Traces of World War 2 
RAF - units unknown
10/05/1940 - 30/06/1940

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The units in which these members of the Royal Air Force served are (yet) unknown.

Some of them may have died in accidents or from illness in the UK, Canada, Singapore, Australia or in Africa. Some of them may have died of wounds sustained during combats in the Battle of France, over the North Sea, Norway or Germany in hospitals in the UK.

Most of the missing from 26/05/1940 to 31/05/1940 have perished during the evacuation of Dunkirk (Operation Dynamo).

Some bodies have drifted to the Belgian and Dutch shore and to the Dutch German isles - those that washed ashore in Germany are buried in the Sage War Cemetery and in the Kiel War Cemetery; those in the Netherlands in cemeteries along the coast; see CWGC Cemeteries Netherlands.

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Losses 10/05/1940 - 30/06/1940, Europe. Unit unknown.

May | June

10/05/1940: 1 DOAS
11/05/1940: 2 DOAS
12/05/1940: 1 KIA, 4 DOAS
13/05/1940: 1 DOAS?
16/05/1940: 1 MIA
17/05/1940: 4 KIA or DOW
18/05/1940: 3 KIA or DOW
20/05/1940: 3 KIA or DOW
21/05/1940: 1 KIA or DOW
22/05/1940: 1 KIA or DOW
23/05/1940: 4 KIA or DOW
24/05/1940: 4 KIA or DOW

25/05/1940: 2 KIA or DOW, 1 MIA (1 WAAF)

26/05/1940: 3 KIA or DOW
27/05/1940: 9 KIA or DOW, 3 MIA
28/05/1940
: 8 KIA or DOW, 27 MIA
29/05/1940: 6 KIA or DOW

30/05/1940: 4 KIA or DOW
31/05/1940: 7 KIA or DOW

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June

01/06/1940: 1 KIA or DOW
02/06/1940: 4 KIA or DOW, 4 MIA
03/06/1940: 1 KIA or DOW, 2 MIA
04/06/1940: 2 KIA or DOW

05/06/1940: 3 KIA or DOW
06/06/1940: 2 KIA or DOW
07/06/1940: 2 KIA or DOW
08/06/1940: 6 KIA or DOW, 1 MIA
09/06/1940: 4 KIA or DOW
10/06/1940
: 8 KIA or DOW, 2 MIA
11/06/1940: 5 KIA or DOW
12/06/1940: 3 KIA or DOW
13/06/1940
:
all losses accounted for - see 16 OTU
14/06/1940
: 1 KIA or DOW
15/06/1940: 2 KIA

16/06/1940:
2 KIA or DOW
Operation Aerial
17/06/1940
: 9 KIA, 33 MIA (Lancastria and troop train Rennes)
18/06/1940: 1 KIA or DOW
19/06/1940:
3 KIA or DOW
20/06/1940: 1 KIA or DOW (1 WAAF, age 17)
21/06/1940
: 2 KIA or DOW
22/06/1940
: 4 KIA or DOW
23/06/1940: 1 KIA or DOW
24/06/1940
: 4 KIA or DOW
25/06/1940: 7 KIA or DOW, 28 MIA (Lancastria; some victims recorded as 'missing' on this day)
26/06/1940
: 1 KIA or DOW
27/06/1940
: 1 KIA or DOW, 1 MIA
28/06/1940: 6 KIA or DOW
29/06/1940: 3 KIA or DOW
30/06/1940
: 3 KIA or DOW


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10/05/1940

Aircraftman 2nd Class George B. Hodgson, RAFVR 981920, age 20, 10/05/1940, Irthington (St. Kentigern) Churchyard, UK.
Died on active service (non-operational)

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11/05/1940

Pilot Officer Millard F. Buckley, RAFVR 78606, age unknown, 11/05/1940, Haywards Heath (Western Road) Cemetery, UK
Died following surgery; funeral 15/05/1940 at 15.00 hrs. The Times named him as: 'Patrick Millard Buckley'.

Corporal James E.C. Cowell, RAF 520079, age unknown, 11/05/1940, Lewisham (Ladywell) Cemetery, UK. Death is registered at Hailsham, East Sussex


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12/05/1940

Aircraftman 2nd Class Robert F.J. Bowie, RAFVR 909589, age 19, 12/05/1940, Northwood Cemetery, UK. Bowie's death was registered at Uxbridge. Killed on active service.

See 4 (Continental) FPP for 2 fatalities, unit unlisted by CWCG

Sergeant (Pilot U/T) H.I. Child, RAFVR 745894 - see: 2 FTS
Pilot Officer (Pilot) L.O. Rogers, RAF 41741 (Canada): see Station Flight Northolt

Aircraftman 2nd Class Ronald W. Coles, RAF 639044, age 18, 12/05/1940, Cardiff (Cathays) Cemetery, UK. Died on active service.
Aircraftman 2nd Class Frank J. Foster, RAFVR 913626, age unknown, 12/05/1940, Epsom Cemetery, UK. Died on active service.
Aircraftman 2nd Class David H. Gourlay, RAFVR 977978, age 22, 12/05/1940, Glasgow (Sandymount) Cemetery, UK. Died on active service.
Aircraftman 2nd Class Lawrence Rodham, RAFVR 945850, age 24, 12/05/1940,Middlesbrough (Linthorpe) Cemetery, UK. Died on active service.

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13/05/1940

P/O W.M.A. Davies, RAFVR 74669, 13/05/1940 - see 15 OTU
AC2 A.N. Pulfrey, RAFVR 742203, 13/05/1940 - see 15 OTU

Aircraftman 2nd Class Frederick G. Evans, RAFVR 909490, age 22, 13/05/1940, Cambridge City Cemetery, UK. Death registered at Cambridge.

Sgt C.D. Thorn, RAFVR 742760 - see 9 FTS

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16/05/1940

AC2 Charles L. Crowcroft, RAF 650296 - see 2 SAC

Leading Aircraftman John H. Marriott, RAF 537418, age unknown, 16/05/1940, missing. Attached to HMS Hermes at the time of his death.

LAC H. Morton, RAF 551750 - see 2 SAC
P/O (Pilot) M.L. Patton-Bethune, RAFVR 74340 - see 2 SAC
Sgt (Pilot) K.A. Stokes, RAFVR 755232 - see 2 SAC


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17/05/1940


Sergeant (Pilot) Alexander Bell, RAFVR 745256, age unknown, 17/05/1940, Hull Northern Cemetery, UK
Corporal William G. Houston, RAF 128861, age unknown [40], 17/05/1940, Edinburgh (Piershill) Cemetery, UK. Death registered at Knaresborough, Yorkshire.
Aircraftman 1st Class Thomas McClenaghan, RAF 621224, age 20, 17/05/1940, Caversfield (St. Laurence) Churchyard, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class James R. Price, RAFVR 979335, age 20, 17/05/1940, Rhondda (Penrhys) Cemetery, UK

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18/05/1940

Aircraftman 1st Class Henry Dockray, RAF 643116, age 19, 18/05/1940, Horsforth Cemetery, UK
Sergeant (Pilot) Herbert R. Megarry, RAFVR 745111, age 20, 18/05/1940, Bangor Cemetery, UK. Death is registered at Ploughley (Oxfordshire).
Leading Aircraftman Thomas W.C. Staples, RAF 615851, age unknown, 18/05/1940, Bridport Cemetery, UK

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20/05/1940


Sergeant (Pilot) Douglas A.T. Sheldrick, RAFVR 741743, age 20, 20/05/1940, Cambridge City Cemetery, UK
Sergeant (Pilot) Stanley T.B. Wallis, RAFVR 741434, age 23, 20/05/1940, Cherry Hinton (St. Andrew) Churchyard, UK
Sergeant (Pilot) Harry B. Wood, RAFVR 741861, age unknown, 20/05/1940, Littleham (SS. Margaret and Andrew) Churchyard, UK

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21/05/1940

Pilot Officer (Pilot) John C. Pugh, RAF 42882, age 20, 21/05/1940, Woodchester (Church of the Annunciation) Churchyard, UK
Spitfire I - P9517 - 5 OTU - crashed in forced landing near Leominster, Hereford.


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22/05/1940

Sergeant George L. Payne, RAF 346032, age 53, 22/05/1940, Jurby (St. Patrick) Churchyard, UK

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23/05/1940

Aircraftman 1st Class Sidney Jarvis, RAF 201230, age 45, 23/05/1940, Wandsworth (Streatham) Cemetery, UK
Aircraftman 1st Class Harry Lawton, RAF 636183, age 22, 23/05/1940, Le Grand-Luce War Cemetery, F

Leading Aircraftman Arthur Maddy, RAF 536711, age unknown, 23/05/1940, Market Drayton Cemetery, UK
Killed at 10 FTS, Tern Hill when he was hit by prop.

Corporal Frank McCormack, RAF 14256, age unknown, 23/05/1940, Glasgow Western Necropolis, UK


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24/05/1940

Aircraftman 2nd Class (W.Op.) Angus W.A. Coull, RAF 552518, age 18, 24/05/1940, Dunnottar Cemetery, Stonehaven, UK
Aircraftman 1st Class (W. Op.) Robert R. Lamont, RAF 552634, age 18, 24/05/1940, Ford Park Cemetery (formerly Plymouth Old Cemetery) (Pennycomequick), UK
Sergeant (Obs.) George M. Stephens, RAF 580772, age 21, 24/05/1940, Ford Park Cemetery (Formerly Plymouth Old Cemetery)(Pennycomequick), UK
Sergeant (Obs.) Ernest Wigham, RAF 580852, age 23, 24/05/1940, Darlington West Cemetery, UK


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25/05/1940

Aircraftman 2nd Class Ernest J. Bray, RAFVR 9400071, [20 ASP] age unknown, 25/05/1940, missing.
No.20 Air Stores Park. Formed 1.3.40 at Henlow to at least 1.4.40; To Norway for 'X' Force; 1.6.40 sailed form Harstad in SS Royal Scotsman.

First Officer John T.W. Clark, Air Transport Auxiliary, age 28, 25/05/1940, Aireborough (Yeadon) Cemetery, UK
Aircraftwoman 2nd Class Gwendolyne M. Heard, WAAF 885746, age 20, 25/05/1940, Gateshead (Saltwell) Cemetery, UK

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26/05/1940


Sergeant William Cunningham, RAF 28961, age unknown, 26/05/1940, Cramond Parish Churchyard, UK
Leading Aircraftman William H. Lay, RAF 535739, [75 Wing], age 24, 26/05/1940, St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, F
Aircraftman 1st Class Charles M. McLean, RAF 614699, age 20, 26/05/1940, Edinburgh Eastern Cemetery, UK

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27/05/1940

Leading Aircraftman Robert S. Aitken, RAF 751854, [16 OTU], age 21, 27/05/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Thomas Baird, RAFVR 745904, [16 OTU], age 29, 27/05/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman (Air Gnr.) Reginald V. Brown, RAFVR 903229, age 25, 27/05/1940, Sidmouth Cemetery, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class Henry Docherty, RAFVR 970179, age 23, 27/05/1940, Shenley (St. Botolph) Churchyard, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class Stanley H. Docking, RAFVR 983581, age unknown, 27/05/1940, Whitley Bay (Hartley South) Cemetery, UK
Pilot Officer (Pilot) Neil G. Dryburgh, RAFVR 76164, [16 OTU], age 38, 27/05/1940, Edinburgh (Dean, or Western) Cemetery, UK
Sergeant James V.P. Falconer, RAFVR 748393, age 21, 27/05/1940, Edinburgh (Seafield) Crematorium, UK
Pilot Officer (Pilot) Thomas A. Nixon, RAF 42518, [16 OTU], age 22, 27/05/1940, Vale of Leven (or Bonhill) Cemetery, UK
Leading Aircraftman Hugh Sharpe, RAFVR 751718, [16 OTU], age 19, 27/05/1940, missing
Aircraftman 2nd Class Cyril W. White, RAFVR 1160450, age 23, 27/05/1940, Stone (St. John the Baptist) Churchyard, UK
Leading Aircraftman (W. Op./Air Gnr.) James Whyte, RAFVR 745909, [16 OTU], age 19, 27/05/1940, Glasgow Western Necropolis, UK

Pilot Officer (Pilot) James Winning, RAF 78871, age 39, 27/05/1940, Dyce Old Churchyard, UK. The Times: 'Killed flying, elder son of the late Mr and Mrs Winning of Havre, France'. Tiger Moth II - N6785 - 1 CPF - dived into ground Fintray, Aberdeenshire

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28/05/1940


Aircraftman 1st Class Francis V. Adams, RAF 613953, [3 Air Mission], age 21, 28/05/1940, missing. Aboard SS Abukir en route from Ostend, Belgium to U.K. and torpedoed near lightship 'Noordhinder'

Sergeant Edward D. Barratt, RAFVR 504903, age 19, 28/05/1940, missing. His father, Frederick Arthur Barratt, perished with him. Aboard SS Abukir en route from Ostend, Belgium to U.K. and torpedoed near lightship 'Noordhinder'. Name also spelled as 'Edward O. Barrat'.

Pilot Officer Frederick A. Barratt, RAFVR 79087, [3 Mission], age 46, 28/05/1940, missing. His son, Edward Douglas Barratt, perished with him. Aboard SS Abukir en route from Ostend, Belgium to U.K. and torpedoed near lightship 'Noordhinder'

Aircraftman 1st Class Cyril Barrick, RAFVR 936124, age 18, 28/05/1940, North Kelsey Cemetery, UK
Aircraftman 1st Class Leslie H. Bellingham, RAF 618700, age 32, 28/05/1940, missing
Flight Sergeant Albert Burrows, RAF 349996, age 39, 28/05/1940, missing
Aircraftman 2nd Class James Churchard, RAFVR 976350, age unknown, 28/05/1940, missing

Pilot Officer Edgar H. Cross, RAFVR 79088, age 43, 28/05/1940, Sage War Cemetery, D - Served in the Royal Flying Corps, 1914-18. Chartered Accountant. Aboard SS Abukir en route from Ostend, Belgium to U.K. and torpedoed near lightship 'Noordhinder' or another ship torpedoed same date en route from Dunkirk to U.K.

Aircraftman 1st Class Ivor L. Davies, RAF 511153, age 32, 28/05/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class Robert W. Dickson, RAF 537403, age unknown, 28/05/1940, missing
Wing Commander James M. Fairweather, RAF 07077, age 42, DFC, 28/05/1940, missing
Pilot Officer (Pilot) Rupert C. Frost, RAF 42497, [16 OTU], age 26, 28/05/1940, Upper Heyford Cemetery, UK. Died of injuries sustained on 27/05/1940.
Aircraftman 1st Class Herbert H. Gardiner, RAF 548223, age unknown, 28/05/1940, missing
Squadron Leader Arthur R. Glencross, RAF 26230, [37 Sqdn.] age unknown, 28/05/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Albert Glover, RAF 351248, age 37, 28/05/1940, missing
Squadron Leader Maurice P. Gurney, RAFVR 73838, age 46, 28/05/1940, Malo-les-Bains Communal Cemetery, F. Aboard SS Abukir en route from Ostend, Belgium to U.K. and torpedoed near lightship 'Noordhinder'.

Leading Aircraftman George E. Humphreys, RAF 636004, age 22, 28/05/1940, missing
Flying Officer William H. Humphreys, RAFVR 73242, age 24, 28/05/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class John B. Hutchison, RAF 632128, age 20, 28/05/1940, missing
Sergeant (Pilot) Jack W. Jenkins, RAFVR 742751, age 25, 28/05/1940, Cleethorpes Cemetery, UK
Corporal Charles T. Keyte, RAF 531194, age 26, 28/05/1940, missing

Corporal Charles V. Murton, RAF 352515, age 37, 28/05/1940, Dunkirk Town Cemetery, F. Aboard SS Abukir en route from Ostend, Belgium to U.K. and torpedoed near lightship 'Noordhinder'.

Aircraftman 2nd Class Alasdair R. MacIntyre, RAFVR 967706, age 27, 28/05/1940, missing

Pilot Officer Reginald W. Newman, RAFVR 79092, age unknown, 28/05/1940, Sage War Cemetery, D
Aboard SS Abukir en route from Ostend, Belgium to U.K. and torpedoed near lightship 'Noordhinder' or another ship torpedoed same date en route from Dunkirk to U.K.

Leading Aircraftman (Pilot) John L. Norris, RAF (AAF), age 20, 28/05/1940, Darlinton Crematorium, UK. Killed on active service.

Leading Aircraftman Jack R. Russell, RAF 550667, age 20, 28/05/1940, missing
Squadron Leader Roger M. Sanders, RAFVR 75033, age unknown, 28/05/1940, missing
Flight Lieutenant Humfrey E. Symons, RAFVR 72952, age 40, 28/05/1940, missing

Aircraftman 2nd Class Henry Townend, RAF 702908, age 21, 28/05/1940, missing. Aboard SS Abukir en route from Ostend, Belgium to U.K. and torpedoed near lightship 'Noordhinder'.

Sergeant Martin L. Tully, RAF 504904, age 45, 28/05/1940, missing. Aboard SS Abukir en route from Ostend, Belgium to U.K. and torpedoed near lightship 'Noordhinder'.

Leading Aircraftman Arthur A. Webber, RAF 551636, age 19, 28/05/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Arthur Wheeler, RAF 507360, age 31, 28/05/1940, missing
Sergeant John T. Whitelam, RAF 509797, age 29, 28/05/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Albert P. Whiteman, RAF 334948, age 42, 28/05/1940, missing
Flying Officer Albert H. Woolcock, RAFVR 73491, age 25, 28/05/1940, missing
Flight Lieutenant George L.P. Zech, RAFVR 73495, age 39, 28/05/1940, missing. Native of Belgium.
These five men were aboard SS Abukir en route from Ostend, Belgium to U.K. and torpedoed near lightship 'Noordhinder'.

See Henk Welting's research project (and here)

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29/05/1940


Sergeant Hugh G. Mainley, RAF 564745, age 25, 29/05/1940, Wrexham Cemetery, UK
Flying Officer (Pilot) Harold S. Smith, RAF 70634, age unknown, 29/05/1940, Cranwell (St Andrew) Churchyard, UK


Master I - N7559 - 8 FTS - collided with Master I - N7604,
Master I - N7604 - 8 FTS - collided with Master I - N7559 (for these Masters location not known).
Bibby and Palmer were the instructors in the Masters and Wood (with Bibby) and Parker the pupils.

Pilot Officer (Pilot) William G. Bibby, RAF 41236, [8 FTS], age unknown, 29/05/1940, Montrose (Sleepyhillock) Cemetery, UK
Sergeant (Pilot) Jack C. Wood, RAFVR 740737, [8 FTS], age 23, 29/05/1940, Teddington Cemetery, UK

Sergeant (Pilot) John F. Palmer, RAFVR 740287, [8 FTS], age unknown, 29/05/1940, Coventry (London Road) Cemetery, UK
Sergeant (Pilot) Leonard K. Parker, RAFVR 754067 , [8 FTS], age unknown, 29/05/1940, Oxford (Rose Hill) Cemetery, UK

Place of death of these four airmen North Mains of Luther, Marykirk (near Edzel). William Thomas Pigott Sergeant (pilot pupil) who died on 31st is listed with the above, place of death Newton Farm, Marykirk. (N7556). See Henk Welting's research project


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30/05/1940


Sergeant Harold R. Birch, RAFVR 754144, age 21, 30/05/1940, Yatesbury (All Saints) Churchyard, UK
Flight Lieutenant Robert E. Butler, RAF 74959 (Ireland?), age 50, 30/05/1940, Dundee Crematorium, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class Geoffrey M. Mountain, RAFVR 939990, age 19, 30/05/1940, Leeds (Lawns Wood) Crematorium, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class William J. Wright, RAFVR 936671, age unknown, 30/05/1940, Nantes (Pont-du-Cens) Communal Cemetery, F

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31/05/1940

Pilot Officer (Pilot) Thomas E.S. Crossman, RAFVR 72073, age 22, 31/05/1940, Buckhust Hill (St. John the Baptist) Churchyard, UK
Tiger Moth N6590 of 9 EFTS dived into the ground at Ansty. P/O T E Crossman was killed, but his pupil was not seriously injured. (source: Military Crashes in the south Midlands - 1940)

Sergeant (Pilot) Robert H. Jack, RAFVR 754095, age 20, 31/05/1940, Cathcart Cemetery, UK

Sergeant (Pilot U/T) William T. Pigott, RAFVR 754458, age 21, 31/05/1940, North Sheen Cemetery, UK. Master I - N7556 - 8 FTS - broke up (in air) 3 miles N of Banchory, Aberdeenshire. came to grief at Laurencekirk in Kincardineshire

Aircraftman 1st Class James C. Ryan, RAF 637135, age unknown, 31/05/1940, Kilgobbin Burial Ground, Ireland
Aircraftman 1st Class William H. Smythe, RAF 634466, age 20, 31/05/1940, Crompton Cemetery, UK
Aircraftman 1st Class Patrick G.E. Sword, RAF 637552, age 24, 31/05/1940, Hawkinge Cemetery, UK
Leading Aircraftman Albert A. Vyse, RAFVR 949200, age 42, 31/05/1940, Bedford Cemetery, Beds., UK


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01/06/1940

Pilot Officer Henry S.G.S. Scott, RAFVR 78015, CB, DSO and Bar, age 59, 01/06/1940, Yorktown (St. Michael) Churchyard, UK

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02/06/1940

Pilot Officer Frank E. Byerley, RAFVR 77469, age 39, 02/06/1940, missing
Pilot Officer Cyril Collings, RAF 77726, Mentioned in Despatches, [Calshot], age 32, 02/06/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Robert A.D. Hobson, RAF 528329, age 24, 02/06/1940, Manchester Crematorium, UK. Died on active service.
Leading Aircraftman Lawrence J. Hunt, RAF 549999, [Calshot], age unknown, 02/06/1940, Kiel War Cemetery, D (see RAF Commands Forum)
Corporal Roy C. Lawson, RAF 521169, age unknown, 02/06/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Archie Lockwood, RAF 520825, age unknown, 02/06/1940, Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, F
Aircraftman 2nd Class John B. MacArthur, RAF 969846, age 22, 02/06/1940, Elvanfoot Churchyard, UK
P/O (Pilot) Basil Simpson, RAF 42444, 02/06/1940 - see 16 OTU
Flying Officer George H. Stephens, RAF 37895, age 24, 02/06/1940, missing

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03/06/1940

Pilot Officer Mervyn A. Ap Rhys Pryce, RAFVR 77077, age 35, 03/06/1940, Orleans Main Cemetery, France. Killed on active service. Surname also spelled as 'M.A.R. Pryce'. According to The Times killed in an air raid.
Sergeant (Obs.) George H. Hudson, RAF 581225, age 21, 03/06/1940, Bembridge (Holy Trinity) Churchyard Extension, UK
Sergeant Denis L. Leonard, RAF 620407, age unknown, 03/06/1940, missing

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04/06/1940

Leading Aircraftman Dennis N. Adams, RAFVR 908974, age 22, 04/06/1940, Shirley (St. John) Churchyard, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class William F. Phur, RAFVR 963359, age 38, 04/06/1940, Carshalton (All Saints) Churchyard, UK

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05/06/1940

Leading Aircraftman Frank Blanchard, RAF 341016, age 42, 05/06/1940, Romsey Cemetery, UK
Leading Aircraftman Thomas Cain, RAF 533372, [72 Wing S Flight], age 22, 05/06/1940, Vernon Communal Cemetery, F. Died of wounds or injuries received on active service
Aircraftman 2nd Class William H. Foy, RAFVR 983562, age 18, 05/06/1940, Stockport Borough Cemetery, UK

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06/06/1940

Aircraftman 2nd Class Alfred G. Carpenter, RAFVR 954802, age 22, 06/06/1940, Coventry (London Road) Cemetery, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class Stanley T. Sumpter, RAFVR 903630, age unknown, 06/06/1940, Bury Cemetery, Huntingdonshire, UK

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07/06/1940

Leading Aircraftman Eric C. Cowdery, RAF 547793, [72 Wing S Flight], age 25, 07/06/1940, Vernon Communal Cemetery, F
Leading Aircraftman Donald Hamilton, RAF 546766, age 25, 07/06/1940, Harrogate (Grove Road) Cemetery, UK

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08/06/1940

Ranks and place of burial of the first five casualties seem to indicate that they were ground crew members of a squadron based in France.

Leading Aircraftman Charles H. Cartwright, RAF 535038, age 22, 08/06/1940, St. Aquilin-de-Pacy Communal Cemetery, F
Aircraftman 1st Class William Glover, RAF 535000, age unknown, 08/06/1940, St. Aquilin-de-Pacy Communal Cemetery, F
Aircraftman 1st Class Robert C. Gray, RAF 628224, age unknown, 08/06/1940, St. Aquilin-de-Pacy Communal Cemetery, F. Died of wounds or injuries received on active service
Aircraftman 2nd Class Robert Scott, RAF 630663, age 20, 08/06/1940, St. Aquilin-de-Pacy Communal Cemetery, F
Leading Aircraftman Fernly R. Wood, RAF 530332, age unknown, 08/06/1940, St. Aquilin-de-Pacy Communal Cemetery, F. Killed on active service

Corporal Barry J. Griffiths, RAF 370453, age 32, 08/06/1940, missing
Sergeant (Pilot) Joseph S. Morehen, RAFVR 742034, age 26, 08/06/1940, Tingewick Cemetery, UK

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09/06/1940

Aircraftman 2nd Class Joseph Doak, RAFVR 965128, age 19, 09/06/1940, Henlow (St. Mary) Churchyard, UK
Group Captain Maurice Moore, RAF 04141, OBE, age 46, 09/06/1940, missing
Sergeant (Pilot) Thomas Weir, RAFVR 754918, age unknown, 09/06/1940, Stane Cemetery, UK

Sergeant (Pilot) Jack Worth, RAF 513391, age 29, 09/06/1940, Andover Cemetery, UK. Magister I - N3910 - 2 SAC - spun into ground 3 miles W of Andover

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10/06/1940

Sergeant (Pilot) Kenneth Ashby, RAFVR 745699, age 20, 10/06/1940, Nuneaton (Oaston Road) Cemetery, UK. Killed on active service. 14 FTS ORB notes : 10/6/40 Bozeat. Harvard P5817, 1754575 Sgt Lefaux (Pilot) + 745098 Sgt Follows (passenger), and Oxford N4638, 754143 Sgt Lawson + Sgt Ashley (passenger), collided in the air. All four occupants fatally injured. The aircraft were flying in formation although not authorised to do so.

Aircraftman 1st Class Hubert B. Bennett, RAF 620296, age 23, 10/06/1940, Abingdon Cemetery, UK
Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Alan Chalmers, RAF 33305, age 22, 10/06/1940, Blackpool (Carleton) Cemetery, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class Samuel P. Davis, RAF 613079, age unknown, 10/06/1940, Burtonwood Cemetery, UK

Sergeant (Pilot U/T) George T. Follows, RAFVR 745098, age unknown, 10/06/1940, Wyken (St. Mary Magdalene) Churchyard, UK. Killed on active service. 14 FTS ORB notes : 10/6/40 Bozeat. Harvard P5817, 1754575 Sgt Lefaux (Pilot) + 745098 Sgt Follows (passenger), and Oxford N4638, 754143 Sgt Lawson + Sgt Ashley (passenger), collided in the air. All four occupants fatally injured. The aircraft were flying in formation although not authorised to do so.

Sergeant (Pilot U/T) Robert S.C. Lawson, RAFVR 754143, age 20, 10/06/1940, Cranfield (SS. Peter and Paul) Churchyard, UK. Killed on active service. Pilot of Oxford N4638 of 14 FTS, which collided with Harvard P5817 of 14 FTS, near Bozeat, Northants.

Sergeant (Pilot U/T) John M. Lefeaux, RAFVR 10/06/1940, age 26, 10/06/1940, Cranfield (SS. Peter and Paul) Churchyard, UK. Killed on active service. Pilot of Harvard P5817 of 14 FTS, which collided with Oxford N4638 of 14 FTS, near Bozeat.

Pilot Officer John D.T. Pritchard, RAF 41320, age unknown, 10/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class Benjamin B.C. Smith, RAF 618641, age 21, 10/06/1940, Cardiff (Cathays) Cemetery, UK
Aircraftman 1st Class Norman F. Williams, RAFVR 937495, age 21, 10/06/1940, missing

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11/06/1940

Sergeant (U/T) Derek J. Craven, RAF 581207, age 25, 11/06/1940, Benson (or Bensington) (St. Helen) Churchyard Extension, UK
Leading Aircraftman Ronald W. Hallam, RAF 621765, age 24, 11/06/1940, Killead (St. Catherine) Church of Ireland Churchyard, UK
Leading Aircraftman (W. Op) Percival A. Lewis, RAF 547112, age 20, 11/06/1940, Southampton (South Stoneham) Cemetery, UK
Sergeant (Pilot) Norman L. Page, RAFVR 740200, age unknown, 11/06/1940, Killead (St. Catherine) Church of Ireland Churchyard, UK
Aircraftman 1st Class Roy Wycherley, RAFVR 959146, age 22, 11/06/1940, Broughton (St. Paul) Churchyard, UK

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12/06/1940

Aircraftman 2nd Class Frank R. Haines, RAF 545488, age unknown, 12/06/1940, Salisbury (London Road) Cemetery, UK
Pilot Officer (Test Pilot) Cecil T. Locke, RAFVR 72999, age unknown, 12/06/1940, Elloughton (St. Mary) Churchyard Extension, UK
Locke's death is registered at Renfrew, place of death given as East Walkinshaw, Renfrew. This is now hard by Glasgow (Abbotsinch) Airport. Which means that he probably was the pilot of this plane: Botha I - L6390 - 'Makers' - dived into ground near Abbotsinch (source: RafCommands Forum)
Aircraftman 1st Class Eric H. Swinney, RAFVR 935924, ["2" Servicing], age 19, 12/06/1940, St. Desir War Cemetery, F (see: RafCommands Forum)

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14/06/1940

Aircraftman 2nd Class Sydney Hague, RAFVR 953419, age 18, 14/06/1940, Hoyland Nether Cemetery, UK

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15/06/1940

Likely to be ground crew members of 12 Squadron or 226 Squadron, killed during bombardment of Sougé airfield by German planes; see 15/06/1940, 103 Sqdn.

Leading Aircraftman Malcolm D.J. Thompson, RAF 569158, age 21, 15/06/1940, Souge-sur-Braye Communal Cemetery, F
Leading Aircraftman Harold R. Ward, RAF 534379, age 23, 15/06/1940, Souge-sur-Braye Communal Cemetery, F

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16/06/1940

Leading Aircraftman Thomas W. Ross, RAF 617913, age 21, 16/06/1940, Rennes Eastern Communal Cemetery, F
Aircraftman 2nd Class Sidney H. Smith, RAF 626746, age 19, 16/06/1940, Darlinton North Cemetery, UK

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Operation Aerial



During 'Operation Aerial' 28,145 British and 4,439 French, Polish and Canadian troops were evacuated from Brest. Among the French contingent were many German and Italian nationals, all members of the French Foreign Legion. At Lorient, the trawler La Tenche, was sunk with the loss of 218 lives. At Saint Nazaire, 57,235 troops and civilians were evacuated. From St. Malo, 21,475, from Cherbourg, 30,630 and from La Pallice, 2,303. Thousands of others were picked up from smaller ports, in total, 163,225 persons. (During the Dunkirk evacuation, 'Operation Dynamo' 338,226 troops were saved).
Source: Maritime disasters of WW II

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17/06/1940

On this day two disasters occurred; the sinking of the Lancastria near St. Nazaire (more than 4000 victims) and the bombing of a troop train in Rennes (91 victims).

In both cases RAF personel was involved. Many bodies were not recovered or could not be identified.

On the Lancastria were men from 73 Squadron (6 KIA, 31 MIA), 98 Squadron (13 KIA, 84 or 85 MIA) and HQ BAFF (5 KIA, 29 MIA) - aboard the bombed troop train were at least three RAF members.

See: Teresa Stokes, Operation Aerial / Lancastria, BBC WW2 People's War


Aircraftman 1st Class Alfred A. Alexander, RAFVR 747551, age 27, 17/06/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Edmund Bell, RAF 641894, age 39, 17/06/1940, missing
Sergeant Joseph D. Bell, RAF 522900, age 23, 17/06/1940, missing
Flight Sergeant William F. Chard, RAF 21476, age 48, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class Frederick S.H. Chave, RAF 508618, age unknown, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class James B. Christie, RAF 625723, age 19, 17/06/1940, missing
Corporal Norman J. Clifford, RAF 753581, age 27, 17/06/1940, Noirmoutier-en-L'Ile Communal Cemetery, F
Corporal Robert Conkie, RAF 543598, age unknown, 17/06/1940, Rennes Eastern Communal Cemetery, F
Leading Aircraftman Charles E. Cormack-Beatson, RAF 534033, age unknown, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 2nd Class Henry W. Dean, RAFVR 975058, age 19, 17/06/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Herbert G. Edwards, RAF 551107, age unknown, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class Harry Fisher, RAF 639435, age 27, 17/06/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Walter Gleave, RAF 623072, age unknown, 17/06/1940, missing
Corporal George T. Hall, RAF 529271, age unknown, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 2nd Class Harold J. Hedger, RAFVR 908440, age unknown, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class John Higgins, RAF 638025, age unknown, 17/06/1940, Le Clion-sur-Mer Communal Cemetery, F
Flying Officer Robert C. Hodgson, RAF 31444, 17/06/1940, Rennes Eastern Communal Cemetery, F
Aircraftman 2nd Class John F. Hopkinson, RAF 617338, age 20, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class Robert Howell, RAF 630740, age 20, 17/06/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Ronald W. Hunter, RAFVR 760014, age 21, 17/06/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Robert S. Jary, RAF 524483, age 21,
17/06/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Richard T. Jones, RAF 544901, age 22, 17/06/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Robert M. Kelly, RAF 542978, age 24, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class John Kerr, RAF 639579, age 22, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 2nd Class Thomas E. Lawson, RAFVR 908388, age unknown, 17/06/1940, missing
Corporal Roy P.W. McMahon, RAF 591398, age 19, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class James D. Niall, RAF 619958, age 19, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class John H. Norris, RAF 616532, age 21, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 2nd Class John Prendy, RAF 1152085, age 40, 17/06/1940, Leytonstone (St. Patrick's) Roman Catholic Cemetery, UK
Leading Aircraftman William Richardson, RAF 357083, age 38, 17/06/1940, missing
Corporal William C. Rushton, RAF 523638, age 25, 17/06/1940, St. Nazaire-sur-Charente Communal Cemetery, F
Leading Aircraftman Harry V. Sargent, RAF 629753, age 20, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class Peter W. Saunders, RAF 547248, age unknown, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class Douglas J. Scoins, RAF 624090, age 21, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 1st Class Harold V. Smith, RAF 654382, age 26, 17/06/1940, missing
Aircraftman 2nd Class Sydney Smith, RAF 623477, age 22, 17/06/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman James V.L. Thomas, RAF 516061, age 28, 17/06/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman Lawrence Traynor, RAF 268892, age 40, 17/06/1940, Rennes Eastern Communal Cemetery, F
Corporal James Whittet, RAF 591163, age 20, 17/06/1940, missing
Leading Aircraftman John A. Williamson, RAF 530579, age 22, 17/06/1940, missing
Corporal Walter Wilson, RAF 591172, age 20, 17/06/1940, Noirmoutier-en-L'Ile (L'Herbaudiere) Communal Cemetery, F
Aircraftman 1st Class Alfred Wood, RAF 640079, age 24, 17/06/1940, Rockanje (Zeeweg) General Cemetery, NL (unlikely to be a Lancastria-victim)

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18/06/1940

As France collapsed the situation for the remaing RAF Squadrons based in France became more and more chaotic. Records were no longer kept or destroyed.

Aircraftman 1st Class Arthur J. Thomson, RAFVR 936954, age 23, 18/06/1940, Derby (Nottingham Road) Cemetery, UK

See 4 (Continental) FPP for 15 fatalities, unit unlisted by CWCG

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19/06/1940

See 4 (Continental) FPP for 1 fatalities, unit unlisted by CWCG

Aircraftman 1st Class Alfred P. Cooper, RAF 648356, age 20, 19/06/1940, Clippesby (St. Peter) Churchyard, UK
Pilot Officer Alan B. Lawton, RAF 42237, age 20, 19/06/1940, Scopwick Church Burial Ground, UK. P/O Lawton died on active service (non flying accident or natural causes).
Pilot Officer (Pilot) John H. Nicholson, RAF 41052 (South Africa), age 26, 19/06/1940, Hanover War Cemetery, D
P/O Nicholson was a Spitfire Pilot of the PDU (Coastal Command). His Spitfire P9392 crashed 2030 hrs at Oberlethe near Oldenburg, Northern Germany.

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20/06/1940

Aircraftwoman 1st Class Barbara S.W. Williams, WAAF 883075, age 17, 20/06/1940, Cardiff (Cathays) Cemetery, UK

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21/06/1940

See 4 (Continental) FPP for 1 fatalities, unit unlisted by CWCG

Aircraftman 2nd Class Charles W. Brown, RAFVR 996318, age 27, 21/06/1940, Middlesbrough (North Ormesby) Cemetery, UK
Leading Aircraftman Davis H. Reed, RAF 226215, age 53, 21/06/1940, Caversfield (St. Laurence) Churchyard, UK

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22/06/1940

Aircraftman 2nd Class Thomas W. Graham, RAFVR 971771, age 23, 22/06/1940, Dishforth Cemetery, UK
Flight Lieutenant Vincent E. Jackson, RAFVR 74142, age 42, 22/06/1940, Llantwit Major Cemetery, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class Willie Wilson, RAFVR 992227, age 25, 22/06/1940, Colne Cemetery, UK
Squadron Leader Harry Wood, RAF 31043, MBE, age 45, 22/06/1940, Halton (St. Michael) Churchyard, UK

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23/06/1940

Corporal John C. Brayshaw, RAF 526610, age 24, 23/06/1940, Rennes Eastern Communal Cemetery, France.
The majority of the men who rest on this cemetery were casualties from a troop train which was bombed by the Germans on 17th June, 1940. There are 252 Commonwealth burials of the 1939-45 war here, of which 81 are unidentified.


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24/06/1940

Aircraftman 2nd Class Frank L. Davies, RAFVR 938110, age 21, 24/06/1940, Shrewsbury General Cemetery, UK
Sergeant (Pilot) Walter Henderson, RAFVR 748484, age unknown, 24/06/1940, Horden (Thorpe Road) Cemetery, UK. Death registered at Scunthorpe. There's a chance that he was a crew member of one of the two Blackburn aircraft (G-ACLC and G-ADFS) that collided mid air and came down in the River Humber. (source: RafCommands)
Corporal Herbert E.G. Smith, RAF 521231, age unknown, 24/06/1940, Norwich Cemetery, Norfolk, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class James Swarbrick, RAFVR 978065, age 20, 24/06/1940, Preston (New Hall Lane) Cemetery, UK

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25/06/1940

On this day some of the victims of the Lancastria (see 17/05/1940) were registered as 'missing'.

Sergeant (Pilot) Charles F. Cotton, RAFVR 745062, age 26, 25/06/1940, Hockley (St. Peter) Churchyard, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class Alfred W. Gilbert, RAF 636979, [HQ CFF], age 23, 25/06/1940, Lille Southern Cemetery, F
Leading Aircraftman Edward A. Hall, RAF 510251, [20 ASP], age unknown, 25/06/1940, Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, F

Aircraftman 1st Class William Alston, RAF 637973, age unknown, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Aircraftman 1st Class Eustace T. Arnott, RAF 532387, age unknown, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Aircraftman 1st Class Bernard O. Beckington, RAFVR 901322, age 34, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Aircraftman 2nd Class John R. Best, RAFVR 749226, age unknown, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Aircraftman 1st Class Ernest R. Biddle, RAFVR 942880, age 26, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Corporal Geoffrey G. Burdett, RAF 520421, age 25, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Leading Aircraftman Arthur G. Child, RAF 616033, age unknown, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Aircraftman 1st Class Richard Cleary, RAF 631845 (Ireland), age 19, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Aircraftman 1st Class Joseph Currie, RAF 634350, age unknown, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Leading Aircraftman Alexander J. Donaghy, RAF 544946, age 26, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Aircraftman 1st Class Alexander C. Fleming, RAFVR 743827, age unknown, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Corporal James P. Gavins, RAF 512854, age 30, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Leading Aircraftman Dudley G. Kemp, RAF 535214, age 22, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Leading Aircraftman Leonard Laurie, RAFVR 799685, [63 Wing Servicing Unit / 63 FWS], age 34, 25/06/1940, Doingt Communal Cemetery Extension, F (has another WW2 burial).
Leading Aircraftman Robert McCall, RAF 286815, age 48, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Aircraftman 1st Class Allan J. Moran, RAF 623447, [HQ 51 Wing], age 25, 25/06/1940, Lombardsijde Churchyard, Belgium
Aircraftman 1st Class Cunningham Munn, RAF 627591, age 23, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Aircraftman 1st Class Arthur Musgrave, RAF 653443, age 20, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Aircraftman 1st Class George T. Ridley, RAF 629767, age unknown, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Aircraftman 1st Class John M. Roberts, RAF 634663, age 18, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Leading Aircraftman George Swift, RAF 551391, age unknown, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Leading Aircraftman George H. Taylor, RAF 352704, age unknown, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Aircraftman 1st Class Charles J. Telford, RAF 627498, age 20, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Aircraftman 1st Class Leslie C. Thorp, RAF 633277, age 24, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Corporal Albert E. Thorpe, RAF 326629, age 37, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Leading Aircraftman George Troth, RAF 62712, age 41, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Aircraftman 2nd Class Robert I. Walker, RAFVR 976642, age unknown, 25/06/1940, La Plaine-sur-Mer Communal Cemetery, F
Aircraftman 1st Class Douglas C. Webb, RAFVR 966677, age 19, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Leading Aircraftman Victor J. White, RAF 352129, age 35, 25/06/1940, missing [Lancastria victim]
Leading Aircraftman Sydney V. Willmington, RAF 610598, age 20, 25/06/1940, missing
[Lancastria victim]

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26/06/1940

Aircraftman 2nd Class Jack M. Westlake, RAFVR 958409, age unknown, 26/06/1940, Bath (Locksbrook) Cemetery, UK

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27/06/1940

Sergeant (Pilot) James H. Haselden, RAFVR 741905, age 23, 27/06/1940, Grimsby (Scartho Road) Cemetery, UK
Flight Sergeant William D. Sherriff, RAF 362166, age 34, 27/06/1940, missing

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28/06/1940

Sergeant Fred Bowery, RAF 519334, age 25, 28/06/1940, Islington Cemetery and Crematorium, UK
Leading Aircraftman Keith R. Dean, RAFVR 967882, age 19, 28/06/1940, Stockport Crematorium, UK. Died of wounds or injuries received on active service. LAC Dean's death is registered at Hatfield.
Aircraftman 2nd Class Gerald R. Frear, RAF 646517, age 20, 28/06/1940, Aireborough (Yeadon) Cemetery, UK
Sergeant (Obs.) Noel R.A. Hawthorne, RAFVR 745962, age 23, 28/06/1940, Pembroke Dock (Llanion) Cemetery, UK
Corporal Harry Moore, RAF 351185, age 37, 28/06/1940, Epsom Cemetery, UK. Cpl Moore's death is registered at Hendon.
Sergeant (Pilot) Terence G.J. Pascoe, RAF 526360, age 25, 28/06/1940, Pembroke Dock (Llanion) Cemetery, UK

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29/06/1940

Sergeant (Pilot U/T) George N. Fraser-Luckie, RAFVR 745633, age 22, 29/06/1940, Kensal Green (St Mary's) Roman Catholic Cemetery, UK
Aircraftman 2nd Class Stanley E. Parkins, RAFVR 966977, age 25, 29/06/1940, Down Hatherley (St. Mary and Corpus Christi) Churchyard, UK
Aircraftman 1st Class John J.J. Walker, RAFVR 985326, age 20, 29/06/1940, Seaton Valley (Cramlington New) Cemetery, UK

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30/06/1940

Pilot Officer Thomas Armitstead, RAF 79094, age 46, 30/06/1940, Pontypridd Crematorium, UK
Leading Aircraftman Stewart C. Caird, RAF 547578, age 26, 30/06/1940, Aberdeen (Trinity) Cemetery, UK
Leading Aircraftman Thomas J.P. Flavell, RAF 551548, age unknown, 30/06/1940, St Pancras Cemetery, UK


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AFRICA

Type: Hawker Hart
Serial number: 331 (ex-K4484)
Unit: CFS
Operation: ?
Lost: 23/05/1940
Second Lieutenant Pieter Warden, SAAF P/6814, age 21, 23/05/1940, Krugersdorp Cemetery, South Africa
Crashed Kimberly.

Sources: CWGC and Winston Brent, 85 Years of South African Air Force (African aviation series; no. 13), Freeworld Publications, ISBN 0958438897, 2005 (with thanks to Amrit)

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Type: Airspeed AS.6J Envoy
Serial number: 253 (ex- ZS-ALF)
Unit: 1 Survey Flight
Operation: ?
Lost: 23/05/1940
Flight Sergeant Murray Holl, SAAF P/559, age 31, 18/06/1940, Pretoria (Rebecca Street) Cemetery, South Africa
Second Lieutenant Johann A. Muller, SAAF 47293, age 25, 18/06/1940, Johannesburg (Bezuidenhout Valley) Cemetery, South Africa
Air Mechanic C.R. Wild, SAAF 96023, age 37, 18/06/1940, Thaba Tshwane (Old No.1) Military Cemetery, South Africa
Crashed near Pietersburg. 253 was one of two aircraft that had been enroute to do photo-survey work for the East African Forces.

Seven Envoys were ordered for joint use by the South African Air Force and South African Airways, with three being delivered in military form and four delivered to South African Airways, where they were used on the air route between Johannesburg - Bloemfontein - Port Elizabeth on 12 October 1936. All seven could be transformed by four persons within four hours from the transportation version into a light bomber or reconnaissance aircraft. In this configuration the crew consisted of four; pilot, navigator, radio operator and gunner.


Sources: CWGC; Winston Brent, 85 Years of South African Air Force (African aviation series; no. 13), Freeworld Publications, ISBN 0958438897, 2005 (with thanks to Amrit); unofficial South African Air Force website.

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Sergeant (Pilot) Ivon C. Smith, RAFVR 748315, age 25, 20/06/1940, Harare (Pioneer) Cemetery, Zimbabwe

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Air Mechanic Harold McKechnie, SAAF 94376, age 47, 22/06/1940, Johannesburg (West Park) Cremation Memorial, South Africa
Non-aircraft related death. No details

Sources: CWGC and Winston Brent, 85 Years of South African Air Force (African aviation series; no. 13), Freeworld Publications, ISBN 0958438897, 2005 (with thanks to Amrit)

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Air Mechanic J. Fulton, SAAF 96282, age 25, 23/06/1940, Germiston (Primrose) Cemetery, South Africa
Non-aircraft related death. No details

Sources: CWGC and Winston Brent, 85 Years of South African Air Force (African aviation series; no. 13), Freeworld Publications, ISBN 0958438897, 2005 (with thanks to Amrit)

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Type: Tiger Moth
Serial number: ZS-AIR
Unit: 2 AS
Operation: ?
Lost: 26/06/1940
Second Lieutenant D. Robinson, SAAF 202923, age 25, 26/06/1940, Germiston (Primrose) Cemetery, South Africa

Sources: CWGC and Winston Brent, 85 Years of South African Air Force (African aviation series; no. 13), Freeworld Publications, ISBN 0958438897, 2005 (with thanks to Amrit)


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Air Mechanic J.C. Martin, SAAF 100475, age 55, 29/06/1940, Cape Town (Plumstead) Cemetery, South Africa
Non-aircraft related death. No details

Cape Town and the nearby Simon's Town were the scene of massive shipping movements (including hospital ships) during both World Wars, and there were military hospitals at Maitland and Wynberg. During the Second World War, naval and maritime air operations were conducted from the area. Instruction under the Empire Air Training scheme was conducted at 65 and 66 Air School at Youngsfield Aerodrome in the Wynberg area, and the Fleet Air Arm was established at the Wingfield Aerodrome.

Sources: CWGC and Winston Brent, 85 Years of South African Air Force (African aviation series; no. 13), Freeworld Publications, ISBN 0958438897, 2005 (with thanks to Amrit)


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AUSTRALIA

The units of these men are being researched; in the near future they will be removed from this page to special RAAF-Squadron pages.


Type: CA-3 Wirraway
Serial number: A20-49
Mission: ?
Lost: 10/05/1940
Flying Officer Allan L. May, RAAF 3229, [1 Aircraft Depot Laverton], age 25, 10/05/1940, Williamstown General Cemetery, Australia. Cause of Death: Accidental
Pilot Officer Alfred V. Hilder, RAAF [no number], [1 Armament Trg School Point Cook], age 29, 10/05/1940, Williamstown General Cemetery, Australia. Cause of Death: Accidental
Spun into Lake Corangamite, near Foxhow at 08.55 hrs. May was pilot in charge.

Sources: CWGC, Australian War Memorial; Wirraway accident file NA Australia; Australian Military Aircraft Serials and Aircraft History; see also RAF Commands Forum for more about this crash

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Flying Officer Anthony A. Daniel, RAAF 243, [14 Sqn] age 22, 16/05/1940, Victoria Cremation Memorial, Australia. Place of Death: Mt Torbeck, Vic. Cause of Death: Accidental
Corporal Francis E. Hyland, RAAF 3515, [14 Sqn] age 27, 16/05/1940, Fawner Memorial Park Cemetery, Australia. Place of Death: Mt Torbeck, Vic. Cause of Death: Accidental
Corporal Herman F. Sass, RAAF 2560, [14 Sqn], age 23, 16/05/1940, Perth (Karrakatta) Crematorium, Australia. Place of Death: Near Mt Torbreck, Eilden Weir, Victoria (previous place of death: Off WA Coast)
Cause of Death: Accidental
Corporal Ivan L. Stowdor, RAAF 2474, [14 Sqn] age 25, 16/05/1940, missing in S.E. Pacific -Sydney Memorial. Place of Death: Off WA Coast
Cause of Death: Accidental

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Type: Hawker Demon Mk I
Serial number: A1-13
Mission: Training?
Lost: 19/05/1940
(Pilot) G. Moreland - slightly injured.
[Air] Cadet Stanley C. Macrae, RAAF, [1 Service Flying Trg School] age 28, 19/05/1940, Victoria Cremation Memorial, Australia. Place of Death: Point Cook. Cause of Death: Accidental
Stalled during forced landing approach, apparent engine failure. 2 miles south of Werribee, 1500 hrs. Aircraft damaged beyond repair. Became Instructional Airframe No.4 10/06/40.

Sources: CWGC, Australian War Memorial; Demon accident file NA Australia; Australian Military Aircraft Serials and Aircraft History; see also RAF Commands Forum for more about this crash

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Aircraftman 1st Class Francis A. Kealy, RAAF 5344, [1 Recruit Depot Laverton], age 20, 28/05/1940, Cheltenham New General Cemetery, Australia
Place of Death: Caulfield. Cause of Death: Illness
It could be that Caulfield is: Caulfield Repatriation Hospital, Melbourne
See also RAF Commands Forum: two-illness in Australia-deaths

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Flight Sergeant Richard C. Davenport, RAAF 606, [21 Sqn], age 37, 29/05/1940, Fawkner Memorial Park Cemetery, Australia
Place of Death: Caulfield. Cause of Death: Illness

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Type: CA-1 Wirraway
Serial number: A20-15
Mission: Training?
Lost: 29/05/1940
Flying Officer [Pilot] Kevin A. Goman, RAAF, [23 Sqn], age 22, 29/05/1940, Queensland Cremation Memorial, Brisbane, Australia
Place of Death: Queensland. Cause of Death: Accidental
Warrant Officer Percy J. Pritchard, RAAF 3097, [23 Sqn], age 22, 29/05/1940, Melbourne General Cemetery, Carlton, Australia
Place of Death: Southport, Qld. Cause of Death: Accidental
Crashed at Southport, 10.00 hrs. Aircraft destroyed by fire.

Sources: CWGC, Australian War Memorial; 23 Sqdn ORB (National Archives Australia); Australian Military Aircraft Serials and Aircraft History;


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Aircraftman 1st Class George L. Reed, RAAF 8099, [1 Aircraft Depot Laverton], age 21, 08/06/1940, Melbourne General Cemetery, Carlton, Australia
Place of Death: Melbourne. Cause of Death: Ground Accident


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Aircraftman 1st Class Francis H. Saxty, RAAF 9327, [1 Engineering School Ascot Vale], age 27, 15/06/1940, Victoria Cremation Memorial, Australia
Place of Death: Melbourne. Cause of Death: Ground Accident

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Type: Lockheed Hudson
Serial number: A16-58
Mission: Training?
Lost: 17/06/1940
Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) James B.D. Hamilton, RAAF 3, [6 Sqn], age 29, 17/06/1940, Geelong Eastern Cemetery, Australia
Place of Death: Sydney. Cause of Death: Accident
Pilot Officer [Air Cadet according to ORB] Wallace M.N. Stewart, RAAF, [6 Sqn], age 22, 17/06/1940, Northern Suburbs General Cemetery, Australia
Place of Death: Sydney. Cause of Death: Accident
Aircraft crashed and burned some 5 miles north of Windsor NSW, at 16.10 hrs.

Sources: CWGC, Australian War Memorial; 6 Sqdn ORB (National Archives Australia); Australian Military Aircraft Serials and Aircraft History;

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Aircraftman 1st Class Roy R. Hopkin, RAAF 15371, [1 Engineering School Ascot Vale], age 28, 26/06/1940, Botany General Cemetery, Australia
Place of Death: Melbourne. Cause of Death: Illness

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CANADA (May 1940: 5 KIA or DOW; June 1940: 6 KIA or DOW)

Type: Norseman
Serial number: 678
Unit: No.1 Air Navigation School Trenton
Operation: night navigation exercise
Lost: 17/05/1940
Flying Officer George E. Auld, RCAF C/1747, age 32, 17/05/1940, Charlottetown People's Cemetery, Canada
Flight Lieutenant Harvey B. Jasper, RCAF C/194, age 25, 17/05/1940, Saskatoon (Woodlawn) Cemetery, Canada
Aircraftman 1st Class John R. Kean, RCAF R/51908, age 19, 17/05/1940, Windsor (Victoria) Memorial Park, Canada
Flying Officer John E. Pidcock 'Jack', RCAF C/1758, age 33, 17/05/1940, Qu'appelle Cemetery, Canada
Took off in hazardous weather conditions. 16/05/1940 mentioned as date crash by Griffin.

Sources: Jack E. Pidcock, CWGC and Les Allison and Harry Hayward, 'They Shall Grow Not Old' via David Wallace, RAF Commands-forum.

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Type: Harvard
Serial number: 1347
Unit:
Operation: night navigation exercise
Lost: 24/05/1940
Flight Lieutenant Harry R. McBurney, RCAF C/769, age 24, 24/05/1940, Saskatoon (Woodlawn) Cemetery, Canada
F/L McBurney was flying the aircraft at an unneccessary low altitude when it hit the unlighted Wind Indication Tower during a night landing approach at Trenton, Ontario. F/L The aircraft dove into the ground at at 21.45 hours and McBurney was killed. The other occupant, Sgt. Al Cheesman of Port Arthur, Ontario escaped with minor injuries.

Sources: CWGC and Toronto 'Globe' newspaper account 25 May 1940, via Ken MacLean, RAF Commands Forum

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Wing Commander Francis J. Crossfield, RCAF C/58, age 60, 01/06/1940, Ottowa (Beechwood) Cemetery, Canada
He was with the No.1 Equipment Depot in Ottawa and died of natural causes.

Sources: CWGC and Les Allison and Harry Hayward, 'They Shall Grow Not Old' via David Wallace, RAF Commands-forum.

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Type: Lockheed Hudson
Serial number: N7360
Unit: Communications Flight (R.C.A.F. Station Rockcliffe)
Operation: VIP transport
Lost: 10/06/1940
Aircraftman 1st Class Oscar D. Brownfield, RCAF R/51048, age 27, 10/06/1940, Big River Cemetery, Canada
Flying Officer John J. Cotter, RCAF C/1588, age 26, 10/06/1940, Halifax (Holy Cross) Roman Catholic Cemetery, Canada
Aircraftman 1st Class James E. Nesbitt, RCAF R/51105, age 33, 10/06/1940, Saskatoon (Woodlawn) Cemetery, Canada

The accident occured at 12:15 hours, 1.5 miles east of of Newtonville, Ontario. The purpose of the flight was to transport the Honorable Norman Rogers, Minister of National Defence, from Ottawa to Toronto.

The starboard wing struck some trees while the Hudson was making a 45 degree bank turn. The Hudson crashed in full flight, disintegrating upon impact, killing all onboard.

The accident was assessed as an error on the pilot's part when he lost visual reference to the ground during a steep turn towards rising terrain without first gaining a safe altitude. This accident would never have happened if he had used proper judgement and not continued the flight past R.C.A.F. Station Trenton. The weather conditions at the time were increasing low ceilings and poor visibility.

The secondary cause of the accident was attributed to the charcteristics of the Hudson which preclude steep turns without some loss of control.

Norman Rogers was MP for Kingston, and Minister of Defence at the time of the crash. Rogers Airport in Kingston, later home to 14 SFTS and 31 SFTS, was named after him following this crash.

Sources: CWGC; Bill Walker and Chris 'Dakota' on RAF Commands Forum

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Type: Fleet Finch
Serial number: probably 4453
Unit: probably Central Flying School, Trenton
Operation: exercise
Lost: 16/06/1940
Aircraftman 2nd Class Chester M. Wood, RCAF R/63779 (USA), age 33, 16/06/1940, London (Woodland) Cemetery, Canada
Roughly 800 Americans were killed while serving with the RCAF, including 148 in Canada itself. Most of these - 117 - involved training accidents, but 31 were killed on operations such as transport, ferry work and anti-submarine patrols.
The second fatality (and first flying casualty) was LAC Chester M. Wood of New York City. He was under instruction at Trenton when his Fleet Finch went into a spin and crashed

Sources: CWGC, Bill Walker, Canadian Military Aircraft Serials and 'Canada's Yanks', Legion Magazine, Canada, July/August 2006 - with thanks to Leendert

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Aircraftman 1st Class John L. Gaudet, RCAF R/54703, [#1 Technical School St. Thomas, Ontario], age 26, 30/06/1940, Mont Carmel (Notre Dame de Mont Carmel) Cemetery, Canada
Gaudet was killed in an automobile accident on #4 Highway near St. Thomas, Ontario.
Sources: CWGC and Les Allison and Harry Hayward, 'They Shall Grow Not Old'

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IRAQ

Leading Aircraftman Fred Moran, RAF 533080, age 22, 22/06/1940, Basra War Cemetery, Iraq

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NEW ZEALAND


Type: Airspeed Oxford I
Serial number: NZ279
Operation: training flight?
Lost: 15/06/1940, Akaroa, NZ
Leading Aircraftman John L. McFadyen, RNZAF 391839, age 22, 15/06/1940, Greymouth (Karoro) Cemetery, New Zealand - see Auckland War Memorial Museum for photo

Leading Aircraftman Francis M. McFarlane, RNZAF 391840, age 24, 15/06/1940, Nelson (Stoke) Cemetery, New Zealand

Last Unit Served: One Flight Training School
He died while he was on board an Oxford 1 NZ279 which stalled during a steep left hand turn while low flying over Akaroa township at 11.30 am. It spun into buildings in the main street and burst into flames, causing extensive property damage. In addition two cilivians were injured. The two crew members are buried at Nelson and Greymouth respectively. Francis McFarlane had 182 hrs flying time of which 115 was solo, and 38 on the Oxford. See: Auckland War Memorial Museum for photo.

Sources: CWGC and Errol Martyn, For Your Tomorrow - A record of New Zealanders who have died while serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services Since 1915 (Vol One: Fates 1915-1942)


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Aircraftman 2nd Class Eric A. Bulman, RNZAF 39838, age 29, 18/06/1940, Christchurch (Waimairi) Cemetery, NZ
Last Unit Served: 1 Service Flying Training School, Royal New Zealand Air Force (Wigram, New Zealand)
Aircraftman Bulman was the son of Anthony Bulman, and of Ethel Bulman (nee Matthews).
On the morning of 18 June 1940, Aircraftman Bulman was found dead at the foot of Scarborough cliff, Sumner. He was on a month's leave after breaking his wrist while working as a flight rigger at Wigram. It is not clear exactly why he fell to his death.

Sources: CWGC and Errol Martyn, For Your Tomorrow - A record of New Zealanders who have died while serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services Since 1915 (Vol One: Fates 1915-1942)

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Type: Airspeed Oxford I
Serial number: NZ275
Unit: 1 Service Flying Training School, RNZAF (Wigram)
Operation: Reconnaissance patrol
Lost: 21/06/1940, Akaroa, NZ
Squadron Leader John H. Kitson, RAF 34160, age 28, 21/06/1940, Christchurch (Upper Riccarton) Anglican Church Cemetery, New Zealand
P/O P.R. McNab (observer) - injured
AC1 R.E. Kilpatrick (wireless operator) - injured
took off from Taieri after two others on the same patrol at 0725, each machine carrying a 250lb bomb, but was unable to gain height. After clearing the airfield boundary NZ275 entered a slow right hand turn in order to clear trees ahead, but stalled and hit the ground while still turning, and caught fire. P/O McNab and AC1 Kilpatrick were injured but the pilot died within an hour or two of being extricated from the wreckage.

A layer of frost on the Oxford's wings had significantly degraded its take off performance. Investigation also revealed that the throttle control lock wire had not been broken, indicating that the pilot had failed to push the throttles through the gate when the emergency arose.

For their courageous efforts in rescuing the three crew LAC D.T. Herrick and Cpl E.A. Stratton were each awarded the George Medal, and AC2 D.M. Nichol presented with an Air Board letter of commendation.

S/L Kitson, a flying instructor with the ITS at Wigram (373+hrs (412+ on Oxford)), was an English RAF officer on loan to the RNZAF. He was the first fatal casualty on an operational flight undertaken from a New Zealand base (a German raider was active in New Zealand waters at the time - the SS Niagara striking a mine and sinking only two days earlier).

Dennis T. Herrick died of wounds on 30 June 1941 after being shot down over France while flying with 53 Sqn, RAF.

Sources: CWGC and Errol Martyn, For Your Tomorrow - A record of New Zealanders who have died while serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services Since 1915 (Vol One: Fates 1915-1942)

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SINGAPORE

Flight Lieutenant William D. Guyler, RAF 23107, age unknown, 11/05/1940, Singapore Memorial, Singapore
RAF dentist in Singapore. He went there in March 1937. See also TOCH Forum

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Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database
(based on Errol Martyn, For Your Tomorrow - A record of New Zealanders who have died while serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services Since 1915 (Vol One: Fates 1915-1942)
Australian Military Aircraft Serials and Aircraft History
Australian War Memorial
Bail-outs for 1940
Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–1945 - Early Operations with Bomber Command - The Fall of France
Lancastria Victim List
New Zealand Armed Forces Memorial Project
RAF - Campaign Diary - The Battle of France (May-June 1940)
RAF History - Bomber Command
RAF Museum: British Military Aviation in 1940
RAF Order of Battle, France, 10th May 1940
Royal Air Force History Section
The Royal Air Force, 1939-1945
The Second World War - a day by day account
unofficial South African Air Force website
War graves and memorials in New Zealand
War over Holland

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Books

- Les Allison and Harry Hayward, 'They Shall Grow Not Old', Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum Inc., Canada
(Listings of Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force casualties in Canada. 18,000 Biographies which include information such as full name, rank, hometown, squadron, aircraft type, place of death, dates, fellow crewmembers, gravesite, etc.)
Winston Brent, 85 Years of South African Air Force (African aviation series; no. 13), Freeworld Publications, ISBN 0958438897, 2005
Errol Martyn, For Your Tomorrow - A record of New Zealanders who have died while serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services Since 1915 (Vol One: Fates 1915-1942)

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Links

Discussion Groups
Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum
RAF Commands Forum
SAAF Forum

Other
Abbreviations used in the Royal Air Force
Code Names & RAF Vocabulary

Air Aces
Airwar over Denmark
Allied World War II Casualties in the Netherlands
Armée de l'Air - Order of Battle, 10th May 1940
Australian Wargraves
Axis History Factbook
Battle-of-Britain.com
De Belgen in Engeland 1940-1945 (in Dutch)
Belgian Aviation History Association Archaeological Team
Biplane Fighter Aces from the Second World War
British Aircraft Directory
British Aviation Archaeological Council - Books and research links
Canada's Air Force History
HMS Cavalier
Ciel de Gloire (in French) RAF Squadrons
CWGC Cemeteries Germany
CWGC Cemeteries Netherlands
Czechoslovak airmen in the RAF 1940-1945
Danish WW2 Pilots

Dutch Pilots in RAF Squadrons
Eagles Squadrons (American pilots in the RAF)
Foreign Aircraft Landings in Ireland 1939-1946
'High flight', poem by John Gillespie Magee
An Irish Airman Foresees His Death, poem by W.B. Yeats
Jagdgeschwader 27 (in German)
Luchtoorlog ('Arial War', in Dutch, with many photos)
Land Forces of Britain, the Empire and Commonwealth
The Luftwaffe, 1933-1945
Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum
The National Ex-Prisoners of War Association
Naval History.net
Nordic Aviation during WW2
Order of Liberation (in French/English/Spanish)
Pilotfriend.com: aircraft of WW2
Polish Air Force 1940-1947 Operations Record Books
RAF Battle of Britain
RAF Upwood
RAF WWII 38 Group Squadrons Reunited
De Slag om de Grebbeberg (Dutch)
Test Flying Memorial
Warbird Alley
War over Holland
World War II Aircraft wrecksites in Norway
www.bomber-command.de

Aircraft crashes on the North Yorkshire Moors, England
Bills-Bunker.de
The Lancastershire Aircraft Investigation Team
Luftfahrt-Archäologie in Schleswig Holstein (in German)
North East Diary 1939-1945
Wartime Leicester and Leicestershire

The Aerodrome - Aces and Aircraft of World War 1
WW1 Cemeteries



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This page is dedicated to the woman and men of the Royal Air Force, The Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the South African Air force who died in May 1940.

With special thanks to Henk Welting

© Bart FM Droog / Rottend Staal Online 2008. Permission granted for use of the data gathered here for non commercial purposes, if this source is mentioned with a link to http://www.epibreren.com/ww2/raf/index.html