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World War 2 Two II WW2 WWII 1939 1945



Remembering those who died this day.

  • Bohn Arthur Reginald. Sergeant (d.23rd September 1943)
  • Cotton Leonard. Sergeant (d.23rd September 1943)
  • Dickson Walter Edward. Flight Sergeant (d.23rd September 1943)
  • Duff Gordon Alexander. P/O (d.23rd September 1943)
  • Ellmer Harold Roy. Sgt. (d.23rd Sep 1943)
  • Haffenden Maurice Ernest. Sgt. (d.23rd September 1943)
  • Jeffery Donald Ernest. Sergeant (d.23rd September 1943)
  • Kelly John. Sgt. (d.23rd Sep 1943)
  • McRae Hector Earl. Flying Officer (d.22nd September 1943)
  • Miller Edward George. Sergeant (d.23rd September 1943)
  • Peaceful Harold. Pte. (d.23rd Sep 1943)
  • Pryde William. F/Sgt. (d.23rd September 1943)
  • Pye George. L/Sgt. (d.23rd Sep 1943)
  • Reeve George Edward. Sgt. (d.22nd/23rd Sep 1943)
  • Rolfe Phillip Neville. F/O (d.23rd September 1943)
  • Smith Raymond Purser. Sgt. (d.23rd September 1943)
  • Stothard Frederick. Sgt. (d.22nd Sep 1943)
  • Turner Donald Stuart. F/O. (d.23rd Sep 1943)
  • White Thomas. F/Sgt. (d.23rd Sep 1943)
  • Wright James. Sergeant (d.23rd September 1943)
  • Wright James. Sergeant
  • Wright James. Sgt. (d.23rd September 1943)

The names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed, please Add a Name to this List



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Want to know more about the 23rd of September 1943?


There are:18 items tagged 23rd of September 1943 available in our Library

  These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Second World War.




Stories from 23rd September 1943





Sergeant James Wright. RAF VR, 428 Squadron. (d.23rd September 1943)

I would be glad to get in contact with anyone who may remember the crew of Halifax LK-635 NA-H of 428 squadron, pilot F/O Mcrae. In his crew was Sgt James Wright an great-uncle of my wife. All killed on Ops 22/23 Sept 1943 Hannover Raid.

The crew were:

  • F/O Hector Earl McRae RCAF J/20195, killed age 23 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Donald Ernest Jeffery, RAF VR 1862968, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Leonard Cotton, RAF VR 1516171, killed age 22 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Flt/Sgt Walter Edward Dickson RCAF R/1556913, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Arthur Reginald Bohn, RAF VR 1415741, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt James Wright, RAF VR 1590868, killed age 30 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Edward George Miller, RCAF R/183626, killed, age 19 (Runnymede Memorial)

    Nick Brown



  • Sergeant Edward George Miller. RCAF, 428 Squadron. (d.23rd September 1943)

    I would be glad to get in contact with anyone who may remember the crew of Halifax LK-635 NA-H of 428 squadron, pilot F/O Mcrae. In his crew was Sgt James Wright an great-uncle of my wife. All killed on Ops 22/23 Sept 1943 Hannover Raid.

    The crew were:

  • F/O Hector Earl McRae RCAF J/20195, killed age 23 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Donald Ernest Jeffery, RAF VR 1862968, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Leonard Cotton, RAF VR 1516171, killed age 22 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Flt/Sgt Walter Edward Dickson RCAF R/1556913, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Arthur Reginald Bohn, RAF VR 1415741, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt James Wright, RAF VR 1590868, killed age 30 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Edward George Miller, RCAF R/183626, killed, age 19 (Runnymede Memorial)

    Nick Brown



  • Sergeant James Wright. RAF, 428 Squadron.

    I would be glad to get in contact with anyone who may remember the crew of Halifax LK-635 NA-H of 428 squadron, pilot F/O Mcrae. In his crew was Sgt James Wright an great-uncle of my wife. All killed on Ops 22/23 Sept 1943 Hannover Raid.

    The crew were:

  • F/O Hector Earl McRae RCAF J/20195, killed age 23 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Donald Ernest Jeffery, RAF VR 1862968, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Leonard Cotton, RAF VR 1516171, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Flt/Sgt Walter Edward Dickson RCAF R/1556913, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Arthur Reginald Bohn, RAF VR 1415741, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt James Wright, RAF VR 1590868, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Edward George Miller, RCAF R/183626, killed, age 19 (Runnymede Memorial)

    Nick Brown



  • Flying Officer Hector Earl McRae. RCAF, 428 Squadron. (d.22nd September 1943)

    I would be glad to get in contact with anyone who may remember the crew of Halifax LK-635 NA-H of 428 squadron, pilot F/O Mcrae. In his crew was Sgt James Wright an great-uncle of my wife. All killed on Ops 22/23 Sept 1943 Hannover Raid.

    The crew were:

  • F/O Hector Earl McRae RCAF J/20195, killed age 23 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Donald Ernest Jeffery, RAF VR 1862968, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Leonard Cotton, RAF VR 1516171, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Flt/Sgt Walter Edward Dickson RCAF R/1556913, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Arthur Reginald Bohn, RAF VR 1415741, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt James Wright, RAF VR 1590868, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Edward George Miller, RCAF R/183626, killed, age 19 (Runnymede Memorial)

    Nick Brown



  • Sergeant Donald Ernest Jeffery. RAF VR, 428 Squadron. (d.23rd September 1943)

    I would be glad to get in contact with anyone who may remember the crew of Halifax LK-635 NA-H of 428 squadron, pilot F/O Mcrae. In his crew was Sgt James Wright an great-uncle of my wife. All killed on Ops 22/23 Sept 1943 Hannover Raid.

    The crew were:

  • F/O Hector Earl McRae RCAF J/20195, killed age 23 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Donald Ernest Jeffery, RAF VR 1862968, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Leonard Cotton, RAF VR 1516171, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Flt/Sgt Walter Edward Dickson RCAF R/1556913, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Arthur Reginald Bohn, RAF VR 1415741, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt James Wright, RAF VR 1590868, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Edward George Miller, RCAF R/183626, killed, age 19 (Runnymede Memorial)

    Nick Brown



  • Sergeant Leonard Cotton. RAF VR, 428 Squadron. (d.23rd September 1943)

    I would be glad to get in contact with anyone who may remember the crew of Halifax LK-635 NA-H of 428 squadron, pilot F/O Mcrae. In his crew was Sgt James Wright an great-uncle of my wife. All killed on Ops 22/23 Sept 1943 Hannover Raid.

    The crew were:

  • F/O Hector Earl McRae RCAF J/20195, killed age 23 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Donald Ernest Jeffery, RAF VR 1862968, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Leonard Cotton, RAF VR 1516171, killed age 22 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Flt/Sgt Walter Edward Dickson RCAF R/1556913, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Arthur Reginald Bohn, RAF VR 1415741, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt James Wright, RAF VR 1590868, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Edward George Miller, RCAF R/183626, killed, age 19 (Runnymede Memorial)

    Nick Brown



  • Flight Sergeant Walter Edward Dickson. RCAF, 428 Squadron. (d.23rd September 1943)

    I would be glad to get in contact with anyone who may remember the crew of Halifax LK-635 NA-H of 428 squadron, pilot F/O Mcrae. In his crew was Sgt James Wright an great-uncle of my wife. All killed on Ops 22/23 Sept 1943 Hannover Raid.

    The crew were:

  • F/O Hector Earl McRae RCAF J/20195, killed age 23 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Donald Ernest Jeffery, RAF VR 1862968, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Leonard Cotton, RAF VR 1516171, killed age 22 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Flt/Sgt Walter Edward Dickson RCAF R/1556913, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Arthur Reginald Bohn, RAF VR 1415741, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt James Wright, RAF VR 1590868, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Edward George Miller, RCAF R/183626, killed, age 19 (Runnymede Memorial)

    Nick Brown



  • Sergeant Arthur Reginald Bohn. RAF VR, 428 Squadron. (d.23rd September 1943)

    I would be glad to get in contact with anyone who may remember the crew of Halifax LK-635 NA-H of 428 squadron, pilot F/O Mcrae. In his crew was Sgt James Wright an great-uncle of my wife. All killed on Ops 22/23 Sept 1943 Hannover Raid.

    The crew were:

  • F/O Hector Earl McRae RCAF J/20195, killed age 23 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Donald Ernest Jeffery, RAF VR 1862968, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Leonard Cotton, RAF VR 1516171, killed age 22 (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Flt/Sgt Walter Edward Dickson RCAF R/1556913, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Arthur Reginald Bohn, RAF VR 1415741, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt James Wright, RAF VR 1590868, killed (Runnymede Memorial)
  • Sgt Edward George Miller, RCAF R/183626, killed, age 19 (Runnymede Memorial)

    Nick Brown



  • F/O. Donald Stuart Turner. Royal Air Force, 101 Squadron. (d.23rd Sep 1943)

    Flying Officer Donald Stuart Turner was my cousin although I never knew him personally because he died before I was born. Donald was an apprentice electrician at a colliery near Barnsley. At 6 foot 4 inches tall, he was ill-suited for both working in coal seams or the confines of a plane. He could of course have sat out the war in relative peace as a colliery worker but he had always wanted to fly. He left his reserved occupation to train as a pilot and joined 101 Squadron, eventually to be stationed at Ludford Magna.

    Donald was commended for bringing his Lancaster home from Italy on just two engines. On his 13th mission, on 23rd September 1943, Donald’s plane was hit by flak during a raid on Mannheim. He nursed the plane on to Metz in France but eventually crashed in open ground near the French town. Two of the crew survived but the remainder, Donald included, were killed. They were quickly buried by the French Resistance and then after the war were re-interred together at Choloy War Cemetery near Toul in France. Donald was just 20 when he died.

    Donald left a grieving family, parents Hubert and Edith, and sisters, Eileen and Gloria, both of whom are still alive. Donald was engaged to be married at the time of his death. Donald had written a letter to be given to his parents and sisters in the eventuality of him being captured or killed. Written when he was just 19 and in training in Canada, he explained with amazing clarity his preparedness for whatever lay ahead: “It is a life of my own choosing and I have no regrets. The risks I run, I run cheerfully. I bear no malice and I look forward to everlasting peace. In the event of my being unfortunate, then that is too bad. I hope that I did not die in vain......I am now a Pilot Officer with Wings, serious work ahead. Waiting patiently for a boat to take me back to the land and people I love.” Donald closes the letter with the wish: “If no news is heard of me for two months, please consider me dead and do not mourn for me. I would hate that. Just carry on your normal life. Bear up... show the world you can take it. Do your utmost to win the war. Your Loving and Devoted Son and Brother and Friend, Donald.”

    I was brought up with stories of Donald’s bravery and untimely death from my mother, his aunt, but I only came to fully appreciate the tremendous courage and commitment Donald had shown as I grew older. Though genuinely remarkable, Donald’s selflessness and commitment to the cause of freedom and justice was by no means unique, as the testimonies on this website so clearly demonstrate. The courage of this generation of men and women is truly humbling and those of us who have had the good fortune to live in prosperity, never having been shot at or in real danger, must not forget the debt we owe to these young people who stepped forward and said “That’s simply not right. I’ll do something about it.” We must not squander the freedom they gave us. If anyone has any information about Donald’s life, I would love to hear it.

    Don Rhodes



    Sgt. George Edward Reeve. Royal Air Force, 101 Squadron. (d.22nd/23rd Sep 1943)

    George Reeve was my mother's fiance and lived in Birchanger near Bishops Stortford in Hertfordshire. My mother's brother Bill was a very good friend of George. Bill missed George very much a and was annoyed jokingly that he had given George his sheaf-Knife for a goodluck charm and now it lies somewhere in Germany. I have a photo of George and also his last letter to my mum.

    George served with the Royal Air Force 101 Squadron. His Lancaster bomber W4324 SR-M took off from Ludford Magna at 18:52 on 22nd of September 1943 on a large night raid. The Lancaster crashed at Geest Munde near Bremerhaven, Germany.

    Rojo



    Sgt. James Wright. Royal Canadian Air Force, 428 Sqdn.. (d.23rd September 1943)

    Does anyone have information about the crew of Halifax LK-635 NA-H? The pilot was F/O Mcrea. In his crew was Sgt James Wright, my wife's great uncle. All were killed on an operation on the night of 22nd/23rd September 1943 in a raid on Hannover.

    Nick Brown



    Sgt. Harold Roy Ellmer. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 57 Sqdn.. (d.23rd Sep 1943)

    My uncle Sgt 1294158 Harold Roy Ellmer died in a Lancaster of 57 Squadron on 23rd September 1943. All I have is hearsay that he was shot down over the UK whilst returning from an operation in a Lancaster.

    Update: Lancaster W4948, DX-S was shot down by an intruder on 23/9/1943. Two escaped by parachute, the others died. The members of the crew were:

    • Sgt H.R. Ellmer - commemorated at Haywards Heath Cemetery
    • F/O P.N. Rolfe - buried in Nottingham Cemetery
    • P/O G.A. Duff - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
    • Sgt R.P. Smith - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
    • F/Sgt W. Pryde - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
    • Sgt A. Cherrington - bailed out
    • Sgt R.C. Brown - bailed out

    Gary Ellmer



    P/O Gordon Alexander Duff. Royal Australian Air Force, 57 Sqdn.. (d.23rd September 1943)

    Lancaster W4948, DX-S was shot down by an intruder on 23/9/1943. Two escaped by parachute, the others died. The members of the crew were:
  • Sgt H.R. Ellmer - commemorated at Haywards Heath Cemetery
  • F/O P.N. Rolfe - buried in Nottingham Cemetery
  • P/O G.A. Duff - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
  • Sgt R.P. Smith - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
  • F/Sgt W. Pryde - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
  • Sgt A. Cherrington - bailed out
  • Sgt R.C. Brown - bailed out




  • F/O Phillip Neville Rolfe. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 57 Sqdn.. (d.23rd September 1943)

    Lancaster W4948, DX-S was shot down by an intruder on 23/9/1943. Two escaped by parachute, the others died. The members of the crew were:
  • Sgt H.R. Ellmer - commemorated at Haywards Heath Cemetery
  • F/O P.N. Rolfe - buried in Nottingham Cemetery
  • P/O G.A. Duff - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
  • Sgt R.P. Smith - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
  • F/Sgt W. Pryde - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
  • Sgt A. Cherrington - bailed out
  • Sgt R.C. Brown - bailed out




  • Sgt. Raymond Purser Smith. Royal Australian Air Force, 57 Sqdn.. (d.23rd September 1943)

    Lancaster W4948, DX-S was shot down by an intruder on 23/9/1943. Two escaped by parachute, the others died. The members of the crew were:
  • Sgt H.R. Ellmer - commemorated at Haywards Heath Cemetery
  • F/O P.N. Rolfe - buried in Nottingham Cemetery
  • P/O G.A. Duff - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
  • Sgt R.P. Smith - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
  • F/Sgt W. Pryde - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
  • Sgt A. Cherrington - bailed out
  • Sgt R.C. Brown - bailed out




  • F/Sgt. William Pryde. Royal Australian Air Force, 57 Sqdn.. (d.23rd September 1943)

    Lancaster W4948, DX-S was shot down by an intruder on 23/9/1943. Two escaped by parachute, the others died. The members of the crew were:
  • Sgt H.R. Ellmer - commemorated at Haywards Heath Cemetery
  • F/O P.N. Rolfe - buried in Nottingham Cemetery
  • P/O G.A. Duff - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
  • Sgt R.P. Smith - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
  • F/Sgt W. Pryde - buried in Cambridge City Cemetery
  • Sgt A. Cherrington - bailed out
  • Sgt R.C. Brown - bailed out




  • Sgt. John Kelly. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 419 (Moose) Squadron. (d.23rd Sep 1943)

    John Kelly was my uncle-in-law. He was shot down and killed in a raid over Mannheim, Germany. He joined the RCAF and did all of his training in Canada. His brother, Laurence and his wife have been living in Sunderland for many years. A few weeks ago Laurence died. His wife is still living in High , Sunderland who we visit every week. His wife has John's medals. John came from a large family, about 8 or 9. They live all over the place, a sister married a US airman from Burtonwood Airfield during the war and is living in the States.

    Hilton Stanness



    L/Sgt. George Pye. British Army, 2nd Btn. Seaforth Highlanders. (d.23rd Sep 1943)

    George Pye was my Grandfather's brother, who originated from Blyth, Northumberland. I understand that George was a Lance Serjeant in the Seaforth Highlanders and was killed in action on the island of Sicily on 23rd of September 1943. He is buried at Catania Cemetery in Sicily.

    John Pye



    Sgt. Frederick Stothard. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 76 Squadron. (d.22nd Sep 1943)

    My family do not know a lot about my great uncle, Frederick Stothard but I did find that he is buried in Germany and he served with the RAF Volunteer Reserve in 76 Squadron.

    Wendy Cregan










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