Photograph taken 25th April 2012
Sec. J.J. grave 5603, Sheffield (Crookes) Cemetery.]
The memorial inscription reads
RHODES. Sacred to the affectionate and happy memories of George William Rhodes, 996999, AC2, RAF, only son of William and Amelia Rhodes, killed on active service August 1st 1940, age 24.
"He shall never grow old."
Also the above William, who died June 24th 1963, aged 73 years.
"He shall never grow old."
Also the above William, who died June 24th 1963, aged 73 years.
George William Rhodes appears identical to Aircraftman 2nd Class 996999, Royal Air Force Volunteer reserve, died Thursday 1st August 1940, age 24. Son of William & Amelia Rhodes, Commonside, Sheffield.
And this is how George died. He was based at RAF Upper Heyford with the 16 OTU (Operational Training Unit). There were satellite airfields at RAF Barford St Michael, RAF Croughton and RAF Hinton in the Hedges
On 1 August 1940 a Hereford L6067 Training plane crashed near Souldern which is 7 miles north west of Bicester in Oxfordshire
On board the aircraft were the following personnel - all four died in the crash
Sergeant (Pilot) Oswald George DAY RAFVR No. 742004
Age 24 and the son of Harold Johnson Day and Gertrude Day of Leicester. He is buried in Sec V Grave 126 Gilroes Cemetery, Leicester
Flying Officer (Pilot) George Holland THEVENARD RAFVR No. 70668
Age 33, the son of Ernest Frank and Margaret Montgomery Thevenard and the husband of Jeannie Thevenard of Hull. He is buried in Plot 1 Row B Grave 14 in the churchyard of All Saints Church, Middleton Stoney
Sergeant (Wireless Operator) Sydney Nevil BAKER RAF No. 645894
Age 21 and the son of S G and Annie Baker of Dordon. He was the foster son and nephew of Mr H E Thorpe of Dordon. He is buried near the south boundary of the churchyard of St Leonard’s Church, Dordon, Warwickshire
Aircraftman 2nd Class George William RHODES RAFVR No. 996999 Age 24 and the son of William and Amelia Rhodes of Commonside, Sheffield. He is buried in Sec JJ Grave 5603, Crookes Cemetery, Sheffield
One source states that George was a passenger on the aircraft.
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