WEASENHAM R.A.F. CREWS WAR MEMORIAL

World War2 - Detailed Information
Compiled and Copyright © Transcribed Shaz Ann; researched Martin Edwards - 2018

The memorial is to be found at the junction of Massingham Road and School Road, Weasenham, King's Lynn, Norfolk. It takes the form of a flat-topped polished granite pyramid, on a single tiered base, commemorating the crews of three aircraft which crashed near this spot during World War 2.The top of the inscription bears the RAF crest, beneath which are listed the three aircraft which crashed, in date order, and listing the aircrew of each plane in rank and then alphabetical order, showing their rank, initials and surname, and service.

The memorial stone remembering the aircrews from 114, 98 and 342 ("Lorraine") Squadrons who lost their lives close to this spot when their aircraft crashed on 5 June 1942, 17 October 1942 and 22 May 1943 respectively is about three kilometres to the south-east of the airfield of RAF Bomber Command based at West Raynham. Nos. 98 and 342 Squadrons were based at RAF Great Massingham. 114 Squadron was based at RAF West Raynham from 19 July 1941 to 15 November 1942.

Photographs Copyright © Shaz Ann 2018

In memory of the R.A.F. Aircrew who
lost their lives close to this spot

Bristol Blenheim, L8800, 114 Sdn. 5 June 1942
COOKE	Frank Oswald	Sergeant (Pilot), 655317, 114 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Killed Friday, 5 June 1942. Son of Charles Oswald and Jessie Cooke, of Sandbach. Buried in SANDBACH CEMETERY, Cheshire. Grave 454.
WALLBRIDGE	Jack Mayne	Sergeant (Observer) 963001, 114 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Killed Friday, 5 June 1942. Aged 24. Son of George Mayne Wallbridge and Florence Wallbridge; husband of Ivy Wallbridge, of Acocks Green, Birmingham. Buried in BIRMINGHAM (YARDLEY) CEMETERY, Warwickshire (West Midlands). Grave 43151.
KITCHER	Eric	Flight Sergeant (Wireless Op./Air Gunner) 1360287, 114 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Killed Friday, 5 June 1942. Aged 29. Son of Thomas and Florence Kitcher; husband of Margaret Louis Kitcher, of Wallington, Surrey. Buried in the North side of CLIFTON-ON-DUNSMORE (ST. MARY) ADDITIONAL CHURCHYARD, Warwickshire.
North American Mitchell H, FL206, 98 Sqn. 17 October 1942
TANNER	Donald Charles	[Flight Sergeant on memorial] Sergeant (Pilot) 1254033, 98 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Killed Saturday, 17 October 1942. Aged 20. Son of Charles George and Annie Frances Tanner, of Herne Hill, London. Buried in EAST RAYNHAM (ST. MARY) CHURCHYARD, Norfolk.
BOREHAM	Eric Herbert	Sergeant 1377082, 98 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Killed Saturday, 17 October 1942. Aged 30. Son of Herbert Theodore and Esther Boreham, of Cheam, Sutton, Surrey. Buried in BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY, Surrey. Plot 23. Row A. Grave 17.
HORTON	Leonard Harlow	Sergeant (Air Gunner) 1264120, 98 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Killed Saturday, 17 October 1942. Aged 31. Son of Frederick Harlow Horton and Bessie Horton; husband of Phyllis Kathleen Doreen Horton, of Ruislip. Buried in RUISLIP (ST. MARTIN) CHURCHYARD EXTENSION, Middlesex.
BARNETT	Frank Ernest	Leading Aircraftman 1041484, 98 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Killed Saturday, 17 October 1942. Aged 32. Son of Joseph James Barnett and Annie Barnett, of Debden, Essex. Buried in EAST RAYNHAM (ST. MARY) CHURCHYARD, Norfolk.
Douglas Boston III, AL285, 342 "Lorraine" Sqn. 22 May 1943 The Free French Air Forces were the air arm of the Free French Forces during the Second World War from 1940. They officially ceased to hold this title from 1943. 342 Squadron was formed at West Raynham 7 April 1943 from members of the Free French air unit, Groupe de Bombardment No. 1., Escadrilles Metz (Flight A) and Nancy (Flight B), transferred from Palestine. They flew Bostons on daylight raids on Northern France from 12 June 1943; the squadron moved to France in October 1944.
LE BIVIC	Marcel [Alexis]	Lieutenant (Pilot) 30263, Free French Air Force (FAFL). Killed 22 May 1943. Born 27 January 1921 at Le Havre, France. Joined Free French at Metropole.
JACQUINOT	Roland [Robert]	Lieutenant (Observer/Navigator) 305278, Free French Air Force (FAFL). Killed 22 May 1943. Born 17 May 1923 at Saint Denis, France. Joined Free French at Metropole.
COHEN	Léonce	Sergeant (Wireless Operator) 30705, Free French Air Force (FAFL). Killed 22 May 1943. Born 22 August 1921 in Lyon, France. Joined Free French at Metropole.
DESERTLAUX	John	Corporal (Chief Photographer), Free French Air Force (FAFL). Killed 22 May 1943.

Last updated 11 July, 2024