GORDON JOHN SCUFFINS

SCUFFY

Born: 1923, Brundish, Suffolk.

Died: 30th July 1944; age: 22; an aircraft accident.

Residence: 18, Tuddenham Avenue, Ipswich.

Employed: as a Lathe-Turner, at Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies, Ipswich.

Enlisted for air-crew in 1941. Trained in the U.K.

Commissioned in early 1944.

Rank: Pilot Officer/Bomb Aimer; Service Number: 177641.

Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 57 Squadron.

Medals Awarded: Distinguished Flying Medal. London Gazette 18th May 1944 & 15th August 1944 – citation says: He has completed in various capacities, many successful operations against the enemy in which he has displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty.

Memorial Reference:

Panel 212.

Runnymede Memorial,

Englefield Green,

Surrey.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Elias & Festina Scuffins, of Ipswich.

Father: Elias Scuffins, born August 1891, Mendlesham, Suffolk.

Mother: Festina Scuffins (nee Osborne), born January 1896, Wilby, Suffolk.

ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939.

Gordon was living with his parents & siblings at their family home – 39, Suffolk Road, Ipswich.

Elias, a General Labourer.

Festina, unpaid Domestic Duties.

Elias William Osborne, a Bricklayer, born March 1914, Brundish.

Maggie F. Scuffins, born January 1926, Hartismere.

Marjorie R.G. Scuffins, born 1928, Plomesgate.

Bertie Harold Scuffins, born February 1931, Plomesgate.

Syliva G. Scuffins, born May 1935, Blyth.

Gordon’s brother Nelson Roy Scuffins, and sister Mabel Rose Cook (nee Scuffins) were away from the family home.

Gordon is also remembered by Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies with entrance gates, dedicated in May 1958, at Ransomes Sports’ Centre, Sidegate Avenue, Ipswich.

Image from 23rd March 1945 Evening Star newspaper.

30th July 1944

On the 29th July 1944, the Lancaster Mk I, LM284 was delivered to 57 Squadron at East Kirkby. On the 30th July, on a post-delivery air test the aircraft was lost and presumed crashed in The Wash. 207 Squadron personnel made up most of the 55 Base Test Crew.

Donald Leslie Davies D.F.C.; Flight Officer/Pilot; age: 21; R.A.F.V.R.

Arthur Hayes Allison D.F.M.; Flight Sergeant/Navigator; age: 22; R.A.F.V.R.

Basil Oliver Hunt; Pilot Officer/Mid Upper Gunner; age: 21; R.A.F.V.R.

Frederick Willis Logan D.F.C.; Pilot Officer/Rear Gunner; age: 20; R.C.A.F.

Cyril Gidman D.F.C.; Pilot Officer/Rear Gunner; age: 35; R.A.F.V.R.

A 4,000 pound “cookie” the crew are lounging on

Photographs courtesy of Geoff Gidman. Thanks too to Tony Pringle for help to compile this page.