Neilson, James Andrew
Personal Information
Rank | P/O |
Forename(s) | James Andrew |
Surname | Neilson |
Gender | M |
Age | 29 |
Decorations | |
Date of Death | 31-03-1945 |
Next of Kin | Son of James and Jane Neilson, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Husband of Priscilla Neilson, of Toronto. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Handley Page Halifax III |
Serial Number | MZ922 |
Markings | 6U-C |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Runnymede Memorial |
Grave Reference | Panel 280. |
Epitaph |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 2 |
Panel Number | 218 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | J/95459 |
Service | Royal Canadian Air Force |
Group | 6 |
Squadron | 415 (Swordfish) |
Trade | Flight Engineer |
Country of Origin | Canada |
Other Memorials
Location | Village Centre, Sutton on the Forest, North Yorkshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Stone & Metal Sun Dial |
Memorial Text | A memorial to all those who served at RAF East Moor and in particular 415 Sqn RCAF |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Record of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/1813/20 |
Summary of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/1813/19 |
Fellow Servicemen
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 31-03-1945 |
End Date | 31-03-1945 |
Takeoff Station | East Moor |
Day/Night Raid | Day |
Operation | Hamburg to attack the Blohm and Voss shipbuilding yards, where a new class of U-boats was being assembled. 469 aircraft, 11 lost due to a surprise appearance of the new Me 262 jet-propelled fighter. It was it's only appearance in fact. The target was completely cloud-covered so bombing was scattered throughout Hamburg with little damage to the intended target |
Reason for Loss | Some sources state that this aircraft was shot down by a jet-propelled fighter (Me 262) whereas it is highly likely it collided with KB761 on the return leg and crashed into the sea. A collision between a Lancaster and a Halifax was seen by several other crews and five parachutes were also seen but sadly any survivors must have perished in the water. |