The Airmen's Stories - P/O E Burgoyne
Eric Burgoyne was born on 22nd February 1915, the son of Leonard and Nina Burgoyne (nee Gallantry), of Burghfield Common.
He was educated at High Wycombe Grammar School and then Ardingly College, he then spent a year studying fruit growing.
He next travelled to New Guinea to prospect for gold, with some success.
Returning to the UK, he joined the RAF on a short service commission just before war started.
After training he was posted to 19 Squadron at Duxford in June 1940. On 31st August he shared in the destruction of a Me110 south of Chichester.
On 5th September he probably destroyed a Do17.
Burgoyne was shot down and killed by Me109s in combat over Canterbury on 27th September. His Spitfire, X4352, crashed at Coldred.
He was 25 years old and is buried in St Mary's churchyard, Burghfield, Berkshire.
|