Capts E Probert and Edward Dawdy

[DanCol]

Just wondering if anyone is able to help me with any biographical detail on the above pilots, who both, unfortunately, died in accidents in the late 1960s and early 1970s?

Captain Dawdy was in command of British Eagle Airways Flight EA802, which crashed en route to Innsbruck in August 1968.


Captain Probert was in command of British European Airways Flight 706, which crashed en route to Salzberg in October 1971.


I’m working on a republication of Macarthur Job’s Air Disaster series, and would greatly appreciate any help in finding out any background to these two men; there is very little available on the internet. (I haven’t even got Captain Probert’s first name at this stage.)

Thank you all in advance.

Dan Collins

[Warmtoast]

From The Times Digital Archive 10th Aug 1968: pilot was Capt E Dawdy 42 of Frimley Green, Surrey.
It reports Capt Dawdy was one of the airlines most experienced pilots with over 10,800 hours flying, 5,000 on Viscounts.

Also From The Times Digital Archive (for 4th Oct 1971), pilot was Capt Edward (Ed) Probert 40, of Ashley Park, Maidenhead.

No further details I'm afraid

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

Can't help with your question, but I'd like to know more of your quest. Are you working on a re-issue of the existing volumes 1 to 4 (which I have), or writing vol 5 as an extension to the series?

[Fokkerwokker]

Capt E Dawdy

I was a Crewing Officer at British Eagle and recollect he was actually known as John Dawdy. Pretty sure he might have been Australian?

[Georgeablelovehowindia]

Fokkerwokker: correct on both counts. A very quiet, unassuming man, compared with some of the 'larger than life personalities' which EG had!

[DanCol]

Thanks Warmtoast, much appreciated.

[DanCol]

Shaggy Sheep Driver: yes, at this stage, we are working on re-issuing Vols 1-4 in eBook format. Macarthur is going through to update where necessary, and I'm trying to add more detail about the people aboard.

We'll be bringing out Vol 4 (The Propeller Era) first, for chronological reasons.

We have discussed doing a further volume but are still in the early days of the project.

[DanCol]

Georgeablelovehowindia, FokkerWokker

Thanks very much. I did know that he was Australian, but his first name is very helpful. I don't suppose you have any other biographical detail, or can point me in the direction of anyone who might?

[500 above]

There is/was a John Edward Probert who flew from White Waltam Airfield in Maidenhead. Son, perhaps? You could call ops and ask 01628 823272.

John Edward Probert - Maidenhead, Pilots and Airmen

[DanCol]

Thanks 500 - I have put in a call.

I have also spoken this morning to Capt John Dawdy's son. If anyone who knew Capt Dawdy would like to be put in touch with him, I am sure that can be arranged.

[Old-Duffer]

Captain Dawdy's name is confirmed as Edward E and he was aged 42.

Old Duffer

[Georgeablelovehowindia]

Edward Earl to be precise. He liked neither, which is why he much preferred to be called John. He did always sign 'E E Dawdy' on the paperwork, though.

[Old-Duffer]

Looking at the Thread again, wasn't the B Eagle crash at Innsbruck in 1964 not 1968?

Old Duffer

[dash7fan]

The 1964 crash near Innsbruck was G AOVO Brittania 312 with Capt. Williams at the controls

[Old-Duffer]

dash7fan,

Thank you for putting me straight on this. I couldn't tally the 1964 date with Capt Dawdy's demise and had not realised there was a second accident.

Old Duffer

[tarrant]

G-ATFN Accident

Hello Dan
Contact me on [email protected] I might be able to help I am the archivist for the Eagle Group of Companies.
Regards
Eric

[2849madison]

Captain Dawdy

Hi Dan,
I see you posted this sometime ago, but I am married to Captain Dawdys son. If you need any info let me know and I will try and help
Kind regards,

Louisa