History Information (Source: CWGC)

The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk.  Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years, many airmen were shot down or crashed in raids on strategic objectives in Belgium, or while returning from missions over Germany.

Rekem Communal Cemetery contains the graves of eight airmen of the Second World War, one of whom is unidentifed. The graves are located on the left hand side of the entrance. 

Served with

• Canadian (2)
• United Kingdom (5)

Served in

• Air Force (7)

Blenheim IV N6216 – 139 Sqdn – 12 May 1940

Took off 0500 from Plivot briefed to bomb and strafe troop columns advancing out of Maastricht towards Tongeren. Shot down by Me109s near Rekem

Crew

Leading Aircraftman William Allan McFADDEN (545595) Air Gunner RAF

Squadron Leader William Ian SCOTT (34225) RAF

Sergeant Thomas William DAVIS (580509) RAF    Runnymede Memorial: Panel 13.

Whitley V Z6564 – 10 Sqdn – 19 August 1941

Took off 2223 18 Aug 1941 from Leeming. Cause of loss not established.

Crew

Sergeant Donald Maclachlan DUFFY (R/68209) Wireless Operator RCAF

Pilot Officer William Alan Strathern EVILL (102082) Pilot RAF

Sergeant Cyril Patrick O'DELL (977255) Wireless Operator RAF

Sergeant Thomas Hill PARK (R/72165) Air Gunner RCAF

Sergeant Kenneth Mervyn TOMPKINS (922929) Observer RAF