• Kracker Archive
• Allied Losses
• Archiwum Polish
• Paradie Canadian
• RCAF
• RAAF
• RNZAF
• USA
• Searchable Lists
Operation: Training
Date: 30th December 1940 (Monday)
Unit: No. 3 Service Flying Training School
Type: Oxford I
Serial: R6226
Code: None issued
Base: RNZAF Ohakea
Location: Ashhurst, New Zealand
Pilot: LAC Thomas Arthur Hughes Alexander NZ/402154 RNZAF Age 26. Killed
Pilot Inst: Sgt. Rex Brooke-Taylor NZ/439002 RNZAF Age 25. Killed (1)
REASON FOR LOSS:
Not a loss due to conflict, however we are committed to report as many training losses as we are able - with NZ losses research made possible by the work of Errol Martyn.
The aircraft took off from the base to carry out a cross country flight using instruments. At 07:45 hrs was seen to lose height at 100 ft and to carry out a steep left hand turn at high speed.
It then hit power lines and hit a two-storey townhouse near Ashurst. The aircraft came to rest finally some 150 yards further on from the building. Both the student and instructor pilot were killed but incredibly none of the house occupants suffered any injuries. a nurse and four of the Kebbell children of Mr. C.M. Kebbell had vacated the building just ten minutes prior to the accident.
(1) The family of Sgt. Rex Brooke-Taylor suffered the loss of his younger brother, P/O. Keith Brooke-Taylor on the 07th April 1940 -further details described here.
Burial details:
LAC Thomas Arthur Hughes Alexander. Auckland Cemetery ( Waikumete). Ang. Block H, Row 10, Grave 27. Son of Dr. William Arthur Alexander and Mrs. Alexander, of Maunganui, Auckland, New Zealand.
Sgt. Rex Brooke-Taylor. Wellington Cemetery (Karori) Grave 21. A/3. (S). Son of Roydon and Ida Winifrid Brooke-Taylor, of Wellington City and husband of Olive Clarence Brooke-Taylor, of Wellington City, New Zealand.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to the research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Weekly News of New Zealand, other sources as quoted below:
KTY 30.03.2019
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
All site material (except as noted elsewhere) is owned or managed
by Aircrew Remembered and should not be used without prior
permission.
© Aircrew Remembered 2012 - 2025
Last Modified: 01 May 2022, 11:29