the aircrew

 

The crew of JP137 were seven of the brave young volunteers, from among the tens of thousands who came forward to serve their country as aircrew with Bomber Command, during World War 2.

During the course of that war, over 55,000 of these men would lose their lives in the fight for freedom.

Of these seven men, only two were over 30. Denis Evans, the pilot, was just 20. 

JP137 was a new Handley Page Halifax heavy bomber, en route from RAF Hurn to Morocco in North Africa.  From what we have discovered, it seems likely that this crew had been selected for special duties, serving SOE (the Special Operations Executive). That work might have included dropping agents, and/or supplies over enemy territory, possibly Yugoslavia.  

There is some evidence that JP137 was to join 624 Squadron, based at Blida in Algeria, although it may have been assigned to 614 Squadron, as was the other Halifax, JP107, that also took off from RAF Hurn that March morning. At this time, the documentation remains incomplete....... 

Below are the details of the crew of JP137, listed in aircraft seniority - as their names appear on the Memorial. We have been fortunate enough to find both photographs and Commonwealth War Graves Certificates for all 7 crew members.

Thanks to all those who have worked so hard to uncover these details..