The Gazette 4th October 1941 - copied at Gloucester Records Office

Roll of Honour: Flt-Sergt Douglas Garn of Thornbury

Flt-Sergt Douglas Garn of Thornbury, the well known 'Old Thornburian', who was posted as 'missing' in the early summer has now been reported as 'killed in action'.

On gaining his wings he joined the Bomber Command as second pilot in a Whitley bomber, and died in the service of his country, apparently on a raid over Hamburg, as it is near that town that he is believed to be buried. 

Sergt Garn was at Thornbury Grammar School until July 1935 when he gained his first school certificate and cricket colours.  On leaving school he joined the firm of Messrs Moses Smith and Luce and when called up he was on the clerical staff of the Civilian Anti-Gas School.  He was a promising member of the Thornbury Cricket Club and secretary of the Old Thornburian Society.  In the latter capacity he did invaluable work for the Society's activities. when on leave he invariably called at the school and gave descriptions of his training experiences to the older boys - descriptions which were absorbingly interesting and delivered in the modest manner which was one of his characteristics.  the school has lost one of its soundest pupils it ever had and the town a promising young citizen.  The deepest sympathy is felt for his mother, Mrs Garn, in the loss of her only son. 

Airman, rest thy warfare o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking;
Dream of battled fields no more,
Days of danger nights of waking.

Click here to read more about Douglas Garn and his parents