Name: |
EDEN |
Given Name: |
JOSEPH OLIVER |
Initials: |
J O |
Service No: |
102290 |
Rank: |
Flight SergeantOther Casualties of this Rank |
Regiment: |
South African Air Force |
Unit: |
15 Sqdn.Other Casualties from this Unit |
Date of Death: |
1941-08-15Other Casualties on this
Date |
Date of Birth: |
1913-09-06 |
Age: |
27 |
Cause of Death: |
Died in Shooting Incident, accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound after returning from a hunting trip. He had been a popular member of the Squadron, quiet and unassuming and his excellent marksmanship was described as a godsend to the Squadrons caterers. The funeral service was conducted by the Officer Commanding Major Borkenhagen with six fellow Air Sergeants acting as pallbearers. He was buried at the foot of a large tree near the edge of the Alomata Satellite Aerodrome. A steel railing was erected over the grave with a cross, made from an aircraft propeller. The grave was covered with gauze wire to protect it from marauding animals. Sadly the steel railing and aircraft propeller were later removed either by souvenir hunters or local tribesmen for building shelters after the cessation of hostilities as the Graves Concentration Unit personnel were unable to locate his gravesite for concentration into a designated Commonwealth War Cemetery. Flight Sergeant Eden's grave has been officially considered as lost |
Additional
Information: |
Son of David Richard Benjamin and Annie Catherine Lucretia Eden, of Kimberley, Cape Province, South Africa. Born Kimberley, Northern Cape. Commemoration stone in Kimberley (West End) Cemetery |
This information was last verified for accuracy: 2025-06-15
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