Bankole Vivour


Bankole Beresford Vivour was a Nigerian-born Royal Air Force bomb crew member.

Early life

Bankole Vivour was born to Garnet Vivour and Sarah Rhodes de Vivour. He lived with his family in Lagos.

Royal Air Force career

His passion for Africa and his knowledge of Germany's actions in Namibia inspired him to join the Royal Air Force during World War II. He left Lagos to join the RAF at 22 years old. He lived in Liverpool and he spent time at the Victoria League Club where he kept up with Nigerian current affairs and enjoyed the company of other west Africans.

World War II

He joined 156 Squadron at the height of the winter offensive of 1943-44. On 24 March 1944 Vivour participated in Bomber Command's main thrust to destroy Berlin.

Death

He took part in the historic air battle in Nuremberg deep in the south of Germany. On 30 March 1944 his squadron took off from their base at RAF Upwood. German night fighters challenged and crushed the squadron's attacking force, resulting in 545 casualties including Sergeant Bankole Vivour. His bomber was shot down over Oberreißen by a night fighter, and all on board died. He was buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery Germany.