First RAF double amputee pilot
 

I've been reading Dilip Sarkar's excellent biography of Douglas Bader, and noticed a reference to a 'Drummond' who had previously flown in the RAF with two artificial legs.

I seem to recall that this refers to a Captain Drummond who had lost his legs flying with 66 sqn in Italy. But that may just be my faulty memory. ;-)

As I recall the situation was not as severe as Bader's, as Drummond's legs were both amputated below the kee.

Can anybody confirm this ?

Re: First RAF double amputee pilot
 

Re: First RAF double amputee pilot
 

Hello,

12-05-1939
No.20 ERFTS, Gravesend.
Tiger Moth N5487

Mid-air collision with N6451 during blind-flying practice, Cobham Woods, near Gravesend.

Fg Off John Fyrley SPANTON (28) - killed
Midshipman (A) Colin Gerald Shaw HODGKINSON - injured

12-05-1939
No.20 ERFTS, Gravesend.
Tiger Moth N6451

Mid-air collision with N5487 during blind-flying practice, Cobham Woods, near Gravesend.

Fg Off Froude Ridler MATTHEWS (38) - died 06-10-1940
Midshipman (A) Arthur TAYLOR - injured

http://www.rcawsey.co.uk/Acc1939.htm

Col.

Re: First RAF double amputee pilot
 

Thanks for the reply, guys, but obviously Hodgkinson returned to RAF service after Bader - I read his biography some years ago and recall that Douglas Bader was a major inspiration to him.

This was before Bader. I believe the casualty occurred during WWI and Sarkar refers to him as 'Drummond'.

Re: First RAF double amputee pilot
 

Thanks guys.

But this double-amputee definitely pre-dated Bader and Sarkar calls him 'Drummond'.

Any ideas ?

Re: First RAF double amputee pilot
 

Possibly this Drummond?

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/fo...nd-66-sqn-rfc/

Re: First RAF double amputee pilot
 

Yes, I saw this guy.

But there's no indication that he returned to flying with the RAF after recovering from his injuries.

Wish I could remember where I saw the original reference. ;-)