Frank Sydenham, 73 sqn, 1940 (1 Viewer)

[Hugh Smethurst]

Hello, I wonder if anyone has any information on P/O Frank Sydenham which they would be prepared to share please? I believe I have most of what is publicly available through books and the National Archive (though would be happy to be proved wrong) and would particularly welcome any non-official sources, eg letters, newspaper cuttings, logbook entries etc.
Sydenham was a new pilot on the Hurricane, was rushed out to France to join 73 Sqn on 13 May 40, and was killed less than 2 weeks later having been shot down probably by Rolf Pingel, by then already an accomplished ace. Sydenham seems to have left little trace despite paying the ultimate price, and I would love to fill out what little is known about him.
Thanks very much

 

[Nat]

Hello, I wonder if anyone has any information on P/O Frank Sydenham which they would be prepared to share please? I believe I have most of what is publicly available through books and the National Archive (though would be happy to be proved wrong) and would particularly welcome any non-official sources, eg letters, newspaper cuttings, logbook entries etc.
Sydenham was a new pilot on the Hurricane, was rushed out to France to join 73 Sqn on 13 May 40, and was killed less than 2 weeks later having been shot down probably by Rolf Pingel, by then already an accomplished ace. Sydenham seems to have left little trace despite paying the ultimate price, and I would love to fill out what little is known about him.
Thanks very much

Hello Hugh,
Frank Sydenham was my Dad's cousin. My father rediscovered his grave some years ago as it was unknown where he was buried. My Dad could not find him as his aunt remarried Axel Inigo Hansen and my Dad assumed that Cousin Frank's surname was Hansen, whereas it was Sydenham, the name of her first husband.
Having found the grave some years ago, my mum and Dad visited Chufilly Roche several times, sent wreaths in November and corresponded with the Maire until age and infirmity caught up with them.
My Dad did some research into Frank's life and untimely death, but I am away from home at the present time and do not have it to hand. I think his search story was published in The Scotsman and a couple of other papers.
I was just doing some research and came across your post.
So gone, but not quite forgotten. RIP Frank Sydenham.
Best wishes, Nat

 

[Hugh Smethurst]

Hello Hugh,
Frank Sydenham was my Dad's cousin. My father rediscovered his grave some years ago as it was unknown where he was buried. My Dad could not find him as his aunt remarried Axel Inigo Hansen and my Dad assumed that Cousin Frank's surname was Hansen, whereas it was Sydenham, the name of her first husband.
Having found the grave some years ago, my mum and Dad visited Chufilly Roche several times, sent wreaths in November and corresponded with the Maire until age and infirmity caught up with them.
My Dad did some research into Frank's life and untimely death, but I am away from home at the present time and do not have it to hand. I think his search story was published in The Scotsman and a couple of other papers.
I was just doing some research and came across your post.
So gone, but not quite forgotten. RIP Frank Sydenham.
Best wishes, Nat

Hi Nat, thank you so much for this. Could you pm me through the site's system? Hugh