PERSONAL INFORMATION
Surname: Beesley
Given name: Alexander Henry
Alias: Alec
Mother: Damke, formerly Andrews nee Beesley Ethel May
Father: Andrews Arthur George
Spouse:
Place of Birth: Camberwell, England
DOB: 31/5/1916
Mob:
Place of Death: Jelsum, Leeuwarderadeel Municipality, Friesland, Netherlands
Date of Death: 5/9/1942
Civil Occupation: Labourer, Engine Driver
SERVICE INFORMATION
Official Number: 404631
Service: Airforce
Conflict: WWII
Date of Oath: 11/10/1940
Place of Oath: Brisbane, Qld
Date of Discharge: 1942
Rank of Discharge: Flight Sergeant
Regt/Ship/Sqdn: 103 Squadron
Fate: Missing in Action presumed Dead
Area of Service: Canada, England, Netherlands
PRISONER OF WAR DETAILS
Date Captured:
Date Repatriated:
Awards/Honours: Wireless Badge, Air Gunner Badge, 1939-45 War Badge, Europe Star, Defence Medal, War Medal.
Veteran Story: Alex first applied to join the Royal Australia Air Force on the 11/12/1939, while living at Jubilee Hill, Mount Morgan Qld. He was working at Brinston's Ice Factory as an Engine Driver and had a qualification 2nd Class Certificate of Competency as Operator. He had also spent time with the Queensland Aero Club and had experienced 6 flights with an Instructor. After being called up for duty on 11/10/1940 he was posted to Lindfield NSW to commence training for Aircrew. He embarked at Sydney for Canada and England on 6/7/1941 and disembarked in London on 29/7/1941. On arrival in England he quickly moved through the ranks to Flight Sergeant. While on a mission over the Netherlands on a Handley Page Halifax II, Serial No W1220. They took off on 4/9/1992 from Elsham Woods during the night on Operation 'Bremen" Crashed 0339 at Jelsum (Friesland) 5 Km NNW of Leeuwarden Holland. Probably a victim of Oblt E Lippe-Weisenfeld 0f 5/NJG2". "The aircraft crashed burning and parts spread over a large area. Two bodies were found in the remains of the cockpit and another body was found 75 feet away; 2 more were found near a road. In the fuselage, 2 more bodies recovered. In all seven bodies were found and only 6 identified by the Germans. The graves are very well kept. They are registered-Investigating Officer - Canadian J16850 F/Lt L V Dt Vincent. No 9 Section." Names of the crew and details are listed in the Casualty report. There are various letters from Alec's mother and the department held within his records.
