30th October 1940 – We Remember

Wednesday 30th October 1940 – The Fallen

23 squadron, Ford

Blenheim L6721, F/O H.J. Woodward, P/O A.A. Atkinson, Sgt H.T. Perry killed, crashed at Orchard Way Road, South Berstead, having suffered R/T failure in deteriorating weather conditions following routine night patrol, 20.30 hrs.

These were the last RAF airmen to lose their lives during the Battle of Britain. In 1917, F/O Woodward’s father had been killed in action whilst serving in France with the British Army……on the 30th October.

41 squadron, Hornchurch

Spitfire P7375, Sgt L.A. Garvey killed, shot down in combat with Bf109s over Ashford, believed crashed on Church Farm, Stanford, 16.10 hrs.

219 squadron, Redhill

Beaufighter R2065, P/O K.W. Worsdell, Sgt E.C. Gardiner killed, hit trees trying to locate base in bad visibility, crashed and exploded 150 yds south of Balcombe Place, 20.10hrs

222 squadron, Hornchurch

Spitfire N3119, P/O A.E. Davies killed, wing shot off during combat with Bf109s, crashed and burned out on Upper Wilting Farm, Crowhurst, 12.11 hrs.

Spitfire K9939, P/O H.P.M Edridge killed (died from injuries after being pulled from wreckage), severely damaged in combat with Bf109s, crashed in flames attempting to land at Longwood Farm, Ewhurst, 12.15 hrs.

249 squadron, North Weald

Hurricane V7536, P/O W.H. Millington missing, failed to return from sporadic action with enemy fighters over the Channel, 13.00 hrs.

For more information about the events of the day click here http://www.raf.mod.uk/bob1940/october30.html