South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 04 April 1942

Sergeant Jack Oldknow (21), a pilot in the R.A.F., youngest of seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Oldknow, of 63, Cemetery Road, Hemingfield, is reported missing. The message states that he was carrying out a flight which necessitated his flying over the sea, and it is presumed that during this flight the aircraft became Involved In an accident.

The message adds: “It is considered essential to await further supporting evidence, and in the absence of such evidence not to presume death.”

Sergt. Oldknow has been keenly interested in flying for some years and joined the R.A.F. two years ago. He attended the village school at Hemingfield, where he gained a County Minor Scholarship and afterwards was at Wath Grammar School.

For a time he worked for a builder at Jump, but at the time of enlisting as a volunteer he was employed at a Sheffield foundry as a joiner. He was formerly attached to the Sunday School at Hemingfield Methodist Church. He has a sister In the A.T.S.

From C.W.G.C.:

SERGEANT JACK OLDKNOW
Service Number: 1108940
Regiment & Unit/Ship: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Date of Death: Died 25 March 1942

Age 20 years old

Buried or commemorated at RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, Panel 90.

Additional Info
Son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Oldknow, of Hemingfield, Yorkshire.