6 F.T.S. Provosts XF684 and XF903 crash, Ouston, 14.08.62

[wwrsimon]

Hello everyone

On the night of August 14th 1962, these two Provosts collided near R.A.F. Ouston. Both pilots werekilled in the accident.

I have one casualty so far, P/O James F. Thomas, who is buried at Stamfordham. I have a few queries, if anyone can help?

Can anyone give any more details of Thomas - service number, full name?

Which Provost was he in?

Who was flying the other one?

Many thanks,

Regards

Simon

[COL BRUGGY]

Simon,

The airmen involved were:

5200206 A/P/O James Frank THOMAS RAF + - RAF Acklington.

http://www.afm-veterans-uk.info/roll...SerialNo=R6243

4231125 A/P/O Barry Robert Powell HYDE RAF + - RAF Acklington.

http://www.afm-veterans-uk.info/roll...SerialNo=R6242

Can't help with individual aircraft.

Col.

[wwrsimon]

Thanks Col, much appreciated.

Regards

Simon

[Oldduffer]

Thomas = XF684
Hyde = XF903

Thomas was overshooting and Hyde was taking off.

Colin Cummings

[wwrsimon]

Many thanks indeed for that Colin, very helpful indeed.

Regards

Simon

[COL BRUGGY]

Simon,

The following 'Times' report might be of interest:

AIR CRASH KILLS STUDENT PILOTS

From our Correspondent.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, AUG 14.

Two R.A.F. student pilots were killed early today after their single-seater Provost aircraft crashed near Ouston R.A.F. station, Northumberland. The pilots were Acting Pilot Officers J. F. Thomas, of Cape Town, South Africa and D. R. Hyde, aged 18, of Norwood Drive, Torrisholme, Morecambe, Lancashire.

After the collision one aircraft crashed in a cornfield and burst into flames. The pilot was trapped. The other pilot was thrown from his machine which broke up. His body was found among some trees.

Miss Roberta Davis, of High House Farm, Matfen, near Ouston R.A.F. station, said she had been kept awake by the noise of he machines and heard a tremendous bang about 4 a.m. When she got to the window she saw one aircraft burning in the fields and wreckage from another about 200 yards away. The pilot trapped in the burning aircraft could not be reached.

The Times. Wednesday, August 15, 1962. p.5.

Col.