Sergeant William John Gowdy (1512471) served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during World War Two. Known as Jackie, he was the only son of William Alexander Gowdy and Mary Gowdy (née Marrs) of Bay Road, Larne, Co. Antrim.
He died on 21st January 1944 aged 22 years old. On this date, 21 bombers of RAF 35 Squadron including Handley-Page Halifax LV787 took off for a raid on Magdeburg, Germany. There was no communication from the plane after take off. The next of kin of all 7 men received a telegram and a letter from the Squadron’s Commanding Officer.
Remembering the crew of Halifax LV787
| Last Name | First Name(s) | Rank | Role | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bales | Peter Richard | Flying Officer | Pilot | RAFVR 150127. Missing presumed killed. |
| Buchan | Frederick | Sergeant | Flight Engineer | RAFVR 1801638. Missing presumed killed. |
| Gowdy | William John | Sergeant | Wireless Operator | RAFVR 1512471. Missing presumed killed. |
| Grigg | George Ernest | Sergeant | Air Gunner | RAFVR 1419839. Missing presumed killed. |
| Kent | Dennis Harold | Flying Officer | Navigator | RAFVR 144046. Missing presumed killed. |
| MacGregor | David Alton | Flying Officer | Air Bomber | RCAF J/20671. Missing presumed killed. |
| Watts | Leonard George William | Sergeant | Air Gunner | RAFVR 1890347. Missing presumed killed. |
William John Gowdy has no known grave. His name is on Panel 230 of the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.