Operation: Training

Date: 28th August 1940 (Wednesday)

Unit: No. 17 Operational Training Unit. 7 Group

Type: Blenheim IV

Serial: L8843

Code: -

Base: RAF Upwood, Cambridgeshire

Location: At base

Pilot: P/O. Henry Michael Hoadley NZ/39919 RNZAF Age 20. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Taking off on a solo flight to practice ladings.

Pilot appeared to los control whilst turning immediately after take off. The Blenheim lost height and crashed catching fire at 21:45 hrs. The young New Zealand pilot was killed .

Burial details:

P/O. Henry Michael Hoadley. Bury Cemetery. Row C. Grave 21. Born on the 17th June 1920 at Hastings. Worked as a clerk for the bank of NSW prior to entering service. In the civil reserve at as a pilot at the East Coast Aero Club. Awarded his 'A' licence 0n the 17th August 1939. Joined the RNZAF at Levin on the 26th October 1939. Awarded his pilots badge and commission on the 04th May 1940. On the 24th May 1940 embarked for England. Attached to 17 Operational Training Unit for conversion training on the 01st August 1940. Son of Henry Valentine and Helen Hoadley (nee Macfarlane), of Hastings, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. A total of 214 flying hours logged.

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, AWMM, other sources as quoted below:

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