Norman Kenneth Millard was born in the Marylebone area of London in the summer of 1920 to parents Walter Douglas and Lily Evlyn Millard (nee Jones).  Norman’s family later moved to Thame and live at 92 High Street.

Norman joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve in 1940 in London and trained as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.  He was based at 28 OTU, RAF Wymeswold in Leicestershire which flew Wellington bombers training aircrew.

Norman was a member of the crew of Wellington 1C R1223 which took off at 15:30 from Wymeswold for night flying practice on 6th December 1942.

At 19.40 the bomber was seen on approach to the runway but before reaching the threshold it veered off the centre line and the throttles were advanced in order to go round again.  While doing so, the Wellington crashed some three miles NE of Loughborough.  Sgt Millard was killed in the accident, age 22.

Twenty-four hours after the crash, Sgt Loyd died from his terrible injuries.  Along with Sgt Millard, he is buried in Burton-on-the-Wolds cemetery.  The other crew members were Flt Sgt R M Williams and Sgt F R Page, both of whom survived.

1380773 Sergeant WOp/Air Gunner Norman Kenneth Millard, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve is buried in Burton­on­the­Wolds Burial Ground, Burton­on­the-Wolds, Leicestershire. He is remembered on the St Mary’s War memorial board.

Thame Gazette 15th December 1942. “It is with the deepest regret that we learned of the death through a flying accident on Sunday week, of Sgt N K Millard, only son of Mr & Mrs W D Millard, of 92 High Street, Thame.  We are sure the townspeople in general will sympathise with the bereaved parents in their sad loss. The funeral took place on Thursday at Burton on the Wolds with full honours.”