Lt. H. Bennett, RAF, died 21/9/18

All,

Whilst on a visit to one of my company's offices in Cambridge (UK), I came across a grave in a local cemetery for one Lt. H. Bennett, RAF. From memory, I think that the gravestone read;

"Lt. H. Bennett, RAF, formerly 21st Canadian Btn, Died on active service 21 September 1918".

Can anyone shed any light on who this person may have been? Units he served with? Cause of death etc?

Thanks,

Vince

The Commonwealth War Grave Commission shows Lieutenant Harry James Bennett 21st Bn., Canadian Infantary (East Ontario Regt.) and 49th Sqdn R.A.F. died Tuesday , 24th September 1918 aged 28 . He was the son of Mary Anne Bennett of 8 Guest Road , Cambridge England . He was buried in grave XIV F.6 at the Cabaret-Rouge British cemetery , Souchez , Pas de Calais

On 24 September 1918 he was flying a DH9 serial number E658 when he was shot down by either Ltn Paul Bäumer of Jasta 5 or Ltn Otto Loffler of Jasta 2. During the combat 49 Squadron lost 3 De Havilland 9 aircraft and had a further 3 badly shot up .

Lt. Bennett's Observer/Gunner 2/LtArmstrong was taken POW

I hope this information is of interest to you .

Best Wishes Nick S

[Graeme]

According to The Sky Their Battlefield, a Lt H J Bennett was shot down and taken prisoner on 24 September 1918, dying of his wounds later the same day. Bennett served with 49 Sqn and was lost in DH9 E658. His observer, 2nd Lt R H Armstrong was also PoW. They may have been shot down by Ltn Paul Bäumer of Jasta 2 for his 32nd victory.

Could this be your man?

VBR Graeme

Thanks for the info, guys! I think I may delve a little deeper into his story, and see if I can find any living relatives etc. I'll let you all know if I come across anything interesting.

Cheers,

Vince

I suspect that this is a memorial rather than a grave otherwise we have a man buried in two places.

andy

Yes, and that would never do! I should be back in Cambridge next week, so I'll go and have another look and make a note of the exact wording.