Operation: Command Formation Exercise, Nottinghamshire

Date: 6th August 1939 (Sunday)

Unit: No. 103 Squadron

Type: Fairey Battle 1

Serial: K9373

Code: ?

Base: RAF Benson, Oxfordshire

Location: Holme Lane, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire

Pilot: F/O. Arthur Lushington Vipan 39191 RAF Age 29 Safe

REASON FOR LOSS:

RAF Benson, Oxfordshire. Fairey Battle I (both courtesy IWM)

Battle K9373 took off from RAF Benson for a home defence exercise, which the Squadron may have to perform if war broke out. F/O. Vipan was flying with two other Battle aircraft from the Squadron. The aircraft had just completed a bombing exercise at a height of 250 feet. Flying over Nottingham F/O. Vipan's aircraft propeller struck the cockpit area of S/Ldr Coverdale's aircraft and, as F/O. Vipan veered away S/Ldr Coverdale's aircraft was damaged again and the wing of his aircraft was destroyed. The Air/Bmr/Observer in S/Ldr Coverdale aircraft, Ronald Jeffries Williams was killed in this training accident. For further details (click here) S/Ldr Coverdale managed to land at Tollerton aerodrome and F/O. Vipan in a field in Holme Lane, Radcliffe-on-Trent

Map showing the area that F/O. Vipan landed after the accident

Leicester Mercury. Monday 7 August 1939 (courtesy British Newspaper archive)

Arthur was born on the 15th October 1914 in Madura, Tamil, Nadu, India and had worked for Post Office before enlisting. Arthur Lushington Vipan was granted a short service commission as Acting Pilot Officer on the 19th October 1936 and gained his "Wings" at No 9 FTS (Flying Training School) 29 April 1937. Posted to No. 103 Squadron on the 30th June 1937. Confirmed as Pilot Officer on August 24th, 1937 and, on the 25th May 1938 Arthur was granted the rank of Flying Officer. Promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant 24 May 1939 and to Squadron Leader (Temp) 24 May 1939

F/O. A L Vipan had been involved in a previous flying accidents on the 27 September 1939 (click here) for further information. Arthur Lushington Vipan was killed on active service on 16 October 1944 (click here) for further information

Researched by: Kate Tame Aircrew Remembered and for all the relatives and friends of the crew. UK National Archives AIR 27/813

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