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The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. E Gillam

 

Ernest Gillam of Bury, Lancashire was born on 26th August 1911, the son of Thomas and Grace Gillam (nee Emmett).

He joined the RAFVR about March 1939 as an Airman u/t Observer.

Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training and joined 248 Squadron from No. 1 (C) OTU Silloth on 29th June 1940. Gillam flew nine operational sorties during the Battle of Britain period.

 

Above image courtesy of Alison Hunt.

He married Gladys Gill in July 1940 in Bury, Lancashire.

He was probably posted away from 248 Squadron in late September 1940. He was killed on 19th

October 1941 serving as a Flight Sergeant with 404 (RCAF) Squadron, a maritime reconnaissance and strike unit.

Blenheim Z5753 returned from a convoy escort but due to bad weather and darkness the crew was unable to locate the airfield flare path at Dyce. Directed to divert to Wick, the aircraft came down in the sea off Lerwick.

Sgt. IAM Barber (pilot) and Sgt. J Shaw were also lost.

Gillam was 30. He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 36.

 

 

 

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.


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