Short Stirling I (N3643 MG-G) on a mission to Calais on 1941-03-24

On Sunday, 23 March 1941, (a part of) the aircraft of the 7 squadron (RAF), took off for a mission to Calais in France from a station (airfield) in or near Newmarket.
One of the crew members was Sergeant F B White. He departed for his mission at an unknown time.
He flew with a Short Stirling (type I, with serial N3643 and code MG-G). His mission and of the other crew members was planned for Monday, 24 March 1941.

Information by Jenny Comben

FREDERICK BENJAMIN WHITE
7 Sqn Stirling Mk.1
Serial No. N3643
Coded MG-G
Take off Newmarket. Part of a force of unknown size, tasked to bomb multiple targets in moonlight conditions and marginal weather conditions. Unfortunately to nights total losses are not reported.
The Stirling is reported to have caught fire in flight and while attempting to force land, struck high-tension power cables and then the roof of a near by house. Before finally coming to rest at 0152 at Hazelwood Common near Leiston Suffolk. Sgt White who was flying as the Wireless Operator is reported to have died of his injuries on 30 March 1941.
Burial site is the Military Cemetery Woking Surrey Location Plot 25 Row A Grave 18.
Crew
S/L SAF Robertson +
Sgt AJ Roberts +
Sgt GM Short +
Sgt EV Seymour +
Sgt FB White inj
Sgt P Green +
Sgt JB Clark +
+ = killed, inj = injured
Sgt White is reported to have been a WAG (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner). This was not unusual at this time in the war and indicated that he was trained as both a wireless Op and an Air Gunner. This trade was late phased out with the introduction of more and more 4 engine heavy bombers. Where as the Wireless Op manner one of the gun positions on the smaller bomber aircraft types - like the Blenheim. The beret that the aircrew wore to show their trade was changed from WAG to WO and AG respectively.

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