Mission: Attack on shipping in Haderijk harbour on the coast of Holland

Date: 17 April 1945

Unit: No.263 Squadron R.A.F.

Type: Hawker Typhoon IB

Serial: MN705

Coded: HE-

Location: Missing off Haderijk harbour off the coast of Holland

Pilot:  Flight Lieutenant. Norman Paulle Courtney Woodward  J/20138 R.C.A.F. Age 23 (Missing)

Main image - Hawker Typhoons on shipping strike

REASON FOR LOSS:

(Extract from letter written by 263 Squadron Commander and sent to the pilot’s mother regarding his tragic loss)

This is what happened. The Squadron was detailed to attack shipping in a harbour on the coast of Holland, and your son was leading a section of four aircraft. There was intense flak over the target area and your son’s aircraft must have been hit as it was seen to suddenly dive straight into the sea approximately 600 yards off shore and sink immediately. Your son did not call up on the radio, and I am afraid there is very little hope that he may have released himself and been able to get free.

Memorial Details:

Flight Lieutenant. Norman Paulle Courtney Woodward J/20138 R.C.A.F. Age 23 (Missing)

Commemorated at The Runnymede Memorial Panel 278. United Kingdom

Son of Capt. Norman Paul Woodward, R.C.A.P.C., died on active service, 12th March, 1944, and of Ann Mary Woodward, of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Page researched and compiled by David King. Credits: R.C.A.F. Archives, They Shall Not Grow Old, Les Allison & Harry Hayward.

Page reconstructed by Alexander D King, March 2025.