Trafford

Born during the December quarter 1920 in the Chorlton R.D. - ref: 8c/1501,
the son of Harold Bertram & Lilian Crapper (nee Leonard).

In the early years of WWII, 23 Squadron were flying Bristol Blenheim Mk IF
and were stationed at RAF Wittering, from where they undertook shipping
protection, intruder missions and a defensive night fighter role,   Between
the 31st May and 12th September 1940 they were stationed at RAF
Collyweston.    In October 1940, Douglas Havoc’s began arriving and were
supplemented by Boston’s from the same United States manufacturer,
sixteen months later.   They next moved to RAF Ford, and were in at the
start of "Operation Intruder", attacking German bomber bases in Normandy.  
For the next two years the squadron would operate as an intruder squadron,
attacking German targets in occupied Europe from their base at RAF Ford,
where they stayed until the 6th August 1942.   The Squadron converted to
Mosquito IIs in July 1942 and for a short time were based at RAF Manston,
RAF Bradwell Bay until the 11th December 1942.

They then moved to Luqa, Malta, from where they undertook long-range
intruder missions to targets in Sicily, Italy, Tunisia and southern France.
 To further enhance the squadron’s strike capability, in May 1943 they
converted to the more versatile Mosquito FBVI.

On the night he was killed, Vincent was acting as Navigator/Bomber to
Flight Lieutenant Arthur John Hodgkinson DSO, DFC and Bar, an ex-Battle of
Britain Pilot with at least 10 kills to his credit.   The a/c must have
crashed as they are buried together in a Joint grave.

M.I. - "Father, not my will, but thine be done".