Date: 23rd January 1944
Unit: No. 227 Squadron
Type: Beaufighter X
Serial: JL905
Code: ?
Base: Berka III, Benghazi, Libya
Location: Mediterranean Sea
Pilot: F/O. Richard Balman Hutchison J/21234 R.C.A.F. Age 26. Killed
Navigator: Fl/Sgt. Leslie Sawle 1080661 R.A.F.V.R. Age 22. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Whilst on an anti-shippng patrol off Southern Greece - Beaufighter JL905 failed to return. No trace of the aircraft or crew members were found - both are remembered on the Alamein War Memorial.
Fl/Sgt. Leslie Sawle (Courtesy Janet Chappel)
Unidentified Beaufighter taking off in the desert.
Alamein War Memorial (C.W.G.C.)
Burial details:
Missing
F/O. Richard Balman Hutchison. Alamein War Memorial Panel 281
Son of William P. and Cherry O. Hutchison. Springside, Ohio.
Fl/Sgt. Leslie Sawle. Alamein War Memorial Panel 280
Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Sawle, of Sheffield, England
Researched by David King (A.R.Society) For the niece of Fl/Sgt. Sawle, Janet Chappell and relatives of F/O. Hutchison
