Pilot Officer James McFadyenPrint Page 
The plaque commemorates Pilot Officer McFadyen, the Hahndorf`s band side drummer, who joined the band in 1939 and played with them for two years before enlisting. He was a Spitfire pilot and his aeroplane was shot down as he returned home from his final mission in December 1944.
Although he tried to land safely he crashed and his remains were reported to have been found in Belgium.
Location
| Address: | 15 Balhannah Road, Hahndorf Town Band, Hahndorf, 5245 |
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| State: | SA |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -35.027394 Long: 138.812564 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
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| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Military |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 08-December-1944 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 08-December-1944 |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Saturday 25th April, 2009 |
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Hahndorf Town Band
Commemorating the supreme sacrifice of a Hahndorf Town Band member
James Joseph Alexander McFayden
James (Jimmy) joined tge band on 13th July 1939, at he age of 19, while residing at River Road, Hahndorf. Known for his very likeable and `happy go lucky` nature, he loved playing with the band, and was a side drummer until his enlistment two years later.
After training in Canada, Jimmy`s role as a `Spitfire` pilot from his base in England, included accompanying the aircraft bombers on their raids over Germany. On the return from his final mission, he was shot down over Dunkirk., France.
He tried to land safely, but unfortunately never made it home. His remains were reportedly found in Belgium. Over 60 years later, his sister Dawn was able to clearly recall the family receiving the news of her brother`s death, after commencing the planning of his home coming celebrations
Pilot Officer James Joseph Alexander McFayden
Unit : 126 Squadron RAF
Service : RAAF Date of enlistment : 16 August 1941
Service Number : 416688 Next of kin : Merle McFayden
Date of birth : 17 May 1920 Date of death : 8 December 1944
Place of birth : Adelaide, SA Place of death : Holland
Casue of death : Flying battle
Conflict : Second World War, 1939 - 1945
