The Airmen's Stories - P/O N B Heywood

Norman Bagshaw Heywood was born on 24th August 1918 in Timperley, Cheshire, the son of Francis Kirkman Heywood and Constance Speakman Heywood (nee Faulkner).

His father served in the RFC/RAF and was killed aged 29 on 1st October 1918 serving with 98 Squadron. A force of DH9s had set out to bomb the railway junction at Aulnoye, south of Mons.

The DH9 was prone to engine trouble and Heywood's aircraft was forced down with this on the way to the target. Its bomb load detonated on landing, Heywood was killed and Sgt. RT Wallace was badly burned.

Heywood lies at Grevillers British Cemetery, Bapaume.

****************************

NB Heywood was awarded Aero Certificate 15610 at Brooklands Flying Club on 16th December 1937.

Heywood joined the RAF on a short service commission in February 1939. He completed his training and joined 226 Squadron, flying Fairey Battles. In August 1940 he volunteered for Fighter Command.

After converting to Hurricanes Heywood was posted to 32 Squadron at Acklington on 9th September, moved to 607 Squadron at Tangmere on the 22nd and then to 257 Squadron at Martlesham Heath on 14th October.

On the 22nd Heywood was hit by anti-aircraft fire whilst in combat with Me109s over Folkestone. His Hurricane, R4195, crashed south of Lydd church and he was killed.

Heywood was 22. He is buried in Stretford Cemetery, Manchester.