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Strakoff, Victor

Date of birth:
January 31st, 1911 (Irkutz, Russia)
Date of death:
July 18th, 1944 (Bisham/Berkshire, Great Britain)
Mentioned on:
Air Forces Memorial Runnymede
Service number:
414432
Nationality:
Australian (1901-present, Federal Monarchy)

Biography

Viktor Starkoff was killed on July 18th, 1944 in Berkshire during the crash with Handley Page Halifax LK974 from No. 578 Squadron. At 0520 hours the aircraft took off for a bombardment mission at Caen, France. During the taking off, the starboard engine caught fire and the aircraft crashed at Bisham, Berkshire. The tail gunner abandoned the aircraft and was the only survivor. The crew concisted of:
Flight Sergeant John Edward Claque (1588531) (Mid Upper Gunner)
Pilot Officer Jan Frederick Fink (176585) (Navigator)
Pilot Officer Lloyde Hinson Hopper (J/86734) (Wireless Operator)
Flight Sergeant Ivor Morgan (1337960) (Air Bomber)
Sergeant Gerald Thomas Nicholson (1523535) (Flight Engineer)
Flight Sergeant H C Sloan (R/194792) (Rear Gunner Baled out, safe)
Flying Officer Victor Starkoff (414432) (Pilot)

Career:
September 14th, 1941: Enlistment RAAF, Brisbane, Queensland;
?: No. 578 Squadron (RAF), RAF Station Burn.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flying Officer
Unit:
No. 578 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 25th, 1946
Citation:
"Flying Officer Starkoff as pilot/captain of aircraft, has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty."
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

Photo