Hatcher, Leslie
Personal Information
Rank | S/L |
Forename(s) | Leslie |
Surname | Hatcher |
Gender | M |
Age | 26 |
Decorations | DFC, AFM |
Date of Death | 22-12-1944 |
Next of Kin | Son of Maj. Henry Hatcher, Formerly Royal Field Artillery, and Margaret Mary Hatcher. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Avro Lancaster III |
Serial Number | PB533 |
Markings | OL- |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Woolwich Cemetery |
Grave Reference | Sec. F. Grave 702. |
Epitaph | |
Ribbon Stone | 0792 (Block 9, Column 18, Row 3) |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 1 |
Panel Number | 46 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 129148 |
Service | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
Group | 5 |
Squadron | 83 |
Trade | Pilot |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Other Memorials
Location | International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln, Lincolnshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed stone tablet |
Memorial Text | S/L Leslie Hatcher DFM AFM Pilot 83 Sqn |
Location | RAF Wyton, Cambridgeshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Memorial Stone & Inscribed Metal Plaque |
Memorial Text | Commemorating 83 Sqn Lancaster, one of the Pathfinder Sqn's operating from RAF Wyton 1942 - 1945 |
Location | St. Michaels's Church, Coningsby, Lincolnshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Wooden Plaque & 83 Sqn Badge |
Memorial Text | This Chapel was furnished by members and friends of 83 Pathfinder Sqn and is dedicated to the memory of those airmen who lost their lives on flying operations from RAF Coningsby in WWII |
Miscellaneous Information
Born in Woolwich in 1918. Educated at Royal Masonic School, Hertfordshire. Enlisted 1939, commissioned 1942. Attained rank of Squadron Leader in 1944. |
AFM Citation (London Gazette, 1st January 1943): This airman pilot has been a conversion instructor on Wellington aircraft for the past 15 months, during which he has completed 500 hours instructional flying which includes 200 hours night flying. Flight Sergeant Hatcher has shown outstanding keenness, patience, cheerfulness, energy and devotion to duty and has at all times set an excellent example to pupils and instructors alike. |
DFC Citation (London Gazette 8th December 1944): Squadron Leader Hatcher has taken part in a large number of operational sorties. As captain of aircraft he has trained his crew to a high standard of efficiency. In August 1944, he was detailed for an attack on Konigsberg. Both the anti-aircraft and searchlight defenses were very heavy and it was necessary for Squadron Leader Hatcher to fly at a low level to identify the target. This difficult task he accomplished with great courage and determination. He is an excellent flight commander, whose consistent courage and devotion to duty have set a fine example to his flight. |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Record of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/688/24 |
Summary of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/688/23 |
Fellow Servicemen
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 21-12-1944 |
End Date | 22-12-1944 |
Takeoff Station | Coningsby |
Day/Night Raid | Night (43% moon) |
Operation | Politz |
Reason for Loss | Diverted to Metheringham but visibility was just as poor as Coningsby. Crashed at 0246. |