Historian's search for family of pilot shot down in France - The Coventry Observer

Historian's search for family of pilot shot down in France

Coventry Editorial 4th Jun, 2014 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

RELATIVES of a World War Two airman who died when his plane was shot down in France are being traced so he can be honoured.

Flying Officer Frank Stanley Harris was flying de Havilland Mosquitoes with No. 235 Squadron in July 1944 when it came under heavy fire during an attack on a flak-ship in the Gironde.

One Mosquito crew managed to ditch near to the French shore, but navigator Mr Harris and his pilot were not so fortunate and with one engine shot away they crash-landed in a remote French field.

He was thrown clear on impact, but the young Canadian pilot John Sammon perished in the plane. Both were later buried with full military honours.




Now military aviation historian Andrew Bird is trying to trace relatives of Mr Harris whose family lived on Walsgrave Road in Coventry into the late 1940s.

“The local French people wish to honour them in July and I would welcome any information,” he said.


Anyone who might know the family can write to Mr Bird at 71 Wantage Road, Reading Berkshire, RG30 2SN or e-mail andy.bird [email protected].

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