Operation: Training

Date: 11th December 1941 (Thursday) (see note)

Unit: No. 56 Operational Training Unit. 81 Group

Type: Hurricane I

Serial: V7625

Code: GF-?

Base: RAF Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire

Location: Bircham Newton, Norfolk

Pilot: P/O. Thomas Ray Powell 107774 RAFVR Age 23. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

During a training exercise the Hurricane crashed at location shown.

We have not been able to verify the cause of the accident.

note: Hitler announces the declaration of war against the United States to the Reichstag on 11th December 1941, four days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour and the United States declaration of war against the Japanese Empire, Nazi Germany declared war against the United States, in response to what was claimed to be a series of provocations by the United States government when the U.S. was still officially neutral during World War II.

The decision to declare war was made by Adolf Hitler, apparently offhand, almost without consultation. It has been referred to as Hitler's 'most puzzling' decision of World War II. Publicly, the formal declaration was made to American Chargé d'Affaires Leland B. Morris by German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop in the latter's office. Later that day, the U.S. declared war on Germany, with Germany's action having eliminated any remaining meaningful domestic isolationist opposition to the U.S. joining the European war. (Wikipedia)

Burial details:

Buried on the 16th December 1941.

P/O. Thomas Ray Powell. Sutton Bridge Churchyard (St Matthew). Sec. R. Grave 55. Born on the 21st December 1917 at Pike County, Alabama. Son Of Clyde Clearance Powell and Jimmie Lois Powell, Of Andalusia, Alabama, U.S.A. Grave inscription: 'Gone But Not Forgotten'.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Oleg Marin, AIR81/10877-National Archives, Wikipedia, other sources as quoted below:

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