"RAF Bomber" crash A&AEE Martlesham Heath April 19th, 1937

[paulmcmillan]

All after the success of earlier. I am hoping for some more!

On April 19th, 1937 a 'RAF Bomber' crashed in the neighbourhood of Waldringfield, Suffolk. The pilot Flight Lieut. Maurice Hare (RAFO) escaped by parachute but his passenger A/C.1 George Peter Smurthwaite was killed. The aircraft belonged to the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at Martlesham Heath. Hare jumped from the aircraft just before the crash occurred, and was found lying in a field about a quarter of a mile from where the machine fell where he had slight injuries.

Again, I am after the ID of the aircraft involved. There was at least another RAF Bomber crash that day where the crew of 3 received 'slight injuries'

Thanks

Paul

[COL BRUGGY]

Hello,

Vickers Wellington Prototype K4049 - AAEE - Tail broke off; aircraft crashed 19-4-1937

http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/memorial/entry.php?id=40

Col.

[davew]

Paul

Wellington K4049, I also have a Hind of 98S, K6617 which may be your other a/c.
regards
DaveW

[Litcham_Lad]

Paul,

Again from AB 'K' File (p.431):

The A&AEE loss was Vickers B.9/32 (Wellington prototype) K4049

dg

[Sean Welch]

Paul,
prototype Wellington, K4049.
Hare did not jump! he was thrown out through the cockpit roof as the tail disintegrated in a diving trial of the aircraft.

Regards

Sean.

[paulmcmillan]

All

Thanks - Doh! should have got this one myself

Paul

[paulmcmillan]

"Hind of 98S, K6617 which may be your other a/c."

Was my other a/c crew was pilot P/O Eric Richard Dennis Vaughan 37838 and Cpl Ballett (almost certainly William Alfred Ballett #366007, later commissioned #45141 and MBE. The aircraft crashed through a hedge after attempting to force land in a field near Park House Farm at Lowca near Whitehaven Cumberland in heavy rain. The crew (one of 3 aircraft) were on their way from Hucknall, Notts to Stranraer amd were slightly injured.