Frank Hancock Street

Rank:Flying OfficerNumber:123299
Ship/Rgn/Sqn No:255 Sqn RAFVR
Name of Rgt or Ship:Middle East Command
Died:13/04/1943Age:21
How Died:Killed in Action
Country of burial:Malta
Cemetery or Memorial:Malta Memorial
Town Memorial:Sale
Extra Information:
Born during the December quarter 1921 in the Bucklow R.D. - ref: 8a/293,
the son of Fred & Elsie Street (nee Hancock).   They later resided at 33
Mossdale Road, Sale.

He attended Bradbury Central School, having lived at Gladstone Rd,
Altrincham, before moving to Sale.    He was a patrol leader in the 5th
Altrincham Scouts and when war broke out, was a Scout Messenger at the
Seamon's Moss First Aid Post.

He was actually employed in a reserved occupation as an apprentice
draughtsman, but wanted to serve in the RAF, so his employers, Russell
Newbury & Co. Grosvenor Rd, Altrincham agreed to release him from his
apprenticeship.

Joined the RAFVR in August 1939 and had trained as a night fighter pilot.  
He had been on operations for 2 years and in North Africa for 2 months.

1939 National Registration - not listed on this as he was already serving
in the forces.   Servicemen were not included in this census.  His parents
- Fred & Elsie Street, together with his younger brother - Edward A.
Street, were residing at 33 Mossdale Road, Sale at this time.

His elder brother Edward, was in the MN, whist his younger brother George
Roland, was training as a flight engineer.    His father was in the
Manchester Pals in the 1st.W.W. and was a Sergeant in the Home Guard until
being recently invalided out.

Death reported in the 23/04/1943 edition of the Sale & Stretford Guardian. 
 Listed on St. Alban's Vicar's typed list.

His best pal was Peter Pritchard, who was also connected with St. Alban's
and the Seamon's Moss F/A Post.

From the 19th December 1942, 255 Sqn was based at Setif, Souk el Arba,
Tingley, Bone, Maison, Blanche, Souk el Khemis and La Sebala, Algeria,
North Africa.

The 12/11/1943 edition of the local newspaper reports that "He was out on a
sweep, when they ran into a large formation of German torpedo bombers.  
Frank immediately dived in and split them up, but was hit in doing so.   He
was last seen flying on one engine very low over the sea, not far from the
enemy coastline.  Other pilots stated that he had bagged two of the bombers
before going down himself.   None of the enemy bombers reached their
target".


Memorials found on:
St. Alban's (Broadheath)
Altrincham Unitarian
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