Operation: Training
Date: 23rd November 1941 (Sunday)
Unit: No. 57 Operational Training Unit. 81 Group
Type: Spitfire I
Serial: X4850
Code: LV-?
Base: RAF Hawarden, Flintshire
Location: Near Chester, England
Pilot: Sgt. Douglas Anthony Wither NZ/41973 RNZAF Age 22. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Not much detail as to cause of crash.
Taking part on a operational training exercise. At around 10:45 hrs crashed near Moston Hill Farm near Chester. The young New Zealand pilot was killed.
Burial details:
Sgt. Douglas Anthony Wither. Hawarden Churchyard, (St. Deinoil), Wales, North part. Born on the 07th May 1919 at Timaru. A clerk for the Standard Insurance Company prior to enlisting on the 09th February 1941. Son of Anthony John and Mary Elizabeth Wither (née Culley), of Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. 171 Flying hours logged.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Jenifer Lemaire and to the extensive research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, Mike McQuaid for grave photograph, Auckland Library Heritage Collection, AWMM, Weekly News of New Zealand, other sources as quoted below:
