Operation: Roadstead
Date: 15th June 1943 (Tuesday)
Unit: No. 616 Squadron (10 Group)
Type: Spitfire VI
Serial: BR319
Code: YQ-C
Base: RAF Ibsley, Hampshire
Location: English Channel off Guernsey
Pilot: F/O. Robert James Sim NZ/403995 RNZAF Age 23. Missing - believed killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Taking off from RAF Ibsley in Hampshire at 05:35 hrs on shipping strike off Guernsey.
During the attack on several minesweepers was seen to have been hit by flak. The Spitfire was last seen at 500 feet on fire. Entered the sea in a shallow dive with a dead propeller.
F/O. Sim was not seen to bale out or ditch. Sadly, neither the aircraft or the body of the pilot was recovered. Further details of this operation and loss.
Burial details:
F/O. Robert James Sim. Runnymede Memorial. Panel 198. Born on the 28th June 1919, the son of Peter and Lilas Sim and husband of Patricia Sim, of Mairoa, Auckland, New Zealand. A total of 588 flying hours logged and on his 97th operational sortie.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks Errol Martyn and his research into New Zealand aircrew lost. Also to Auckland Cenotaph and Weekly News of New Zealand. Other sources as quoted below:
