Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Thomas and Mary Jane Charles, of Sebastopol, New South Wales. Australia.

HE DIED FOR HIS COUNTRY. EVER REMEMBERED

Flying Officer Thomas ‘Eric’ Charles was reported missing in March 1944 having failed to return from a deployment over Berlin.
On 30 January 1944 Pilot Officer Charles took part in a raid on Berlin as Air Gunner in a Lancaster III JB535 aircraft. The British Wing Commander wrote that “no news has (sic) been received since the crew left base. Your son was a member of one of the most outstanding crews on the Squadron, and had taken part in 23 operations against the enemy, this being the 8th since he joined us. He was always keen to carry out his duties both in the air and on the ground.”

In August 1944 the Department of Air in Melbourne received a letter from the British Air Ministry which stated that confirmation had been received from the German Totenliste No. 207 that Eric and 2 other Australians were now known to have been killed on 30 January 1944 and buried in the Parish Cemetery at Kolhorn on 1 February 1944, Eric being in grave number 6.
The Temora Methodist Country Circuit wrote the following in May 1944: “The meeting expressed its deep sympathy with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Charles, of Sebastopol, in the loss of their only son, F/O Eric Charles, who was killed on 31st January, with other members of a Lancaster crew whilst pathfinding on a raid over Berlin. Eric was a fine Christian of quiet habits and strong character. One of Australia's sons who was keen to serve, and whose loss will still be greatly felt in the days of peace ahead.”