Operation: Training
Date: 10th April 1944
Unit: 1653 HCU (Heavy Conversion Unit)
Type: Stirling I
Serial: BF397
Coded: - K
Location: RAF Chedburgh, Suffolk
Pilot: Fl/Lt. A.M.F. Alexander RNZAF (Instructor)
Pilot: F/O. S.G.W. Stokes RAFVR (Trainee)
Fl/Eng: Sgt. R.A. Partridge RAFVR
Nav: F/O. W.A. Airey RAFVR
W/Op/AirGnr: F/O. A.M. Rattray RCAF
W/Op/AirGnr: Sgt. E.R. Bradbury RAFVR
Air/Gnr: Sgt. J.F. Wilson RCAF
Air/Gnr: Sgt. E.G. Cooper RAFVR
REASON FOR LOSS:
There were thousands of accidents during the war years - many of which are dont appear anywhere. This is just one of the many with no resulting injuries to the crew, unlike so many others.
Took-off from RAF Chedburgh in Suffolk, England for circuits and landings. (crew No. 80, course No. 17.)
Bounced on landing at circa 14.50 hrs, with the trainee pilot at the controls, and promptly began to swing in the prevailing crosswind. Fl/Lt. Alexander RNZAF took over but was unable to check the swing before making contact with the runway for a second time, whereupon the wheels folded, no one was to badly hurt.
Over the next three hours, salvage workers concentrated on clearing the runway of the wreck.
For further details our thanks to the following, Bill Chorley - 'Bomber Command Losses Vol's. 1-9, plus ongoing revisions', Aircrew Remembered archives.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
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Last Modified: 06 July 2014, 10:13