Spitfire "passenger" killed

[Beetle2]

Diana Barnato Walker tells how her fiance Squadron Leader Humphrey Gilbert was killed along with his friend "controller" Bill Ross in May 1942. Was this with 601 Squadron at Debden and does anyone know more details (rank and experience etc) about Bill Ross?
Cheers and thanks

[Chris Goss]

Sqn Ldr Humphrey Trench Gilbert DFC of 65 Sqn was killed in a flying accident 2 May 42 when Spitfire BL372/YT-Z crashed at Loves Farm, Cutlers Green, Thaxted, Essex. With him in the Spitfire was Flt Lt David Gordon Ross. The story goes they had been drinking in the Mess and Gilbert took Ross for a spin with tragic results. The Spitfires has been dug I believe as I have a bit of it in front of me now

[Beetle2]

Thank you Bill - I notice that HT Gilbert is listed as dying on May 7 in one of the BoB boards. And those names - why was David Gordon Ross known as 'Bill'? I was interested in the incident as my father knew both men and mentioned the 'tomfoolery' in connection with pilots taking their girl friends for joyrides in Spitfires.

[Atcham Tower]

They took off from Great Sampford, the Debden satellite, having consumed 6-8 bottles each of Benskins Colne Springs beer, according to the licensee of the pub. This info was not revealed until after the Court of Enquiry. The CO tried to borrow a Magister but his flight sergeant, realising that he was in no fit state to fly, told him it was u/s. The CO then took a Spitfire. This is all on the good authority of a member of the C of E. Not a happy episode.