I have to admit, this is a time period that’s outside of my expertise. So, a question for your knowledgable WW1 folks out there…
Can anyone tell me which RFC squadrons (or training units) were stationed at what is now RAF Wyton in early 1918? I’m researching the Church Spire vs Aeroplane incident in St Ives in March 1918.
Any help gratefully received. 🙂
Ta.
By: Arabella-Cox - 13th December 2004 at 11:29
Fantastic, thanks very much Paul. 🙂
By: paulmcmillan - 10th December 2004 at 21:28
Wastell was with 5 Training Squadron, when he was killed in Airco DH6 C5453 (which was built by Harland & Wolff)
on 23rd March 1918
Paul McMillan
By: Arabella-Cox - 10th December 2004 at 15:17
Interesting piece about the Sergeant apparently being ‘dropped off’ in the second link that I posted. I suppose we’ll never know the truth behind the accident now,
You’re right, a very interesting little piece, that. One of life’s mysteries…
Paul, I’m logging off in a while, and will be away from my pc for a couple of days. Please do post if you manage to find the serial number, but don’t worry if it’s not available. You’ve both already given me more information than I could possibly have hoped for, so I’m already hugely grateful!
Cheers,
Steve
By: paulmcmillan - 10th December 2004 at 15:06
Well done!
I will see if I can track down the serial of the DH6 tonight.. I have once chance, that it may be in one of my books…. -But don’t hold your breath!
Paul
By: Arabella-Cox - 10th December 2004 at 15:01
A little bit of an update for you all. Thanks to Mike and Paul, and the nice lady from Cambridgeshire County Archives, I managed to track down the following information:
Date – 23rd March 1918.
Aeroplane – de Havilland DH6 being flown on a training flight from Wyton.
Pilot – 2nd Lieutenant Kenneth Wastell, Royal Flying Corps, aged 19, from Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Buried – Priory Road Cemetary, Huntingdon. Plot VVV 38.
And 30 minutes ago, I actually found him. His stone looks a little bit neglected, so I reckon I’ll have to go back in a few months time and clean it up a bit. And lay a wreath. Wednesday 23rd March sounds like as good a date as any I think. I’m sure my boss won’t mind…
For the first time in ages, I feel as though I’ve actually done something worthwhile with my time today. 🙂
By: Arabella-Cox - 10th December 2004 at 11:06
Good god! Nine and eleven minutes respectively. You guys never cease to amaze me!
Many, many thanks chaps. That’s just what I was looking for. 🙂
By: paulmcmillan - 10th December 2004 at 10:40
According to CWGC
He died 23/03/1918
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December 10, 2004 at 10:29 am