Archibald James Dexter

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force, Archibald died on 28th of October 1918 aged 20. 

Archibald was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Albert Edward and Isabella Dexter. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, on 1 April 1898 and at that time his family lived at 39 Stanley Street and this was still their address in 1901. By 1911 the family were living at 12 Gordon Road. Subsequently they would live at 105 Clapham Road.

Archibald enlisted on 27 August 1915 serving initially with the Royal Flying Corps which was later transformed into the Royal Air Force. Archibald served in France from 24 March 1916 to 9 August 1917. On 15 December 1917 he was posted to the U.S.A. for training and he became a qualified Observer and was allowed to wear the Observer badge on his uniform.  

Archibald flew operationally with 97 Squadron and was the Wireless Operator on Handley-Page O/400 Bomber D5417. While flying on 28 October his aircraft suffered structural damaged and crashed and burst into flames at Luneville. Archibald was injured and died and the other three crew were also killed.  

(With thanks to CREDIT:Malcolm Barrass)