CYRIL JAMES TODD

From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730

As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570

Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.

Born: 18th January 1919, Ipswich.

Died: 28th June 1944; age 25; killed when the aircraft was shot down at Icklingham, Suffolk.

Residence: 53, Ann Street, Ipswich.

Occupation: a Draughtsman at Messrs. Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies Ltd., Orwell Works, Ipswich.

Leading Aircraftman Cyril Todd trained at No.1 British Flying Training School, Terrell, Texas.

Promoted to Sergeant – 11th March 1944.

Rank: Pilot Officer/Pilot; Service Number: 173008

Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 90 Squadron.

Grave Reference:

31. 31.73.

Ipswich Old Cemetery,

Ipswich.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Amos Albert & Esther Todd, of Ipswich; husband of Joan Lilian Todd, of Ipswich.

Father: Amos Albert Todd, born November 1886, Ipswich.

Mother: Esther Todd (nee Buxton), born June 1894, Ipswich.

CENSUS

1921   166, Rose Hill Road, Ipswich.

Cyril was 2 years and 5 months old and lived with his parents and brother.

Amos Tood, an Upholsterer – own account, at 67, Serby Road, Ipswich.

Esther Todd, 27 years old, Home Duties.

Philip Amos Todd, 4 years & 2 months old, born Ipswich.

ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939

Cyril was an Apprentice Draughtsman. He lived with his parents and brothers at the family home – 53, Ann Street, Ipswich.

Amos, Upholsterer – own account. During the Second World War, Amos was a full-time Air Raid Precautions Warden.

Esther, unpaid Domestic Duties.

Philip, a Crane and Mechanicial Labourer.

Aubrey Robert Todd, a Carpenter & Joiner, born July 1921, Ipswich.

In 1942, Ipswich, Cyril married Joan Lilian Hutchinson, born November 1917, Kensington, Middlesex – daughter of William Hutchinson, a corporation labourer, and Alice Maud Hutchinson (nee Baker), of 64, Felix Road, Ipswich.

28th June 1944

Aircraft: Lancaster III; serial number: NE145; Code: WP-D, based at R.A.F. Tuddenham, Suffolk. NE145 took off from R.A.F. Tuddenham, at 23:41hrs, for Operation: Biennais – to bomb the flying bomb site at Etaimpuis-Biennais, Normandy, France. On the return flight, NE145 was attacked by an ME 410 and shot down. The Lancaster crashed at Canada Farm, Icklingham, Suffolk. Leutnant Markan of the 4./KG51, flying at 350 metres, claimed the shooting down of the aircraft at 02:27hrs. All 7 members of the crew were killed.

Crew:

William Alexander Burnett; Sergeant/Wireless Operator/Air Gunner; age 23; R.A.F.V.R.

Robert Jeffrey Ferrans; Sergeant/Navigator; age 24; R.A.F.V.R.

Richard James Travers Hawkes; Flight Sergeant/Air Bomber; age 21; R.A.F.V.R.

Joseph Kenneth Horn; Sergeant/Flight Engineer; age 21; R.A.F.

Cyril Sayer’s photograph courtesy of Lesley Wheeler.

Cyril Thomas Sayer; Sergeant/Air Gunner; age 20; R.A.F.V.R.

Douglas James Smith; Sergeant/Air Gunner; age 19; R.A.F.V.R.

Cyril is also remembered by Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies with entrance gates, dedicated in May 1958, at Ransomes Sports’ Centre, Sidegate Avenue, Ipswich, and the war memorial at St. Augustine of Hippo Church, Ipswich.

1944 Ipswich Evening Star newspaper