In Memory Of

OLDHAM, GORDON WILLIAM

Service Details
Age:
 23
Date of Birth:
 1920-10-09
Service No:
 160013
Rank:
 Flying Officer
Unit:
 44 Sqdn.
Regiment:
 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Date of Death:
 1944-04-27
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
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 Coll. grave 8. K. 22-25.
Cemetery:
 DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY
Localitly:
 Bad Tolz, Bayern
Country:
 Germany
Additional Information
Decorations:
 D F C
Citations:
 LG Sup 13 July 1943 pg. 3157
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