The Airmen's Stories - P/O H J Jeffcoat

Harry Jeffrey Jeffcoat, of Aberystwth, was born in October 1909, the son of Harry Jeffcoat (1886-1931) and Dora Minnie Jeffcoat (nee Palmer 1884-1984).

He joined the RAF in May 1940 and was was commissioned as a direct-entry Air Gunner.

He had married Rose Jean Kirkham in July 1936 in Bromley.

After completing his training he joined 236 Squadron on 17th June 1940. He was posted away on 1st August to 101 Squadron at West Raynham.

Jeffcoat was killed on 13th December 1941 as a Flying Officer with 44 Squadron, operating from Waddington. Hampden I AE196 is believed to have been shot down into the sea by fighters while on a sortie to lay mines off Brest.

Also lost were:

W/Cdr. ST Misselbrook DSO

Sgt. AH Gumbley RNZAF

Sgt. LD Leggett DFM

Jeffcoat is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 30.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.