The following is a brief review of a memorial in the Parish Church of All Saints, BIGBY. Personal data is drawn from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). On the north wall of the nave is affixed a wooden plate some 20 " by 18 ",this bears a brass plaque on which is the following (RAF Badge) IN LOVING MEMORY OF PILOT OFFICER HAROLD ELVIN HOWSAM OF BIGBY SERVER AND RINGER OF THIS CHURCH AND FLIGHT SERGEANT GORDON FLETCHER OF LONDON, ONTARIO AND OF COMRADES LOST WITH THEM ON ACTIVE SERVICE WITH THE PATHFINDER SQUADRON RAF ON THE NIGHT OF 12 - 13 JUNE 1943 AND LAID TO REST IN THE PROVINCE OF FRIESLAND IN HOLLAND In each corner of the brass plaque are affixed small rosettes and displayed alongside this memorial is a modern, wooden plaque depicting the arms of 83 (Pathfinder) Squadron ,Royal Air Force. Pilot Officer 146295 Harold Elvin HOWSAM of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve died, aged 31,on the night of the 12 - 13 June 1943 on operations over Holland. He was the son of George and Annie Howsam and is buried in the Workum (Spoordyk) General Cemetery in Friesland,T he Netherlands. CWGC records show that Sgt 1334452 Gordon William FLETCHER died on the 15th June 1943 aged 20 and is buried in the Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery. His parents are recorded as Frederick William and Doris Elizabeth Fletcher of Foulsham, Norfolk. |
