HISTORICAL CONTEXT

He was a crew member of Boston Mk.IIIa BZ214, 88 (Hong Kong) Squadron, Royal Air Force.

The squadron was briefed to carry out smoke laying from dawn to dusk between the German shore batteries at Le Havre and the landing craft arriving on the beaches. But it was only required to do so during the morning of D-Day.

The starting point for the smoke was a position in the English Channel 1.5 miles out from Le Havre.

Aircraft from the squadron took off from RAF Hartford Bridge, Hampshire at 10 minute intervals and began laying smoke from 05:00 on D-Day. He was killed when the aircraft he was in over-shot the runway on its return to base.