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Operation: Northern France, ’Noball' (V-1) sites
Date: 30th January 1944 (Sunday)
Unit: 487 (RNZAF) Squadron (2 Group, 2nd Tactical Air Force)
Type: Mosquito FB VI.
Serial: HX916
Code: EG-A
Base: RAF Hudson, Hertfordshire
Location: Bilsham Corner, Sussex
Pilot: Flt.Sgt. John Thomas William Hyndman 42406 RNZAF Age 23. Killed
Navigator: WO2 George Norman Matthews R/122398 RCAF Age 21. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Taking off at 11:00 hrs on an operation to bomb ’Noball' (V-1) sites in Northern France along with five others from the Sqn.
Tragedy happened just 35 minutes later when, whilst flying in fog the Mosquito flew into the ground at Bilsham Corner. Both crew members were killed.
As the aircraft disintegrated, bombs and debris were hurled from the aircraft hitting two cottages at 88 and 89 Bilsham road killing two of the occupants, 82 year old Mr. George Rogers and a 9 year old girl, Ms. Mary Doreen Ifould.
Burial details:
Flt.Sgt. John Thomas William Hyndman. Brookwood Military Cemetery. Grave 2A.1A. Son of Robert and Jessie Harmont Hyndman, of Morrinsville, Auckland, New Zealand. 461 flying hours logged, 70 of which on this type. Completed 13th operational sorties.
WO2. George Norman Matthews. Brookwood Military Cemetery. Grave 44.C. Son of Norman Henry and Margaret Patterson Matthews, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.Born on the 6th November 1922. Grave inscription reads: "Young, Full Of Laughter And Gentleness, Fearless They Flew Guarding Us".
Civilians:
Mr. George Rogers. Of The Elms, Bilsham Road, Bilsham, Yapton, England. Thought to be buried at St. Mary C. of E. Church, Yapton. Killed at The Elms.
Right: St. Mary C. of E. Church, Yapton
Ms. Mary Doreen Ifould. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Percy Ifould, of White Rails, Yapton Road, Bilsham. Thought to be buried at St. Mary C. of E. Church, Yapton. Killed at 88 Bilsham Road.
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, other sources as quoted below:
RS 27.01.2020 - Editorial update
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
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Last Modified: 02 April 2021, 18:57