Sergeant Austin Finnerty (2225471) served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during World War Two. He was the son of Augustine Finnerty and Rose Finnerty of Newry, Co. Down.
Austin died on 16th March 1945 aged 23 years old. He was an Air Gunner on Avro Lancaster BI NG532 EA-J with RAF 49 Squadron. The bomber took off at 1802hrs on 16th March 1945 from RAF Fulbeck. While in the target area over Würzburg, a Luftwaffe night fighter attacked the Lancaster setting it on fire. Several members of the crew baled out of the burning plane.
Remembering the crew of Lancaster NG532
| Last Name | First Name(s) | Rank | Role | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edwards | D | Flying Officer | Navigator | RAFVR 164576. Prisoner of War. |
| Evans | J | Sergeant | Air Gunner | RAFVR 1596311. Prisoner of War. |
| Finnerty | Austin | Sergeant | Air Gunner | RAFVR 2225471. Killed in Action. |
| Gibson | John B | Flying Officer | Pilot | RAFVR 154900. Prisoner of War. |
| Henderson | RM | Sergeant | Bomb Aimer | RCAF R204987. Prisoner of War. |
| Hughes | Donald John | Flight Sergeant | Wireless Operator | RAFVR 1873494. Murdered by German Police. |
| Roberts | G Peter | Sergeant | Flight Engineer | RAFVR 1596082. Prisoner of War. |
Austin Finnerty’s grave is in Section 6, Row C, Grave 24 of Durnbach War Cemetery, Bavaria, Germany. His headstone bears the inscription:
Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for him. RIP.