Thread: Canadians fighting in Singapore

Hi Sniper

what's the name of the casualty. I've just taken down the two volume Burma Liberators: RCAF in SEAC. Whilst I flick through and get some notes ready for you could you post his CWGC details. He may be listed as a casualty in the book.

In the meantime:

Sqn Histories 353-361_P

Originally Posted by Kyt

Hi Sniper

what's the name of the casualty. I've just taken down the two volume Burma Liberators: RCAF in SEAC. Whilst I flick through and get some notes ready for you could you post his CWGC details. He may be listed as a casualty in the book.

Hi Kyt,

Thanks for doing this. The details are:
Name: PALMER, RICHARD BLAKE
Initials: R B
Nationality: Canadian
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Air Force
Unit Text: 357 (R.A.F.) Sqdn
Date of Death: 15/03/1944
Service No: J/10015
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 441.
Memorial: SINGAPORE MEMORIAL

Sniper

Hmmm, there is no specific loss listed in the book but it sounds like they were lost in a Hudson because the first Liberator missions did not occur until the 4th April 1944 (and no non-operational Liberator loss occurred on that date).

Other men are listed on the CWGC for this date:

Name: WILKINSON, JOSEPH
Initials: J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flight Sergeant
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force
Unit Text: 357 Sqdn.
Age: 25
Date of Death: 15/03/1944
Service No: 537086
Additional information: Son of John James Wilkinson and Mary Wilkinson; nephew of Mr. T. Wilkinson, of Egremont, Cumberland.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 435.
Memorial: SINGAPORE MEMORIAL

Name: PONSFORD, JAMES CECIL SPENCER
Initials: J C S
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 357 Sqdn.
Age: 44
Date of Death: 15/03/1944
Service No: 80801
Additional information: Son of Spencer and Lilian Ponsford; husband of Helen Ponsford, of Comrie, Perthshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 431.
Memorial: SINGAPORE MEMORIAL

Name: PATTERSON, LORNE
Initials: L
Nationality: Canadian
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Air Force
Unit Text: 357 (R.A.F.) Sqdn
Age: 32
Date of Death: 15/03/1944
Service No: J/8624
Additional information: Son of David P. and Annie Patterson; husband of Dorothy L. Patterson.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 441.
Memorial: SINGAPORE MEMORIAL

Name: OGILVIE, BRUCE ADAM
Initials: B A
Nationality: Canadian
Rank: Pilot Officer
Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Air Force
Unit Text: 357 (R.A.F.) Sqdn
Date of Death: 15/03/1944
Service No: J/89408
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 444.
Memorial: SINGAPORE MEMORIAL

Hi Sniper.

I can't tie a specific loss to these men from the books I have. I have asked rafcommands for information because I know someof the guys have specific books detailing RCAF losses. I'll post any replies I get.

Thanks for looking Kyt, really appreciated.

Not sure if i said before but there was some other guy doing the Didcot War Memorial and he's a little further on than i am, he's about to go to press in another few months. I've given him a load of information, in fact everything i have on the Didcot casualties. I've now started to do my wife's home town and as her father who is 89 this year remembers all of the WW2 and some of the WW1 casualties i thought it maybe the last chance to get some info on them from him. I'll post a full list up in time, trouble is with some of them they don't seem to exist in the town.
Anyway night mate and thanks again
Sniper

No probs Sniper - sorry I couldn't have been of more help at this time. Will get back to you if I find more info.

Night mate

This is why rafcommands is my favourite other forum - the guys on there are amazing. Sniper, you will find excellent details on the loss of the aircraft and the crew here:

357 Squadron loss - 15/03/1944 - RafCommands Forums

Wow, that's some truly amazing info and immediately got me thinking how those remains should be recovered.

Stirring stuff re the month-long trek. An amazing story. Thanks Sniper and Kyt for bringing it to our attention.

More unbelievable deeds of heroism for a wounded brother. They were only doing their duty however it was much more than that. Don't you think?