Operation: Training
Date: 03rd April 1943 (Saturday)
Unit: No. 415 Squadron (Coastal Command)
Type: Hampden TB.I
Serial: L4084
Code: GX-
Base: RAF Thorney Island, Hampshire
Location: Goose Green, near Arundel, Sussex
Pilot: W/O. II. Donald Montgomery R/101199 RCAF Age 20. Killed
Nav: W/O. II. William James MacKay R/107062 RCAF Age 22. Killed
W/Op/Air/Gnr: Fl/Sgt. John William Whipple R/105760 RCAF Age 22. Killed
W/Op/Air/Gnr: Fl/Sgt. John Douglas Scott R/98256 RCAF Age 20. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Engaged on training using evasive tactics with two Typhoon aircraft when the Hampden went out of control and entered a spin at 2,000 ft. The aircraft failed to recover and crashed at Goose Green, Sussex - killing all the Canadian crew members. Crash timed at 10:50 hrs.
On the 29th October 1942 whilst with 5 Operational Training Unit, the pilot, then Sgt. Montgomery and Air Gunner Sgt. Scott suffered minor injuries when Hampden P1284 made a forced landing and failed to stop, hitting hedges and a telegraph pole.
Burial details:
Crew buried on the 7th April with the 415 Squadron Canadian Base Padre, Sq/Ldr. Bruce Millar taking the service.
W/O. II. Donald Montgomery. Littlehampton Cemetery, Sussex. Sec. D. Grave 4273. Son of William and Hazel May (née Hutchinson) Montgomery, Cultus Lake, British Columbia, Canada.
W/O. II. William James MacKay. Littlehampton Cemetery, Sussex. Sec. D. Grave 4270. Son of Edward Donald and Fanny (née Featherstone) MacKay, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Fl/Sgt. John William Whipple. Littlehampton Cemetery, Sussex. Sec. D. Grave 4271. Son of Archibald and Maria Whipple believed to be from Nordegg, Alberta, Canada. Grave inscription reads ‘Ever Remembered Ever Dear.’
Fl/Sgt. John Douglas Scott. Littlehampton Cemetery, Sussex. Sec. D. Grave 4272. Son of Robert and Bessie May Scott, of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. His brother, Cpl. Robert G. Scott also served in the RCAF. Grave inscription reads ‘A Gunner’s Life Was All I Had To Give That British Justice Truth And Honour Live.’
Loss page instigated by Gene Roach who contacted us in April 2016. Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to sources indicated below:
KTY 30.04.2016
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
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Last Modified: 22 May 2016, 19:51