25/09/43 Losses L/236 & A/254
 

Both these aircraft were lost whilst on a shipping strike south of Den Helder I believe that A/254 was the CO of 254 Sqn ?

Any help with their names / rank would be very much appreciated.

Kind Regards

Andrew Bird

Re: 25/09/43 Losses L/236 & A/254
 

On the Runnymede Memorial

Two names for 254 Sqn on this date:
Wing Commander Charles Stanley Cooper
Pilot Officer John Matthew Kirkup

Two names for 236 Sqn on this date:
Sergeant Robert Edward William Sams
Sergeant Leonard Smith

Ross McNeil posted the following about the 254 Sqn loss on :http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=3200

From the draft RAF Coatal Command Losses, Vol 2

25/09/43
254 Sqn
Beaufighter X
JL957
A

Op: Strike, RAF North Coates, Time Up 10:54 hrs

W/C C S Cooper DFC
P/O J M Kirkup

Took off for a wing strike in company with aircraft of the squadron, 12 aircraft of No.236 Sqn and a fighter escort from Coltishall. Sighted an enemy convoy of between 14 to 18 ships in position 52 55N 04 35E. A/254 dropped its torpedo then was seen to crash into the North Sea west of Den Helder, Netherlands, with the port engine on fire after being hit by flak. Both W/C Cooper and P/O Kirkup are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Re: 25/09/43 Losses L/236 & A/254
 

Dear Laurent,

Many Thanks for this great help.

Can add:

Pilot pressed the extinguishers for the port engine but the fire continued to burn through the hoses which came from the port wing and travelled underneath his seat.

Pilot also heard shouting by Y Service "Ditching" nothing else heard.

Andy Bird

Re: 25/09/43 Losses L/236 & A/254
 

Hi Andy,

I have the ORB for 236 Squadron for 25 September 1943, if you wish to PM me your e mail I can forward it to you.

Regards,

Russ

Re: 25/09/43 Losses L/236 & A/254
 

You should have it now Andy,

Regards,

Russ