HERBERT JOHN KENNETH WHEELER

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: 9th October 1917, Kilburn, London.

Baptised: 25th November 1917, at Christ Church, Brondesbury, Brent, Middlesex. Parents: Janet & John George Wheeler, a Cabinet Maker, of 67, Derwent Drive, Hayes, Middlesex.

Died: 15th April 1943; age: 25; aircraft shot down over target.

Rank: Sergeant/Navigator/Bomber; Service Number: 900266.

Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 40 Squadron.

Grave Reference:

Collective Grave V.D. 9-10.

Enfidaville War Cemetery,

Tunisia.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of John George & Janet Wheeler, of Ipswich.

Father: John George Wheeler, born August 1887, Watford, Hertfordshire. A Cabinet Maker.

Mother: Janet Wheeler (nee Tytler), born January 1886, Hampstead, London. A Shop Manageress.

CENSUS

1921   20, Chaplin Road, Willesden, London.

Herbert was 3 years & 8 months old and lived with his parents and brother.

John Wheeler, 34 years & 10 months old, a Cabinet Maker for Messrs. Strachan & Brown – Coach Builders, of Willesden Lane, London.

Janet Wheeler, 35 years & 5 months old, Home Duties.

George William Dennis Wheeler, 5 years & 6 months old, at School, born Willesden Green, London.

Probate to Janet Wheeler – mother.

15th April 1943

Aircraft: Wellington III, HZ 125 nP took off at 20.17, from Gardabia South, mission to attack the airfield at St. Marie du Zit. Herbert & crew were shot down over their target by FW Lubenka of II/NJG2.

Crew:

John Gregson Hibbert; Flight Sergeant/Pilot; age 22; R.A.F.V.R.

Joseph Thomas Knox; Flight Sergeant/Pilot; age: 24; R.A.F.V.R.

Christopher Blake Freeman; Sergeant/Wireless Operator/Air Gunner; age: 24; R.A.F.V.R.

Basil Charles Marling; Sergeant/Air Gunner; age: 28; R.A.F.V.R.

Ralph Malcolm Jay; Sergeant/Air Gunner; age: 20; R.A.F.V.R.