Hudswell Air Disaster, Yorkshire 1951

[SKQ1951]

Hi, I'm new to this site, it was suggested to me by a friend as a great place for information.

I'm doing some research into the 1951 Hudswell Air Disaster, specifically in relation to the navigator and his act of heroism as I'm a relative. I have some information but I'm lacking an accident report/newspaper coverage/eye witness accounts etc. I was hoping there would be some knowledgeable people here who could help point me in the right direction for researching something like this. I have some information from the RAF too but would be keen to see what other sources/information might be available. I attended the memorial service in 2011 and have information from them but I'd like to find out what other information, both historical and recent that I might be able to get too. Any help would be appreciated! Fingers crossed and thanks in advance!

[Warmtoast]

A couple of contemporary press cuttings.



14th August 1951



25th Aug 1951



25th Oct 1951

Source: The Times Digital Archive

[Herod]

Looks like you can be proud of him.

[stevef]

I remember reading (possibly in Rawnsley and Wright's excellent book Night Fighter) that Flt Lt Quinton was a WW2 navigator in a very successful Mosquito partnership. Apparently he left the RAF after the war and rejoined, only to lose his life as described above.

[SKQ1951]

Hudswell Air Disaster 1951

Hi, Thanks so much for those. For the purpose of referencing them, do yo happen to know which newspapers they were from? Thanks again for your help.

[SKQ1951]

Hudswell Air Disaster 1951

Thank you, we are. His courage and sacrfice were phenomenal acts of bravery.

[SKQ1951]

Hudswell Air Disaster 1951

Hi, thanks for that. I know he left and rejoined. I'll look into that book you mentioned although it does ring a bell! Thanks again.

[Warmtoast]

do yo happen to know which newspapers they were from

The Times Digital Archive

[T-21]

John Quinton,DFC was on Mossies with 264 Squadron at RAF Colerne with Sqdn Ldr M.Constable Maxwell.

[Lancelot37]

There was a two page feature in The Sunday Express 19th December 1965.


Did you get my P.M?

[Sir George Cayley]

Here's another example of why PPRUNE is so valuable. Revealing long lost acts of heroism and stories of incredible survival we would otherwise never know.

SGC

[SKQ1951]

Thanks for all your replies, help and kind comments. I'm hoping to get in touch with some of the people who lived in Hudswell at the time - via the community run pub so maybe that will glean some more info and perhaps some photos. Thanks again everyone.

[AirportsEd]

Hello SKQ,
No doubt you know all about the trophy awarded in his name, but posted here so that others may learn more about this very brave man.
John Quinton - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ed

[SKQ1951]

Hi,
Yes, I know about the trophy - there's also a building named after him too. Thanks for posting the link - it's a great read. Thanks for your kind words.

[AirportsEd]

Hi SKQ,
Please check your Private Messages.
Regards,
Ed

[Airey Belvoir]

Adrian Edmondson (the Young Ones and husband of Jennifer Saunders) covered this extensively in his "Dales" series.

Not sure what channel it was on 'cos I viewed it in Oz but it may have been a Channel 4 production.


Series 2 Episode 4

Episode 4 - Adrian Edmondson visits Middleham to meet racehorse trainer Simon West, who hopes to turn around the fortunes of the local stables. The presenter also catches up with farmers Carol and Phillip Mellin, who have embarked on a new venture breeding and training sheepdogs, while villagers in Swaledale hold a remembrance service to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Hudswell air disaster.

The Dales (TV programme) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[XV490]

I have to say that's one of most selfless human acts I've ever heard of. May he rest in peace.

[SKQ1951]

Hudswell Air Disaster 1951

Thanks again for all your replies and positive comments. I was lucky enough to be at the Memorial unveiling that was featured on the Dales - it was amazing how many people attended and it was a very moving day. Still trawling for information from anyone who may have known those involved but this forum has been a great help so far. Fingers crossed for more information!

[Evening Star]

Originally Posted by stevef

I remember reading (possibly in Rawnsley and Wright's excellent book Night Fighter) that Flt Lt Quinton was a WW2 navigator in a very successful Mosquito partnership. Apparently he left the RAF after the war and rejoined, only to lose his life as described above.

Read that book as a teenager, then as a graduate surveyor working for the former PSA one of my first jobs was to update the list of graves in individual churchyards maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. I recall my sense of awe at seeing John Quinton's grave on the list. A selflessly brave man indeed.

[SKQ1951]

Thanks for all the bits of information everyone. It really is so nice to hear such kind comments. The more research I do and the more I talk about and share this story the more it amazes me. As the previous post said, I too am in complete awe of this act of bravery and lucky and honoured enough to be part of the family who is so proud of this man.