Tootell, Ronald Edgar
Personal Information
Rank | Sgt |
Forename(s) | Ronald Edgar |
Surname | Tootell |
Gender | M |
Age | 20 |
Decorations | |
Date of Death | 09-02-1945 |
Next of Kin | Son of Valentine James Tootell and Rose Tootell, of Derby. Husband of Olive Edna Tootell, of Derby. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Avro Lancaster I |
Serial Number | NF970 |
Markings | OJ-O |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Derby (Nottingham Road) Cemetery |
Grave Reference | Sec. F. Grave 12784. |
Epitaph | GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN; HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 2 |
Panel Number | 255 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 2220183 |
Service | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
Group | 3 |
Squadron | 149 (East India) |
Trade | Air Gunner |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Other Memorials
Location | St. George's Church, Methwold, Norfolk |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Roll of Honour & inscribed window |
Memorial Text | Roll of Honour of 149 Sqn RAF and a window remembering the men and women of all Nations who served at RAF Methwold, 1939-1945 |
Miscellaneous Information
Some sources suggest that the mid-upper gun fairing mechanism was faulty, allowing the gun to be fired at the aircraft's own rear fuselage and it is this that led to the rear gunner's death. This is refuted by survivors, who recall the aircraft being quarantined for some time while investigations were carried out. |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 08-02-1945 |
End Date | 09-02-1945 |
Takeoff Station | Methwold |
Day/Night Raid | Night (17% moon) |
Operation | Hehenbugberg |
Reason for Loss | Attacked by two fighters after leaving the target area, killing the rear gunner |