My thanks to Judy Harrington Diamond (SLHS '59) for sending me this obituary from The Houston Chronicle. I didn't know Mr. Elskes, but it sounds like he led a very interesting life. If anyone can tell me more about his WWII experience, I'd like to hear it.
Sidney J. Elskes 92, passed away
in the presence of his family, Tuesday, September 20, 2011. He was a retired Air
Force Lt. Colonel, and a decorated veteran of three wars. In WWII, he was shot down over occupied France, taken in by the French
underground, and escaped into neutral Spain. A long time member of Spring Woods
United Methodist Church where he was active in the Lee Bible Class. He traveled
extensively with his wife Margery and enjoyed fishing and gardening. He was a
dedicated family man and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He was
preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Minnie Elskes. Survived by his
loving wife Margery. Sons: John Elskes and wife Cheryl, Jim Elskes and wife Edee
Harvey. Daughter, Carol Ann Elskes. Step-daughters: Susan Westbrook and husband
Bill, Trish Shands, Peggy Seddon and husband Robert, Deborah Celusniak and
husband Christopher. Grandchildren: Erin, Chris, John Brett, Jimmy, Eric,
Allison, and Austin. Step-grandchildren: Jennifer, Elizabeth, Amanda, Matthew,
Fredrick, Eric, Martin, and Haley. Step-great-granddaughter, Avery. Brother
Monroe Elskes, age 94. And numerous nieces, nephews and other loving relatives
and friends. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, September
23, 2011 at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home, 13102 North Freeway. Funeral
Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Spring Woods
United Methodist Church, 1711 F.M. 1960 West, Houston, Texas. Interment to
follow at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made
to Spring Woods United Methodist Church, or to the charity of your
choice.
2nd Lt. Sidney Elskes was on his second mission with the 379th Bomber Group, 525th Bomber Squadron out of England when his B-17F went down on the 23rd Sept 1943, over occupied France. The mission was to Nantes, and he had been with the squadron as a navigator for only 20 days. Taken in by the French underground, he spent the next 4-5 months being moved across France, moving from one group of the underground to another. He eventually hiked over the Pyrenees into neutral Spain. Others of the crew also escaped, while others were taken as German POWs. He was my beloved uncle.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, this is great info. Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteMy father in law Charles Compton was a bombardier on a B-17 out of Thorpe Abbotts air base in England. The 100th (The bloody 100th) bomb group. He was shot down over North East France on his 3rd. mission and he and the Navigator were the only to survive. This was on Dec. 30th 1943, ten days after my wife was born.
ReplyDeleteHe too with others were taken in by the French underground and in about 4 1/2 mounths made it over the Pyrenees into Spain. He had some great stories and was a true hero.
George Delmar...... Dulles class of 66