Archive Report: Allied Forces

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174 Squadron Typhoon Ib MN525 XP-B F/O. Walter Cyril Vatcher DFC MiD

Location: Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives

Operation: Armed Reconnaissance

Date: 26th July 1944 (Wednesday)

Unit: No. 174 Squadron 'Mauritius' (motto: 'Attack) 121 Wing. No.83 Group. Second Tactical Air Force

Type: Typhoon Ib

Serial: MN525

Code: XP-B

Base: ALG B.2 Bazenville

Location: Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives, France

Pilot: F/O. Walter Cyril Vatcher DFC MiD. 146339 RAFVR Age 24. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

On the 20th August 1941, whilst with 60 Operational Unit flying Defiant V1180, his fuel was running very low and as Sgt. Vatcher was not certain of his location, he decided to make a forced landing at 13:35 hrs. Both crew suffered minor injuries when it crashed into trees north west of Sheffield. He survived a few more mishaps on his journey to becoming an operational fighter pilot, but eventually became experienced and effective in fighters.

During July 1944 Vatcher and his fellow pilots were extremely active, flying daily missions on close air support. Ground attack missions were especially hazardous because of the number and accuracy of German flak guns, and the requirement to stay on a predictable diving course in order to achieve accurate placement of ordnance. Many pilots considered it just a matter of time before they were hit, but carried out their missions despite their fears.

On 26 July 1944 in direct support of Allied ground efforts, the squadron was ordered to attack woods at St. Pierre-sur-Dives believed to be hiding enemy tank formations. Although the attacks were on target, Vatcher (flying Blue 1) ran into flak. The young Canadian pilot lost his life in the ensuing crash.

Above: 174 Squadron Gravesend June 1943: W/O/ Wetere, F/O. Thomas, Sgt. Mitchell, Sgt. Boucher, W/O. Vatcher, Fl/Sgt. O'Callagham, Fl/Lt. Sterne DFC, W/Cdr. Wilkinson DSO. DFM and Bar, F/O. Black, Fl/Lt. Minall, F/O. Bridges, Sgt. Burton, F/O. Montgomery.

DFC Citation:

'This officer has operated with this squadron since March, 1942, and took part in the attack on Dieppe. Since then he has participated in many varied operations and has completed a large number of sorties over enemy occupied territory involving the bombing of well defended targets such as airfields, military installations and shipping. Since April 1944, he has acted as flight leader and since the invasion of Normandy has done fine work attacking enemy tanks and transport columns. On all his missions he has operated with great keenness in the face of heavy opposition'.

Mentioned in Despatches, awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 January 1943.

Burial details:

F/O. Walter Cyril Vatcher MiD. DFC. Banneville-la-Campagne War Cemetery. Grave VIII. E. 3. Born on the 7th February 1920 in Newfoundland, Canada. Enlisted 20th July 1940. Later commissioned on 28th April 1943. Son of Frederick (died 20th November 1956, age 74) and Ada Maud Vatcher (died 13th March 1968, age 85) of Rose Blanche, Newfoundland, Canada. Grave inscription: 'A Thought Of You, Dear Walter. Our Hearts Long For You. Mamma, Daddy And Brothers'. At least one brother also served, Fl/Lt. Austin R. Vatcher (born on the 07th May 1923 - died 30th March 2007, age 83)

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Julian Proddow, The Typhoon Project, Yorkshire Aircraft, other sources as quoted below:

• 2TAF French and Dutch Squadrons
  
• Paradie Canadian Archive
  
• Allied Losses and Incidents Database
  
• Aircrew Deaths & Resting Places

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