GW aircraft crashes Essex

[stephen p nunn]

After many years, I am re-reading Cecil Lewis’s ‘Sagittarius Rising’. As I am sure you all know, he joined the RFC in 1915 and during the GW served with 3 Squadron (from April 1916) and 56 Squadron (from April 1917). He ended up with 152 Squadron (from October 1918).

I find the dates a bit difficult to work out, but between 56 and 152 Squadrons, he was on Home Defence (I think from around June 1917?). He was first with 44 Squadron (at Hainault Farm) and then 61Squadron (at Rochford).

On that basis, I wonder if he knew; Capt. H.C. Hackwell and 2^nd Lieut. Banks of 44 Squadron, who shot down the Gotha on our list on 28/1/18; Capt. Stroud of 61 Squadron who crashed on 7/3/18 and; (new to the list) Lieutenant Baird of 44 Squadron who crashed on 8/5/18?

Regards.

Stephen (Maldon)

[nils d]

Banks is in Sagittarius Rising. Just read the bit about "Sandy" !

[stephen p nunn]

4 minutes ago, nils d said:

Banks is in Sagittarius Rising. Just read the bit about "Sandy" !

Got him - page 213 onwards buzzing the G.O.C. !

Thanks nils d.

[charlie962]

3 hours ago, stephen p nunn said:

Thanks again charlie962, I feel another update coming on! Regards. Stephen.

I've added a bit more under those two names. RAF casualty Cards. Seems the inevitable pilot error is to blame.

[stephen p nunn]

49 minutes ago, charlie962 said:

I've added a bit more under those two names. RAF casualty Cards. Seems the inevitable pilot error is to blame.

Thank you again charlie962, your support and openess with information is very much appreciated.

Regards.

Stephen (Maldon).

[stephen p nunn]

Just identified the 6/12/17 Gotha in 'Sagittarius Rising'. Cecil Lewis was told about it after he turned in for sleep. The Gotha was down and the crew in the guardroom (safe). The wreckage was accidently set on fire by a Very Light.

[Fovant]

A bit more background to the East Ham Gotha. I have attached a map of the crash site (courtesy of the National Library of Scotland). From a comtemporary photograph, the Gotha appears to have come down adjacent to Roman Road between the houses and the Isolation Hospital, which can be seen in the background of the shot. One of the crew ended up in the allotments on Brooks Avenue, the other two in what were then fields to the south.

As it was the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend, a large crowd of onlookers gathered on the raised-up sewer outfall pipe, which is now carries the Greenway path. The Isolation Hospital site now houses Brampton Manor Academy with Roman Road Primary School just to the east. Beckton Road is the A13 Newham Way.

After the war Arkell served as a District Commissioner and then an archaeologist in the Sudan. On returning to the UK he became a Reader in Egyptian Archaeology at University College London and eventually followed his father into the priesthood as a vicar. He died in Chelmsford in 1980.

Edited 25 November , 2023 by Fovant

[stephen p nunn]

That's really brilliant research Fovant - thank you. Interstingly I knew a Kevin Arkell who was a headteacher in Chelmsford?

Regards.

Stephen (Maldon)

[stephen p nunn]

So in the 2009 Frontline Books edition of 'Sagittarius Rising' Cecil Lewis's HD service is covered on pages 200 to 242. He starts around June 1917 with 44 Squadron at Hainault Farm (page 200). "Sandy" (Banks) is mentioned on page 213. A new CO was appointed (Major Gilbert W. Murlis-Green I think - if so August 1917 on page 220. Lewis was moved to Rochford with 61 Squadron (page 222). The 6/12/17 Gotha incident is on page 230.

There is a crash mentioned after that on page 232 - who was that?

And a mid-air collision on page 234. Was Lewis's deputy "canny Scotsman" - Lt. John Wilton Sheridon (killed 27/9/18)?

[Fovant]

I originally did the research for an article in the North Weald Arfield newsletter, which I used to produce when I worked there on Airfield Operations. Before I retired I created a series of pdf booklets of the various historical articles which are available for download on the Airfield website. Here is the link to the page. Scroll down to the bottom, Booklet 1 covers World War 1. The others have articles up to the Cold War period.

https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/northweald/history/

I also have an interest in the Liittle Wigborough Zeppelin. My maternal grandfather was a pre-war Hampshire Territorial, serving with the 9th Cyclist Battalion. When the unit was sent to India he was deemed unfit for overseas service. According to his entry in the National Roll of the Great War he was retained for coastal defence duties and was involved in several Zeppelin raids. I have read an account from someone else that his relative was also a Hampshire cyclist and was a member of the party sent from Mersea Island to collect the L33 Zeppelin crew from the police, so it is possible my grandfather was there too. He was eventually invalided out in 1917 as a Lance Sergeant.

Attached is a memento I have from L33 acquired separately

[stephen p nunn]

Thank you Fovant - really excellent information. I have a few bits of L33 and, many years ago, did a bit of research connected with North Weald and involving a great chap there called "Mac".

Regards and thank you.

Stephen (Maldon).

[GROBBY]

There are quite a lot of pieces of L33 and other Zeppelins in the collection and on display at Stow Maries Airdrome and lots of information and displays on the defence against the Zeppelins and Gothers

[stephen p nunn]

Just now, GROBBY said:

There are quite a lot of pieces of L33 and other Zeppelins in the collection and on display at Stow Maries Airdrome and lots of information and displays on the defence against the Zeppelins and Gothers

Yes indeed GROBBY and well worth a visit - a fascinating place. Thank you. Stephen (Maldon).

[stephen p nunn]

The mid-air collision in 'Sagittarius Rising' (on page 234) is confirmed as 27/9/1918 between; Lt. John Wilton Sheridan and 2nd-Lt. Reginald Frank Sanders, flying Camels F1395 and F1315.

[stephen p nunn]

But who was that "new Flying Officer" "very young, raw" who ripped the wings off an SE, hit the ground, caught fire and was killed? If Lewis has got the chronology right, it occured sometime between 6/12/17 and 27/9/18.

[Red Gate]

Here are a couple more for your list Stephen. The case of Quinan seems particularly sad.

26/7/1917 Captain Eric William Seton Cotterill of 37 Squadron was injured when he crashed in Sopwith Pup A6244

 

The Pup suffered engine failure shortly after take off and went into a spinning nose dive from 300 ft.  His injuries were so severe that he was taken to the Chelmsford and Essex Hospital and was only transferred to the Colchester Military Hospital when his condition was stable.  He received a bill for 8 guineas for the cost of his treatment at Chelmsford but this was paid by the RFC. He was only discharged from hospital in November, just in time for his wedding in Paris.  
 

22.12.1917 Captain Barrington Chadwick Quinan of 37 Squadron injured when he crashed Be2e B4545 at Woodham Walter.

 

 Quinan came over from Canada as part of the CEF and was sent to France in February 1915.  He was wounded in May and evacuated to England but  in addition to his wounds he was suffering from shell shock.  His recovery was slow and he returned to Canada in October to recuperate.  He was still not fully fit when he returned to England and he continued in England based roles for the next 18 months or so and was promoted to Captain.  But he was keen to return to the Front so applied to join the RFC. 

He started his flight training in September 1917 and afterwards was with 37 Squadron for further training.  His flying career was still in its early stages as he had flown three solo flights totalling 1hr 45 mins by the time of his crash.  He was quite seriously injured  in the crash and he was taken to Colchester Military Hospital with “brain lacerations”.  The Court of Enquiry determined that the crash had arisen due to engine failure on take off but his medical notes state that he suddenly became nervous and lost control of his aircraft.  Although his physical health improved his mental health appeared to have deteriorated significantly and he was then admitted to Blake Hall Hospital, Ongar, Essex and then to Quarrybank Hospital, Liverpool. While at Quarrybank he contracted influenza which developed into pneumonia and he died on 20 July 1918. He was aged 25 years

Edited 28 November , 2023 by Red Gate

[stephen p nunn]

Thank you for adding this information Red Gate - much appreciated. Stephen (Maldon).

[stephen p nunn]

Thanks to Red Gate and others, here is the latest version of Essex related GW aircraft crashes:

Essex GW Aircraft Crashes

20/3/15 (11.15) Vickers Gunbus (1629) hit in wing by AA fire from Thameshaven and force landed.

1/6/15 (01.00) Bleriot Parasol (1546) Flt. Sub-Lieu. A.W. Robertson (RNAS Rochford) engine failure whilst on a defensive patrol and force landed on mud flats Leigh on Sea.

17/8/15 (23.55) Cauldron (1596) Flt. Sub-Lieu C.D. Morrison badly burned when 3 out of 4 Hales bombs detonated during a heavy landing at Chelmsford after an anti-Zeppelin patrol. (RNAS Widford?).

18/8/15 (01.15) Cauldron (1593) Flt. Sub-Lieu H.H. Square injured when crash landed Chelmsford following an anti-Zeppelin patrol. (RNAS Widford?).

13/10/15 (23.15) BE2C 2^nd Lieu J.C. Slessor following combat sortie was blinded by searchlight whilst landing and landed in field near Suttons Farm. Pilot safe.

31/1/16 BE2C (I 189) Flt. Sub-Lieu V. Nicholl force landed Thameshaven following defensive sortie. Pilot safe.

3/9/16 (02.55) Farman F56 (9167) Flt. Cdr. A.A. Arnold (RNAS Grain) force landed in a field adjacent to the landing ground at  Broomfield Court. Aircraft turned over and badly damaged. Pilot sprained ankle and suffered cuts.

24/5/17 (04.25) BE2C (6817) 2^nd Lieu J.G. Goodyear blown off course during a defensive patrol and landed Burnham on Crouch.

5/6/17 (18.31) Gotha GIV (660/16) crashed in sea nearly two miles off Barton’s Point while being shelled by Sheerness and Shoeburyness guns.

5/6/17 Sopwith 1½ Strutter crashed Stow Maries. Young Australian pilot, 2^nd/Lt. Roy Walter Mouritzen (37 Squadron), was flying a Sopwith 1½ Strutter. Returning to Stow at dusk, he attempted a downwind landing when, according to one eyewitness, he struck a steamroller (some say it was a caravan). He was only 20 years old and had gained his wings nine days earlier.

7/7/17 Gotha shot down by FK8 of 50 Squadron (Grace and Murray) and crashed in sea off River Crouch.

7/7/17 Sopwith 1½ Strutter (A8271) 2^nd Lieu J.E.R. Young and AM CC Taylor of 37 Squadron killed when aircraft crashed on Maplin Sands. Believed shot down by AA fire whilst engaging Gothas. During a raid by enemy Gotha aircraft. 37 Squadron joined the fray and 19 year old, 2^nd/Lt. John Edward Rostron Young (pilot) and Airman (2^nd Class) Cyril Charles Taylor (observer) were killed near the Nore Light, most likely by what we would now term “friendly fire”.

7/7/17 Sopwith Camel (B3761) Flt. Sub-Ltn A. Lofft (RNAS Manston) crash landed near Maningtree after combat with raiding Gothas. Aircraft a write off. Pilot safe.

 17/8/17 “2 British Aircraft” mid air collision over Thames. Lt. Tanmer crashed in the shallows and was rescued. Lt. A.G. Dow (Canadian Flying Corps) crashed in Kent near Joyce Green (killed). Allan Gladstone Dow lies in Watling Street Cemetery, Dartford. Gravestone reads Lt Allan George DOW (note George on headstone, but Gladstone in official records). Royal Flying Corps. Died 17 August 1917. Aged 22 years. "Drowned after a collision in the air, while flying at Joyce Green Aerodrome, Dartford, Kent, England (next to River Thames). Erected by Brother Officers in No 63 Training Squadron, Royal Flying Corps.

26/7/1917 Sopwith Pup (A6244) Captain Eric William Seton Cotterill of 37 Squadron. Aircraft suffered engine failure shortly after take-off and went into a spinning nose dive from 300 ft.  His injuries were so severe that he was taken to the Chelmsford and Essex Hospital and was only transferred to the Colchester Military Hospital when his condition was stable.  He received a bill for 8 guineas for the cost of his treatment at Chelmsford but this was paid by the RFC. He was only discharged from hospital in November, just in time for his wedding in Paris.  

29/9/17 (22.00) Sopwith 1½ Strutter (B2555) Lieut. N.C. Crombie and Cpl. F.W. Honnett (78 Squadron) force landed Orsett in thick fog.

30/9/17 Sopwith 1½ Strutter (B2593) Lieut. J.S. Castle and 1^st A.M. Dawes (78 Squadron) force landed whilst on an operational patrol at North Benfleet.

6/10/17 BE2e (A1876) crashed Stow Maries. 2^nd/Lt. William Quintus Newsom Richardson, lies buried in Maldon’s London Road Cemetery. He died when his aircraft side-slipped during a practice flight out of Goldhanger (37 Squadron) He was 19. (n.b. a lot more to follow on this lad in due course).

19/10/17 “Sopwith” Lt. Aubrey de Tresalor stalled on T/O Hornchurch. Pilot killed.

1/11/17 (03.00) Sopwith 1½ Strutter (A5238) Capt. F. Billings of 78 Squadron force landed Orsett whilst on a defensive patrol.

6/12/17 (04.45) Gotha GIV (906/16) port propeller shattered by AA fire over Canvey crashed on golf course after hitting a tree attempting to land at Rochford.

22/12/17 BE2e (B4545) Captain Barrington Chadwick Quinan of 37 Squadron injured when he crashed at Woodham Walter. Quinan came over from Canada as part of the CEF and was sent to France in February 1915.  He was wounded in May and evacuated to England but, in addition to his wounds, he was suffering from shell shock.  His recovery was slow and he returned to Canada in October to recuperate.  He was still not fully fit when he returned to England and he continued in England based roles for the next 18 months or so and was promoted to Captain.  But he was keen to return to the Front so applied to join the RFC. He started his flight training in September 1917 and afterwards was with 37 Squadron for further training.  His flying career was still in its early stages as he had flown three solo flights totalling 1hr 45 mins by the time of his crash.  He was quite seriously injured in the crash and he was taken to Colchester Military Hospital with “brain lacerations”.  The Court of Enquiry determined that the crash had arisen due to engine failure on take-off but his medical notes state that he suddenly became nervous and lost control of his aircraft.  Although his physical health improved his mental health appeared to have deteriorated significantly and he was then admitted to Blake Hall Hospital, Ongar, Essex and then to Quarrybank Hospital, Liverpool. While at Quarrybank he contracted influenza which developed into pneumonia and he died on 20 July 1918. He was aged 25 years

28/1/18 (21.30) Sopwith Camel engine stopped by AA shell burst and crash landed near railway signal box at Hornchurch. Aircraft destroyed. Pilot, I.M. Davies safe.

28/1/18 Gotha GV (938/16) (22.10) shot down at Frund’s Farm, Wickford by Sopwith Camels flown by Capt. H.C. Hackwell and 2^nd Lieut. Banks of 44 Squadron. Gotha burnt out and crew of three killed (Leut. Friedrich von Thomsen (nav), Unter. Karl Ziegler (pilot – shot through neck) and Walter Heiden (gunner)). Hackwell and Banks awarded MM.

18/2/18 (01.10) BE12 (6610) 2^nd Lieut. S. Armstrong of 37 Squadron killed when aircraft crashed and caught fire at Tolleshunt Major, possibly following engine failure whilst on a defensive patrol. 2^nd/Lt. Sydney Armstrong, who took off from Goldhanger airfield at 11 o’clock on the evening of February 17^th 1918 in his BE12 biplane. At 1 o’clock the following morning the body of the 18 year old pilot was discovered in the shell of his burnt-out machine, in a field at Tolleshunt Major.

26/2/18 BE2 crashed Goldhanger. Armstrong’s replacement was Irish born, Catholic lad, 2^nd/Lt. Frederick Augustus Crowley, who took off in a BE2 (from Goldhanger. 37 Squadron) on his third solo just before 9am on 26/2/1918. He clipped some trees, stalled and came down in a field at the back of ‘The Cricketers’ pub, where the aircraft burst into flames.

7/3/18 BE12 (C3208) Capt. Alex Kynoch (37 Squadron) killed following collision after take off from Stow Maries (23.29), crashed in a field at Wickford.

7/3/18 SE5A (B679) Capt. H.C. Stroud (61 Squadron) killed following collision (see above) after take off from Rochford (23.30), crashed in a field at Wickford.

A propeller memorial to 24 year old Captain Kynoch and the other pilot (Captain Stroud) was erected on the site by the local farmer.

23/4/18 BE12 (B4535) 2^nd Lieut. C.L. Milburn (Canadian) (37 Squadron) killed in crash Stow Maries. Aircraft caught fire. 2/Lt. Edward Gerald Mucklow deserted from the Royal Fusiliers and served with 37 Squadron, under the name Cyril Lawson Milburn. He was killed, when his BE12 suffered engine failure during a spin and he crashed on Moonshine Field, near the aerodrome at Stow Maries. He was comparatively “old” at 31.

8/5/18 Sopwith F1 Camel (D6649) 2^nd. Lieut. John Donald Baird (aged 20) (44 Training Squadron) accident spinning from 6000 feet, nose dive Hainault Farm. Pilot error.

11/5/18 RE8 (E58) Lt. Harry Lynn Hopkins (24) (189 Night Training Squadron) turning in air over field in Essex crashed and was killed. Buried Hornchurch.

 

19/5/18 Sopwith Camel (B4614) (23.45) Lt. W.E. Nicholson force landed (broken pressure valve) at Chingford.

19/5/18 (23.50) Gotha GV (925/16) ‘Pommern’pilot decended to 2000 feet through cloud and choked starboard engine and force landed St. Osyth. Pilot Lt. W. Rist and observer, Leutnant Wilheim Rist killed. Vize. Max Gummelt and Rudolf Huhnsdorf safe.

20/5/18 Gotha (00.20) shot down by Bristol Fighter (C4636) of 39 Squadron flown by Lieut. A.J. Arkell and 1^st AM A.T.C. Stagg. Crashed off Roman Road, East Ham. Crew of three killed. After firing around 700 rounds at the Gotha it caught fire and the crew jumped to their deaths. The aircraft spun and came down in a bean field between Roman Road and Beckton Road, East Ham. The site is now used for school playing fields.

22/5/18 SE5a crashed Danbury. 2^nd/Lt. William Martin Burfoot (37 Squadron) suffered engine failure in his SE5a and stalled, turning near the ground, before crashing at Danbury.

19/6/18 Avro 504. Lt. Harold Eborall Davis (28) stall and spin. Buried Rochford.

15/8/18 “2 seat British Aircraft” crashed after take off West Tilbury. Pilot Lt. King seriously injured and AM Miller slightly.

20/9/18 Sopwith Camel crashed Stow Maries. 20 year old, Lieutenant Edward Cecil Henry Robert Nicholls was flying a Sopwith Camel when he turned sharply after take-off from Stow (37 Squadron), spun, crashed and was killed.

?/9/18 Sopwith Camel crashed South Ockendon. Pilot Lt. George Mahoney (29. New Zealander) of Hornchurch killed.

23/10/18 Avro (E3598) William Thomas Cole. Harold Keates (21953) of 189 (Night) Training Squadron. Killed when 'flying in South Essex both in the same machine which nosedived and crashed to the ground' Court of inquiry said pilot deliberately put aircraft into a spin but failed to get out of spin. Reason unknown.

 

 

[stephen p nunn]

Evening all - here is the latest revised list (version 29/11/23):

Essex GW Aircraft Crashes

20/3/15 (11.15) Vickers Gunbus (1629) hit in wing by AA fire from Thameshaven and force landed.

1/6/15 (01.00) Bleriot Parasol (1546) Flt. Sub-Lieu. A.W. Robertson (RNAS Rochford) engine failure whilst on a defensive patrol and force landed on mud flats Leigh on Sea.

17/8/15 (23.55) Cauldron (1596) Flt. Sub-Lieu C.D. Morrison badly burned when 3 out of 4 Hales bombs detonated during a heavy landing at Chelmsford after an anti-Zeppelin patrol. (RNAS Widford?).

18/8/15 (01.15) Cauldron (1593) Flt. Sub-Lieu H.H. Square injured when crash landed Chelmsford following an anti-Zeppelin patrol. (RNAS Widford?).

13/10/15 (23.15) BE2C 2^nd Lieu J.C. Slessor following combat sortie was blinded by searchlight whilst landing and landed in field near Suttons Farm. Pilot safe.

31/1/16 BE2C (I 189) Flt. Sub-Lieu V. Nicholl force landed Thameshaven following defensive sortie. Pilot safe.

3/9/16 (02.55) Farman F56 (9167) Flt. Cdr. A.A. Arnold (RNAS Grain) force landed in a field adjacent to the landing ground at  Broomfield Court. Aircraft turned over and badly damaged. Pilot sprained ankle and suffered cuts.

24/5/17 (04.25) BE2C (6817) 2^nd Lieu J.G. Goodyear blown off course during a defensive patrol and landed Burnham on Crouch.

5/6/17 (18.31) Gotha GIV (660/16) crashed in sea nearly two miles off Barton’s Point while being shelled by Sheerness and Shoeburyness guns.

5/6/17 Sopwith 1½ Strutter crashed Stow Maries. Young Australian pilot, 2^nd/Lt. Roy Walter Mouritzen (37 Squadron), was flying a Sopwith 1½ Strutter. Returning to Stow at dusk, he attempted a downwind landing when, according to one eyewitness, he struck a steamroller (some say it was a caravan). He was only 20 years old and had gained his wings nine days earlier.

7/7/17 Gotha shot down by FK8 of 50 Squadron (Grace and Murray) and crashed in sea off River Crouch.

7/7/17 Sopwith 1½ Strutter (A8271) 2^nd Lieu J.E.R. Young and AM CC Taylor of 37 Squadron killed when aircraft crashed on Maplin Sands. Believed shot down by AA fire whilst engaging Gothas. During a raid by enemy Gotha aircraft. 37 Squadron joined the fray and 19 year old, 2^nd/Lt. John Edward Rostron Young (pilot) and Airman (2^nd Class) Cyril Charles Taylor (observer) were killed near the Nore Light, most likely by what we would now term “friendly fire”.

7/7/17 Sopwith Camel (B3761) Flt. Sub-Ltn A. Lofft (RNAS Manston) crash landed near Maningtree after combat with raiding Gothas. Aircraft a write off. Pilot safe.

 17/8/17 “2 British Aircraft” mid air collision over Thames. Lt. Tanmer crashed in the shallows and was rescued. Lt. A.G. Dow (Canadian Flying Corps) crashed in Kent near Joyce Green (killed). Allan Gladstone Dow lies in Watling Street Cemetery, Dartford. Gravestone reads Lt Allan George DOW (note George on headstone, but Gladstone in official records). Royal Flying Corps. Died 17 August 1917. Aged 22 years. "Drowned after a collision in the air, while flying at Joyce Green Aerodrome, Dartford, Kent, England (next to River Thames). Erected by Brother Officers in No 63 Training Squadron, Royal Flying Corps.

26/7/1917 Sopwith Pup (A6244) Captain Eric William Seton Cotterill of 37 Squadron. Aircraft suffered engine failure shortly after take-off and went into a spinning nose dive from 300 ft.  His injuries were so severe that he was taken to the Chelmsford and Essex Hospital and was only transferred to the Colchester Military Hospital when his condition was stable.  He received a bill for 8 guineas for the cost of his treatment at Chelmsford but this was paid by the RFC. He was only discharged from hospital in November, just in time for his wedding in Paris.

 

27/9/17 (08.20) ? collided with another aircraft over Rochford whilst making spiral descent. Lieutenant Arthur Sydney Talbot (27) instructing student 2^nd-Lieutenant Geoffrey Cooper Malcolm (25) both killed. Both buried Rochford.

29/9/17 (22.00) Sopwith 1½ Strutter (B2555) Lieut. N.C. Crombie (Observer) and Capt. F.W. Honnett (pilot) (78 Squadron) force landed Orsett in thick fog.

30/9/17 Sopwith 1½ Strutter (B2593) Lieut. J.S. Castle and 1^st A.M. Dawes (78 Squadron) force landed whilst on an operational patrol at North Benfleet.

6/10/17 BE2e (A1876) crashed Stow Maries. 2^nd/Lt. William Quintus Newsom Richardson, lies buried in Maldon’s London Road Cemetery. He died when his aircraft side-slipped during a practice flight out of Goldhanger (37 Squadron) He was 19. (n.b. a lot more to follow on this lad in due course).

19/10/17 “Sopwith” Lt. Aubrey de Tresalor stalled on T/O Hornchurch. Pilot killed.

1/11/17 (03.00) Sopwith 1½ Strutter (A5238) Capt. F. Billings of 78 Squadron force landed Orsett whilst on a defensive patrol.

6/12/17 (04.45) Gotha GIV (906/16) port propeller shattered by AA fire over Canvey crashed on golf course after hitting a tree attempting to land at Rochford.

22/12/17 BE2e (B4545) Captain Barrington Chadwick Quinan of 37 Squadron injured when he crashed at Woodham Walter. Quinan came over from Canada as part of the CEF and was sent to France in February 1915.  He was wounded in May and evacuated to England but, in addition to his wounds, he was suffering from shell shock.  His recovery was slow and he returned to Canada in October to recuperate.  He was still not fully fit when he returned to England and he continued in England based roles for the next 18 months or so and was promoted to Captain.  But he was keen to return to the Front so applied to join the RFC. He started his flight training in September 1917 and afterwards was with 37 Squadron for further training.  His flying career was still in its early stages as he had flown three solo flights totalling 1hr 45 mins by the time of his crash.  He was quite seriously injured in the crash and he was taken to Colchester Military Hospital with “brain lacerations”.  The Court of Enquiry determined that the crash had arisen due to engine failure on take-off but his medical notes state that he suddenly became nervous and lost control of his aircraft.  Although his physical health improved his mental health appeared to have deteriorated significantly and he was then admitted to Blake Hall Hospital, Ongar, Essex and then to Quarrybank Hospital, Liverpool. While at Quarrybank he contracted influenza which developed into pneumonia and he died on 20 July 1918. He was aged 25 years

28/1/18 (21.30) Sopwith Camel engine stopped by AA shell burst and crash landed near railway signal box at Hornchurch. Aircraft destroyed. Pilot, I.M. Davies safe.

28/1/18 Gotha GV (938/16) (22.10) shot down at Frund’s Farm, Wickford by Sopwith Camels flown by Capt. H.C. Hackwell and 2^nd Lieut. Banks of 44 Squadron. Gotha burnt out and crew of three killed (Leut. Friedrich von Thomsen (nav), Unter. Karl Ziegler (pilot – shot through neck) and Walter Heiden (gunner)). Hackwell and Banks awarded MM.

18/2/18 (01.10) BE12 (6610) 2^nd Lieut. S. Armstrong of 37 Squadron killed when aircraft crashed and caught fire at Tolleshunt Major, possibly following engine failure whilst on a defensive patrol. 2^nd/Lt. Sydney Armstrong, who took off from Goldhanger airfield at 11 o’clock on the evening of February 17^th 1918 in his BE12 biplane. At 1 o’clock the following morning the body of the 18 year old pilot was discovered in the shell of his burnt-out machine, in a field at Tolleshunt Major.

26/2/18 BE2 crashed Goldhanger. Armstrong’s replacement was Irish born, Catholic lad, 2^nd/Lt. Frederick Augustus Crowley, who took off in a BE2 (from Goldhanger. 37 Squadron) on his third solo just before 9am on 26/2/1918. He clipped some trees, stalled and came down in a field at the back of ‘The Cricketers’ pub, where the aircraft burst into flames.

7/3/18 BE12 (C3208) Capt. Alex Kynoch (37 Squadron) killed following collision after take off from Stow Maries (23.29), crashed in a field at Wickford.

7/3/18 SE5A (B679) Capt. H.C. Stroud (aged 24) (61 Squadron) killed following collision (see above) after take-off from Rochford (23.30), crashed in a field at Wickford. Buried  Rochford.

A propeller memorial to 24 year old Captain Kynoch and the other pilot (Captain Stroud) was erected on the site by the local farmer.

23/4/18 BE12 (B4535) 2^nd Lieut. C.L. Milburn (Canadian) (37 Squadron) killed in crash Stow Maries. Aircraft caught fire. 2/Lt. Edward Gerald Mucklow deserted from the Royal Fusiliers and served with 37 Squadron, under the name Cyril Lawson Milburn. He was killed, when his BE12 suffered engine failure during a spin and he crashed on Moonshine Field, near the aerodrome at Stow Maries. He was comparatively “old” at 31.

8/5/18 Sopwith F1 Camel (D6649) 2^nd. Lieut. John Donald Baird (aged 20) (44 Training Squadron) accident spinning from 6000 feet, nose dive Hainault Farm. Pilot error.

11/5/18 RE8 (E58) Lt. Harry Lynn Hopkins (24) (189 Night Training Squadron) turning in air over field in Essex crashed and was killed. Buried Hornchurch.

19/5/18 Sopwith Camel (B4614) (23.45) Lt. W.E. Nicholson force landed (broken pressure valve) at Chingford.

19/5/18 (23.50) Gotha GV (925/16) ‘Pommern’pilot decended to 2000 feet through cloud and choked starboard engine and force landed St. Osyth. Pilot Lt. W. Rist and observer, Leutnant Wilheim Rist killed. Vize. Max Gummelt and Rudolf Huhnsdorf safe.

20/5/18 Gotha (00.20) shot down by Bristol Fighter (C4636) of 39 Squadron flown by Lieut. A.J. Arkell and 1^st AM A.T.C. Stagg. Crashed off Roman Road, East Ham. Crew of three killed. After firing around 700 rounds at the Gotha it caught fire and the crew jumped to their deaths. The aircraft spun and came down in a bean field between Roman Road and Beckton Road, East Ham. The site is now used for school playing fields.

22/5/18 SE5a crashed Danbury. 2^nd/Lt. William Martin Burfoot (37 Squadron) suffered engine failure in his SE5a and stalled, turning near the ground, before crashing at Danbury.

19/6/18 Avro 504. Lt. Harold Eborall Davis (28) stall and spin. Buried Rochford.

15/8/18 “2 seat British Aircraft” crashed after take off West Tilbury. Pilot Lt. King seriously injured and AM Miller slightly.

3/9/18 Sopwith Camel (D9569) crashed off low loop, South Ockendon. Pilot Lt. Brian Gerald Mahoney (aged 28. New Zealander) (189 NTS Squadron, Hornchurch) killed.

20/9/18 Sopwith Camel crashed Stow Maries. 20 year old, Lieutenant Edward Cecil Henry Robert Nicholls was flying a Sopwith Camel when he turned sharply after take-off from Stow (37 Squadron), spun, crashed and was killed.

27/9/18 Camel (F1395) Lt. John Wilton Sheridan killed (aged 29) (61 Squadron). Mid-air collision Rochford.

27/9/18 Camel (F1315) 2^ndLt. Reginald Frank Sanders (aged 19) (61 Squadron) killed. Mid-air collision Rochford.

23/10/18 Avro (E3598) William Thomas Cole. Harold Keates (21953) of 189 (Night) Training Squadron. Killed when 'flying in South Essex both in the same machine which nosedived and crashed to the ground' Court of inquiry said pilot deliberately put aircraft into a spin but failed to get out of spin. Reason unknown.

 

[Red Gate]

Stephen

A couple more to add to your list

15/7/1918 Flight Cadet Thomas Eric Cotton of 198 (NT) Squadron  injured when he crashed Avro 504K D2085

The court of inquiry determined that the cause of the accident was an error in judgement on the part of the pilot by turning with the engine shut off, causing the machine to stall and develop a spin which continued until  it crashed into the ground. The court stated that the pilot was not disobeying flying instructions but was disobeying the instructor’s order in that he shut off his engine and attempted to turn when near the ground. Cotton was in hospital for 4 months.

He was subsequently posted to 37 Squadron where he had another crash on 3 February 1919 while flying Avro 504K E4108.  Unfortunately it seems that he continued to suffer from the effects of these crashes as he committed suicide in 1920 by gassing himself. 

 

7/8/1918 Flight Cadet Thomas  Gardiner Keir of 37 Squadron injured when he crashed Sopwith Camel F1367 at Tolleshunt D'Arcy 

Keir had taken off from Goldhanger and stalled on a left hand turn, got into a left hand spin and in correcting started to spin to the right and crashed. At the time of his crash he had completed 95 hours of solo flying.  His injuries were severe and life changing.  He had a penetration wound to the right eye which had left him almost totally blind in that eye and a compound fracture of the right foot which in 1919 had still leaving him with considerable difficulty in walking.

 

[stephen p nunn]

Thank you for these additions Red Gate - much appreciated. Regards. Stephen (Maldon).

[PRC]

Just doing some late night tidying up my notes from a long ago visit to the Norfolk County Archive and came across this report in the edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday December 1st, 1917.

NORFOLK FLYING OFFICER KILLED.

The Deputy- Coroner (Mr. H.J. Jefferies) held an inquest on Saturday touching on the death of Capt. Charles W. Bruce, aged 22, of the Gordon Highlanders, attached to the R.F.C., who was killed at an Essex aerodrome on Thursday. Deceased was a native of Alburgh, near Harleston.

The evidence showed that the deceased was an experienced and qualified pilot. On Thursday he was flying at a height of 100 feet when, in turning, his machine nose-dived and fell to the ground. At a court of inquiry it was found that the deceased attempted to turn while flying at an insufficient speed. Upon hitting the ground the machine burst into flames, and the deceased was terribly burnt. Lieut. Love, R.A.M.C.,  stated that in his opinion deceased was rendered unconscious by a blow in the face and the concussion when the machine hit the ground. When unconscious he was suffocated by the intense heat. He did not think the deceased suffered. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and expressed sympathy with the parents – and the loss which the country had sustained in the death of the officer.

CWGC shows Captain Charles William Bruce, Royal Flying Corps and Gordon Highlanders, as having died on the 22nd November 1917. He is buried at Southend on Sea (Sutton Road) Cemetery. https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/357350/charles-william-bruce/

The death of the 22 year old Charles William Bruce was registered in the Rochford District.

The RAF Museum Story Vault has him serving with 61 Squadron and flying a S.E.5a serial B657. I think from the Casualty Card that 61 Squadron were stationed at Rochford. https://www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk/archive/bruce-c.w.-charles-william

Cheers,
Peter

[stephen p nunn]

Great additional information Peter. Thank you very much.

Stephen (Maldon).

[charlie962]

Birmingham Daily Post 23/8/17 courtesy Findmypast newspapers

Extracts of Casualty Card courtesy RAF Museum

[PRC]

From The Scotsman - Monday 18 June 1917

 

Image courtesy The British Newspaper Archive.

Tew and Savage’s deaths occurred in Gloucestershire.

Probationary Flight Officer Kenneth Stuart, Royal Naval Air Service, died on the 13^th June 1917 and is buried at Beckenham Crematorium and Cemetery. https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/367803/kenneth-stuart/

His death was registered in the Edmonton civil registration district in Q2 1917. That district straddled Middlesex and Essex during the Great War period.  Civil Parishes covered by the District included Chingford and Waltham Holy Cross. https://www.ukbmd.org.uk/reg/districts/edmonton.html

The RAF Museum storyvault doesn’t have a casualty card for him, just noting that he was “Killed while training at RN Air Station Chingford 13 June 1917.”
https://www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk/archive/stuart-k.-kenneth

Probationary Flight Officer William George Parry, Royal Naval Air Service, aged 26, died on the 12^th June 1917. He is buried at Smethwick (Uplands) Cemetery. https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/395257/william-george-parry/

His death was also registered in the Edmonton District in Q2 1917.

Again no casualty card at the storyvault, with the Roll of Honour simply showing “Accidentally Killed 12 June 1917 aged 26.” https://www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk/archive/parry-w.g.-william-george

However the Naval History Net website shows “Royal Naval Air Service, flying in Curtiss JN 4 tractor biplane, coming into land in UK, dived in from 300 feet, second crew member DOI next day.

 PARRY, William G, Ty/Py/Flight Officer, on books of President, killed

However the second crew member is identified as Kenneth Stuart and that he died of injuries. http://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1917-06Jun.htm

That is clearly at odds with the details from the inquest, although Kenneth Stuart may well have been flying the same kind of plane.

His Register of Officer Services shows that he died at Edmonton Military Hospital  on the 13^th June 1917 having been admitted the previous evening after an accident in Machine G.W.8770

 

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C9749765

William George Parry is recorded in his Register of Officer Services as killed in Curtis 8862 as a passenger.

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C9749282

Both images courtesy The National Archive.

It seems to be clear that both accidents happened on the 12^th June 1917, and most likely both were at Chingford.

Cheers,
Peter