Robert Jenkins Ltd, Masbrough
Ayres, Leonard
Haywood, Harold Helliwell, George Alfred Hemming, Thomas John Hudson, George James, Harry Norman Jenkins, Alfred Noel Nicholson, Leslie Straw, Isaac Ronald Swancott, Albert Taylor, Harold Twigg, Leonard Eric Whittaker, Alfred Ernest Woodhouse, Ernest |
Additional Details
Leonard Ayres (1505092)
Royal Air Force - 61 Sqdn. 6 December 1944, aged 22 Lancaster aircraft lost on a mission to Germany Hanover War Cemetery Harold Haywood (798225) Royal Army Service Corps 28 May 1940, aged 28 KIA in the Dunkirk action Oostduinkerke Communal Cemetery John Alfred Helliwell (1549598) Royal Air Force - 630 Sqdn. 24 July 1944, aged 22 Lancaster aircraft lost on a mine laying operation in the sea Runnymede Memorial Thomas John Hemming (1136482) Royal Artillery - 70 Field Regt. 13 September 1944, aged 21 Died during the Italian Campaign Gradara War Cemetery George Hudson (1080378) Royal Air Force - 11 O.T.U. 15 March 1944, aged 23 Wellington aircraft crashing on a night training flight after a mid air collision with a Stirling returning from a mission to France Rotherham (Masbrough) Cemetery Harry Norman James (14727081) Lincolnshire Regiment - 1st Bn. 27 November 1945, aged 21 Died after the end of WWII hostilities. Reported as being shot by a sniper in the Indonesian struggle for independence. Jakarta War Cemetery Alfred Neal Jenkins (7898) Royal Army Service Corps 26 April 1941, aged 38 Lost at Sea during the Greek Campaign Athens Memorial |
Leslie Hamilton Nicholson (1066387)
Royal Air Force - 23 O.T.U. 28 December 1942, aged 20 Wellington aircraft crashed on a training flight Rotherham (Moorgate) Cemetery Isaac Ronald Straw (14579366) Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) - 7th Bn. 26 September 1944, aged 19 KIA in Belgium Turnhout Communal Cemetery Albert Swancott (T/10667354) Royal Army Service Corps 9 October 1944, aged 23 Died of wounds in Italy Cesena War Cemetery Harold Taylor (T/137004) Royal Army Service Corps 28 July 1944, aged 26 Died on active service in Italy Bari War Cemetery Leonard Eric Twigg (1681108) Royal Air Force - 239 Sqdn. 23 February 1945, aged 23 Crash on landing after returning from a mission to Germany Brinsworth (St George) Churchyard Alfred Ernest Whittaker (14711080) Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry - 1st Bn. 11 September 1944, aged 18 KIA in Belgium Schoonselhof Cemetery Ernest Woodhouse (T/10679483) Royal Army Service Corps 25 November 1942, aged 20 KIA in the Tunisian Campaign Massicault War Cemetery |
Leonard Ayres - 1505092
Leonard Ayres was born in 1922 in Rotherham, youngest of three children of Albert Ayres and Ethel May (nee Howard) of 10 South Crescent, East Dene, Rotherham.
He was in the Royal Air Force as a Sergeant (Air Gunner) with 61 Squadron. On 6 December 1944 he was mid-upper gunner on Avro Lancaster ME725 with squadron markings of QR-G. The aircraft was airborne from Skellingthorpe at 16:39 on a No 5 Group attack on Germany to Giessen town centre and railway yards. There were 255 Lancasters and 10 Mosquitos involved in the attack, of which eight Lancasters were lost. Ayres’ aircraft was attacked by a night fighter over the target at about 8,000 feet, receiving cannon fire in the area of the wireless operator and mid-upper gunner positions. It is believed that a Messerschmitt Bf 110 piloted by Dieter Erichsen was responsible for the attack. The Lancaster aircraft crashed north-east of the target area just outside the village of Ilschhausen at 20:35. Five of the crew baled out to become prisoners of war.
Sgt Leonard Ayres, aged 22, was one of two fatalities, both of whom were still in the aircraft when it crashed. Their bodies were taken to the local fire station and buried the next day in the local cemetery at Hachborn. After the war his coffin was moved to the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery and he now lies in Hanover War Cemetery.
Note
The other crew were:
F/O Clarence Armfield Donnelly RAAF (Pilot) – 421844 – POW
F/Lt Jacob Herbert Vincent RAAF (Navigator) – 413696 - POW
F/Sgt Ronald Gerald Devereaux Brock (Bombardier) – 1286271 - POW
Sgt Albert Henry Steers (Flight Engineer) – 1819122– killed
F/Sgt Francis Douglas Green RAAF (Radio Operator) – 432170 - POW
Sgt J. Thomas Kerrigan (Tail Gunner) - 1537753 - POW
He was in the Royal Air Force as a Sergeant (Air Gunner) with 61 Squadron. On 6 December 1944 he was mid-upper gunner on Avro Lancaster ME725 with squadron markings of QR-G. The aircraft was airborne from Skellingthorpe at 16:39 on a No 5 Group attack on Germany to Giessen town centre and railway yards. There were 255 Lancasters and 10 Mosquitos involved in the attack, of which eight Lancasters were lost. Ayres’ aircraft was attacked by a night fighter over the target at about 8,000 feet, receiving cannon fire in the area of the wireless operator and mid-upper gunner positions. It is believed that a Messerschmitt Bf 110 piloted by Dieter Erichsen was responsible for the attack. The Lancaster aircraft crashed north-east of the target area just outside the village of Ilschhausen at 20:35. Five of the crew baled out to become prisoners of war.
Sgt Leonard Ayres, aged 22, was one of two fatalities, both of whom were still in the aircraft when it crashed. Their bodies were taken to the local fire station and buried the next day in the local cemetery at Hachborn. After the war his coffin was moved to the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery and he now lies in Hanover War Cemetery.
Note
The other crew were:
F/O Clarence Armfield Donnelly RAAF (Pilot) – 421844 – POW
F/Lt Jacob Herbert Vincent RAAF (Navigator) – 413696 - POW
F/Sgt Ronald Gerald Devereaux Brock (Bombardier) – 1286271 - POW
Sgt Albert Henry Steers (Flight Engineer) – 1819122– killed
F/Sgt Francis Douglas Green RAAF (Radio Operator) – 432170 - POW
Sgt J. Thomas Kerrigan (Tail Gunner) - 1537753 - POW
Harold Haywood - 798225
Harold Haywood was born in 1912, fourth child of stone repairer Clement Hobson Haywood and his wife Lottie Jane (nee Taylor). He was married in 1938 to Louisa Ann Haywood, of 15 Boston Castle Grove, Rotherham.
Harold served initially with the Royal Artillery and was later a Driver with the Royal Army Service Corps when he was sent with the British Expeditionary Force to France in 1940. He was killed in action between 28 May 1940 and 2 June 1940 and now lies in Oostduinkerke Communal Cemetery, Belgium, about 13 miles east of Dunkirk. He was 28 years old.
Harold served initially with the Royal Artillery and was later a Driver with the Royal Army Service Corps when he was sent with the British Expeditionary Force to France in 1940. He was killed in action between 28 May 1940 and 2 June 1940 and now lies in Oostduinkerke Communal Cemetery, Belgium, about 13 miles east of Dunkirk. He was 28 years old.
John Alfred Helliwell - 1549598
John Alfred Helliwell was the son George William Helliwell and Minnie M (nee Goodrum) of Quarry Fields, Wickersley, Rotherham, born mid-1922. George was a farmer working a farm owned by his father. John later lived at 240 Bawtry Road, Wickersley.
He was a wireless operator with the rank of Sergeant with 630 Squadron. On 23 July 1944 Sgt Helliwell was on board
Lancaster PB211 with squadron markings of LE-H, one of six aircraft on what the RAF termed a gardening mission. Airborne from East Kirkby, Lincolnshire at 22:44, their task was to lay mines in Kiel Bay(Wallflowers Region). On the same night a major raid of 629 bombers were sent on a raid to the city of Kiel. PB211 ditched in the North Sea, roughly 36 miles north-east of Cromer off the Norfolk coast. Sgt Helliwell managed to make it to a life raft, although it was only partially inflated. During the wait to be rescued he succumbed to the conditions and sank beneath the waves. The two survivors spent seven hours in the water before being picked up by the coastal minesweeper HMS Coursor.
John Alfred Helliwell, aged 22, was one of five dead who are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Notes
The other crew were:
F/O R.T.Hayes – 175961 - Killed
Sgt W.Wallace - 1824662 - Killed
F/S W.Goodhew RCAF
Sgt J.F.J.Murray – 1560136 - Killed
Sgt W.Stead - 183425 - Killed
Sgt B.N.Garves
He was a wireless operator with the rank of Sergeant with 630 Squadron. On 23 July 1944 Sgt Helliwell was on board
Lancaster PB211 with squadron markings of LE-H, one of six aircraft on what the RAF termed a gardening mission. Airborne from East Kirkby, Lincolnshire at 22:44, their task was to lay mines in Kiel Bay(Wallflowers Region). On the same night a major raid of 629 bombers were sent on a raid to the city of Kiel. PB211 ditched in the North Sea, roughly 36 miles north-east of Cromer off the Norfolk coast. Sgt Helliwell managed to make it to a life raft, although it was only partially inflated. During the wait to be rescued he succumbed to the conditions and sank beneath the waves. The two survivors spent seven hours in the water before being picked up by the coastal minesweeper HMS Coursor.
John Alfred Helliwell, aged 22, was one of five dead who are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Notes
The other crew were:
F/O R.T.Hayes – 175961 - Killed
Sgt W.Wallace - 1824662 - Killed
F/S W.Goodhew RCAF
Sgt J.F.J.Murray – 1560136 - Killed
Sgt W.Stead - 183425 - Killed
Sgt B.N.Garves
GOODHEW, P/O Winston Kimberley (J89963) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.630 Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 19 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born in Gladman, Saskatchewan, 17 November 1914; home in Saskatoon. Enlisted in Ottawa, 30 June 1942. To No.5 Manning Depot, 6 July 1942. To No.8 SFTS (guard), 14 August 1942. To No.5 ITS, 10 October 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 19 December 1942 but not posted to No.1 AOS until 27 December 1942. Graduated and promoted Sergeant, 16 April 1943. To “Y” Depot, 30 April 1943. To RAF Trainee Pool, 26 May 1943. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 16 October 1943. Commissioned 28 July 1944. Repatriated 21 October 1944. To No.2 Air Command, 31 December 1944. Retired 3 April 1945.
Pilot Officer Goodhew has participated in numerous sorties including attacks against many heavily defended targets in Germany and occupied territory. At all times he has shown outstanding technical skill, resource and tenacity. On one occasion in July 1944 his aircraft was detailed for a mine-laying operation over Kiel Bay. On the return flight while flying low it was forced down on to the sea. As the dinghy was not fully inflated and would only support the wireless operator, Pilot Officer Goodhew swam back to the aircraft where he clung to the wreckage until it started to sink. He cast off the dinghy and after making determined efforts to save the lives of other members of the crew swam after it. Pilot Officer Goodhew was rescued seven hours after his aircraft was forced down on to the sea. Despite his experience, he has continued to show the utmost keenness for operational flying and has rendered valuable assistance in the training of new navigators. The great gallantry displayed by this officer is worthy of the highest praise.
NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9038 has recommendation dated 30 October 1944 when he had flown 29 sorties (164 hours 41 minutes); text is more detailed than that published:
4 June 1944 - Maisy (4.02)
5 June 1944 - La Pernelle (5.15)
7 June 1944 - Foret de Cerisy (4.23)
9 June 1944 - Etampes (4.58)
14 June 1944 - Aunay sur Odon (5.21)
16 June 1944 - Doullen (4.08)
21 June 1944 - Wesserling (4.27)
4 July 1944 - Creil (4.57)
7 July 1944 - Creil (5.00)
10 July 1944 - Kattegat (6.00)
14 July 1944 - Villeneuve St.George (7.07)
18 July 1944 - Caen (3.40)
18 July 1944 - Revigny (5.16)
20 July 1944 - Courtrai (3.00)
23 July 1944 - Kiel (5.00)
16 August 1944 - Stettin (7.55)
18 August 1944 - Ile Adam (4.17)
25 August 1944 - Darmstadt (9.00)
26 August 1944 - Koenigsburg (10.47)
29 August 1944 - Koenigsburg (10.52)
31 August 1944 - Bergueneuse (5.09)
3 September 1944 - Deelan (3.49)
9 September 1944 - Munchen Gladbach (4.10)
11 September 1944 - Le Havre (3.28)
12 September 1944 - Stuttgart (7.07)
26 September 1944 - Karlsruhe (6.53)
19 October 1944 - Nuremburg (7.54)
23 October 1944 - Flushing (2.28)
24 October 1944 - GARDENING (8.18)
Pilot Officer Goodhew has completed 29 sorties, including attacks against heavily defended targets in Germany, and targets in enemy occupied territory. On the 23/24th July, this officer was navigator of an aircraft detailed for mining operations over Kiel Bay. In the return flight, while flying low, the aircraft hit the sea. Pilot Officer Goodhew at once released the upper escape hatch, climbed out and helped the wireless operator to follow. When they got into the dinghy it was found that as it was not properly inflated it would not carry their combined weight. Pilot Officer Goodhew left the dinghy to the wireless operator and swam back to the aircraft. He clung to the wreckage
with the pilot and air bomber until it started to sink. He then cut the painter of the dinghy by rubbing it against a jagged edge of the main plane, and the dinghy started to drift away.
Pilot Officer Goodhew, accompanied by the pilot and air bomber, started to swim to the dinghy, but he was the only one to reach it. Despite his exhausted condition, Pilot Officer Goodhew went back to the aircraft three times, which had not yet disappeared, in an endeavour to find the pilot and air bomber, but without success. On the fourth attempt he was seized by cramp and started to sink, but he managed to return to the dinghy. Holding onto a rope from the dinghy with one hand to keep afloat, Pilot Officer
Goodhew worked continuously for two hours trying to open the pack. This he accomplished, extracted the Verey pistol, and fired Verey lights to attract attention. While he was doing this the wireless operator died and disappeared under the sea. Pilot Officer Goodhew was rescued by H.M. Minesweeper Courser seven hours after the aircraft hit the sea.
This officer displayed great courage, resource, tenacity and disregard for his own safety from the time the aircraft hit the sea until he was rescued. His conduct has set a most praiseworthy example to all other aircrew on the station. Pilot Officer Goodhew is a first-class navigator, and he has shown marked enthusiasm to operate on every possible occasion. He takes a keen interest in the training of new navigators in the squadron, and by his efforts he has raised the standard of navigation considerably. He is strongly recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Thomas John Hemming - 1136482
Thomas John Hemming was the son of Thomas W Hemming and Beatrice E (nee Stafford) born in Rotherham in 1923. He was a gunner with 70 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery which fought with 46 Infantry Division part of V Corps during the Italian Campaign. He died on 13 September 1944, aged 21, during the Gothic Line actions and is buried in Gradara War Cemetery, near Rimini.
George Hudson - 1080378
George Hudson was born to George Henry Hudson & Annice (nee Willis) of 30 Gough St, Thornhill, Rotherham. George was a member of the Rotherham Wheelers and the Home Guard. He was also a chorister at the St Michael & All Angels Church, Northfield. He had been educated at Thornhill Council School and Kimberworth Central School, and was
employed at Robert Jenkins & Co Ltd as an electric welder.
George enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on 26 November 1940, he was a Flight Sergeant (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner). His training was conducted with the following units: 3 Signals School, No 2 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit, 1 Air Gunners School, 14 Operational Training Unit, 1651 Conversion Unit, and then onto operational duties with 90 Squadron. After an operational tour, he moved in August 1943 and became an instructor with 11 Operational Training Unit. On 15 March 1944 George was one of eight airmen on Vickers Wellington Mk X serial number
LN660 and unit identification KJ-O took off from Westcott at 20:05 on a non-operational night cross country training flight. After being airborne for two and a half hours it was on finals for landing when it collided with a Stirling bomber serial number EH989. The Stirling was returning from a mission to Amiens, France and was preparing to land when it struck the Wellington from below on the starboard side. The Wellington crashed at 22:35 half a mile east of Quainton Road railway station, one and a half miles north-east of Westcott, killing all eight crew members. The normal operation crew of a Wellington was five and the three additional members were instructors, like George. Ironically the Stirling, whose crew was on their first mission and crashed 10-15 minutes later killing all on board, was from 90 squadron, George’s old squadron. The Air Accident Report cited the cause of the mid-air collision as the Wellington being off track during its cross country exercise, the lone recommendation was "Training aircraft must be warned not to fly in vicinity of routes of Bomber stream." In reality, the night skies above Britain were filled with aircraft on training exercises, departing and returning from operations against the enemy as well as aircraft in distress or being diverted to other airfields, making the recommendations of the report impossible to implement.
George was 23 years old and the internment took place at Masbro Cemetery, preceded by a service at St Michael’s Church.
employed at Robert Jenkins & Co Ltd as an electric welder.
George enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on 26 November 1940, he was a Flight Sergeant (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner). His training was conducted with the following units: 3 Signals School, No 2 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit, 1 Air Gunners School, 14 Operational Training Unit, 1651 Conversion Unit, and then onto operational duties with 90 Squadron. After an operational tour, he moved in August 1943 and became an instructor with 11 Operational Training Unit. On 15 March 1944 George was one of eight airmen on Vickers Wellington Mk X serial number
LN660 and unit identification KJ-O took off from Westcott at 20:05 on a non-operational night cross country training flight. After being airborne for two and a half hours it was on finals for landing when it collided with a Stirling bomber serial number EH989. The Stirling was returning from a mission to Amiens, France and was preparing to land when it struck the Wellington from below on the starboard side. The Wellington crashed at 22:35 half a mile east of Quainton Road railway station, one and a half miles north-east of Westcott, killing all eight crew members. The normal operation crew of a Wellington was five and the three additional members were instructors, like George. Ironically the Stirling, whose crew was on their first mission and crashed 10-15 minutes later killing all on board, was from 90 squadron, George’s old squadron. The Air Accident Report cited the cause of the mid-air collision as the Wellington being off track during its cross country exercise, the lone recommendation was "Training aircraft must be warned not to fly in vicinity of routes of Bomber stream." In reality, the night skies above Britain were filled with aircraft on training exercises, departing and returning from operations against the enemy as well as aircraft in distress or being diverted to other airfields, making the recommendations of the report impossible to implement.
George was 23 years old and the internment took place at Masbro Cemetery, preceded by a service at St Michael’s Church.
Notes
The other crew of the Wellington were: Pilot - F/O James Henry Scott Lyon DFC RAAF - 408658 2nd Pilot - F/Sgt Donald Victor Roy Francis RNZAF - 41158 Navigator F/O - Gerald Harman Gilbert RNZAF - 429029 Bomb Aimer - F/O Rennie Taylor RAFVR - 152830 W/Op/ Air Gunner - Sgt Robert Kemp RAFVR - 1397621 Air Gunner - F/ Sgt Arthur Goold RNZAF - 414873 Air Gunner - Sgt Reginald Dennis Barlow RAFVR - 1807428 The crew of the Stirling were: Pilot – F/ Sgt. Joseph Vernon Spring RAFVR - 1477332 Navigator - Sgt. Thomas Raymond Hewitt RAFVR - 1549452 Air Bomber - Sgt. John Henry Bone RAFVR - 1449499 Wireless Operator - Sgt. Arthur Henry Estcourte RAFVR - 1176109 Mid Gunner - Sgt. William Halkett Ramsay RAFVR - 1570005 Rear Gunner - Sgt. William Bruce RAF - 551988 Flight Engineer - Sgt. George Edward Collins RAFVR - 1186834 |
Harry Norman James - 14727081
Harry Norman James was born on 7 September 1924 to Herbert Charles James and Margaret Grace (nee Blood), of 20 Meadow St, Kimberworth, Rotherham.
Harry was a Lance Corporal with the 1st Battalion the Lincolnshire Regiment. After the Japanese surrender in August 1945, the regiment was in Indonesia caught up in the struggle for independence of this Dutch colony. Harry, aged 21, was reported as being killed by a sniper in Sumatra. He now lies in Jakarta War Cemetery.
Harry was a Lance Corporal with the 1st Battalion the Lincolnshire Regiment. After the Japanese surrender in August 1945, the regiment was in Indonesia caught up in the struggle for independence of this Dutch colony. Harry, aged 21, was reported as being killed by a sniper in Sumatra. He now lies in Jakarta War Cemetery.
Alfred Neal Jenkins - 7898
Alfred Noel Jenkins was born in Rotherham in early 1903.
He was a career soldier being granted a commission in the Territorial Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment in January 1922. His appointment in the regular army came in 1927 and switched from the York and Lancaster Regiment to the Royal Army Service Corps in 1932. His promotions from 2nd
Lieutentant to Lieutenant in 1930 and Captain in 1936 before finally to a Major. In 1941 as part of the forces in Greece he was evacuated when the Germans invaded.
Major Jenkins was record as dying on 26 April 1941, being lost at sea, most probably during the evacuation from the Peloponnes Peninsula at Nauplio (now Nafplio). On that day the ex-Dutch liner, the troopship Slamat was bombed by German aircraft and sank the following day. Many of the survivors were picked up by the destroyers Wryneck and Diamond, although these too were lost on the 27th. Alfred Noel Jenkins, aged 38, is commemorated on the Athens Memorial.
He was a career soldier being granted a commission in the Territorial Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment in January 1922. His appointment in the regular army came in 1927 and switched from the York and Lancaster Regiment to the Royal Army Service Corps in 1932. His promotions from 2nd
Lieutentant to Lieutenant in 1930 and Captain in 1936 before finally to a Major. In 1941 as part of the forces in Greece he was evacuated when the Germans invaded.
Major Jenkins was record as dying on 26 April 1941, being lost at sea, most probably during the evacuation from the Peloponnes Peninsula at Nauplio (now Nafplio). On that day the ex-Dutch liner, the troopship Slamat was bombed by German aircraft and sank the following day. Many of the survivors were picked up by the destroyers Wryneck and Diamond, although these too were lost on the 27th. Alfred Noel Jenkins, aged 38, is commemorated on the Athens Memorial.
Leslie Hamilton Nicholson - 1066387
Leslie Hamilton Nicholson was born on 15 April 1922 to Robert H Nicholson and Annie A (nee Wilson) of 58 Tennyson Road, Herringthorpe, Rotherham. He was employed as an electrical engineer before enlisting in the RAF in June 1941.
He was a Leading Aircraftman with 23 Operational Training Unit based at RAF Pershore. On Monday 28 December 1942 he was on board Vickers Wellington BK517 which took off for a 25 minute air test flight from Atherstone-on-Stour, a satellite field of 23 O.T.U. As the flight was described as a medical test flight, Nicholson and the other two non aircrew may have effectively been just passengers on board for the experience. For reasons unknown the bomber, which was piloted by an experienced pilot, hit an elm tree, lost a wing crashed into a valley to the west of Bodicote church. The official aircraft accident form stated that the aircraft had flown into cloud without a wireless operator and had then crashed attempting to make landfall in bad weather. All six on board were killed. LAC Leslie Nicholson, aged 20, and he now lies in Rotherham (Moorgate) Cemetery.
Notes
The other crew of the wellington were:
F/O John Gordon Byrne – 112527 RAFVR, aged 22 (Pilot)
Flt Sgt William McMillan - 967661, RAFVR, aged 26 (Air Gunner)
Flt Sgt Jack Thompson McDonald - R/90083, RCAF, aged 26 (pupil Navigator)
AC2 John Ernest George Beaumont - 1710222, RAFVR, aged 19
AC2 2nd Class Granville Broadhurst, 1579235, RAFVR, aged 19
On 2 June 2012 a memorial attached to a large block of Hornton stone was unveiled and dedicated. It is placed in a field adjacent to a path, locally known as Arthur's Way, off Wykham Lane, Bodicote, Oxfordshire, close to the spot where the aircraft crashed.
He was a Leading Aircraftman with 23 Operational Training Unit based at RAF Pershore. On Monday 28 December 1942 he was on board Vickers Wellington BK517 which took off for a 25 minute air test flight from Atherstone-on-Stour, a satellite field of 23 O.T.U. As the flight was described as a medical test flight, Nicholson and the other two non aircrew may have effectively been just passengers on board for the experience. For reasons unknown the bomber, which was piloted by an experienced pilot, hit an elm tree, lost a wing crashed into a valley to the west of Bodicote church. The official aircraft accident form stated that the aircraft had flown into cloud without a wireless operator and had then crashed attempting to make landfall in bad weather. All six on board were killed. LAC Leslie Nicholson, aged 20, and he now lies in Rotherham (Moorgate) Cemetery.
Notes
The other crew of the wellington were:
F/O John Gordon Byrne – 112527 RAFVR, aged 22 (Pilot)
Flt Sgt William McMillan - 967661, RAFVR, aged 26 (Air Gunner)
Flt Sgt Jack Thompson McDonald - R/90083, RCAF, aged 26 (pupil Navigator)
AC2 John Ernest George Beaumont - 1710222, RAFVR, aged 19
AC2 2nd Class Granville Broadhurst, 1579235, RAFVR, aged 19
On 2 June 2012 a memorial attached to a large block of Hornton stone was unveiled and dedicated. It is placed in a field adjacent to a path, locally known as Arthur's Way, off Wykham Lane, Bodicote, Oxfordshire, close to the spot where the aircraft crashed.
Isaac Ronald Straw - 14579366
Isaac Ronald Straw was born in early 1925, fourth of five children of Bertie Straw and Mary Vera (nee Kidd), of 14 Hesley Grove Road, Rotherham.
He enlisted in 1943 and was a Private in the 7th Battalion of Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). The battalion landed in Normandy on D-Day +5 and by 23 September were on the southern bank of the Leopold Canal, approximately 18 miles east of Antwerp. Private Straw was reported as being killed by a sniper on 26 September 1944 and lies buried in Turnhout Communal Cemetery, Belgium. He was just 19 years old.
He enlisted in 1943 and was a Private in the 7th Battalion of Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). The battalion landed in Normandy on D-Day +5 and by 23 September were on the southern bank of the Leopold Canal, approximately 18 miles east of Antwerp. Private Straw was reported as being killed by a sniper on 26 September 1944 and lies buried in Turnhout Communal Cemetery, Belgium. He was just 19 years old.
Albert Swancott - T/10667354
Albert Swancott was born in Rotherham in autumn 1920. His parents lived at 4 Park Nook, Thrybergh, Rotherham.
He enlisted in 1941 in the army and was a Driver with the Royal Army Service Corps. After serving two years in North Africa, by 1944 he was in Italy. He died of wounds on 9 October 1944 and is buried in Cesena War Cemetery in northern Italy.
He enlisted in 1941 in the army and was a Driver with the Royal Army Service Corps. After serving two years in North Africa, by 1944 he was in Italy. He died of wounds on 9 October 1944 and is buried in Cesena War Cemetery in northern Italy.
Harold Taylor - T/137004
Harold Taylor was the son of Mrs E Taylor 19 John St, Masbro.
Harold was a Driver with the Royal Army Service Corps. He died, aged 26, on active service in Italy on 28 July 1944 and now lies in Bari War Cemetery.
Harold was a Driver with the Royal Army Service Corps. He died, aged 26, on active service in Italy on 28 July 1944 and now lies in Bari War Cemetery.
Leonard Eric Twigg - 1681108
Leonard Eric Twigg was born on 3 September 1921, to Leonard Twigg and Beatrice (nee Bailey). He was married to Kathleen Jessie Charlesworth, of 18 Whitehill Drive, Brinsworth.
Leonard enlisted in the RAF in April 1942 and after training in Canada was a Flight Sergeant (Pilot) with 239 Squadron flying Mosquito aircraft. Airborne at 17:52 on 23 February 1945 from West Raynham in support (13 Mosquito aircraft) of the main force (367 Lancaster aircraft) operation against Pforzheim, Germany. On return, weather conditions at base were marginal and the crew elected to divert to Foulsham, landing at 22:40, but touching down well up the runway. Unable to stop on the runway, ran into a parked 192 Squadron Halifax at high speed. A fire broke out and the Mosquito was destroyed. The accident happened just as FIDO was being ignited and it is believed that the pilot may have been disorientated by the sudden rush of flames and smoke. Flight Sergeant Twigg was killed, although his navigator survived. He is buried in Brinsworth (St George) Churchyard, and was 23 years old.
Note
FIDO - Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation - was a fog dispersal system consisting of two pipelines situated along both sides of the runway and through which a petrol was pumped along and then out through burner jets positioned at intervals along the pipelines. The vapours were lit from a series of burners, producing walls of flame. Foulsham was one of the few airfields to be fitted it.
Leonard enlisted in the RAF in April 1942 and after training in Canada was a Flight Sergeant (Pilot) with 239 Squadron flying Mosquito aircraft. Airborne at 17:52 on 23 February 1945 from West Raynham in support (13 Mosquito aircraft) of the main force (367 Lancaster aircraft) operation against Pforzheim, Germany. On return, weather conditions at base were marginal and the crew elected to divert to Foulsham, landing at 22:40, but touching down well up the runway. Unable to stop on the runway, ran into a parked 192 Squadron Halifax at high speed. A fire broke out and the Mosquito was destroyed. The accident happened just as FIDO was being ignited and it is believed that the pilot may have been disorientated by the sudden rush of flames and smoke. Flight Sergeant Twigg was killed, although his navigator survived. He is buried in Brinsworth (St George) Churchyard, and was 23 years old.
Note
FIDO - Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation - was a fog dispersal system consisting of two pipelines situated along both sides of the runway and through which a petrol was pumped along and then out through burner jets positioned at intervals along the pipelines. The vapours were lit from a series of burners, producing walls of flame. Foulsham was one of the few airfields to be fitted it.
Alfred Ernest Whittaker - 14711080
Alfred Ernest Whittaker was born on 28 November 1925 in Rotherham, first child of Harry Whittaker & Freda (nee Smith), who lived at 25 James Street, Rotherham.
Alfred enlisted in 1943 and was a Private in the 1st Battalion Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry. The battalion landed in Normandy in late June 1944 and took part in a number of actions in the battle of Normandy. After driving eastwards the unit entered Belgium in early September 1944. Private Whittaker was killed on 11 September 1944, aged just 18 years old, and now lies buried in Schoonselhof Cemetery in a suburb of Antwerp. |
Ernest Woodhouse - T/10679483
Ernest Woodhouse was born in Rotherham in 1922 to George Fredrick and Sarah Woodhouse. His parents lived at 28 Oates Street, Rotherham, and he later lived at 16 Avondale Road, Rotherham.
Ernest enlisted at the beginning of 1942 and became a Driver with the Royal Army Service Corps. He was reported as killed in action at Tebourba during the North African Campaign. Driver Woodhouse now lies in Massicault War Cemetery, Tunisia which is 15 miles south-west of Tunis, he was 20 years old.
Ernest enlisted at the beginning of 1942 and became a Driver with the Royal Army Service Corps. He was reported as killed in action at Tebourba during the North African Campaign. Driver Woodhouse now lies in Massicault War Cemetery, Tunisia which is 15 miles south-west of Tunis, he was 20 years old.