Hi all.
In our local church in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire I found a font with a plaque on it, a memorial to a member of the RAF who was presumably killed in the second world war.
The inscription says,
Given by Mr and Mrs Lightfoot,
in memory of of L.A.C.S Lightfoot R.A.F
Aged 22 years
Who died at sea, January 26th, 1944.
I have tried Google and turned up a blank, Does anybody know the bast place to do some research on this person, their life and ultimate end?
Many thanks,
Tim.
By: Resmoroh - 10th July 2013 at 15:58
Moggy,
Brilliant piece of historical archaeology!!
BUT – see http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Barrage_balloons_over_London_during_World_War_II.jpg.
These balloons are very different from the balloon(s) on LST 422. The “fins” on the ones in UK were inflatable (and as I remember them from WW2). The 422 “fins” seem rigid and non-inflatable. Were these balloons a later marque designed to reduce the amount of hydrogen used? (Production of hydrogen ‘in the field’ is a VERY DODGY business!!! – been there, done it!!!). Not much Mr Google can tell me about it (but I’ve only skimmed!).
HTH
Resmoroh
By: Moggy C - 10th July 2013 at 15:32
Look what I found
[ATTACH=CONFIG]218575[/ATTACH]
Moggy
By: Derbyhaven - 9th July 2013 at 21:04
I’ve done a bit more delving. LAC Lightfoot was indeed killed during the “Shingle” operation. He was on LST 422 which was sunk by a mine. The ORB reports the sinking on 28th January and lists him as missing. He was the unit’s only casualty.
By: Derbyhaven - 7th July 2013 at 09:52
977 Sqn was a barrage balloon unit and the date is right for the landings at Anzio.
The Squadron’s Operations Record Books are available online from The National Archives.
By: jack russell - 6th July 2013 at 23:39
There’s a photo of him on this site http://www.mowcop.info/harriseahead/people/heroes/sam_lightfoot.htm
By: Lyffe - 6th July 2013 at 22:29
Samuel Lightfoot of 977 Squadron, remembered on the Malta Memorial. Age 22; died 26 Jan 1944. (CWGC). 977 Squadron operated barrage balloons in the Mediterranean theatre. The Times has him listed as being Killed on Active service.
Beaten to it!
By: lankytim - 6th July 2013 at 22:12
Thanks for that, atleast I have something to go on now!
By: Robert Whitton - 6th July 2013 at 22:05
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
LIGHTFOOT, SAMUEL
Rank:
Leading Aircraftman
Service No:
639954
Date of Death:
26/01/1944
Age:
22
Regiment/Service:
Royal Air Force
977 Sqdn.
Panel Reference
Panel 15. Column 2.
Memorial
MALTA MEMORIAL
Additional Information:
Son of Samuel and Elizabeth Lightfoot, of Newchapel, Staffordshire.
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July 6, 2013 at 9:52 pm