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.

Kaggevinne Communal Cemetery contains the graves of ten Commonwealth airmen of the Second World War.

Served with

• United Kingdom (9)
• Canadian (1)

Served in

• Air Force (10)

Blenheim IV L9175   110 Sqdn  11 May 40

Took off 1450 from Wattisham. Shot down near Kaggevinne, Belgium.

Crew

Leading Aircraftman  Frederick John ALLAM (540542) RAF

Flying Officer Gordon Reginald GRATTAN (39728) RAF

PoW: Sergeant T. Patterson

Stirling III BF501       218 Sqdn 24 Jun 43  

Took off 2343 24 June 1943 from Downham Market. Shot down by a night- fighter.

Crew

Sergeant Peter Edward COLLINGWOOD (1433512) Pilot  RAF

Flight Sergeant Leo DE BOTTE (701975) Navigator RAF

Sergeant Raymond Lynn EDGOOSE (1452815) Air RAF

Sergeant Arthur William ERNE (1204724) Wireless Operator RAF

Flight Sergeant Ralph Frederick GARROD (1331174) Air Gunner RAF

Warrant Officer James William Douglas HOEY (R/107769) Pilot  RCAF

Sergeant Thomas Evan LLOYD (979965) Air Gunner RAF

Sergeant James THOMSON (1052427) Flight Engineer RAF