Operation: Training
Date: 25th February 1943 (Thursday)
Unit: No. 58 Operational Training Unit
Type: Spitfire Ia
Serial: R6968 (1)
Code: Not known
Base: RAF Grangemouth, Scotland
Location: Boagstown Farm near Avonbridge, Stirlingshire
Pilot: Sgt. Edmund Blake Farren R/138527 RCAF Age 24. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
On emerging from a small cloud (possibly a snow cloud) his aircraft was seen to in some form of difficulties and crashed in what looked like an attempted forced landing.
58 Operational Training Unit. Course 32-A, RAF Grangemouth Scotland.
Rear row: Sgt. Farren, Fl/Sgt. Pigot, Fl/Sgt. Palliser, Sgt. Meyer, Sgt. Shenberger. Middle row: Sgt. Kawnik, Sgt. Dale, Capt. Millet, Sgt. O'Neill, Sgt. Felton Front row: P/O. Jongbloed, P/O. Krajewski, P/O. Soors, F/O. Knapik, P/O.Waterman
(1) Spitfire Ia R6968 built at Eastleigh, first flew on the 16th July 1940, powered by the Merlin III engine. With 152 Squadron previously as well as No. 8 OTU.
Burial details:
Sgt. Edmund Blake Farren. Grandsable Cemetery (Grangemouth) Sec. 1. Grave 31. Son of Will J. Farren and Bertha M. Farren, of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Epitaph reads: “In Loving Memory. Son of Will And Bertha M. Farren. Saint John. N.B.”
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to sources as quoted below:
