The Airmen's Stories - F/Lt. W S Bowyer

Walter Stafford Bowyer was born in Durban, South Africa on April 16th 1914 and went to Durban High School. He joined the RAF on a short service commission in March 1937, did his flying courses at Ansty and 3 FTS, South Cerney. With training completed, he joined 3 Squadron at Kenley on November 27th 1937.

When 257 Squadron was reformed at Hendon on May 17th 1940, Bowyer joined it on the 19th, as Flight Commander. He flew one operational sortie before becoming non-effective sick with jaundice on July 17th. After returning to the squadron from sick leave he went down with appendicitis and, after more sick leave, Bowyer was posted away to 2 AACU, Gosport on October 4th 1940.

Bowyer was killed on January 24th 1942, as a Squadron Leader with 2 AACU. In Gladiator K7935 he collided with a balloon cable and crashed at Fort Grange, Gosport.

He is buried in Ocklynge Cemetery, Eastbourne, Sussex.