Brigand VS859

[Phil Listemann]

Hello all,

Does anyone know the service number given to Sgt William Kent who was killed in Brigand VS859 on 15.02.51 (45 Sqn)?

Thanks in advance

Phil

[COL BRUGGY]

Hello,

1852236

http://veterans.mod.uk/roll-of-honou...SerialNo=R1532

http://veterans.mod.uk/roll-of-honou...SerialNo=R1533

Throughout the Brigand era the squadron periodically found itself short of navigators, signallers or both and it often flew with only two-man crews. Since most missions were flown in formations, however, with the leader looking after navigation and communications for everyone, it was not essential for every aircraft to carry a full rear crew and there appears to have been a policy change to endorse the practice of 'flying light'. This was the case on February 15th(1951), when VS859 crashed at Pilah on [sic], February, killing Sgt Kent and Sgt Ellis. The cause was another explosion in the cannon bay and an immediate embargo was imposed on the further use of guns, pending an investigation.

See:
The Flying Camels The History of No.45 Sqn RAF
Jefford,C.G. Wg Cdr MBE, BA, RAF (retd)
High Wycombe:Author,1995.
p.346.

Col.

[Phil Listemann]

Thanks Col. Nice site.

Phil