Operation: Training

Date: 24th March 1942 (Tuesday)

Unit: No. 66 Squadron (10 Group) Motto: Cavete praemonui- "Beware, I have warned")

Type: Spitfire Vc

Serial: AB462

Code: LZ-W

Base: RAF Portreath, Cornwall

Location: Frythens Farm, St Erth, Cornwall

Pilot: Sq/Ldr. Daniel Edward Cremin 36128 RAF Age 25. Killed (see note)

Pilot: Sgt. William David Norman AUS/404315 RAAF Age 25. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

After taking off at 21:20 hrs and during a night formation flying exercise Sgt. Norman flying Spitfire AB496 is reported to have collided with AB462 whilst trying to form up. It was reported that both aircraft had their navigations lights on during this period. Both aircraft crashed at 21:55 hrs at location shown.

Cause was determined that Sgt. Norman was too inexperienced to carry out this procedure at night.

Note: In June 2017 a local chap using a metal detector, discovered the crash area and uncovered human remains. He contacted the authorities who took over the investigation. After DNA tests with the assistance of the son, Dr. Mark Cremin it was discovered that the remains were indeed that of Sq/Ldr. Cremin. Following the required inquest held in Cornwall, the cause was listed as accident. In November his remains were then placed in his original grave at Wardour Roman Catholic Cemetery in Wiltshire.

Burial details:

Sq/Ldr. Daniel Edward Cremin. Wardour Roman Catholic Cemetery. Grave 191. Born in Sydney in 1917, the husband of Patricia Whitmore. Grave inscription reads: "He Left The Vivid Air Signed With His Honour R.I.P".

Sgt. William David Norman. Illogan Churchyard (St. Illogan). Row 1. Grave 14. Born on the 20th September 1916 at Melbourne, the son of William David and Alice Mabel Norman, of 138 Kitchen Road, Ascot, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Grave inscription reads: "Tell England He Died For Her And Here He Lies - Content".

For further details our thanks to the sources shown below.