RAF Loss October 1958
 

I was in my local churchyard and found 2 MOD stones for two Squadron Leaders who died it seems in the same crash in October 1958 and are now buried in Stroud Gloucestershire

I have found reference to W E Caldecott in a rubgy club history and to J S Lamplough in the project to photograph servicemen's graves and in public announcements of their promotions.

What I can noto find is any reference to a crash in the area or to RAF losses in October 1958 - can anyone point me in the right direction please

Possibly 7th October 1958, Chipmunk WP868 from 1 ITS, spun-in near Down Ampney, Glos. 2 fatalities.

Ciarain.

RAF losses 1958: UK Military Aircraft Losses

States WP868 crashed in Oxon. not Glos., but I see no other candidate.

October 1958
 

Thanks to both of you - Bibury is in Gloucestershire. Strange they are buried in Woodchester, when there are othe RAF graves in Cirencester which is closer to Bibury, guess the family must have been around Woodchester

From a contemporary press cutting dated Friday 10th Oct 1958.

The whole story, as usual, from Colin Cummings' excellent book Category Five:

7 Oct 1958 WP868 Chipmunk T10 CFS Near Bibury Gloucestershire

The aircraft had been airborne for about 7 minutes on a sortie to include practice circuits, landings, turns, stalls, spins and aerobatics. It was seen to drop its starboard wing and spiral into the ground from a height of about 600 feet. The reason for the accident could not be determined, although it is possible that one of the crew undid his harness straps to reach forward to an inaccessible switch and in doing so pushed the control column forward.

Squadron Leader William Edward CALDECOTT 40
Squadron Leader John Stewart LAMPLOUGH 43

Thank you
 

These forums are amazing for all the help that everyone gives.

I am going to further research the two men, as it seems that at least Caldecott flew Spirfires and Lamplough was awarded an AFC

When I find more I will post details here

Thanks so much for the help

re:WE Caldecott
 

hi, I posted the reference to his rugby career in Liverpool pre-ww2 and have the cutting of him receiving his AFC at the Palace.
Caldecott

Is there any more research on him I can see please ?

Many Thanks
Dave Bohl
Club Historian
Sefton Rugby Club
Liverpoll

Relatated
 

Hi
WE Caldecott was a relation of mine - I am connected by my Grandmother - Gorton formally Caldecott and my mother J A Child (Netta) our family eminate from Liverpool and the Wirral
My mother passed recently but I think William (known as Big Billy) lived in Gloucester with his wife who's name I will try to find
I have pictures of him and even have two 'trench art' brass Spitfires of his and I visited his grave just two weeks ago (Sept
16)
It would be nice to trace his family if you find any links
Best regards
Nick
Bath

Years ago when the Valiants were grounded the squadron was issued with a Chipmunk so that the co-pilots could maintain flying practice. As a result of this we used to give air experience flights to the ground crew.

One day I was doing a batch of them and as one got out another was strapped in. I hadn't seen the latest arrival and off we went.

He was quite enthusiastic especially when I did some aerobatics. I then asked him if wanted to see what a spin was like and he was more then keen. We entered at about 4,000ft and after a couple of turns I stated the recovery.

It refused, point blank. I concentrated on the recovery position on the controls and then went into full pro-spin to confirm it and then back to spin correction. After another few turns it grudgingly recovered.

I was now down to 800ft.

I was a bit shaken and returned immediately to Honington with the blissfully ignorant behind me imploring for more. It was due for a shut down and when he got out I realised that he was the biggest, fattest, beer swiller we had on the squadron so God knows where the C of G was.

It's a thought, but I cannot remember ever being told about any weight limits in the rear seat.

An engine fitter was he?

:cool::cool:

Oi! I are (was) one of those - and I could shift a few beers!

The reason for the burial of Sqn Ldr Lamplough at Woodchester was due to the fact that he owned 'The Lawns', an important house in that village but have no idea why his co-pilot was also interred there.

A further aviation connection - his son 'Robs', a one-time F! driver. owned and operated a Spitfire.

Further thread drift
 

My mate is on the 'phone to 'Robs', the problem under discussion needs visual observation to resolve.
"Right" says Rob "see you in 20 minutes".
Arrives 20 minutes later in personal whirly bird.