Operation: Interdiction

Date: 19th November 1944 (Sunday)

Unit: No. No. 257 (RAF Burma Squadron)

Type: Hawker Typhoon Ib

Serial: PD526

Code: FM-F

Base: RAF Manston, Kent

Location: Wijnvoorden (north of Wijhe), Netherlands

Pilot: F/O. Frederick Heath Broad J/23898 RCAF Age 21. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Eight aircraft led by F/L J.D. Howarth took off at 08:30 hours for a rail over road target near Zwolle. During the action several direct hits were seen to be made.

While releasing his bombs, F/O. Broad’s Typhoon appeared to burst into flames in mid-air and crashed in a nearby field.

The loss of F/O Broad in the squadrons Operational Record Book at the time reads:

“It was ironic that one man should be lost for there was no flak whatsoever observed from the T/A (Target Area). F/O. Broad, it seemed, on the point of releasing his bombs, burst into flames, turned sharply to starboard, losing height, and crashed in a field. His plight was such that he did not stand a dog’s chance for scarcely five seconds elapsed from his bursting into flames to the resulting crash. The squadron is deeply moved by this loss of a popular officer and a keen, reliable pilot.”

Burial details:

F/O. Frederick Heath Broad. Wijhe General Cemetery, Netherlands. Plot 41 Row E Grave 2. Son of Frederick Thomas and Doris Minnie (née Heath) Broad, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Husband of Alice (née Carney) Broad of Carlisle, Cumberland. Grave inscription reads: “He That Believeth In Me, Though He Were Dead, Yet Shall He Live” St. John XI.25.

Further details: Born in London, England he came to Canada with his family in 1927 where he attended Huron Street Public School and Central Technical School, Toronto. After enlistment in January, 1942 he trained at No. 5 ITS Belleville, No.13 EFTS St.Eugene and No.2 SFTS Ottawa where he received his wings and commission in February, 1943 before being posted overseas the following June.

Researched and compiled by Colin Bamford for Aircrew Remembered and dedicated to the family and friends of F/O. Frederick Heath Broad.

With thanks to sources as quoted below and Operations Record Book RAF 257 Squadron AIR27/1528.

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