Coldwell, Philip Robert
Personal Information
Rank | S/L |
Forename(s) | Philip Robert |
Surname | Coldwell |
Gender | M |
Age | 24 |
Decorations | DSO, DFM |
Date of Death | 20-05-1944 |
Next of Kin | Son of John G. Coldwell and Minnie Coldwell. Husband of Betty Coldwell, of Wingate, Co. Durham. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Avro Lancaster III |
Serial Number | ND845 |
Markings | MG-C |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | France |
Burial/Memorial Place | Le Mans (West) Cemetery |
Grave Reference | Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 12. |
Epitaph | ...THAT IS FOR EVER ENGLAND |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 2 |
Panel Number | 146 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 137578 |
Service | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
Group | 8 |
Squadron | 7 |
Trade | Navigator |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Other Memorials
Location | Hilton House Hotel, Hilton, Derbyshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Blue Plaque on external wall |
Memorial Text | Air Commodore Herbert Martin Massey CBE DSO MC 1898-1976 Senior British Officer at Stalag Luft III Sagan who authorised 'The Great Escape' was born here. Hilton and Marston History Group |
Location | All Saints Church, Longstanton, Cambridgeshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Stained Glass Window and Roll of Honour Book |
Memorial Text | Remember here before God those of 7 Squadron who died in action in The Royal Flying Corps 1914-18 and The Royal Air Force 1939-45 |
Miscellaneous Information
Had completed at least 85 operational sorties |
A very experienced crew, the loss of which, together with S/L Dennis's crew the same night, was a severe blow to PFF |
DSO Citation, London Gazette, 24 September 1943: "Flight Lieutenant Coldwell has completed a large number of sorties, many of them to far distant targets in Germany and often against heavy opposition. He is a navigator of exceptional ability and his work, carefully planned and brilliantly executed, has been reflected in the repeated successes obtained. Flight Lieutenant Coldwell is a most valuable member of the squadron and his praiseworthy qualities have set a high standard". |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Record of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/101/10 |
Summary of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/101/9 |
Fellow Servicemen
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 19-05-1944 |
End Date | 20-05-1944 |
Takeoff Station | Oakington |
Day/Night Raid | Night (7% moon) |
Operation | Le Mans. 116 aircraft, 3 lost (2.6%). A successful attack with much damage being caused to the yards. The engine sheds were completely destroyed and there was a direct hit on an ammunition train. Downed overhead lines blocked many tracks. Local casualties were mercifully light. The raid was, however, marred by the loss of some of PFF's finest: the crews of W/C Barron and S/L Dennis crashed with all members of both crews killed. Opinion is divided as to whether these aircraft collided or were brought down by flak. |
Reason for Loss | Opinion is divided as to whether the aircraft was hit by flak or collided with the Deputy Master Bomber's Lancaster (JB653 MG-R). Crashed NW of the target's airfield. |