Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Family of Bradfield pilot killed in Second World War found




The family of a pilot killed in the war has been found.

On November 22, newburytoday reported how a French historian was searching for descendants of a Bradfield pilot shot down over Northern France in 1940 ahead of a planned memorial service for downed Allied airmen in 2025.

His family has since been located in West Berkshire.

Mark Medley Carter was killed in France in 1940. Credit: Emma Carter
Mark Medley Carter was killed in France in 1940. Credit: Emma Carter

Twenty-seven-year-old flight lieutenant Mark Medley Carter was flying with 3 Squadron RAF when he was shot down in his Hurricane MK1 over France on May 15, 1940.

His granddaughter, Emma Carter – a commercial pilot since 1992 – has now come forward to share her family connection.

Her father, Paul Mark Carter, was born on September 15, 1940 – just four months after his father’s death.

Mark Medley Carter, centre, and his crew. Credit: Emma Carter
Mark Medley Carter, centre, and his crew. Credit: Emma Carter
A letter of condolence to Mr Carter’s family after his death, signed by King George VI. Credit: Emma Carter
A letter of condolence to Mr Carter’s family after his death, signed by King George VI. Credit: Emma Carter

“My mum, Frin Carter, is still with us,” she said. “I have two siblings, Annabelle Abbott, and, Philip Bernard-Carter.

“Eve Carter [Mark Carter’s wife] remarried to James Dunlop.”

She continued: “Mark also had a brother, Henry Carter. Two of his children are still alive, as is his wife.”

Most of her family are based in Bucklebury and Midgham.

Invitation for Mr Carter’s family to attend Buckingham Palace to collect his posthumous DFC. Credit: Emma Carter
Invitation for Mr Carter’s family to attend Buckingham Palace to collect his posthumous DFC. Credit: Emma Carter
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) awarded posthumously to Mr Carter. Credit: Emma Carter
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) awarded posthumously to Mr Carter. Credit: Emma Carter

Mrs Carter shared her plans to visit Merville in Northern France, which she understands is the airstrip her grandfather took off from.

She also said it would be an “honour” to attend the planned memorial service in France in April 2025.

Mark Carter is buried in Maubeuge.

He is among 116 Allied airmen killed on Sambrian and Avesnois soil – including 71 British.



Comments | 0
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More