The Airmen's Stories - P/O J R S Oelofse

Johannes Roelof Stephanus Oelofse, from South Africa, joined the RAF on a short service commission in June 1939. After completing his training, he began a course at 11 Group Pool, St. Athan on February 1st 1940. He was posted away two days later to make room for twelve Finnish pilots due to arrive for Hurricane training.

(Above: Oelofse is shown (left) with F/Lt. CB Hull)

Oelofse joined 43 Squadron at Wick on February 8th. On August 8th 1940 he was shot down and killed in combat with enemy aircraft ten miles south of the Isle of Wight, in Hurricane P3468. His body was later recovered.

Oelofse was 23 and is buried in St Andrew's churchyard, Tangmere.