Ernest Arthur DENNIS

DENNIS, Ernest Arthur

Service Number: 405175
Enlisted: 2 February 1941
Last Rank: Pilot Officer
Last Unit: No. 50 Squadron (RAF)
Born: Emerald, Queensland, Australia, 28 March 1912
Home Town: Mackay, Mackay, Queensland
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Bank Officer
Died: Flying Battle, Netherlands, 26 July 1943, aged 31 years
Cemetery: Uden War Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
5 E 11
Memorials: Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, International Bomber Command Centre Memorial, Melbourne Bank of Australasia 'In Remembrance' Honour Roll WW2
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World War 2 Service

2 Feb 1941: Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman, 405175
2 Feb 1941: Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Pilot Officer, 405175, No. 50 Squadron (RAF)
29 Jul 1943: Involvement Pilot Officer, 405175, No. 50 Squadron (RAF)

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Biography contributed by Gerald Tebes

Ernest Arthur Dennis's plane, after a bombing mission over Essen, Germany, was shot at by Hauptmann Hans-Dieter Frank on its return flight. The left engine of the Avro Lancaster Mk III, ED753, call sign VN-M, caught fire as a result.

The aircraft flew via Hatert, near Nijmegen, towards Wijchen but was hit by anti-aircraft guns (FLAK). This caused the entire aircraft to catch fire and disintegrate. Ultimately, the plane crashed in the meadows near Wijchen.

After the crash, aircraft parts were found scattered throughout the area. The crew members were also found scattered, sometimes hundreds of meters away from the aircraft.

The five crew members who died were buried side by side in Uden. The remaining three were taken prisoner of war.

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