Reed, Richard Robert
Personal Information
Rank | P/O |
Forename(s) | Richard Robert |
Surname | Reed |
Gender | M |
Age | 31 |
Decorations | DSO |
Date of Death | 23-05-1944 |
Next of Kin | Son of Fred and Gertrude Florence Reed, of Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. Husband of Audrey Mary Reed, of Wellingborough. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Avro Lancaster I |
Serial Number | ME687 |
Markings | UL-S2 |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | Germany |
Burial/Memorial Place | Reichswald Forest War Cemetery |
Grave Reference | Coll. grave 27. D. 1-11. |
Epitaph | SPES DURAT AVORUM (Latin: Let the hope of our forefathers endure. Possibly his school motto.) |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 1 |
Panel Number | 89 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 172568 |
Service | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
Group | 1 |
Squadron | 576 |
Squadron Motto | Carpe diem (Seize the day) |
Trade | Pilot |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Other Memorials
Location | All Saints Church, Elsham, Lincolnshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Stone Tablet |
Memorial Text | Dedicated to all who served at RAF Elsham Wolds on 103 7 576 Squadrons 1941-45 |
Location | Water Treatment Works, Elsham Wolds, Lincolnshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Stone Memo and Propeller Sculpture |
Memorial Text | In memory of those who served at R.A.F. Elsham Words 1941 - 1945 |
Location | All Saints Church, Elsham, Lincolnshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Stone Tablet |
Memorial Text | In memory of the Airmen of 576 Sqn who gave their lives in 1939 - 45 War |
Miscellaneous Information
DSO Citation, London Gazette, 9 June 1944: "One night in May, 1944, this officer piloted an aircraft to attack a target in Southern France. When nearing 'the objective the aircraft was attacked by a fighter. The inter-communication system was put out of action but, although unable to receive any evading directions, Pilot Officer Reed manoeuvred with much skill. His aircraft which had caught fire to the rear of the fuselage, had sustained extensive damage and went into a steep dive. With the greatest difficulty Pilot Officer Reed succeeded in regaining control. The fire had subsided but the mid-upper and rear turrets were out of action, leaving ithe aircraft defenceless. Nevertheless Pilot Officer Reed was determined to bomb the allotted target and went on to make a successful attack. Shortly afterwards another fighter attacked and further damage was sustained. Once more the aircraft was set on fire by the enemy's bullets but the flames were extinguished by the flight engineer. The situation was by now most critical. The elevator and rudder trimmers were useless, the control surfaces had sustained damage, the hydraulic system was unserviceable, whilst the rear turret had been almost severed and was hanging loosely below the fuselage. To keep the aircraft level it was necessary for two members of the crew to help with the control column and the rudder control. Despite this, Pilot Officer Reed kept to his homeward course and finally reached base where he landed the crippled aircraft on one wheel. He displayed superb skill, unbeatable courage and determination and his leadership in the face of hazardous circumstances proved most inspiring". |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Record of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/2047/12 |
Summary of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/2047/11 |
Fellow Servicemen
Please note that this list gives all the losses aboard the quoted aircraft and occasionally these may have occurred on an earlier date when the aircraft was not itself lost. Please check the dates of death carefully.
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 22-05-1944 |
End Date | 23-05-1944 |
Takeoff Station | Elsham Wolds |
Day/Night Raid | Night (1% moon) |
Operation | Dortmund |
Reason for Loss | Shot down homebound, crashing at Hiddingsel, five miles from Dulman |