The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. W J Garfield

Walter James Garfield, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire was born on 18th February 1915, the son of Walter and Emma Mary Garfield.

He joined the RAFVR about December 1937 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training and was serving with 248 Squadron at Sumburgh in the Shetlands in early July 1940.

Above (L to R): Sgt. WJ Garfield, P/O AL Fowler, P/O EH McHardy, P/O SR Gane, P/O HR Sharman, Sgt JH Round.

Above image courtesy of Carole, daughter of F/O VA Ricketts of 248 Squadron

He was captain of Blenheim IVf L9451 WR-V which failed to return from a reconnaissance of the Feje Island/Stadlandet peninsula area of the Norwegian coast on 13th September 1940.

It was claimed by Fw. Dyck of 4./JG77. Garfield’s body was recovered and he is buried in Mollendal Cemetery, Bergen.

Sgt. A Kay and Sgt. BW Mesner were also lost.

Norwegian Police Officer Magnus Ulland submitted this report:

Coast Pilot Gunnar Forre was on board the SS Union at 10:20hrs. Mr. Forre saw an English aircraft and two German fighters. This was between Holmengra and the lighthouse Utvaer. The English aircraft tried to climb but was attacked by the two German fighters who came in from both sides, the English aircraft being shot down. The aircraft sank at once and no one was saved. No wreckage appeared on the surface and in addition there was poor visibility.