216 Squadron - 1919 - Lt. Sullivan and Lt. Westall

[Leendert]

Paul,

Thanks for the leads.

In a Brooklyn, NY, newspaper Lt Sullivan is said to have crashed ''in France".
To add to the confusion, I also found another newpaper article mentioning a fatal crash of a mail plane at/near Dinant, Belgium on/just before 29 March 1919. Killed pilot was a "Canadian lieutenant...."

These weren't the happies times for the mail couriers. On 27 March 1919 Lt William Hutton of 110 Squadron is also recorded to have died in a crash while on a postal flight.

Indeed, the CWGC has added valuable information to its website!

Regards,

Leendert

[paulmcmillan]

on his Casualty Card visible online the Aircraft Serial that Sullivan died in was HP "D8807" As this was an Avro 505K Serial I think should be D8307

Westall died 30th later as a result of injuries received in flying accident which looks like occurred on 29th

The Incident Card has the crew of HP "D8807" as 2 Lt L H Sullivan (Pilot), 2nd Lt A Westall (Observer) and AC1 G W Tucknott #227228 Injured and location as 'France'

All 216 Sqn

See for yourself

http://www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.u.../raf_vault.php

[Leendert]

Paul,

Right now I'm pretty far with getting a picture of the RAF crew that were killed or injured due to crashes in Belgium while on postal flights from England to Cologne between March and August 1919. These mail runs were mostly with DH-9's.

With the info you've now given me, I think we can rule these men out.

Thanks for pointing me to the RAF vault website, it will sure help to clarify things in my little searches!

Regards,

Leendert

[Stig Jarlevik]

Leendert

Not sure if this helps, but 2/Lt Frank H Sullivan was killed in Handley Page O/400 B8807 (not D8807 as stated on his causalty card) on 29.3.1919 when he crashed into trees during take off from Forques, nr Marquise. His two crew were both injured.

216 Sq and their HP bombers flew many postal flights to Cologne during the period you are interested in.

B Rgds
Stig

[Leendert]

Thanks for all additional info.

As of now I've identified as killed airmail couriers in Belgium:

6.3.1919 Lt F. Thornton + and Lt. P. Burnay + 57 Squadron at Spa (La Reid)
20.3.1919 Lt. A Smith + 57 Squadron near Senenne (NE of Dinant)
27.3.1919 Lt. W.. Hutton + 110 Squadron. Vaals, Netherlands?
27.3.1919 Capt. R. Minors + 18 Squadron at Profondeville, DH9A E9715
8.6.1919 Lt. G. Bannerman + and Lt. W. Wilson +, 110 Squadron at Floreffe (Jodion-Soye).

The March accidents were mainly due to fog and snow.

I still have to look at the cards of some men at the Cologne Southern Cemetery.

Regards,

Leendert

[paulmcmillan]

08/06/1919 I have this aircraft of 110Sqn as DH.9A E9898.

[paulmcmillan]

27.3.1919 Lt. W.. Hutton + 110 Squadron. Vaals, Netherlands?

I have this as WDC Hutton on 28.3.1919