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Operation: Escort
Date: 08th July 1941 (Tuesday)
Unit: No. 611 Squadron (11 Group)
Type: Spitfire V
Serial: R7277
Code: FY-?
Base: RAF Hornchurch, Essex
Location: Lost without trace
Pilot: Sgt. Brian William Feely NZ/39788 RNZAF Age 23. Missing - believed killed
The family are keen to trace his medals and if possible to have them returned. Please contact us or Medals Reunited New Zealand on link shown. A reward for these items maybe available.
REASON FOR LOSS:
Taking off from RAF Hornchurch in Essex at 14:40 hrs to escort 3 Stirlings to Lille in France.
No further details as to his loss and we welcome any further information.
During this day on various operational sorties 5 pilots were killed, 4 were taken PoW, 3 suffered injuries but managed to return, 1 evaded capture, 1 baled out safely and another ditched near the Goodwin Sands.
The medals that are missing are 1939/45 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, 1939/45 War Medal, Defence Medal, 1939/45 NZ War Service Medal + Memorial Cross as advised by Medals Reunited New Zealand.
(Note: if you do find any service men/women New Zealand Medals please advise as the relatives maybe seeking them - we are working closely with Medals Reunited New Zealand and maybe able to assist in their return)
Left: Panel 64 Runnymede Memorial
Burial details:
Sgt. Brian William Feely. Runnymede Memorial. Panel 64. Born on the 24th April 1918 in Petone, Lower Hutt, New Zealand. Son to William Patrick Feely of Petone, Wellington, New Zealand. A total of 273 flying hours logged and on his 53rd operational sortie.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to the research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Weekly News of New Zealand, also to Medals Reunited New Zealand for details on medals. Thanks to Owen Smith for providing NoK details, other sources as quoted below:
RS 23.05.2019 - Update to NoK details
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
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Last Modified: 15 March 2021, 14:08