• Kracker Archive
• Allied Losses
• Archiwum Polish
• Paradie Canadian
• RCAF
• RAAF
• RNZAF
• USA
• Searchable Lists
Operation: Ranger Patrol
Date: 23rd June 1944 (Friday)
Unit: No. 151 Squadron (motto: Foy pour devoir - 'Fidelity unto duty')
Type: Mosquito NF.XII
Serial: MM447
Code: DZ-?
Base: RAF Predannack, Cornwall
Location: Bazouges Sur Loir, France
Pilot: F/O. Alfred Campbell Briant Aus/410624 RAAF Age 21. Killed
Nav: F/O. James Joseph Battle Aus/426250 RAAF Age 29. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Taking off at 10:55 hrs on a day 'ranger; patrol detailed to attack the railway station at La Fleche, France.
The other Mosquito that accompanied them, F/O. William Adam Lindsay 122146 RAFVR with F/O. Alexander Brodie 152876 RAFVR fling Mosquito NF.XII MM438 witnessed what happened.
At approximately 13/;00 hrs. some wagons were seen at La Fleche and they then attacked. Heavy anti-aircraft fire was received and MM447 was hit and struck the ground. killing both the crew members.
Burial details:
The only WW2 CWGC graves in the cemetery.
F/O. Alfred Campbell Briant. La Fleche Communal Cemetery. Row 3. Grave 6. Born on the 24th May 1923 at Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. Enlisted in the RAAF on the 31st January 1942. Son of Leslie Patema Briant (died 02nd February 1992, age 94) and Gladis Buchanan Briant (née Serjeant - died 28th September 1972, age 80), of Surrey Hills, Victoria, Australia. Epitaph: 'In Proud And Loving Memory Of Our Gallant Son'.
F/O. James Joseph Battle. La Fleche Communal Cemetery. Row 3. Grave 7. Born on the 28th October 1914 at Mount Morgan, Queensland, Australia. Enlisted in the RAAF on the 25th May 1942. Son of Timothy John (died 04th November 1929, age 39) and Mary Ellen Battle (née Judge - died 14th June 1977, age 84), of Ashgrove, Queensland, Australia. Bother of Mary Bridget O'Dwyer (née Battle) and John Anselm Battle (died 09th June 1991, age 73), Epitaph: 'Proudly For God And Country In Loving Memory Of Our Dear Son And Brother'.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to the National Archive, Kew. Air-27-1022-11/12. National Archives of Australia. Paul McGuiness RAAF Archives. 151 Squadron Website
Above: Sylvie Carter Oil on canvas. 2024 finalist for the Gallipoli Memorial Club
KTY 04-05-2024
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
All site material (except as noted elsewhere) is owned or managed
by Aircrew Remembered and should not be used without prior
permission.
© Aircrew Remembered 2012 - 2025
Last Modified: 04 May 2024, 17:39