145 Squadron based at Westhampnett lost five pilots in one day – two in the morning and three in an afternoon raid. All died fighting the Battle of Convoy CW9, codenamed ‘Peewit’. These were:-

a) P/O Lionel Sears aged 19 and known as ‘Peter’ to his friend Geoff Wellum. Sears failed to return from combat over the Channel south of the Isle of Wight at 9.05am

b) Sgt ED Baker (see photo left) also shot down into the Chanel south of the Isle of Wight at 9.15am and crashed into the sea. Baker was missing.

c) P/O ECJ Wakeham missing following action against Stukas and 110s over a convoy south of the Isle of Wight at 4.40pm. (see photo below and blog on Ernest Wakeham)

d) F/O Lord R.U.P. Shuttleworth also failed to return from combat with Stukas and Me110s. Missing and aircraft lost.

e) Sub-Lieutenant FA Smith missing following the same combat at 4.45pm and crashed into the sea.

Photos and text courtesy of Battle of Britain Monument website