Driver Arthur Rowbotham

Arthur Rowbotham was born in May 1917 at Droylsden near Manchester, and he attended the Friezland school, Saddleworth in Yorkshire. On leaving school he worked for the Baker and Confectioners Buckleys of Uppermill. When he was 21 he passed his PSV examination and became a coach driver.

He joined the Royal Army Service Corps on the 15 March 1940.

Driver Rowbotham successfully completed his despatcher training and was posted to 63 (Airborne) Composite Company, Royal Army Service Corps, and took part in Operation Market Garden (Arnhem).

Dvr Rowbotham was in the crew of RAF 271 Squadron, Dakota KG-374, based at Down Ampney. The aircraft was hit by Flak while on a re-supply mission and crashed at Reijerskamp, north of Wolfheze at 15.16 hours on 19 September 1944. The following details appeared in the ‘London Gazette’ of 13 November 1945: “On September 19, 1944, F/Lt Lord was pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to drop supplies to our troops, who were closely surrounded at Arnhem. For accuracy this had to be done at 900 feet. While approaching the target at 1500 feet the aircraft was severely damaged and set on fire. F/Lt Lord would have been justified in withdrawing or even abandoning his aircraft but, knowing that supplies were desperately needed, he continued on his course. Twice going down to 900 feet under very intense fire, he successfully dropped his containers. His task completed, he ordered his crew to abandon the aircraft, making no attempt himself to leave. A few seconds later the aircraft fell in flames, only one of the crew surviving.”

Dvr Rowbotham was killed in action on 19 September 1944, aged 28, and was initially buried along with the other crew members alongside the aircraft. He was re-interred to Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery on 22 August 1945.

Image shows Arthur in uniform taken in 1940-43.

The husband of Alexandra Rowbotham, of Grasscroft, Lancashire, Dvr Rowbotham was killed in action on 19 September 1944, aged 28, and was initially buried along with the other crew members alongside the aircraft. He was re-interred to Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery on 22 August 1945.

He is buried in Oosterbeek CWGC Cemetery, 15. B. 13.

Photo taken of him in uniform circa 1940-43.