11 September 1940.

11 September saw the death of another Australian. Vale Frederick William Flood.

Frederick William Flood was born in Roma, Queensland on 18 March 1915. On 21 November 1933 he joined the militia. He was living in Artarmon, NSW when he was granted a cadetship at RAAF Point Cook, commencing on 15 January 1935. He graduated on 9 December 1935, coming 10th in his class with 73.9%. He took up a short service commission in the RAF in early 1936, service number 37582.

 

 

 

 

He was initially posted to 32 Squadron at Biggin Hill but was then posted to 8 Squadron at Khamaksar, Aden, in October 1936. Promoted to Flying Officer on 21 September 1937, he carried out the duties of PA to the Air Officer in Charge of British Forces in Aden from April 1938–October 1938. He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant on 21 September 1939.

Frederick joined 235 Squadron at Detling on 1 June 1940 as a Flight Commander. No sooner had he arrived when he was out on patrol over Goodwin Sands–Calais–Dunkirk. He sighted a Heinkel 111 three miles off Dunkirk, which was being attacked by AA fire. Frederick also fired on t but it escaped into cloud in the direction of Dunkirk after two rear gunners were silenced.

Frederick carried out many patrols and escort operations over the following weeks. On 21 August, while on an escort of reconnaissance aircraft he shot a Henshel 126 into the sea off Le Havre. Three days later, during a fighter patrol during an air raid at Thorney Island, he was on the receiving end of a ‘friendly’ attack: his Blenheim was damaged when Hurricanes of 1 (RCAF) Squadron attacked it over Thorney Island. There was only limited damage to Frederick’s Blenheim and he and his crew were safe but the crew of another were not as lucky and perished (the body of one was recovered from the sea riddled with bullets) and another Blenheim crashed on landing.

The squadron continued its busy schedule of patrols and escorts into September. On 11 September Frederick led six Blenheims which were escorting Fleet Air Arm Albacores on an attack off Calais. They were engaged by Me 109s and Frederick’s Blenheim was shot down. He and his regular crew of observer, Pilot Officer Shorrocks and gunner Sergeant Sharp were all reported missing.

As is usual when someone is missing in action, the final presumption of death is deferred on the off chance the airman has been taken prisoner of war. And until the final presumption, the family could not claim his personal effects or prove a will. (As it happened, Frederick did not have a will.) Frederick’s presumption of death was published on 2 July 1941. But his effects did not come quickly. 

In a great blow to his family who hoped to have tangible reminders of their son and brother, all of Frederick Flood’s personal effects were lost in transit due to enemy action (they were onboard the SS Ceramic which was hit by torpedoes fired from U-515 on the night of 6 December 1942) but it was some months before they were informed of this.