LEONARD JAMES FISHER

Leonard is not remembered on the war memorial at Christchurch Park.

Image from the 8th November 1944 Evening Star newspaper.

Born: 2nd January 1923, at Hartismere House, Maternity Unit, Eye, Suffolk.

The Fisher family lived at Redgrave with Botesdale, Suffolk.

Died: 21st August 1944; age: 21; killed when his aircraft crashed into a hillside.

Residence: Glenmon, 507, Bramford Lane, Ipswich.

Rank: Sergeant/Navigator; Service Number: 1398923.

Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 37 Squadron.

Grave Reference:

I.E.16.

Naples War Cemetery,

Italy.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of M.V. Porter, & stepson of Mr. H.J. Porter, of Ipswich.

Father: George Leslie Fisher, born 1897, Roydon, Norfolk – an Army Pensioner and Farm Labourer.

Mother: Victoria May Fisher (nee Doe), born May 1887, Redgrave with Botesdale, Suffolk.

George and Victoria lived at Fen Street, Roydon, Norfolk; the marriage was not a happy one. Victoria moved to Ipswich with her two young sons. In 1932, Victoria petitioned for a divorce, and the decree nisi was granted.

Stepfather: Herbert James Porter, born February 1887, Levington, Suffolk.

Brother: Robert Maurice Fisher, born June 1920, Redgrave with Botesdale, Suffolk.

ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939.

Leonard was living with his mother & stepfather at their family home – 507, Bramford Lane, Ipswich.

Herbert, a Cement Packer.

May, unpaid Domestic Duties.

Probate to May Victoria Porter – mother.

21st August 1944

Aircraft: Vickers Wellington X; Serial Number: LP617; Code: N; based at Foggia Tortorella, took off for a bombing attack on Niebelungenwerk tank factory at St. Valentin, Austria. On the return, the LP617 crew became lost and landed at Naples. Soon after taking off again the aircraft crashed into a hillside near Pomigliano. All five members of the crew were killed.

Crew:

Brian Philip Caley; Sergeant/Air Bomber; age 20; R.A.F.V.R.

Ernest Thomas Goodrum; Sergeant/Wireless Operator/Air Gunner; age 22; R.A.F.V.R.

John Hubert Lindley; Sergeant/Pilot; age 20; R.A.F.V.R.

Alfred Peter Charles Kuster; Sergeant/Air Bomber; age 21; R.A.F.V.R.