James Gladstone Crummey

Sergeant James Gladstone Crummey — Newfoundland, 125 Squadron, RAF

Early Life

1921 Canadian Census

James Gladstone Crummey was born in January 1913 in York, Ontario, Canada, the son of Enoch and Minnie F. Crummey. By the time of the 1921 Canadian Census, the family was living at 19 Winston Avenue, Toronto. Enoch, aged 37, was a self-employed carpenter, while Minnie, 30, cared for their four children: Grace (10), James (8), John (6), and Florence (1).

By 1935, the family had moved to Western Bay, Newfoundland, where Enoch continued to work as a carpenter. The census records Enoch (52) and Minnie (45) with their children: James (21), John (19), Florence (15), and Frank (5). Also living with them was Enoch’s mother, Elizabeth Crummey, aged 85.

Passenger List
Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia

Two years later, in 1937, James left North America, travelling from Boston, Massachusetts, aboard the Furness Nova Scotia, bound for Liverpool. On the passenger list, his occupation was given as Police Constable, and his destination was Chelsea Barracks, London, indicating that he was already pursuing a career of service and discipline.

Military Service

With the outbreak of war, James enlisted in the Royal Air Force, where he trained as a pilot. He was posted to No. 125 (Newfoundland) Squadron, a night-fighter squadron closely tied to his homeland. The squadron, formed in 1941 thanks to funds raised by the Commission of Government of Newfoundland, operated from RAF Fairwood Common. Flying Bristol Beaufighters, 125 Squadron was tasked with defending South Wales and the Bristol Channel from German night raids.

During its time at Fairwood, the squadron gained successes in intercepting enemy aircraft, including during the Baedeker Raids in 1942, when German bombers attacked cities such as Bath. The presence of Newfoundlanders like James gave the unit both its character and its name.

Death and Burial

Bristol Beaufighter VI

On 11^th January 1943, Sergeant Crummey, then aged 29, was piloting a Bristol Beaufighter VI (X8258) alongside his observer, Sergeant Norman Hurst. The pair had taken off during daylight to conduct tests ahead of that night’s operations. During the flight, the aircraft stalled and crashed into the Clyne Valley, near Swansea. The Beaufighter exploded into flames on impact, killing both crew instantly. According to his death certificate, James’s body was recovered at Ysyuboruchaf Farm, Sketty.

James Gladstone Crummey
St. Hilary's church, Killay
credit - findagrave

Norman Hurst
St. Paul’s Churchyard, Lancashire
credit - findagrave

James Gladstone Crummey was buried with honour at St. Hilary’s Churchyard, Killay, Swansea. His observer, Sergeant Hurst, was laid to rest in St. Paul’s Churchyard, Lancashire. His family chose for his headstone the inscription:

“Never Will His Memory Fade. Loved By All.”

Legacy

mysterious note and photograph

For many years, James’s story seemed to end with his wartime death and his resting place among the Commonwealth airmen of St. Hilary. Yet in 2010, a mysterious note and photograph were left at his grave, a poignant reminder that his memory continued to touch lives across the decades. The identity of the person who placed them there remains unknown.

James’s life reflects the journey of many Newfoundlanders of his generation, who grew up in small coastal communities but travelled across the Atlantic to serve in the defence of Britain. From carpenter’s son to police constable, and finally to night-fighter pilot, his path embodies duty, sacrifice, and service far from home.