In Memory Of

OELOFSE, JOHANNES ROELOF STEPHANUS

Service Details
Age:
 23
Date of Birth:
 1917-04-29
Service No:
 42519
Rank:
 Pilot Officer
Unit:
 43 Sqdn.
Regiment:
 Royal Air Force
Date of Death:
 1940-08-08
Cause of Death:
 Killed in action, Hurricane I P3781, took off from Tangmere Air Base in his Hurricane P3468 to attack enemy aircraft flying off the Isle of Wight. At 16:20 in a dog fight with enemy fighters and was shot down. His plane crashed into the English Channel and his body was washed ashore
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 Plot E. Row 2. Grave 479.
Cemetery:
 TANGMERE (ST. ANDREW) CHURCHYARD
Localitly:
 Sussex
Country:
 United Kingdom
Additional Information
Son of Johannes Roeloph and of Hester Sarah Oelofse (nee Brummer), of Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa. Born Johannesburg. Educated at Potchefstroom Boys' High School in 1934, having begun his education there as a boarder in 1930. Joined the RAF on a short service commission in June 1939. After completing his training, he began a course at 11 Group Pool, St. Athan on February 1st 1940. He was posted away two days later to make room for twelve Finnish pilots due to arrive for Hurricane training. One of twenty-three South African pilots who served during the battle of Britain, nine of whom were killed. "One of the few" Battle of Britain pilot.