RAF Cranage 1943

Below - orange dates indicate a Cranage accident, green dates indicate an encounter with the enemy.

30 January, Anson L7964 flying out from C.N.S. on a night navigation training exercise with Sgt/Plt Edward Merry 933067, Sgt/Plt J. R. Craven, Sgt/Plt K. R. Blasky & Sgt. WOP/AG A. C. Poulton on board. Although the weather report by Cranage Met. Office was for improving conditions, it sadly took a rapid turn for the worse and the aircraft came down at Longdown Farm, Great Kimble, Buckinghamshire killing all four men.

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To read more about Sgt/Plt Edward Merry please visit the personnel page here.

17 June, Anson K8791 flying out from C.N.S. suffers engine failure and crashes near to the Wallanstone Works, Northwich. All on board are killed including A.T.C. cadet A.E. Dawson.

29 July, Byley built Wellington Mk.X HE819 crashes when the port wing drops and touches the ground during its third test flight. The aircraft crashes into the ground, bursting into flames immediately, killing R.A.F. pilot Fl. Off. Ruoff and Ministry of Aircraft Production Test Inspector Mr. Edward Booth. The accident is thought to be caused a 'freak' weather condition which occurs on hot days at the southeastern approach to the airfield.

In a report recorded by No2. S.o.A.N. it is thought that both the pilot and the inspector were pulled from the wreckage. Unfortunately Mr. Booth passed away in the ambulance as it journeyed to the medical centre at R.A.F. Wilmslow.

Fl. Off. Rouff passed away at 20:00hrs that evening.