research for local Cub/ scout group help needed

[Krysia Wieckowska Rose]

Hi

I am a cub leader, and we are doing a local history project.
We meet in a church hall and know that we have a WW2 serviceman buried there.
I have done a search for his name and this Forum came up on a thread of people who died on 23rd April 1942

If anyone can help us with our research or get any information we would be delighted. We are particularly interested in this man as he died on St Georges Day, the Patron saint of scouting.

All we have is
Norman Elcock
21.10.1921-23.04.1942
Killed during operations whilst serving with HM forces
Son of Albert and Phyllis
Also the RAF logo on his grave which is quite grand.

Many thanks in advance for any help

[alclark]

He was attached to No.6 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit at Ringway and was on detachment to Sydenham. The following are entries from the Operations Record Book for No.5 AACU.

April 23rd 1942, “Lysander V9721 crashed at Sydenham, Pilot, Sgt Pudelko, J. and WOP/AG Sgt Elcock N. both killed. Action taken, investigation proceeding, F/O Wilczynski proceeded by air to Sydenham. Letter sent to next of kin.”

April 24th 1942, “S/Ldr Blake, accompanied by F/Sgt Watts, travelled by air to Sydenham to investigate the crash. Both returned by air, late afternoon.”

[PeteT]

From the Commonwealth War Grave Commission Site:

Rank: Sergeant
Trade: W.Op./Air Gnr.
Service No: 1112747
Date of Death: 23/04/1942
Age: 21
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Grave Reference: Grave 258. Cemetery:OVER CONGREGATIONAL BURIAL GROUND
Additional Information: Son of Albert Edward and Phyllis Elcock, of Winsford.

Regards

Pete

[Krysia Wieckowska Rose]

thank you! may I ask what AACU is? I know the kids will ask me!

?? Anti Aircraft co-operation unit???

what does that mean?

[Krysia Wieckowska Rose]

thank you! I am a complete novice Im afraid, can you please explain W.Op/Air Gnr. I assume the second part is Air Gunner? suggesting he was firing?

[PeteT]

Airmen selected for aircrew went through three phases of training (basic, technical and operational).

During the technical training phase (also known as trade training) each airmen was given instruction in their specific aircrew trade (such as pilot, observer, wireless operator, air gunner, flight engineer)

A WOP/AG was an airman who was trained as a wireless operator, with subsequent air gunner training (which was standard practice in the first few years of the war).

I hope this gives you a bit of background to help you put it into context.

Regards

Pete

[alclark]

An AACU provided 'targets' for anti-aircraft units, either ground based guns or for air to air gunnery practice, most of their work was towing target banners but some operated remote controlled target aircraft which were actually shot down.

[robstitt]

Hi Al,

Just for clarity for Krysia, I think you meant to say '... aircraft for air to air gunnery practice'.

Rob

[Krysia Wieckowska Rose]

Thank you so much every one!