Canada, Commonwealth. A Second War Memorial Cross to Flight Sergeant Karstens, KIA 1944

A Memorial Cross, in silver, reverse engraved J-92361 P.O. W.O.A.G. W. R. KARSTENS R187513, the 6 o’clock arm is marked LACKIE and STERLING, full size, with crown suspension bearing STERLING mark on reverse and horizontal pin, dark patina, remains better than very fine. 

Footnote: William Russell Karstens was born in November 1921, in Windsor, Ontario. He enlisted in the R.C.A.F on August 24, 1942, leaving his position as a telephone installer with Bell. He completed the pre-aircrew education course at McGill University, successfully qualifying for the category of Aircrew. 

Karstens served with 419 B “Moose” Squadron in an Avro Lancaster KB745. On August 10-11, 1944, he participated in an oil depot raid at La Pallice. The plane was attacked by a JU-88, but no damage was claimed. 

On October 4, 1944, the aircraft was involved in a U-boat Pens bombing mission to Bergen, Norway. The Lancaster KB745 crashed on the side of Mount Cheviot at Goldscleugh near Rothbury, Northumb. The wreckage was found the next day by a young shepherd, Basil Oliver, as the older shepherds were at a flock market at Rothbury. The crash site suggested that the crash occurred on the return trip from the mission, when for reasons unknown they veered 11 miles off their intended course.

The crew were: F/O G R Duncan (pilot, aged 21, died), F/O W G Layng (navigator, aged 21, died), P/O J W F Hall (flight engineer, aged 20, died), F/O A Gaddess (bomb aimer, aged 21, died), F/S W R Karstens (wireless operator, aged 22, died), F/O D A Trott (air gunner, aged 19, died), P/O T B Tierney (rear gunner, aged 22, died). 

A letter to Karsten’s mother, from D.C. Hagerman, DFC, Wing Commander of the 419 Squadron states: 

“It is with great regret that I write to give you what information we have regarding the most unfortunate death of your son, Sergeant Wililam Russell Karsens, on October, 4th, 1944, on his return from an operational flight. 

He took off on this occasion to attack a target in the enemy occupied territory and apparently on the return home, in conditions of poor visibility and low cloud, had the misfortune to crash on a hillside. All of the crew were instantly killed. 

Your son was buried with full military honours in the R.C.A.F plot at Stonewall Cemetery, Harrogate, in Grave no. 17A, Section G. The remainder of his crew, with one exception, are interred beside him. Photographs of the ceremony were taken and, as soon as these come to hand, copies will be sent to you. 

Your son took part in four attacks on the enemy during the six weeks he was with us. He was a very cheerful lad, particularly keen and apt in his work and certainly became very popular with all members of the Squadron during his short stay. I can assure you that we miss his cheery smile very badly.“

Karstens is buried in the Stonefall Cemetery, Wetherby Road, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England. 

While the majority of secondary sources show Karstens as a Pilot officer, his personnel record indicates his rank was Flight Sergeant at the time of his death.