REASON FOR LOSS:

Lt. Goffin was a Belgian citizen from Graide in the province of Namur. He was killed in action on 8th September 1944 in Spitfire PRXI MB952, crashing at Reckange-les-Mersch, Luxembourg; a mere 80 kilometers from his place of birth.

We have since been contacted by a researcher from Luxembourg who has researched this loss fully and is also hoping to write a book about it. We also hope to receive other articles from Erny as and when he is able.

GOFFIN died of his wounds while he tried to bring in his "Spit" on Friday, 8th, September 1944 at more or less 11.00 o'clock. His body first was brought to Mersch (Main municipality) and was buried there in the local cemetery behind the church. A few weeks later only, Goffin's body was transported to the American Military Cemetery in Hamm (suburb of Luxembourg-City), where the body remained until 11th of September 1945.

On 12th of September1945 Goffin's body was finally removed to his hometown in Graide (Belgium) and the coffin, offered by the United States of America was first displayed in the entrance hall of his parents' home. In every street of Graide, belgian flags were waving from the houses, on that specific day. The locals payed tribute to their highly appreciated citizen, when the coffin was moved to the nearby church. After the funerals and moving speeches, highlighting GOFFIN's military career and civilian life, he finally was laid to rest in the family grave in Graide.

Erny T. Kohn Luxembourg

Lt. Charles J. J. Goffin

BURIAL DETAILS:

Family grave at Graide, Belgium.

Researched and compiled by Melvin Brownless. January 2014.