The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. R D H Watts

Reginald Douglas Haig Watts from Far Cotton, Northampton was born on 6th March 1917, the son of Charles and Alice Louisa Watts.

He joined the RAFVR in April 1939 as an Airman u/t WOp/AG.

Watts was called up on 1st September 1939 and completed his training, arriving at 235 Squadron in early July 1940. The squadron operated Blenheims from Thorney Island.

On 11th September 1940 Watts was in Blenheim IV L9396 QY*E escorting Albacores of 826 (FAA) Squadron which were attacking a convoy off Calais. The Blenheim was shot down into the Channel by Me109s of 1./JG52 and III./JG53.

Watts, P/O PC Wickings-Smith and P/O AWV Green were all lost and are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Watts on panel 20.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.