Algemene begraafplaats van Aardenburg

The Aardenburg General Cemetery is a municipal cemetery located in the Dutch city of Aardenburg in the province of Zeeland. It is situated approximately 250 meters southeast of the Sint-Bavo Church.

Within the cemetery, you'll find a section containing 7 graves of British soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War. These brave individuals were part of the crew of a Lancaster bomber that was shot down during the night of May 11th to 12th, 1944. The crew consisted of 4 British, 2 Canadian, and 1 Australian members. They were part of a squadron assigned to bomb a railway network near Leuven. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission takes care of their resting places, which are officially recorded at Aardenburg General Cemetery.

Text of the seven stones from left to right read: 

1st stone 
1193544 Flight Sergeant 
D. Clough 
wireless operator / air Gunner 
Royal Air Force 
12th may 1944 age 21 

The Lord is my Shepherd 

2nd stone 
Sergeant 1094980 
H. Dewhurst 
air Gunner 
Royal Air Force 
12th may 1944 age 23 

At evening dear Harold 
A Longing for you 
steals into our hearts. 
Mother & Family 

3rd stone 
Pilot Officer 
D.I. Gage 
air bomber 
Royal Canadian Air Force 
12th may 1944 

4th stone 
419311 Flight Sergeant 
H. M. Hewett 
Royal Australian Air Force 
12th may 1944 age 21 

His duty nobly done 
Ever remembered 

5th stone 
Flying Officer 
A. E. Irving 
navigator 
Royal Canadian Air Force 
12th may 1944 age 23 

"Thy purpose Lord,
we cannot see
but all is well
that’s done by thee"

6th stone 
1584169 Sergeant
F.C. Riley
flight engineer
Royal Air Force
12th may 1944

7th stone 
flight lieutenant 
D. Warren 
pilot 
Royal Air Force 
12th may 1944 age 20 

He gave his life 
That we might live in peace. 
Sleep on, dear son, 
until we meet