The Airmen's Stories - AC1 E Welch

Eric Welch of Marple, Cheshire was born on 10th March 1920, the son of James Henry and Alice Welch.

He was employed as a grocers assistant when he joined the RAFVR about June 1940 as an Aircrafthand. He volunteered for aircrew duties and after a short radar course joined 604 Squadron at Middle Wallop in July.

After the advent of the Beaufighter and the increasing use of airborne radar, Welch went on to qualify as a Radio Observer.

He was killed on 17th December 1941 while serving with 1453 Flight at Wittering when Turbinlite Havoc BD120 spun in near Crowland, Lincolnshire.

Also lost were the pilot Sgt. JL Sudders and another observer, Sgt. WA Fradley.

Welch was 21. He is buried in All Saints churchyard, Marple.