Operation: Training

Date: 14th August 1942 (Friday)

Unit: No. 55 Operational Training Unit. 81 Group

Type: Hurricane I

Serial: V6857

Code: -

Base: RAF Annan, Dumfrieshire

Location: Longtown Airfield, Cumberland

Pilot: Sgt. Derek Richard Sidney Dixon NZ/413822 RNZAF Age 20. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

During aeronautical and spinning practice made a downwind aileron turn at 1900 pulled out at about 4000 ft rolled over and spun into the ground and caught fire near Longtown Airfield. It is thought that he blacked out after the aileron turn when the control appeared to have been lost.

Burial and personal details:

Sgt. Derek Richard Sidney Dixon. Annan Cemetery. Sec. R. Extn. 2. Grave 30. Born on the 14th November 1921 at Auckland. Worked as a land agent for John Grey of Auckland prior to service. Joined the RNZAF as a trainee pilot on the 06th July 1941. After training with No. 4 Elementary Flying School and later at No.3 Flying training School awarded his pilots badge on the 08th November 1941 and promoted to sergeant on the 20th December 1941. Embarked for England on the 20th January 1942 and joined 55 Operational Training Unit on the 09th June 1942. Son of Lionel Marmaduke and Dorothy Eleanor Dixon (nee Webber), of Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand.

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

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