In Memory Of

VAN BREDA, CHARLES FREDERICK

Service Details
Age:
 19
Service No:
 207954
Rank:
 Air Mechanic
Unit:
 15 Sqdn.
Regiment:
 South African Air Force
Date of Death:
 1942-05-04
Cause of Death:
 Died of exposure, one of three aircraft that took off on a familiarization and practice mission, never to return. (Kufra disaster), in Bleinheim Mk IV aircraft #Z7610
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 Coll. Grave 13. F. 12-19.
Cemetery:
 KNIGHTSBRIDGE WAR CEMETERY, ACROMA
Country:
 Libya
Additional Information
Lied about his age in order to join the Air Force. His father refused to sign the consent for his son. Which added to the bitterness when they were informed of his death. The day when the authorities brought a canvas bag with Van Breda's personal belongings to their house. The family was still in deep mourning. The bag which contained clothing, etc was placed on the piano in the lounge and it was left untouched for many, many months - unable to deal with the tragedy.