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Operation: Interception Patrol
Date: 07th September 1940 (Saturday)
Unit: No. 504 Squadron (motto: Vindicat in Vetis - 'It avenges in the wind) 11 Group
Type: Hurricane I
Serial: L1615
Code: TM-?
Base: RAF Hendon, Middlesex
Location: Sandbanks Farm, Graveney, near Faversham
Pilot: F/O. Kenneth Victor Wendel 40651 RAF Age 24. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Leadinghis section took off at 16:20 hrs. on a patrol over the Thames estuary and Margate area. They were bounced by five or six Me109’s.
The Hurricane was seen to go down out of control and crashing at location shown.
It is unknown if he had abandoned or was still in the aircraft. He died from his buns injuries later that afternoon.
Burial an personal details:
F/O. Kenneth Victor Wendel. Faversham Borough Cemetery. Grave 20. Born on the 08th May 1916 at Takapuna. Worked as a clerk for A.K. Voyce, public accountants prior to service. After serving 6 months in the territorial army joined the RNZAF on the 01st October 1934 as a clerk. Awarded his 'A' licence on the 25th March 1937. Selected for RAF short service commission 30th November 1937. Awarded his pilots badge on the 29th October 1938. Joined 504 squadron on the 23rd January 1940Also served in 222 squadron flying Blenheims. Son of Christie Victor and Christina Mabel Wendel (nee Humme), of New Zealand. A pioneer member and pupil of the Auckland Flying Corps. Grave inscription: 'One Of The Few" Treasured Memories Of Our Gallant And Devoted Son Passed To Greater Peace. Killed In Air Operations'. A Battle of Britain pilot.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Ian Banks, Jenifer Lemaire and to the extensive research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, Auckland Library Heritage Collection, AWMM, Weekly News of New Zealand, other sources as quoted below:
KTY 25-03-2021
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Last Modified: 25 March 2021, 16:05