Basic Details Surname RATCLIFFE Forenames George Arthur Gender Male Information stated on memorial War Second World War (1939-1945) Served or died Died Notes Former student at St. Anselms Hall, Manchester University. Pilot of a Stirling aircraft which took off from its base at Downham Market, Norfolk for an operational sortie. Lost his life the same night when his aircraft was shot down. Primary Service As stated on memorial Unit (Primary - Stated) Royal Air Force Sub-unit (Primary - Stated) Not stated on Memorial Rank / Title (Primary - Stated) Pilot Officer Our References Service (Primary - Our reference) Royal Air Force/ Royal Flying Corps Unit (Primary - Our reference) Royal Field Artillery Rank / Title (Primary - Our reference) Pilot Officer Death and Burial details Country of death Germany Town of death Essen Country of burial Not stated on Memorial Town of burial Not stated on Memorial Cemetery Not stated on Memorial Year of death 1943 Month of death March Day of death 5 Manner of death as stated Aircraft was shot down at Essen Manner of death reference Killed in Action