Sgt. Arthur Burgess
77 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Early Life

Arthur was born in about 1912. He was the son of John and May Burgess of West End, Chobham.

World War 2

Arthur served with 77 Squadron RAFVR (service number 1270390) which was equipped with Halifax bombers and was based at RAF Elvington near York. Apart from bombing missions over Germany the squadron was active in 'gardening' (missions to lay mines in the North Sea).

A Halifax of 77 Squadron

On 31 August 1943 a raid by 622 bombers was launched on Berlin. Halifax serial number JB851 took to the air at 2040 from RAF Elvington. Arthur was on board manning the radio and guns. The plane was flown by Pilot Officer Harold Gawler (aged 20 from Taunton), the remainder of the crew were Sgt. Douglas Reid (aged 22 from Alwoodley in Yorkshire), Sgt. Arthur Coterrill (aged 26 from Willenhall, Staffs. who was married), Flt. Sgt. William Homersham (aged 22 from London), Flt. Sgt. Stanley Langston (aged 21 from Belverdere, Kent), Sgt. Peter Kitchen (aged 20 from London) and Sgt. T. Todd.

It was a bad night for the RAF. The Pathfinder flares were dropped many miles off target and enemy fighters were active over a cloudy Berlin and accounted for 47 aircraft. Three Halifax bombers of 77 Squadron failed to return to base.

Halifax JB851 was lost over Berlin that night in unknown circumstances. Seven of the crew were killed and now lie together in Berlin 1939-1945 Cemetery (coll. grave 6.L/23-28). Arthur was 31 years old when he was killed.

If you have any further information on Arthur or the plane or any corrections please contact me.