CECIL GEORGE DAY
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.
Photograph courtesy of Alexander
Born: 9th June 1916, Norwich, Norfolk.
Baptised: 9th July 1916, at Holy Trinity Church, Heigham, Norfolk. Parents: George & Elizabeth Day.
Died: 31st May 1941; age: 25; Battle of Crete.
Residence: 793, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich.
Rank: Corporal; Service Number: 566247.
Regiment: Royal Air Force, 30 Squadron.
Memorial Reference:
Column 244.
Egypt.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of George Robert & Elizabeth Day, of Ipswich.
Father: George Robert Day, born August 1879, Postwick, Norfolk. A News Compositor – Store Hand.
Mother: Elizabeth Day (nee Hewitt), born June 1877, Norwich, Norfolk.
Sister: Eveline Elizabeth Day, born 1903, Norwich – died 1912, Norwich.
CENSUS
1921 793, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich.
Cecil was 5 years old and lived with his parents and sisters.
George Day, 42 years & 10 months, a Store Hand and Maker Up – Newspaper Printing Proprietor – E.A.D.T. Newspapers, at 13, Carr Street, Ipswich.
Elizabeth Day, 45 years, Home Duties.
Elsie Rhoda Day, 16 years & 2 months old, a Wood Carver for Frederick Tibbenham – Antique Furnisher, of Turret Lane, Ipswich, born Norwich, Norfolk.
Dora Beatrice Ethel Day, 6 years & 8 months old, at School, born Norwich.
Image courtesy of Marilyn deMamiel.
31st May 1941
The 30 Squadron was equipped with the fighter version of the Bristol Blenheim, and had been involved in defending Athens. The squadron was then ordered to Crete and stationed at Maleme airfield. By the 17th May 1941, Maleme was under constant heavy attack by German bombers and the 12 (out of 14) airworthy Blenheims were flown out to Egypt. However, many of the ground crew from 30 Squadron were stranded on Crete. Under the command of Pilot Officer Crowther, they took to the hills around Maleme where they joined up with New Zealand troops.
Cecil Day was one of the 17 personnel killed from 30 Squadron on the 31st May when the Germans finally overwhelmed the defenders around Maleme. In addition, 14 personnel from 33 Squadron are also believed to have died on Crete that day. The men lost are remembered on the Alamein Memorial, suggesting that no bodies were recovered, and that they were either burned or beyond recognition.
No. 30 Squadron information courtesy of John Allan.
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