Sergeant James Gladstone Crummey - Update

 Everyone likes a good mystery!  Hopefully, this will be solved! 

St. Hillary's church
Killay

St. Hillary’s church, Killay, one of the airmen buried there is Sergeant James Gladstone Crummey, of Newfoundland, who served as a Pilot, with the Royal Air Force.

He was killed on the 11^th January 1943, aged 29.

The family inscription reads “Never Will His Memory Fade. Loved By All”

What happened on that fateful day, 11^th January 1943?

RAF Fairwood, Swansea.  During the Second World War, the local defence of the Swansea area required an aerodrome that could have been used as an R.A.F. station.  The construction of a basic runaway took over a year to complete.  The land that was used, required to levelled off and filling of the boggy ground. Lost in the construction, were two Bronze Age barrows, although, a cinerary urn was retrieved.

In June 1941, the aerodrome was opened, and by October, it was made into Sector Station. 125 (Newfoundland) squadron, during April 1942, fought during the night against the German ‘Baedeker’, who were attacking Bath.  Then during June, shot down a Junkers Ju 88, off the Pembrokeshire coast.

Bristol Beaufighter

11^th January 1943, Sergeant James Gladstone Crummey, who came from Bay-de-Verde, Newfoundland, served with the 125 (Newfoundland) squadron, was piloting the Bristol Beaufighter VI X8258, along with his observer Sergeant Norman Hurst.  They took off during the daylight to carry out tests for the forthcoming night’s operations.  The aircraft stalled and crashed into the Clyne Valley, the impact of the crash, the aircraft burst into flames.  Both crew members were killed.  From information obtained from Crummey’s death certificate.  His body was located at Ysyuboruchaf Farm, Sketty

James Gladstone Crummey was buried at St. Hillary’s church and Norman Hurst was buried at St. Paul churchyard, Lancashire.

 

  

 

That would be the end of the sad tale. 

 2010 a mysterious note along with an accompanying photo of James appeared at his grave.  To this date, this remains a mystery.

mysterious note and photograph

So, using the records what can be found out about James?

James was born in January 1913, in York, Ontario, Canada. His parents were Enock and Minnie F. Crummey.

By the time of the 1921 Census, the Crummey family was residing at 19 Winston Avenue, Toronto.

1921 Census

Enoch, 37, self-employed Carpenter. Minnie F., 30.  Four children, Grace, 10; James G., 8; John M., 6 and Florence, 1.

1935 Census

By 1935, the family had moved to Western Bay, Newfoundland. The census records, that Enoch, 52, self-employed Carpenter. Minnie, 45.  Children, James, 21; John, 19; Florence, 15 and Frank, 5.  Also present is Enoch’s mother, Elizabeth, 85.

Passenger List
Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia

1937 James departed from Boston, Massachusetts onboard Furness Nova Scotia arriving at Liverpool. James’ occupation on the Passenger Listing is Police Constable and the proposed address with the UK was Chelsea Barrack, London.