No.39970, Flt/Lieut (Pilot) James Henderson Whitfield DUNN
Aged 21
James Henderson Whitfield Dunn was born in South Shields (South Shields Q1-1919 10A:1177), son of Alexander [1892] and Ann Johnston [1893] DUNN
(née WHITFIELD).
In the 1939 register, his parents and brother Alexander W C W DUNN [1916] were at 10 Hill Terrace, Clare. His father was a corn and coal merchant, and his brother a theological student. |
He was commissioned Acting Pilot Officer on 9th August 1937, and promoted to Pilot Officer 31st May 1938 100 Squadron went to Singapore in 1934 and were based at Seletar to defend Singapore. The Vickers Vildebeest was a single-engine biplane designed to meet an Air Ministry Specification for a torpedo bomber to replace the Hawker Horsley. It was eventually replaced by the Beaufort. The details of the accident have not yet be found, the fact of an accident was reported in the Straits Times. It is not even known if it was a flying accident. James was initially buried in grave 6569, Bidadari Christian Cemetery and removed to Kranji on 22nd May 1957. Now all the graves in that cemetery have been exhumed and moved and the area is re developed photo: IWM / HU59786 photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |