The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. L H M Reece

Laurence Hugh Murrell Reece was born on 20th July 1913 in Oxenhall, Gloucestershire, the son of Shanley Murrell Reece and Ada Maria Reece (nee Johns).

He attended Newent Grammar School and was a prominent member of the Newent Hockey and Cricket Clubs.

Reece was closely involved with the local branch of the Junior Imperial League, a precursor to the Young Conservatives and was Honorary Secretary at one time. He was also a member of the Newent Bell Ringers.

On leaving school he worked at Stretton's Garage in Gloucester. He married Barbara Cloke of Upleadon Court on 11th September in Newent Methodist Church.

He joined the RAFVR in Cheltenham in April 1939 as an Airman u/t Observer, was called up on 1st September 1939 and four months later qualified as a Leading Aircraftman.

On 26th February 1940 Reece was promoted to Acting Sergeant and attached to 141 Squadron before going on 25th May to 235 Squadron, operating Blenheims from Thorney Island in Hampshire. The squadron was an anti-submarine squadron serving with Coastal Command, tasked with the protection of allied convoys from submarines and air attack. It came under Fighter Command in the Battle.

He was a member of the crew of Blenheim N3541 which left Bircham Newton in Norfolk for a convoy escort in poor weather on 18th July. It disappeared without trace.

P/O RL Patterson and Sgt. RY Tucker were also lost.

Reece was 26. His name is on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 18. He is also listed on The Newent Community School war memorial.

Additional research and above image courtesy of Newent Cricket Club.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.

Above images courtesy of Newent Community School.