CRYDERMAN, LAWRENCE
Lawrence was the son of Ida Kennedy and Beecher Cryderman. (Beecher was one of the early teacher/principals in the Magnetawan school, and later moved to be a principal in Toronto, but kept a cottage in the area.)
At the time of the 1921 census, the family lived in Toronto.
Lawrence died February 8, 1941 and is buried at Englefield Green, Runnymede, England.
The Royal Canadian Airforce Association wrote:
“41674 F/O Lawrence E. Cryderman, 242 Squadron.
Born in Toronto, Ontario on 08 February, 1941 (sic). On 31st August 1940 Cryderman joined 242 Squadron at Coltishall but when they discovered that he had never flown a Hurricane he was posted to 5 OUT Aston Dowen on 5th February for a conversion course. He joined 242 three weeks later. Cryderman was scrambled in Hurriane IV6823 on 8th February 1941 to search for an enemy aircraft east of Clacton. An attack was made but soon after Cryderman radioed saying he was returning to base but then a further call said that he was landing on the sea. He was not found. He is remembered on Runnymede Memorial Panel 30.
No. 242 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force (RAF) squadron. It flew in many roles during the First World War, Second World War and Cold War. During the Second World War, the squadron was notable for (firstly) having many pilots who were either RCAF personnel or Canadians serving in the RAF – to the extent that it was sometimes known, unofficially, as "242 Canadian Squadron" – and (secondly) for being the first squadron to be commanded by Douglas Bader.
In June 1940 the Squadron moved to RAF Coltishall in eastern England, as part of No. 12 Group RAF and was involved in the Battle of Britain. During this period 242 Squadron moved to RAF Duxford as part of the Duxford Wing, 12 Group's Big Wing formation. In 1941 it started offensive sweeps and bomber escorts and convoy patrols.
Hawker Hurricane IIC wearing the LE Code of the 242 Squadron
