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12
DOUGLAS CAMERON



14 June 1914: born in Kangaroo Falls (Australia)
1936: joins the Royal Australian Air Force, later the British Royal Air Force
Sept. 1939-May 1940: member of an air unit stationed in Reims (F)
10 May 1940: death in Diekirch
Photo of the burning aircraft wreckage at the crash site, Bettendorf 10 May 1940

When the Second World War began in September 1939, Flying Officer Douglas Cameron joined the 226th Squadron of the Royal Air Force, which flew “Fairey Battle” light bombers. On the day of the German attack on France, 10 May 1940, Cameron, his radio operator and his gunner were involved in a combat mission against German troops invading Luxembourg near Wallendorf (D). On approach, their aircraft was badly damaged by defensive fire. Despite his severe injuries and damage to the aircraft, Cameron managed to make an emergency landing near Bettendorf. The 25-year-old died of his injuries the same evening. Nevertheless, he had saved the lives of his two companions, who were injured and taken away as prisoners of war. Cameron was buried with military honours at the Diekirch cemetery. A memorial ceremony commemorates Cameron every year.
Work
Monument in honour of Douglas Cameron at the crash site near Bettendorf, 2010


Cool, fine day. Wrote to Jessie. Up at 4.00 this morning & on duty at 4.15 to a “ flap” which started suddenly for no apparent reason.
Played hockey from 18.30-19.30 at Parc Pommery Reims.
The teams were chosen from thesquadrons. I played in goals for “ Whites”. The result was a draw, 3-3.
Douglas Cameron, last diary entry before his crash, 8 May 1940
Douglas Cameron’s pilot cap

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