted on 12 July, the first offensive operation flown from RAF Downham Market. On the 16th, the target was Lubeck, but ground haze prevented bombing, so the crew selected to bomb a train near Graasten! A return to the Ruhr would see the crew successfully bomb Duisburg on 21 July, followed by Hamburg on the 26th.

No aircrew is available; the only photo of any of the crew is shown above.

Stirling N6129 HA-X was attacked by night fighters and shot down by a Luftwaffe pilot. Lt Viktor Sorko of 4. /NJG3 at 01.58hrs. N6129 crashed into the sea west of the islands of Romo and Sylt.. The bodies of two crew members, Eldridge and Helyer, were found between the islands of Sylt and Rømø on 30 July and laid to rest in the cemetery of Kirke on Rømø on 1 August with German Army Chaplain Bukin from Sylt officiating at the graveside ceremony. The body of Norman Jackson washed ashore at Wattenmeer, Germany and was buried in the Friedhof List Cemetery, on the Island of Sylt. The Stirling was on the strength of 218 Conversion Flight. N6129 completed three operations with 218 Squadron, lost on its 4th Op.

A second report states the following outcome!

Stirling N6129 HA-X was on its way back to base. Damaged by flak over the target, the aircraft was shot down by Oberfeldwebel Karl Kades of the 5. /NJG 3. The Stirling crashed in the North Sea, near the Wesselburener Loch, 4 km west of Westerkoog. German reports are conflicting. One reports that the body of Squadron Leader Hickling DFM was found in the wreckage. The other was found along with another in the Sea. All survivors who were captured were injured.

Photo Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 3)

218 Conversion Flight Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

W7464. HA-Z

28 / 29 JULY 1942 - OP: HAMBURG - GERMANY

T/O: 2343 HRS TUESDAY 28TH JULY 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
1066914	Pilot	Sergeant	John Lawton Johnson	RAF VR	31	KIA
116417	Air Observer	Pilot Officer	Frederick Charles Holloway	RAF VR	26	KIA
1330515	Air Observer	Sergeant	Dennis Edward Grahame Merritt	RAF VR	18	KIA
1133451	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Sergeant	John Thomson Davidson	RAF	27	KIA
R88475	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Douglas Bernard Henshaw	RCAF	22	KIA
974577	Air Gunner	Sergeant	James Cowen	RAF VR	24	KIA
545881	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	Kenneth Haworth	RAF	22	KIA

Stirling W7464 HA-Z was provided to the squadron on the strength of 218 Conversion Flight. W7464 was homeward bound when Wireless Operator Sgt. John Davidson, RAF, sent a Morse code message back to base at 01:26 hours, reporting engine trouble. (Cause not recorded). Within four minutes of base receiving the message, Stirling W7464 HA-Z (Zebra) was no more, shot down by Luftwaffe Pilot Oberleutnant Paul Gildner of the 5/NJG 2 at 01:30 hours, crashing into the sea off Ter Schelling Island, Netherlands. Nothing more was heard from this aircraft. All were Killed in Action. W7464 completed two operations with 218 Squadron, lost on its 3rd operation.

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 4

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

N6072. HA-P

6 / 7 AUGUST 1942 - OP: DUISBURG - GERMANY

T/O: 0110 HRS FRIDAY 7TH AUGUST1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
1022530	Pilot	Sergeant	William John Laidlaw	RAF VR	28	PoW
923930	Air Observer	Sergeant	Jack Victor Green	RAF VR	23	PoW
R56438	Bomb Aimer	W/O2	Allen Leland Bachelder	RCAF	23	KIA
630731	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Flight Sergeant	David Watson Moffett	RAF VR	21	PoW
1183330	Air Gunner	Sergeant	George Clayton Cavanagh	RAF VR	20	KIA
1384144	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Leslie William Arthur Barnard	RAF VR	21	KIA
567298	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	Harold Phillip Gardiner	RAF VR	23	KIA

Sergeant William John Laidlaw had a long association with the squadron, starting in December 1941 while operating the Vickers Wellington. On conversion to the Short Stirling, he first teamed up as second pilot with Flying Officer Donald Allan, undertaking his first Stirling raid on 12 February, attacking the 'Toads' part of 'Operation Fuller'. His next raid very nearly was his last when, on returning from bombing the Renault factory at Billancourt, Paris, two 1000lb bombs had 'hung up', one of which had become dislodged. Upon landing, an explosion was followed immediately by a large flash, which was then accompanied by flames. One of the bombs had exploded. The shattered Stirling, which was practically in two, slithered to a halt, flames almost entirely engulfing the rear section. Those who could quickly escape the inferno soon discovered that some crewmates were still trapped in the blazing Stirling. Pilot Officer Frank Gales, the crew's navigator, courageously re-entered the blazing bomber despite having sustained a broken ankle and badly bruised elbow. William Laidlaw joined him, and between these brave airmen, they managed to extract three of the crew despite the flames. Sadly, two would die from their injuries. The survivors were taken to Ely Hospital. Sergeant Laidlaw and Pilot Officer Gales had shown remarkable bravery in re-entering the blazing bomber without regard for their safety. Sadly, this selfless act went unrewarded. It was almost 11 weeks before William operated again. On 19 May, he joined the crew of Pilot Officer Ball on a raid on Mannheim, followed by the 1000 Bomber raid on Cologne on the 30th. On 1 June, William took part in the second 1000 Bomber raid on Essen, followed by an aborted trip to Bremen on the 3rd. His last operation in the right-hand seat was on 18 June. Having gathered his crew, William Laidlaw operated for the first time on 21 July 1942. The target was Duisburg. This was again attacked on the 23rd. Both raids were completed. It was back to the Ruhr and Duisburg again on the 25th, but rear turret failure aboard BF319 HA-F meant the raid was aborted. Saarbrücken was to be bombed on the 29th, but once again, rear turret issues aboard BF319 meant an early return.

Photo Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

Stirling N6072 HA-P Peter was shot down by Luftwaffe Pilot Hauptmann Ludwig Bietmann of the 5. /NJG 1 at 02:57 hours. Reports indicate that the rear gunner, 21-year-old Sgt. Les Barnard was killed in the initial attack, and the mid-upper gunner, 20-year-old Sgt. George Cavanagh was mortally wounded and unable to escape. The bodies of three crew members were found in the wreckage. Fortunately, three crew members did parachute to safety; however, a fourth may have done so but died from his injuries shortly afterwards. Those killed were initially buried in Venlo, the southwest Netherlands province of Limburg, close to the German border. Stirling N6072 crashed in Kessel, located eight miles northwest of Roermond, Limburg. Sgt. Laidlaw and Sgt. J. Green was captured and arrested separately near the German-Dutch border, northwest of Duisburg, on 7 August. F/Sgt. Moffett was captured within the Ruhr-Mund on 7 August. All were separately interrogated at Frankfurt's Dulag Luft. The only three survivors of their crew would find themselves reunited once more at prisoner-of-war camp Stalag VIII-B, later renumbered Stalag 344, which was known as the "Hell Camp," hidden deep in a forest near Lamsdorf, Poland. They were the first Prisoners of War from 218 Gold Coast Squadron, RAF Downham Market, and not the last. Their war was over; now it was a fight for survival. W7464 completed two operations with 218 Squadron, lost on its 3rd Op.

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 5

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

W7568. HA-D

11 / 12 AUGUST 1942 - OP: MAINZ - GERMANY

T/O:2240 HRS TUESDAY 11TH AUGUST 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
107179	Pilot	Pilot Officer	John Abberton	RAF VR	26	KIA
1062344	Air Observer	Sergeant	John Haggen Jeffery	RAF VR	20	KIA
41591	Bomb Aimer	Sergeant	Louis Arthur Jones	RNZAF	30	Safe
952866	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Sergeant	Walter Crawford Grimes	RAF VR	24	Safe
1310770	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Lawrence Frederick George Boreham	RAF VR	22	Safe
530075	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Leonard Bird	RAF VR	21	Safe
570398	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	Robert Walter Beales	RAF VR	21	Safe

John Abberton was born in Shipley, Yorkshire, on 14 September 1916. He enlisted in the RAF in August 1940 and, upon completing his pilot training in Canada, was granted a commission on 20 August 1941. He was posted, along with his original crew, to No. 218 Squadron on 1 January 1942, via No. 23 Operational Training Unit (Crew No. 4), No. 23 Course. John was on the same course as Ron Middleton RAAF, who was later awarded the VC. It would not be until March 1942 that John Abberton would begin his operational tour. He had the good fortune of joining the crew of 'B' Flight Commander, Squadron Leader Arthur Oldroyd. For the next two months, he would bomb Essen five times, Hamburg and Pilsen twice, Cologne, Dortmund and a solitary minelaying operation. All were completed successfully. Now considered ready to command his crew, John completed his first operation on 23 June against the St. Nazaire Docks. Bremen was attacked on the 25th and 27th, the latter of which was aborted due to a faulty rear turret. On the 29th, it was back to Bremen, which was completed without mishap. In July 1942, the crew would attack Lubeck, Vegesack and Duisburg. On 28 July, they were forced to abort the raid on Hamburg due to icing. Throughout this time, the crew would constantly change, especially the role of the second pilot.

Sergeant Leonard Bird began his operational career with No. 47 Squadron, flying the Vickers Wellesley over North Africa in 1940. On 7 February 1941, while on a reconnaissance operation, he was shot down by an Italian Fiat CR.42 Falco biplane and became a prisoner of war. His two crewmates were killed in the incident. Leonard was captured but was liberated by the advancing British Army in Abyssinia in April 1941. After returning to his squadron, he continued to fly until he was posted back to England in September 1941, having completed approximately 50 operations. Following a stint as an instructor, he was posted to No. 218 Squadron in June 1942. During his second operation with this squadron, he was credited with the destruction of a Me 110 night fighter. By the time of the incident mentioned above, Leonard had completed a total of 60 operations. He received a Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) in 1943 and ultimately survived the war.

Stirling W7568 suffered engine trouble soon after take-off. The starboard outer engine showed early signs of trouble and eventually caught fire in the air. The pilot ordered the crew to stand by for a bailout. Bomb load was jettisoned, some of which landed at Heath Farm, Feltwell—all the crew, except Sgt. Jeffrey, who was standing behind he pilot, was at the escape hatch when the order to bail out was eventually given. By this time, the engine was fully ablaze and burning into the wing. Fuel tanks exploded in mid-air. The Stirling crashed at Wiltonhill Wood, Brandon. One body (believed to be Sgt Jeffrey) was found in an oak tree at the rear of a wooden shooter's hut being used by the Army to guard the wreckage, a few days after the crash. The body was untouched by fire and 150 feet from the wreckage, and it was believed he bailed out too low as the parachute was unopened. W7568 completed three operations with 218 Gold Coast Squadron, lost on its 4th operation.

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 6

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

W7618. HA-V

18 / 19 AUGUST 1942 - OP: FLENSBURG - GERMANY

T/O:2103 HRS TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
11297	Pilot	Pilot Officer	Irven Granger McDaniel (USA)	RAF VR	20	PoW
J85160	Air Observer	Pilot Officer	James Ronald Fairbanks Soutar	RCAF	22	KIA
403290	Bomb Aimer	Sergeant	Carlyle Arthur Powell	RNZAF	26	PoW
41597	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Sergeant	John Anderson MacPherson (M.I.D)	RNZAF	21	KIA
1028136	Air Gunner	Sergeant	William Nixon Wilkinson	RAF VR	26	PoW
1546101	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Ernest Norman Galloway	RAF VR	21	KIA
1165144	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	Percival George Henry Strudwick	RAF VR	22	KIA

Irven McDaniel was born on 12 September 1923 in Memphis, Tennessee. He left school to pursue a career in architecture but later joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) before transferring to the Royal Air Force (RAF). In 1942, he was offered the opportunity to transfer to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). Still, he chose to remain with the RAF and his crew, despite the significant pay difference (via his daughter). Even while a prisoner of war, he continued his architectural studies. He and his crew were posted to No.218 Squadron from No.1651 Con Unit on 2 July 1942.

Stirling W7618 HA- V (Victor) was attacked by a Luftwaffe night fighter; its pilot that night was a German ace, Uffz Krause of the 5./NJG3, who repeatedly attacked the Stirling. Rear Gunner of W7618 was a 21-year-old Sgt. Galloway was killed in one of the attacks by Krause. The body of Kiwi MacPherson either drowned or went down with the wreckage—the bodies of Canadian Sgt. Soutar, rear gunner, Percival Strudwick, washed ashore. Souter's, on 9 September. In a report submitted by McDaniel, he recalls that Sgt. MacPherson was wounded by cannon fire, which had smashed one of his arms. He was in the rest bed when the crew was ordered to stand by for ditching. Despite his terrible wounds, he insisted on returning to his wireless set and signalled the situation to their base. The survivors were located on 22 August at 1530 hours when their dinghy was observed by a Danish fishing boat, E28 "Dania" of Esbjerg, at a position 21 miles to the northwest of Gasbojen (the entrance to Esbjerg harbour). The airmen were waving eagerly to Skipper Marinus Christensen, who picked them up and took them to Esbjerg. When "Dania" reached the German Vorostboot on the spring route by Skallingen.

Photos Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 7

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

W7573. HA-U

20 / 21 AUGUST 1942 - OP: MINELAYING - (RADISH)

T/O: 2020 HRS THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
404685	Pilot	Flying Officer	Owen Jame Sanderson	RAAF	24	KIA
116028	Air Observer	Pilot Officer	Gerald Leslie Tudor	RAF VR	21	KIA
R82839	Bomb Aimer	Flight Sergeant	Calvin Daniel Dixon	RCAF	26	KIA
1114842	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Flight Sergeant	John Farrimond	RAF VR	21	KIA
1209164	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Colin Smith	RAF VR	22	KIA
914837	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Francis John James	RAF VR	23	KIA
568305	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	Raymond Tom Hoggins	RAF	23	KIA

Stirling W7573. HA-U. (Uncle) Completed nine operations with the squadron, missing in action on its 10th operation. While en route to the target, the aircraft was illuminated by searchlights and then engaged by light naval flak and machine gun fire. (Air 81 reports Schleswig Airfield). The crew jettisoned the bomb load. W7573 was set on fire by enemy flak, causing it to crash halfway between Brodersby and Geel at 23:30 hours (another report records 23:53 hours).

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 8

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

W7615 HA-M

20 / 21 AUGUST 1942 - OP: MINELAYING - (FORGET-ME-NOTS)

T/O:2025 HRS THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
124267	Pilot	Pilot Officer	George McAuley DFC	RAF VR	20	KIA
1270512	Air Observer	Flight Sergeant	Stanley Edgar Stevens	RAF VR	21	KIA
1375123	Bomb Aimer	Flight Sergeant	Brian William Roberts	RAF VR	22	KIA
994389	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Sergeant	Eric Nettleton	RAF VR	22	KIA
655121	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Hiley Rhys Davies	RAF	22	KIA
900855	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Albert Edward Burkitt	RAF VR	32	KIA
528927	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	George Leonard Arthur Neale	RAF	28	KIA

Pilot Officer George McAuley DFC was born in 1921 at Play Hill, Cairncastle, in Larne, Northern Ireland. He attended Larne Grammar School, where he served as a joint head boy from 1939 to 1940. George was an exceptional athlete, excelling in rugby, track and field, and boxing. During this time, he also expressed a desire to study medicine. In the summer of 1940, George joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a flight sergeant before receiving his commission. Unfortunately, before his death, he experienced two crashes while on active duty. The first incident occurred on 5 May 1942, when his Stirling W7521-HA-U crashed near Mulbarton, Norfolk. The following crash took place on 2 June, when he had to crash-land another Stirling, N3753-HA-U, at RAF Marham due to ignition trouble. In July 1942, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), with part of the citation describing him as "a cool and courageous pilot." George's father also had a notable military career, serving as a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy during both World War I and World War II. He was torpedoed in both campaigns.

Photo Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

Stirling W7615,. HA-M (Mother) completed five operations, missing in action on its 11th operation. This aircraft was hit by the Marine Flak and struck by a 2 cm light flak shell from a Sperrwachschiff (Flak ship). The Stirling crashed in flames at 23.56 hours, killing all on board. The body of Air Gunner Sgt. Hiley Rhy's Davies, RAF, was found near Fuglsbølle Sønderskov on 27 September 1942 and placed in a coffin. His body was transported by train to Odense, placed in the Odense chapel, and covered with the Union flag. The body of Air Observer Sgt. Stanley Edgar Stevens, RAFVR, was found on the beach of Vemmingbund on the island of Als on the morning of 21 September 1942. Stevens's body was taken to the chapel of rest at Sønderborg Hospital. Stevens was laid to rest in Aabenraa Cemetery on 22 September 1942. The body of Wireless Operator/A/G Sgt. Eric Nettleton RAFVR was found on 12 September 1942 on the German coast and buried in Oldenburg, Germany. The remaining crew members were never found.

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 9

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

BF319. HA-C

20 / 21 AUGUST 1942 - OP: MINELAYING - (FORGET-ME-NOTS)

T/O:2020 HRS THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
41868	Pilot	Flying Officer	Derek Vaughan Bullock	RNZAF	23	KIA
1289891	Air Observer	Sergeant	Royston Dudley Rich	RAF VR	30	KIA
1213917	Bomb Aimer	Flight Sergeant	John Henry Webb	RAF VR	21	KIA
1187000	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Sergeant	William Brown	RAF VR	21	KIA
970251	Air Gunner	Sergeant	John Adam Sparks	RAF	25	KIA
110136	Wop/AG	Sergeant	Harry Churchill Reynolds	RAF VR	26	KIA
569233	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	Harry Gordon Stubbs	RAF	23	KIA

On the night of 21 August 1942, Flying Officer Derek Bullock and his crew were listed as missing. It is said that Bullock and his crew had completed 29 operations over enemy territory before being listed as missing in action. Stirling BF319. HA-C Charlie was illuminated by the searchlights of the Marine-Flak-Abteilungen 241 and 251 and was subsequently hit by the Marine-Flak-Abteilungen 241, 251, and 281, as well as the 1st and 2nd Batteries of the Schwerin Flak-Abteilungen 161.
BF319 crashed in flames 2 kilometres northeast of Langwedel. Air Gunner Sergeant Johnny Sparks survived the crash, but he later died in the Bordesholm Naval Hospital due to burns to his face, back, and limbs. He was buried on the 22nd. The remaining six crew members were buried on 25 August in the Neumunster Cemetery.

Left a Portrait Photo of Kiwi 218 Squadron Skipper Flying Officer Derek Bullock RNZAF.

Derek was born in Hamilton, New Zealand, on 22 February 1919. He attended Hamilton High School, where he displayed promise as a swimmer, basketball player, and athlete. In February 1941, Derek enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), earning his wings in June of the same year. The following month, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer. Derek arrived in the United Kingdom in September 1941, where his training included postings at No. 14 Beam Approach Training Flight and No. 19 Operational Training Unit, followed by Stirling conversion at No. 1651 Conversion Unit based at RAF Waterbeach. After completing his four-engine training, he was posted to No. 218 Squadron on 1 April 1942, and undertook his first operation as a second pilot three days later. On 16 July 1942, during a daylight operation to Lübeck, his crew engaged in a fierce battle against five enemy fighters, including two Messerschmitt Bf 110s and two Junkers Ju 88s, along with a reported aircraft. Upon their return to base, the lucky crew submitted a claim for a 'damaged’ Junkers Ju 88. Derek Bullock is reported to have completed 29 operations over enemy territory before his death.

Photo Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No.10

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

BF338. HA-Q

20 / 21 AUGUST 1942 - OP: MINELAYING - (SWEET-PEAS)

T/O: 2015 HRS THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
1027319	Pilot	Flight Sergeant	Leonard Hartley	RAF VR	27	KIA
1066639	Air Observer	Sergeant	Norman Podmore	RAF VR	33	KIA
115763	Bomb Aimer	Pilot Officer	Issac Charles Newwll (Can)	RAF VR	21	KIA
971341	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Flight Sergeant	Colin Hervey Barrow	RAF VR	22	KIA
1185788	Air Gunner	Sergeant	George Ernest Smyth Wren	RAF	29	KIA
1315880	Air Gunner	Sergeant	John Keith Young	RAF VR	20	PoW
527639	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	John Arthur Sharpe	RAF	27	KIA

Stirling BF338 HA-Q (Queenie) was illuminated by a searchlight and was shot down by marine flak at 23:56 hours. The blazing Stirling crashed into the Eckernförde Bight, still carrying its mines. All crew members, except for Air Gunner Sergeant John Keith Young, were killed in the crash. He was found at approximately 02:00 hours on the 21st. Sergeant Young sustained severe head injuries and was taken to a reserve hospital in Schleswig, where skilled and compassionate German doctors saved his life. He spent almost two months recovering. His crew was initially buried in the Military Cemetery in Schleswig, Germany.

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 11

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

W7562. HA-R

24 / 25 AUGUST 1942 - OP: FRANKFURT -GERMANY

T/O: 2010 HRS MONDAY 24TH AUGUST 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
1014573	Pilot	Flight Sergeant	Robert Yates	RAF VR	26	KIA
41928	2nd Pilot	Flight Sergeant	James Auld Morgan	RNZAF	23	KIA
1261271	Air Observer	Sergeant	Arthur Edward Richardson	RAF VR	21	KIA
1359519	Bomb Aimer	Flight Sergeant	John Claude McGann	RAF VR	26	KIA
1310770	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Sergeant	Lawrence Frederick George Boreham	RAF	22	KIA
637971	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Bejamin Robert Dixon	RAF	23	KIA
129381	Air Gunner	Sergeant	George Lascelles Boxall	RAF VR	20	KIA
570398	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	Robert Walter Beales	RAF	21	KIA

Stirling W7562. HA-R Robert. Was attacked by Luftwaffe pilot Major Kurt Holler of the Stab III. /Nachtjagdgeschwader 4. The Stirling crashed between Thynes and Sovet, Belgium, at 23.45 hours. Flying with Yates in Stirling W7562 was Second pilot, James Morgan RNZAF, who had arrived on the squadron via 218 Conversion Unit in the first week of August 1942. Morgan was killed on his third operation. Flight Sergeant Yates' total number of operations with the squadron was reported to be 23.

Yates with Crew Second Pilot Kiwi Jimmy Morgan left 2nd Front Observer Artie Richardson, Engineer George Boxall behind, Skipper Robert Yates,& Bomb Aimer Johnnie McGann. Missing are Dixon and Boreham. Photo taken August 1943. Photo via Robert Boxall.

Photo Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 12

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

R9160. HA-G

24 / 25 AUGUST 1942 - OP: FRANKFURT -GERMANY

T/O:2010 HRS MONDAY 24TH AUGUST 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
149880	Pilot	Pilot Officer	William Ronald Berryman McCarthy DFC	RAF VR	22	KIA
R85469	2nd Pilot	Flight Sergeant	Henry Millen Russell	RCAF	22	KIA
106553	Air Observer	Pilot Officer	Thomas Patrick Scanlan DFC	RAF VR	33	KIA
41591	Bomb Aimer	Sergeant	Louis Athur Jones	RNZAF	30	KIA
J15829	Wop/AG	Pilot Officer	Vincent Charles William Trowbridge	RCAF	24	KIA
1312588	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Gordon Francis Medhurst	RAF VR	20	KIA
900012	Air Gunner	Flight Sergeant	Joseph Ronald Bird	RAF VR	22	KIA
1109833	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	Harold Forshaw	RAF VR	25	KIA

Photo of Pilot Officer William McCarthy front and centre in his Irvin Flying Jacket, behind him, left is Air Gunner Sgt. Francis Medhurst, and right is Selwyn Morgan, who, before 24 August 1942, had left the crew having completed 30 operations and survived the entire war. Photo Selwyn Morgan.

William's 31st operation ended in tragedy when he was shot down and killed. His tour, which began in April 1942, was marked by his participation in all three 1000 bomber raids. The DFC application, submitted by Wing Commander Holder and agreed by the Officer Commanding No.3 Group on 23 August 1942, was just four days before his death, and added a bittersweet note to his story. Part of the citation reads, ‘Pilot Officer McCarthy is without doubt one of the most determined pilots on the squadron. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional courage and perseverance in hitting his target. Second pilot, Flight Sergeant Russell RCAF, arrived on the squadron via 218 Con Flight on 20 August and completed one operation as second pilot before his death. Replacement rear gunner, Flight Sergeant Bird, arrived at the squadron on 19 August via No.27 Operational Training Unit. This was his first operation. Joseph Bird had starred in the film 'Target for Tonight' in Wellington, F-Freddie with Squadron Leader' Pick' Pickard DFC. The crew's usual rear gunner, Pilot Officer Alexander Rowe RNZAF, had completed two tours, the first with No.75(NZ) and his second with No.218. He completed a third tour flying Lockheed Ventura's, operating against the Japanese

Stirling R9160 HA-G George was shot down on the return flight by Oberleutnant Ludwig Becker of the 6. /NJG 2 into the sea at 01.40 hours. Two bodies were eventually recovered. Air Gunner Sergeant Gordon Medhurst washed up near Den Helder (pole 18) on 16 September 1942. He was buried in Huisduinen General Cemetery, an old whaling village at Den Helder. Air Observer Pilot Officer Thomas Scanlan DFC was washed up at Callantsoog, North Holland, on 25 September 1942.

Photo Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 13

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

BF315. HA-F

27 / 28 AUGUST 1942 - OP: KASSEL - GERMANY

T/O: 2100 HRS THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
120470	Pilot	Pilot Officer	John Anthony Gruber	RAF VR	27	KIA
1105685	Air Observer	Flight Sergeant	John Richard Davies	RAF VR	31	KIA
1315802	Bomb Aimer	Warrant Officer	Edgar John Harding	RAF VR	20	PoW
621032	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Flight Sergeant	Bertram Arthur Wolstencroft	RAF	24	KIA
651685	Air Gunner	Flight Sergeant	Leonard John Lawler	RAF	19	KIA
621821	Air Gunner	Warrant Officer	Edward Arthur Green (Died as PoW)	RAF	24	PoW
569577	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	John Bennett Wilkes	RAF	23	KIA

Photos Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

Sergeant Edward 'Nick' Green passed away at Stalag IIA Neubrandenburg Hospital Camp in April 1945. There are conflicting theories regarding the cause of his death. One theory suggests that he was injured by Allied strafing of the prisoner-of-war column, while others indicate that frostbite was a contributing factor. Post-war reports indicate that Edward was admitted to the sickbay at 'Lazarett' on 27 March 1945, in a weakened condition, with his toes already amputated. This may have led to gangrene, resulting in the amputation of both legs below the knees. Tragically, this brave young man died on 21 April 1945. He received a full military funeral. Both PoWs were wounded when captured. This was P/O Gruber's 1st operation as captain.

Stirling BF315 HA-F Freddie was shot down by Luftwaffe night pilot Hauptmann Werner Streib of the Stab I./NJG at 01.04hrs, in his Bf110 F-4, from Venlo airfield, southeast Netherlands. It's reported that Stirling BF315 crashed 1 mile southwest of Elst, in the Dutch province of Gelderland.

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 14

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

N3714. HA-Q

1 / 2 SEPTEMBER 1942 - OP: SAARBRUCKEN - GERMANY

T/O:2350 HRS TUESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
41999	Pilot	Flight Sergeant	Keith Forbes Ryan	RNZAF	28	KIA
411778	Air Observer	Sergeant	George Ernest Reid	RNZAF	31	KIA
405511	Bomb Aimer	Pilot Officer	Edward Gray Ruegg	RNZAF	28	PoW
1111478	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Sergeant	Thomas McCord Campbell	RAF VR	21	KIA
1106187	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Frank Birch	RAF VR	21	KIA
1383234	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Stanley Archibald Wills	RAF VR	21	KIA
533457	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	James Vincent Owen Fogg	RAF VR	27	PoW

Photos Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

Keith Ryan was born in Taihape, a small town on the North Island of New Zealand, on 10 September 1913. Before the war, he worked as a truck driver, then enlisted in the RNZAF in June 1940. He was selected for aircrew training in February 1941 and was awarded his flying badge on 14 June. On arrival in England in September 1941, he continued his training at No.20 Operational Training Unit before posting to No.218 Squadron on 21 May 1942. During his time with the squadron, he was selected to undertake an instrument training course with No. 1505 Beam Approach Training Flight, based at RAF Honington. By the time of his death, Keith had flown seven operations (other reports record 8), six of which were flown as second pilot. He completed one operation as captain on 28 August against Saarbrücken.

Stirling N3714 HA-Q Queenie was intercepted and attacked while en route to its base after a big shootout. Stirling BF was downed by the night fighter crew of pilot Hauptmann Ehle & air gunner Oberfeldwebel Leidenbach in a Lichtenstein-equipped Bf 110 F-4 G9 of the flying Stab II. /NJG from St. Trond (Sint-Truiden) airfield at 04.13hrs, crashing near Sterrebeek, a suburb on the east-northeast side of Brussels, at 04.30hrs.

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 15

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

DJ976. HA-A

2 / 3 SEPTEMBER 1942 - OP: KARLSRUHE - GERMANY

T/O:2250 HRS WEDNESDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
110826	Pilot	Pilot Officer	Johannes Christiaan Frederik DuToit (SA)	RAF VR	26	Safe
404017	Air Observer	Flight Sergeant	Irvine Alexander Royston Campbell	RNZAF	26	Safe
524058	Bomb Aimer	Sergeant	William Burt Wenlock Richards	RAF	20	Safe
1325152	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Sergeant	Reginald Henry Alfred Pool	RAF VR	N/A	Safe
129416	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Stanley Victor Reeves	RAF	24	PoW
49589	Air Gunner	Pilot Officer	Francis Rogers (MiD x 2)	RAF VR	29	KIA
524377	Flight Engineer	Flight Sergeant	George Jarvis Wishart	RAF	27	Safe

Frank Rodgers, age 29, was born in Newry, County Down, on 12 November 1912. He had been in the RAF for seven years before his death, serving during the Phoney War and the Battle of France. Frank had been involved in several crashes before joining the squadron, one of which resulted in an extended hospital stay and rehabilitation. He had arrived in the squadron on 28 August from No.22 Operational Training Unit. He left a young wife and baby son. Mentioned in Dispatches twice.

Photos Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

Attacked by a night fighter and badly damaged while en route to the target. The pilot ordered the crew to stand by to abandon the aircraft. The order to bail out was given using the call light. As ordered, Sergeant Reeves abandoned the aircraft. However, within a few seconds, the pilot regained control of the Stirling and returned to base.

Another report states!

DJ976 landed at West Raynham on return after being damaged by enemy fighters. The mid-upper gunner, Sgt S V Reeves, bailed out of the aircraft over the target area. F/S F Rogers, the rear gunner, was killed in the attack. The aircraft otherwise made a safe return to base, landing at 04:10 hrs. Intriguingly, S V Reeves does not appear in any identifiable source as PoW, evader or loss.

There is no complete aircrew Photograph.

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 16

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

BF351. HA-C

10 / 11 SEPTEMBER 1942 - OP: DUSSELDORF -GERMANY

T/O:2125 HRS THURSDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
R76763	Pilot	Warrant Officer 2	Geoffrey Eaton Milligan	RCAF	20	KIA
1265432	Air Observer	Sergeant	Jack Ward Humphrey	RAF VR	33	KIA
41611	Bomb Aimer	Sergeant	Maurice Varey Tate	RNZAF	28	KIA
650193	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Flight Sergeant	Dick Emeny	RAF VR	25	KIA
1381965	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Reginald William Bowler	RAF VR	32	KIA
404483	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Raymond Edgar Graham	RNZAF	21	KIA
997279	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	Robert Vallance	RAF VR	26	KIA

Photos Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

Geoffrey Milligan RCAF arrived at the squadron on 21 May via No.20 Operational Training Unit. In June he flew four operations as second pilot, followed in July by two more. That same month, he collected a crew while with 218 Conversion Flight. Geoff did not fly on any operations in August. His first and last operation as captain was on 10 September 1942.

Stirling BF351 HA-C Charlie was attacked and shot down while en route to base by Heinrich Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein of 9. NJG2 7 miles east of Schouwen at 23.54 hours. Witnesses reported that the Stirling was seen on fire when it exploded and broke into four main sections at an altitude of 4,500 feet. All the bodies were recovered from the wreckage.

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 17

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

R9357. HA-E

10 / 11 SEPTEMBER 1942 - OP: DUSSELDORF - GERMANY

T/O:2112 HRS THURSDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
R84114	Pilot	Flight Sergeant	Ernest Brazier Cozens (USA)	RCAF	23	Safe
1347937	Air Observer	Sergeant	Douglas Alexander Watt Innes	RAF VR	20	KIA
1432963	Bomb Aimer	Sergeant	Dennis John Rushton	RAF VR	20	KIA
1284362	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Sergeant	Lionel James Chassell	RAF VR	22	Safe
1331456	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Jack Pears	RAF	22	Safe
1217743	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Jack Anderson	RAF VR	19	Safe
569429	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	Denis McGrevy	RAF	22	Safe

A failure of the starboard inner engine caused the propeller to shear off. An SOS was received at 22:46 hours, and the aircraft subsequently ditched into the sea. Unfortunately, two crew members drowned. At 06:50 hours, Air Sea Rescue picked up five crew members 23 miles off Orfordness. Four of them were uninjured but were admitted to the sick quarters at Felixstowe Hospital. Sergeant McGrevy suffered a fractured elbow and was taken to East Suffolk and Ipswich Hospital.

Pilot, Flight Sergeant Ernest Brazier Cozens (USA)RCAF

Ernest was born on 23 October 1917 in Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA. He enlisted in Hamilton, Canada, on 17 December 1940. He joined the squadron in August 1942. Ernest was presented the DFC by the King on 11 May 1943. RAF Downham Market Station Commander wrote about him, "Pilot Officer Cozens is a cool, courageous and outstanding officer. His one ambition has always been to get at the enemy. In addition to the above, on 10 September 1942, a fire and explosion in one of his engines forced him to land at sea. Although he was injured and should have had a rest, he begged to be kept on operations. Due to his esprit de corps, he has built a strong morale amongst his crew. I agree with the Squadron Commander's remarks and strongly recommend him for an immediate award of the DFC". He survived the war. Sergeant Anderson would be killed in action on 3 January 1944, serving with No.405 RCAF PFF Squadron. Sergeant McGrevy would be awarded a DFM serving with No.149 (East India) Squadron in May 1944. He would be killed with No.7 PFF Squadron on 8 August 1944.

Photo Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 18

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

N3725. HA-D

14 / 15 SEPTEMBER 1942 - OP: WILHELMSHAVEN - GERMANY

T/O:1955 HRS MONDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
40115	Pilot	Flying Officer	John Clarence Frankcomb	RAAF	28	KIA
1189938	2nd Pilot	Flight Sergeant	Donald Ivor Pearce (Con Flt)	RAF VR	30	KIA
1073521	Air Observer	Sergeant	Ernest Watson	RAF VR	32	KIA
411776	Bomb Aimer	Sergeant	Ernest Trevor Pellow	RNZAF	24	KIA
41625	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Sergeant	John James Marshall	RNZAF	26	Safe
1294539	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Eric Nathan Pell	RAF	20	Safe
412529	Air Gunner	Sergeant	Sidney Horace Ives	RNZAF	22	KIA
574255	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	Valentine Picken (Con Flt)	RAF	19	KIA

John Frankcombe was posted to the squadron through No. 10 Operational Training Unit on 10 May 1942. He completed the required series of second pilot operations from May to June, which included the 1000 bomber attacks on Cologne and Essen. In July, he assembled his crew from 218 Conversion Flight and began operations as captain on 27 August 1942, with a raid on Kassel. On 13 September, during their return from Bremen, the crew ran off the runway, damaging Stirling W7622 HA-P. By the time of his death, John Frankcombe had completed 15 operations, while most of his crew had completed nine.

On approach over the target area, Stirling N3725 HA-D Dog's starboard inner engine failed. During the return flight, while completing a circuit, the starboard outer engine also failed. As a result, the Stirling entered a spin at an altitude of 1,200 feet. There were two survivors from the incident. John Marshall of the RNZAF was severely injured, suffering burns to his face and badly crushed legs, which were subsequently amputated on the 16th. Eric Pell sustained burns and lacerations to his face and hands.

Photo Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 19

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

R9187. HA-A

23 / 24 SEPTEMBER 1942 - OP: VEGESACK -GERMANY

T/O:2325 HRS WEDNESDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
43710	Pilot	Squadron Leader	Cuthbert Raymond DFC (NZ)	RAF VR	25	KIA
106042	Air Observer	Flying Officer	Philip Frank Weller Gale (MiD)	RAF VR	22	KIA
976635	Bomb Aimer	Sergeant	Leonard Anthony Kelly DFM	RAF VR	22	KIA
935212	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Flight Sergeant	Kenneth Rutherford	RAF VR	22	KIA
45897	Air Gunner	Flying Officer	Arthur James Calvert	RAF	26	KIA
102576	Air Gunner	Flying Officer	Robert Butler	RAF VR	28	KIA
744631	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	Henry Norman Pleass	RAF	28	KIA

Cuthbert Raymond DFC was one of the most experienced pilots lost on the squadron in 1942, and a bitter blow to the squadron and Bomber Command. He was born in Waipawa, New Zealand, on 18 October 1916 and accepted on a Short Service Commission with the RAF in September 1939. He was awarded his flying badge in February 1940. In September 1940, he was posted to No.15 Squadron flying the Bristol Blenheim, completing 14 operations throughout the summer and autumn. In November / December 1940, the squadron converted to the Vickers Wellington, on which he flew a further 15 operations. In June 1941, he was awarded a DFC. With the squadron's conversion to the Short Stirling, Cuthbert took part in an additional ten operations, three of which were to Berlin, bringing his total to 39. On completion of a long and challenging first tour, Cuthbert was posted firstly to No.27 Operational Training Unit in August 1941 and then in November to No.26 Conversion Unit, followed within days of his arrival with a move to No.149 Conversion Unit at RAF Mildenhall. In February 1942, he was on the move again when he was posted to the newly created No.1651 Conversion Unit at RAF Waterbeach. While instructing with this unit, he participated in all three 1,000-bomber raids in May and June 1942, as well as an operation to Düsseldorf on 31 July. On 17 August 1942, Squadron Leader Raymond DFC was posted to No.218 Squadron for his second tour. He flew his first operation on 28 August to Frankfurt. There followed six further operations, all targeting German targets. He was entrusted with taking the squadron's new commanding officer, Wing Commander Read, as second pilot to Karlsruhe (02/09/1942) and Bremen (04/09/1942). This brave pilot was lost on his 51st operation.

Bomb Aimer Sgt. Leonard Kelly DFM, RAFVR, was a highly respected and experienced bomb aimer and wireless operator who began his operational career in 1941 with No. 99 Squadron flying the Vickers Wellington. After completing his first tour of duty, he fulfilled the mandatory rest period before being posted to No. 218 Squadron. There, he regularly operated alongside Flying Officer Gales MiD and Flight Sergeant Rutherford, under the leadership of Squadron Leader Oldroyd. By the time of his death, Leonard had completed 46 operational missions.

Portrait Photo of Air Gunner Flying Officer Arthur James Calvert, RAF, born 29 February 1916, in Terrington, Yorkshire, England. Arthur married Margaret Aitken Adames in Pittenweem, Fife, Scotland, on 1 January 1941. Photo Via David Barker

Letter Via Stephen C. Smith, 218 (Gold Coast ) Association

Homeward bound, Stirling R9187 HA-A Apple was engaged by a twin-engined Night Fighter Messerschmitt Bf110 R4 +FP piloted by Unteroffizier Pfeiffer of 6. /NJG 2. Taking off from Wittmund airfield, also known as Wittmundhafen Air Base, northern Germany, at 0315 hours.

Pfeiffer's Air Gunner Gefreiter Knappe fired at the Stirling from underneath the aircraft, using 'Schreger Musik', claiming the kill, but the heavy (Schwere Zugkraftwagen Flak battery of the 8. The Flak-Division also claimed that they shot down the Stirling, which crashed at around 03:55 hours into the North Sea 40 km north of Norderney island, the north coast of Germany. No survivors

RAF DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL (PLAQUE 1. AIRCREW No. 20

218 (Gold Coast) Squadron - Stirling Mk. I

W7613. HA-N

1 / 2 OCTOBER 1942 - OP: HEARNWYK - GERMANY

T/O:1948 HRS THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 1942 RAF Downham Market

Service No	Duty	Rank	Name	Origin	Age	Outcome
110826	Pilot	Flight Lieutenant	Johannes Christiaan Frederik DuToit (SA)	RAF VR	26	KIA
33076	2nd Pilot	Wing Commander (C/O )	Montagu Francis Baldwin Read (Can)	RAF	30	KIA
115207	Air Observer	Flying Officer	John Randal Drake	RAF VR	33	KIA
1261844	Bomb Aimer	Sergeant	Kenneth John Cooper	RAF VR	20	KIA
411774	Wireless Operator/ A/G	Sergeant	Alan Irwin Parkinson	RNZAF	22	KIA
1293315	Air Gunner	Sergeant	James Speed	RAF VR	20	KIA
R54985	Air Gunner	Flight Sergeant	Joseph Donat Romeo Menard	RCAF	20	KIA
941538	Flight Engineer	Sergeant	John William Dawson	RAF VR	29	KIA

Montagu Read was born on 29 April 1912, in East Wellington, Vancouver, Canada, the son of Major G.B. Read. He was privately educated at Glebe Collegiate Public School in Ottawa, Canada. He was, before joining the RAF, a former sergeant in the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa. Entered RAF College, Cranwell, Lincolnshire, 3 September 1933. Received his Blue Badge from RAF College Cranwell for being an outstanding athlete. This entitled him to wear a special badge and scarf. He also fenced at the Royal Tournament and was a skilled cricketer, hockey player, and tennis player. His first posting on graduation was to the fighter station at RAF Biggin Hill, Kent. His next posting was to heavy bombers in the summer of 1936, with a posting on 27 September 1933, to No.99 Squadron flying H.P. Heyford from RAF Upper Heyford—a period followed at No. 10 Flying Training School, RAF Ternhill, Shropshire. In September 1936, he was posted to No.83 Squadron as O/C 'A' Flight, flying the nimble Hawker Hind. Another spell of training followed, with a detachment to the Electrical and Wireless School at Turnhouse, Scotland, in 1937. Montagu's career took a very different course with a series of postings, the first of which was to HQ RAF Station Aldergrove, Northern Ireland, in 1938. He travelled to sunny shores when he joined the personnel staff at HQ British Forces Aden in October 1938. In April 1939, he was promoted to Squadron Leader. Another move would see Read posted to Headquarters, RAF Cairo, where he was seconded to the American Legation (Admin), Cairo, Egypt. In June 1942, now with the rank of Wing Commander, he was posted back to England, having been abroad almost four years. In August 1942, Read was posted to No.1651 Conversion Unit to master the massive four-engine Short Stirling. On 1 September 1942, Wing Commander Read was posted to No.218 Squadron, a testament to his achievements and determination.

Despite Wing Commander Read's lack of experience in bomber operations over Germany, he quickly adapted to his new role. He undertook his first operation on 2 September 1942, operating in the second pilot role with Squadron Leader Raymond DFC to Karlsruhe, Germany, followed by an operation to Bremen on 4 September 1942, again alongside Squadron Leader Raymond DFC.

Squadron Leader Raymond DFC, who had been listed as missing in action on 23 September 1942, was, for Wing Commander Read, a stark reminder of the cost of war and the bravery of those who serve.

Read's career, filled with promise and potential, was tragically cut short when, on 1 October 1942, he had put his name on the Battle Order for a raid on Hearnwyk, near Lubeck. On this occasion, he flew with up-and-coming South African Pilot, Flight Lieutenant Johannes Du Toit, who his senior officers highly rated at the squadron. This would be his last when Stirling W7613 HA-N Nan was shot down at 01:04hrs by night fighter ace Major Gunther Radusch of Stab II. /NJG3 north of Tonder, Denmark, the Stirling was on its route back to base. It was Rausch's 13th victory. There were no survivors. Wing Commander Montagu Read's body washed ashore on a beach at Hviding on 17 October 1942. Read was laid to rest in Fourfelt Cemetery in Esbjerg on 20 October 1942, marking the end of a remarkable military career. Du Toit, whose body washed ashore on a beach at Hviding on 17 October 1942, was laid to rest in Fourfelt Cemetery in Esbjerg on 20 October 1942. Parkinson's body was recovered on 25 October 19432on a beach at Vejerstrand and buried on the 30th at Gravelund Cemetery, Esbjerg, Denmark.

Johannes studied at Benoni High School before beginning work at the East Geduld Mine. Initially, he joined the South African Air Force but later made his way to England to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an aircraftman. He was awarded his wings in 1941 and was promoted to Pilot Officer in October of that year, arriving at No. 218 Squadron on 2 July 1942. Johannes completed six operations as a second pilot before he took command of his crew. On only his second operation, he and his crew were fortunate to survive a crash landing at RAF Manston after returning from Saarbrucken when they were low on fuel. On 2 September, during a raid, his rear gunner was killed by a night fighter, and his mid-upper gunner bailed out over the target. A highly regarded and respected pilot, Johannes was often chosen to mentor new pilots. During September 1942, he flew eight operations, five of which he conducted with a second pilot alongside him. He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant and became the Deputy' B' Flight Commander. Tragically, he was killed on his 17th operation.

Kiwi Wireless Operator Sgt. Alan Parkinson was posted to No.101 Squadron in July 1942. Within a month, he was posted to No. 218 Conversion Flight and would be transferred to No. 218 Gold Coast squadron on 1 September 1942.

Photos below of Air Gunners Speed and Menard

Photos Via Stephen C. Smith 218 (Gold Coast ) Association