DOUGLAS FREDERICK WILLIAM NORTON

“DOUGIE”

Born: 1922, Ipswich.

Died: 9th November 1941; age: 19. On his 9th mission.

Residence: 34, Wellington Road, Ipswich.

Employed at a Tobacco Factory.

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.

Westkerke Plot of Honour,

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, 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 a the field belonging to Mr. Vandamme, a local farmer, along the Seaway. The four airman 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.