Whilst researching a related subject, I came across the following photograph which is recorded as being an RAF bomber which crashed at Broadbridge Heath, West Sussex, in the 1920s. To me it looks like a Handley Page 0/400 – if it is indeed an RAF bomber – or a Handley Page HP 12, 0/10 or 0/11 – if it should prove to be one of the post WW1 civilian airliner conversions. However the presence of the code letter ‘V’ on the nose would suggest that the former is more likely. If it is an 0/400, then the recorded date of the photograph presumably is incorrect as I understand that the 0/400 was withdrawn from RAF service by the end of 1919. The HP 12, 0/10 and 0/11 soldiered on, performing commercial work, into the early twenties but the last was removed from the UK civil register by 1922. I wonder if anyone can add any more concerning the subject of the photograph?
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By: avion ancien - 10th September 2021 at 10:41
I am sure another photo will eventually turn up which shows a serial – there are enough people around it so that can’t be the only photo in existence
As far as I am aware, none has, so far, done so, Paul. It has been suggested that it was J7418 but equally it was been said that J7418 crashed at Worthy Down, in 1926, with fatal consequences. So it appears that we must wait in the hope that one of those spectators took a photograph that shows more of the Virginia – ideally including its serial number!
Footnote: I apologise for the inappropriate topic title, which I asked to be changed – over eight years ago!
By: paulmcmillan - 11th August 2013 at 16:44
Can’t find this incident in any Virginia Histories in the Air Britain J Serials book. Shame the serial number not shown, some 58 Sqn codes are listed but no ‘V’ I am afraid I am sure another photo will eventually turn up which shows a serial – there are enough people around it so that can’t be the only photo in existence
By: avion ancien - 11th August 2013 at 15:36
A little more information, care of the Kent & Sussex History Forum:
Evening Telegraph – Friday 19 August 1927
FOUR AIRMEN UNHURT AFTER CRASH. Rough and Tumble Over Ploughed Field. A new Vickers Virginia bombing ‘plane, belonging to the 58th Squadron R.A.F., Worthydowns, Winchester, crashed near Horsham, Sussex, this afternoon. The pilot, as well as an officer, a wireless operator. and a mechanic, who were in the ‘plane, were unhurt. The machine, piloted by Sergeant-pilot Alyer, developed trouble in the port engine when over Broadbridge Heath, and the oil supply became disconnected. The pilot endeavoured to keep the aeroplane going with the starboard engine, but the ‘plane lurched and a forced landing was made in a ploughed field. The machine rushed across the field through a hedge, and came to a standstill spanning the road between Warnham and Broadbridge Heath. The wheels of the undercarriage were forced through the main plane, and the nose of the ‘plane was damaged.
By: avion ancien - 11th August 2013 at 14:55
Well, that would tie in with the caption. Thank you, gents.
P.s. if there’s a moderator around, would he/she please amend the thread title.
By: Arabella-Cox - 11th August 2013 at 14:14
Looks more like a Virginia to me.
By: paulmcmillan - 11th August 2013 at 14:03
Can only find Vickers Virginia of 58 Sqn Worthy Down crashing at Broadbridge Heath on August 19 1927 4 crew not injured
forced landed when the oil supply became disconnected
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August 11, 2013 at 1:18 pm