Gerald Harvey Woodcock

Flight Sergeant (Air Gunner)
Royal Canadian Air Force
Killed in Action – July 30, 1943

Service Summary

Gerald Harvey Woodcock, commonly known as Harvey, was one of three sons of John and Pearl Woodcock who served during the Second World War. He qualified as a Sergeant Air Gunner after graduating and receiving his Air Gunner Wings at Dafoe, Saskatchewan.

He was posted overseas to the United Kingdom in early 1942.

Wartime Experience

After further training in Britain, Harvey joined operational bomber service over enemy-held Europe.

On the night of July 29–30, 1943, he took part in the major Allied bombing raid on Hamburg, Germany, involving 777 aircraft.

Harvey was serving aboard Halifax bomber JB798 of No. 78 Squadron when the aircraft was shot down southwest of Lübeck near Bad Oldesloe, Germany.

He was killed in action on July 30, 1943, at the age of 24.

Several other crew members were also lost.

Commemoration

Harvey is buried in Hamburg, Germany.

His brother Kenneth John Woodcock was later killed in action in 1945.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• War Medal 1939–45