| Admitted to: Clacton General Hospital. RAF Hospital Ely (02/09/43). |
Date of Injury: 31/08/1943 |
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| D.O.B/Age when admitted: 22 |
Cause of Incident: Enemy Action. Crashed near Clacton in a Wellington shot by enemy fighter on return from ops. |
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| Transferred to QVH: 28/02/1944 |
Injuries: Burns to face and hands. |
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| No. of Operations at East Grinstead: 30 |
IDENTITY CARD
This is to certify that the patient mentioned below and whose description is stated hereon is the authorised holder of this Identity card.
| Forename: Jack Joel |
Surname: Toper |
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| Service No: 1339515 |
Nationality: British |
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| Awards/Honours: MBE |
Patient Unit: 166 Sqn |
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| Profession: Wireless Op/ Air Gunner |
Patient Rank: Sgt |
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| Death: March 2019 |
Age at Death: 97yrs |
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| Dr Rank: |
Dr Unit: |
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On the way back from an op to Munchen Gladbach (now Mönchengladbach) in eastern Germany, close to the Dutch border, the starboard engine blew at about 16,000ft. They recovered and set course for England, before encountering a German fighter and the coastal defenses. They crossed very low over the North Sea, the single engine struggling. They made it up to 300ft before the port engine burst into flames as they flew over Clacton on the Essex coast. They attempted a landing in a recreation ground but the plane hit a tree and burst into flames. A parachute opened inadvertently in the chaos and delayed Toper's exit.
Took over as editor of The Guinea Pig from Henry Standen in 1982.
Received a MBE in 2004 New Years Honours List for services to people with severe burns.
Another intriguing photo from “W. H. Charlwood Album” Early 20th century. W. A. Harding and Miss E. Charlwood in th…