6 RAF Casualties, 31/01/1940, UK

What caused the deaths of and to what unit(s) belonged:

1. Aircraftman 1st Class Walter Critchley, RAF 619014, age unknown, 31/01/1940, Leigh Cemetery, UK
2. Flight Lieutenant Claude H. Leggott, RAF 35148, DCM, age 42, 31/01/1940, Hawkinge Cemetery, UK
3. Pilot Officer (Pilot) Kenneth R.W. Shrimpton, RAF 42652, age unknown, 31/01/1940, Bournemouth (Wimborne Road) Cemetery, UK
4. Sergeant (Pilot) Derek P. Watson-Parker, RAFVR 741702, age unknown, 31/01/1940, Killead (St. Catherine) Church of Ireland Churchyard, UK
5. Leading Aircraftman (Nav. U/T) Dennis W. Whittaker, RAFVR 751038, age 18, 31/01/1940, Manchester Southern Cemetery, UK
6. Leading Aircraftman (Nav. U/T) Herbert A. Williams, RAFVR 751036, age 19, 31/01/1940, Oldham (Hollinwood) Cemetery, UK

Regards,

Bart

[John Larder]

Critchley & Shrimpton 15 FTS, Oxford N6320

Thanks, John.

Regards,

Bart

[Henk Welting]

F/Lt Leggott - DCM - 35148, died on active service.

Watson-Parker - 741702 (on RoH 101 Sqn), Whittaker - 751038 and Williams - 751036 killed on Anson N4943 of 1 AONS. Bad weather conditions (snowstorm); crashed NW "Face of Upper Glenariff Mountain", Antrim. Also killed Mr. R.T. Jackson (not listed by CWGC). Wreckage accidentally found by shepherds looking for their sheep herd.

Thanks, Henk!

'Also killed Mr. R.T. Jackson (not listed by CWGC).'

Do you (or others) know what the policy of the CWGC is regarding the listing of civilian casualties? Are they only listed when killed due to enemy action?

Regards,

Bart

[merry]

My father (deceased 1997) served in WW2 500 squadron. I am fortunate to have inherited his flying log book. While googling 500 Squadron I clicked on the link World War 2 RAF No. 500 Squadron and scrolled down the list of heroes. Under the date 30/05/1940 ?there is a mention that crew names are unknown. I have the crew members and the date in the log book. The date was actually 29.5.40 Aircraft N5065 Pilot was Sgt. Hoskins, Wireless Operator R. G. Rogers. I am unaware of my father's rank at that time though I do know he was barely 20 years old! He remained close friends with Jack Hoskins until he died. Jack also died last month and I was pleased to read a wonderful account of him the daily telegraph.

[paulmcmillan]

"Merry"
Very interesting this, aircraft is listed in Ross McNeill's Coastal Command Losses Vol 1 for 30 May 1940 without a crew listed (which is why it is 'unknown' )- But as you say it was 29th May- Have you the full crew list or was there just the two names on the aircraft is your father R. G. Rogers ??

If you have the full crew list, please post here and maybe Ross can update details in his next book