Higson, Kenneth Hesketh
Personal Information
Rank | F/O |
Forename(s) | Kenneth Hesketh |
Surname | Higson |
Gender | M |
Age | 29 |
Decorations | |
Date of Death | 16-08-1940 |
Next of Kin | Son of The Revd. Arthur Hesketh Higson, M.A., and Ada Higson. Husband of Jean Higson, of Marlborough, Wiltshire. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V |
Serial Number | N1497 |
Markings | ZA-B |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | Italy |
Burial/Memorial Place | Milan War Cemetery |
Grave Reference | I. E. 4. |
Epitaph | GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 2 |
Panel Number | 181 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 70305 |
Service | Royal Air Force (RAFO) |
Group | 4 |
Squadron | 10 |
Trade | Pilot |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Other Memorials
Location | Melbourne, East Yorkshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Brick Memorial Stone & Plaque |
Memorial Text | No 10 Squadron, 4 Group Bomber Command, WWII 1939-1945. This memorial was erected at the entrance to the former RAF Station Melbourne by ex Members and Friends of the Squadron to honour the memory of all personnel who died in the service of their Country |
Location | Melbourne Airfield, East Yorkshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Runway Light in Concrete Base |
Memorial Text | Let this landing light be a memorial to all those 1,000 aircrew and 120 aircraft that left this very point never to return so that we may return again and again in freedom to enjoy York Motor Sport Park |
Miscellaneous Information
He was initially buried with full military honours on 17 August 1940 in Cuneo civil cemetery, attended by the four surviving crew. The Italian Air Force paid for and had erected a cross to mark the grave. After the ending of hostilities, his remains was exhumed and moved to the British Cemetery at Milan. |
The rear gunner of one of the other 10 Squadron crews (captain S/Ldr Hanafin, detailed for Milan) reported seeing intense anti-aircraft fire over Turin on the return leg and it was thought that this was almost certainly N1497 being attacked. |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 15-08-1940 |
End Date | 16-08-1940 |
Takeoff Station | Abingdon |
Day/Night Raid | Night (96% moon) |
Operation | Attack targets around Milan |
Reason for Loss | Crashed at Ceresole Alba, Province of Cuneo, Italy after attacking an aircraft factory. F/O Higson remained at the controls while the rest of the crew baled out. |