Diss Family History Group

John Joseph CORBETT, son of William CORBETT (c. 1894- ) and Florence Ellen BREWSTER (c. 1895- ), was born circa 1923. Very little has been found about John’s time in the forces. He is listed on the Bomber Command Losses Database: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Group 3, Squadron 115, Sergeant, 1321331, flying in Avro Lancaster II No. DS630 KO-H, an air gunner. (It may be that the 115 Squadron was based at Little Snoring in Norfolk in August 1943.) John died on 18th August 1943 - It is thought that John died at the time Bomber Command saw major operations, notably the highly significant Operation Hydra (August 17-18) targeting Germany’s secret rocket research at Peenemunde, a costly but successful raid that delayed the V-weapons program. Did he die during this operation? The Commonwealth War Graves Commission grave registration entry for John was “CORBETT, Sgt. JOHN JOSEPH, 1321331. R.A.F. (V.R.). 115 Sqdn. 18th August, 1943. Age 20. Son of Florence Ellen Corbett and stepson of Richard Alfred Thurston, of South Lopham, Norfolk.”

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Images

Runnymede Memorial (CWGC)

R.A.F. Volunteer Reserve

Further information

John Joseph Corbett (CWGC)
Runnymede Memorial (CWGC)

Notes:

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Last updated: Fri, 16 Jan 2026
CORBETT, John Joseph
Family Historian Individual Narrative John Joseph CORBETT, son of William CORBETT (c. 1894- ) and Florence Ellen BREWSTER (c. 1895- ), was born circa 1923. Very little has been found about John’s time in the forces. He is listed on the Bomber Command Losses Database: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Group 3, Squadron 115, Sergeant, 1321331, flying in Avro Lancaster II No. DS630 KO-H, an air gunner. (It may be that the 115 Squadron was based at Little Snoring in Norfolk in August 1943.) John died on 18 August 1943 - It is tho..... View full FH text (See notes below)
Birth:	1923 : Lambeth, London
Death:	18.08.1843 : Unknown, lost.
Memorial:	France : Runnymede Memorial, Panel 267.
Military:	Very little has been found about John’s time in the forces. He is listed on the Bomber Command Losses Database: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Group 3, 115 Squadron, Sergeant, 1321331, flying in Avro Lancaster II No. DS630 KO-H, an air gunner. (It may be that the 115 Squadron was based at Little Snoring in Norfolk in August 1943.) John died on 18 August 1943 - It is thought that John died at the time Bomber Command saw major operations, notably the highly significant Operation Hydra (August 17-18) targeting Germany’s secret rocket research at Peenemunde, a costly but successful raid that delayed the V-weapons program. Did he die during this operation? The Commonwealth War Graves Commission grave registration entry for John was “CORBETT, Sgt. JOHN JOSEPH, 1321331. R.A.F. (V.R.). 115 Sqdn. 18th August, 1943, Age 20. Son of Florence Ellen Corbett and stepson of Richard Alfred Thurston, of South Lopham, Norfolk.” John is commemorated at Runnymede Memorial - Panel 267.
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