VAN MESDAG, Johannes Bartholomeus


No.195516, Pilot Officer, Johannes Bartholomeus Van MESDAG
Aged 21
medals not known

64 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Killed in flying accident on 6th March 1945


Johannes Bartholomeus Van Mesdag was born on 3rd October 1923 in Hilversum, Netherlands.


Information here is based on http://aircrewremembered.com/van-mesdag-johannes.html who are to be congratulated for their research.

Before the war he was studying in the U.S.A., living in Ardsley, Hudson, New York. He joined the Dutch Air Force in Canada and was sent to UK, arriving 17th August 1942 He was awarded his wings on 26th November 1944, joining 64 Squadron on 28th December. With the Dutch Air Force his rank was 2nd Luitenant In the R.A.F.V.R. he was a Flight Sergeant but appears to have been commissioned at the time of his death. He had one kill registered, a Focke Wulf 190 near Frankfurt on 14th January 1945.


He was based at RAF Bentwaters, flying North American Mustang Mk III. On 6th March, flying Mustang KH451, it appears he dived out of cloud into the ground a few miles NW of Lawshall. No reason has been found.


Memorial in All Saints Church - Adrian Pye


Memorial near crash site - Adrian Pye


photo - Adrian Pye


Photo CWGC

Johannes Van Mesdag is buried in Cambridge City Cemetery grave 15561

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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