Operation: Training

Date: 26th September 1941 (Friday)

Unit: No. 58 O.T.U. (Operational Training Unit)

Type: Spitfire I

Serial: R6983

Base: R.A.F. Grangemouth, Scotland

Location: Bengengie Hill, near Alloa, Clackmannan-shire

Pilot: Sgt. George Gordon Taylor R/60451 R.C.A.F. Age 20. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

During a training exercise Spitfire I R6983 disappeared and despite various searches, nothing could be found.

Not until three days later when the Spitfire was discovered on the hillside on Monday, the 29th September 1941. The pilot dead in the wreckage.

             Grangemouth during war years (courtesy 1333 Grangemouth Spitfire) Squadron)

Left and above: Grangemouth cemetery (photographed by Aircrew Remembered)

Burial Details:

Sgt. George Gordon Taylor. Grangemouth (Grandsable) Cemetery. Sec 1. Grave 18. Son of Gilbert Oscar Taylor, and of Ina Sutherland Taylor (nee Willett), brother to Walter (serving in the R.C.A.F. as a logistics Office) and Robert (later a R.C.A.F . pilot in Ferry Command) Phyllis and Eveleyn (his sister, a nurse) of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Worked at the Royal Band after graduating from Central High School. Trained at No. 11 Service Flying Training School in Yorktown, Saskatchewan prior to embarking for the U.K and conversion to the Spitfire.

Researched for relatives of the pilot. With thanks to the following for further information supplied The 1333 (Grangemouth Spitfire) Squadron and the Grangemouth Spitfire Memorial Trust who provided me with so much information and assistance during my visit, The Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

(Grave photographs available free at a higher resolution than shown to any relative or friend on request)

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