Speare, Richard Douglas
Personal Information
Rank | W/C |
Forename(s) | Richard Douglas |
Surname | Speare |
Gender | M |
Age | 29 |
Decorations | DSO, DFC*, Croix de Guerre*, MiD |
Date of Death | 23-11-1945 |
Next of Kin | Son of Maj Francis W. & Alice Speare; Husband of Jessica Evelyn (Peggy) Speare of Newby, Scarborough, North Yorkshire |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Avro Anson XI |
Serial Number | NL185 |
Markings |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Bournemouth North Cemetery, Bournmouth, Dorset |
Grave Reference | |
Epitaph |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | SP |
Panel Number | 272 (not yet erected on site) |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 37696 |
Service | Royal Air Force |
Group | |
Squadron | BCCF |
Trade | Pilot |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Miscellaneous Information
Mentioned in Despatches September 1941 |
DSO Citation, London Gazette, 11 July 1944. "Distinguished Service Order. Wing Commander Richard Douglas SPEARE, D.F.C. (37696), R.A.F.O., 138 Sqn. Since being awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross this officer has completed many sorties which have demanded a high degree of skill and resolution. He has at all times displayed great keenness and determination and his gallant example has inspired all with whom he has flown". |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 23-11-1945 |
End Date | 23-11-1945 |
Takeoff Station | Booker |
Day/Night Raid | Day |
Operation | Ferry flight from RAF Halton to RAF Feltwell |
Reason for Loss | Whilst on routine communications flight the aircraft drifted off course in poor weather and struck high ground at The Cloughs near Edale, Derbyshire at 1145 Hrs |