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Operation: Training
Date: 16th August 1940 (Friday)
Unit: No. 5 Operational Training Unit
Type: Defiant I
Serial: L7010
Base: RAF Aston Down, Gloucester.
Location: Kilve Beach, St. Audries, Somerset
Pilot: Sgt. John Draper Gwynne 742137 RAFVR Age 20. Killed
W/Op/Air/Gnr: Sgt. William Campbell Munro 755916 RAFVR Age 26. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Took off on a target towing exercise. Aircraft spun into the sea about a mile off Watchet, Somerset.
Aircraft was covered very quickly by the incoming tide and it was some days (nine in fact) before the bodies could be removed. The coroners report for Sgt Gwynne stated that he had died due to multiple injuries resulting in instantaneous death.
Above left: West Quantoxhead Churchyard and right: Ayr Cemetery
Sgt. John Draper Gwynne. West Quantoxhead Churchyard. Son of David and Evelyn Gwynne, of Denham, Buckinghamshire, England. Grave inscription: 'In Memory's Garden We Meet Every Day. Everlasting Love, Dearest. Mother'.
Sgt. William Campbell Munro. Ayr Cemetery Sec S. 1931 Div. Grave 2953. Son of James Munro, and of Sarah Ann Campbell Munro, of Cathcart, Glasgow, Scotland.
Researched by Diane Flanagan for Aircrew Remembered - dedicated to relatives / friends of the two crew members. We would like any relative or anyone who has further information on this loss to contact us if possible. With thanks to the following, Peter Clare from the WW2 Talk forum, Amrit from RAF Commands Forum who have assisted Diane with this research. To Phillip Maddox for the grave photo's provided to Diane and to Mac Hawkins - 'Somerset at War'.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
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Last Modified: 12 March 2021, 17:16