Aircraftman 1st Class Leon Meridith Langton Son of Alfred and Elizabeth Langton, of Codnor, Derbyshire Killed: 10-MAY-1940 Aircraft: Fairey Battle Mk.I Operator: RAF 142 Squadron. AASF Bomber Command 1 Group Registration: L5578 C/n / msn: Airplane damage: Shot down. Location: Petange, 18km SW of Luxembourg - France Phase: En route Nature: Military Departure airport: Berry-au-Bac Destination airport: Berry-au-Bac Crew: 3 Pilot:P/O 41431 Frederick Stanley Laws 22 RAF killed. Obs:Sgt 521994 Robert Finlayson Miller 31 RAF killed. Wop:A/Gnr:AC1 615807 Leon Meredith Langton RAF killed. In the early months of the Second World War, 142 Squadron served with the Advanced Air Striking Force in France and on 10th May 1940, the day the Germans invaded the Low Countries, it gained the 'distinction' of being the first AASF unit to bomb the advancing enemy. The overall British commander, Air Marshal Barratt, acting on his own initiative, orders 32 Fairey Battles from Nos 12, 103, 105, 142, 150, 218 and 226 Squadrons to attack German troops advancing through Luxembourg at noon. As it was impossible to provide fighter escort the bombers were briefed to make a very low approach to target and attack from as little as 250 foot (80 meters) using bombs with a delayed fuse. In a chilling scene-setting series of events, 13 are shot down by mobile anti-aircraft and machine guns. The remainder all suffer damage of some kind. In a second attack during the afternoon, a further 10 Battles from 32 ordered into the air are lost to German fighters and flak. The above information is reproduced with kind permission of http://www.epibreren.com/ww2/raf/index.html Many thanks to Gill hall for the following info. RIPLEY & HEANOR NEWS 18th AUG 1947 CROSS HILL AIRMAN Missing since 1940 The following official message has been received by Mr and Mrs A. Langton, of 32 Cross Hill, with regard to their youngest son Sergt L. M. Langton affectionately known as "Jack" who was reported missing while serving with the R.A.F. which he joined at the age of 19 years. "It is with sad hesitation that I refer. After so long an interval to the sad loss of your son Sergt I.M. Langton, but no doubt, you would wish to know that our missing research and enquiry service have located his grave No 27 in the village cemetery of La Madelaine. This cemetery lies on the France - Luxembourg frontier. He is buried next to the other two members of his crew. The grave will be suitably nscribed and registered, and no doubt, in due course you will receive a photograph of it. It is hoped that the knowledge of your son's final resting place, belated though it is. maybe of some comfort to you in your great loss".