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.

Warnant Communal Cemetery contains the graves of five airmen of the Second World War.

Served with

• Canadian (4)
• United Kingdom (1)

Served in

• Air Force (5)

Wellington III X3711

Took off 2253 2 Sept 1942 from Topcliffe. Shot down by a night-fighter.

Crew

Flight Sergeant Frederick William CASSIDY (R/74701) Wireless Operator RCAF

Pilot Officer John Handel FREESTONE (J/15424) Wireless Operator RCAF

Pilot Officer Gerald Charles HART (J/15720) Air Gunner RCAF

Flying Officer Harry William THOMPSON (J/7223) Observer RCAF

Wing Commander Archibald Philip WALSH (43421) Pilot RAF