Operation: Patrol

Date: 30th July 1941 (Wednesday)

Unit: No. 258 Squadron (motto: In medias re - 'In the middle of things') 11 Group

Type: Hurricane IIB

Serial: Z3256

Code: ZT-H

Base: RAF Martlesham Heath, Suffolk

Location: Great Bealings, Woodbridge, Suffolk

Pilot: F/O. George Montgomerie Marshall NZ/391841 RNZAF Age 23. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Taking off on a convoy patrol over Lowestoft at 13:50 hrs. with 5 others. Shortly afterwards the pilot reported aileron control failure and dived into the grounds of Seckford Hall, Great Bealings, Woodbridge. Some reports state that he was attempting a forced landing.

Burial and personal details:

F/O. George Montgomerie Marshall. Ipswich New Cemetery. Sec. X.H. Grave 436C. Born on the 05th July 1918 at Marton. Worked on his fathers farm prior to service. Joined the RNZAF at Levin on the 18th December 1939. Received his pilots badge and commissioned on the 27th July 1940. Joined the squadron on the 7th January 1941 from 57 Operational Trains Unit.

Son of George Leheup Marshall (passed away in 1965 age 90) and Helen Margaret Marshall (née Anderson) (passed away in 1971 age 88) of Greenbank, Marton, Wellington, New Zealand. 410 flying hours logged and on his 96 operational sortie. Credited with 1 enemy aircraft damaged. His brother 24 year old, Cpl. Hugh Rogers Marshall 1252 also lost his life on the 22nd May 1941. He rests in Suda Bay War Cemetery, Crete. Grave 2.C.7. His sister, Helen Joy Marshall passed away on the 03rd November 2008 age 86.

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”, Ipswich War Memorial, Auckland Library Heritage Collection, AWMM, Weekly News of New Zealand, other sources as quoted below: