October 26, 2008 at 8:50 am
I’m looking for any info on Defiant L6981, crashed near Hutton Cranswick while on gunnery practice, mainley looking for pilots name and turret operator who were both killed, names and where they are buried if anyone can help.
cheers
By: Yorkie - 26th October 2008 at 15:36
Thankyou for the replys, will be investigating this one shortly…..
Cheers
By: kev35 - 26th October 2008 at 09:40
According to the Defiant File by Alec Brew, L6981 was Construction Number 32 and was delivered to 24 MU (Maintenance Unit) on the 9th of March 1940. The aircraft moved to the Central Gunnery School on the 3rd April 1940 and on to Reid and Sigrist on the 17th May 1941. To 27 MU on the 15th Feb 1942 before being taken on strength with 1484 Flight on the 2nd August 1942. The aircraft spun into the ground at Scurfdike Farm near Hutton Cranswick during gunnery training on the 13th August 1942.
The pilot was 1169117 F/Sgt. Derek Rowland Lord, aged 20. He was the son of Gordon Ewart Lord and Flora Marie Lord of Burpham, Guildford and he is interred at Burpham St. Luke Churchyard.
The Air Gunner was 1057542 Sgt. Arthur Owen Potts, aged 20. He was the son of Charles Arthur and Clara Potts of Hull. He is interred at Haltemprice (Anlaby Tranby Lane) Cemetery, Hull.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
kev35
By: Ross_McNeill - 26th October 2008 at 09:22
Hi Yorkie,
Alec Brew in the Defiant file has
F/Sgt D R Lord
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2434091
Sgt A O Potts
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2408167
Regards
Ross