Operation: EMRO Patrol

Date: 22nd March 1941

Unit: No. 59 Squadron (Coastal Command) (motto: Ab uno disce omnes - 'From one teach all')

Type: Blenheim IV

Serial: T2433

Code: TR-X

Base: RAF Bircham Newton, Norfolk

Location: North Sea

Pilot: P/O. David William Date 86661 RAFVR Age 26. Missing - believed killed

Obs: P/O. Eric Percival Moore 79752 RAFVR Age ? Missing - believed killed

W/Op/Air/Gnr: Sgt. Basil John Overton Watkins 633030 RAF Age 21. Missing - believed killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Taking off from RAF Bircham Newton in Norfolk at 03:15 hrs. on a 'EMRO' Patrol (a patrol between Emden and Rotterdam, generally during the hours of darkness)

During the patrol he was intercepted and shot down by Oblt. Paul Stolte (1) of 3./Jg1 flying the Bf 109E over the North Sea west of Katwijk aan Zee.

No additional details, although we welcome further information.

(1) Hptm. Paul August Stolte became an ace with over 40 claims before he was shot down and killed on the 18th October 1943. (courtesy Kracker Archives)

Burial details:

P/O. David William Date. Runnymede Memorial. Panel 32. Son of William and Edith Beatrice Date, of Old Basing, Hampshire, England.

P/O. Eric Percival Moore. Runnymede Memorial. Panel 33. No further details - are you able to assist?

Sgt. Basil John Overton Watkins. Runnymede Memorial. Panel 33. Son of Harold Overton Watkins and Iris Mary Watkins, of Aldershot, Hampshire, England.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to sources indicated below.