JOHN HERBERT KENNARD

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.

JAKE

Born: 1919, Ipswich.

Died: 27th September 1943; age: 23; killed when the aircraft was lost during a raid on Hanover.

Rank: Squadron Leader/Pilot; Service Number: 40715.

Regiment: Royal Air Force, 103 Squadron.

Medals Awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross. Air Ministry, 6th October 1942. Royal Air Force. The King has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:- Distinguished Flying Cross. Acting Flight Lieutenant John Herbert Kennard (40715), Reserve of Air Force Officers, No 103 Squadron. One night in September, 1942, Flight Lieutenant Kennard was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Bremen. When about 15 miles from the target, the bomber was attacked by an enemy fighter, the fire which stunned the rear gunner and caused the bomber’s aileron controls to jam. Displaying commendable courage and flying skill, Flight Lieutenant Kennard eventually evaded his attacker and flew on to his target which he bombed and photographed. While in the target area, his aircraft was hit by fire from the ground defences, which caused damage to the port fuel tanks. A serious amount of petrol was lost but despite this and the difficulty of controlling the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Kennard reached this country and made a safe landing due to the jammed aileron. His courage and determination to complete his allotted task were worthy of high praise.

The seven bodies were originally buried in a collective grave at Mahlerton Cemetery. On the 25th June 1947, the bodies were exhumed, identified and reburied in two collective graves at Hanover War Cemetery.

Grave Reference:

Collective Grave 8.C. 14-15.

Hanover War Cemetery,

Lower Saxony,

Germany.

Father: George Herbert Harry Kennard, born September 1889, Folkstone, Kent. A Gentleman’s Clothing Retail Manager.

Mother: Maud Eva Kennard (nee Offord), born November 1884, Ipswich.

Parents’ residence: 35, Marlborough Road, Ipswich.

CENSUS

1921   38, Oxford Road, Ipswich.

John was 2 years & 2 months old and lived with his parents and sister.

George Kennard, 31 years & 8 months old, a Tailor’s Manager – J.&J. Edwards – Tailors & Outfitters, of 33-35, Tavern Street, Ipswich.

Maude Kennard, 36 years & 5 months old, Home Duties.

Mary Joan Kennard, 4 years & 7 months old, born Ipswich.

Newspaper picture from the Evening Star – 7th October 1942.

John was educated at Ipswich School.

On the 2nd August 1941, at St. George’s Church, Millom, Cumbria, John married Joan Reading, born May 1919, India – an Assistant Secretary Officer – W.A.A.F.

Joan and John had one daughter.

    John, Joan and baby June outside Buckingham Palace, 9th December 1942 after his D.F.C. investiture.

Probate to Joan Kennard – widow.

John is also remembered on the Ipswich School Chapel war memorial.

27th September 1943

Aircraft: Avro Lancaster, Mk III; serial number: DV221, took off from RAF Elsham Wolds, Lincolnshire, at 19:34 hrs, on a mission to Hannover. The aircraft was lost during the raid on Hanover, Germany, possibly to flak or a night fighter, and crashed at Mahlerten, Germany. All seven crew were killed.

CREW:

Stanley Allan Morey D.F.C. Flying Officer/Navigator; age 24 (killed the day after his birthday); R.A.A.F.

Thomas Coulton Latham D.F.M. Flying Officer/Wireless Operator/Air Gunner; age 22; R.A.F.

Arthur Harrison D.F.M. Pilot Officer/Air Gunner; age 19; R.A.C.F.

Ronald Norman Faulkner; Flying Officer/Air Bomber; age 22; R.A.F.V.R.

Alan Davidson; Sergeant/Air Gunner; age 23; R.A.F.V.R.

John Edward Griffiths Aston D.F.M. Flight Sergeant/ Flight Engineer; R.A.F.V.R.

John and Flight Engineer John Aston flew together on almost all the operations they took part in. John Aston received the D.F.M. on the same mission to Bremen in September 1942.

Extra information courtesy of Barry.

Photograph courtesy of John’s family and David Fell   http://www.northlincsweb.net/103Sqn/html/vignettes_winter_42-43.html