Belgian pilot killed in Heston
 

R.J.Brooks in his book "Thames valley airfields in the second world war'' states:
"Being training units, it was obvious that incident would occur and they certainly did, with several Spitfires destroyed in the process. One, however, must rank as the worst and the most tragic whilst 61 OTU were in Heston. The No 3 course had within its ranks a Belgian sergeant pilot . On 28th August 1941, having completed several training circuits, he prepared to land his Spitfire. Unfortunately he did not see a taxiing Miles Master also within the grass landing area and promptly landed his Spitfire on the top of it, killing both crew members of the master and seriously injuring himself. After a spell in hospital, he eventually joined No 6 course and whilst taxiing his Spitfire on 6th November, another pilot made the same mistake and landed a Spitfire on top of his. On this occasion, sadly the Belgian pilot was killed."

I'm trying to find out who was this poor chap.
Regards

Re: Belgian pilot killed in Heston
 

On November 6th Andre Oscar Hyacinthe Lambotte (1299897) was killed in Spitfire AR230.

/John

Re: Belgian pilot killed in Heston
 

Thanks a lot, John!!!

Re: Belgian pilot killed in Heston
 

Death registered Brentford; initially buried Hounslow (CA.D.4); repatriated to Belgium 31-10-1949

Henk.

Re: Belgian pilot killed in Heston
 

Hello ,

LAMBOTTE
A O H
SGT RAF VR 1299897
06.11.41
61 OTU
AIRCRAFT COLLISION
Born CINEY
05.09.17
HOUNSLOW CEMETRY
CINEY 31.10.49

Re: Belgian pilot killed in Heston
 

Henk, Moonraker
Thank you both

Peter

Re: Belgian pilot killed in Heston
 

Sgt M.C. Conway in AR233 (OK) and Lambotte in AR230 (killed)

Re: Belgian pilot killed in Heston
 

Thanks, Paul