Sergeant Pietro Alfredo Giovetti RAFVR

Source: http://www.memorial-lincs.org.uk/ad872rear-gunner/

A Portuguese national, Pietro was posted to 144 Sqn from No 16 OTU (Operational Training Unit) on 24th June 1942. Flying the Handley Page Hampden, the aircraft AD872 was built by the English Electric Company (which later became famous for the English Electric jet fighter) and delivered to the RAF between October 1940/ October 1941.

He had completed 12 previous raids over enemy territory. This was his 13th. AD872 was his regular plane, but this was not his regular crew. He normally flew with P/O Hay; P/O Brister and Sgt. Daniells in AD872.

On the night of the 20th/21st September 1941, eight aircraft of 144 Squadron (of which AD872 was one) were detailed to take part in an operation to destroy the main post office at Frankfurt. There were several other raids that evening in which 144 Squadron was to play a part.

Owing to a steady deterioration in the weather, it was decided to abandon the operation. The recall was not received by all crews, some of whom pressed onto the target. Two aircraft managed to locate and engage the target, despite the weather. Bursts and fires were observed in the target area. One of these planes was hit by flak and had to be abandoned near Fakenham, the crew baling out. The other plane crashed near Dishforth due to lack of fuel.

Single aircraft attacked secondary targets being Trier, where bursts followed by fires were observed and Ostend. Here no results were observed.

Two planes returned landing at Scampton and Newton (this was the plane of Sgt. McDermott). Two further planes crashed, one being at Morcott near Uppingham, and the other (AD872) at Kirkby-on-Bain. The crash time was 02.30am on the morning of the 21st September, and visibility was very poor. At this early stage in the war, radar was very rudimentary  and it is likely that the crash occurred due to a lack of fuel and the poor weather conditions.

Prior to the war, Pietro was a keen Rugby player having played for both Bridlington RFC and represented Yorkshire. He is buried at St. Mary and All Saints Churchyard, South Kyme, Lincolnshire. Below is a photo of Pietro in full flying gear – he is on the right.

The crew of AD872 that night were:

Pilot:  Flying Officer WP Carroll from Bournemouth 

Navigator: Sergeant Leonard Arthur Smith from Sale 

Wireless Operator: Sergeant Clifford Kellington from Hull

Rear Gunner: Sergeant Pietro Alfredo Giovetti from Bridlington