Vickers Virginia, Warkworth, Northumberland 1927

[Chris Davies]

Hi,

I am seeking any information regarding this aircraft from 7 Sqn.
Crashed 23rdish March 1927 Eastfield Farm, Warkworth, Northumberland

Regards
Chris

[paulmcmillan]

Date appears to be 23rd March 1927 crew Flt/Lt C F Toogood and F/O Stokes and two mechanics and belonged to no 7 Sqn the aeroplane came from
Leuchars en route to Norfolk and crashed through hedge after forced landing due to engine failure. The two officers were who are listed as pilots were hospitalised but did not have serious injuries The two mechanics were uninjured

[Chris Davies]

Hi Paul,

Any idea of the serial no.

I have scoured the Air Britain J1-J9999 and drawn a blank.

Regards

[paulmcmillan]

No idea on serial - I too looked in J Serials without luck maybe one which was repaired at makers but no incident listed

best hope is a photo or report appearing in local press on British newspaper archives

[wwrsimon]

Amongst other newspapers reporting the accident at the time, there's a report in the Dundee Evening Telegraph of March 24th 1927 headed "Giant 'Plane's Crash into Hedge."

It reports that the Virginia came down at South Side Farm, some 3 miles from Warkworth. The aircraft was 'badly damaged, one of the great wings and one propeller being completely wrecked.'

Southside Farm is due west of Warkworth.

Regards

Simon

[Chris Davies]

Hi Simon,
Many thanks also.

Several newspaper report have one wing and undercarriage torn off, also forward cockpit badly damaged.

Regards
Chris

[Litcham_Lad]

From ABS

J6992

...... TOC 9 Sqdn 3.27; MKRS repair on Cont No
770245/27 TOC 11.27 - 1.28; MKRS 1.28 .......

possibility?

dg

[paulmcmillan]

Could be but aircraft I think with 7Sqn?

[Toml]

Hi-This crash was on Wednesday 23rd March,1927 and I have the Pilot as Stocks,the Navigator was Toogood and the 2 Leading Aircraftsman were Pink and Crisp.
On Tuesday before the crash this aircraft made a forced landing at Bamburgh due to engine trouble.The photograph that I have of the crash does not show the serial number.

Philip
55 Aircraft Accidents Research Group

[paulmcmillan]

Phillip thanks for the additional details especially the names of the airmen

Out of interest does it carry any Sqn markings on photo ?

Thanks Paul

[Chris Davies]

Thanks Phillip,

The local papers of the day have the aircraft being with 7sqn.
Having said that, a local paper at the end of 2016 ran an article on 'War Relics' in Northumberland and posted the picture of a site naming the aircraft as a Vampire, when it is in fact a Venom.

Regards
Chris