997911 Sgt. Pietro Alfredo Giovetti, Rear Gunner.
A Portuguese nationalist, Pietro was posted to 144 Squadron from 16 Operational Training Unit, RAF Upper Heyford on the 24th June 1941. He had completed 12 previous raids over enemy territory. This was his 13th. AD872 was his regular plane, but this was not his regular crew. He normally flew with P/O Hay; P/O Brister and Sgt. Daniells in AD872.
Prior to the war, Pietro was a keen Rugby player having played for both Bridlington RFC and represented Yorkshire. He is buried at St. Mary and All Saints Churchyard, South Kyme, Lincolnshire. Here is a photo of Pietro in full flying gear – he is on the right.
The fate of AD872 and Pietro Giovetti was reported in a 2007 article in The Horncastle News.
