13 Sqn Atlas Crash 6 or 7 May 1931

[paulmcmillan]

13 Sqn Atlas Crash 6 or 7 May 1931

This is one of my 1931 bale out mysteries. The Engine fell out of the plane and the crew were thrown out of the aircraft. The pilot P/O Reginald Weighill survived by using his parachute, his observer AC1 Alexander Merriman was killed.*

can anyone please supply a correct date (I believe it is 6th May but 7th May also reported) and a serial for the aircraft

Many thanks
Paul*

[paulmcmillan]

Hull Daily Mail of Thu 07 May 1931 says 'yesterday'so confirmed as 6th May 1931 - only looking for a serial now!

Paul

[Lyffe]

Paul,

You don't give a location for the accident and the Hull reference rather threw me. Out of curiosity I ran a search in The Times and found this in 8 May edition:

"The Air Ministry announced yesterday that an accident which occurred at Netheravon, Wiltshire, to an Atlas aircraft of No 13 (Army Cooperation) Squadron, Netheravon, on May 6, No 365800 AC 1 Alexander Brownlow Merriman lost his life. Flying Officer George Reginald Weighill, the pilot, and only other occupant of the aircraft, was not injured."

Could be a report/inquest in one of the Wiltshire papers that might provide the information you're seeking.

Brian.

[paulmcmillan]

Brian

Location was Netheravon, Wiltshire sorry!

The Times is the point of confusion. Its says (on 8th May) "yesterday" but I think it is just repeating what was in the Air Ministry communication which was sent out on the 7th!

Certainly, Hull newpaper (of 7th may) aklso says 'yesterday' so that makes it 6th May!

Hoping 13 Sqn ORB will help (if anyone has it)

Paul

[Lyffe]

Paul

The Times says 'May 6'.

Brian

[paulmcmillan]

OK thats confirmed then great many thanks! Now all I need is an ID!