Operation: Reconnaissance

Date: 19th May 1940

Unit: Photographic Development Unit

Type: Spitfire PRIII

Serial: P9308

Code: LY

Base: RAF Heston, Middlesex

Location: Templeuve, Belgium

Pilot: P/O. John Herbert Coleman 43692 RAF Age 27. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Taking off at 11:20 hrs on a photo reconnaissance operation to Hamburg and Bremen.

Understood to have been shot down during his return trip by Fw. Wilhelm Willi Roth 4./JG, flying an Me109, but we have been unable to confirm these details.

The Spitfire had been ordered by Turkey, but on the outbreak of the war the order was cancelled.

Burial details:

P/O. John Herbert Coleman. Templeuve Communal Cemetery. Row A. Grave 4. Born on the 23rd April 1913 at Opawa, the son of John Henry Coleman and of Emma Elizabeth Maud Coleman (née Taylor), of Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. An engineer mechanic for Andersons Foundry prior to enlisting. Joined RAF as a trainee pilot on the 28th October 1935. Previously served with 19 Squadron.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Jenifer Lemaire and to the extensive research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, Auckland Library Heritage Collection, Weekly News of New Zealand, other sources as quoted below:

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: 13 March 2021, 10:38