Hudswell Air Disaster, Yorkshire 1951
 

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!

A couple of contemporary press cuttings.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps096db2a0.jpg

14th August 1951

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps4bb188ed.jpg

25th Aug 1951

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps3d3746f9.jpg

25th Oct 1951

Source: The Times Digital Archive

Looks like you can be proud of him.

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.

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.

Hudswell Air Disaster 1951
 

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

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.

The Times Digital Archive

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

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


Did you get my P.M?

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

Hudswell Air Disaster, Yorkshire 1951
 

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.

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

Hudswell Air Disaster, Yorkshire 1951
 

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.

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

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



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

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

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!

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.

Hudswell Air Disaster, Yorkshire 1951
 

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.