13 Facts About Ian Bazalgette

Ian Bazalgette's Lancaster was severely damaged by flak prior to arrival at the target and quickly set on fire.

Rather than saving himself and leaving the two men to die, Ian Bazalgette attempted to land the burning plane to save his two crew members.

Ian Bazalgette landed the plane, but it exploded almost immediately upon alighting, killing all three airmen.

Ian Bazalgette's great-grandfather was the civil engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette.

Ian Bazalgette began his schooling at the Toronto Balmy Beach School, but his family returned to England in 1927.

Ian Bazalgette grew up in New Malden, England and attended Rokeby School in Wimbledon and then Beverley Boys Secondary School as well as receiving private tutelage.

Ian Bazalgette soloed within a week of beginning his flight training at RAF Cranwell and swiftly completed his ab initio flying by 24 January 1942, given the rank of pilot officer.

Ian Bazalgette's first posting was to No 25 Operational Training Unit but by 16th of September 1942, he had joined an operational bomber squadron, No 115 Squadron RAF at RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk.

Ian Bazalgette transferred in April 1944 to No 635 Squadron RAF, part of No 8 Group, based at RAF Downham Market in Norfolk.

Ian Bazalgette regained control, but the port inner engine failed and the starboard mainplane was on fire.

Ian Bazalgette ordered the members of his crew who were able to to bail out.

Ian Bazalgette then attempted to bring the burning aircraft to safety by attempting to land the crippled plane near Senantes.

Ian Bazalgette's grave is at Senantes Churchyard, 13 miles northwest of Beauvais, France.