Operation: Defensive Patrol
Date: 23rd March 1943
Unit: No. 157 Squadron
Type: Mosquito II
Serial: DZ248
Code: RS-?
Base: RAF Bradwell Bay, Essex
Location: Manningtree, Essex
Pilot: Sq/Ldr. Mervyn Horation Herbert 86326 RAFVR Age 38. Killed
Navigator: P/O. Albert Eastwood 139391 RAFVR Age 25. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
After making defensive patrols over the Bradwell area they then commenced a proactive interception. Shortly after this the Mosquito dived vertically into the ground. Killing both crew members.
It is not known if the Mosquito was inadvertently hit by another aircraft during this practice interception or by anti-aircraft fire as reported in other publications.
Close up of memorial - showing name of P/O. Eastwood
Burial details:
Sq/Ldr. Mervyn Horation Herbert Welshpool (Christ Church) Churchyard - South side of Church. Viscount Clive, 17th Baron D'arcy de Knayth. Son of George Charles Herbert, 4th Earl of Powis and of The Countess of Powis, 16th Baroness D'arcy de Knayth, Powis Castle Welshpool, husband of Viscountess Clive (née Cuthbert), of Powis Castle, Welshpool. Barrister.
P/O. Albert Eastwood Rochdale Crematorium Panel 2. Son of Albert and Lily Eastwood, of Rochdale, England.
Researched for Neil Harwood - nephew of P/O. Albert Eastwood. With thanks also to Helen for the grave photo of Sq/Ldr. Mervyn Herbert.
