WILLIAM FRANK PORTER
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.
Image from the 26th January 1945 Evening Star newspaper.
Born: 1925, Ipswich.
Died: 16th January 1945; age: 19; aircraft accident.
Residence: 62, Alan Road, Ipswich.
Rank: Sergeant/ Flight Engineer; Service Number: 3006161.
Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 1653 Conversion Unit.
Funeral service at Alan Road Chapel, Ipswich.
Grave Reference:
X.C.3.92.
Ipswich.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Frank Edward & Gertrude M. Porter, of Ipswich.
Father: Frank Edward Porter, born 1901, Walton, Suffolk, died 6th June 1930, at 181, Rosehill Road, Ipswich.
Mother: Gertrude Minnie Porter (nee Clarke), born August 1898, Ipswich.
On Christmas Day, 1932, in Ipswich, Gertrude married Percy Gordon Banks, born January 1909, Folkestone, Kent.
William was a member of the Air Training Corps, 188 Ipswich Squadron, and had been a messenger with the N.F.S.
ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939.
William was attending school. He lived with his mother, stepfather, sister and stepsister at their family home – 364, Norwich Road, Ipswich.
Percy Banks, a Radio Engineer.
Gertrude Banks, unpaid Domestic Duties.
Marie D. Porter, born 1923, Ipswich.
Sheila Joan Banks, at school, born March 1933, Ipswich.
FUNERAL OF IPSWICH
R.A.F. SERGEANT
Killed in Flying Accident
26th January 1945 Evening Star newspaper.
The funeral of William Frank Porter, aged 19, of 62, Alan Road, Ipswich, took place at Ipswich. Youngest son of Mrs. P.G. Banks, and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Porter, of the Post Office, Kirton. He was a Sergeant (Flight Engineer) in the R.A.F. and was killed in a flying accident. He was a former member of the A.T.C. (188) Squadron, and had been a messenger with the N.F.S.
The Rev. C.W. Armstrong conducted the service at Alan Road Chapel and the interment at Ipswich Cemetery. The hymns sung were “When I survey the wondrous Cross” and “Through all the changing scenes of Life.” Flight-Lieut. C. Farrow was at the organ. Among the mourners present were: Mr. and Mrs. P.G. Banks, L.-A.-C.W. M.D. Porter (sister), Sergeant. R.E. Porter (brother), Mr. and Mrs. J. Porter (uncle and aunt), Mrs. E. Bugg (aunt), Mr. and Mrs. R. McColl (uncle and aunt), Miss D. Clarke (aunt), Miss B. McColl (cousin), Mr. and Mrs. F. Clarke (uncle and aunt), Mrs. A.R. Banks, Miss E. Pallant, and many friends. Sergeant Stephen and Sergeant Rav. Winkworth represented the R.A.F. Funeral arrangements were carried out by the Ipswich Co-operative Society, under the supervision of Mr. Allen.
16th January 1945
Aircraft – Avro Lancaster III, Serial number: DV161; Unit: 1653 Heavy Conversion Unit; Operation: Training, take off & landings. The aircraft had performed two successful takeoffs and landings from North Luffenham, Rutland. At 23.03hrs, the aircraft took off for the third time to practice circuit flying. The aircraft failed to gain height and crashed after 2 minutes in farmland, Morcott, 2 miles from the airfield. George Longman & George Maycock were both thrown clear of the burnt-out aircraft and were taken to the RAF Hospital at Ely, Cambridgeshire, with serious injuries.
Rolls-Royce Engineers later examined the engines but found no obvious reasons for failure.
Fellow crew:
Norman David Pattinson; Flight Sergeant/Pilot (pupil); age 20; R.A.A.F.
Stanley William Goodman; Flight Officer/Co-Pilot (instructor); age: 22; R.A.F.V.R.
William Rous Mallory; Sergeant/Navigator; age: 20; R.A.F.V.R.
John Paynter King; Sergeant/Air Bomber; age: 23; R.A.F.V.R.
William Arthur Marritt D.F.M.; Pilot Officer/Flight Engineer (instructor); age: 23; R.A.F.V.R.
George Leonard Longman; Sergeant/Air Gunner (middle upper); age: 22; R.A.F.V.R. Injured.
George Leonard Maycock; Sergeant/Air Gunner (rear); R.A.F.V.R. Injured.
http://www.aircrewremembered.com/pattinson-norman-david.html
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