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This morning, Westbourne School had the honor of hosting Mr. Ken Organ, who delivered a captivating assembly to our Junior School pupils about the pivotal role his father, Flying Officer Kenneth William Organ, played in the success of D-Day. Mr. Organ’s visit was a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during World War II, including his father, a distinguished Westbournian.
Flying Officer Kenneth William Organ, an alumnus of Westbourne School from 1929 to 1934, was a hero of the Royal Air Force who lost his life at the age of 24, just before his son was born. At school, Kenneth was a key player for the cricket 1st XI and exemplified the values of conscientiousness, respect, thoughtfulness, and helpfulness. His blazer, proudly displayed in our Junior School, serves as a testament to his enduring legacy.
During a crucial weather forecasting sortie, Kenneth and his crew gathered vital intelligence that led to the postponement of D-Day from June 5th to June 6th, a decision that ultimately saved thousands of lives during the Normandy invasion. This decision is noted in Kenneth’s 1944 diary, where he crossed out his D-Day entry for June 5th and replaced it with June 6th.
Mr. Organ detailed his father’s postings, which included Coastal Command in Scotland, Malta with 69 Squadron in 1942, and Devon with 172 Squadron at RAF Chivenor. Kenneth carried out torpedo attacks on Axis shipping and anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic. Tragically, while on weather forecasting duties with 518 Meteorological Squadron, his aircraft collided with another in bad weather over the Atlantic, resulting in the loss of 16 men.
In honor of his father’s service, Mr. Organ was presented with the Headmaster’s Colours Tie awarded only for acts that are genuinely outstanding, from Westbourne School. As the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Mr. Organ plans to lay a wreath at the memorial at Tiree Airport, honoring his father and the other aircrew members who perished. Mr. Organ will take the Headmasters Colour’s Tie and lay it at the memorial. His heartfelt message to our pupils highlighted the bravery, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom.
Mr. Organ’s visit was an inspiring and educational experience, reminding us of the profound connections between our school’s history and the broader narrative of World War II. The Westbourne community is proud to honour the legacy of Flying Officer Kenneth William Organ and grateful for the opportunity to learn from his son’s moving tribute.
“He has not even seen you, he
Who gave you your mortality;
And you, so small, how can you guess
His courage, or his loveliness?
Yet in my quiet mind I pray
He passed you on the darkling way –
His death, your birth, so much the same –
And holding you, breathed once your name.”
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