information on F/O GRAAFSTRA - 242 squadron - 1940
 

Hi,
I would like to find information and documents about the following pilot Killed in the town of Arras (France) in may 1940 :
Name: GRAAFSTRA, JOHN WILLIAM Initials: J W Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Flying Officer (Pilot) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Unit Text: 242 Sqdn. Age: 27 Date of Death: 23/05/1940 Service No: 39381 Additional information: Son of Thomas and Sarah Bingham Graafstra, of Souris, Manitoba, Canada. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Grave 2. Cemetery: WANCOURT COMMUNAL CEMETERY

I would love to find a photo of him.

Hoping your help

Laurent

Re: information on F/O GRAAFSTRA - 242 squadron - 1940
 

Hi Laurent
Just a small piece, but in "Battle of France-then and now" by Peter Cornwell ,Graafstra was shot down by Bf109s of JG1 whilst escorting Blenheims to Cambrai. He crashed near Wancourt flying Hurricane P2809. 242 Sqn was the unit taken over by Douglas Bader after it's withdrawal from France and had a high proportion of Canadians among it's ranks
Regards
Dick