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Crash-400831-01
August 31st 1940
Blenheim IV T1940 PZ-D of 53 Sq.
Crashed in flames on a barn at the Welplaat (north of
Spijkenisse). Shot down over target at 22.10 hrs (local time)
by Flak Gruppe 261.
Crew:
- W/C Edward Cecil Theodore ‘Sphinx’ EDWARDS M.A. (Oxon)
(Pilot RAF, C.O. 53 Sq.),age 35. KIA
Son of Robert Stephen and Anne Rosalie Tannatt Edwards,
of Kensington, London.
- Sgt Lionel Louis BENJAMIN (obs.RAF VR), age 22. KIA
Son of Hyam and Bessie Benjamin, husband of
Elizabeth Betty Benjamins, of Wembley, Middlesex.
- Sgt John Thomas BEESLEY (Wop/AG RAF),age 19. KIA
Son of Thomas and Dorothy Elaine Beesley,
of Perivale, Greenford, Middlesex.
All buried Rotterdam Crooswijk General Cemetery
Target: Pernis/Rotterdam oil refinery
Homebase: Detling
Taken off: 19.41 hrs (GMT)
Details supplied by Jan Weda
