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207441
Sgt. John Norman Bourne
Royal Air Force 102 Squadron
from:Rugby, Warwickshire
(d.5 Oct 1942)
'Johnny' Bourne was a 'Trenchard Brat' and knew my father well, Sgt Eric Dickson, 572272 for six short years when they both joined the RAF as engineer apprentices, RAF Halton in the 36th Entry, August 1937. My father passed away in September 2005 but had located Johnny's grave to Brussels via the CWGC in 2002. He never made the visit he'd planned but I have a signed photo of Johnny, dated 18th July 1942 and on the back, a poem in my father's handwriting:
"Six years of life we two hae spent, And many a joyfu' time hae kent. Now alas that time is o'er, For Johnny lad, ye'll fly no more."
At the base of the card is written: "Johnny was killed over Aachen October 6/7 1942" However, the CWGC citation reads 5 October 1942.
I am planning to visit Johnny's grave in early July 2011. Should any of his relatives read this, please get in touch via the website.