DENNIS JOHN FERRIS

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.

Born: 1925, Ipswich.

Died: 12th September 1945; age: 20; killed when aircraft hit trees and crashed.

Residence: 234, Bramford Lane, Ipswich.

Rank: Flight Sergeant/Wireless Operator/Air Gunner; Service Number: 1867642.

Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 233 Squadron.

The bodies were originally buried at Tiddim Military Cemetery. The eight graves were not registered and were later discovered with rough boards marking the graves. The bodies were exhumed, identified and reburied at Imphal War Cemetery.

Grave Reference:

8.F.11.18.

Imphal War Cemetery,

Imphal,

Manipur,

India.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of William Albert & Florence Ethel Ferris, Of Ipswich.

Father: William Albert Ferris, born July 1883, born Bath, Somerset.

Mother: Florence Ethel Ferris (nee Blake), born July 1899 – died 1943, Ipswich.

ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939.

Dennis was living with his parents & siblings at their family home – 234, Bramford Lane, Ipswich.

William, a Heavy Vehicle Driver – Ipswich Corporation – CXleaning Dept. During the Second World War, William was a part-time A.R.P. Warden & 631 Mobile First Aid.

Florence, unpaid Domestic Duties.

Stanley William Ferris, a Labourer – Non-Ferrous Extrusion, born Marylebone, London.

and 2 other siblings.

Probate to William Albert Ferris – father. A Corporation Driver.

No. 233 Squadron

The squadron had operated with Coastal Command in the UK and Gibraltar during the first part of World War Two before transferring to Transport Command in the lead up to D-Day. In August 1945, the squadron set out for the Far East, but had not become operational before the Japanese surrendered.

12th September 1945

Aircraft: Douglas Dakota IV; serial number: KJ902; based at Tulihal (Imphal), India. KJ902 were engaged in supply dropping over a mountainous area in Burma. The weather conditions were marginal with patches of low cloud. As KJ902 made its run over the drop zone, it flew into a patch of cloud which concealed the high ground of Tiddim Hill. The starboard wing hit trees and was torn off, causing the aircraft to crash into a gully where it was destroyed by a post-crash fire. All 8 crew members were killed.

Crew:

Reginald William Evered; Warrant Officer/Pilot; age 29; R.A.F.V.R.

Douglas Philip Swain; Sergeant/Co Pilot; age 21; R.A.F.V.R.

Alan Milward Tyson; Warrant Officer/Navigator; age 24; R.A.F.V.R.

William Lawrence West; Corporal/Air Dispatcher; age 20; R.A.S.C.

Charles Ellis; Driver/Air Dispatcher; age 29; R.A.S.C.

Ernest Lord; Driver/Air Dispatcher; age 24; R.A.S.C.

Sepoy Naga; age 17; I.A.S.C.

Squadron and aircraft information courtesy of John Allan.