5043190 F/O Kenneth Richard Brook DFCRoyal Australian Air Force 1651 HCU. from:Strathalbyn, South Australia (d.4th Mar 1945) Kenneth Brook lost his life when Lancaster JB699, BS-F shot down by an enemy aircraft during a training flight as part of Exercise Gisela at 01:35 on the 4th of March 1945 and crashed on their home airfield, Woolfox Lodge. All on board were killed, Kenneth is buried in Bradford, close to the home of his new wife.
The crew were:
- F/L D.J.Baum
- Sgt J.A.W.Smith
- F/O D.C.Davies
- F/S R.Warne
- F/S C.E.Gardener RNZAF
- F/O K.R.Brook DFC RAAF
- Sgt T.Platt
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Today, 4th March 2015, is the 70th anniversary of Flying Officer K.R.Brook DFC losing his life, during the Second World War.
In his memory, I should like to add my contribution to the above record.
Having completed his earlier tour of operations with 578 Squadron, based at Burn in the East Riding of Yorkshire, F/O Brook went on to serve with 1651Conversion 73 Base RAF, flying out of Woolfox Lodge in Rutland. The flight detailed above was coming in to land in the early hours of 4th March 1945, following an operation of some 6 hours duration, when they were shot down with the loss of all crew. Their Lancaster JB699 BS-F had been part of a diversionary force of 95 aircraft supporting main force operations.
Just 23 days prior to losing his life, Kenneth had married my aunt, the late Mary Brook (nee Collett ). The marriage service took place at St. Oswalds Church, Little Horton, Bradford and I have photographs of the happy couple leaving the church.
Although I was too young at the time to remember the events, my family later spoke of Kenneth with much fondness and admiration. Each year on Remembrance Sunday my husband and I pay our respects and lay a poppy on Kenneth's war grave in Bradford.
At the same time we pause to remember, not only his fellow crew members, but also all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Margaret Walker
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