Operation: Training

Date: 24th November 1943 (Wednesday)

Unit: No. 2 Flying Instructors School. 21 Group

Type: Miles Master II

Serial: AZ333

Code: -

Base: RAF Montrose, Angus, Scotland

Location: Tipperweir, Scotland

Pilot: F/O. Robert Henry James Fernandes 124160 RAFVR

Pilot: Fl/Sgt. Brydon Albert Burton NZ/42178 RNZAF Age 21. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Taking off at 09:30 hrs on a low level cross country exercise. AZ333 failed to return.

7 months later on the 11th July 1944 the wreck of the Master was found by a shepherd on the 1440 foot hill of Tipperweir. At 14:30 hrs a message from Fl/Lt. Taylor based at RAF Fordoun, Aberdeenshire reported that an old crash site had been found. Fl/Lt. Duff and 2 orderlies proceeded to the scene. They returned at 21:30 hrs with the two bodies.

Th aircraft had dived in at a steep angle into the cloud covered hill and exploded. Wreckage was found in two areas 100 metres apart.

Above and below crash site today (Courtesy Glen Nelson at Highland Dancing)

Burial and personal details:

They were both buried on the 15th July 1943

F/O. Robert Henry James Fernandes. Montrose Cemetery (Sleepy hillock). Sec. 2. Class C. Grave 20. From Ismaila, Egypt. Gained a degree as a Batchelor of Philosophy at the University of Monypelier and a Sciences General's at Glenoble University in France. He reached England via Gibraltar from Marseilles in June 1940. Applied to join the RAF but was first turned down as he could not speak English. This he overcame and he enlisted in April 1941 speaking perfect English.

Fl/Sgt. Brydon Albert Burton. Montrose Cemetery (Sleepy hillock). Sec. 2. Class C. Grave 13. Born on the 06th April 1922 at Newmarket, Auckland. Prior to service worked as a driver for Cathie and Sons of Wellington. After spending 2 years with the NZ territorial army he enlisted in the RNZAF at Hobsonville on the 10th January 1942 as aircrafthand. Remustered as a pilot under training on the 27th July 1942. Pilots badge awarded on the 13th February 1943 and promoted to sergeant on the 09th April 1943. Embarked for England on the 24th April 1943. Joined No. 2 Flying Instructors School on the 27th October 1943 from No. 7 Advanced Flying Unit. Son of Albert William and Doris Rhoda Burton (née Mason) of Wellington and later Auckland, New Zealand. A total of 355 flying hours logged with 32 solo on the Master.

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, Glen Nelson at Highland Dancing, AWMM, RAF Commands Forum, 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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