Identity
Person No.
19262
Service No.
42519
Last Name
First Name
Johannes Roelof Stephanus
Initials
J R S
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Age at Death
23
Military Service
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause of Death
Killed in action, Hurricane I P3781, took off from Tangmere Air Base in his Hurricane P3468 to attack enemy aircraft flying off the Isle of Wight. At 16:20 in a dog fight with enemy fighters and was shot down. His plane crashed into the English Channel and his body was washed ashore
Grave Reference
Location
Country
Locality
Cemetery
Coordinates
Additional Information
Notes
Son of Johannes Roeloph and of Hester Sarah Oelofse (nee Brummer), of Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa. Born Johannesburg. Educated at Potchefstroom Boys' High School in 1934, having begun his education there as a boarder in 1930. Joined the RAF on a short service commission in June 1939. After completing his training, he began a course at 11 Group Pool, St. Athan on February 1st 1940. He was posted away two days later to make room for twelve Finnish pilots due to arrive for Hurricane training. One of twenty-three South African pilots who served during the battle of Britain, nine of whom were killed. "One of the few" Battle of Britain pilot.
Citation
Unknown
External Source
Unknown
South African War Graves Project