Operation: Training

Date: 05th April1945 (Thursday)

Unit: No. 595 Squadron

Type: Spitfire

Serial: ?

Base: RAF Aberporth, West Wales.

Location: As above.

Pilot: Fl/Lt. John Peter Vickery 131532 RAFVR Age 24. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Reports say that he was killed in a flying accident on the afternoon of Thursday April 5th 1945 on landing at Aberporth. On approach one of his wings struck the Methodist Chapel in Blaenannerch, adjacent to the runway. A wing was struck off and the plane cartwheeled, ending upside down in a field, burning furiously.

It has been assumed that he was landing into the setting sun and glare impeded his visibility. His body was brought home to Sanderstead and buried in the Church cemetery extension. The CO of 595 squadron was present and floral tributes from the Officers and Sergeants mess were received. An obituary was in the Croydon Advertiser.

Burial Details:

Fl/Lt. John Peter Vickery. Sanderstead (All Saints) Churchyard Extension. Row H. Grave 67. Son of Arthur Ernest and Sarah Jane Vickery, of Sanderstead, Croyden, London, England.

Further details: John was born on 8th March 1921 in Wandsworth. His father was a police detective. John was educated at Selsdon School and Clark’s College Croydon.

Enlisted in January 1941 - in October was sent for training at Maxwell Field Alabama USA. Commissioned to Pilot Officer on 7th September 1942 and assigned to general duties and became an instructor at Gunter Field FTS Alabama. Attached to Training Group 3 and 31 Squadron.

Returned to England on 16th November 1943. In June 1944 he was posted to the Mediterranean Allied Air Force and took part in operations with 43 squadron. On return to the U.K. they were posted to RAF Aberporth in Wales.

Researched by Brian Roote for Aircrew Remembered and dedicated to friends/relatives of the pilot.