Dilsen Churchyard

History Information (Source: CWGC)

The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk.  Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years, many airmen were shot down or crashed in raids on strategic objectives in Belgium, or while returning from missions over Germany.

Dilsen Churchyard contains five Commonwealth burials of the Second World War.  The graves are located on the left side of the cemetery with the church behind you.

 

Served with

  • Canadian (1)
  • United Kingdom (4)

Served in

  • Air Force (2)
  • Army (3)

Hampden I AD924 – 144 Sqdn – 9 July 1941

Took off from Hemswell. Crashed near Dilsen (Limburg) 9 km SSW of Maaseik Belgium

Crew

Sergeant Edward Roy BERKEY (R/57931) Air Observer RCAF

Sergeant Thomas Henry MARQUISS (988208) Wireless Operator RAF

Prisoners of War for Hampden I AD924

Sergeant Gordon BOTTOMLEY (647964)   Stalag 357 Kopernikus

Other Occupants in Hampden I AD924

Pilot Officer Basil John Allan RENNIE (87414) Evader