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.

Edward joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1940. By July 1943 he was a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner serving with 214 Squadron. 

On 25 July Edward was a member of the crew of a Stirling III aircraft, number EE902 BU-P, that flew from Chedburgh, Suffolk, on a night bombing raid to Hamburg. This was the first night of the Operation Gomorrah bombing raids on Hamburg.

Edward’s aircraft was shot down by a night fighter near Barchel, five miles south-west of Bremervorde. Two of the crew survived and were captured.

See No. 214 (FMS) Squadron RAF - Crews and Losses - Short Stirling (214squadron.org.uk)

WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass