Thomas Douglas (Dougie) Ellis
From Our Contribution
 | |
 l to r: Violet May Ellis, Mabel Ellen Ellis, Thomas Henry Ellis, Thomas Douglas (Dougie) Ellis at 'Wyworrie' Farm, Wungong | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 18 Jul 1918 |
| Place of Birth | Meekatharra, Western Australia |
| Death | 23 Sep 1943, aged 25 |
| Place of Death | Barrow, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom |
| Age at Enlistment | 22 years, 11 months |
| Address | Armadale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr Thomas Henry Ellis |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 415076 |
| Date of Enlistment | 23 Jun 1941 |
| Rank | Flight Sergeant |
| Unit/Formation | No. 218 Squadron RAF |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | KIA - death caused by aircraft crashing in UK following significant flack damage over Germany 23 Sep 1943 |
| Monument(s) | Armadale War Memorial |
| Australian War Memorial | Australian War Memorial |
| Medals |
1939-45 Star Aircrew Europe Star Defence Medal War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
Was a student at Scotch College in 1934.
War Service
'Dougie' was a Flight Sergeant at the time of his death , and was a member of No. 218 Squadron RAF based at Downham Market in Norfolk. Dougie was a Navigator in the crew of Short Stirling bomber EJ105 HA-N which had flown from Downham Market, and crashed with one engine on fire WSW of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, due to flak damage whle returning from a raid on Hanover. The pilot also died in the crash while three of the crew had baled out over Germany, two of whom survived as POWs.
Notes
The raid was to Hanover- the first of four large raids. 711 aircraft, 26 losses (3.7%). Five American B-17s also took part. Visibility was good but strong winds hampered the marking efforts and consequently the bombing by the main force. No local report is available but it is unlikely that significant damage was caused.
A family framed photo and medals includes a statement that he was awarded a 'Mention in Despatches' -yet to be verified.