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.
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.
“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.
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.