The Airmen's Stories - P/O J R S Oelofse

Johannes Roelof Stephanus Oelofse was born in Johannesburg, South Africa on 29th April 1917, the son of Johannes Roeloph and of Hester Sarah Oelofse (nee Brummer).

He graduated from Potchefstroom Boys' High School in 1934, having begun his education there as a boarder in 1930.

Oelofse joined the RAF on a short service commission in June 1939. After completing his training, he began a course at 11 Group Pool, St. Athan on February 1st 1940. He was posted away two days later to make room for twelve Finnish pilots due to arrive for Hurricane training.

(Above: Oelofse is shown (left) with F/Lt. CB Hull) .

Oelofse joined 43 Squadron at Wick on February 8th. On August 8th 1940 he was shot down and killed in combat with enemy aircraft ten miles south of the Isle of Wight, in Hurricane P3468. His body was washed up at Worthing on 25th September.

Oelofse was 23 and is buried in St Andrew's churchyard, Tangmere.