Operation: Escort

Date: 09th February 1945 (Friday)

Unit: No. 602 Squadron (motto: Cave leonem cruciatum - 'Beware the crossed lion')

Type: Spitfire XVI

Serial: SM257

Code: LO-?

Base: RAF Ludham, Norfolk

Location: 'S-⁠Gravenhage (The Hague)

Pilot: W/O. James Patrick Ryan AUS/410097 RAAF Age 26. PoW Stalag Nurnberg and Stalag Moosburg

REASON FOR LOSS:

During an escort sortie Spitfire SM257 was hit by anti-aircraft fire over the Hague in the Netherlands.

He tried coax the aircraft back to friendly lines but the aircraft was too badly damaged and was forced to crash land. During which he suffered slight head injuries and a sprained back.

He was immediately taken PoW treated in hospital and then sent to the first of two camps. There he remained until liberated on the 29th April 1945.

Stalag Nurnberg - 01st March 1945 - 01st April 1945. Stalag Moosburg - 15th April 1945 - 29th April 1945.

Burial details:

None - pilot survived the war. Born on the 09th August 1919 at Northgate, Victoria, Australia, the son of Mr. J.J. Ryan of 27 James Street, Northgate. Husband of Peggy Lorraine Ryanj 13 Archbold Street, Thornbury Victoria with whom he had married on the 21st February 1942. Prior to service worked as a salesman although he had been qualified as a school teacher. Enlisted 08th November 1941 at Melbourne and had 200 operational flying hours logged. When shot down was on his 1st tour. Left service on the 01st February 1946.

For further details our thanks to the Australian Archives and the following sources.