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Old 16th August 2018, 14:24
BrianC BrianC is offline
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One for our geneology experts

Hi guys

Sgt Mervyn John Fitzhardinge BALDWIN was killed at Singapore in January 1942.

He was the son of the Rev. Arthur Bacon Baldwin of Fairlight, Sussex.

MJF had a sister Eileen, whose granddaughter Jenny Fay (nee Cockrell) is apparently keen to learn more about the family.

I would like to contact Jenny to see if she has a photograph of her great Uncle MJF!

Can any of our experts help, please?

Cheers
Brian
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Old 8th September 2018, 18:12
RSwank RSwank is offline
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Re: One for our geneology experts

Brian,

Jenny has posted once on Ancestry.com. I just sent her the info about this thread, so we will see what happens.

Rolland
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Old 9th September 2018, 20:37
Icare9 Icare9 is offline
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Re: One for our geneology experts

As you already know, 243 Squadron was equipped with the Brewster Buffalo, which fared very badly against the more experienced Japanese fighter pilots and more nimble aircraft.

On 12 March 1941, No.243 reformed at Kallang as a fighter squadron for the defence of Singapore. The shortcomings of its Buffaloes were soon apparent and when Japanese fighters came within range, the squadron suffered heavy losses and by the end of January 1942 was operating its surviving aircraft as part of a mixed force, the other Buffalo squadrons being in a similar state. Its identity was gradually lost to the evacuation of redundant personnel and by the time all fighters were withdrawn from the Singapore airfields, it no longer existed as a unit, having been disbanded on 20 January 1942.

As Mervyn has no known grave, it's possible he was one of the many Buffaloes shot down during the defence of Singapore, and may have crashed into the sea.

As regards Mervyn's sister, she was registered as AILEEN Dorothy Howey Baldwin and in 3rd Qtr 1923 she married a Leslie L Cockrell in Battle registration district.

I haven't found a link to the Baldwins being the vicar at St Andrews after 1936, those 2 vicars are mentioned by name in the History of St Andrews, Fairlight website, but must have been the incumbent at the time of the CWGC information.

There are several Family Trees with Aileen in them

EDIT to add
Page 4904 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 OCTOBER, 1946
Air Ministry, 1st October, 1946. The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following personnel who have been mentioned in despatches, in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya, Hong Kong and the Netherlands East Indies during the operations against the Japanese terminating in March, 1942: — Sergeants. 771896 M. J. F. BALDWIN, R.A.F.V.R. (deceased).

Presumably not related to Air Marshal Sir John Eustice Arthur Baldwin, KBE, CB, DSO, DL (13 April 1892 – 28 July 1975)?
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Old 10th September 2018, 20:31
BrianC BrianC is offline
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Re: One for our geneology experts

Thanks guys

Your efforts are very much appreciated.

Rolland: Obviously, should Jenny Fay respond she may be able to help. Thanks indeed for endeavouring to make contact with her.

Icare9: Thanks for enquiring about the Rev. Baldwins. I believe there is currently a Rev. Baldwin the area (Sussex/Kent). Might he be one of the family?

Exciting times!

Cheers
Brian
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Old 11th September 2018, 01:58
Icare9 Icare9 is offline
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Re: One for our geneology experts

Well, there is a Canon Jonathan Baldwin in the Gatwick Airport Chaplaincy Team.
If he's a son, then that is 3 generations at least as Mervyn's grandfather was also a Reverend.
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