Operation: Training

Date: 30th March 1942 (Monday)

Unit No: 42 Operational Training Unit (OTU), 70 Group

Type: Blenheim IV

Serial: V5572

Code: -

Base: RAF Andover, Hampshire

Location: 1½ mls west of Andover

Pilot: Plt Off. Alastair Fraser McTavish J8174 RCAF Age 26. Killed (1)

Obs: Plt Off. Norman Wolfenden 112760 RAFVR Age 22. Killed

WOp/Air Gnr: Sgt. Ronald Crawfurd Hunter 403006 RNZAF Age 22. Killed (2)

REASON FOR LOSS:

During a practice landings at satellite airfield after a landing attempt at 16:05 hrs the port engine failed to pick up and V5572 spun off a turn from 400 feet, crashing and catching fire a mile and half west of Andover. All three crew were killed.

(1) Alastair Fraser McTavish worked as a licence inspector. Enlisted on the 2nd February 1941. Pilot’s Wings awarded on the 17th October 1941.

(2) Ronald Hunter was employed by his father in general farm work. His 2nd name sometimes recorded as Crawford. He enlisted at the Initial Training Wing, Levin, on the 1st September, 1940. Embarked for Canada by the 'Aorangi' on the 8th October under the Empire Air Training Scheme. Awarded the wireless operator air gunner's Brevet on the 12th April 1941. Joined No. 42 Operational Training Unit (OTU) at Andover, Hampshire on the 6th January 1942 and promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

A total of 11 flying hours logged.

Burial details:

Plt Off. Alastair Fraser McTavish. Andover Cemetery, Plot H. Grave 31. Born on the 06th July in Folkestone, England. Son of Alexander (died 25 July 1944, age 59) and Evangeline Mary (née Hogg - died 27th June 1960, aged 73) McTavish. They both were born in Elgin, Scotland and all three were living in 2286 West 18th Avenue, Vancouver British Columbia. In 1941. Husband of Jean Ruth McTavish (née Mcurdey)

His two brothers also served:

Sgt. Graeme Hay McTavish R92153 RCAF – Pilot, served in the North African Theatre of operations;
Private Malcolm Fraser McTavish K600131 Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC) – Vancouver Barracks, British Columbia.

Plt Off. Norman Wolfenden. Oldham Cemetery (Hollinwood), Section G.10. Grave 174. Son of Wilfrid (died 25th July 1957) and Eliza Ann Wolfenden (died 21st March 1960), of Oldham, England.

Sgt. Ronald Crawfurd Hunter. Andover Cemetery, Plot H. Grave 29. Born on the 19th March 1920 in Taumaranui. Son of James Steen Hunter (died 9th July 1946, age 73) and Hilda Hunter (née McKenze - 31st July 1973 93) of Tukutai Avenue, Bucklands Beach, Auckland, New Zealand.

Researched by Kelvin Youngs (Webmaster) 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 Archive (Oct 2023). Reviewed and updated by Aircrew Remembered (May 2025).

Other sources listed below:

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