158 Squadron Association

"Strength in Unity"

Personnel Detail

SurnameSPARKE
Forename(s)CHARLES LIONEL
Service Number108539
RankFlight Lieutenant
ServiceRoyal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
TradePilot
FateKilled in action
Awards with 158 Squadron
Awards with another Squadron
Posted In1942-03-17
From Squadron23 O.T.U
Comments

F/L Sparke was shot down and killed on the 11th of December 1942.



Extract from W R Chorley's Bomber Command Losses 





The present day cemetery location and headstone.



In 1945, before the end of the war, the grave came to the attention of RAF Officers who were in the area. A wreath was laid on the grave and the whole village attended the ceremony.
Note that, at the time of the initial burial in December 1942, the only names identified were Pilot Officers Collyer and Watson.



This is an earlier Sparke crew in front of Halifax W7777 (with Sgt Dawson as mid upper gunner).
Left to right - unknown (but probably Dawson), Collyer, Aris, Edlington, Sparke, Middleton and Watson.
The photograph was found on a superb French website detailing their loss but unfortunately the address no longer exists.

Click this link for further details from the excellent Yorkshire Aircraft website (opens in a new window)





The memorial at the crashsite.





A plaque unveiled on the wall of the village town hall on the occasion of the 50th anniversary.

Images courtesy of John Ramskill

Crew Colleagues