19th August 1942, Dieppe Raid and Gower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dieppe Raid was also launched on the 19th August 1942, and one of those pilots giving support to the Canadian Forces was Pilot Officer D. Iverach. On 23rd August Iverach was flying a Spitfire MK VB and practising dog fighting tactics with another spitfire, when his aircraft started a long dive. An eye-witness, Emrys Jones, of Great Lunnon Farm, Parkmill, Gower whilst out cycling watched the aircraft’s descent, hoping that the pilot would pull up. The dive of over 6,000 ft turned into a spin, and the plane came down on Cefn Bryn Common. To Jones’ surprise the plane was still intact, the pilot, Iverach, was dead slumped forward in the cockpit.

D. Inverach was a member of the No. 421 Squadron, a unit of the Royal Canadian Air Force which was also based at RAF Fairwood Common. He was the squadron’s first casualty since its formation in 1942. He is also buried at St. Hilary’s Church, Killay.