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Service No: 150874
From the National Archives AIR/27/987 145 Squadron ORB
6th Apr 1945 - Killed (JG166)
On return it is presumed that the five bursts of H.A.A. from ADRIA hit FLG.OFF. R.D. FRANKS aircraft at 8000 feet. His engine cut, streamed glycol and finally burst into flames.
In spite of saying he would bale out and after many entreaties to do so by the Leader, he was not seen to do so and it is feared that he went into the sea with his aircraft at M.8060.
06-Apr 1945
FRANKS, RICHARD DEREK (150874); age 20 RAFVR
Fg Off
He was killed whilst flying in Spitfire VIII, JG166 of No 145 Sqn, which burst into flames after being hit by flak near Adria. He is commemorated on the Malta Memorial.
