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Pass, Joseph

    Date of death:
    June 25th, 1943
    Buried on:
    Commonwealth War Graves Communal Cemetery Oostergaarde
    Plot: British 2. Grave: 8.
    Service number:
    990571
    Nationality:
    British (1801-present, Kingdom)

    Biography

    Wireless Operator / Air Gunner
    Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserves.
    Son of Joseph and Elizabeth Pass and married to Ruby May Pass, of Ipswich, Suffolk.
    Flight Sergeant Joseph Pass served in Lancasters of No. 49 Squadron between August 1942 and March 1943. Later he was transferred to No. 106 Squadron in May 1943. He was killed in action during a raid to Gelsenkirchen on 25th June 1943 when Lancaster W4367 crashed. He completed over 28 sorties.
    Lies buried at Haderwijk on the Commonwealth Plot 2, Grave 8.

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Flight Sergeant
    Unit:
    No. 49 Squadron, Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    May 18th, 1943
    Recommendation:
    'This N.C.O. has completed 19 operational sorties and 113 hours flying as a Wireless Operator in the Squadron Commander's crew. He has participated in two daylight attacks on Le Creusot and Osnabruck and his work, both in the air and on the ground, has been of the highest order. He alone, being responsible for the efficiency of his equipment, has maintained it at the high pitch that is necessary, and in the air he has been of the greatest assistance to the Navigator. On one occasion when serious compass trouble could have caused the abandonment of a sortie to Italy, by wireless aids alone he enabled the Navigator to ascertain his position and carry on accurately to the target and back to his country. His cheerful disposition and willingness to assist his crew in every way have been a source of constant inspiration and I most strongly recommend him for the award of the D.F.M.'

    Awarding published in the London Gazette dated 18th May 1943
    Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

    Sources

    • Photo 1: Wilco Vermeer
    • Photo: Wilco Vermeer collectie
    • - Supplement to The London Gazette, Friday 14th May 1943, Issue 36017, dated 18th May 1943
      - Commonwealth Wargraves Commission