Flight Sergeant Alexander McLaughlin (422972) served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force during World War Two. At his time of death, he was a wireless operator/air gunner with RAF 214 Squadron.
He was the son of Patrick McLaughlin and Catherine McLaughlin. He was the husband of Phyllis McLaughlin. Although he flew with ANZAC forces, he may have been born in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim.
McLaughlin died on 16th November 1944 aged 27 years old. He was a wireless operator/air gunner on board Flying Fortress HB787 BU-J when the Mark III bomber came down. It took off from RAF Oulton, Norfolk and crashed around 0440hrs while attempting to land. The plane burned out in a wheat stubble field belonging to Mr. Seaman of Twyford, Norfolk. The accident occurred approximately 1 mile south-west of RAF Foulsham, Norfolk.
None of the 10 person crew survived. They all have graves throughout the United Kingdom.
Alexander McLaughlin’s grave is in Grave 169 of Mosside Presbyterian Church, Moyle, Co. Antrim.