PILOT MISSING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 17, 20 January 1940, Page 11

PILOT MISSING.

FORMER DEVONPORT BOY. HELIGOLAND BIGHT RAID. Sergeant-Pilot Cliarles Denis Caldwell, R.A.F., is missing and. is believed to have been killed in operations on Decernher 15, according to advice received from the Government by his mother, Mrs. F. Caldwell, of SU, Long Drive, St. Heliers Bay. Sergeant-Pilot Caldwell was born at Devonport, and was educated at ot. Helier's Bay school and the Scddon Memorial Technical College. At the age of 17 ho joined the Royal Air iorce as an apprentice fitter. Studying independently of his work, he passed the London matriculation, and was selected for flying training some years ago. Ho passed examinations in flying and navigation, and was promoted to the rank of sergeant-pilot about three years ago. The squadron to which he was attached is equipped with Vickeis Wellington bombers, 0110 of the most formidable types in use. Sergeant-Pilot Caldwell, wlio^ years of age, was one of the New landers serving with the Royal Air Force who was selected to lly to the Dominion late last year with the 30 Vickers Wellington bombers ordered by the New Zealand Government. rhe*e plans were changcd, however, on the outbreak of war. Mrs. Caldwell, who visited England last year, believes that her son was Hying one of the three British aircraft which were lost in a fierce battle with Messerschmitt over Heligoland Bight in December. An official report of the action stated that one formation of Royal Air Force machines engaged strong enemy fighter forces over the Heligoland Bight and an intense fight developed. Four Me.sserschmitts and three British aircraft were shot down.