Cantrell, John Douglas
Personal Information
Rank | F/L |
Forename(s) | John Douglas |
Surname | Cantrell |
Gender | M |
Age | 23 |
Decorations | |
Date of Death | 21-02-1946 |
Next of Kin | Son of Joseph Benedict & Emily Cantrell of York, North Yorkshire |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Avro Lancaster |
Serial Number | PB373 |
Markings |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Fulford Cemetery, York, North Yorkshire |
Grave Reference | |
Epitaph |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | Post-War |
Panel Number | POST (not yet erected on site) |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 153835 |
Service | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
Group | |
Squadron | 115 |
Trade | Pilot |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Other Memorials
Location | Lancaster Industrial Estate, Witchford, Cambridgeshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Stone Pillar with inscribed Slate Tablets & Metal Plaques |
Memorial Text | In honour of those who served during the Second World War 1939 - 1945 |
Miscellaneous Information
It was feared that a seventh body could not be located despite a frantic search but in fact the seventh man, F/Sgt. Robinson, who had been due to take part in the sortie, was safe and well in Graveley. A single parachute had been observed to descend from the aircraft but on closer inspection it became clear that there was no harness attached to it and it must therefore have been blown clear and unfurled during its descent. There was an unfortunate event once the bodies had been located in which a man was seen trying to steal a wristwatch from one of the bodies. This was reported in several newspapers after the event. The individual concered was spotted and told to put it back by a local resident. He did so, and made off without the watch. |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Fellow Servicemen
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 21-02-1946 |
End Date | 21-02-1946 |
Takeoff Station | Witchford |
Day/Night Raid | Day |
Operation | |
Reason for Loss | Whilst on Air Test, the aircraft suffered in-flight strutural failure and crashed near Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire at 1120 |