Ed. Royal Masonic School He and his younger brother John were left the "residuary estate of Robert Spencer Vergette in trust" in 1929 m. Jan 1943 in W. Kirby, Cheshire, Ethel Marion [Griffiths] prev. "Articled Pupil Auctioneer"; RAF Sgt Pilot from 24 Sep 1940 (Good Conduct Badge, w.e.f. 2 Oct 1943) prev. exp on Master and Hurricane Flying accident in Dec 1941 - he "was in Ely Hospital for three months" Address in 1943: 'Clavis', Meols Drive, W. Kirby, Cheshire (parents-in-laws') then 'Derwent', Thame Rd, Haddenham Postings: 5TFPP, 3FPP "... quite satisfactory ...provided he does not regard it all as 'all too easy' and tries continually to improve his flying and airmanship, he should make a good ferry pilot and officer" Two accidents, one not his fault: - 4 May 1944, forced landing in Hurricane II HV729 when a wrongly-installed petrol cock caused the fuel to be drawn from the reserve tank only d. 27 Oct 1944 in Defiant T4019 which dived into the ground SW of Hawarden airfield on a ferry flight from Hullavington to Donibristle. Whilst circling the airfield prior to landing, the engine revolutions were observed to be fluctuating; the aircraft then stalled and crashed at Pear Tree Farm. A subsequent investigation of the badly damaged wreckage failed to reveal the cause.
Cremated at Landeican Crematorium, Birkenhead
"My daughter Marion wishes me to thank you for the offer of assistance should she need it immediately, & to tell you that she does not need this help. She much appreciates the expressions of sympathy conveyed in your letter on behalf of the ATA. Yours Truly, Joan Heron Dodd"
"The death of my elder son ... leaves me so broken. I felt he was not fit, and did my utmost to stop him returning to flight duties. What a spirit! ... His only brother is out in Iraq and my late husband served right through the 1914-1918 war. Yours Sincerely, Annie May Vergette" Probate of £1,782 16s 11d was granted 20 Apr 1945 to "Joan Heron Dodd (wife of Henry Ayscough Dodd) and Joan Marjorie Griffiths spinster." Download ATA Pilot Personal Record (.zip file): |
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