LEST WE FORGET
Leading Aircraftman Geoffrey Ian EVERIST
Service No: 414545
Born: Brisbane QLD, 6 February 1923
Enlisted in the RAAF: 12 October 1941
Unit: No. 5 Air Observers School (RCAF)
Died: Aircraft Accident (No. 5 Air Observers School Anson aircraft 6215), Manitoba, 1 July 1942, Aged 19 Years
Buried: Winnipeg (Brookside) Cemetery, Manitoba
CWGC Additional Information: Son of William Allen Everist and Mary Emily Everist, of Toowong, Queensland, Australia
Roll of Honour: Brisbane QLD
Remembered: Panel 133, Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT
At 2230 hours on the 1 July 1942, Anson 6215 took off at Stevenson airport, Winnipeg, on a routine night navigation exercise. There were 13 other aircraft on the same exercise. The cloud ceiling was 12,000 feet or higher and visibility 15 miles. Radio communication was maintained with Anson 6215 throughout the flight, but after 2310 hours nothing was heard. All the other aircraft returned, and reported turbulent air and rain had been encountered. A search for the overdue aircraft was mounted at daybreak and on 3 July the wreck was located. It had crashed seven miles north east of Marchand, Manitoba, and all on board had lost their lives.
The crew members of 6215 were:
Mr A L Compton (Pilot) (Civilian)
Leading Aircraftman Geoffrey Ian Everist (414545) (Trainee Navigator)
Leading Aircraftman Vincent Edward Jarvis (414569) (Trainee Navigator)
References:
Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour On-Line Records (RAAF Casualty Information compiled by Alan Storr (409804))
Commonwealth War Graves Commission On-Line Records
Department of Veterans’ Affairs On-Line WWII Nominal Roll
National Archives of Australia On-Line Record A705, 163/126/104