Wellington crashes, 29th Aug 1943

Thanks.

Thanks Don and Peter, that’s exactly the information I was after. Many thanks, Ritch.

29 August 1943

29 OTU

Wellington III BK431 -J
Op: Training

Crew
F/O. J H. Heath RNZAF +
W/O. W J P. Gibbons +
Sgt. S. Godson DFM +
Sgt. J A. Fairhurst +
Sgt. V. Graham +
Sgt. L C. Salmon +
Cdt. J D. Woodward ATC +

Took off 1125 hrs Bruntingthorpe for an air firing detail with staff captain and screened wireless operator, a gunnery instructor, an Air Training Corps cadet passenger and three trainee air gunners. Tragically, fifteen minutes after leaving base the bolts securing the lower port wing spar failed 9due to metal fatigue) and the wellington hurtled into the ground near Oakham. F/O. Heath whose parents had originated from Lincolnshire, was taken to his birthplace and laid to rest in Cleethorpes Cemetery. His crew were claimed by their relatives and it is noted that the sixteen year old air cadet belonged to 1434 Squadron. Sgt. Godson, the gunnery instructor, had recently arrived from 50 Squadron and details of his award had been Gazetted as recently as 17 August. It is further noted that F/O. Heath RNZAF, who had flown a tour of operations in the Middle east with 37 Squadron, had been involved in a serious accident on 27 July 1943, after which his Wellington X HZ412 needed extensive repairs. W/O. Gibbons, too, had been involved in a previous training accident.

Bomber Command Losses Vol 7. W R. Chorley.

Regards
Peter.

Wellington Crashes

Hello Ritch & Max,

I have details for both these aircraft, PM on its way!