RAAF Hurricane Pilot

[Andy Saunders]

I am trying to identify a date and details relating to a RAAF Hurricane pilot who was evidently killed in a crash at Elham, Kent, probably in 1942. One source states March 1942. The pilot's name is given as J. MARRER, but I have been unable to find such a casualty on the CWGC website. The crash site was evidently excavated by the Brenzett Aeronautical Museum on 29 July 1973 but that is all I know. Any leads would be welcomed.

[pfP7063]

Hi Andy

According to http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/ there was no RAAF pilot with the surname Marrer who served during WW2.

Are you sure that the surname is spelt correctly? Alternatively, could he have been from the RNZAF, RCAF etc?

Kind regards

Paul

[B.F.M. Droog]

Could one of these be your man?

Name: MARRE, REX JOSEPH Initials: R J Nationality: Australian Rank: Sergeant Regiment/Service: Royal Australian Air Force Age: 23 Date of Death: 15/03/1942 Service No: 403355 Additional information: Son of Michael and Margaret Adrienne Marre, of Rose Bay, New South Wales, Australia. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot O. Row 2. Grave 54. Cemetery: HAWKINGE CEMETERY
Name: MARTEL, MAURICE JOSEPH Initials: M J Nationality: Australian Rank: Flying Officer Regiment/Service: Royal Australian Air Force Age: 27 Date of Death: 17/03/1942 Service No: 400373 Additional information: Son of Charles Louis and Adele Kathleen Martel, of Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria, Australia. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 110. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL
Name: MARTIN, LIONEL JEANS Initials: L J Nationality: Australian Rank: Sergeant Regiment/Service: Royal Australian Air Force Age: 26 Date of Death: 13/03/1942 Service No: 406185 Additional information: Son of Alfred Jeans Martin and Ruby Olive Martin, of Cannington, Western Australia. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 113. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

[Andy Saunders]

Have had a further look at this and a search of burials at Hawkinge reveals Sgt R J Marre 403355 who died on 15 March 1942. I think this must be my man, but the question remains; what were details/circumstances of death?

[B.F.M. Droog]

Hello Andy,

according to http://www.awm.gov.au/roh/person.asp?p=148-35359

Sgt R.J. Marre was 'ATTD 3 Sqn RAF', Cause of Death: Accidental

Regards,

Bart

[Andy Saunders]

He was killed in a crash at Elham. Thanks for the additional information but still seeking a/c serial number.

[Amrit1]

Hurricane X3222

His casualty file:

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/imag...58824&I=1&SE=1

Page 7 - summary attached

A

[Alex Smart]

Hi,

Very odd.

Page 3 has X3222

X3222 was a Wellington.

However Z3222 was the Hurricane in question. As recorded on page 7.

Crashed on searchlight cooperation flight 11/2 miles NW of Hawkinge 15.3.1942 cause unknown.

Perhaps the ref to X3222 is Aircraft coded "X" serial number 3222.

Alex

[Andy Saunders]

Possibly, but more likely a typo/incorrect key strike. After all, Z is next to X on the QWERTY keyboard.