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Rosam, Edward William George

Date of birth:
1911
Date of death:
January 31st, 1943
Buried on:
Commonwealth War Cemetery Cemetery Friedhof Ohlsdorf Hamburg
Plot: 10A. Row: M. Grave: 3.
Service number:
751059 (NCO)/113328 (Officer)
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Before the war Edward Rosam worked as a sorting clerk as Folkestone and Littlehampton Post Offices. At the outbreak of hostilities he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and became a wireless operator.
Subsequently Rosam was posted to No. 38 Squadron in the Middle East towards the end of 1940, where he completed 39 anti-shipping strikes in Wellingtons. He then was commisoned and served a second tour, joining 57 Squadron.
Rosam was killed in action on 31 January 1943, when his Lancaster W. 4189 was downed during a raid on Hamburg - there were no survivors, including Squadron Leader Donald Long, D.F.C., A.F.C. (see DFC recommendation).

promotions:
? Sergeant
November 29th, 1941: Pilot Officer (probation/emergency)
October 1st, 1942: Flying Officer (probation/war sub)

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit:
No. 38 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
April 8th, 1941
Recommendation:
"Sergeant Rosam has completed 39 night bombing raids against the enemy. He is considered an exceptionally efficient Wireless Operator and has at all times exhibited great skill in obtaining fixes and maintaining his wireless set. This N.C.O. has on many occasions been instrumental in finding the target by making use of German beacons with his loop. He has shown the qualities of exceptional skill and courage which has set a magnificent example to the squadron. For his skill and devotion to duty during a successful operational tour, he is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal."
Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Sergeant
Awarded on:
September 24th, 1941
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flying Officer
Unit:
No. 57 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
December 18th, 1942
Citation:
"In November, 1942, Squadron Leader Long and Flying Officer Rosam were captain and wireless operator respectively of an aircraft which was detailed to attack Genoa. On the outward flight, shortly after crossing enemy territory, engine trouble developed. Despite this Squadron Leader Long continued his mission, reached his target and bombed it. Soon after leaving the target area, the port outer engine caught fire and ceased to function. Displaying fine airmanship and ably supported by Flying Officer Rosam whose wireless skill was of the greatest value, Squadron Leader Long flew his aircraft back to this country and effected a masterly landing in difficult circumstances.
Both these officers have invariably displayed high skill and outstanding devotion to duty."
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

  • - The London Gazette Issue 35131 published on the 8 April 1941
    - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35284 published on the 23 September 1941
    - The London Gazette Issue 35416 published on the 13 January 1942
    - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35791 published on the 17 November 1942
    - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35827 published on the 15 December 1942
    - British Medals
    -Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Photo