85Sqn F/O Allen Derek Hurlstone

[Flupke]

Hello to All

Concerning the 85th Sq , the F/O Allen Derek Hurlstone DFC (MIA) 39840
Is said missing the 15th May 1940
In 12th Days in may and in the Fighter command losses they said that he bailed out the 15th near Ath P-2828 and that he was killed the 18th ?? on P-2701 !!

An error on his missing date? or another Allen ?? Or another mystery?

Who may help to solve this?

May 1940 is a wonderful opportunity for the psychiatry ;-))

Regards
Phil

[Peter Cornwell]

There is no mystery to this. Here is what I have on file:

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

85 SQUADRON, LILLE-SECLIN

Hurricane P2818. Shot down in combat with Bf110s east of Ath during offensive patrol over Belgium 7.30 p.m. Flying Officer D. H. Allen baled out unhurt. Aircraft a write-off.


SATURDAY, MAY 18

85 SQUADRON, LILLE-SECLIN

Hurricane P2701. Shot down in combat with Bf110s of I./ZG26 during offensive patrol between Le Cateau and Cambrai 7.30 a.m. Flying Officer D. H. Allen missing. Aircraft a write-off.
Derek Hurlstone Allen DFC is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial where his date of death is recorded as 15 May 1940. He had been reported ‘missing’ by the squadron on that date but returned later.

[Flupke]

Hello Peter
Of course no mystery but a lit a bit dramatization is often efficient.
It’s quite strange that the CWGC had not changed the date!!
Anyway it’s very interesting!! When the release of your book?
I am quite sure it will became a “must”
Regards
Phil

[Peter Cornwell]

Hi Phil,

No date fixed - it will simply appear when it's finished. At my stage in life I prefer not to chase deadlines. Thanks for your interest.