D Pearcey, POW No. 24768

**NickFenton** · 10th June 2009, 18:25

Can anyone help me with this chap.

From Ross's POW info. his service number is 924205 but which Squadron? When did he go down?

Regards,

Nick

**NickFenton** · 4th July 2009, 08:44

W/O Douglas Pearcy, 272 Squadron, Middle East Command, shot down on 9.2.42 at El Agaelia.

Anything to add?

Regards,

Nick

**Henk Welting** · 4th July 2009, 13:12

272 Sqn were flying Beaufighter I.C from Idku. Losses for 272 Sqn that come close to 9-2-1942 were T4875 (6-2-1942) and T4651 (15-2-1942).
No info on T4651. T4875 crashlanded near Barce, Libya. Wounded navigator could, due to his wounds and exploding ammunition, not rescue the pilot from the cockpit. F/O (Pilot) Hector H. CRAWFORD - NZ39904 lies buried in the mil. cem. near Barce. Refer to 'For Your Tomorrow' (Errol Martyn), vol. 1, page 178.
Regards,
Henk.

**Ross_McNeill** · 4th July 2009, 13:35

Hi Henk,

No.272 ORB is quite a task to unravel.

T4651
20/02/42
Op: Patrol, LG.10, 07:30 hrs

P/O Cobley
Sgt G Williams

Sighted and damaged a He111. U/c collapsed on landing at Edku at 13:15 hrs on the return leg of a mission to Mersa Matruh. Both crew safe.

T4875
Details as noted
Nav was Sgt Patterson

On the 9th Feb the squadron lost two aircraft on a Shipping strike.

S for Sugar
S/L Hoggarth (possibly J V, 37175)
P/O Sproates (possibly G, 114580)

N for Nuts
Sgt Purley
Sgt Crossley

I have a note that one aircraft could be T4836 but have not carried out anything more on these two losses yet.

Regards
Ross

**NickFenton** · 5th July 2009, 11:26

Difficult to put this one to bed.

The info. l have is fro his POW liberation questionaire.

Regards,

Nick

**pietrzak309** · 4th December 2015, 23:11

Can anyone shed any light on a W/O. 924205 W/O. Douglas Pearcy RAFVR - shot down on or about the 09th February 1942 (PoW - Kopernikus) - understood to be with 272 Squadron with the loss of his observer? The son of the pilot has contacted me with this enquiry and I would like to assist him with any details that anyone are able to provide? Thank you.

**COL BRUGGY** · 5th December 2015, 00:20

Hello,

Monday, 9 February, 1942
No.272 Sqn.
Beaufighter IC T4836 "N"

Failed to return from attack on shipping at Sirte, 1520-1700.

924205 Sgt (Pilot) D PEARCEY - PoW (Camp 357/PoW No.24768)
994885 Sgt (Obs.) J S CROSSLEY - PoW (Camp 357/PoW No.24477)

See:
A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940-1945 Vol.2, Feb 1942 - Mar 1943.
Shores,Christopher, et al.
London:Grub Street,2012.
p.184

Col

**alieneyes** · 5th December 2015, 00:21

Kelvin,

See here: http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/sho...earcey-POW-No-

Regards,

Dave

**pietrzak309** · 5th December 2015, 00:27

Thanks Dave and of course Col Bruggy, very much appreciated - guess a download of the ORB's for this period is in order. Once again the information supplied is appreciated, thank you.