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Doulton, Michael Duke, brother of Peter Duke Doulton (qv); b. 19 Dec. 1908; adm. Sept. 1922 (A); left Apr. 1926; AMIMechE; Directorate of Aeronautical Production, Air Ministry; AAF RO (FO) 1936, recalled for service Aug. 1939; 601 Hurricane Sqdn June 1940; m. 3 Mar. 1939 Carol, d. of Paul Theodore Christie of St George's Sch. Newport, RI, USA; killed in action 31 Aug. 1940.

Michael Duke Doulton was born at Wandsworth Common, South London on the 19th of December 1908 the younger son of Orrok Mills Doulton, a pottery manufacturer, and Catherine May (nee Duke) Doulton of 37, Devere Gardens, London W8 and of Windmill House, Clapham Common in London. He was educated at Boxgrove School near Guildford and at Westminster School where he was up Ashburnham from the 22nd of September 1922 to the 30th of March 1926. He was a member of the 1st Football XI in 1925 and 1926, where he played at centre half and was awarded his School Colours in the latter year. The Elizabethan wrote the following on his 1925/26 season: - “A player with a beautiful style: knows the game and, moreover, executes his movements and passes with accuracy and correctness, but all this is done much too slowly, almost in a slovenly, laissez faire, manner. Moreover, he is painfully slow in getting back in the wake of the opposing centre forward. As a stylist the best footballer on the side – he must develop pace, energy and greater alertness. Even so has played some splendid games for the school.”
He entered an apprenticeship with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and worked for the Sentinel Service Depot from the 5th of May 1925 to the 14th of April 1927 and at the Machine and Erecting Shops, the blacksmiths and in the office for Dewrance and Co of London from the 2nd of May 1927 to the 28th of March 1929. This was followed by a period of six months further training with Messrs. Alfred Herbert Ltd of Coventry. He was elected as an Associate Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers on the 21st of November 1930 but his membership lapsed on the 30th of December 1938.
He was commissioned as a Pilot officer in 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force on the 29th of September 1931 and was promoted to Flying Officer on the 29th of March 1933. He was reputed to have been the tallest pilot in the Royal Air Force. He resigned his commission on completion of his service on the 29th of September 1936 and passed into the Reserve.
Due to his engineering experience he joined the Air Ministry in 1938 where he worked for the Directorate of Aeronautical Productions in preparing car factories for conversion to aero engine production in the event of a war.
He was married at Shrewsbury on the 3rd of March 1939 to Carol (nee Christie, later Gilbart) of Yockleton, Shrewsbury, who he had met while skiing in Switzerland; they had a son, Paul, born in April 1941. During the Battle of Britain they lived in a cottage at Fontwell, West Sussex.
He was mobilised for war service on the 24th of August 1939 and was posted to 601 (County of London) Squadron based at RAF Tangmere on the 11th of June 1940.
Michael Doulton took off from RAF Tangmere at 6.05pm on the 20th of July 1940 in Hurricane Mk I P3884 as Green 1 in B Flight with five other aircraft from the Squadron to provide an escort to a convoy. During the mission they attacked and damaged a Dornier 17. While 25 miles to the south of Selsey Bill they spotted a Heinkel 59 seaplane at 7.20pm which was attacked by Michael Doulton who fired a five second burst at it from 300 yards before closing to between 100 and 150 yards where he fired another five second burst by which time the enemy aircraft was 100 feet above the sea. The enemy aircraft eventually crashed into the sea.
On his return to base at 7.40pm he wrote the following combat report: -
“B Flight took off at 18.05 to escort convoy and about 19.20 E/A was sighted – Green Section formed line astern. The E/A, a twin float – twin engined seaplane He59 was painted white all over, with large black civil type markings D-AKAR on the top of top plane and sides of fuselage and fin and Red Cross on to main plane., fuselage and fin and a small swastika on top of fin. During second stern attack flames burst from centre of fuselage, E/A appeared to stall and 4 crew jumped from nose and neck of fuselage. None of their parachutes opened and Green 3 was unable to see the crew swimming. It may be assumed that they were all killed on impact with the sea”.
On the 11th of August 1940, Michael Doulton took off from RAF Tangmere as Green 1 with B Flight. At 10.30am they encountered enemy aircraft – “too many to estimate correctly” flying at between 15,000 and 25,000 feet, some 20 to 25 miles to the south of Swanage. During the ensuing engagement he attacked and damaged two Messerschmitt Bf110 aircraft. He had fired four bursts of three to five seconds during the engagement at ranges of between 300 and 150 yards and had expended a total of 2,400 rounds of ammunition.
On his return to base at 11.15am he filed the following handwritten combat report: -
“As Green 1 I led the R.H. section of the Sqdn – At approx 10.30 hrs the Sqdn sighted a mass of aircraft stepped up and about 10 miles south of 601. (Vis – 30-40 miles practically no cloud out to sea). Interception was assisted by streaks of white exhaust cloud indicating top of E/A formation at approx 25,000’. As the centre layers of the enemy formation appeared to be hotly engaged Green section climbed from 21,000’ to 25,000’ and engaged one of the two top formations of Me110 (6-9 in each section) which had already formed into defensive circles. I saw several isolated E/A about 1,000’ above and ½ mile to the outside of those under. I opened fire on the tail of 1 Me110 at close range and saw trails of white smoke from the starboard engine. As the Me110 broke formation and dived I ceased fire and opened fire at a second Me110 with no apparent result. While circling, this Me110 lost considerable height and I found myself inside another circle of Me110’s. I opened fire at close range on one Me110 and saw white smoke coming from the port engine. This Me110 also broke away from the central and circling aircraft. I opened fire at a fourth Me110, having lost more height, but did not see any effect and while firing ran out of ammunition. During the combat I saw at least six wrecks in the sea either burning or just emerald green patches. I also saw several Hurricanes on the tails of E/A but was unable to identify either Green 2 or Green 3. Both the Tangmere ground station and I called for Green 2 and 3 but neither replied. Landed Tangmere 11.15 hours. Starboard petrol tank of my Hurricane pierced by one bullet and although entry and exit holes are large and jagged the self sealing compound prevented any appreciable loss of petrol.”
On the 13th of August 1940, Michael Doulton took off from RAF Tangmere at 6.30am in Hurricane Mk I P3884 as Green 1 in B Flight with four other aircraft from the Squadron. At 6.45am they sighted two formations of enemy aircraft, one of 21 twin engined aircraft and another made up of 18 Junkers 88 aircraft flying at heights of between 10,000 and 15,000 feet, some 5 to 10 miles to the north of Midhurst, Sussex. During the fighting which followed he fired 3 bursts of 5 seconds at between 400 and 200 yards resulting in he and Flight Lieutenant Hope sharing in the probable destruction of a Junkers 88. His aircraft was damaged during the combat. He landed back at base at 7.05am and filed the following combat report: - “As Green 1 I led the section line astern of the Squadron. At approx 6.40 while flying north 2 large formations of E/A was seen approx 5 miles away at 2 o’clock. As Red leader headed for the compact E/A formation, the second formation peeled off in front of me with diving brakes down (JU88). I turned left and followed one Ju88 in a steep dive but had no difficulty in overtaking it. My first burst from dead astern made the Ju88 pull out of his dive and my windscreen was covered with black oil. The Ju88 then levelled out and slowed to 150 mph enabling me to close in and get two long and steady bursts from direct astern, answering fire from the rear gunner ceased during my long burst and the Ju88 dived gently into the clouds and I lost it. We took off at 06.30 and landed 07.05 at Tangmere. Action took place above 10/10 cloud. When my ammunition was finished I watched a Ju88 hit and set on fire by a Hurricane, three of the crew jumped and their parachutes opened above cloud, 5 miles north of Goodwood the ju88 ½ rolled and dived almost vertically in flames.”
At 11.50am on the same day, he took off from RAF Tangmere in Hurricane Mk I P3884 as Green 1 in B Flight with five other aircraft from the Squadron. Shortly after taking off they intercepted a formation of more than 30 Messerschmitt Bf110s and Bf109s flying at between 20,000 and 25,000 feet to the west of Swanage at 12.05pm. During the dog fight which followed he claimed to have damaged a MeBf110 with a 2 second burst of fire at a range of 100 yards. He landed back at base at 1.05pm and filed the following handwritten combat report: - “As Green 1 I led the astern section of the Squadron. At 12.05 a large mass of A/C seen 5 miles to the S.W. of us. Ordered section line astern, climbed into the sun and engaged Me110s at 22,000’ which had formed defensive half circles. On getting inside circle I had no difficulty in turning inside the Me110 and had good position but turn was so tight that firing was very difficult. Me110s dived on me but more often ended up beneath. After nearly 10 minutes managed to get on 1 Me110’s tail. This aircraft immediately rolled on its back and as he fell out of the roll I gave him a burst at about 100 yds range. Smoke and slight flame seen in cockpit of this Me110. Turning away to re-engage I lost sight of the remainder of E/A. Landed Tangmere 13.05.
On the 15th of August 1940, Michael Doulton took off from RAF Tangmere at 5.05pm in Hurricane Mk I P3884 as Green 1 in B Flight with five other aircraft from the Squadron. During their patrol they spotted 12 Junkers 88 aircraft at 17,000 feet over Bishops’ Waltham at 5.40pm. During the ensuing fight he claimed a half share in the destruction of a Junkers 88. He landed back at base at 6.15pm and filed the following handwritten combat report: - “As Green 1 I led the section astern of the Sqdn. Practically no cloud but mist up to 10,000’. At 17.30 hrs Sqdn of E/A bombers seen passing over Spithead. We were at 20,000’ and what appeared to be a large number of E/A were seen out to sea and apparently already engaged. Green section followed Red section closely into a quarter attack on the E/A bomber Sqdn. No E/A fighters appeared to follow their bombers inland. The E/A were in a tight and level V with one straggler 1,000’ below and ½ mile astern. Although we were slightly above the formation it was necessary to use full throttle to gain slowly on them. The formation wheeled right during my first attack and my sighting was upset by slip stream effects. The group of right hand bombers jettisoned their bombs. After some time four Ju88s broke formation and dived. I got onto the tail of the last of these. He dived very steeply but I got in a steady burst dead astern. We both pulled out near Southampton balloons. He then started evasions which were merely steep dives and climbing turns. My next bursts were slight deflections on both sides of the fuselage; oil poured from the engines and covered my windscreen. During the next burst at 100 yds range streams of dense white smoke poured from the wing tips. I imagined this was done purposely to make the fighter think the aircraft was burning. On my final burst he dived steeply and landed in a stubble field on a hill south of Winchester. Just before landing he jettisoned incendiary bombs. Four of the crew were seen walking around the crashed A/C. I circled low and fired several white Verey cartridges to call the attention of people on the ground. F/O Clyde assisted in shooting down this E/A and he witnessed the landing. I landed Tangmere 18.20hrs”
The enemy aircraft was Junkers 88 L1+BM of 4/LG1 which was on a mission to bomb Tangmere and Westhampnett airfields. The enemy aircraft crashed at Twyford where the crew of Unteroffizier E. Poggensee, Unteroffizier E. Kusche, Unteroffizier H. Burkhardt and Unteroffizier R. Muller were captured.
On the 16th of August 1940, Michael Doulton took off from RAF Tangmere at 12.25pm in Hurricane Mk I P3884 as Green 1 in B Flight with five other aircraft from the Squadron for a patrol. Once airborne they encountered 30 to 40 Junkers 87 “Stukas” between Tangmere and Selsey Bill. During the ensuing combat he was engaged at heights from between 13,000 and 1,000 feet during which he claimed to have destroyed one Junkers 87 and to have damaged two more. On landing back at base at 1.10pm he filed the following handwritten combat report: -
“As Green 1 I led the section astern of the Squadron. We took off at 12.25 hrs. Horizontal visibility 8 miles. While patrolling Selsey Bill at 20,000’ a stepped up formation of approx 40 Ju87s were seen just preparing to attack Tangmere from 12/13,000’. Following several down I got on ones’ tail and gave him a 5 sec burst from dead astern. Black smoke formed from the wing roots and he gradually caught fire and dived down and away 4 miles S.W. of Tangmere. I did not see this Ju87 crash. I then was amongst about 8 Ju87 who were all employing evasive tactics. I gave another a burst from close range dead astern and saw my bullets above and below both wing roots of which rounds entered the wings and fuselage and he jettisoned a large bomb near a bungalow at Selsey. Another Hurricane attacked this Ju87. I attacked another Ju87 about 1,000’ over the sea but ran out of ammunition. I continued to dive on this Ju87 but was unable to force it into the sea. While I was doing this I saw another Hurricane also very low down chasing another Ju87. This Ju87 eventually dived into the sea and I saw two Nazis floating by the wreckage about 2 miles south of the Selsey Wreck. I landed Tangmere 13.20 hours.”
On the 31st of August 1940 Michael Doulton took off from RAF Debden at 12.25pm in Hurricane Mk I R4215 with five other aircraft from the Squadron for an interception. At 1.15pm they were heavily engaged with enemy aircraft during which three of the Squadron’s aircraft were shot down in flames with all three pilots escaping by parachute with only one having suffered injuries. They claimed to have destroyed four enemy aircraft during the engagement, probably destroyed three more and to have damaged another two. Michael Doulton’s aircraft was last seen over the Thames estuary at 1.30pm. He is thought to have been shot down by a Messerschmitt Bf109.
His mother received the following telegram dated the 2nd of September 1940: -“Regret to inform you that your son Flying Officer Michael Duke Doulton is reported as missing as the result of air operations on August 31st 1940. Any further information will be immediately communicated to you. Should news of him reach you from any source please inform this department. His wife is being informed.”
In a letter dated the 2nd of September 1940, Carol Doulton wrote: - “Although I shall wait another 24 hours before telling his family and leaving here, I am sure that he is dead. I pray that he came down into the sea and that he will just vanish. I have no desire for the horror of bodies and funerals to come between me and my last happy memories of Michael young and strong and confident. Don't waste grief on me. Remember that I have a child to look forward to and that I've had eighteen months of wonderful happiness. And I am too proud of Michael to be unhappy in a petty way."
On the 27th of April 1984, an aircraft was excavated to the south of Wennington Church, near Romford, Essex. It proved to be Hurricane Mk I R4215 and Michael Doulton's remains were still in the cockpit. He was cremated in a private ceremony at Hastings in June 1984 and his ashes were interred at Salehurst churchyard.
He is buried at Salehurst Cemetery Grave 133B.

Dugdale, Joseph, son of Joseph Dugdale, cotton manufacturer, of Blackburn, Lancs, and Edith Berry of Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire; b. 7 Jan. 1914; adm. Jan. 1928 (H); left Dec. 1928; North­ampton Engineering Coll., Islington; PO RAF July 1937, FO Feb. 1939, Flight Lieut. Sept. 1940, Temp. Sqdn Ldr Dec. 1941; DFC May 1942 for night attacks on German base at Trondheim; killed in action 26 July 1943.

Joseph Dugdale was born at Blackburn, Lancashire on the 7th of January 1914 the only son of Joseph Dugdale, a cotton manufacturer, and Edith (nee Berry) Dugdale of Park House, 2 East Park Road, Blackburn.
He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Homeboarders from January 1928 to December 1928. He went on to the Northampton Engineering College, Islington. He was commissioned as an Acting Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force on the 7th of September 1936 and was confirmed in his rank on the 13th of July 1937. He was promoted to Flying Officer on the 13th of February 1939 and was transferred to the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on the 13th of July 1940. He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant on the 3rd of September 1940 and to Squadron Leader on the 1st of December 1941.
He was serving with 97 Squadron when he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his part in two night attacks on an enemy naval base at Trondheim. His award was announced by the Air Ministry on the 29th of May 1942 and the citation read: - “This officer has completed numerous operational missions, including 2 attacks by night on the German naval base at Trondheim in April, 1942. On the latter occasion, he commanded a formation of bombers and he played a large part in the success achieved. Recently he successfully carried out a minelaying mission in extremely unfavourable weather. This officer has performed excellent work and has contributed materially to the high standard and efficiency of his flight.”
He later transferred to 90 Squadron.
On the night of the 25th/26th of July 1943, Bomber Command dispatched 294 Lancasters, 211 Halifaxes, 104 Stirlings, 67 Wellingtons and 19 Mosquitos for an operation on Essen. The operation was considered to have been a success with heavy damage being achieved in the industrial areas in the eastern part of the city with the Krupps works received its most damaging raid of the war. 51 other industrial buildings were destroyed with a further 81 being damaged. 2,852 houses were destroyed with 500 people being killed on the ground. A further 12 people were missing and 1,208 were injured.
Joseph Dugdale and his crew took off from RAF West Wickham at 11.37pm on the 25th of July 1943 in Stirling Mk III EE904 WP-S for the operation. The aircraft is believed to have crashed into the North Sea in the area of Great Yarmouth.
The crew was: -
Squadron Leader Joseph Dugdale DFC (Pilot)
Flight Sergeant James Ferguson Bowman RNZAF (Rear Gunner)
Flying Officer Patrick Hector Conroy (Navigator)
Flying Officer Henry Alington Disbrowe (Air Bomber)
Flight Sergeant David Geoffrey Evans RAAF (2nd Pilot)
Sergeant Desmond Frank Augustus Hobbs (Flight Engineer)
Flight Sergeant James Hamilton Keeley RNZAF (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner)
Sergeant Norman Albert Young (Mid Upper Gunner)
Theirs was one of twenty six aircraft which failed to return from the raid.
It is believed that the aircraft collided with Halifax Mk II JD169 from 102 Squadron over the North Sea but it is not known whether it was during the outward or inward leg of their journey. The bodies of three of the crew were recovered from the sea some 15 miles off the coast near Yarmouth; the bodies of four of the crew from the 102 Squadron aircraft were recovered at the same time.
Norman Young’s body was washed ashore at Southwold, Suffolk with those of James Keeley and Henry Disbrowe also washing ashore on the English coast.
He is commemorated on the war memorial at Blackburn.
He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial Panel 158.

Edwards, Edward Cecil Theodore, son of Rev. Robert Stephen Edwards, Vicar of Northmoor, Oxon., and Anne Rosalie Tannatt, d. of Thomas Pryce of Llanymynech, Montgom.; b. 5 Aug. 1905; adm. Sept. 1919 (A); left July 1924; Ch. Ch. Oxf., matric. 1924; rowed against Cambridge 1925-7; PO RAF Apr. 1926, FO Oct. 1928, Flt Lieut. Dec. 1932, Sqdn Ldr June 1937; temp. Wing Cdr June 1940; winner King's Cup air race 1931; killed in action over Holland 30 Aug. 1940.

Edward Cecil Theodore “Sphinx” Edwards was born at Prestatyn, Wales on the 5th of August 1905 the second son of the Reverend Robert Stephen Edwards, Vicar of Westcote Barton, and Anne Rosalie Tannatt (nee Pryce) Edwards of Westcote Barton, Rectory, later of 25, St Margaret’s Road, Oxford and of 56, Elsham Road, Kensington in London. He was christened at Westcote Barton on the 13th of September 1905. He was educated at the Dragon School, Oxford from January 1913 to July 1919 and at Westminster School where he was up Ashburnham from September 1919 to July 1924. He was a member of 1st Rowing VIII where he rowed at bow in 1922 and was awarded his Colours in the same year. He rowed at stroke in 1923 and at No. 4 in 1924 and was The Head of Water in the same year. The Elizabethan wrote the following on his 1923 season:- “As a stroke he gave his crew a certain amount of length and rhythm, but he was unable to keep them going at a fast stroke. He is a hard worker, and will improve if he can get out of the habit of pushing away his slide at the beginning of the stroke, and tearing out the finish with his arms.” They wrote the following on his 1924 season: - “A good waterman with a nice easy swing: he has rowed consistently well throughout the term. As Head of Water his keenness and good sense have been invaluable: and the success of the crew has largely been due to his example.”
He matriculated for Christ Church, Oxford in 1924 where stroked the College crew which won the Coxwainless IVs in 1925 and in 1926. He rowed against Cambridge in the University boat races of 1925, 1926 and 1927 and was awarded a “Blue” in 1925. He was appointed as Secretary to the Oxford University Boat Club in 1927. He joined the Oxford University Air Squadron and was their first member to qualify as a pilot when he was awarded Royal Aero Club Certificate (No. 8187) at the London Aeroplane Club on the 30th of November 1927 while flying a DH Moth. He graduated with a BA and was later awarded a MA.
He was granted a permanent commission as a Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force on the 30th of April 1928 and was promoted to Flying Officer on the 30th of October 1928.
In 1930 he and Miss Winifred Spooner set out to prove that it was possible to fly to Cape Town in five days by flying day and night. The pair took off in Desoutter G-ABCU on the 5th of December 1930 but after sixteen hours of flying the aircraft was forced to ditch into the sea in total darkness off the coast of Belmonte Calabro in Italy. Being unable to swim, he sat on the wooden fuselage while Miss Spooner swam the mile to shore to fetch help. She returned with some local fishermen who rescued both him and the aircraft.
At around this time he was appointed as Assistant Adjutant to his Squadron.
In July 1931 he took off in Blackburn Bluebird G-AACC as one of forty starters who set out on the 1,000 mile King’s Cup Air Race. He won the race when he was the first to arrive at Heston on the 25th of July 1931. He also took part in the races of 1932, 1933, 1935, 1937 and 1938, with his closest finish being in 1933 when he was three seconds behind the winner. Later that year he was posted to the School of Naval Co-operation at Lee-on-Solent.
He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant on the 1st of December 1932 and entered the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell in 1935, passing out the following year. He was promoted to Squadron Leader on the 1st of June 1937.
On the outbreak of war he was serving with 53 Squadron and was posted to France. The Squadron returned to England in May 1940 after the retreat to Dunkirk where they were based at RAF Detling. He was promoted to temporary Wing Commander on the 1st of June 1940.
On the 31st of August 1940, five crews from 53 Squadron were briefed at RAF Detling for an attack on fuel storage tanks at Vlaardingen, Rotterdam. Having made their attack they were due to return to base at 9.45pm.
Edward Edwards and his crew took off from RAF Detling at 7.30pm on the 31st of August 1940 in Blenheim Mk IV T1940 for the operation. He was leading the formation and was last seen when the formation broke up shortly before making their bombing runs. The aircraft crashed and burned out at Waalhaven near Vlaardingen killing all on board and was identified by the Red Cross in October 1940 by one of its engine numbers.
The crew was: -
Wing Commander Edward Cecil Theodore Edwards (Pilot)
Sergeant Lionel Lewis Benjamin (Observer)
Sergeant John Thomas Beesley (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner)
His father received the following telegram dated the 1st of September 1940: -“Regret to inform you that your son Wing Commander Edward Cecil Theodore Edwards is reported as missing as the result of air operations on 31 August 1940. Letter follows. Any further information received will be immediately communicated to you. Should news of him reach you from any source please inform this department.”
The crew was buried in one coffin at Reljshedijk, Rotterdam but their bodies were exhumed by the Germans on the 12th of June 1941 and were reburied at their present location on the following day.
His commanding officer later wrote to his mother: - “You will be pleased to hear that your son was leading a Flight of his Squadron against the enemy and that the Squadron which your son commanded has done magnificent work due to his excellent leadership and example.”
A tribute to him was written by A.C.C. and appeared in the Times of the 7th of October 1940: - “Cecil Edwards had found his way out of so many tight places that when he was reported “missing” on August 31st his friends could hardly imagine that he would not reappear; but the news now received seems conclusive. He was not only one of the “few” in Mr Churchill’s imperishable phrase, be he bore a special relation to them, for he gave them a lead by joining the R.A.F. immediately on going down, having been the first member of the Oxford Air Squadron to qualify as a pilot. He then trained many of them and took an active part in the Air Ministry in organizing the expansion of the R.A.F; and he fell leading them in action. It seemed so entirely natural that he should be in the forefront of action in all these ways that his friends now realize how substantive a contribution he has made to our cause. He was an artist in action, and so absorbed in it that his very modesty was unconscious, and he was a perfect friend.”
His brother, Captain John Oswald Valentine Edwards OW, East Surrey Regiment attached to the Burma Frontier Force, was killed in action on the 10th of April 1942.
He and his brother are commemorated on a stone in the churchyard at Westcote Barton and on the war memorials at the Dragon School and at Christ Church, Oxford.
He is buried at Crooswijk General Cemetery, Rotterdam Plot LL, Row I, Grave 5.

Edwards, John Oswald Valentine, brother of Edward Cecil Theodore Edwards (qv); b. 14 Feb. 1912; adm. Jan. 1926 (A), (B) Sept. 1926; left July 1930; Keble Coll. Oxf., matric. 1930, BA 1933, MA 1937; 2nd Lieut. E. Surrey Regt Jan. 1932, Lieut. Jan. 1935, Capt. Jan. 1940, attached Burma Defence Force; killed in action at Paungde, Burma, 10 Apr. 1942.

John Oswald Valentine Edwards was born at Oxford, Oxfordshire on the 14th of February 1912 the third and youngest son of the Reverend Robert Stephen Edwards, Vicar of Westcote Barton, and Anne Rosalie Tannatt (nee Pryce) Edwards of Westcote Barton, Rectory, later of 25, St Margaret’s Road, Oxford and of 56, Elsham Road, Kensington in London. He was christened at the Church of St Mary and St John, Cowley on the 9th of March 1912. He was educated at the Dragon School, Oxford from May 1918 to 1919 and returned as a boarder from May 1922 to 1925. He went on to Westminster School where he was up Ashburnham from January 1926 and up Busby’s from September 1926 to July 1930. He rowed for his House in 1928, winning House Colours the following year, and was a member of the 1st Rowing VIII in 1930 where he rowed at bow and won his School Colours in the same year. The Elizabethan wrote the following of his 1930 season: - “He carried out the rowing tradition of his family in spirit if not in bulk. He hunched his shoulders and ducked his head coming forward, which is not good for breathing, nor for getting a swift beginning –and his finish tended to be awkward with the same hunch, but he was an effective oar through his good blade work, and his knowledge of how to drive.”
He was a member of the Officer Training Corps and was promoted to Lance Corporal in September 1930.
He matriculated for Keble College, Oxford in 1930 and was awarded a BA in 1933 and a MA in 1937. He rowed for his College while he was at Oxford, winning the Challenge Pairs with E.L. Dams in 1932. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant as a University Candidate on the General List on the 7th of July 1931. He was elected as a member of the London Rowing Club in 1932.
He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant to the East Surrey Regiment from the General List on the 28th of October 1933, with seniority from the 28th of January 1932. He was promoted to Lieutenant on the 28th of January 1935. He served in India from 1935 to 1937 and then at Khartoum in the Sudan. He was seconded to the Burma Defence Force and was transferred to the Special Employed List. He served as the second in command of the Myitkyina Battalion, Burma Frontier Force from the 11th of July 1938 and was drafted to Rangoon where large scale riots were taking place that month. He was promoted to Captain on the 28th of January 1940.
Towards the end of 1940, the Regiment was reorganised and he was transferred to Frontier Force 2 (F.F.2), Burma Frontier Force. These were mobile detachments of troops made up of independent columns, which were to engage the enemy until such time as they could be joined by regular forces. F.F.2. was responsible for the defence of the Southern Tenasserim Coast and for special missions up to the border with Thailand. John Edwards was appointed to the command of No. 1 Column. In June 1941 and the unit began looking for a suitable base in the area of the village of Thawbawleik from which to operate. The new camp was constructed and when the men moved into it John Edwards and Captain Booker began a reconnaissance of the area, with John Edwards exploring the area on foot as far as the border with Thailand. In October 1941, the unit was relieved after which it spent its time watching the tracks into Burma in case of hostilities. At this time John Edwards and No. 1 Column were based at Lenya from where they reconnoitred the tracks which ran across the Thailand/Burma border. A short time later No. 1 Column received orders to move to Hnohng Hin where they were to demolish a bridge in the event of a Japanese invasion.
The Japanese invaded Burma on the 8th of December 1941 when John Edwards reported to Headquarters that he had seen unidentified aircraft flying high over the Maw Daung Pass. The following day he received orders to move to investigate reports of Japanese forces at Prachaub Khirikhan but was ordered not to engage with any enemy forces he found there. On the 10th of December the Columns were ordered to implement the destruction of the bridges as they had planned. No. 1 Column continued towards Prachaub Khirikhan and during the night of the 12th of December heavy firing was heard from the direction the Column had taken. A short while after this, two of Edward’s men arrived back at base to report that No. 1 Column had been attacked by a large number of Japanese troops and that there had been heavy casualties amongst the Burmese. By the 15th of December John Edwards and his remaining men were back at the main camp where he reported the loss of his wireless section, along with their messages and ciphers. It was decided to cancel the operation to destroy the bridges. On the 17th of December 1941, F.F.2 left the camp and on the 21st of December a patrol from the unit was sent to investigate reports of enemy landings at Bokpyin.
With the Japanese now arriving in Burma in strength it was decided to evacuate the Burmese troops from Mergui and to concentrate them at Tavoy. F.F.2 was to cover the evacuation. On the 19th of December it was decided that Tavoy was under such a threat from the advancing Japanese that the men would be evacuated to Rangoon instead. F.F.2 was evacuated between the 20th and 22nd of January 1942. When it reached Rangoon it was sent to Pyawbwe to reorganise.
Once they had rested, John Edwards was given command of No. 2 Column which was attached to the 17th Indian Division on the 10th of February where it began its new role as a Divisional Reconnaissance unit. It was to patrol the area between the road from Kyaikto to Thaton and on the coast from Kyaikto to a track running from Theinzeik to Kadaik as far as the Bilin River. It was also to support the coast watching detachments of the Burma Auxiliary Force and of the Burma Military Police and to report immediately of any Japanese landings. John Edwards had three platoons of the Burma Military Police under his command to assist with patrolling and with the general defence of the area.
On the 16th of February 1942, the Japanese began attacking the area of the Bilin River and on the 18th of February John Edwards was ordered to seek out the enemy and to attack them. By the following day the 17th Division had begun a general withdrawal and ordered F.F.2. to protect its northern flank while it did so. At 2.30pm on the 21st of February No. 2 Column was heavily engaged by enemy forces. In spite of reports that his unit had been surrounded, John Edwards managed to extricate his men and lead them towards the Sittang River, engaging enemy troops near Mokpalin on the way during which his Column became scattered. They rejoined the Division at Pegu where the Column commanders reported that their men were totally demoralised. The stragglers arrived at Pegu to rejoin the column over the next several days.
On the 10th of March 1942 he was at Tharawaddy when he and his remaining 90 men were merged with F.F.6. and were attached to the 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment where they were to form a rearguard in defence of the Division’s continuing withdrawal. They followed the 17th Division’s withdrawal themselves during which time they ambushed a number of Japanese troops at Letpadan on the 18th of March causing heavy casualties amongst them. They rejoined the Division on the 30th of March at Prome. John Edwards was killed during a Japanese attack on the town of Paungde, just to the south of Prome.
A friend wrote: - “I always thought that Oswald was a great character and a most entertaining and interesting man, one of the few I really regarded as a friend. How well I remember his decided views on life and the arguments we used to have together!”
His brother, Wing Commander Edward Cecil Theodore Edwards OW, 53 Squadron, Royal Air Force, was killed in action on the 31st of August 1940.
He and his brother are commemorated on a stone in the churchyard at Westcote Barton and on the war memorials at the Dragon School and at Keble College, Oxford. He is also commemorated on the war memorial at the London Rowing Club.
He is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial Face 13.

Elliot, Herbert Hugh, son of Hugh Samuel Roger Elliot, author, of Chislehurst, Kent, and Rose Maud, d. of N. Chesterfield; b. 3 June 1909; adm. Sept. 1921 (H); left 1927; Trin. Coll. Camb., matric. 1927, BA 1930; PO RAFVR June 1942; m. 1939 Kate Marjorie, d. of Rev. Vernon Iles of South Marston, Wilts; killed in an air accident in Kenya 13 July 1942.

Herbert Hugh Elliot was born at Hove, West Sussex on the 3rd of June 1909 the only son of Hugh Samuel Roger Elliot, an author, and Rosa Maud (nee Chesterfield) Elliot of 15, Bede House, Manor Fields, Putney. He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Homeboarders from September 1921 to 1927 and was a member of the Chess team in 1925 and 1926. He matriculated for Trinity College, Cambridge where he was admitted as an Entrance Exhibitioner on a Westminster Exhibition on the 1st of October 1927. He was awarded a BA in 1930.
He was married in south London in 1939 to Kate Marjorie (nee Iles) of “Abbots Cot”, Bourne End in Buckinghamshire. He was elected as a member of the London Rowing Club in 1932. He was elected as a member of the committee in 1938 and rowed in the Thames Cup in 1937, 1938 and 1939.
He enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve where he trained as an Observer and rose to the rank of Sergeant before being commissioned as a Pilot Officer on the 12th of October 1941.
Herbert Elliott and his crew took off on the 13th of July 1942 in Blenheim Mk IV V5869 with two other Blenheims from the unit to practice low level attacks. They had been briefed that they were not to fly below 50 feet. The aircraft was making a mock attack on a vehicle on the Isiolo to Marsabit road, near Nanyuki in Kenya when it struck a tree and crashed at 10.45am killing all on board.
The crew was:-
Sergeant Lyndley Dawson Craven RAAF (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner)
Pilot Officer Herbert Hugh Elliott (Observer)
Flying Officer Eric Arthur Main (Pilot)
A telegram was sent to D, H. Hopgood dated the 15th April 1942: - “Deeply regret to inform you that Pilot Officer Herbert Hugh Elliott is reported to have lost his life as he result of an aircraft accident on 13/7/42. The Air Council express their profound sympathy. His wife has been informed.”
The accident was attributed to pilot having disobeyed his orders as the aircraft was seen to descend below 50 feet while making its dummy attack. As a result of the accident the unit was ordered not to fly below 100 feet during future exercises of the same type.
He is commemorated on the war memorial at Trinity College, Cambridge and on the memorial at the London Rowing Club.
He is buried at Nanyuki War Cemetery Row 1 Grave 34.

Ellissen, Francis Lyon Gordon, son of Arthur Victor Ellissen, member Lond. Stock Exchange, of Richmond, Surrey, and Irene Maude Mary, d. of George Lyon Begbie; b. 26 May 1918; adm. Jan. 1932 (A); left. July 1935; RNVR in WW2; lost in the sinking by enemy action of SS Laconia 12 Sept. 1942.

Francis Lyon Gordon Ellissen was born at Richmond, Surrey on the 26th of May 1918 the son of Arthur Victor Sampson Ellissen MC MP, a barrister at law, and Irene Maude Mary (nee Begbie) Ellissen, an artist, of 6, Cardigan Road, Richmond. He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Ashburnham from January 1932 to July 1935. On leaving school he worked as a commercial artist.
Following the outbreak of war he enlisted in the Royal Navy, was trained as a gunner and was attached to the 19,695 ton passenger liner SS Laconia.
The SS Laconia, under the command of Master Rudolph Sharp OBE, sailed from the Middle East bound for Liverpool, and stopped at Capetown before setting sail for Freetown. She was unescorted and was carrying 136 crewmen, 80 civilians, 268 military personnel, including nurses, and 1,809 Italian prisoners guarded by 160 Polish troops; she was also carrying 200 tons of general cargo.
At 10.20pm on the 12th of September 1942, the SS Laconia was sailing some 360 miles to the north, northeast of the Ascension Islands when she was struck by a torpedo which had been fired by the U-Boat U-156, under the command of Kapitänleutnant Werner Hartenstein. The torpedo struck her in the hold on the starboard side, killing many of the Italian prisoners in the explosion. She began to list to starboard and, as Captain Sharp was regaining control of her, she was struck in her Number 2 hold by a second torpedo. With the forecastle now awash, Sharp issued the order to abandon ship with the women, children and the wounded taking to the lifeboats. 32 lifeboats had been destroyed by the explosions. At 11.11pm the ship sank by the bow leaving hundreds of survivors in the water. Although estimates vary, between 1,658 and 1,757 passengers and crew are thought to have lost their lives in the attack.
He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Memorial Panel 68, Column 1.

Elliston, Francis Albert Neville, son of Sir George Sampson Elliston MC MP, barrister-at-law, of Elmsett, Suffolk, and Alice Louise, d. of Joseph Causton DL of Bickley, Kent; b. 10 Mar. 1907; adm. Sept. 1920 (H); left July 1923; St Catb. Coll. Camb., matric. 1923, BA 1926, MA 1930; sec. Public Dental Assn of Gt Britain 1939; E. Lancs Regt 1940-3, Parachute Regt 1943 (Capt.); m. 22 Oct. 1935 Mary Muir, d. of Robert James Muir Wilson of St Helen's, Lancs; killed in action (Normandy) 8 June 1944.

Francis Albert Neville Elliston was born at Paddington, London on the 10th of March 1907 the second son of Sir George Sampson Elliston MC, MP, MA, DL, JP, barrister at law, and Lady Alice Louise (nee Causton) Elliston of 1, Warrington Crescent, Lancaster Gate, later of 40, Heathcroft, Golders green in Middlesex. He was christened at Christ Church, Lancaster Gate on the 11th of April 1907.
He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Homeboarders from September 1920 to July 1923 and rowed for the 2nd IV in 1923.
He matriculated for St Catharine’s College, Cambridge as a pensioner on the 23rd of October 1923 where he read History and Law. He rowed for the College at stroke in the second May Boat in 1925 and graduated with a BA on the 29th of June 1926. During his time at Cambridge he was a regular contributor of “witty and clever articles” to the Cambridge University student magazine, the “Granta”. He was also a keen member of the Oxford Group. He qualified as a barrister and worked at Lincoln’s Inn. He was awarded a MA on the 13th of June 1930.
He was married at The Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge on the 22nd of October 1934 to Mary (nee Muir-Wilson) of Windle Grange, St Helens in Lancashire; they had a son, Robin, born on the 13th of October 1936.
He enlisted as a Private in the 1/7th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment in the Territorial Army in 1939 and rose to the rank of Corporal before attending the 168th Officer Cadet Training Unit from where he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the East Lancashire Regiment on the 10th of February 1940. He was promoted to Lieutenant on the 1st of June 1943. He volunteered for airborne training and attended Course No. 72 at RAF Ringway from the 12th to the 23rd of July 1943. The instructors noted that Francis Elliston was a: - “Fine type of officer and a good parachutist”.
The 13th Battalion, Parachute Regiment landed at Drop Zone N, to the north of the village of Ranville, in Normandy at 12.50am on the 6th of June 1944. The Battalion assembled and moved off from their rendezvous point on the drop zone at 2.30am with Ranville reported as having been cleared of the enemy by 3am. The Battalion was still holding the area around Ranville on the 8th of June when Francis Ellison was shot in the chest and killed at 11.30am.
His Colonel wrote: - “All of us, officers and men, have lost one of our best friends and a most able and efficient comrade.”
The Westminster school magazine, the “Elizabethan”, wrote of him: - “At one time he was actively engaged in the services of the Oxford Group, in which, as indeed in all his work, his cheerful disposition and capacity for friendship won for him the deep affection of a wide circle.”
The St Catharine’s College magazine wrote: -
“He was educated at Westminster before coming to S. Catharine's where his cheerfulness and determination proved a potent force in College rowing. But at heart he was a crusader, and as one he went into the war. For a time he held a commission in The East Lancashire Regiment, then recruited mainly from his father's constituency, but he transferred to the Parachute Regiment and led the Normandy invasion. Less than forty eight hours after dropping he was killed.”
He is commemorated on the St Helens Roll of Honour and on the war memorials at Lincoln’s Inn and at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge.
He is buried at Ranville War Cemetery Plot IA, Row E Grave 12.

Evans, David Christopher, son of Charles Evans, publisher, of Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey, and Rose Elizabeth, d. of William Callaghan of Leytonstone, Essex; b. 28 Mar. 1922; adm. Sept. 1935 (G); left July 1940; PO RAFVR Mar. 1942; killed in action in a raid on Bremen June 1942.

David Christopher Evans was born at Walton-on-Thames, Surrey on the 28th of March 1922 the fifth and youngest son of Charles Seddon Evans, a publisher, and Rose Elizabeth (nee Callaghan) Evans of Bilders Farm, Ewhurst in Surrey.
He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Grant’s from September 1935 to July 1940. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve where he trained as a pilot and rose to the rank of Leading Aircraftman before being commissioned as a Pilot Officer on the 7th of March 1942. He was posted to No. 15 Operational Training Unit as an instructor.
On the night of the 26th/26th of June 1942, Bomber Command dispatched 472 Wellingtons, 124 Halifaxes, 96 Lancasters, 69 Stirlings, 51 Blenheims, 50 Hampdens, 50 Whitleys, 24 Bostons, 20 Manchesters and 4 Mosquitos for an operation on Bremen. The force was intended to be a “1,000 bomber raid” but, in the event, 960 aircraft were sent, which included some aircraft from Operational Training Units to make up the numbers. The force was to attack the Focke Wulf factory, the A.G. Wesser shipyard, the Deschimag shipyard as well as other areas of the town and its docks. 572 houses were destroyed during the raid with a further 6,108 damaged, the vast majority of which were in the southern and eastern quarters of the city. 85 people were killed on the ground with another 497 injured and 2,378 were bombed out of their homes. Six buildings at the Focke Wulf factory were seriously damaged and one assembly shop was completely destroyed. Damage was also caused to buildings at the Atlas Werke, the Vulcan shipyard, the Norddeutsche Hutte and the Korff oil refinery.
David Evans and his crew took off from RAF Harwell at 10.41pm on the 25th of June 1942 in Wellington Mk IC DV737 for the operation. While flying in the target area at a height of 7,000 feet at 1.45am the aircraft was hit by anti aircraft fire and exploded, killing the entire crew. Parts of the wreckage fell on to the house of Frau Hoeber at 37, Stoeversand Strasse in Sebaldsbruck with the rest falling into the garden of the house where it burned out.
The crew was: -
Pilot Officer David Christopher Evans (Pilot)
Sergeant Ronald Idris Coffin (2nd Pilot)
Sergeant Thomas Phillip Morgan (Observer)
Sergeant Alfred George Leyland (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner)
Sergeant Michael Sweeney (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner)
Sergeant John McRewin Kennedy (Air Gunner)
Theirs was one of forty eight aircraft which failed to return from the raid.
His father received the following telegram date the 25th of September 1942: - “Deeply regret to inform you that according to information received through the International Red Cross Committee your son Pilot Officer David Christopher Evans is believed to have lost his life as the result of air operations on 26th June 1942. Letter confirming this telegram follows. The Air Council express their profound sympathy.”
David Evans’ body and those of two of his crew were found on the road in front of the house, with another being recovered from the bottom of the garden. Another body was found near to the air raid shelter. The bodies of the crew were collected by the local undertaker, Herr Stubbe.
The crew was buried with full military honours at Waller Cemetery near Bremen on the 2nd of July 1942. Their bodies were exhumed by No. 4 Missing Research and Enquiry Unit, Royal Air Force on the 23rd of January 1947 and were moved to their present location.
He is commemorated on his parent’s grave
He is buried at Becklingen War Cemetery Plot 26 Row G Grave 13.

Evers, Gilbert Davey, son of Harold Evers of Bromley; b. 11 Jan. 1912; adm. Sept. 1925 (B), (A) Sept. 1926; left Apr. 1929; RAFVR 1939-45 (Flt Serg., flying instructor); PO Jan. 1945; killed in air operations over Germany 28 Jan. 1945.

Gilbert Davey “Pop” Evers was born at Bromley, Kent on the 11th of January 1912 the younger son of Harold Evers, a chartered secretary, and Rhoda Skene (nee Heathcote) Evers of 6, Haven Green, Ealing in London. He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Busby’s from September 1925 and up Ashburnham from September 1926 to April 1929.
He was granted a short service commission in the Royal Air Force with the rank of Acting Pilot Officer on the 21st of October 1935 and was confirmed in his rank on the 21st of October 1936. He resigned his commission on the 11th of March 1937.
On the outbreak of war he was working as an instrument flying instructor and was lodging at 83, Grand Avenue, Hassocks in Sussex.
He enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1940 where he rose to the rank of Warrant Officer before being commissioned as a Pilot Officer on the 16th of January 1945.
On the 28th of January 1945, Bomber Command dispatched 153 Lancasters for an operation on the Gremberg railway marshalling yards at Cologne. The weather was clear and the target was hit but with some bombs overshooting.
Gilbert Evers and his crew took off from RAF Chedburgh at 10.46am on the 27th of January 1945 in Lancaster Mk I PD296 HA-B, as the Squadron’s lead aircraft for the operation. This was to be his 30th operation, the final one of his tour of operations. While the aircraft was in the target area it was hit by anti aircraft fire and crashed at 2pm at Bergisch-Gladbach, 14 kilometres to the east north east of the centre of Cologne, with the loss of all but one of the crew.
The crew was: -
Pilot Officer Gilbert Davey Evers (Pilot)
Sgt Ernest Noel James Francis (Flight Engineer)
Flying Officer Frederick J. Norton (2nd Navigator) (Wounded) (POW)
Flight Sergeant Anthony Morris (Navigator)
Flight Sergeant David Charles Allen (Air Bomber)
Flight Sergeant Eric Holland (Wireless Operator)
Sergeant Edward Bertram Barradell (Air Gunner)
Warrant Officer John Towns DFC (Air Gunner)
Theirs was one of four aircraft which were lost during the operation, one of which crash landed in liberated France.
The navigator, Frederick Norton, was the only member of the crew to survive. He had been wounded by shrapnel in the arm but landed safely by parachute and was captured. Had Gilbert Evers survived the operation he would have been stood down from further operations.
He is commemorated on the war memorial at the Church of Christ the Saviour, Ealing.
He is buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery Plot 31, Row C, Grave 1.

Eyre, Philip Colmer, brother of Ambrose Wright Eyre (qv); b. 24 Oct. 1920; adm. Sept. 1934 (H); left July 1938; Pearl Assurance Co.; Sgt Pilot RAFVR, killed in action while returning from a raid over Germany 7 Sept. 1941.

Philip Colmer Eyre was born at Bristol, Gloucestershire on the 24th of October 1920 the son of James Colmer Eyre, a wholesale stationer and bookbinder, and Annie Margaret (nee Gardner) Eyre of 142, Kensington Park Road, Kensington in London, later of 1, Landsdown Place, West Bath in Somerset. He was christened at the Wesleyan Church, Whiteladies Road, Bristol on the 12th of December 1920. He was educated at Westminster School where he was up Homeboarders from September 1934 to July 1938. He was a member of the Cricket XI in 1937 and 1938. On leaving school he accepted a post on the staff of the Secretarial Department of the Pearl Assurance Company.
He enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and was posted for pilot training to No. 2 Service Flying Training School. On completion of his training he joined 78 Squadron for operations in July 1941 and was transferred to 102 Squadron later the same year.
On the night of the 6th/7th of September 1941, Bomber Command dispatched 41 Whitleys, 18 Hampdens and 27 Wellingtons for an operation on the synthetic rubber plant at Huls, Krefeld in Germany. The weather was clear and good results were reported by the returning crews.
Phillip Eyre and his crew took off from RAF Topcliffe at 9.05pm on the 6th of September 1941 in Whitley Mk V Z6970 DY-R for the operation. The aircraft was carrying two 500lb general purpose bombs, six 250lb bombs and one hundred and forty 4lb incendiaries. The aircraft was flying to the south of Nijmegen, Holland when it was attacked by two night fighters, one flown by Unteroffizier Schienbein of 2./NJG1 and one by Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm Willi Schmale of III./NJG1. The aircraft was shot down and crashed at Sambeek near Vortum-Mullem, Noord Brabant, 26 kilometres to the north east of Helmond in Holland at 1.07am with the loss of the entire crew. Wilhelm Willi Schmale was credited with the victory, his third of an eventual eleven.
The crew was: -
Sergeant Phillip Colmer Eyre (Pilot)
Sergeant Leonard Albert Stock RCAF (Observer)
Sergeant Kenneth Pearson Withyman (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner)
Sergeant Thomas McGill (Air Gunner)
Theirs was one of eight aircraft which failed to return from the raid.
His mother received the following telegram dated the 2nd of October 1941: - “Regret to inform you that information just received through the International Red Cross states that your son Sergeant Philip Colmer Eyre previously reported missing is now reported missing but believed to have lost his life as the result of air operations. Any further information received will be immediately communicated to you.”
The crew was buried on the 9th of September 1941. Their bodies were exhumed for identification purposes by No. 2 Missing Research and Enquiry Unit, Royal Air Force on the 10th of May 1947 and were reburied at the same location.
One of his flying helmets was sold at auction on the 30th of January 2018.
He is commemorated on the Pearl Assurance war memorial.
He is buried at Woensel General Cemetery, Eindhoven Plot JJ, Grave 37.