Norris, K A (Kenneth Allan)

Norris, K A (Kenneth Allan)

Share

Pilot Officer Kenneth Allan Norris was born on the 30th April 1920 in Corpus Christie, Texas, he was the son of Clyde and Clara Norris, of 1803 McKenzie Street, Corpus Christie, Texas, U.S.A. At the beginning of December, he travelled north to Windsor, Ontario, Canada and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force on the 9th of December 1941. As an American citizen he did not make an oath to the King.

On the 18th of September, Wellington VIII W5647 was at the end of their operational field exercise and was approaching their airfield at 2000 feet in cloud when the captain ordered them to drop to 1400 feet. He was unaware that they were 15 to 20 miles off course. There was light rain and hill fog.

Unfortunately for the crew they were now approaching a 1500-foot hill at 1400 feet. Due to visibility issues the pilot only found out how much danger they were all in when it was too late and crashed the bomber into its side.

Pilot Officer Kenneth Allan Norris was killed, the rest of the crew were seriously injured (Pilot Officer J.D. McWhannel (RCAF J23245), Sergeant C.S. Parker (RAAF 420041), Sergeant J.E. Stuckle (1397994), Sergeant G.E. Platt (1388228) and Sergeant Smith (1576645).) The accident happened near Ballygally, County Antrim.

Pilot Officer Kenneth Allan Norris’s funeral took place at 10:30 on the 22nd of September 1943. A Captain MacLeod of the 8th United States Airforce attended, who happened to be from the same town as Kenneth. There was also a band, firing squad and trumpeters. His coffin was draped in the Stars and Stripes.

Kenneth’s family would later request his body back. This was rejected due to the hostilities and the family was informed that if they wanted to make a private arrangement they could. This would never happen.

Date of Death: 17/09/1943 (Aged 23)

Service: Pilot Officer (Pilot), Royal Canadian Air Force, 7 Operational Training Unit.

Service Number: J/22872

Burial Location: Grave 16.

Norris, K A (Kenneth Allan)
Norris, K A (Kenneth Allan)

Leave a Reply

Consent Management Platform by Real Cookie Banner