Operation: Strafing

Date: 31st May 1942 (Sunday)

Unit: No. 112 Squadron (239 Wing, 211 Group)

Type: Kittyhawk I

Serial: AK999

Code: GA-?

Base: RAF Gambut

Location: Derna, Libya

Pilot: P/O. Stuart Stewart Mitchell NZ/41348 RNZAF Age 21. Missing - believed killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

During a strafing and bombing run after taking off at 18:45 hrs he failed to return.

Later, when the allied forces advanced the pilot was found to be buried beside his destroyed aircraft near Derna in Libya.

Sadly a post war search failed to locate his grave - possibly as it had been effected by sand storm, consequently he is now remembered on the Alamein memorial.

Burial details:

P/O. Stuart Stewart Mitchell. Alamein Memorial. Column 265. Son of Alexander Stewart Mitchell and Margaret Ethelinda Mitchell, of Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. A total of 234 flying hours logged - his slightly older brother 21 year old P/O. John Stewart Mitchell NZ/41607 RNZAF had been killed earlier on the 02nd March in the France campaign whilst with No. 1 Squadron. Further details here.

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 Jenifer Lemaire from New Zealand for photograph, other sources as quoted below:

Note:

Image of the pilot reproduced under licence: Auckland Library Heritage Collection : 28 October 1942 AWNS19421028-18-37

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