British Military Personality
Archive News Footage of the Battle of Heligoland Crew
This page documents the story of a rear gunner and his comrades of 149 squadron who were killed in action.
RAF Aircraftman 2nd class Harry Gillott was a family member who was active in world war 2.The posts give an account, including archive news footage, of his involvement in the Battle of Heligoland at the onset of the war in 1939.In April 1940, he was amongst the crew of a Wellington Bomber which was on a reconnaissance mission over the coast of Norway. The Wellington was shot down over the North sea by a Messerschmidt and relatives consequently advised that Harry was missing presumed dead.A few weeks later, Harry was spotted by his brother on a news footage movie at a local cinema.There had been a 65 year quest to track this movie footage down.
Read on for the full story…
WW2 Battle of Heligoland Crew
….an extract from the world war 2 propaganda magazine The War Illustrated vol 1 issue 18 dated 5th January 1940
‘Greatest Air Battle in History’What was the biggest air battle of the war to date was fought in the skies near Heligoland on December 18th 1939. There were losses on both sides, but Germany’s newest fighters gave no indication of their much-vaunted superiority.In mid December H.M. Submarine Salmon and units of the Royal Air Force observed several ships of the German Fleet venturing for the first time outside their naval strongholds, and it was at once decided to send a force of British heavy bombers to search for and attack any enemy warships found at sea. So in the afternoon of December 18th a squadron of big Vickers ‘Wellingtons’ flew out to carry the fight once again far into the enemy’s territory.
Reaching the Heligoland Bight area, there was not a warship to be seen outside the harbours, but the Germans on this occasion seemed determined to teach their aerial gate-crashers a lesson, and set up a fleet of fighters to engage the ‘Wellingtons’ when they approached their objective at Wilhelmshaven.
The leader of the British formations said afterwards “I could see them collecting like flies waiting to attack us”.
“This was infact, the biggest aerial battle ever fought. At a hazard, I should think that there were about 80 to 100 aircraft engaged. We were greatly outnumbered and out-manoeuvred because of the higher speed of the fighters. The crews fired shot for shot and gave better than they got. Most of our crews were under fire for the first time, and they have returned confident that on the next occasion the enemy will suffer a far heavier blow. That occasion, they hope, will not be too distant.
“There is no doubt whatever that we were attacked by the best fighters of the German Command, Ours was just a normal team. All the crews were surprised at the performance of the German aircraft and their determination to press home the attack. We felt that they were worthy opponents.”
The famous single-engined Messerschmidt ME 109 formed part of the defending force, but a large portion consisted of the new Messerschmidt ME 110 type, used in
Poland but not hitherto met with by the RAF. These formidable ‘air destroyers’, as the Germans have dubbed them, are heavily armed twin-engined fighters said to be capable of 370 miles per hour – a nominally higher speed than our own ‘Spitfire’ single-seater can attain. The armament is believed to consist of two shell-firing guns as well as four rifle-calibre machine-guns. Our own modern fighters, like the ‘Hurricane’ and ‘Spitfire’ employ very successfully eight of the latter class of weapon.
In the Heligoland Bight battle the Wellingtons – 100 miles per hour slower than their adversaries, but with five separate machine-gun position, including two in power-operated turrets-were undaunted by the appearance of the ME 110, but were, on the contrary, eager to match themselves against the enemy’s new weapon. The gunners of the British machines sent more than twelve Messerschmitts including at least six of the new type, and representing in all about a half of the defence forces, crashing down to destruction. The concentrated fire of the Messerschmitts also told on the attacking squadron, for seven of our aircraft and their daring crews failed to reach home and their unfortunate loss was immediately admitted by the Air Ministry.
This is anticipating however. Let us return to the official story of the battle.
The fighting quickly became intense as the crack fighter squadrons strained every nerve to find means to break down our close and tightly-packed sections. Then, as the bombers came over
Wilhelmshaven, they were exposed to the full blast of the anti-aircraft defences of the naval base. The Germans hoped in this way to force the formations to open out, so that their fighters might be able to deal with them individually, and it was after our bombers had completed their task and turned away from their objective on the return journey that the main attack of the enemy fighters developed.
As this phase of the action developed casualties on both sides began to mount up. The heavy concentrated fire of the formations had resulted in so many losses of the Messerschmitts that, in the last desperate attempt to break down the ordered array of bomber sections, the Messerschmitts 110 attempted the most spectacular attacks at great speed on the beam of the formations, trying to sweep the formations with fire from stem to stern.
But even this manoeuvre had little success and many of their aircraft were shot down. The defeat of this final effort was the last phase of the action, and our air gunners, excited and tired, had the satisfaction of seeing the last remaining fighters disappearing towards their own shore.
Flying wing-tip to wing-tip, The Wellington bombers had held together in spite of anti-aircraft fire and continuous attacks. Again and again the enemy fighters, daring to come in too close, were shot down, and the bombers continued on their course unchecked and unshaken.
Where single aircraft were forced by hits to fall away from their section formation they were still by no means an easy proposition for the enemy fighters. Some of these aircraft were lost fighting to the end, with a gallantry to which the Germans themselves bear witness. Others fought their formidable opponents off single-handed, and ultimately succeeded in crossing 300 miles of sea, even though maimed and with fighting turrets out of action.
One of the bombers shot down no fewer than five fighters, and although the crew were attacked continuously for nearly forty minutes, closely followed 60 miles out to sea by a swarm of fighters, they succeeded in driving them off and bringing their aircraft back safely. This exploit testifies to the tremendous fighting power off the
Wellington and to the dogged determination and courage of its crew.
Now for some first hand narratives: The pilot of the plane which ‘drew first blood’ said
“When we were near Heligoland, and before the main fight had begun, we were attacked by a solitary fighter. He chose my aircraft out of the formation, and in a few seconds my rear gunner had the satisfaction of seeing his enemy crash into the sea. “Later, when the battle had developed on a large scale, and when the formation was penetrating over German waters, a Messerschmidt 110 singled us out and sat on our tail for about twenty minutes.
“We certainly hit him, but I am not sure whether he was actually brought down. We last saw him flying towards the sea. Perhaps he was one of the few casualties which the Germans admitted. They claimed, I think, that two of their fighters had landed on the water.
“We were busily engages with another Messerschmidt 110 when a Messerschmidt 109 suddenly flew straight into our cross-fire and blew up in the air.
“The enemy attack was sustained and most persistent throughout. All our gunners were kept fully occupied by their enemy’s method of employing about five fighters to each bomber. If at any time during the battle we were able to get fifteen seconds rest we were more than grateful.”
The Gunner Was Dangling Over The Sea
One aircraft had to leave the formation and descend into the sea some distance off the English coast through a petrol leak. This aircraft had been severely shot at in the action. All its guns had been put out of action by shells and machine-gun bullets, and the bottom of the front turret had been blown out by shells and set on fire.
“My gunner,” the pilot said, “was very prompt with the fire, and put it out with his gloved hand. But for him the aircraft would have been set alight within a few seconds. His quick action saved our lives.
“When the bottom of the gun turret was blown away the gunner found that one of his legs was dangling in the air over the water, but his huddled position kept him from falling into the sea.”
This young gunner expressed the greatest admiration for his sergeant pilot. “We shall never know how the pilot managed to control his aircraft through such difficulties,” he said.
The German Propaganda ministry, true to tradition, immediately fastened on this air fight as a suitable reply for the defeat at sea of the Graf Spee. So the German public had it impressed upon them that their airman had achieved a truly ‘kolossal’ victory. Forty-four RAF ‘planes ventured near Germany, they said but only eight lived to tell the tale – yet, as the British Air Ministry dryly commented, our total forces of aircraft engaged were less than the losses alleged!
Wing Commander Schumacher, of the German Air Force, stated that as leader of the fighter squadrons in that area he sent up every available machine to attack the invaders, and that the rout of the latter was complete and shattering. The German losses were (at least, so he said) only two Messerschmitts of ME 109 type, and not one of the men was a serious casualty. Furthermore, Goerin had decorated him with the Iron Cross (1st Class) for his part in the ‘Victory’.
This transcript may be copied if credited and hyperlinked to skegness.wordpress.com
British Military Personality
Harry Gillott Aircraftman 2nd Class RAF 149 Squadron
Born in 1916 in Sheffield Yorkshire UK, Harry Gillott was in the RAF. His rank was Aircraftman 2nd class 623761 149 squadron rear gunner in a Wellington bomber based at Mildenhall.In April 1940 his mother and father received the sad news that their son Harry’s Wellington came down over the coast of Norway and that Harry was missing, presumed dead.Some weeks later, Harry’s younger brother Leslie, who was aged thirteen at the time, was watching a matinee at Heeley Picture Palace in Sheffield.
The film was a war film showing original news footage.Suddenly, Leslie saw - flashed on the silver screen - a shot of his brother coming down the aircraft steps then posing with his comrades in front of the craft.Leslie ran back home to tell his Mother ” Ma, our Harry i’n’t dead-I’ve just see him ont’ pictures”. She immediately rushed to explain the plight to the manager of the cinema. The manager produced a still photograph from the cine film and gave it to the distraught mother.
This is that still photo.
Harry is the second right.
A similar shot from the film appeared in a newspaper. The caption reads:‘Here are some of the British pilots who took part in the great Aerial battle of Heligoland. Smiles and thumbs up show that they know they had by far the best of it. The official report of the Heligoland battle stated that ”The laurels go to the Wellington bombers, which resisted the most desperate, and, it may be said also, the most courageous and dashing efforts of the enemy’s crack fighters to break them up,”
Quest for the Archive Newsreel
Harry’s niece, Leslie Gillott’s daughter, Angela Gooch has being trying to trace the film for some years without success…Before Leslie’s death in 2001, he had always maintained that the footage of his brother, Harry, was part of a war film. (remember he was just thirteen years old when he saw it!)Despite viewing several war films over the years, including The Lion Has Wings and One of Our Aircraft is Missing, no trace of Harry’s footage could be found.Then, on , whilst browsing the Internet, a strong contender for the missing film was found. Target for Tonight was made in 1940/1 and directed by Harry Carr. The film was made with the crew of 149 squadron (no actors) performing their daily routines for the benefit of the camera. Harry was in 149 squadron. This film looked like a highly likely candidate. A copy was ordered from a company in Chicago which specialized in war films.
On 23rd April 2005, the film was delivered. - It wasn’t the one. Harry wasn’t in it! (By no means was this the company’s fault).23 April 2005 - Angela launched an appeal for the missing footage on the Internet.The response was tremendous!
The ImperialWar Museum advised that the ’still’ seemed to have been shot at an earlier date than the popular films, suggesting that it could be news footage.A kind helper called Ian from the Internet provided the following information…..
…….An extract from a book by W R Chorley’s book ‘Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Vol 1?, states…
“149 Squadron Wellington 1C P9246. Take off 11.53 Mildenhall to search for enemy shipping off Norway. Last seen flying towards Norwegian coast, its position being 5445N 0515E. All lost. Sgt Wakeling and AC2 Tootle are buried in Falnes Churchyard, Karmoy Island, Norway. the remainder ( Sgt H J Wheller, Sgt W C Parker, LAC R Coalter, AC2 H Gillott) are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
A second 149 Wellington was last seen at 16.10 about 5 miles from the other, being pursued by a Me 110…….”NB The co-ordinates 5445N 0515E were found on Google Earth, printed and scanned.
Another helper suggested searching Pathe News, an online database holding 3500 hours of searchable news footage.Ian suggested….
The aircraft in the background is a Wellington.
The obvious reasoning for this is the geodetic fabric and window visible.23rd April 2005, Angela’s husband, Paul Gooch, who is a photojournalist, wrote an article about Harry and the quest to find the film, posting it on the Internet.27th April 2005 -Angela recalls….
“From the clues various people had given, I typed keywords into the searchable database of Pathe News. Most of the results were immediately discounted because the dates didn’t tally. Then I pursued a result that was undated….the description made my heartbeat quicken….
‘Air crews disembark from their planes. Group of pilots and crew giving the thumbs up sign’…..my thoughts flashed to the newspaper clipping -
Wellington -crew disembarks - gathers on tarmac - thumbs up sign….I played the preview….perhaps I recognise the flight sergeant dressed in white flight gear, with a moustache….the camera panned to the right….
YES! HE’S THERE! IT’S HARRY!
I WAS ELATED! !- AFTER 65 YEARS THE FOOTAGE HAD BEEN FOUND!’
Then sadness - those brave, smiling young men didn’t realise that three months hence they would be killed!”
View the archive newsreel now!
A memorial to Harry is at the Commonwealth Graves at Runnymede.
A Big Thank You to the kind helpers from the InternetGrateful and heartfelt thanks to British Pathe for their hard work in making archive newsreels available on the Internet.
The film must serve as a dedication to Harry, his crew members and my father, Harry’s brother Leslie Gillott who sadly died before the film was found.Also remembering Harry and Lavinia Gillott, Harry’s parents, and Jack, Ada, Mary and Vina, Harry’s siblings.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Crew of World War 2 149 Squadron Wellington Bomber shot down by German Messerschmidt
……An extract from a book by W R Chorley’s book ‘Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Vol 1?, states…
“149 Squadron Wellington 1C P9246. Take off 11.53 Mildenhall to search for enemy shipping off Norway. Last seen flying towards Norwegian coast, its position being 5445N 0515E All lost. Sgt Wakeling and AC2 Tootle are buried in Falnes Churchyard, Karmoy Island,
Norway. the remainder ( Sgt H J Wheller, Sgt W C Parker, LAC R Coalter, AC2 H Gillott) are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
A second 149 Wellington was last seen at 16.10 about 5 miles from the other, being pursued by a Me 110…….”
The co-ordinates 5445N 0515E were found on Google Earth, printed and scanned (above)
Sgt Wakeling
full name
rank
service
date of death
age
regiment
nationality
grave/memorial ref
cemetery name
Laurie Charles Wakeling
Sergeant
740420
12/4/1940
23
RAF Volunteer Reserve
UK
Falnes Churchyard
‘Greatest Air Battle in History’What was the biggest air battle of the war to date was fought in the skies near Heligoland on December 18th 1939. There were losses on both sides, but Germany’s newest fighters gave no indication of their much-vaunted superiority.In mid December H.M. Submarine Salmon and units of the Royal Air Force observed several ships of the German Fleet venturing for the first time outside their naval strongholds, and it was at once decided to send a force of British heavy bombers to search for and attack any enemy warships found at sea. So in the afternoon of December 18th a squadron of big Vickers ‘Wellingtons’ flew out to carry the fight once again far into the enemy’s territory.
Reaching the Heligoland Bight area, there was not a warship to be seen outside the harbours, but the Germans on this occasion seemed determined to teach their aerial gate-crashers a lesson, and set up a fleet of fighters to engage the ‘Wellingtons’ when they approached their objective at Wilhelmshaven.
The leader of the British formations said afterwards “I could see them collecting like flies waiting to attack us”.
“This was infact, the biggest aerial battle ever fought. At a hazard, I should think that there were about 80 to 100 aircraft engaged. We were greatly outnumbered and out-manoeuvred because of the higher speed of the fighters. The crews fired shot for shot and gave better than they got. Most of our crews were under fire for the first time, and they have returned confident that on the next occasion the enemy will suffer a far heavier blow. That occasion, they hope, will not be too distant.
“There is no doubt whatever that we were attacked by the best fighters of the German Command, Ours was just a normal team. All the crews were surprised at the performance of the German aircraft and their determination to press home the attack. We felt that they were worthy opponents.”
The famous single-engined Messerschmidt ME 109 formed part of the defending force, but a large portion consisted of the new Messerschmidt ME 110 type, used in
Poland but not hitherto met with by the RAF. These formidable ‘air destroyers’, as the Germans have dubbed them, are heavily armed twin-engined fighters said to be capable of 370 miles per hour – a nominally higher speed than our own ‘Spitfire’ single-seater can attain. The armament is believed to consist of two shell-firing guns as well as four rifle-calibre machine-guns. Our own modern fighters, like the ‘Hurricane’ and ‘Spitfire’ employ very successfully eight of the latter class of weapon.
In the Heligoland Bight battle the Wellingtons – 100 miles per hour slower than their adversaries, but with five separate machine-gun position, including two in power-operated turrets-were undaunted by the appearance of the ME 110, but were, on the contrary, eager to match themselves against the enemy’s new weapon. The gunners of the British machines sent more than twelve Messerschmitts including at least six of the new type, and representing in all about a half of the defence forces, crashing down to destruction. The concentrated fire of the Messerschmitts also told on the attacking squadron, for seven of our aircraft and their daring crews failed to reach home and their unfortunate loss was immediately admitted by the Air Ministry.
This is anticipating however. Let us return to the official story of the battle.
The fighting quickly became intense as the crack fighter squadrons strained every nerve to find means to break down our close and tightly-packed sections. Then, as the bombers came over
Wilhelmshaven, they were exposed to the full blast of the anti-aircraft defences of the naval base. The Germans hoped in this way to force the formations to open out, so that their fighters might be able to deal with them individually, and it was after our bombers had completed their task and turned away from their objective on the return journey that the main attack of the enemy fighters developed.
As this phase of the action developed casualties on both sides began to mount up. The heavy concentrated fire of the formations had resulted in so many losses of the Messerschmitts that, in the last desperate attempt to break down the ordered array of bomber sections, the Messerschmitts 110 attempted the most spectacular attacks at great speed on the beam of the formations, trying to sweep the formations with fire from stem to stern.
But even this manoeuvre had little success and many of their aircraft were shot down. The defeat of this final effort was the last phase of the action, and our air gunners, excited and tired, had the satisfaction of seeing the last remaining fighters disappearing towards their own shore.
Flying wing-tip to wing-tip, The Wellington bombers had held together in spite of anti-aircraft fire and continuous attacks. Again and again the enemy fighters, daring to come in too close, were shot down, and the bombers continued on their course unchecked and unshaken.
Where single aircraft were forced by hits to fall away from their section formation they were still by no means an easy proposition for the enemy fighters. Some of these aircraft were lost fighting to the end, with a gallantry to which the Germans themselves bear witness. Others fought their formidable opponents off single-handed, and ultimately succeeded in crossing 300 miles of sea, even though maimed and with fighting turrets out of action.
One of the bombers shot down no fewer than five fighters, and although the crew were attacked continuously for nearly forty minutes, closely followed 60 miles out to sea by a swarm of fighters, they succeeded in driving them off and bringing their aircraft back safely. This exploit testifies to the tremendous fighting power off the
Wellington and to the dogged determination and courage of its crew.
Now for some first hand narratives: The pilot of the plane which ‘drew first blood’ said
“When we were near Heligoland, and before the main fight had begun, we were attacked by a solitary fighter. He chose my aircraft out of the formation, and in a few seconds my rear gunner had the satisfaction of seeing his enemy crash into the sea. “Later, when the battle had developed on a large scale, and when the formation was penetrating over German waters, a Messerschmidt 110 singled us out and sat on our tail for about twenty minutes.
“We certainly hit him, but I am not sure whether he was actually brought down. We last saw him flying towards the sea. Perhaps he was one of the few casualties which the Germans admitted. They claimed, I think, that two of their fighters had landed on the water.
“We were busily engages with another Messerschmidt 110 when a Messerschmidt 109 suddenly flew straight into our cross-fire and blew up in the air.
“The enemy attack was sustained and most persistent throughout. All our gunners were kept fully occupied by their enemy’s method of employing about five fighters to each bomber. If at any time during the battle we were able to get fifteen seconds rest we were more than grateful.”
The Gunner Was Dangling Over The Sea
One aircraft had to leave the formation and descend into the sea some distance off the English coast through a petrol leak. This aircraft had been severely shot at in the action. All its guns had been put out of action by shells and machine-gun bullets, and the bottom of the front turret had been blown out by shells and set on fire.
“My gunner,” the pilot said, “was very prompt with the fire, and put it out with his gloved hand. But for him the aircraft would have been set alight within a few seconds. His quick action saved our lives.
“When the bottom of the gun turret was blown away the gunner found that one of his legs was dangling in the air over the water, but his huddled position kept him from falling into the sea.”
This young gunner expressed the greatest admiration for his sergeant pilot. “We shall never know how the pilot managed to control his aircraft through such difficulties,” he said.
The German Propaganda ministry, true to tradition, immediately fastened on this air fight as a suitable reply for the defeat at sea of the Graf Spee. So the German public had it impressed upon them that their airman had achieved a truly ‘kolossal’ victory. Forty-four RAF ‘planes ventured near Germany, they said but only eight lived to tell the tale – yet, as the British Air Ministry dryly commented, our total forces of aircraft engaged were less than the losses alleged!
Wing Commander Schumacher, of the German Air Force, stated that as leader of the fighter squadrons in that area he sent up every available machine to attack the invaders, and that the rout of the latter was complete and shattering. The German losses were (at least, so he said) only two Messerschmitts of ME 109 type, and not one of the men was a serious casualty. Furthermore, Goerin had decorated him with the Iron Cross (1st Class) for his part in the ‘Victory’.
This transcript may be copied if credited and hyperlinked to skegness.wordpress.com
Harry Gillott Aircraftman 2nd Class RAF 149 SquadronHarry’s niece, Leslie Gillott’s daughter, Angela Gooch has being trying to trace the film for some years without success…Before Leslie’s death in 2001, he had always maintained that the footage of his brother, Harry, was part of a war film. (remember he was just thirteen years old when he saw it!)Despite viewing several war films over the years, including The Lion Has Wings and One of Our Aircraft is Missing, no trace of Harry’s footage could be found.Then, on , whilst browsing the Internet, a strong contender for the missing film was found. Target for Tonight was made in 1940/1 and directed by Harry Carr. The film was made with the crew of 149 squadron (no actors) performing their daily routines for the benefit of the camera. Harry was in 149 squadron. This film looked like a highly likely candidate. A copy was ordered from a company in Chicago which specialized in war films.
On 23rd April 2005, the film was delivered. - It wasn’t the one. Harry wasn’t in it! (By no means was this the company’s fault).23 April 2005 - Angela launched an appeal for the missing footage on the Internet.The response was tremendous!
…….An extract from a book by W R Chorley’s book ‘Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Vol 1?, states…
“149 Squadron Wellington 1C P9246. Take off 11.53 Mildenhall to search for enemy shipping off Norway. Last seen flying towards Norwegian coast, its position being 5445N 0515E. All lost. Sgt Wakeling and AC2 Tootle are buried in Falnes Churchyard, Karmoy Island, Norway. the remainder ( Sgt H J Wheller, Sgt W C Parker, LAC R Coalter, AC2 H Gillott) are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
A second 149 Wellington was last seen at 16.10 about 5 miles from the other, being pursued by a Me 110…….”NB The co-ordinates 5445N 0515E were found on Google Earth, printed and scanned.
The aircraft in the background is a Wellington.
The obvious reasoning for this is the geodetic fabric and window visible.23rd April 2005, Angela’s husband, Paul Gooch, who is a photojournalist, wrote an article about Harry and the quest to find the film, posting it on the Internet.27th April 2005 -Angela recalls….
Wellington -crew disembarks - gathers on tarmac - thumbs up sign….I played the preview….perhaps I recognise the flight sergeant dressed in white flight gear, with a moustache….the camera panned to the right….
I WAS ELATED! !- AFTER 65 YEARS THE FOOTAGE HAD BEEN FOUND!’
“149 Squadron Wellington 1C P9246. Take off 11.53 Mildenhall to search for enemy shipping off Norway. Last seen flying towards Norwegian coast, its position being 5445N 0515E All lost. Sgt Wakeling and AC2 Tootle are buried in Falnes Churchyard, Karmoy Island,
Norway. the remainder ( Sgt H J Wheller, Sgt W C Parker, LAC R Coalter, AC2 H Gillott) are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
A second 149 Wellington was last seen at 16.10 about 5 miles from the other, being pursued by a Me 110…….”
The co-ordinates 5445N 0515E were found on Google Earth, printed and scanned (above)
UK
Certificate of Honour
Parents
Mr & Mrs CJ Wakeling
Home
Brixton London
Notes
Falnes Churchyard is on the island of Karmoy in Norway.
There are just two Servicemen’s graves side by side in the churchyard, Sgt Wakling and AC2 Tootle (detailed below)
AC2 Tootle
| full name | rank | service | date of death | age | regiment | nationality | grave/memorial ref | cemetery name |
| Frederick Tootle | Aircraftman 2nd Class | 625665 | 12/4/1940 | unknown | RAF | UK |
Falnes Churchyard |
Certificate of Honour
Sgt H J Wheller
| full name | rank | service | date of death | age | regiment | nationality | grave/memorial ref | cemetery name |
| Horace James Wheller | Sergeant | 562377 | 12/4/1940 | 29 | RAF | UK |
Panel 20 | Runnymede UK |
Certificate of Honour
Parents
James and Alice Wheller
Wife
Rose Marie Elizabeth Wheller nee Pattenden
Home
Caterham Surrey
LAC R Coalter
| full name | rank | service | date of death | age | regiment | nationality | grave/memorial ref | cemetery name |
| Richard Coalter | Leading Aircraftman | 616989 | 12/4/1940 | 19 | RAF | UK |
Panel 22 | Runnymede Memorial |
Certificate of Honour
Information was gathered from the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
where searches may be performed to find service people who lost their lives during active service.
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