Sat 6/Sun 7 Oct 1945 Special transport flight from Egypt to England. 299 Squadron, RAF (Shepherds Grove, Suffolk - 38 Group) Short Stirling IV LJ668 - took off from Egypt captained by Fg Off C T Dillon, RAF, bound for England, but diverted to Rennes, France, because of high fuel consumption. On entering the circuit difficulties were encountered with radio communication between aircraft and ground, whilst approach to the airfield was hampered by a 200-foot cloud base and inadequate airfield lighting. Although homed on to the correct runway and seen from the ground, the captain could not see the flare path when at 150 feet. He carried out an overshoot, called at 0028 to advise he had only 10 minutes fuel left and immediately crashed while turning to port, and burned out.
The six crew, eight RAF, two Navy and 10 Army passengers died, three New Zealanders being amongst the latter.
Passenger: 822452 Cpl Margery GREENFIELD, NZ WAAC - aged 31.
Margery is buried at Rennes, Ille-et-Vilaine, Bretagne, France Sec. 18. Plot 1. Row B. Grave 4.
Both of Marjorie's siblings were also enrolled in the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Forces:
Frances Ruth Greenfield born 28 Oct 1912- died 17 Jan 2000, service number 71996
John Robert Greenfield born 15 Nov 1919- died 1996, service number 26687
Addition April 2026
Dear Margery -penned by and sung (to the tune of ‘Green Fields of France’) to Margery Greenfield
(service number 822452, NZWAAC) by her cousin Rob Greenfield, April 2026 at her War Commission
graveside in Rennes Eastern Communal Cemetery, Sec 18. Plot 1. Row B. Grave 4. France.
Dear Margery,
Oh, you are the true Greenfield of France.
We’ve come many miles, now we have had the real chance
to honour your life, your service, and your fun
which enabled us Kiwis more peaceful days under the sun.
We’ve come many miles, now we have had the real chance
to honour your life, your service, and your fun
which enabled us Kiwis more peaceful days under the sun.
You did not demur when they made the loud call
for brave hearted Tuis to swoop down in stations of war.
The troops, they did love you, and some proffered a ring,
But you quietly declared you had other songs to sing.
Dear Margery,
Oh, you are the true Greenfield of France,
and the love of your brother-like cousins was very enhanced,
They grieved at their loss, but they were so proud
of the many fine tributes that upon you were endowed.
They remembered the tales of mischief and prank,
and were amazed how you requested the high flying Yank,
to take you air hopping over the Naples Bay
and he quickly replied ‘Swell Honey, that is okay!’
Dear Margery,
Oh, you are the true Greenfield of France,
and you’re laid down below after your last dance.
While this happened a long time ago,
no one will forget the Miss Margery show.
They still write about you in your old school town,
and your cousin Corrinne ensures your memory won’t drown.
Your medals mark a war so loud,
and Margery, we thank you for making us proud.
Dear Margery
Oh, you are the true Greenfield of France.
We say merci and adieu until the next chance.
The world has changed and not always for good,
but the fine Margery spirit remains afloat and forever should.
You did not demur when they made the loud call
for brave hearted Tuis to swoop down in stations of war.
We’ve come many miles, now we have the real chance
to honour your life, your service, and your fun
which enabled us Kiwis more peaceful days under the sun.
