• Kracker Archive
• Allied Losses
• Archiwum Polish
• Paradie Canadian
• RCAF
• RAAF
• RNZAF
• USA
• Searchable Lists
Operation: Not known
Date: 31st May 1940 (Friday)
Unit: No. 605 Squadron. 13 Group (motto: Nunquam Dormio - I Never Sleep')
Type: Hurricane I
Serial: L2117
Code: UP-R
Base: RAF Diem, East Lothian, Scotland
Location: North of Folkestone, England
Pilot: P/O. Antonio Simmons Dini 40609 RAF Age 22. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Taking off from RAF Hawkinge but immediately suffered engine failure - the pilot attempted to force land his Hurricane but at low altitude the aircraft trolled over and dived into a road some 6 miles north of Folkestone.
It is thought possible that the young New Zealand pilot may have been overcome by glycol fumes. Unknown why he was still at Hawkinge as the Squadron had moved to Scotland 3 days earlier.
An experienced fighter pilot with 5 claimed as destroyed plus a further 2 shared. 2 others damaged. (various publications differ on this).
Burial details:
P/O. Antonio Simmons Dini. Hawkinge Cemetery. Plot O. Row 1. Grave 3. Born on the 17th January 1918 at Christchurch, the son of Pietro Antonio Dini and of Minnie Florence Dini (nee Moorhouse), of Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. Mechanic prior to enlisting.
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 25.07.2019
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: 12 March 2021, 20:22