Arthur Clitheroe

Rank:SergeantNumber:1062448
Ship/Rgn/Sqn No:06 Sqn Operational Training Unit
Name of Rgt or Ship:Coastal Command R.A.F.V.R.
Died:06/05/1942Age:29
How Died:Accidental
Country of burial:Lost at Sea
Cemetery or Memorial:Runnymede Memorial
Town Memorial:Not Listed
Extra Information:
Born on the 19th March 1913 during the June quarter 1913 in the Prescot
R.D. - ref: 8b/1483, the son of Thomas and Etheline Clitheroe (neé
Johnson).   His father - Thomas, worked in a lunatic asylum and was
originally from Cuerden, Lancashire.

Married Mary Jane Haynes during the June quarter 1937 in the Bolton R.D. -
ref: 8c/831.

In 1939 Arthur published two books 'Car Canny Motoring Stories',
illustrated by Ian Fenwick and 'Silly Point' 
illustrated by James Thorpe. He also wrote and narrated "At Captain Mac's"
which was broadcast by the BBC 'For the Forces' in February 1942.

He was also a cricket correspondent/broadcaster in Lancashire.

During the morning the crew of a Lockheed Hudson aircraft No T9274 of 6
(Coastal) Operational Training Unit, was tasked with gunnery and bombing
practice.   On board were Sergeant E.J. Soame who was piloting the
aircraft, Pilot Officer’s Cole and Chambler and Sergeant 1062448   Arthur
Clitheroe as wireless operator and air-gunner

At 11.15 hours, black smoke entered the cockpit and the starboard engine
caught fire.   Unable to maintain height with just the portside engine, the
crew attempted a forced landing on the sea, 14 miles north-east of
Hartlepool.

Three members of the crew were picked up by a fishing vessel.  Sergeant
Arthur Clitheroe was reported missing and his body was never found.
Memorials found on:
Altrincham Grammar School
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