The Airmen's Stories - F/O F Austin

Frederick Austin was born on 28th September 1918 in Erdington, Birmingham, the son of Sydney Arthur Austin and Nellie Violet Austin (nee Anthony).

He joined the RAF on a short service commission in February 1937.

He completed his elementary flying training and was commissioned in early May. On 8th May he was posted to 3 FTS South Cerney and after passing out from his advanced training course he joined 3 Squadron at Kenley on 27th November 1937.

Austin went to CFS Upavon on 7th August 1938 for a course, after which he was posted to 2 FTS Brize Norton as an instructor. He joined 46 Squadron at Digby on 16th August 1940 and served with it until December that year.

On 17th March 1941 Austin was killed while serving as a Flight Lieutenant at 5 BGS, Jurby, Isle of Man.

The port engine of Hereford I N9074 caught fire at 6000 ft. off Point of Ayre, Isle of Man and the aircraft went into the sea.

Also lost were:

LAC HWL Holder
LAC TB Hunt
LAC HC Jones
LAC JJ Gawne
AC2 TFG Turness

Austin's body was recovered after washing up at Wigtown, Scotland on 27th September 1941.

He is buried in St Andrew's churchyard, Clevedon, Somerset.