Any info on death of 341626 AC/1 G E Bruce, 100 Squadron 1925

[abruce]

Hi
Does anybody have further information on the death of 341626 A.C./1 George Edward Bruce, 100 Squadron, who died in an aircraft accident at Spitalgate, Lincolnshire on May 25th 1925.
Thanks in advance.
Andrew Bruce

[dennis_burke]

Your in luck,

Flight magazine of May 28th 1925 lists:

Royal Air Force Flying Accidents
THE Air Ministry regrets to announce that as a result of an accident at Sialkot, India, to a Bristol Fighter of No. 31 Squadron, Ambala, on May 20, Flying Officer Arthur Findley, R.A.F., the pilot of the aircraft, and Capt. Gregory Rich, Indian Army, were killed.
As a result of an accident at Northolt Aerodrome to a Snipe machine of No. 32 Squadron, Kenley, at 9.10 p.m. on May 22, Pilot Officer Arthur Reinagle Woodyatt, the pilot of the aircraft, was killed.

In an accident near Spittlegate to a Fairey " Fawn machine of No. 100 Squadron, Spittlegate, at 6 p.m. on May 25, Pilot Officer Jack Terence Eve, the pilot of the aircraft, was killed, 341626 A.C.I George Edward Bruce dangerously injured, and 244302 A.C.2 Percival Thomas Sharpe severely injured. A.C.I Bruce died of his injuries on the same day.

In another accident at Andover in the evening of the same day, No. 241627 Corporal Sydney Ronald Wilson, of No. 12 Squadron, was killed whilst engaged in a practice parachute jump.

http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1925/1925%20-%200332.html?search=bruce

It is subject to confirmation of course, don;t trust the media.

regards

Dennis

[COL BRUGGY]

Andrew/Dennis,

Here is a listing of No.100 Squadron Fairey Fawns;

J7187,J7188, J7189, J7190, J7191, J7192, J7193, J7194, J7195, J7203, J7204, J7205, J7206, J7207, J7208, J7209, J7212, J7214, J7223, J7224, J7225, J7226 and J7771.

It is believed, that No.100 Sqn. had four Fawn accidents in 1925.

Maybe someone with AB's 'J' serials, can ID Eve's aircraft.

Col.

[Errol Martyn]

From the 'J' book:

J7226
100 Sqn...Spun into ground on turn, nr Spittlegate, 25.5.25 WOC.

Errol

[COL BRUGGY]

There you go, Andrew. By the way, welcome.

Col.

PS. Errol, you are not forgotten. Few problems here in Victoria at the moment. Goodies on the way shortly.

[abruce]

Thanks everyone for your replies and information.

I am puzzled how three airmen were killed/injured when the Fairey Fawn only has room for two crew?

Any idea's.

Andy

[COL BRUGGY]

Hi Andrew,

The Fawn was designed to carry either two persons and bombs or three persons. In the Mk III the observer's seat was arranged to fold into the floor of the cockpit. For bombing, the cockpit floor, with the seat folded into it, was lifted out of the way and the bottom aluminium cowling slid backwards while the observer lay on the floor of the third cockpit, which contained readily detachable seat bearers and a seat which was easily swung out of the way. If only two were carried, the third cockpit contained flares and a parachute.

See:
By Day and by Night.
Jarrett,Philip.
Aeroplane Monthly.
January, 1993.(N0.237) p.10.

[abruce]

Thanks COL BRUGGY

That explains it.

Much appreciated.

Best regards

Andrew