M. FORTRUM killed (?) 12/12/39
 

Hi guys

The name Petty Officer M. Fortrum has been suggested as a casualty in a Walrus accident that occurred on 12/12/39. I can't find such a name on CWGC. Any ideas?

Cheers
Brian

Re: M. FORTRUM killed (?) 12/12/39
 

Brian

He was RAF

Sturtivant gives the crew of Walrus K8556 (hit balloon cable on practice flight, crashed Lancing Hill, Southampton) as:

Lt R H M Heriot-Hill
P/O M Fortrum RAF
LA M McLoughlin
AM L Moorhead

However, the CWGC have spelt his surname differently:

Name: FORTNUM, MICHAEL
Initials: M
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Pilot Officer
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force
Age: 19
Date of Death: 12/12/1939
Service No: 41278
Additional information: Son of Edwin Walter and Florrie Fortnum, of East Molesey, Surrey.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: G. 8. 11.
Cemetery: HASLAR ROYAL NAVAL CEMETERY

A

Re: M. FORTRUM killed (?) 12/12/39
 

You maybe interested to know that the Inquiry report is available at TNA

ADM 1/10688
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/c...accessmethod=5

A

Re: M. FORTRUM killed (?) 12/12/39
 

Many thanks once again, Amrit.

Much appreciated

Cheers
Brian

Re: M. FORTRUM killed (?) 12/12/39
 

That should be Lances Hill - the aircraft apparently ended up on 340 Bitterne Road, at the junction of Lances Hill and Little Lances Hill. An account in More Memories of Bitterne by Irene Pilson credits Ray Sturtivant and uses the Fortnum spelling.

--
Philip Morten

Re: M. FORTRUM killed (?) 12/12/39
 

Thanks for that, Philip

Every little bit helps historical accuracy.

Cheers
Brian