Operation: Night training exercise

Date: 27th April 1944 (Thursday)

Unit No: 305 (Ziemia Wielkopolska) Squadron Polish, 2nd Tactical Air Force, Bomber Command

Type: Mosquito FB.VI

Serial: LR329

Code: SM:?

Base: RAF Lasham, Hampshire

Location: Wells Road, North Creake, Norfolk.

Pilot: Fg Off. John Edward ‘Eddy’ Mathias DFC, 162961 RAFVR Age 23. Killed

Nav: Flt Lt. Thomas Wilson Irwin 128022 RAFVR Age 23. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

During a night navigation exercise it is believed that the Mosquito lost a wing and dived into the ground at Wells Road, North Creake, Norfolk, killing both of the crew.

Above: Mosquito from 305 (Ziemia Wielkopolska) Squadron

Above: A memorial tablet placed at the crash site during the dedication service in the memory of the two officers.

Chris Aveling’s grandfather, Michael Cullen and his two brothers, John Mathias Cullen and David Cullen, organised the plaque of dedication at the crash site. They were the sons of the sister of John Edward ‘Eddy' Mathias.

The plaque is located at the front entrance to a property in North Creak. It can be viewed from the lane but we ask that the owner’s privacy is respect.

Burial details:

Above: Narberth Church Cemetery

Fg Off. John Edward Mathias DFC. Narberth Church Cemetery, N.W. Sec Row 3. Grave 29. Grave Inscription: “GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS”. Born in the 4th Qtr of 1920 in Narberth , Pembrokeshire. Son of William Griffiths and Daisy Victoria (née Thomas) Mathias of Narberth, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Fg Off. Mathias was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) whilst with180 Sqn. Promulgated in the London Gazette on the 8th August 1944

Above: Family grave marker for Flt Lt. Thomas W. Irwin (Courtesy of Mike McQuaid (Retired Graver) – FindAGrave)

Flt Lt. Thomas Wilson Irwin. Wallasey (Rake Lane) Cemetery, Sec 14.G. Grave 180. Born in the 2nd Qtr of 1921 in Birkenhead, Merseyside. Son of Charles Ernest (deceased in January 1925) and Elizabeth Jane (née Jones) Irwin of Wallasey, Merseyside, England.

Researched by Kelvin Youngs (Webmaster) for relatives of these crews with thanks for additional information to Mike Berrell for photo of Narberth Church (Nov 2019). Reviewed and updated by Aircrew Remembered with thanks to Chris Aveling for the information regarding the Plaque (Jun 2026)

Other sources listed below:

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon
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