Back to results
DOWNEY G
Honour this person learn more

DOWNEY, George

Aircraft Information
Aircraft Handley Page Halifax II
Serial Number JD207
Markings ZA-V
Memorial information
Burial/Memorial Country Netherlands
Burial/Memorial Place Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery
Grave Reference Plot EE. Grave 92..
Epitaph REQUIESCAT IN PACE. THIS SPOT IN A FOREIGN LAND IS FOR EVER ENGLAND (Latin: REST IN PEACE)
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase 2
Panel Number 157
Enlistment information
Service Number 125931
Service Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Group 4
Squadron 10
Trade Air Gunner
Country of origin if different United Kingdom
Last Operation information
Start Date 25-07-1943
End Date 26-07-1943
Takeoff Station Melbourne
Day/Night raid Night
Operation Essen. 705 aircraft, 26 losses (3.7%). The commander of the American 8th Air Force was an observer in this raid, aboard an 83 Sqn Lancaster. Window was once again used and the raid was a success with much damage to the industrial eastern part of the city. In particular, the Krupps facility was dealt what was probably the worst blow of the war. Dr Krupp suffered a stroke the following morning from which he never recovered (he would otherwise have been charged with war crimes after the war). 51 other industrial buildings and 2852 homes were destroyed. 500 people were killed, including 22 children.
Reason for Loss Shot down by a night-fighter while homebound and crashed near Oisterwijk, Holland