Operation: Convoy Patrol

Date: 08th April 1941 (Tuesday)

Unit: No. 232 Squadron

Type: Hurricane I

Serial: V7159

Code: EF-?

Base: RAF Elgin, Morayshire, Scotland

Location: At base RAF Elgin, Morayshire

Pilot: Sgt. John Herbert Allen NZ/40217 RNZAF Age 19. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Returning from a convoy patrol at 03:40 hrs but was requested to circle for 15 minutes whilst a duty pilot and electrician were woken to light the flare path.. On landing the aircraft overshot slightly and bounced heavily which was then thought to have caused a burst tyre whilst braking at high speed.

The aircraft overturned - killing the pilot.

It should be noted from Errol Martyn’s research that this pilot had already completed four daylight and two night sorties over the preceding 20 hours!

The aircraft was repaired and placed back into service.

Burial details:

Sgt. John Herbert Allen. Montrose Cemetery (Sleepyhillock) Sec. 7. Class C. Grave 86. Son of William Henry Allen and of Edith May Allen (née Beach), of Hamilton, Auckland, New Zealand. An experienced pilot with 308 flying hours logged. Tragically the family lost another son, 20 year old, Sgt. Alistair William Allen was killed the following year whilst serving as a pilot with No. 4 Glider Training School. Flying a Hector I K9706 crashed whilst towing a Hotspur II Glider BT505 on the 15th September 1942.

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 Cenotaph, Weekly News of New Zealand, other sources as quoted below:

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon
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