Operation: Berlin, Germany
Date: 29th/30th March 1943 (Monday/Tuesday)
Unit No: 214 (Federated Malay States) Squadron, 3 Group, Bomber Command
Type: Stirling I
Serial: EF362
Code: BU:N
Base: RAF Chedburgh, Suffolk
Location: Hadleigh, Suffolk.
Pilot: Fg Off. William ‘Bill’ Cooper 115186 RAF Age 29. KiA (1)
Flt Eng: Sgt. Robert Denis Joseph Kearns 1612432 RAFVR Age 26. Safe
Nav: Sgt. Clarence Ruben Logan 415271 RNZAF Age 32. Injured
Bomb Aimer: Sgt. Frederick Edmonson Smith 997120 RAFVR Age? Safe
WOp/Air Gnr: Sgt. Albert Thomas Boomsma 1331148 RAFVR Age 20. Injured
Air Gnr (Mid Upper): Sgt. Eric Robert Henry Dyde 1433724 RAFVR Age 20. Safe
Air Gnr (Rear): Sgt. Frederick Thomas Lovegrove 412889 RNZAF Age 26. Safe (2)
Note: It was during the Squadron’s tour with 3 Group in September 1941, that it was honoured by being adopted by the British Malayan Federation and had the "Federated Malay States" officially incorporated in its title.
REASON FOR LOSS:
On the night of the 29th/30th March 1943 EF362 took-off from RAF Chedburgh to join a force of ten (10) Stirlings from the squadron detailed to bomb Berlin in Germany.
EF362 was one of three (3) aircraft that abandoned the operation with severe icing problems and safely jettisoned their bombs.
Whilst returning and in the circuit EF362 and 214 Sqn Stirling III BK663, which was returning from a “Gardening” operation, collided in mid-air.
Whilst the rest of the crew were able to bale out of EF362, Fg Off. Cooper remained at the controls in order for his crew to bale out safely. He managed to fly the aircraft away from built-up areas and was killed in the crash.
(1) Fg Off. Cooper was on his first sortie of his second tour of operations after flying instructor duties.
(2) Sgt. Lovegrove was understood to be the rear gunner on Wellington HE898 LF:P who was posted MiA on the 27th/28th January 1944 during an operation out of Foggia Main, Italy. All six (6) of the crew are all remembered on the Malta Memorial.
BURIAL DETAILS:
Fg Off. William Cooper. Shirley (St. James Churchyard), Solihull, Row 22, Grave 18D. Son of Thomas Bailey and Kate Cooper. Husband of Esther Cooper of Branston, Lincolnshire, England.
The ceremony at the Close named after him.
In an official street naming ceremony, a new road in Lincolnshire, Cooper Close, has been named by Kestevan District Council in honour of Flying Officer Cooper. This was attended by representatives from 214 Squadron, the Royal British Legion, North Kesteven District Council, Branston Parish Council, his nephew Bill Shaw and wife Kay and members of the local community.
Researched by Aircrew Remembered, researcher and specialist genealogist Linda Ibrom for relatives of this crew. With thanks to Jacqui, Julie and Keld for grave photographs. Reviewed and updated with new information and a separate report for BK663 (31st Oct 2026).
Other sources listed below:
