Richard Edward Bennett

 

No. 51 Squadron was formed at Thetford, Norfolk, May 1916 with the Royal Flying Corps, and then April 1918 saw the formation of the Royal Air Force.   During the First World War, the squadron was used for Home Defences.  The squadron was also responsible for the training of pilots during nighttime flying.

At the out break of the Second World War, No. 51 Squadron now based at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire, carried out the First Nigh Ops, along with No.40 Squadron to drop leaflets over Germany.

No.51 Squadron, moved from RAF Linton-on-Ouse, November 1939, to RAF Kinloss, Morayshire to provide Coastal Command until December 1939.

Moved again this time to RAF Dishforth, Yorkshire.  The squadron used Armstrong Whitworth Whitley aircrafts.

Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mk V

RAF Dishforth, North Yorkshire
Dusk 18th August 1941, 62 aircraft from No. 51 Squadron took off from RAF Dishforth 21.29, to embark on a bombing raid over the German city of Cologne.  Cologne was an industrial and route center also occupying a key point for the German rail network.  Sadly, this operation was unsuccessful, returning crew reported that there were several fires on the west side of the Rhine.  Only one building was destroyed during the raid, with no casualties.

On the return journey, 19th August, back to the UK, Z6731, had been seen coming in the height of 2000 ft on fire, it is thought that the cause of the fire was caused during the enemy action.  As, there were no communications received, the aircraft crashed at Lime Tree Farm, Laxfield, Suffolk at 3.15.

Lime Tree Farm, Laxfield, Suffolk
credit - Aircrewremembered

No. 51 Squadron lost 4 aircraft from the occupation.

The crew from Z6731, who were killed were.

Pilot – Wellington James Loney, RCAF, 25. Buried at All Saints Churchyard, Honington, Suffolk

2nd Pilot Sergeant – John Leonard Gilma, RAFVR, 25. Buried at Birkdale Cemetery, Lancashire

Richard Edward Bennett
Grave
Oystermouth Cemetery
Observer/Sergeant – Richard Edward Bennett, RAFVR, 20. Buried at Oystermouth Cemetery

Air Gunner/Sergeant – John Taylor, RAFVR. Buried at Widnes Cemetery, Cheshire.

Air Gunner/Sergeant – Ernest John Lowater, RAAF, 26. Buried at All Saints Churchyard, Honington, Suffolk






Richard Edward Bennett. Bon 1921, at the time of the 1921 Census (below), he is living at 67 Rodney Street.  His father, Pembrokeshire born Joseph Bennett, 30 is a Electrical Fitter employed by Engineering Equipment Co., Coleridge House, Swansea and his mother, Monmouthshire born Ellen Bennett.

1921 Census

By the time of the 1939 Register, Joseph and Ellen are residing at 38 Hazel Road.

It important to note, that Richard Edward Bennett, doesn’t have a war headstone, could this be the choice of the family.

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