Name: |
OLDHAM |
Given Name: |
GORDON WILLIAM |
Initials: |
G W |
Service No: |
160013 |
Trade: |
Pilot |
Rank: |
Flying OfficerOther Casualties of this Rank |
Regiment: |
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
Unit: |
44 Sqdn.Other Casualties from this Unit |
Date of Death: |
1944-04-27Other Casualties on this
Date |
Date of Birth: |
1920-10-09 |
Age: |
23 |
Cause of Death: |
Killed in action, Lancaster I LL920, took off from Dunholme Lodge, Lincolnshire at 21.39 hrs as part of a 206 Lancaster's, 11 Mosquitoes from 5 group and 9 further Lancaster's from 1 group to bomb the ball bearing production plant. Another huge failure with very light damage done on the ground due to strong head winds making the markers inaccurate from the Mosquito pathfinder force. It is reported that only 2 people were killed on the ground in the target area but a total of 21 Lancaster's lost! 125 aircrew killed and a further 28 being made P.O.W's. Lancaster LL920 was lost when it collided with another Lancaster I ME679 DX-K from 57 Squadron piloted by Sd/Ldr. Michael Innes Boyle D.F.C. when all but one of his crew were also killed. The only survivor being that of WO2 Waddell R.C.A.F. he was made a POW at the Stalag Luft Sagan and Belaria camp |
Decorations: |
D F C |
Citations: |
LG Sup 13 July 1943 pg. 3157 |
Additional
Information: |
Entered Lloyd House in January, 1936. He was an outstanding boxer and represented the School; also a fine athlete, he held the Under 16 long jump, hurdles, and 100 yards School records for many years. He left Plumtree School in April 1938. He attested in September 1940, and after receiving preliminary training in Rhodesia he proceeded overseas in October 1941. On Plumtree School Roll of Honour |
This information was last verified for accuracy: 2022-07-27
