Cover Photo---416015 Flying Officer (FO) Robert George Bowley, observer of 10 Squadron, RAAF, of Clare, SA. A student in industrial chemistry in civilian life, FO Bowley enlisted in Adelaide on 3 March 1941. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), gazetted 29 January 1943, for courage and devotion to duty of a high order. FO Bowley was killed whilst on operations off the United Kingdom on 17 May 1943, aged 21. The DFC was later presented to his father Alfred J Bowley.
Service No:--- 416015
Born:---- Clare SA, 14 July 1921
Enlisted in the RAAF:---3 March 1941
Unit:--- No. 10 Squadron, RAF Mount Batten, Plymouth
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), 29 February 1943 (Citation Title: No. 10 Squadron)
Died: Air Operations (No. 10 Squadron Sunderland aircraft DW4004), North Atlantic Ocean, 17 May 1943, Aged 21 Years
Buried: ---Unrecovered
Roll of Honour: Clare SA
Remembered: Panel 187, Runnymede Memorial, Surrey UK
Remembered: Panel 99, Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT
Remembered: World War II Honour Roll, National War Memorial of SA, North Terrace, Adelaide
Remembered: Catalina Base Memorial, Rathmines NSW
Remembered: Rathmines Memorial Bowling Club, Rathmines NSW
The Joint Citation for the award of the DFC to Flying Officer Beeton (1) and Flying Officer Bowley of 10 Squadron is as follows: "In January 1943, Flying Officer Beeton and Bowley were Captain and Navigator of a Sunderland aircraft which located an enemy merchant ship attempting to evade the blockade. Despite extremely adverse weather, Flying Officer Beeton displayed outstanding determination and maintained patrol over the area until one of our naval vessels arrived and engaged the enemy vessel. On reaching base in this country, Flying Officer Beeton effected a masterly emergency landing in very difficult circumstance. Throughout, Flying Officer Bowley displayed brilliant navigation which contributed materially to the success of the operation. Both these officers have displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order." (London Gazette 29/2/1943 page 540)
(1) Flight Lieutenant Kervyn Charles Beeton DFC (407162) was discharged from the RAAF on 28 May 1946.
On the 17th May 1943, Sunderland DW4004 took off from RAF Mount Batten at 0517 hours detailed to carry out an anti-submarine patrol in an area bounded by positions 48N 40W, 47.20N, 11.40W and 45.30N 0910W and 47.50N 08.50W. Nothing was heard from the aircraft which failed to return to base.
The crew members of DW4004 were:
Flying Officer Robert George Bowley DFC (416015) (Navigator)
Flying Officer Victor James Corless (401913) (Navigator Under Training)
Sergeant Terence Henry Doran (20388) (Fitter 11E)
Sergeant Jack Hamilton Hogg (32834) (Flight Engineer)
Warrant Officer John Edward Jackson (405209) (Wireless Air Gunner)
Warrant Officer John Colwyn Kelly (407986) (Air Gunner)
Flight Lieutenant Malcolm Keith McKenzie (408662) (Pilot)
Pilot Officer Norman James McLeod (207727) (Second Pilot)
Leading Aircraftman James Murdoch (21704) (Fitter 11A)
Squadron Leader Thomas Wylie Patrick (1761) (Armament Officer / Armourer)
Sergeant James Andrew Pearce (27195) (Wireless Maintenance Mechanic)
Flying Officer Kenneth Lovett Ridings (416613) (First Pilot)
Wing Commander Geoff Hartnell (1) (Commanding Officer No. 10 Squadron) noted in his diary on that day: ‘McKenzie was shot down by Ju.88s in the Bay; we think about 0830. We didn't know about it until he was overdue because he didn't send out any messages. Reg Marks (Flight Commander) (2) went out looking for him at night but didn't find any trace. The '88s have been a bit active of late and Mac was about the fourth or fifth in a couple of days'.
(1) Air Vice Marshal Geoffrey Clarke Hartnell CBE was discharged from the RAAF on 17 April 1968.
(2) Wing Commander Reginald William Marks (477) was discharged from the RAAF on 21 June 1946.
Extract from Baff, K.C (Kevin), Maritime is Number Ten, K.C. Baff Netley SA, 1983 – Page 279.
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted 29 January, 1943.
"For courage and devotion to duty of a high order"
Son of Alfred John and Olive Mary (née Stribling) Bowley
Cenotaph here
Service No:--- 416015
Born:---- Clare SA, 14 July 1921
Enlisted in the RAAF:---3 March 1941
Unit:--- No. 10 Squadron, RAF Mount Batten, Plymouth
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), 29 February 1943 (Citation Title: No. 10 Squadron)
Died: Air Operations (No. 10 Squadron Sunderland aircraft DW4004), North Atlantic Ocean, 17 May 1943, Aged 21 Years
Buried: ---Unrecovered
Roll of Honour: Clare SA
Remembered: Panel 187, Runnymede Memorial, Surrey UK
Remembered: Panel 99, Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT
Remembered: World War II Honour Roll, National War Memorial of SA, North Terrace, Adelaide
Remembered: Catalina Base Memorial, Rathmines NSW
Remembered: Rathmines Memorial Bowling Club, Rathmines NSW
The Joint Citation for the award of the DFC to Flying Officer Beeton (1) and Flying Officer Bowley of 10 Squadron is as follows: "In January 1943, Flying Officer Beeton and Bowley were Captain and Navigator of a Sunderland aircraft which located an enemy merchant ship attempting to evade the blockade. Despite extremely adverse weather, Flying Officer Beeton displayed outstanding determination and maintained patrol over the area until one of our naval vessels arrived and engaged the enemy vessel. On reaching base in this country, Flying Officer Beeton effected a masterly emergency landing in very difficult circumstance. Throughout, Flying Officer Bowley displayed brilliant navigation which contributed materially to the success of the operation. Both these officers have displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order." (London Gazette 29/2/1943 page 540)
(1) Flight Lieutenant Kervyn Charles Beeton DFC (407162) was discharged from the RAAF on 28 May 1946.
On the 17th May 1943, Sunderland DW4004 took off from RAF Mount Batten at 0517 hours detailed to carry out an anti-submarine patrol in an area bounded by positions 48N 40W, 47.20N, 11.40W and 45.30N 0910W and 47.50N 08.50W. Nothing was heard from the aircraft which failed to return to base.
The crew members of DW4004 were:
Flying Officer Robert George Bowley DFC (416015) (Navigator)
Flying Officer Victor James Corless (401913) (Navigator Under Training)
Sergeant Terence Henry Doran (20388) (Fitter 11E)
Sergeant Jack Hamilton Hogg (32834) (Flight Engineer)
Warrant Officer John Edward Jackson (405209) (Wireless Air Gunner)
Warrant Officer John Colwyn Kelly (407986) (Air Gunner)
Flight Lieutenant Malcolm Keith McKenzie (408662) (Pilot)
Pilot Officer Norman James McLeod (207727) (Second Pilot)
Leading Aircraftman James Murdoch (21704) (Fitter 11A)
Squadron Leader Thomas Wylie Patrick (1761) (Armament Officer / Armourer)
Sergeant James Andrew Pearce (27195) (Wireless Maintenance Mechanic)
Flying Officer Kenneth Lovett Ridings (416613) (First Pilot)
Wing Commander Geoff Hartnell (1) (Commanding Officer No. 10 Squadron) noted in his diary on that day: ‘McKenzie was shot down by Ju.88s in the Bay; we think about 0830. We didn't know about it until he was overdue because he didn't send out any messages. Reg Marks (Flight Commander) (2) went out looking for him at night but didn't find any trace. The '88s have been a bit active of late and Mac was about the fourth or fifth in a couple of days'.
(1) Air Vice Marshal Geoffrey Clarke Hartnell CBE was discharged from the RAAF on 17 April 1968.
(2) Wing Commander Reginald William Marks (477) was discharged from the RAAF on 21 June 1946.
Extract from Baff, K.C (Kevin), Maritime is Number Ten, K.C. Baff Netley SA, 1983 – Page 279.
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted 29 January, 1943.
"For courage and devotion to duty of a high order"
Son of Alfred John and Olive Mary (née Stribling) Bowley
Cenotaph here
Cover Photo---416015 Flying Officer (FO) Robert George Bowley, observer of 10 Squadron, RAAF, of Clare, SA. A student in industrial chemistry in civilian life, FO Bowley enlisted in Adelaide on 3 March 1941. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), gazetted 29 January 1943, for courage and devotion to duty of a high order. FO Bowley was killed whilst on operations off the United Kingdom on 17 May 1943, aged 21. The DFC was later presented to his father Alfred J Bowley.
Service No:--- 416015
Born:---- Clare SA, 14 July 1921
Enlisted in the RAAF:---3 March 1941
Unit:--- No. 10 Squadron, RAF Mount Batten, Plymouth
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), 29 February 1943 (Citation Title: No. 10 Squadron)
Died: Air Operations (No. 10 Squadron Sunderland aircraft DW4004), North Atlantic Ocean, 17 May 1943, Aged 21 Years
Buried: ---Unrecovered
Roll of Honour: Clare SA
Remembered: Panel 187, Runnymede Memorial, Surrey UK
Remembered: Panel 99, Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT
Remembered: World War II Honour Roll, National War Memorial of SA, North Terrace, Adelaide
Remembered: Catalina Base Memorial, Rathmines NSW
Remembered: Rathmines Memorial Bowling Club, Rathmines NSW
The Joint Citation for the award of the DFC to Flying Officer Beeton (1) and Flying Officer Bowley of 10 Squadron is as follows: "In January 1943, Flying Officer Beeton and Bowley were Captain and Navigator of a Sunderland aircraft which located an enemy merchant ship attempting to evade the blockade. Despite extremely adverse weather, Flying Officer Beeton displayed outstanding determination and maintained patrol over the area until one of our naval vessels arrived and engaged the enemy vessel. On reaching base in this country, Flying Officer Beeton effected a masterly emergency landing in very difficult circumstance. Throughout, Flying Officer Bowley displayed brilliant navigation which contributed materially to the success of the operation. Both these officers have displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order." (London Gazette 29/2/1943 page 540)
(1) Flight Lieutenant Kervyn Charles Beeton DFC (407162) was discharged from the RAAF on 28 May 1946.
On the 17th May 1943, Sunderland DW4004 took off from RAF Mount Batten at 0517 hours detailed to carry out an anti-submarine patrol in an area bounded by positions 48N 40W, 47.20N, 11.40W and 45.30N 0910W and 47.50N 08.50W. Nothing was heard from the aircraft which failed to return to base.
The crew members of DW4004 were:
Flying Officer Robert George Bowley DFC (416015) (Navigator)
Flying Officer Victor James Corless (401913) (Navigator Under Training)
Sergeant Terence Henry Doran (20388) (Fitter 11E)
Sergeant Jack Hamilton Hogg (32834) (Flight Engineer)
Warrant Officer John Edward Jackson (405209) (Wireless Air Gunner)
Warrant Officer John Colwyn Kelly (407986) (Air Gunner)
Flight Lieutenant Malcolm Keith McKenzie (408662) (Pilot)
Pilot Officer Norman James McLeod (207727) (Second Pilot)
Leading Aircraftman James Murdoch (21704) (Fitter 11A)
Squadron Leader Thomas Wylie Patrick (1761) (Armament Officer / Armourer)
Sergeant James Andrew Pearce (27195) (Wireless Maintenance Mechanic)
Flying Officer Kenneth Lovett Ridings (416613) (First Pilot)
Wing Commander Geoff Hartnell (1) (Commanding Officer No. 10 Squadron) noted in his diary on that day: ‘McKenzie was shot down by Ju.88s in the Bay; we think about 0830. We didn't know about it until he was overdue because he didn't send out any messages. Reg Marks (Flight Commander) (2) went out looking for him at night but didn't find any trace. The '88s have been a bit active of late and Mac was about the fourth or fifth in a couple of days'.
(1) Air Vice Marshal Geoffrey Clarke Hartnell CBE was discharged from the RAAF on 17 April 1968.
(2) Wing Commander Reginald William Marks (477) was discharged from the RAAF on 21 June 1946.
Extract from Baff, K.C (Kevin), Maritime is Number Ten, K.C. Baff Netley SA, 1983 – Page 279.
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted 29 January, 1943.
"For courage and devotion to duty of a high order"
Son of Alfred John and Olive Mary (née Stribling) Bowley
Cenotaph here
Service No:--- 416015
Born:---- Clare SA, 14 July 1921
Enlisted in the RAAF:---3 March 1941
Unit:--- No. 10 Squadron, RAF Mount Batten, Plymouth
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), 29 February 1943 (Citation Title: No. 10 Squadron)
Died: Air Operations (No. 10 Squadron Sunderland aircraft DW4004), North Atlantic Ocean, 17 May 1943, Aged 21 Years
Buried: ---Unrecovered
Roll of Honour: Clare SA
Remembered: Panel 187, Runnymede Memorial, Surrey UK
Remembered: Panel 99, Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT
Remembered: World War II Honour Roll, National War Memorial of SA, North Terrace, Adelaide
Remembered: Catalina Base Memorial, Rathmines NSW
Remembered: Rathmines Memorial Bowling Club, Rathmines NSW
The Joint Citation for the award of the DFC to Flying Officer Beeton (1) and Flying Officer Bowley of 10 Squadron is as follows: "In January 1943, Flying Officer Beeton and Bowley were Captain and Navigator of a Sunderland aircraft which located an enemy merchant ship attempting to evade the blockade. Despite extremely adverse weather, Flying Officer Beeton displayed outstanding determination and maintained patrol over the area until one of our naval vessels arrived and engaged the enemy vessel. On reaching base in this country, Flying Officer Beeton effected a masterly emergency landing in very difficult circumstance. Throughout, Flying Officer Bowley displayed brilliant navigation which contributed materially to the success of the operation. Both these officers have displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order." (London Gazette 29/2/1943 page 540)
(1) Flight Lieutenant Kervyn Charles Beeton DFC (407162) was discharged from the RAAF on 28 May 1946.
On the 17th May 1943, Sunderland DW4004 took off from RAF Mount Batten at 0517 hours detailed to carry out an anti-submarine patrol in an area bounded by positions 48N 40W, 47.20N, 11.40W and 45.30N 0910W and 47.50N 08.50W. Nothing was heard from the aircraft which failed to return to base.
The crew members of DW4004 were:
Flying Officer Robert George Bowley DFC (416015) (Navigator)
Flying Officer Victor James Corless (401913) (Navigator Under Training)
Sergeant Terence Henry Doran (20388) (Fitter 11E)
Sergeant Jack Hamilton Hogg (32834) (Flight Engineer)
Warrant Officer John Edward Jackson (405209) (Wireless Air Gunner)
Warrant Officer John Colwyn Kelly (407986) (Air Gunner)
Flight Lieutenant Malcolm Keith McKenzie (408662) (Pilot)
Pilot Officer Norman James McLeod (207727) (Second Pilot)
Leading Aircraftman James Murdoch (21704) (Fitter 11A)
Squadron Leader Thomas Wylie Patrick (1761) (Armament Officer / Armourer)
Sergeant James Andrew Pearce (27195) (Wireless Maintenance Mechanic)
Flying Officer Kenneth Lovett Ridings (416613) (First Pilot)
Wing Commander Geoff Hartnell (1) (Commanding Officer No. 10 Squadron) noted in his diary on that day: ‘McKenzie was shot down by Ju.88s in the Bay; we think about 0830. We didn't know about it until he was overdue because he didn't send out any messages. Reg Marks (Flight Commander) (2) went out looking for him at night but didn't find any trace. The '88s have been a bit active of late and Mac was about the fourth or fifth in a couple of days'.
(1) Air Vice Marshal Geoffrey Clarke Hartnell CBE was discharged from the RAAF on 17 April 1968.
(2) Wing Commander Reginald William Marks (477) was discharged from the RAAF on 21 June 1946.
Extract from Baff, K.C (Kevin), Maritime is Number Ten, K.C. Baff Netley SA, 1983 – Page 279.
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted 29 January, 1943.
"For courage and devotion to duty of a high order"
Son of Alfred John and Olive Mary (née Stribling) Bowley
Cenotaph here
Inscription
Royal Australian Air Force
Gravesite Details
416015
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