Grave IX.B.3 44685 Air Mechanic 2nd Class Ernest John Davey. 39th Kite Balloon Section, RFC. Age 45. KIA 29.10.17. Son of Horace and Louisa Davey, of Hampstead. Husband of Rose Mabel Davey, of 33, Constantine Road., Hampstead, London. They had two children Owen, age five, and Horace, age two.
The ground crews were – unlike the ground crew at permanent RFC and RAF aerodromes – often well within range of German artillery. Number 39 Section (part of 8th Balloon Company in number 2 Wing) was – during the later stages of the Third Battle of Ypres - hit by German shell fire on 27 and 28 October. Two men were killed Ernest Davey and Frank Benden, he is buried at New Irish Farm Cemetery.
However much worse was to befall 39 Section three weeks later. Another bombardment on 17 November resulted in the ground crew taking to slit trenches and dugouts. Unfortunately, a shell hit one of the trenches resulting in nine fatalities. Eight were killed outright and are buried at New Irish Farm Cemetery side by side. https://www.theypressalient.com/post/balloonatics-new-irish-farm-cemetery
The ninth, 55471 Air Mechanic 3rd Class Harry Booth, is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery.
Grave XIV.C.1 55471 Air Mechanic 3rd Class Harry Booth. 39th Kite Balloon Section, RFC. Age 40. KIA 17.11.17. Son of William and Mary Booth, of Kegworth, Derby. He was not married and listed his sister as his Next of Kin.
Grave XIII.G.23 55350 Air Mechanic 2nd Class Ernest Edward Hill. 47th Kite Balloon Section, RFC. Age 37. KIA 10.3.18. Son of John and Jemima Hill, of Ashford, Kent. Husband of Florence Matilda Hill, 16, Grattan Terrace, Cricklewood, London. They had two children John, age six, and Reginald, age four.
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