Towse, Wilfred
Personal Information
Rank | P/O |
Forename(s) | Wilfred |
Surname | Towse |
Gender | M |
Age | 29 |
Decorations | DFM |
Date of Death | 26-07-1943 |
Next of Kin | Son of William and Harriet Annie Towse, of Gabalfa, Cardiff. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Short Stirling III |
Serial Number | BK805 |
Markings | LS-U |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | Germany |
Burial/Memorial Place | Reichswald Forest War Cemetery |
Grave Reference | 12. D. 12. |
Epitaph |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 2 |
Panel Number | 255 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 149211 |
Service | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
Group | 3 |
Squadron | 15 (XV) |
Trade | Pilot |
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 |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 25-07-1943 |
End Date | 26-07-1943 |
Takeoff Station | Mildenhall |
Day/Night Raid | Night (32% moon) |
Operation | Essen. 705 aircraft, 26 losses (3.7%). The commander of the American 8th Air Force was an observer in this raid, aboard an 83 Sqn Lancaster. Window was once again used and the raid was a success with much damage to the industrial eastern part of the city. In particular, the Krupps facility was dealt what was probably the worst blow of the war. Dr Krupp suffered a stroke the following morning from which he never recovered (he would otherwise have been charged with war crimes after the war). 51 other industrial buildings and 2852 homes were destroyed. 500 people were killed, including 22 children. |
Reason for Loss | Shot down by a night-fighter and crashed at Osterwick, Germany |