272

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Panzer formations and oil tanks and in addition he took part in many sector and weather reconnaissance flights.

Pilot Officer Hemmings was the pilot of a Typhoon aircraft engaged in an attack on enemy tanks due South of Falaise on the 8th August 1944. The aircraft failed to return to its base and Pilot Officer Hemmings was posted as missing.

The report of an accompanying pilot stated that it was probable that he was hit by flak over the target. Subsequently it was presumed that Pilot Officer Hemmings had lost his life on the 8th August 1944, and he was reclassified to missing, believed killed. Later the Missing Research and Enquiry service established that he was buried near the Soumont St. Quentin Mines on the Falaise Caen Road. His body was exhumed and buried in the Rauville British Cemetery about 5 miles North East of Caen in Northern France. Pilot Officer Hemmings was Mentioned in Despatches in 1945.

5/2/9642 AS2
509 Hrs. as Pilot

Mr. L.W. Hemmings (F) (right aligned)
92A (redacted Avenue) Avenal St., (right aligned)
INVERCARGILL (right aligned & underlined)