BEANE, Francis Alfred



No.124345, Pilot Officer, Francis Alfred BEANE
Aged 28 (CWGC have 38)


204 Squadron, RAFVR
Killed in Action on Sunday, 29th November 1942


Francis Alfred Beane was born in 1913, baptised at Saxthorpe, Norfolk on 21st December 1913 son of Herbert and Mildred Sarah BEANE (father entered as "gentleman"(née ). It appears that Herbert BEANE married Mildred Sarah FRANKLIN (Aylsham Q4-1909) and their son Francis Alfred was born Aylsham Q1-1914 (4B:139). It is more than likely that Francis' age with CWGC is a typo. Age 28 would seem more likely for junior aircrew and would fit this time frame.

He married Mary Jane TRAYNOR in 1941 (Edmonton Q3 3a:2958) of 296 Ladysmith Road, Enfield, Middlesex.

The connection with Ridgewell is that Mr H.Beane was mentioned in Parish Council minutes from 1924 onwards. Herbert BEANE, widower born 1869 was at Post Office Stores, Ridgewell in 1939 register, with a son Cyril, born 1912, and died in Ridgewell 27th December 1939..probate to William Albert Wood (builder). Mildred S BEANE died in 1933 aged 57 (Halstead 4A:1232)


Commissioned from 1264445 Corporal Beane to 124345 Pilot Officer gazetted 27th June 1942.

Various entries on the internet have a Squadron Short Sunderland MkIII, ser no 6016 (still on the strength of 95 Squadron) as being ferried to Bathurst for 204 Sqaudron, crewed by men from 204 squadron and with a couple of Royal Navy passengers which went missing 29th November November 1942. It seems more than likely that this was the aircraft in which Francis was lost, together with 11 other 204 squadron members. Further details being sought at present.


A Short Sunderland Mk III of 95 squadron RAF




photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission



Francis Beane is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey panel 68

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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