Camelford Roll of Honour
World War Two
With special thanks to the following for their help in collating the information below
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Rosie Harmsworth
Roger Pyke |
Jennifer Rowe
Cameron Valentine |
D/SSX 27830 Able Seaman
Frederick Norman Angove
Royal Navy (H.M.S. Stanley)
19th December 1941, aged 21.
Panel 46,Column 1.
Son of Mr & Mrs Angove of Camelford Cornwall.
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post dated 31st January 1942.
Notification has been received from the Admiralty to the effect that Seaman-Gunner Frederick Norman Angove, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Archie Angove of Moorgate, Advent, Camelford is “missing believed killed.” Twenty one years of age, Norman joined the Navy in November 1938. Mr. and Mrs. Angove’s eldest son is serving in the D.C.L.I.
More Information
Fred was born on 20th October 1920 to Archie and Sophie (Nee Hambley) Angove. Before World War One his Father was working as a china clay labourer and in 1914 he joined the D. C. L. I.
Fred was aboard the H. M. S. Stanley when it was attacked by U Boat 574 on 19th December 1941. At 04.15 hours the ship was hit by two of three torpedoes from U-574, while on station astern of convoy HG-76 and immediately sank about 330 miles west of Cape Sines, Portugal. The U-boat was sunk 12 minutes after the attack by HMS Stork which later picked up the survivors from HMS Stanley together with HMS Samphire
Frederick is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial in Devon
Frederick Norman Angove
Royal Navy (H.M.S. Stanley)
19th December 1941, aged 21.
Panel 46,Column 1.
Son of Mr & Mrs Angove of Camelford Cornwall.
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post dated 31st January 1942.
Notification has been received from the Admiralty to the effect that Seaman-Gunner Frederick Norman Angove, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Archie Angove of Moorgate, Advent, Camelford is “missing believed killed.” Twenty one years of age, Norman joined the Navy in November 1938. Mr. and Mrs. Angove’s eldest son is serving in the D.C.L.I.
More Information
Fred was born on 20th October 1920 to Archie and Sophie (Nee Hambley) Angove. Before World War One his Father was working as a china clay labourer and in 1914 he joined the D. C. L. I.
Fred was aboard the H. M. S. Stanley when it was attacked by U Boat 574 on 19th December 1941. At 04.15 hours the ship was hit by two of three torpedoes from U-574, while on station astern of convoy HG-76 and immediately sank about 330 miles west of Cape Sines, Portugal. The U-boat was sunk 12 minutes after the attack by HMS Stork which later picked up the survivors from HMS Stanley together with HMS Samphire
Frederick is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial in Devon
H. M. S. Stanley
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H. M. S. Stork
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T/198404 Driver
William John Baker
Royal Army Service Corps
9th November 1943, aged 30.
Plot I. A. 15.
Son of John and Fanny Baker Cornwall.
His headstone bears the inscription "Asleep In God's Beautiful Garden Free From Sorrow And Pain, Mum And Dad"
Extract taken from Cornish & Devon Post dated 4th December 1943.
News has been received by Mr. and Mrs. John Baker of Trevia, Camelford, that their eldest son, Driver William John Baker, R.A.S.C., died of wounds in November 1943 whilst serving with the Central Mediterranean Force. Thirty years of age, deceased, born at Trevia, joined the Forces early in the war and had not been home for three years. Prior to the outbreak of war he was employed by a firm of Government contractors in Camelford and Penzance and was well known in both these towns. Greatest sympathy is felt for the parents on their bereavement, also with his fiancée and other members of his family. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have another son, Jim, who is also serving his country in France.
William is buried in Minturno War Cemetery in Italy
William John Baker
Royal Army Service Corps
9th November 1943, aged 30.
Plot I. A. 15.
Son of John and Fanny Baker Cornwall.
His headstone bears the inscription "Asleep In God's Beautiful Garden Free From Sorrow And Pain, Mum And Dad"
Extract taken from Cornish & Devon Post dated 4th December 1943.
News has been received by Mr. and Mrs. John Baker of Trevia, Camelford, that their eldest son, Driver William John Baker, R.A.S.C., died of wounds in November 1943 whilst serving with the Central Mediterranean Force. Thirty years of age, deceased, born at Trevia, joined the Forces early in the war and had not been home for three years. Prior to the outbreak of war he was employed by a firm of Government contractors in Camelford and Penzance and was well known in both these towns. Greatest sympathy is felt for the parents on their bereavement, also with his fiancée and other members of his family. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have another son, Jim, who is also serving his country in France.
William is buried in Minturno War Cemetery in Italy
C/MX 116002 Leading Mechanic
John Henry Bickle
Royal Navy
25th April 1943, aged 20.
Son of George and Amy Bickle of Camelford.
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post dated 15th May 1943
Off the Welsh coast on the night of Saturday, April 24th, many brave and gallant men lost their lives in what has become known as the tragedy of the barges.
Included in that number was Leading Motor Mechanic John Henry Bickle, elder surviving son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Bickle of Lane End, Camelford. On Thursday week Mr.and Mrs. Bickle received the sad news that this brave and gallant lad was amongst the number of those who had been lost in the tragedy.
Volunteering for service in November 1941, Jack as he was affectionately known, joined the Navy as a stoker and later passed out as a leading motor mechanic. He was only twenty years of age.
Information below © West Wales Memorial Project and used with their permission
Two terrible days in April 1943 saw two Landing Craft and a rescue boat sink with the loss of all lives in Freshwater Bay. To commemorate the lives of these young men, two memorials have been erected. The first is a memorial overlooking Freshwater Bay, where the men died, and the second, larger, memorial, is situated in Milford Haven Cemetery, where many of the men were laid to rest.
Spring of 1943 was to witness a sad, and possibly avoidable, maritime accident on the Pembrokeshire Coast. While transporting two brand new Landing Craft from Harland and Wolff's shipyard in Belfast, to Falmouth, a design fault found the two L.C.G.'s (Landing Craft Gun), containing a total of seventy nine sailors and Royal Marines, in trouble as a gale blew up. They reached the entrance to Fishguard Harbour, but were refused permission to enter, and so headed southwards towards Milford Haven and safety. However, as they rounded St. Ann's Head, the conditions worsened, and the vessels began taking on water faster that the pumps could handle, and so they radioed for help. The coastguard called the Angle lifeboat, only to be told that it was out of commission. Six hours went by before the St David's lifeboat was eventually called out. It took them two and a half hours to reach the crafts, by which time it was dark and nothing could be done. The two craft separated and the L.C.G.15 sank on 25 April. The old fishery protection vessel HMS Rosemary was also on her way, and upon reaching the remaining Landing Craft, L.C.G.16, launched her lifeboat. The six sailors aboard drowned trying to reach the Landing Craft, as the lifeboat overturned in rough seas. The L.C.G.16 soon sank herself with the loss of all hands. Some of the bodies were washed ashore in Freshwater Bay in the coming days, and were buried in various cemeteries, many at Milford. Several bodies were never found, and the site has been classed as a war grave.
Jack is buried in Davidstow Churchyard, Camelford in Cornwall
John Henry Bickle
Royal Navy
25th April 1943, aged 20.
Son of George and Amy Bickle of Camelford.
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post dated 15th May 1943
Off the Welsh coast on the night of Saturday, April 24th, many brave and gallant men lost their lives in what has become known as the tragedy of the barges.
Included in that number was Leading Motor Mechanic John Henry Bickle, elder surviving son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Bickle of Lane End, Camelford. On Thursday week Mr.and Mrs. Bickle received the sad news that this brave and gallant lad was amongst the number of those who had been lost in the tragedy.
Volunteering for service in November 1941, Jack as he was affectionately known, joined the Navy as a stoker and later passed out as a leading motor mechanic. He was only twenty years of age.
Information below © West Wales Memorial Project and used with their permission
Two terrible days in April 1943 saw two Landing Craft and a rescue boat sink with the loss of all lives in Freshwater Bay. To commemorate the lives of these young men, two memorials have been erected. The first is a memorial overlooking Freshwater Bay, where the men died, and the second, larger, memorial, is situated in Milford Haven Cemetery, where many of the men were laid to rest.
Spring of 1943 was to witness a sad, and possibly avoidable, maritime accident on the Pembrokeshire Coast. While transporting two brand new Landing Craft from Harland and Wolff's shipyard in Belfast, to Falmouth, a design fault found the two L.C.G.'s (Landing Craft Gun), containing a total of seventy nine sailors and Royal Marines, in trouble as a gale blew up. They reached the entrance to Fishguard Harbour, but were refused permission to enter, and so headed southwards towards Milford Haven and safety. However, as they rounded St. Ann's Head, the conditions worsened, and the vessels began taking on water faster that the pumps could handle, and so they radioed for help. The coastguard called the Angle lifeboat, only to be told that it was out of commission. Six hours went by before the St David's lifeboat was eventually called out. It took them two and a half hours to reach the crafts, by which time it was dark and nothing could be done. The two craft separated and the L.C.G.15 sank on 25 April. The old fishery protection vessel HMS Rosemary was also on her way, and upon reaching the remaining Landing Craft, L.C.G.16, launched her lifeboat. The six sailors aboard drowned trying to reach the Landing Craft, as the lifeboat overturned in rough seas. The L.C.G.16 soon sank herself with the loss of all hands. Some of the bodies were washed ashore in Freshwater Bay in the coming days, and were buried in various cemeteries, many at Milford. Several bodies were never found, and the site has been classed as a war grave.
Jack is buried in Davidstow Churchyard, Camelford in Cornwall
We have no details on Mr A. Blake, though it states on the War Memorial that he served in the Royal Navy.
Please contact us by using the Contact tab at the top of the page if you have any information. Thank You
Please contact us by using the Contact tab at the top of the page if you have any information. Thank You
809817 Sergeant
Thomas John French
420 Battery 148 (The Bedfordshire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery
3rd February 1942, aged 26.
Plot 23. B. 3.
Son of Thomas James French and Ethel Jane French of Camelford Cornwall.
His headstone bear the inscription "Memory To Us Is A Treasure; His Loss A Lifetime Regret" Mam Dad And Bill"
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post dated 7th March 1942.
Sergeant Thomas John French aged 26, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. French, of Lane End, Camelford, has died of wounds received whilst on active service in the Far East. In 1931 at the early age of 15, he enlisted in the Royal Artillery as a trumpeter. Showing signs of great promise, he soon won his 3rd and 2nd class certificates and in 1933 was drafted to Egypt where he served for six years and four months. Whilst in Egypt and in is 17th year he won his first class certificate. Returning to England in 1939 he was promoted to sergeant. Last year he went to the Far East where he died on the 3rd of February. Much sympathy is felt with his parents and the other members of his family in their loss. Three Camelford lads representative of the Navy, Army and Air Force have now made the Supreme Sacrifice for their country.
Thomas is buried in Kranji War Cemetery in Singapore
Thomas John French
420 Battery 148 (The Bedfordshire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery
3rd February 1942, aged 26.
Plot 23. B. 3.
Son of Thomas James French and Ethel Jane French of Camelford Cornwall.
His headstone bear the inscription "Memory To Us Is A Treasure; His Loss A Lifetime Regret" Mam Dad And Bill"
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post dated 7th March 1942.
Sergeant Thomas John French aged 26, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. French, of Lane End, Camelford, has died of wounds received whilst on active service in the Far East. In 1931 at the early age of 15, he enlisted in the Royal Artillery as a trumpeter. Showing signs of great promise, he soon won his 3rd and 2nd class certificates and in 1933 was drafted to Egypt where he served for six years and four months. Whilst in Egypt and in is 17th year he won his first class certificate. Returning to England in 1939 he was promoted to sergeant. Last year he went to the Far East where he died on the 3rd of February. Much sympathy is felt with his parents and the other members of his family in their loss. Three Camelford lads representative of the Navy, Army and Air Force have now made the Supreme Sacrifice for their country.
Thomas is buried in Kranji War Cemetery in Singapore
39663 Flying Officer
Francis John (Ian) Haydon
Pilot 83 Squadron, Royal Air Force
4th June 1940.
Plot 6. B. 2.
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post dated 20th July 1940.
Flying Officer Ian Haydon, a promising Camelfordian, 23 years of age, is reported to have been killed whilst returning from an action against the enemy in Flanders in June. Shortly before his last flight he was spoken to by H.M. The King, who especially congratulated him on the excellence of his work with the R.A.F. At first posted as “missing” confirmation of his death has now been received.
The eldest son of Dr. W. Eric Haydon (the Medical Officer of Health for Camelford district) and Mrs Haydon of Garmoe Camelford. Flight Officer Haydon received his early education at Sir James Smith’s Grammar School, Brackley Northants, where he won a prefectship and gained his rugger colours in 1933. During 1934 he became head prefect and captained the school. He was held in such high esteem that his headmaster (Mr. A.H. Bishop) on his leaving school, selected him as his private secretary.
In 1936 he commenced training for a commission in the R.A.F. which he obtained in the following year. After holding the rank of acting pilot-officer and then to flying-officer. At the time of his death he was due to be promoted to the rank of flight-lieutenant. He had a very satisfactory record with the R.A.F. and was greatly respected by all with whom he worked. Since the outbreak of war he had many fine pieces of work to his credit.
Flying Officer Haydon was married in November 1938, to Miss Beryl Gunst only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gunst of Canonbury, London.
Ian is buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery in Germany
Francis John (Ian) Haydon
Pilot 83 Squadron, Royal Air Force
4th June 1940.
Plot 6. B. 2.
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post dated 20th July 1940.
Flying Officer Ian Haydon, a promising Camelfordian, 23 years of age, is reported to have been killed whilst returning from an action against the enemy in Flanders in June. Shortly before his last flight he was spoken to by H.M. The King, who especially congratulated him on the excellence of his work with the R.A.F. At first posted as “missing” confirmation of his death has now been received.
The eldest son of Dr. W. Eric Haydon (the Medical Officer of Health for Camelford district) and Mrs Haydon of Garmoe Camelford. Flight Officer Haydon received his early education at Sir James Smith’s Grammar School, Brackley Northants, where he won a prefectship and gained his rugger colours in 1933. During 1934 he became head prefect and captained the school. He was held in such high esteem that his headmaster (Mr. A.H. Bishop) on his leaving school, selected him as his private secretary.
In 1936 he commenced training for a commission in the R.A.F. which he obtained in the following year. After holding the rank of acting pilot-officer and then to flying-officer. At the time of his death he was due to be promoted to the rank of flight-lieutenant. He had a very satisfactory record with the R.A.F. and was greatly respected by all with whom he worked. Since the outbreak of war he had many fine pieces of work to his credit.
Flying Officer Haydon was married in November 1938, to Miss Beryl Gunst only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gunst of Canonbury, London.
Ian is buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery in Germany
1585344 Flight Sergeant
Douglas Gordon Patten
512 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
14th November 1945, aged 23.
Plot 9. D. 3.
Son of Arthur William and Flora Laurie Patten of Camelford Cornwall.
His headstone bears the inscription "Of Park Farm, Alnwick, Northumberland And Roughter, Camelford, Cornwall"
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post dated 24th November 1945.
Sincere regret was felt in Camelford and the neighbourhood on Friday when it became known that a popular Camelford boy, Flight-Sergeant Douglas Gordon Patten, R.A.F. was killed when a Dakota of the R.A.F. Transport Command crashed on landing at El Adem, Libya, early on Wednesday morning 14th November, whilst on a flight from Cairo to Naples. Six people travelling in the plane were killed and twelve injured.
Flight-Sergeant Patten is the second son of Major A.W. Patten, of Roughter Farm, Camelford and the late Mrs Patten. Twenty three years of age, he was born in Edinburgh and when an infant came with his parents to Camelford. He received his education at the Camelford Grammar School.
Before joining the Royal Air Force in 1942 he assisted his father on the farm which Major Patten reclaimed from virgin moorland. Douglas went to South Africa for his training and won his wings in that country. He had seen service in Palestine, India, Ceylon, Burma and in Egypt, where he covered much the same ground as his father during the 1914-1918 war. The sympathy of a large circle of friends is extended to Major Patten and his family in their bereavement.
During the recent war Major Patten commanded the Camelford Platoon of the Home Guard. He has devoted a great deal of time in the public service, being very popular as a preacher and lecturer. The late Mrs Patten also gave freely of her services to the public. For some years she was president of the Camelford Women’s Institute and was also interested in child welfare. Another son, Jack, has recently been invalided from the R.A.F. and is now receiving instruction at the Seale-Hayne Agricultural College in North Devon.
Douglas in buried in Knightsbridge Cemetery in Libya
Douglas Gordon Patten
512 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
14th November 1945, aged 23.
Plot 9. D. 3.
Son of Arthur William and Flora Laurie Patten of Camelford Cornwall.
His headstone bears the inscription "Of Park Farm, Alnwick, Northumberland And Roughter, Camelford, Cornwall"
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post dated 24th November 1945.
Sincere regret was felt in Camelford and the neighbourhood on Friday when it became known that a popular Camelford boy, Flight-Sergeant Douglas Gordon Patten, R.A.F. was killed when a Dakota of the R.A.F. Transport Command crashed on landing at El Adem, Libya, early on Wednesday morning 14th November, whilst on a flight from Cairo to Naples. Six people travelling in the plane were killed and twelve injured.
Flight-Sergeant Patten is the second son of Major A.W. Patten, of Roughter Farm, Camelford and the late Mrs Patten. Twenty three years of age, he was born in Edinburgh and when an infant came with his parents to Camelford. He received his education at the Camelford Grammar School.
Before joining the Royal Air Force in 1942 he assisted his father on the farm which Major Patten reclaimed from virgin moorland. Douglas went to South Africa for his training and won his wings in that country. He had seen service in Palestine, India, Ceylon, Burma and in Egypt, where he covered much the same ground as his father during the 1914-1918 war. The sympathy of a large circle of friends is extended to Major Patten and his family in their bereavement.
During the recent war Major Patten commanded the Camelford Platoon of the Home Guard. He has devoted a great deal of time in the public service, being very popular as a preacher and lecturer. The late Mrs Patten also gave freely of her services to the public. For some years she was president of the Camelford Women’s Institute and was also interested in child welfare. Another son, Jack, has recently been invalided from the R.A.F. and is now receiving instruction at the Seale-Hayne Agricultural College in North Devon.
Douglas in buried in Knightsbridge Cemetery in Libya
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The above three pictures courtesy of Cameron Valentine and Jennifer Rowe
5438117 Private
Richard Moses Pearn
5th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
29th March 1943.
Son of William and Mary Catherine Pearn of Camelford.
His headstone bears the inscription "Resting On The Other Side Not Changed But Glorified"
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post dated 10th April 1943.
The funeral of Bandsman Richard Pearn, aged 23, third son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Pearn of High Street, Camelford, whose death whilst on active service was reported last week, took place at the Lanteglos-by-Camelford Parish Church on Friday, the Rector (Canon A.R.O. Apps) officiating.
A Camelford boy, before the war he had four years with the Territorials. He was a playing member of the Camelford Football Club and was a member of the Constitutional Club billiards team. Keenly interested in music, he played in the Camelford Town Band and at the time of his death was a member of the D.C.L.I. band. A few days ago before his death, which was unexpected, his parents received a letter from him stating he was looking forward to coming home on leave. Through the intervention of the Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen’s Families Association, of which Rev F.C. Wilson is the divisional secretary, he was brought home for burial, a fact much appreciated by his family.
Richard is buried in Lanteglos (St. Julitta) Churchyard
Richard Moses Pearn
5th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
29th March 1943.
Son of William and Mary Catherine Pearn of Camelford.
His headstone bears the inscription "Resting On The Other Side Not Changed But Glorified"
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post dated 10th April 1943.
The funeral of Bandsman Richard Pearn, aged 23, third son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Pearn of High Street, Camelford, whose death whilst on active service was reported last week, took place at the Lanteglos-by-Camelford Parish Church on Friday, the Rector (Canon A.R.O. Apps) officiating.
A Camelford boy, before the war he had four years with the Territorials. He was a playing member of the Camelford Football Club and was a member of the Constitutional Club billiards team. Keenly interested in music, he played in the Camelford Town Band and at the time of his death was a member of the D.C.L.I. band. A few days ago before his death, which was unexpected, his parents received a letter from him stating he was looking forward to coming home on leave. Through the intervention of the Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen’s Families Association, of which Rev F.C. Wilson is the divisional secretary, he was brought home for burial, a fact much appreciated by his family.
Richard is buried in Lanteglos (St. Julitta) Churchyard
D/SSX 27818
Harold James Smith
Royal Navy (H.M.S. Niger)
6th July 1942, aged 24.
Plymouth Naval Memorial Panel 66, Column 3.
Son of Bertram and Agnes Smith nee Honey of Borehamwood Herts.
Harold Smith, from Borehamwood, served on the HMS Edinburgh as it carried out one such voyage in 1942, carrying 4.5 tons of Russian gold through the Barents Sea to Britain.
The gold was Russia's payment to the US for war materials, but German air surveillance had noted HMS Edinburgh's departure, and on April 30 1942, a U-boat fired two torpedoes at the ship, killing more than 57 crew members and wrecking the ship's steering gear.
Mr Smith survived, and was transferred to the HMS Niger, but on May 2, the Royal Navy sank HMS Edinburgh, to stop the Germans from taking the gold, most of which was recovered in 1981.
But Mr Smith's new ship, the HMS Niger, was destroyed by a mine on July 6, and he died at the age of 24. July 1942 was one of the darkest months of the war a total of 93 allied cargo boats were sunk around the world. His brother, Walter Smith, from Thornbury Gardens, Borehamwood, also served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, and served on the battleship HMS King George V.
Harold James Smith
Royal Navy (H.M.S. Niger)
6th July 1942, aged 24.
Plymouth Naval Memorial Panel 66, Column 3.
Son of Bertram and Agnes Smith nee Honey of Borehamwood Herts.
Harold Smith, from Borehamwood, served on the HMS Edinburgh as it carried out one such voyage in 1942, carrying 4.5 tons of Russian gold through the Barents Sea to Britain.
The gold was Russia's payment to the US for war materials, but German air surveillance had noted HMS Edinburgh's departure, and on April 30 1942, a U-boat fired two torpedoes at the ship, killing more than 57 crew members and wrecking the ship's steering gear.
Mr Smith survived, and was transferred to the HMS Niger, but on May 2, the Royal Navy sank HMS Edinburgh, to stop the Germans from taking the gold, most of which was recovered in 1981.
But Mr Smith's new ship, the HMS Niger, was destroyed by a mine on July 6, and he died at the age of 24. July 1942 was one of the darkest months of the war a total of 93 allied cargo boats were sunk around the world. His brother, Walter Smith, from Thornbury Gardens, Borehamwood, also served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, and served on the battleship HMS King George V.
1339900 Flight Sergeant
Donald Carl Stephens
Wireless Operator in 49 Squadron,Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
29/07/1944 aged 20.
Flight-Sergeant Donald Carl Stephens, only child of Mrs Bertha Stephens of hillside Camelford and the late J.A. Stephens.
His headstone bears the inscription "Until We Meet Again. Duty Nobly Done. Mum And Hazel"
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post dated 1st December 1945.
In July last year Flight-Sergeant Stephens was reported missing, and a day or two ago his mother received the information that he was killed whilst on an operational flight with a Lancaster Pathfinder Force. Flight-Sergeant Stephens who had been recommended for a commission, had taken part in many operational flights over Germany and enemy occupied countries. He was a popular student at the Camelford Grammar School and was loved and respected by all who knew him, and sympathy is expressed with the widowed mother and fiancée in their bereavement. In his boyhood days he was a valued member of the Camelford and Boscastle Boys Brigade.
More Information
Although unconfirmed, it is believed Donald was born in 1924, the son of John Andrew Stephens and Bertha Stephens. His mother, Bertha, was born Bertha Fray and may have married someone from the Carne family, who died in 1914. Bertha Carne nee Fray then married again to John Stephens, who died in 1930. She was living at 2 Willepark View, Boscastle, in 1939.
Unfortunately the RAF have not been able to track any relatives but it is possible that Donald’s father, John, was one of several siblings. John was born in 1896 and had eight siblings — Mary E, George R, Emily A, Mabel R, Edith, Florence, Harry and Albert.
Donald was one of seven aircrew lost from the Lancaster aircraft from 49 Squadron RAF on their 17th mission during the Second World War. Donald was a wireless operator on the 49 Squadron Lancaster, flying from RAF Fiskerton in Lincolnshire.
The other six crew members of Lancaster JB701 were Pilot Flight Lieutenant William Powell, aged 22 of Croydon, Surrey; Navigator Flying Officer Geoffrey Edward Franklin, aged 31 of Lampeter, Cardiganshire; Bomb Aimer Flying Officer Albert Stanley Cole, aged 21 of Hastings, Sussex; Flight Engineer Sergeant George Frederick West, aged 29 of Altrincham, Cheshire; Air Gunner Sergeant Thomas Moore of Dublin, Ireland and Air Gunner Sergeant George Edward Kirkpatrick, aged 30 of Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.
Donald Carl Stephens
Wireless Operator in 49 Squadron,Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
29/07/1944 aged 20.
Flight-Sergeant Donald Carl Stephens, only child of Mrs Bertha Stephens of hillside Camelford and the late J.A. Stephens.
His headstone bears the inscription "Until We Meet Again. Duty Nobly Done. Mum And Hazel"
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post dated 1st December 1945.
In July last year Flight-Sergeant Stephens was reported missing, and a day or two ago his mother received the information that he was killed whilst on an operational flight with a Lancaster Pathfinder Force. Flight-Sergeant Stephens who had been recommended for a commission, had taken part in many operational flights over Germany and enemy occupied countries. He was a popular student at the Camelford Grammar School and was loved and respected by all who knew him, and sympathy is expressed with the widowed mother and fiancée in their bereavement. In his boyhood days he was a valued member of the Camelford and Boscastle Boys Brigade.
More Information
Although unconfirmed, it is believed Donald was born in 1924, the son of John Andrew Stephens and Bertha Stephens. His mother, Bertha, was born Bertha Fray and may have married someone from the Carne family, who died in 1914. Bertha Carne nee Fray then married again to John Stephens, who died in 1930. She was living at 2 Willepark View, Boscastle, in 1939.
Unfortunately the RAF have not been able to track any relatives but it is possible that Donald’s father, John, was one of several siblings. John was born in 1896 and had eight siblings — Mary E, George R, Emily A, Mabel R, Edith, Florence, Harry and Albert.
Donald was one of seven aircrew lost from the Lancaster aircraft from 49 Squadron RAF on their 17th mission during the Second World War. Donald was a wireless operator on the 49 Squadron Lancaster, flying from RAF Fiskerton in Lincolnshire.
The other six crew members of Lancaster JB701 were Pilot Flight Lieutenant William Powell, aged 22 of Croydon, Surrey; Navigator Flying Officer Geoffrey Edward Franklin, aged 31 of Lampeter, Cardiganshire; Bomb Aimer Flying Officer Albert Stanley Cole, aged 21 of Hastings, Sussex; Flight Engineer Sergeant George Frederick West, aged 29 of Altrincham, Cheshire; Air Gunner Sergeant Thomas Moore of Dublin, Ireland and Air Gunner Sergeant George Edward Kirkpatrick, aged 30 of Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.
Please get in touch with us if you can supply any more information on the Servicemen above. There is a "Contact" tab at the top of the page
The War Memorial position at Lanteglos Churchyard
The position here shows a new memorial which was erected in the town at the turn of this century
