DOUGLAS FREDERICK WILLIAM NORTON
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.
Photographs courtesy of Ken
“DOUGIE”
Born: 1922, Ipswich.
Died: 9th November 1941; age: 19. On his 9th mission.
Residence: 34, Wellington Road, Ipswich.
Employed with Messrs. W. A. & A.C.. Churchman, Ipswich – tobacco manufacturers.
Drafted into the RAF on the 16th July 1940, after hearing on the radio that the RAF was recruiting radio operators. A year later, he began his operational career in the 50 Squadron before being transferred to the Canadian 408 (Royal Canadian Air Force) Squadron – Goose Squadron.
Rank: Sergeant/Wireless Operator/Air Gunner; Service Number: 1280431.
Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 408 (Royal Canadian Air Force) Squadron (Goose Squadron).
Grave Reference:
Grave 3.
West Vlaanderen,
Belgium.
The original grave marker.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Mr & Mrs F.C. Norton.
Father: Frederick Charles Norton, born December 1896, Ipswich.
Mother: Lily Emily Norton (nee Baldwin), born December 1896, at 7, Victoria Street, Ipswich.
9th November 1941
Aircraft: Handley Page Hampden B1; Serial number: AE438; Code: EQ-N; Based at RAF Syerston, Flintham, Nottinghamshire. The Hampden took off at 17:55hrs from Syerston, joining 8 other aircraft. Their mission was to attack Ostend. When they were over their target, the aircraft was caught in the German searchlights and suffered a direct hit from the anti-aircraft guns. The aircraft lost control, dived and crashed at 10:00hrs at the field belonging to Mr. Vandamme, a local farmer, along the Seaway. The four airmen were buried with military honours by the Germans. They are the smallest military cemetery in Europe.
Fellow Crew:
Douglas Victor Markall; Sergeant/Navigator; age 21; R.A.F.V.R.
Evan Bertram Te Makaki Robertson; Sergeant/Observer; age 29; R.N.Z. A.R.
John Caley Wilson; Pilot Officer/Pilot; age 27; R.C.A.F.
One Comment
It’s nice that my relative is being remembered on the Ipswich War Memorial, along with the many unfortunate people who lost their lives.