John William Henry Pateman
Memorial: Easter Compton Methodist Church
Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Medals: 1939–45 Star, War Medal 1939–1945
Rank and number: Aircraftman 1st class
Parents: Charles Henry and Blanch Pateman
Home address: Northerwood, Over Lane, Easter Compton
Pre-war occupation: Grocer
Date of birth: 24/08/1914
Date of death: 08/05/1941
Buried/Commemorated at: Buried at Compton Greenfield (All Saints) Churchyard and commemorated on Easter Compton Memorial
Age: 26
Further information:
951 Balloon Squadron. Royal Auxilliary Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
The squadron became fully operational on March 30th 1940 and its aim was to use barrage balloons to bring down enemy aircraft. Although they failed in this, they did much to prevent accurate shallow dive-bombing taking place saving a number of important facilities from destruction. Between June 1940 and July 1941 six balloon operators in the Bristol area including John lost their lives due to enemy action.
By kind permission, this information is based on the following source(s):
This information has been provided by Sarah Hands, Volunteer Researcher for the South Gloucestershire War Memorials Web Site.
By kind permission, this information is based on the following source(s):
https://www.cwgc.org/
https://www.findmypast.co.uk/
https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/
http://www.wellingtont2905.co.uk/up%20up%20and%20away.html