• Handley Page HP.52 Hampden

Date of birth:

1916

Date of death:

January 14th, 1945

Service number:

67707

Nationality:

British

Stephen Cockbain enlisted in the Royal Air Force in late 1940.
After recieving his wings he was posted to No.106 Squadron, a Hampden unit, later converting to Lancasters via Machesters. Posted to No. 44 Rhodesian Squadron in January 1944, he saw action on D Day too when he was detailed to bomb bridges around Caen.
When he was rested with an appointment in Ferry Command Cockburn was killed on 14th January 1945, flying Short Sterling MK III EH 988 on a flight from RAF Syerston.on 14th January 1945 . After take-off the aircraft suffered an engine fire. Squadron Leader Cockbain decided to make an emergency landing at RAF Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, but when turning to reach the airfield the aircraft stalled and crashed at Annesley. He was 28 and was laid to rest on Oxford (Botley) Cemetery Plot H/1. Grave 249.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Flight Lieutenant

Awarded on:

January 14th, 1944

For good work at a Conversion Unit.

LG 36329/292

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

June 9th, 1944

Citation:
"In March 1944, this officer was pilot of an aircraft detailed for a mine-laying mission. On the outward flight the aircraft was attacked by a fighter and sustained much damage. One engine was useless, the upper cupola of the mid-upper turret was shattered and the hydraulic gear was damaged. Despite this, Squadron Leader Cockbain succeeded in evading a second attack and went on to the target to complete his attack-task. This officer has completed a large number of sorties and has displayed great skill, leadership and devotion to duty."

LG 36555/2754

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "FRANCE AND GERMANY" clasp/.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• Photo: FindaGrave
  
• - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36329 published on the 11 January 1944
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36555 published on the 6 June 1944
  - Dix Noonan Webb
  - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
  - FindaGrave