Detail victim

Name SAWDEN
Initials WW
First name WILLIAM WRIGHT
Place of birth Cottingham
Country East Yorks
Family Son of William James and Emily Sawden, of Thwaite Villas, Cottingham, East Yorks.
Education Hymers College, Hull
Profession Corn trade

Place & date of enlistment September 1914
Rank Lieutenant
Regiment and unit 20th Squadron Royal Air Force (Flying Corps)
Other data related to military career After five years' service in the Territorial Cyclist Force, he joined the 1st Sportsmen's Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers in September 1914. In October 1915, he received a commission in the R.G.A., and as an expert signaller passed his examination with honours. In July, 1916, he joined the R.F.C., and got his wings in October. He was ordered to the Front immediately, and had been flying abroad continuously.

Wounded Offensive patrol with A6384 FE2d; left 1.48 p.m.; combat 15 Hostile Aircrafts; forced to land near Battery Corner; Sawden was the pilot; his observer, Lt RMcK Madill survived; the aircraft was shot down by red Albatros piloted by the German ace Lt KE Schaefer Ja28
Type of wounds Died of wounds received near Belgian Battery Corner
Date of death 5 June 1917
Died at the age of 26
Grave reference Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery X - A - 43