Operation: Enemy radar station

Date: 05th June 1944 (Monday)

Unit: No. 193 Squadron (motto;/ Aera et Terram Imperare - 'To govern the air and the earth')

Type: Typhcoon Ib

Serial: MN761

Code: DP-?

Base: RAF (ALG) Needs Oar Point

Location: English Channel

Pilot: Sq/Ldr. David George Ross DFC 84001 RAFVR Age 24

REASON FOR LOSS:

T he squadron were operating with Typhoon fighter-bombersand were heavily involved in supporting the Allied invasion of Normandy. They were of the 2nd Tactical Air Force and flew close-support missions for the advancing armies, participating in attacks on enemy targets and providing cover for ground troops.

Taking off at 08:25 hrs on the first of two sorties that day. with 8 others. Sq/Ldr Ross suffered an engine failure whilst returning from the attack- his Typhoon was seen to crash into the Channel some 15 miles south east of the Isle of Wight. The other pilots saw him bale our successfully but after circling for some time no one observed him a dingy - they sent a fix back the station but the pilot was never seen again. The remains 8 returned safely at the advanced landing ground at 09:30hrs.

Burial details:

Sq/Ldr. David George Ross DFC. Runnymede Memorial. Panel 201. Also remembered on family grave in Stewarton Cemetery, Stewarton, Scotland. Son of James DCM. (died 21st July 1964, age 78) and Annie Ella Ross (née Mackenzie (died 08th March 1967, age 77), of 325 Gartcraig Road, Glasgow, Scotland.

He joined 263 squadron on the 16th July 1943 from 55 Operational Training Unit and flew the first of 33 Operatuonal sorties on the 04th Augusts 1943. Given command of ‘A’ Flight on 8th August 1943. Awarded the DFC on the 28th March 1944.
Escaped serious injury when on the 24 October 1943 when he crash landed a flak damaged Whirlwind I P6974 (1) of 198 Typhoon squadron on the 09th February 1944 .

(1) P6974 (Shown above) suffered previous damage when Maxwell Tynley cotton Aus/408204 RAAF on the 23rd May 1944 returned from a 'Roadstead' patrol. The pilot survived this but sadly lost on the 15th June 1944 - further details here.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to the National Archive. Kew AIR-27-1157-30/31. Westland Whirlwind Project.

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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