Is anyone out there able to identify W/C Coverdale O.C. 431 R.C.A.F. Squadron. He was the first Commanding Officer of this Squadron when it was formed in 1942 stationed at Burn. He and his crew were lost on a raid to KREFELD 06/21/43. I have a photograph of the Officers of this Squadron taken we believe Spring 1943 and am almost sure he is there but need confirmation. Can anyone help? Thanks. Bill Heron/Canada
Dear Bill, Did Coverdale survive the war? He is not listed in the RCAF KIA so I assume he was a POW.
You might be able to find some relatives if we know the home province or town he was from, as his name is fairly scarce.
Ricard Koval may have a photo of him or a crew he was on, on his website about RCAF 6 group but I cannot seem to get on his website for some technical reason.
Was he a passenger on a crew or the pilot of a crew. More info please.
W/C John Coverdale appears on the CWGC website, it would appear he was RAF and not RCAF and it is suggested by Bill Chorley in his Bomber Command Losses 1943 that his service number indicates he joined the RAF circa 1924.
Info on CWGC as follows:
COVERDALE, JOHN
Initials: J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Wing Commander
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force
Unit Text: 431 Sqdn.
Age: 37
Date of Death: 22/06/1943
Service No: 27048
Additional information: Son of John and Muriel Coverdale; husband of Margaret Ailsa Coverdale (nee Crawford), of St. Andrews, Fife.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 118.
I know someone who is compiling data on the men from Fife who lost their lives during WW2 so I will check with him to see if he knows anything further about this airman.
Hi Karl, It's been sometime since I posted this message and just now realize this, however, the mystery to the W/C has been solved and I have been in touch with his daughter in England and now have a few photographs of him and have forwarded a copy on to Richard Koval for posting on his website. Thanks for yur interest in my original enquiry and apologies for not answering long before now, Bill.
Linzee passed on your request to me in the hope I may be able to help. Although I am compiling a database of those who came from Fife and served in the RAF I have not covered those who came from St Andrews yet.
When I do and if I find out any further details on Wg Cdr Coverdale I'll let you know.
Hi, W/C Coverdale's connection with Fife stops with his wife who was a school teacher in St. Andrews.I checked with St. Andrews University Archives while on a visit there and they had nothing on him. After they were married she moved to England and is buried there. I have been in touch with their two daughters who still live in England. Thankyou for your interest in my endeavour. Bill Heron/Niagara/Canada