Blenheim Collison August 18th 1940
 

Hi,

Trying to establish if there are any photographs available of the above incident involving two Blenheim's of 218 Squadron "B" Flight. Aircraft collided while carrying out a formation exercise, T1929 flown by "B" Flight commander F/Lt George Newton and L9264 flown by P/O William Wheelwright. I would also like to establish the crash location, various places have been listed.

Thank you

Steve

Re: Blenheim Collison August 18th 1940
 

Hello Steve

I note somebody has put Cambridge area, but I expect they got that from the District given as Cambridge in the GRO Death Index.

You could contact Vicar / Churchwarden of Longstanton (All Saints), but sometimes the Burial Register only gives the Base Aerodrome of the person being buried, as opposed to the place of death. As you will know, the place of burial is no cast iron guarantee either, as sometimes the RAF used a plot that was already available/reserved/ or owned by the RAF, or away from the immediate crash location.

It seems those involved were:-
F/Lt George Edward Newton
P/O William Brian Wheelwright
Sgt David Wesley Dennis
Sgt William Leslie Smith
Sgt John Norman Bilton
Sgt Robert White Clapperton
LAC Robert Hawley Harrison (a Flight Mechanic)

With a ground flight mechanic on board it suggests that one aircraft was being flight tested, but it seems unbelieveable that they would attempt flying in formation (per ORB), whilst one aircraft was under test?!!!!

The Court of Inquiry was held on the 20th August 1940, but unfortunately it only gives the members and one from 40 Squadron.

What does RAF Station ORBs in AIR 28 say? A Death Cert., ought to give death location, or, e.g., two miles from X? I've got a feeling I've read about this, or a similar incident a few miles from their aerodrome?

The Church Burial Register, or Churchyard Register Book might record a location or where they were picked up from and they still might hold it at the Church for 1940?
Mark

Re: Blenheim Collison August 18th 1940
 

Steve,

Some time ago I asked the RAF Museum for a copy of the AM Form 1180 Accident Card for T1929 but was told they did not have a card for this loss.
I really should have asked for a copy for L9264 as well. They may hold this card.

Regards,

Martin.

Re: Blenheim Collison August 18th 1940
 

Re: Blenheim Collison August 18th 1940
 

Gents,

A belated thanks for the posts. I am at RAF Hendon next month so will dig about!!

Kind regards

Steve