The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J Lansdell

John Lansdell was born on 4th March 1917 in Yarmouth, Norfolk, the son of William Albert Lansdell and Ellen Sarah Lansdell (nee Bussey).

He was an Associate Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and had a First Class Honours Diploma in Aeronautics from Loughborough College.

Lansdell joined the RAFVR in late 1937 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training and was with 607 Squadron at Usworth in early July 1940.

Lansdell was shot down and killed by a Me109 on 17th September 1940. His Hurricane, P3933, crashed at The Bell Inn at Beltring, north of Tunbridge Wells.

Lansdell baled out but did not survive. He was 23 and is buried in St Margaret's churchyard, Hempnall, Norfolk.

The engine and cockpit area from the Hurricane were excavated in remarkable condition by the Shoreham Aircraft Museum in 1986 ( www.shoreham-aircraft-museum.co.uk  ).