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19 March 1940 Wellington Mk IA - N2987 - KO-O |
While flying in turbulences, aircraft went out of control and crashed in an open field located near Wyton, Huntingdonshire.
Three crew were killed and three others seriously injured.
Three weeks later, on 14 APR 1940, one of the survivor died of his severe injuries.
Crew was flying to Weybridge so the aircraft could follow a modification program by Vickers Armstrong facilities.
ORB. 19/3/40.
Casualties.
1100.
F/O. WOOD and F/O. STATHAM took off for VICKERS, WEYBRIDGE.
F/O. STATHAM had an engine cut near HUNTINGDON and he crashed in making a forced landing.
F/O. FANSHAWE, 2nd pilot A.G. ROSE Air gunner and A.C. LYNCH, maintenance crew were killed.
F/O. STATHAM and Sgt. SINCLAIR and A.G. CARTER seriously injured. Number of aircraft O.N.2987.

Aircraftman 1st Class - Service No 644738
Age: 20
RAF
*Desmond was born 12 November 1919 son of Michael and Amelia nee Colegate of 39 Hunters Road Croydon.
After leaving Selhurst he joined the LPTB.
He served in the TA (4 Queens) and then volunteered for the RAF in May 1939 and joined 115 Squadron.
Desmond was Killed in a plane crash near Ely on 20 March 1940.
He was brought back to Croydon and was buried in the family grave in Mitcham Road cemetery.
Croydon Cemetery - Mitcham Road - Plot R.R. Grave 35056
Source: CWGC - *theoldcroydonians.org - Photo via Find a grave, by JS

Aircraftman 2nd Class - Service No 630965
Age:
RAF
Son of George and May Louise Rose, of Deal.
Deal Cemetery Hamilton Road - Plot C. Block 8. Grave 4718
Source GWGC - Photo via Find a grave, by Len
F/O - Service No 39311
Age : 28
RAF
Son of the Revd. Canon Gerald Charles Fanshawe and Morforwyn Fanshawe, of Chelsea, London. M.A.
Winchester Cemetery - Magdalen Hill, Hampshire - Row E. 3. Grave 42. (St. Morris Plot).
Source GWGC.
F/O - Service No 552111
Age:
RAF
Additional information: injured
Sgt - Service No
Age:
RAF
Additional information: injured

Leading Aircraftsman
Service No 568628
Age: 20 - died on 14 April 1940 of his injuries.
RAF
Son of George Robert and May Carter, of Twickenham, Middlesex.
Marham Churchyard - Holy Trinity - grave 45.
Source GWGC - Photo via Find a grave, by Richard Gray