Three crew members of RAF Lancaster ED603 buried in The Netherlands

Members of RAF King's Colour Squadron bear the coffin of Pilot Officers Charles Sprack DFM, Arthur Smart DFM and Raymond Moore. (Photo: Crown Copyright)

A burial service was held at CWGC Workum (Spoordyk) General Cemetery in The Netherlands for three Second World War crew members of Lancaster ED603 on 9 October 2025.

Pilot Officer Charles Sprack DFM, Pilot Officer Arthur Smart DFM, and Pilot Officer Raymond Moore DFM were laid to rest with full military honours 82 years after they were killed in action.

On the night of 12/13 June 1943, their Lancaster took off from RAF Wyton to take part in a bombing raid on Bochum in Germany. During this raid ED603 was hit by flak causing damage. As the damaged plane made its return journey it was intercepted and attacked by a German fighter plane and ED603 crashed with the loss of all seven crew.

The bodies of four crew members were recovered and buried in local cemeteries in The Netherlands, whilst the remaining three men were listed as missing and commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

In 2023 the remains of these three; Pilot Officers Sprack, Smart and Moore were recovered from the wreckage and have been laid to rest alongside two of their fellow crew members in the beautiful cemetery at Workum. DNA was not required as it was possible to establish three bodies were recovered, all three were buried in one coffin with full military honours with members of their families in attendance.

The Reverend Dr (Wing Commander) Philip Wilson leads the burial service. (Photo: Crown Copyright)

Mrs Gail Mccord, Niece of Pilot Officer Smart said:
"Today was closure for the families, it is nice all three crew have been laid to rest together - they flew, served and died together. We would like to thank the RAF King's Colour Squadron for supporting the burial today."

The service was conducted by The Reverend Dr (Wing Commander) Philip Wilson and included readings chosen and delivered by family members. The RAF King’s Colour Squadron provided the bearer party.

Padre Philip Wilson said:
"All of the three Airmen had over 40 sorties in Bomber Command and we have laid to rest young Aviators of valour whose sacrifice won our freedom. It was an emotional farewell."

The service was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), working with the many organisations in The Netherlands who support the National Program for the recovery of aircraft wreckages with missing crew from Second World War.

Avro Lancaster MkIII ED603 crashed into the Ijsselmeer near the village of Markkum in the night of 12/13 June was on the list of aircraft to be recovered under the National Program. The Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations in The Netherlands funds these excavations, and this huge project was covered in a TV documentary which showed the enormity of the task.

Tracey Bowers, MOD (JCCC) said:
“It is lovely so many family members have made the journey to see their relatives laid to rest. Working with the many organisations in The Netherlands is always a pleasure and we are grateful for all the help that has been given to us.”

Head of Commemorations at the Commonwealth War Graves CWGC, Dr James Wallis, said:
"It is an honour for the Commission to have reunited three crew members from Lancaster ED603 with two of their fellow crew historically buried in Workum (Spoordyk) General Cemetery. Enabling adherence to our principle that war dead should, where possible and practical, be buried with their comrades, we are grateful for the support from municipal authorities in making this happen. We will now care for these graves in perpetuity – indeed, today’s ceremony speaks to the shared work of ensuring that those who gave their lives in both world wars continue to be remembered."

Pilot Officer Charles Frederick John Sprack DFM, Pilot Officer Arthur Bertram Smart DFM, Pilot Officer Raymond Edward Moore DFM. (Photos: Crown Copyright)

Pilot Officer Charles Sprack DFM

Pilot Officer Charles Frederick John Sprack DFM was born in Brading on the Isle of Wight to parents Harry Sprack and Dora (nee Reed). His occupation before enlistment was a Metal Worker and he was employed at a ship builders. He enlisted in June 1939 and was described as 5ft 4 inches tall with brown hair and eyes. Charles was 23 years old when he was killed.

Pilot Officer Arthur Smart DFM

Pilot Officer Arthur Bertram Smart DFM was born in Darjiling, West Bengal to parents Carlton Wernicke Smart and Eliza Maud (nee Mallins). His occupation before enlistment was a Fitter and he was employed by Evans & Sons in Portsmouth. He enlisted in July 1938 and was described as 5ft 8 inches tall with brown hair and hazel eyes. He married Doreen Wilmshurst in 1942. Arthur was 29 years old when he was killed.

Pilot Officer Raymond Moore DFM

Pilot Officer Raymond Edward Moore DFM was born in Camberwell, London to parents Edward ‘Ted’ Smart and Ethel Maude (nee Watts). He enlisted in 1938 when only 16 years old and was described as 5ft 5 ¾ inches tall with light brown hair and grey eyes. He married Elizabeth Watson and they had a son called Graham in 1942. Raymond was 21 years old when he was killed.