In Memory Of

BOWYER, WALTER STAFFORD

Service Details
Age:
 27
Date of Birth:
 1914-04-16
Service No:
 39607
Rank:
 Squadron Leader
Unit:
 249 Sqdn.
Regiment:
 Royal Air Force
Date of Death:
 1942-01-24
Cause of Death:
 Died in Aircraft Accident, Gladiator I K7935 from 2 Anti Air Cooperation Unit RAF collided with a barrage balloon at Portsmouth and crashed at Gosport
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 Plot A. Cons. Grave 285.
Cemetery:
 EASTBOURNE (OCKLYNGE) CEMETERY
Localitly:
 Sussex
Country:
 United Kingdom
Additional Information
Son of Capt. Alan Stafford Bowyer, of Durban, South Africa. Born Durban. Educated Durban High School. Joined the RAF on a short service commission in March 1937, did his flying courses at Ansty and 3 FTS, South Cerney. With training completed, he joined 3 Squadron at Kenley on November 27th 1937. When 257 Squadron was reformed at Hendon on 17th May 1940, Bowyer joined it on the 19th, as Flight Commander. He flew one operational sortie before becoming non-effective sick with jaundice on 17th July. After returning to the squadron from sick leave he went down with appendicitis and, after more sick leave, Bowyer was posted away to 2 AACU Gosport on 4th October 1940. "One of the few" Battle of Britain pilot. Commemoration stone in Durban (Stellawood) Cemetery.