• Kracker Archive
• Allied Losses
• Archiwum Polish
• Paradie Canadian
• RCAF
• RAAF
• RNZAF
• USA
• Searchable Lists
Operation: Training
Date: 04th October 1939 (Wednesday)
Unit: No. 49 Squadron (motto: Cave canem - 'Beware of the Dog'). 5 Group
Type: Anson I
Serial: N5096
Code: EA-?
Base: RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire
Location: Upper Saxondale, Lincolnshire
Pilot: P/O. Brian Leslie Gordon Harker 40620 RAF Age 22. Killed
W/Op/Air/Gnr: AC2. Francis Leo Mcgurk 546733 RAF Age 22. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Taking off from Scampton at 11:15 hrs on a wireless operation training exercise.
Whilst executing a sharp left turn the Anson struck the ground, killing both the crew.
The locals from the area planted five mature trees in the shape of a cross. A memorial stone was also placed but it has since been moved to a nearby farmers field.
The tree memorial 2023 as photographed by Robin Docksey. (Robin would be delighted to provide relatives with a copy of the original)
Burial details:
P/O. Brian Leslie Gordon Harker. Lincoln Cemetery (Newport). Section G. grave 312 North. Born on the 15th October 1917 in Wairoa. Educated at St. Patricks College, Silverstream, passing the University Entrance examination. When applying for a short service commission in the Royal Air Force, in April 1937, he was employed in a clerical capacity by Swifts Limited at Wairoa, and on acceptance embarked on the 30th November on the 'Ruahine' for England.
Trained at elementary flying training at White Waltham, Berkshire, on their 17th January 1938. No. 8 Flying Training School, awarded his flying badge on the 09th July 1938. Attended the School of Air Navigation, Manston, Kent, on the 29th October 1938. Joined 49 squadron in November 1938. A total of 295 flying hours logged with 19 on the Anson.
Son of Harry Lionel (died 19th January 1951, age 60) and Ellen Harker (née Dawson - died 27th January 1963, age 71), of Campbell Street, Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Brother of Valerie Mary Brownlie and Dudley Lionel Thomas Harker. Epitaph: 'At The Going Down Of The Sun And In The Morning We Will Remember Him. R.I.P.'.
AC2. Francis Leo Mcgurk. Lincoln Cemetery (Newport). Section H. grave 191 North. No further details - are you able to assist?
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to the extensive research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, New Zealand Cenotaph, Weekly News of New Zealand, Air Museum of New Zealand, Museum of Transport and Technology, Auckland, National Archives Kew, Robin Docksey for memorial tree photograph.
Other pages that may interest you:
Pages regarding accidents
Pages regarding 1939 Losses
Pages detailing RNZAF Losses
Other sources as quoted below:
KTY 13-08-2023
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 - 2024
Last Modified: 13 August 2023, 14:52