DENNIS ALBERT HENRY UNDERWOOD
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 and extra information courtesy of Michael Cadwallader.
Born: 1923, Bentley, Suffolk.
Died: 17th April 1943; Age: 20; aircraft failed to return from Tunis.
Residence: Grove Road, Bentley, Suffolk.
Rank: Sergeant/Bomb Aimer; Service Number: 1333767.
Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 142 Squadron.
On the 25th March 1944 the body was exhumed, identified and reburied at Bone War Cemetery.
Grave Reference:
I.E.15.
Annaba,
Algeria.
Images courtesy of Mr Denis Underwood (nephew)
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Albert & Dorothy Annie Barbara Underwood, of Bentley, Suffolk.
Dennis’s last pay slip and money owed from the Air Ministry £23.6d (minus tax) paid to his parents.
Dated 21st January 1944.
Father: Albert Underwood, born April 1887, Bentley, Suffolk. A Coalman.
Mother: Dorothy Annie Barbara Underwood (nee Brewser), June 1898, Godalming, Surrey.
ENGLAND and WALES REGISTER 1939
Dennis lived with his parents and brother at their family home – Grove Road, Bentley.
Albert Underwood, a Coalman.
Dorothy Underwood, unpaid Domestic Duties.
Jack Albert Underwood, at School, born January 1925, Bentley.
Dennis is also remembered on the war memorial at St. Mary’s Church Bentley, Suffolk.
17th/18th April 1943
Aircraft: Vickers Wellington III; serial number: DF696; based at Blida, Algeria. On the 17th April 1943, DF696 was detailed to attack Tunis docks and marshalling yards. The weather en route and over the target was hazy with excellent visibility. The attack was concentrated on the marshalling yards causing a large explosion and fires. On the return journey, the group of 9 aircraft were directed to Maison Blanche owing to a strong cross wind at the Base. 7 aircraft safely landed. DF696 Failed to return from Tunis. Fw Liebecher of II/NJG 2 claimed to have shot down a Wellington.
The bodies of Laurie Staight, John Cook and William Underwood were never found. They are remembered on the Malta Memorial, Valletta, Southern Harbour, Malta. The bodies of Dennis and Henry were recovered from the sea and buried at Bone War Cemetery, Algeria.
fellow Crew members:
Henry Ronald Henley
Henry Ronald Henley original grave in Annaba, Algeria.
2 Comments
‘re Dennis Albert Henry underwood . My uncle
I have as a point of interest had it confirmed that an error on his grave at Bone cemetery has been corrected .
I have been searching for my uncle’s fellow crew members for some time and was so pleased to find your posting. My uncle was ‘Billy’ Underwood. I would be eternally grateful for any information you have concerning their short time together as crew mates. My Grandad never spoke about him and the war and my Grandma was grief-stricken to the end of her life.