Myers, Julian Gilbert Keydell, son of Gilbert Percival Louis Myers (qv); b. 26 Nov. 1914; adm. Sept. 1928 (B); left Dec. 1931; apprentice Furniss Withy Line 1932-5, later asst master Moffats Sch. Hatfield, Herts; Sgt Pilot RAFVR, killed in action 9 Dec 1940.
Julian Gilbert Keydell Myers was born in Capetown, South Africa on the 26th of November 1914 the eldest son of Major Gilbert Percival Louis Myers OW, Army Service Corps, and, Ada Sallie (nee Hutchins) Myers of 83, Vernon Road, Feltham in Middlesex. He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Busby’s from September 1928 to December 1931. He was a member of the 1st Football XI in 1930 and 1931 where he played as goalkeeper. On leaving school he was accepted as an apprentice with the Furniss Withy Line and worked for them from 1932 to 1935. He later became an assistant schoolmaster at Moffat’s School, Hatfield in Hertfordshire. He was married at Maldon, Essex in 1938 to Frances Ellison (nee Fletcher) of Witham, Essex.
He enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve where he trained as a pilot and rose to the rank of Sergeant.
On the 9th of December 1940 nine aircraft from 115 Squadron were detailed to attack enemy shipping in the harbours of Bordeaux and L’Orient.
Julian Myers and his crew took off from RAF Marham at 5.25pm on the 9th of December 1940 in Wellington Mk IC L7895 KO-G for the operation. Eight tons of bombs were dropped on the target “with good effect”.
The crew was: -
Pilot Officer Peter Bois (Pilot)
Sergeant Julian Gilbert Keydell Myers (2nd Pilot)
Pilot Officer Macdonald (Navigator)
Sergeant Livingstone (Wireless Operator)
Sergeant Longden (Front Gunner)
Sergeant Pryor (Rear Gunner)
Three aircraft from the Squadron were lost during the operation.
Having completed its mission the aircraft landed safely back at RAF Marham where the crew disembarked and made their way to a van which was to transport them back to the station buildings. While they were doing this a sharp crack was heard and a few moments later a member of the ground crew found the body of Julian Myers who had been hit by the port propeller. His body was taken to the station mortuary.
His funeral took place on the 14th of December 1940.
He is buried at Holy Trinity Church, Marham Grave 56.