Operation: Training

Date: 27th March 1945 (Tuesday)

Unit: No. 56 Operational Training Unit. 12 Group

Type: Typhoon Ib

Serial: EK364

Code: -

Base: RAF Milfield, Northumberland

Location: Ilderdon, Northumberland

Pilot: F/O. George Allan Sullivan J/44046 RCAF Age 22. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Weather: Cloudy - wind surface SW 16mph - 7/10cloud at 2,00 ft - visibility 15 miles.

Taking off at 15:10 hrs on a formation flying practice, during a dive the port oleo leg dropped. The aircraft flipped on its back and crashed at 15:39 hrs.

The aircraft struck the ground the right way up at an angle of about 45° and was under power. The engine dug between 8' and 10' into the ground. The fuselage telescoped and the whole aircraft blew up scattering wreckage up to a distance of 200 yards. The aircraft was travelling in a south-easterly direction when it struck.

The primary cause of the accident was the failure of some part of the port undercarriage mechanism which is being investigated by AIB. It is assumed it was the port undercarriage that was giving the trouble after take-off. The secondary cause was loss of control probably due to inexperience, since other pilots have survived under the same conditions.

Stricter supervision was then given to the inspection of undercarriage systems and orders were issued to pilots to return to base if they experienced undercarriage difficulties in the air.

Burial details:

Buried on the 03rd April 1945 at 10:00 hrs. Full military honours were accorded, the coffin being carried by men of the RAF and also a firing party was provided. The coffin was covered with the Union Jack and the Last Post was sounded at the end. Wreaths were sent from the Commanding Officer and Officers of the Unit, the Senior NCOs and also from the airmen and airwomen of this Station.

F/O. George Allan Sullivan. Harrogate Cemetery (Stonefall). Section G. Row J. Grave 14. Born on the 21st of February 1923 in New Brunswick, Canada. Educated at Maple Green School and St. Thomas College. Worked as a labourer for C.N.R Campbellton prior to service.

Enlisted on the 19th of November 1942. Son of Harry W. Sullivan (died 10th July 1934, age 43) and Nora May Sullivan (née Callaghan - died 1967, age 71), brothers of Ronald, Gordon and Francis, of McLeod's Siding, Restigouche Co., New Brunswick, Canada. Rated as an above-average pilot with a total of 195 hours logged with 15 on the Typhoon. Epitaph: 'May His Soul, Through The Mercy Of God, Rest In Peace. Amen'.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to the National Archive Kew. Government of Canada, The Typhoon Project, Paradie RCAF Archives

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