Operation: Circus 51
Date: 19th July 1941 (Saturday)
Unit: No. 72 Squadron (11 Group)
Type: Spitfire V
Serial: W3181
Code: Not known - named “City of Leeds I” (1)
Base: RAF Gravesend
Location: English Channel
Pilot: Sgt. Raymond Frederick Lewis 754684 RAFVR Age 20 Missing - believed killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Taking part in Circus 51 (escort of 3 Stirling bombers on an operation to bomb the power station at Lille in France) during the afternoon. Attacked by units of JG26 and is understood that Sgt. Raymond Lewis ditched in the English Channel - neither the pilot's body or aircraft were recovered.
We welcome any additional information on this loss or the pilot.
(1) “City of Leeds I” - various cities collected money to assist in the war effort. Each bore a name suggested by the donor and this was marked, according to official instructions, in four-inch yellow characters on the engine cowling, but this ruling was not rigidly applied. Some limiting factors were necessary in order that camouflage was not compromised.
Burial details:
Sgt. Raymond Frederick Lewis. Runnymede Memorial. Panel 47. Son of Edwin and Elizabeth Daisy Lewis of Shirley, Southampton, England.
With thanks to William Warwick and Carolyn Richardson for bringing this loss to our attention. Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to sources as quoted below:
