Beavan Pendleton Jenkins

2nd Lieutenant, Royal Air Force

Beavan Pendleton Jenkins studied at Alleyn’s until 1915 and lived at 22 Friern Road, East Dulwich. He joined the war effort as part of the Royal Air Force and served as a 2^nd Lieutenant on the Western Front. During his time overseas, Beavan was an Observer with the RAF and played an important role at the front by providing aerial support and intelligence during major operations. 

He was serving with 103 Squadron RAF (whose role was day bombing and reconnaissance) when his DH9 (Serial Number D3254) was shot down over enemy lines on 16 September 1918. He was the observer, whilst the pilot was Captain Frank Alsager Ayrton. His left leg was badly injured and was in need of amputation. Unfortunately, Beavan later died from the shock of the incident on October 20^th 1918 at a hospital in Aachen. Ayrton survived the crash and was repatriated on 18 December 1918.

Beavan is buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery.

With thanks to Seth Spiers for further information about the plane, which was found using RAF sources at The National Archives.