Bennett, Harry
Personal Information
Rank | F/O |
Forename(s) | Harry |
Surname | Bennett |
Gender | M |
Age | 24 |
Decorations | DFC |
Date of Death | 04-03-1945 |
Next of Kin | Son of Harry and Chrissy Ivy Bennett, of Islington, London. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Boeing Fortress III |
Serial Number | HB815 |
Markings | BU-J |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Islington Cemetery and Crematorium |
Grave Reference | Sec. Z. Block 28. Grave 21989. |
Epitaph |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 2 |
Panel Number | 130 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 190245 |
Service | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
Group | 100 |
Squadron | 214 (Federated Malay States) |
Trade | Pilot |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Other Memorials
Location | St. Andrew's Church, Blickling, Norfolk |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Wooden Case containing RAF Oulton Roll of Honour & former 18 (B) Sqn Standard |
Memorial Text | In memory of R.A.F. Oulton 1940 - 1945 |
Location | Junction of Aylsham Rd & New Rd, Oulton Street, Norfolk |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Brick piller and Inscribed Marble Tablet |
Memorial Text | In memory of the men and women of the R.A.F. and U.S.A.A.F. based here 1940 - 1945 |
Location | All Saints Church, Chedburgh, Suffolk |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Memorial Plaques and RoH within wooden case |
Memorial Text | Roll of Honour and scroll remembering the members of the Royal and Polish Air Forces who served at RAF Chedburgh 1942 - 1946 |
Miscellaneous Information
DFC Citation (London Gazette 23rd March 1945): "As pilot and air bomber of aircraft respectively, this officer and airman participated in an attack against Ladbergen one night in February 1945. After leaving the target the aircraft was attacked by a Junkers 88 and sustained much damage. The navigator was seriously wounded and Flight Sargeant Hares promptly went to his assistance. After rendering what aid he could he afterwards took over the duties of the wounded navigator and his good work was of great value to his pilot, Flying Officer Bennett who, displaying exceptional skill, succeeded in flying the badly damaged aircraft to an airfield in this country. This officer and airman set an excellent example of coolness and co-operation. That the aircraft was brought safely back reflects great credit on their skill and resolution". |
Luftwaffe operation 'Unternehmen Gisela' took place this night. Large numbers of night-fighters were ordered to intrude as the bombers returned to their bases. The losses were high on both sides |
Bennett had a girlfriend and they were about to get engaged. She was a nurse at the sick quarters but she wasn’t on duty on the night of his death. During the next few days she enquired where Bennett was but no one had the courage to tell her. She looked in the morgue and saw his body amongst the large number in there. |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Record of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/1324/6 |
Summary of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/1324/5 |
Fellow Servicemen
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 03-03-1945 |
End Date | 04-03-1945 |
Takeoff Station | Oulton |
Day/Night Raid | Night (79% moon) |
Operation | Bomber Support- Window duties |
Reason for Loss | Shot down on return by an intruder (Ju 88) and crashed, on fire, at Lodge Farm close to base |