Brock, Derek Guy
Personal Information
Rank | Sgt |
Forename(s) | Derek Guy |
Surname | Brock |
Gender | M |
Age | 20 |
Decorations | |
Date of Death | 31-08-1943 |
Next of Kin | Son of Herbert Stephen and Gladys Brock, of Ipswich. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Short Stirling III |
Serial Number | EE954 |
Markings | LS-J |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Ipswich Old Cemetery |
Grave Reference | Sec. M.M. Div. 4. Grave 2. |
Epitaph |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 2 |
Panel Number | 136 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 1615700 |
Service | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
Group | 3 |
Squadron | 15 (XV) |
Trade | Flight Engineer |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Other Memorials
Location | Church of St. John, Beck Row, Suffolk |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Slate Tablet on rear external wall of Church |
Memorial Text | In remembrance of all who served at RAF Mildenhall and associated aerodromes in the cause of freedom, 1939-1945 |
Miscellaneous Information
The pilot F/S Thomas was awarded a DFM for his actions. This is his citation: "Despite the smoke and the damaged state of his aircraft Flight Sergeant Thomas retained control and organised his crew to combat the flames. It was through his skill in handling his aircraft and crew in a very difficult situation that a badly damaged aircraft was brought safely home to England. He has always shown himself to be a very reliable Captain of his aircraft and the most determined in pressing home his attack. He is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal." |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 30-08-1943 |
End Date | 31-08-1943 |
Takeoff Station | Mildenhall |
Day/Night Raid | Night (0% moon) |
Operation | Monchengladbach |
Reason for Loss | A German night fighter made a firing pass at the whole length of the Stirling with canon and machine gun fire, killing the flight engineer. The attack was made from below and the crew had no intimation of it until cannon shells exploded in the forward portion of the fuselage causing extensive damage. The other crew members were unharmed and the aircraft made a safe return to base with Sgt Brock's body aboard. |