Operation: Anti Diver Patrol

Date: 25th June 1944 (Sunday)

Unit: No. 91 Squadron (motto: 'We seek alone')

Type: Spitfire XIV

Serial: RM617

Code: DL-?

Base: RAF West Malling

Location: Nettlestead, Kent

Pilot: W/O. 'Red' Richmond Antony Barrett Blumer Aus/411854 RAAF Age 23. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

On the 6th November 1943 whilst with 91 squadron flying Spitfire XII EN626, he was shot down by flak north of Rouen during a ‘Rhubarb’ sortie, but managed to avoid capture by the Germans and eventually made contact with the French Resistance who guided him to neutral Switzerland. He finally reached UK via Gibraltar.

On the 25th June 1944 he landed to refuel at the Staplehurst Advanced Landing Ground before taking off again for the short flight to RAF West Malling but shortly afterwards spun in and crashed killing the young Australian.

We recommend interested parties visit the Shoreham Aviation Museum where they have a small display of pieces from RM617. It is also understood that a memorial close to the crash site has been placed.

Burial details:

W/O. 'Red' Richmond Antony Barrett Blumer. Brookwood Military Cemetery. Grave 4. N. 17. Born on the 19th April 1921 at Sydney. Enlisted on the 21st June, 1941 in Sydney. Son of Cecil Herbert Blumer and Alice Ruby (née Barrett) of Croydon, New South Wales, Australia. His younger brother Alexander Gordon Barrett Blumer DFC Aus/411735, also served. Grave inscription: Deeply Loved Sadly Mourned Proudly Remembered'.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to NAA, Shoreham Aviation Museum, other sources as quoted below:

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon
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