Archive Report: Allied Forces

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05th May 1944 12 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit Blenheim I L1224 F/O. Abbott

Operation: Weather Test

Date: 05th May 1944 (Friday)

Unit: No. 12 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit - 21 Group

Type: Blenheim I

Serial: L1224

Code: -

Base: RAF Spitalgate, Lincolnshire

Location: Hough-on-the-Hill, Lincolnshire

Pilot (Ins): F/O. Clifford Wilmore Abbott NZ/414570 RNZAF Age 26. Killed

PX: Cpl. Stanley Charles Sharp 1212227 RAFVR Age 34. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Taking off at 07:50 hrs to carry out weather test with Cpl. Sharp a fitter, as a passenger.

Whilst at between 3000-5000 ft the aircraft rolled over and dived vertically into the ground.

It is thought that they may have flown into the slipstream of a passing Liberator and that the RAF fitter who was only wearing a lap strap rather than the full harness may have become wedged in the controls.

Burial details:

F/O. Clifford Wilmore Abbott. Cambridge City Cemetery. Grave 13508. Born on the 01st September 1917 at Wellington. Prior to enlisting on the 17th August 1941 he worked as a clerk for Wellington Harbour Board. Son of Clifford and Nellie Abbott (née Matthews, later Doig) of Trentham and husband of Andrea Jean Abbott (née Lambert) of Lyall Bay, Wellington, New Zealand. 1123 flying hours ;logged with at least 430 solo on the Blenheim.

Cpl. Stanley Charles Sharp. Aston Clinton Churchyard (St. Michael) The Son of William and Annie L. Sharp, of Aston Clinton and husband of Doris Sharp, of Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, England. Grave inscription: 'Therefore Be Ye Also Ready: For In An Hour That Ye Think Not Of Man Cometh'.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Jenifer Lemaire and to the extensive research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, Auckland Library Heritage Collection, AWMM, Weekly News of New Zealand, other sources as quoted below:

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