Wade,+Eric


 * Eric Wade B.E.M.**



Flying Officer, (Pilot) 145656. Royal Air Force Volunteer Force No 105 Squadron, Marham, Norfolk. Son of Walter & Betsy Wade of Malsis, Keighley. Died 23rd Nov 1943, age 31. Navigator of Mosquito aircraft, serial no LR 477, which crashed on return to base from operations to Knapsack in Germany.

Educated at Ingrow Council School and Keighley Boys Grammar School Enlisted in 1940, and was formerly a junior clerk at Keighley Post Office. He later went to the Telephone section at Bradford. Played Rugby for Keighley R.U.F.C, and was a member of Branshaw Golf Club.

Keighley News, 2nd Jan 1942 - details of award of the British Empire Medal for rescuing a crew member from a blazing aircraft.

//**"Airman gets B.E.M.**// //Decorated with the British Empire medal at a recent investiture was a Keighley airman, Sergeant - Pilot Eric Wade, R.A.F., of Malsis Road, Keighley, who was formerly a member of the Post Office Telephones staff in Bradford.// //His award for courageous action when Sergeant Wade rescued the wireless operator from the blazing fuselage of a plane, another petrol tank of which exploded a few moments after he had dragged the man clear.//"
 * Keighley News, 20 March 1943 - Investiture of British Empire Medal**

//**RAF OFFICERS LOST**// //**Keighley B.E.M. Winner In Casualty List**// //Official word has been received that Flying Officer Eric Wade B.E.M., of Malsis Road, Keighley, has lost his life in air operations.// //It is just less than a year ago since he was awarded a British Empire medal for heroism in the previous September.// //One night Sergeant Wade - as he was then, was about to take off in his aircraft when another aircraft crashed on the flare path and burst into flames.// //Three fuel tanks exploded. Verey cartridges and ammunition detonated, and there was a danger of a fourth petrol tank exploding. He unhesitatingly entered the blazing fuselage and, finding the wireless operator in a dazed condition, helped him to safety just before the remaining tank exploded and the fuselage collapsed.// //His prompt action undoubtedly saved the wireless operators life.// //Flying Officer Wade, who was 30, was a civil servant before enlisting in the R.A.F. in 1940.// //He was formerly a junior clerk in Keighley Post Office, and later went into the telephone section in Bradford. He was also a wing three quarter with the Keighlians R.U.F.C. - for whom he was a prolific scorer - and a keen member of the Branshaw Golf Club. At one time he had many successes as a runner. He was educated at Ingrow Council School and later at the Keighley Boys Grammar School.//
 * Keighley News, 27th Nov, 1943 - Report on his death:**

Commemorated on the Ingrow (St. John's) Memorial, and the WW2 Memorial in Royal Mail House, Forster Sq, Bradford

Interred in Utley Cemetery, Sec N, No 33 (Private Family Grave), where an inscription on his tomb states :- " F/O Eric Wade, 105 Squadron R.A.F., dearly loved son of Betsy Wade and Grandson of the above, killed in action Nov. 23rd, 1943, age 31 years. Loved by All."