603 Sq ORB 1930

[Toml]

Hi-This is a long shot request.On 2.8.1930 a military aircraft made a forced landing and overturned at Wingate,County Durham.Both aircrew were ok.A newspaper article mentioned the aircraft was flying to Turnhouse and the crew were named as Flying Officer McLean and Squadron Leader Ciolious.I have no aircraft type but it could be a Westland Wapiti with No.603 Squadron.Therefore does anyone have the Operations Record Book for No.603 Squadron.

Regards,Philip
founder member of the 55 Aircraft Accidents Research Group [55 AARG]

[Errol Martyn]

Toml,

I can't help regarding the aircraft but in the Jan 1931 Air Force List there appear under Home Aircraft Depot the following:

Fg Off Douglas Lachlan Maclean (posted in 11 Jun 29)
Sqn Ldr John Robert Crolius (note spelling), MB, ChB, LMSSA, Medical Branch (posted in 22 Mar 29)

Errol

[Toml]

Thanks for those names Errol as these 2 chaps were involved in this accident.I have located another newspaper article
and the crash location is not Wingate,County Durham the accident was in the area of Wingates near Netherwitton,Northumberland.The aircraft was from Home Aircraft Depot RAF Henlow.The pilot was Flying Officer D.L.Maclean with Squadron Leader J.E.Crolius.All I need now is the aircraft type so I can then search for the Air Ministry Form 1180 or the aircraft accident card.Therefore PLEASE IGNORE THE 603 SQ ORB.

Regards,Philip

[ian94avenge]

Other details found on web for J R Crolius,

LONDON GAZETTE, 15 MAY, 1915.

ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS.

The undermentioned Lieutenant (on probation) confirmed in rank:

John R. Crolius.

From the British Medical Journal, March 1920

The following decorations have been conferred by the President of the French Republic for distinguished services rendered during the course of the campaign:

Medaille des LEpidenmes (ent Verrneil). Captain John Robert
Crolius, R.A.M.C.(S.R.).

In 1923 served at Jenin Combined Hospital, Palestine.

From Flight global

Posted to HQ, RAF Middle East February 1931.

From RAF Com Forum post by Errol on Dec 10, 2007

Sqn Ldr Crolius, John Robert MB ChB LMSSA Died 18 Aug 31

Sadly I have not found details of the aircraft involved in the accident.

Ian