Simon Birch Posted 6 June , 2011 Share Posted 6 June , 2011 What a great name this young officer had! His family came from Norfolk, his father being a land agent and auctioneer and Lombe followed his father into the trade. He had joined 65 Squadron only on 29th May 1918 and was still learning the lines - indeed he had not yet flown over them. He took off at 19.40, flying Sopwith Camel B9298 to practice firing at a ground target when he went into a steep dive from which he pulled up too quickly, causing the Camel's wings to fold up. The aeroplane flew into the ground. He had only been up for 15 minutes. He had been flying with Field Kindley,who was also new to the Squadron, and went on to record 12 victories. I would love a picture if anyone has one? Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piorun Posted 7 June , 2011 Share Posted 7 June , 2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert StJohn Smith Posted 10 May , 2023 Share Posted 10 May , 2023 On 06/06/2011 at 17:01, Simon Birch said: What a great name this young officer had! His family came from Norfolk, his father being a land agent and auctioneer and Lombe followed his father into the trade. He had joined 65 Squadron only on 29th May 1918 and was still learning the lines - indeed he had not yet flown over them. He took off at 19.40, flying Sopwith Camel B9298 to practice firing at a ground target when he went into a steep dive from which he pulled up too quickly, causing the Camel's wings to fold up. The aeroplane flew into the ground. He had only been up for 15 minutes. He had been flying with Field Kindley,who was also new to the Squadron, and went on to record 12 victories. I would love a picture if anyone has one? Simon Is this in reference to a Lombe Athill Durrant ? If so, what is the source of the accident please ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Birch Posted 10 May , 2023 Author Share Posted 10 May , 2023 Hello Robert. To answer your question: yes it does. The sources are the Squadron Record Book and Casualty returns, both below (via the National Archives) and a picture of his grave, which I took. If I can help with anything else just shout. Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Birch Posted 10 May , 2023 Author Share Posted 10 May , 2023 And: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Birch Posted 10 May , 2023 Author Share Posted 10 May , 2023 Out of interest I have just ordered a copy of this officers War Office file, detailing his service with the RND. It will get to me electronically, so am happy to share if you want to PM me with your e-mail address. Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimberley John Lindsay Posted 10 May , 2023 Share Posted 10 May , 2023 Dear Simon, The circumstances of T/2.Lt Durrant's flying accident demise makes a misnomer of the inscription 'Killed in Action' on his grave marker. Kindest regards, kim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tawhiri Posted 10 May , 2023 Share Posted 10 May , 2023 (edited) His AIR 76 record is available online for free after registration at the National Archives. In addition he also appears to have two Army officer's personal records, one for service with the Royal Navy Division, the second for service with the Royal Flying Corps. As Simon has noted above these latter two records have not been digitized and so would need to be ordered from the National Archives. https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8256419 https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C1175852 https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C1143626 His casualty form also records that he was killed in action, although the associated casualty cards simply say he was killed in a flying accident. https://www.casualtyforms.org/form/6221 https://www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk/archive/durrant-l.a.-lombe-atthill https://www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk/archive/durrant-l.a https://www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk/archive/7000242691-durrant-l.a.-lombe-atthill https://www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk/archive/7000242692-durrant-l.a.-lombe-atthill His service with the Royal Navy Division must have been quite brief, as he was only commissioned on 17 November 1917. https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30395/supplement/12125 Edited 10 May , 2023 by Tawhiri Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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