TODAY we remember one of the most tragic attacks in the history of RAF Honington exactly 80 years ago.
We welcomed Michael Dudley (80) to join us on Station in remembrance of his uncle, Aircraftman 2nd Class George William Leslie Dudley RAFVR, IX (B) Squadron, who was killed aged just 20 whilst crossing the parade ground on his way to tea on the evening of 19 August 1940. He had only been in service for a little over 2 weeks at the time.
Michael said:
I am here as much for my father to remember his dear brother – they were devoted and shared everything as they grew up.” He added: “My father didn’t know about George’s death for a month until his mother’s letter reached – he was based in Ciracao in the West Indies.
The small ceremony held at RAF Honington today meant a lot to Michael, whose father, Arthur Dudley, was also killed during WW2 whilst serving in the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry near Arnhem in October 1944. Whilst suffering shrapnel wounds he was being evacuated by Ambulance to the Field Hospital when it was struck by a direct hit and all were killed instantly.
Joined by the Station Commander, Station Warrant Officer and Station Padre, Michael was able to visit the former Mess where his uncle tragically lost his life.
Records vary, but at least 7 personnel were tragically killed and over 20 were injured during two surprise attacks on the Station by the Luftwaffe that day.
The first took place at around 1615hrs by a single aircraft using high explosives and incendiaries. The second attack was delivered by a Dornier 17 at around 1825hrs and resulted in heavy damage to barrack block 76, destroyed two Wellingtons and one Magister, destroyed part of the roof on E Hangar and left craters on the aerodrome.
Recalling the event, IX (B) Squadron Sergeant ‘Tiny’ Cooling was dining in the Sergeants Mess at the time;
We heard the whistle of a stick of bombs coming down and immediately the dining room took on the look of the Marie Celeste. Plates of food steamed gently and not a soul in sight. We were under the tables. One bomb hit the parade ground and killed a number of airmen and WAAFs in that lunch queue, about a dozen. Another hit the barrack block and blew it to bits, and another blew in the window of my quarters. When the racket died down, most of us sat back at the table and finished our lunch. We would find out what happened later.
Bullet holes can still be seen today on the exterior of the former Junior Ranks Mess, whereby the attacking aircraft machine gunned those that were queuing outside for their tea.
A wreath was laid at the RAF Association Memorial to those who had died at RAF Honington and in remembrance of Michael’s uncle George, and his father Arthur.
