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People of Lowestoft 1914-45

Also Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

badgeEstablished in 1936 to support the preparedness of the U.K. Royal Air Force in the event of another war. The Air Ministry intended it to form a supplement to the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF), the active reserve for the RAF, by providing an additional non-active reserve. However during the Second World War the high demand for aircrew absorbed all available RAuxAF personnel and led the RAFVR to quickly become the main pathway of aircrew entry into the RAF. CREDIT:Wikipedia

10 Operation Training Unit

Leonard Frederick Keith Spratt

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Leonard died on 7th of November 1942 aged 23. 

100 Sqdn.

Phillip Henry Savage

A Flight Sergeant with the Royal Air Force, Phillip died on 25th of February 1944 aged 24. 

Phillip was born at the Isle of Wight in 1920, a son of Sidney Phillip and Evelyn Beatrice Savage. Phillip’s father died in 1926 and, by 1939, his mother was living at 25 West Road, Caister-on-Sea. Phillip’s uncle, Herbert James Savage, lived at White House Farm, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad.

101 Squadron

Jack Boutle

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Jack died on 5th of October 1944 aged 22. 

Jack was born at Croydon, Surrey, on 14 April 1922, a son of John William and of Lilian Gertrude Boutle. In 1939 his family lived at 1 Union Place and Jack was a fruiterer’s shop assistant. 

Jack enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after June 1940. By October 1944 Jack was a Flight-Engineers with 101 Squadron, based at Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire.

Walter Randall Cook

Walter Randall Cook

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Walter died on 24th of May 1943 aged 31. 

Walter was born at Lowestoft on 7 September 1911, a son of Harry and Rosemond Cook. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, and his family lived at 47 Lorne Park Road. This was still their home in 1921. 

104 Personnel Dispersal Centre

Charles Ernest Hastings Hubbard

A Corporal with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Charles died on 2nd of July 1946 aged 44. 

Charles was born at Lowestoft on 10 February 1902, a son of William John and Florence Mary Hubbard. Charles often used his middle name, Hastings, as his first name. In 1911 his family lived at 7 Maidstone Road. Charles attended London Road School and, on 16 September 1914, because a pupil at Lowestoft School of Science. 

104 Sqdn.

Bernard Walter Robbens

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bernard died on 8th of September 1941 aged 20.

Bernard was born at Lowestoft on 11 March 1921, a son of Percival Walter and Eliza A. E. Robbens. In 1939 his family lived at 29 Beresford Road, Lowestoft.

Bernard served with Bomber Command and was based at Driffield, Yorkshire. He was a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. In August 1941 Bernard was serving with 104 Squadron and was one of the crew of Wellington W5477. The Aircraft Accidents in Yorkshire gives the following account:

105 Operational Training Unit

Norman Frederick Rouse

A Warrant Officer with Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Norman died on 24th of March 1945 aged 26. 

Norman was born at Lowestoft on 8 January 1919, a son of James and Olive Rouse. In 1921 his family lived at 40 Bridge Road, Oulton Broad. In 1939 his family lived at 39 Winnipeg Road, Lowestoft, and Norman was a solicitor's clerk. 

In 1943 Norman married Elizabeth G. Chambers, at Lowestoft, and their home was at 90 Saint Leonards Road, Lowestoft.

106 Sqdn.

Gerald George Hutson

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Gerald died on 5th of July 1941 aged 29. 

Gerald was born at Norwich on 7 October 1912, a son of Ernest John and Alice Matilda Hutson. In 1921 his family lived at 182 London Road, Lowestoft, and by 1939 they were living at 289 London Road South and Gerald was a clerk.

Kenneth G Saunders

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Kenneth died on 9th of October 1943 aged 20. 

It seems that Kenneth was born at Huntingdon on 2 September 1923, a son of John William and Isobel Clara Saunders. In 1939 his family lived at 36 Monckton Avenue, and Kenneth was an apprentice electrician.

Kenneth enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1941. By October 1943 he was an Air Bomber serving with 106 Squadron based at Syerston, Nottinghamshire. 

114 Sqdn.

Jack William Kerrison

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Jack died on 14th of October 1941 aged 28. 

Jack was born at Oulton Broad on 17 May 1913, a son of William Robert and Lydia May Kerrison. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 20 July 1913 and his family lived at Oulton Broad. In 1921 his family lived at 4 Diamond Terrace, Beccles Road. 

12 Flying Training School

Peter Allen

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Peter died on 20th of August 1942 aged 21. 

Peter was born at Lowestoft on 15 June 1921, a son of Samuel Walter and Gertrude Louisa Allen. In 1921 they lived at 121 London Road South, Lowestoft. By 1939 his parents were living at 12 Enstone Road, Lowestoft.  

In 1939 Peter was living at 55 Cozens Road, Norwich, and he worked as a Post Office soring clerk and telegraphist. 

12 Sqdn.

Thomas William Willis

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Thomas died on 1st of July 1944 aged 23. 

Thomas was born at Carlton Colville 0n 18 July 1921, a son of Thomas William and Winifred Mabel Willis. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 14 August 1921 and his family lived at The Garden House, Carlton Colville. In 1939 his family lived at Endeavour, Beccles Road, and Thomas was an apprentice carpenter and joiner. 

13 Operational Training Unit

Ernest Samuel Frostwick

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Ernest died on 27th of April 1943 aged 26. 

Ernest was born at Wood Dalling, Norfolk, on 21 July 1916, a son of Henry James and Julia Ada Frostwick. In 1921 his family lived at Hall Cottages, Wood Dalling. By 1939 they were living at 3 Council Houses, Wood Dalling, and Ernest worked as a carpenter and joiner. 

130 Sqdn.

Alfred William Utting

A Flight Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Alfred died on 19th August 1942 aged 21. 

Alfred was born at Kessingland on 2 September 1920, a son of Alfred and Ellen Mary Utting. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 21 August 1922. In 1921 his family lived at 8 The Ridge, and this was still their home in 1939.

In 1939 Alfred was a student at Saint Luke’s Teacher Training College, Heavitree Road, Exeter. In 1942 Alfred married Marjorie E. Pennick, this was registered in the Romford district. Marjorie lived at Plaistow, Essex.

137 Sqdn.

Jack William Thomas Purdy

A Pilot Officer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Jack died on 12th of February 1944 aged 26. 

Jack was born at Lowestoft on 22 December 1917, a son of William and Edith Purdy. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 17 January 1918 and his family lived at 196 Clapham Road. 

On 23 December 1939 Jack married Patricia Gertrude Harling at Saint John’s Church. Jack was a Sergeant with the Royal Air Force and gave his address as 196 Clapham Road, and Patricia lived at 4 Stanley Street. By 1944 their home was at 85 Waveney Crescent.

15 Sqdn.

George Russell Lake

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, George died on 17th of January 1945 aged 31. 

George was born at Marylebone, London, on 26 November 1913, a son of Violet Lake. He was baptised at Saint Mark’s Church, Marylebone Road (Queen Charlotte’s Hospital) Church, London, on 4 December 1913. In 1921 George lived with his grandparents Eben Watts and Jane Lake at Rivetts Loke, Blundeston.  

15 Squadron

William George Chatteris

A Flying Officer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, William died on 10th of March 1945 aged 24. 

William was born at Lowestoft on 11 May 1920, a son of William Frederick and Rose Ethel Chatteris. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 28 May 1920 and his family lived at 45 Windsor Road. In 1921 they lived at 1 May Road. By 1939 their home was at 30 Waveney Crescent, and William was a cabinet maker. 

151 Maintenance Unit

Robert Joseph Durrant

A Corporal in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Robert died on 28th February 1945 aged 28. 

Robert was born at Rushmere on 27 March 1917, a son of Arthur and Lucy Durrant. In 1921 his family lived at 1 Prospect Place, Kessingland, and this was still their home in 1939. 

In 1939 Robert was working as an electrician and lodged at 13 Portland Street, King’s Lynn. 

In 1940 Robert married Millvina Ethel Bond, this was registered in the Lothingland district. Millvina remarried in 1947. 

155 Squadron

Derek Arthur Allen

A Flying Officer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Derek died on 15th of February 1943 aged 23.

Derek was born at Lowestoft on 4 June 1920, a son of Arthur and Agnes May Allen. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Oulton Broad, on 18 July 1920 and his family lived at Dyke House, Oulton Broad. In 1921 their address was Bridge Road, Oulton, and later they lived at Saint Elms, Beccles Road, Oulton Broad.  

156 Squadron

Walter John Catchpole

A Flight Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Walter died on 15th of February 1944 aged 20. 

Walter was born at Lowestoft on 8 September 1923, a son of John Durrant and Martha May Catchpole. He was baptised at Saint Mark’s Church on 11 November 1923 and his family lived at 5 Garden Terrace, Victoria Road. By 1939 his family home was at 3 Olive Cottages, Carlton Colville.

159 Sqdn.

Jermyn Samuel Greengrass

A Flying Officer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Jermyn died on 12th August 1943 aged 26.

Jermyn was born at Lowestoft in 1917. A son of Jermyn Thomas and Agnes Jane Greengrass. He was baptised at Christ Church, Lowestoft, on 27 May 1917, and his family lived at Old Nelson Street. In 1921 his family lived at 16 Royal Avenue, and by 1939 their address was 7 Battery Green Road. 

1658 Heavy Conversion Unit

Ernest John Hurr

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Ernest died on 28th of April 1944 aged 21. 

Ernest was born at Lowestoft in 1923, a son of Charles Ernest and Eva May Hurr. In 1939 his family lived at 8 Pier Terrace, Lowestoft, Suffolk.

Ernest enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1941. In April 1944 Ernest was serving with 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit based at Riccall, Yorkshire. 

166 Squadron

Kenneth Frank Cornwell

A Pilot Officer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Kenneth died on 29th of January 1944 aged 20. 

Kenneth was born at Norwich in 1923, a son of Sydney Frank and Dorothy Olive Cornwell. Kenneth’s father was a teacher at Church Road Boys’ School before working at Roman Hill Senior Boys’ School. By 1939 his family were living at 36 Kirkley Park Road.  

17 Operational Training Unit

Norman Robertson Macmillan

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Norman died on 12th of May 1941 aged 21. 

Norman was born at Lowestoft on 3 July 1919, a son of John Paterson and Ann Hood Macmillan. In 1921 their home was at Glenburn, Grand Avenue, Pakefield, and by 1939 his parents were living at Glenburn, Lyncroft Road, Pakefield.

In 1939 Norman was a marine insurance clerk living at 40 Willersley Avenue, Sidcup.

172 Squadron

Charles Raymond Farman

A Flight Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Charles died on 27th of November 1943 aged 25. 

Charles was born at Lowestoft on 12 June 1918, a son of Charles Robert and Alice Maud Farman. In 1921 they lived at 105 Carlton Road and by 1939 Charles’ parents were living at 125 Carlton Road.

Probate records show Charles’ address as The Police Station, Stowmarket, hence it is thought that he was serving in the police before he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve at some point after November 1940. 

18 Sqdn.

Charles Samuel Drake

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Charles died on 23rd of February 1945 aged 24.

Charles was born at Lowestoft on 27 December 1920, a son of Charles William and Georgina Drake. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 20 January 1921 and his family lived at 221 Raglan Street. By 1939 his family home was at 104 Beresford Road and Charles was a clerk with an electrical cable making contractor.   

196 Sqdn.

Reginald Ernest Marshall

A Flight Sergeant with Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Reginald died on 3rd of April 1945 aged 39. 

2 School of Army Co-operation

Peter William Jeffery

A Pilot Officer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Peter died on 26th of February 1941, aged 22. 

Peter was born at Necton, Norfolk, on 17 February 1919, a son of The Reverend Alfred Stephen and Barbara Jeffrey. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Necton, on 20 April 1919 and his family lived at Necton where his father was the schoolmaster. 

20 Service Flight

George John Wood

An Aircraftman 2nd Class with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, George died on 16th of December 1943 aged 20. 

George was born at Lowestoft on 20 August 1923, a son of Thomas Robert Vere and Margaret Elizabeth Wood. In 1929 his family lived at 130 Denmark Road and George was a bus depot storekeeper. 

George enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer reserve after December 1941. In December 1942 he was at 20 Service Flying Training School in Southern Rhodesia undergoing pilot training.  

207 Sqdn.

Eric Harper

Eric Ronald Harper

A Sergeant (Observer) with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Eric died on 14th January 1942 aged 19. 

Eric was born at Lowestoft on 2 May 1922, a son of William and Hilda Maud Harper. In 1939 his family lived at 56 Kent Road and Eric was a journalist. 

Eric moved to Tottenham, London. He joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve between September 1939 and June 1940. By January 1941 he was an Observer serving with 207 Squadron.

214 (Federated Malay States) Squadron

Mervyn Alfred Weavers

A Sergeant (Pilot) with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Mervyn died on 26th November 1941 aged 25.

Mervyn was born at Kessingland on 28 August 1916, a son of William Walter and Mildred Weavers. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 24 September 1916 and his family lived at 2 Poplar Terrace, Kessingland. By 1939 Mervyn’s parents were living at Bethel Drive, The Beach, Kessingland. 

214 (Federated Malay Straits) Squadron

Robert John Bennett

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Robert died on 9th of May 1941 aged 20. 

Robert was born at Deddington, Oxfordshire, on 19 July 1920, a son of John Gardner Bennett and Fanny Bennett. In 1921 his family lived at Adderbury West, near Banbury, Oxfordshire. In 1939 his family lived at White House Farm, West End, Wrentham, and Robert was an assistant buyer at a grocery. Later his parents lived at Kessingland Beach.

Harold James Cooper

A Sergeant with Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Harold died on 26th of November 1941 aged 20. 

Harold was born at Penzance, Cornwall, on 2 March 1921, a son of Ernest Sidney and Selina Dorothy Cooper. In 1921 his family lived at Low Road, Thurlton, Norfolk. By 1939 their family home was at 70 Alexandra Road, Lowestoft, and Harold was a butcher’s apprentice. 

Harold enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve between September 1939 and June 1940. By November 1941 he was a Wireless Operator / Air Gunner with 214 Squadron. 

Edward James Crowe

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Edward died on 25th of July 1943 aged 24. 

Edward was born at Bradwell on 12 July 1919, a son of Andrew Howes and Gertrude Eliza Crowe. In 1921 his family lived at Bright Road, Bradwell. By 1939 they were living at 179 Gorleston Road and Edward was a body maker’s apprentice. 

In 1940 Edward married Ethel Maud Davis, this was registered in the Lothingland district. Ethel lived at 1 Hellena House, Clarkson Road, Oulton Broad.

217 Sqdn.

William Hereward Wake

A Sergeant with 217 Squadron, William died on 30th of September 1940 aged 21.

William was born at Wandsworth, London, on 19 August 1919, a son of William and Helen Alice Wake. He was baptised at Harrow Weald on 25 January 1920 and his family lived at The Cottage, Harrow Weald. In 1921 his family lived at ‘Simplicity’, Old Fort Road, Shoreham-by-Sea. William’s father died and in 1927 his mother married Selwyn Wollaston Humphrey of Oulton Broad Lowestoft.

218 Squadron

James Alfred Bramble

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, James died on 30th of May 1943 aged 21. 

James was born at Poplar, London, in 1922, a son of James Alfred and Kate Kathleen Bramble.

James married Edna Lilian Maud Bramble, in the Wells district, in early 1943. They had a home at Home Farm, Upper Coxley, Wells, Somerset. Edna later lived at Lowestoft where she remarried and lived at 44 Elmhurst Avenue.

James joined the air force in 1938. 

220 Sqdn.

Leslie Edward Sexton

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Leslie died on 4th of October 1941 aged 21. 

Leslie was born at Beccles in 1920, a son of Florence Emly Sexton. In 1921 Leslie was staying with Edward and Alice Rouse at 39 Alexandra Road, Beccles, and his mother, and two older brothers, lived at Manor Farm, Ellingham. Leslie’s mother died in 1926, and Leslie became the foster-son of his aunt Mildred Jane Searles. In 1939 his family home was at 26 Lorne Park Road, Lowestoft.
 

23 Service Flight

Percy Robert Killett

An Aircraftsman 1st Class (Pilot under training) with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Percy died on 16th of November 1944 aged 25.

Percy was born at Lowestoft on 23 February 1919, a son of James Percy Robert and Florence Viveta Killett. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 14 March 1919 and his family lived at 7 Wollaston Road, which was still their home in 1939. 

In 1942 Percy married Dorothy Franklin, this was registered in the Southwell, Nottinghamshire, district, and Dorothy lived at Little Carlton, Nottinghamshire.

24 Air-Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit

Leslie John NICHOLLS

Leslie John Nicholls

A Leading Aircraftman with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Leslie died on 23rd of March 1944 aged 32. 

Leslie was born at Lowestoft on 29 December 1911, a son of Alfred and Agnes Nicholls of Cyprus Cottages, Camps Heath.

In 1938 Leslie married Lilian Mercy Kent. In 1939 they lived at 44 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, and Leslie was a civilian high-frequency direction finding wireless operator working for the Royal Air Force at Felixstowe. 

25 Operational Training Unit

James Tyrrell

James Abraham Tyrrell

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, James died on 12th of June 1941 at the age of 24. 

James was born at Lowestoft on 25 November 1917, a son of James William and Mary Ann Tyrrell. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 6 January 1918 and his family lived at 1 Beresford Road. In 1921 his family lived at 1 Beresford Road. In 1939 they lived at 77 Love Road, and James was a solicitor’s clerk, but by the time of James’ death his family had returned to 1 Beresford Road.