SERGEANT+M.E.WHEATCROFT.+R.A.F.V.R.

Wheatcroft, Montague Ernest, Sergeant (Air Gunner), 1162294, 12th Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Died 7th September 1942 Buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Reichswald Forest, Germany; Grave Reference: 16 G 1 12th Squadron, Royal Air Force: The squadron withdrew from France in mid-June 1940 to Finningley, Yorkshire. From there it moved to Binbrook early in July 1940 and in August 1940 it began attacking shipping in the German-held Channel ports. At Binbrook, in November 1940, the squadron began to re-equip with Wellingtons and trained on them during the ensuing winter. On 10/11th April 1941, it used them for the first time when a raid was made on Emden. When the first 1,OOO-bomber raid was launched on 30/31st May 1942, the squadron sent 28 aircraft - the largest number so far operated at one time by the squadron. The target was Cologne and four squadron aircraft failed to return. During the winter of 1942/43 the squadron converted to Lancasters at Wickenby and thereafter continued to play a prominent part in Bomber Command's offensive until 25th April 1945


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