Dowling, Matthew Spencer
Personal Information
Rank | F/O |
Forename(s) | Matthew Spencer |
Surname | Dowling |
Gender | M |
Age | 25 |
Decorations | |
Date of Death | 02-12-1952 |
Next of Kin |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Avro Lancaster B1 |
Serial Number | RA803 |
Markings |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Houghton-le-Spring (St. Michael's) RC Cemetery, Co. Durham |
Grave Reference | Section D, Grave 13 |
Epitaph |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | Post-War |
Panel Number | POST (not yet erected on site) |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 4030986 |
Service | Royal Air Force |
Group | |
Squadron | 82 (United Provinces) |
Trade | Navigator |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Miscellaneous Information
Date of birth 27 March 1927 |
This may have been the last Lancaster lost with Bomber Command |
Fellow Servicemen
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 02-12-1952 |
End Date | 02-12-1952 |
Takeoff Station | Benson |
Day/Night Raid | Day |
Operation | Training |
Reason for Loss | Final approach in marginal weather conditions using Gee but the aircraft was too low and struck the ground a few hundred yards short of the runway threshold and burst into flames, killing all on board. The board of enquiry found that the the crew were negligent in failing to follow published procedures, especially with regard to altitude whilst performing a Gee approach. |