The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. D G Cresswell

Denis George Cresswell of Wollaton, Nottinghamshire was born on 18th July 1918, the son of Samuel Ernest Cresswell and Ethel Benskin Cresswell (nee Stevenson).

His father had served in the Durham Light Infantry in WW1.

DG Cresswell attended Cottesmore School before going into the tobacco trade.

He learned to fly at Tollerton Aero Club and was awarded Aero Certificate 17991 on 6th May 1939. He joined the RAFVR shortly after as an Airman u/t Aircrew. He was called up on 1st September 1939 and sent on a gunnery course.

Despite his licence he was posted to 141 Squadron at Drem on 10th September 1940 as a gunner on Defiants.

Cresswell was killed on 30th August 1941 as a Flight Sergeant with 410 (RCAF) Squadron, also operating Defiants from Drem.

Defiant N1731 crashed into high ground near Gifford, East Lothian on a night training flight.

Sgt. DW Hall was also lost.

Cresswell was 23 and was cremated at Nottingham Crematorium.