In Memory Of

BLAND, JOSEPH ARTHUR

Service Details
Age:
 26
Date of Birth:
 1916-11-20
Service No:
 778988
Rank:
 Sergeant
Unit:
 9 Sqdn.
Regiment:
 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Date of Death:
 1943-04-23
Cause of Death:
 Killed in action, Lancaster III ED799, left Waddington 22 April 1943 and set course for the Furze area (Bay of Biscay) for a minelaying operation
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 Panel 142.
Cemetery:
 RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL
Localitly:
 Surrey
Country:
 United Kingdom
Additional Information
Son of Benjamin Adam and Mary Campbell Bland; husband of Ruth Irene Bland. Of Southern Rhodesia. Entered Gaul House in 1929, having previously been at the Plumtree Prep. School since January 1927. After passing his Junior Certificate examination, he left Plumtree in 1933. Joe was keen on all sport. He played for the School 1st Cricket XI, 2nd XV Rugger team and represented the School at the inter-school sports in 1930. He attested in February 1942, and after receiving preliminary training in Rhodesia, proceeded overseas in June of the same year. Before the war he was a reduction officer on the Acturus Mine. On Plumtree School Roll of Honour.