Operation: Training

Date: 21st March 1941

Unit: No. 11 Service Flying Training School (SFTS)

Type: Oxford I

Serial: V3395

Code: Not known

Base: RAF Lindholme

Location: At airfield Lindholme, Yorkshire

Pilot: P/O. Ernest Joseph William Sivers 88656 (741979 prior to comm) RAFVR Age ? Killed

Pilot U/T: LAC Basil Anthony Fleming 1001944 RAFVR Age 28 Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Details of the crash not revealed but, it is known that the Oxford climbed to 500 ft, made a right turn. It then began to lose height with the angle of descent increasing until the aircraft struck the ground at an angle of 40 degrees with the engines under power.

The accident report card stated that it had been the pilots first night flight for six months and maybe that he never realised his height. It was also possible that an instrument failure occurred.

Burial details:

P/O. Ernest Joseph William Sivers. Shawbury Churchyard (St. Mary the Virgin) Row 18. Grave 2. No further details - are you able to assist?

Pilot U/T: LAC Basil Anthony Fleming. Hatfield Cemetery (Woodhouse) Row DD. Grave 18. Son of William and Jessie Fleming - no further details, are you able to assist?

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of the crew with thanks to Barry Jameson for bringing this loss to our attention and to sources as quoted below:

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