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.

Rotem Communal Cemetery contains the graves of three airmen of the Second World War.  The graves are located through the entrance, follow the path to the third path on the right and the graves are on the corner.

Served with

• United Kingdom (3)

Served in

• Air Force (3)

Whitley V Z6578 –  77 Sqdn - 17 May 1941

Took off 2230 17 May 1941 from Topcliffe. Cause of loss not established.

Crew

Sergeant Thomas William Archibald CRONE (969953) Wireless Operator RAF

Sergeant Kenneth GRAY (742207) Pilot RAF

Sergeant Norman Brook PELL (758164) Observer RAF

Prisoners of War for Whitley V Z6578

Sergeant Harry FRASER (949933)  Stalag 357 Kopernikus

Sergeant Allan MORRIS (994380)   Stalag Luft L6 Heydekrug