Operation: Training

Date: 28th August 1944 (Monday)

Unit: No. 83 Group Support Unit (2nd Tactical Airforce)

Type: Typhoon Ib

Serial: R8897

Code: 7S-V

Base: RAF Bognor

Location: Enton Large Lake, Enton, Surrey

Pilot: Fl/Lt. Adrian Conway Jonas 125528 RAFVR Age 26. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

We are indebted to Frank Phillipson for his comprehensive research / photographs submitted - February 2019.

One of three taking off at around mid-day on a training flight involving formation, cross-over turns, turn-abouts, practice dives from 9,000 t0 1,500 ft and low flying but not below 200 ft.

The 'target' was Milford station, about 400 yards North of Enton Lake (see map below) and the aircraft dived in line astern down wind of the target. The leader pulled up at about 3,000 ft but Fl/Lt. Jonas kept in the dive and No. 3 continued to follow him down to about 2,000 ft when he broke away and then climbed to 5,000 ft joining the leader. They circled the lake and saw signs that Fl/Lt. Jonas had crashed.

The Typhoon had hit the lake at very high speed with only a few small parts landing on the banks. It appears from eye witness reports the aircraft had broken up in flight although, it is thought, that both wings were still in place when the aircraft hit the lake.

The distribution of the wreckage indicated that the Typhoon had in fact totally disintegrated prior to impact with the water. The Typhoon did not catch fire either in the air or on impact. There were indications that the pilot was thrown through the hood but did not clear the aircraft - it is almost certain he was killed before impact.

The conclusion of the enquiry was the failure in the air of the monocoque during a high-speed dive or, very shortly after recovery was started.

The impact area has been described as between the island and the small tree in the foreground. The memorial we understand is on the nav of the lake.

Burial details:

Fl/Lt. Adrian Conway Jonas. Rickmansworth Cemetery (Chorleywood Road) Section DD. Row 2. Grave 20. Son of Edward and Conway Florence Jonas (née Hoole), of Southwold, Suffolk. Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Grave inscription reads: “He Is Ours To Remember When Others Forget”. An experienced pilot with 1334 flying hours logged, with 35 of this type. The pilot previously served with 198 Squadron.

Researched for Scott Fleming (nephew) and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Frank Phillipson and other sources as quoted:

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon
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