DENIS JOHN PLATTEN
From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730
As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570
Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.
Images courtesy of Mr Robin Durrell.
Born: 1917, Highams Park, Essex.
Died: 9th June 1942; age: 24; aircraft accident.
Residence: ‘Chantry House,’ 59, Orwell Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk.
Brother to HENRY WALTER PLATTEN.
Rank: Flight Sergeant/Observer; Service Number: 958563.
Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 97 Squadron.
The bodies of 6 of the crew were buried at the Marl Municipal Cemetery. Denis’ body was found much later and was buried with his crew on the 1st August 1942. On the 23rd April 1947, the bodies were exhumed, identified, and reburied at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
They were later moved and interred at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
Buried 1st August 1942.
Grave Reference:
17.F.14.
Reichswald Forest War Cemetery,
Germany.
Original grave.
Relatives Notified & Address: Elder son of John Henry & Nellie Elizabeth Platten, of Felixstowe, Suffolk.
Father: John Henry Platten, born March 1865, Loughton, Essex. A Railway Auditor.
Mother: Nellie Elizabeth Platten (nee Rogers), born August 1890, Leyton, Essex.
CENSUS
1921 Rectory Cottage, Illington, Norfolk.
Denis was 3 years and 8 months old and lived with his parents and brother.
John Platten, 53 years & 6 months, a Travelling Auditor for Great Eastern Railway Company, of Liverpool Street, London.
Nellie Platten, 30 years & 10 months old, Home Duties.
Henry Walter Platten, 2 years old, born Highams Park, Essex.
Denis was educated at Ipswich School.
On the 11th May 1942, the engagement was announced between Denis, elder son of Mr. John & Mrs. Nellie Platten, of Chantry House, 59, Orwell Road, Felixstowe, and Monica J. Crompton, on the occasion of her 21st birthday, elder daughter of Mr. Percy & Mrs. Lilian Crompton, of 80, Huntley Grove, Peterborough, Northamptonshire. Monica was serving with the Auxiliary Territorial Service.
Probate to John Henry Platten – father, a railway auditor.
Denis is also remembered on the Chapel war memorial at Ipswich School, and at the seafront, Felixstowe, Suffolk.
9th June 1942
Aircraft: Avro Lancaster I; Serial number: R5495; Code: OF-N. Based at RAF Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire. The aircraft took off on Operation ‘Essen’ the city was classed as one of the major industrial areas of Germany. R5495 failed to return, nothing was heard from them, and no German night fighter claimed the loss of the aircraft.
Crew:
Mervyn Frank Hughes; Pilot Officer/Pilot; age 26; R.A.F.V.R.
Harry Lawton; Flight Sergeant/Pilot 2; age 22; R.C.A.F.
Alexander Crerar; Wireless Operator/Air Gunner; age 24; R.A.F.V.R.
Ronald Harris; Wireless Operator/Air Gunner; age 20; R.A.F.V.R.
Douglas Leonard Overton D.F.M.; Sergeant/Air Gunner; age 21; R.A.F.V.R.
Gordon Henry Mercer; Sergeant/Air Gunner; R.A.F.V.R.
Six members of the crew were buried at the Municipal Cemetery at Marl. They were later moved and interred at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
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