RAF Coastal Command fatality - The Gambia 11/11/43.

[JJENG]

A lady acquaintance has shown me an excellent poem written about Coastal Command experiences by Sergeant Ivor Rudder-Smith (Service No, 1333652), who she knew before his death during WW2.  I have told her that the CWGC website says he died 11/11/1943 (age 20) and is buried in the Fajara War Cemetary, The Gambia.  Research indicates there are a number of men from 200 Squadron, Coastal Command buried there, but an online Squadron diary makes no mention of incidents around that date. Has anyone access to Liberator or other Coastal Command aircraft crash dates that may help with more detail to satisfy my curious nature?
Any help appreciated.     

[kyt]

http://www.rafcommands.com/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=printer_format&om=15990&forum=DCForumID6

Catalina IB - 302 FTU* - FP122
Ferry flight, overturned on landing at Bathurst, Gambia.
killed:
F/O J.R. MOORE - 128598
Sgt L. LAMBOURNE - 1651781
F/O E. LISTER - 138445
F/Sgt D. WALSH - 1388187
Sgt R. HALLOWS - 1092047
Sgt I.R.A. RUDDER-SMITH - 1333652
Sgt A.E. MORTLEY - 1270606
Sgt P.I. DURSLEY - 1317925
Sgt G F W STEPHENS

* Ferry Training Unit

K

[JJENG]

KYT - Many thanks for taking the trouble to expedite the information and link, which completes the story for the lady who worked with Ivor Rudder-Smith in Newbury, Berks before he enlisted in 1940.  I am keeping a copy of the poem (from 1941 about the boredom of patrols in a Catalina over the Atlantic, but how glad he was that he wasn't posted to Bomber Command) and the information about him in the flyleaf of my 'Coastal Command at War' book as a tribute to a brave young man.
Thanks again - John.

[Jamesroger]

John,
I've just seen your post.  My wife's step mother is Mary Rudder-Smith, youngest sister of Ivor. I'm sure she would be very interested in seeing Ivor's poem.  Could you post a copy or email it to me?
Many thanks,
Roger

[JJENG]

Hello Roger,

I am more than happy to email or post the poem to you if you wish to provide your email or postal address.

I recall the lady who had the poem saying that Ivor, in his RAF uniform, called into the office where he had previously worked, to renew acqaintance with her and his former workmates and gave her the poem.

How sad that he died at such as young age.

Regards,
John

[Jamesroger]

John,
.

Are you still in touch with the lady who gave you the poem?

Many thanks
Roger