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Operation: Patrol
Date: 08th September 1944 (Friday)
Unit: No. 93 Squadron (motto: Ad arma parati - 'Ready for battle')
Type: Spitfire F.IX
Serial: MH324 (1)
Code: HN-E
Base: Bron, Lyon, France
Location: Bessey-La-Cour, Burgundy. France
Pilot: Fl/Sgt. John William Wagstaffe 1430722 RAFVR Age 25. Killed
The villagers of Bessey-La-Cour are planning to erect memorial to this pilot in Septrmbrt 2024 - we would very much like to hear from any relatives in order they can be invited to the unveiling.
REASON FOR LOSS:
Taking off at 09:00 hrs on his first operational sortie of the day with 7 others flying between 9.000 and 14,000 ft over the Colmar area. All aircraft led by Fl/Lt. Joseph Scarisbrick Ekbery 145863 RAFVR (2) returned at 11:00 hrs reporting no incidents.
At 14:15 hrs four airlift took off to patrol west of Dijon. They straffed enemy transport over St. Benin, with reports that one had been destroyed with four others damaged. Fl/Sgt. Wagstaffe fired from 100 ft with Lt. Connelly astern. A propeller blade was seen to fly off Fl/Sgt. Wagstaffe Spitfire, before crashing and bursting into flames killing the English pilot.
The remaining three aircraft returned safely, landing between 14:15 and 15:50 hrs.
(1) Note: The Squadron operational books state that he was flying Spitfire MA624. Many online detailed it as MH3234.
(2) Joseph Scarisbrick Ekbery. Born on the 19th November 1920 in Liverpool, England. DFC Citation (14th July 1944): 'While engaged in a recent operation, Flying Officer Ekbery's aircraft formed part of a formation of 8 aircraft which attacked a force of 25 Focke Wulfs and Messerschmitt 109s. During the ensuing combat he became separated from the rest of his squadron. Seeing 6 enemy aircraft beneath him, he immediately attacked, and though alone and deep in enemy territory, he forced them to jettison their bombs and pressed home his attack with such vigor that he succeeded in destroying 2 of the enemy before himself returning unscathed. This officer is now on his 2nd tour of operational duty and has destroyed 6 enemy aircraft and damaged others'. Passed away on the 16th January 2009
Burial details:
His body laid in the Town Hall and women took it in turn to guard over him until his burial on the 10th September 1944. Over 1,000 inhabitants from the village and surrounding villages, came to pay their respects.
Fl/Sgt. John William Wagstaff. Bessey-La-Cour Churchyard. Born on the 29th May 1919. Joined Birmingham City Police on the 18th November 1938 and posted to B Division as constable B.55. Enlisted on the 18th August 1941 in the RAFVR. Son of John Henry and Fanny Wagstaffe (née Shaw), of Whittington Moor, Derbyshire. Epitaph: 'In Loving Memory Of Jack, Beloved Son And Brother. Mother, Dad, Edith, Fred And Jim"'.
Birmingham City Police merged with other forces in 1974 and became the West Midlands Police. On behalf of West Midlands Police,
Mr. Bernard May of the West Midlands Police Museum wrote 'I would like to thank those in the village who have continued to tend his grave for the last eighty years and for taking the time to remember our fallen comrade'.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Bernard May at the West Midlands Police Museum, National Archive Kew, AIR-27-752-17/18, Philip Fitzpatrick in Bessey-La-Cour, France.
Key 04-07-2024
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Last Modified: 04 July 2024, 14:14