Arnošt Valenta

Ernst Valenta, original version of name "Arnost", Flt/Lt 82532RAF, PoW No 415, murdered by Gestapo late March 1944, following mass escape from Sagan (today Zagan in Poland). Reported he was amongst early pairs of escapers from tunnel - March 24,1944. Recaptured in Gorlitz area & last seen alive Mar 31, 1944 amongst group of ten RAF officers in the charge of Oberreigierungsrat Scharpwinkel.

Last flown Vickers Wellington Mk.IC, operated by RAF 311 Sqn.Registration: L7842 Departure airport: East Wretham, Airborne 1806 6Feb41 for mission to Boulogne. Force-landed, & captured intact, location not established. The Wellington was later flown by the Luftwaffe at it its Experimental & test Facility at Rechlin.

Other crew: P/O 82541 F. Cigos RAF PoW No.402. Sgt 787198 P. Uraba RAF PoW No.450. P/O 82588 E. Busina PAF PoW No.401. Sgt 787232 G. Kopal RAF PoW No.441. P/O 82903 K. Krizek RAF PoW No.407.