Ivan Alderwin Hibbert
Flight Lieutenant 149827 Nav. DFC
R.A.F. Volunteer Reserve 635 Sqdn.
Date of Death 04 Aug 1944 : Age 29
Marissel French National Cemetery - Grave 317
Flight Lieutenant 149827 Ivan Alderwin Hibbert was born 16th January 1915. Mansfield registered marriage Q3 1937 to Miss Edna Gelsthorpe born 14th January 1915, addresses this couples marital home Shirley at 48 Carnarvon Grove. Redefined town boundaries officially claimed former Huthwaite location. Sutton-in-Ashfield 1939 census thus reveals Mr Ivan A Hibbert employed as Silk Hosiery Frame Worker supporting housewife Mrs Edna Hibbert, although commonly still claiming closest Huthwaite ties.
Mr Ivan Alderwin Hibbert dutifully joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Role of Navigator earned Flight Lieutenant rank directing Lancaster bomber air raids. Royal Navy Air stationing with 635 Squadron at HMS Ukassa in Cylon is where Lancaster ND811 took off on its fatal flight leading an important attack on Trossy St Maxim. Pilot and Squadron Leader Ian W Bazalgette managed to accurately bomb the target despite heavy anti aircraft fire crippling the burning plane. Some parachutes were then deployed, allowing Wireless Operator Chuck Godfrey to give eye witness account of an heroic field landing trying to save other trapped airmen. But while the blazing plane had touched ground, its fuel tanks exploded killing all on board.
Flight Lieutenant 149827 Ivan Alderwin Hibbert was killed aged 29. He was honourably awarded a Distinguished Flight Cross, among the posthumous decorations won by other 635 Squadron airmen during this significant 4th August 1944 attack.
CAMERON Douglas, Kenmore, Perthshire, Scotland
HIBBERT Ivan Alderwin, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. Eng.
LEEDER Vernon Victor Russell, Saint Kilda, Australia
BAZALGETTE Ian Willoughby, Alberta, Canada
TURNER George Richard
GODFREY Charles Randall, Buntingford, Herts., England
GODDARD Geoffrey, Redcar, Yorkshire, England
HIBBERT Ivan Alderwin of 48 Carnarvon-grove Huthwaite Nottinghamshire died on or since 4 August 1944 on war service. Administration Nottingham 14 June to Edna Hibbert widow. Effects £295 8s. 11d.