Operation: Training
Date: 02nd January 1942 (Friday)
Unit: No. 888 Squadron Fleet Air Arm
Type: Martlet II
Serial: AM995
Code:
Base: HMS Daedalus, Lee-on-Solent
Location: Cheesefoot Head
Pilot: Sub/Lt. (A) William Clive Hooson RNZNVR Age 21 Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
On a formation practice flight when on peeling away at 14:40 hrs. dived into the ground at the location shown. The aircraft caught fire after the crash killing the young New Zealand pilot.
Burial details:
Sub/Lt. William Clive Hooson. Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery. New Ground G.9.22. Born on the 07th July 1920 at Wellington. Educated at Hutt Valley High School. A clerk for Burns Philp and Company Wellington. Enlisted on the 08th July 1940. Embarked for England on the 12th July 1940 arriving 27th August 1940. HMS Daedalus at Lee-on-Solent. With NAo. 24 Elementary Flying School on 10th November 1940. Attached to RAF Wilmslow in Cheshire 05th January 1941. Embarked for Canada in January 1941. Attached to 31 Service Flying School. Pilot badge awarded on the 17th May 1941 and commissioned. Embarked for England HMS Daedalus at Lee-on-Solent. Royal Navy College 28th July 1941. Joined 888 squadron.
Son of William Leslie (died 30th August 1954, age 66) and Florence Augusta Hooson (née Van Borssum - died 20th June 1986, age 87), of Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. Epitaph: 'Dearly Beloved Eldest Son Of W.L. And F.A. Hooson, Lower Hutt, New Zealand'.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks 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, Air Museum of New Zealand, Museum of Transport and Technology, Auckland, Frank Grant and Kieran Williams for grave photograph. other sources as quoted below:
