• Kracker Archive
• Allied Losses
• Archiwum Polish
• Paradie Canadian
• RCAF
• RAAF
• RNZAF
• USA
• Searchable Lists
Operation: Night interception
Date: 30th April 1940 (Tuesday)
Unit: 504 Squadron
Type: Hurricane I
Serial: L1947
Base: RAF Martlesham Heath
Location: Ditchingham House, Bungay, Norfolk.
Pilot: Sqn.Ldr. Rupert Hartley-Watson 90059 RAuxAF Age 28. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
On the date of the accident he was serving on detachment at Martlesham Heath.
Above: Area of loss with insert, Sqn.Ldr. Hartley-Wilson (courtesy Sherborne School archives)
Above: Believed to be the Hurricane of Sqn.Ldr. Hartley-Wilson by virtue of the 'Sherlock Holmes' motif. The airman sitting in the cockpit is the father of Dave Woodward, who was a member of 504 Sqn ground crew and who had been sent to France in the May of 1940. (Courtesy of Dave Woodward).
During a night interception patrol it is understood that he crashed on return to the base within the grounds of Ditchingham House, situated north of Bungay in Norfolk. (we have no further details of this - are you able to assist?)
Above: Ditchingham House, Bungay
Above: Sherborne School, Dorset - Any further information that you are able to assist them with fallen former pupils from all wars, we would be pleased to pass onto them.
Burial details:
Sqn.Ldr. Rupert Hartley-Watson. Powderham Churchyard (St. Clement) East of Church. Born 1st April 1912, son of Lt.Col. Guy Hartley Watson - 3rd Dragoon Guards (born 15th April 1870 - retired 6th September 1911 - died 27th April 1950) and Kathleen Nona Hartley Watson (Born 16th June 1885 - died 8th January 1963) of Powderham Rectory, Exeter, England.
Attended Naish House preparatory school, Burnham-on-Sea. Attended Sherborne School (School House) January 1926-July 1929. Director of silk embroidery factory. Flight-Lieutenant, Royal Air Force, Special Reserve, 1931.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to Sherborne School Archives for additional information. Thanks to Dave Woodward for the Hurricane image (Dec 2020). Further updates by Aircrew Remembered (Dec 2020).
RS 07.12.2020 - Addition of image of Hurricane and other updates
Original author information unknown
RS 07.12.2020 - Addition of image of Hurricane and other updates
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: 11 March 2021, 17:00