Flight Sgt Andrew Jack

Discussion in 'The War In The Air' started by annemarie59, Jan 28, 2017.

  1. annemarie59

    annemarie59 Member

    I am looking for info on my mums relative he was the only survivour to flight W-4206 the crash that killed the duke of kent and all others also how do i find his service number
    Thank you
     
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  2. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

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  3. RAFCommands

    RAFCommands Senior Member

    First a correction.

    The RAF serial number of the Sunderland (not flight number) was W4026. It was coded DQ-M for Mother.

    Sgt A S W Jack had the service number of 927117.

    Ross
     
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  4. DaveB

    DaveB Very Senior Member

    Extract of the info held by the AWM (RAAF co-pilot), your relative was in the rear turret
     

    Attached Files:

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  5. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    Flight Lieutenant Frank McKenzie Goyen was an Australian from Box Hill in Victoria. He joined the RAF in 1938.

    More to follow!

    Cheers
    Geoff
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2017
  6. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    Extracted from Trove - Australia:

    CRASHED IN MIST IN ONE OF MOST LONELY PARTS OF THE HIGHLANDS

    DUKE'S SUNDERLAND

    LONDON, August 26.-The Duke of Kent's Sunderland crashed in one of the most lonely parts of the highlands. The wreckage was found only after nearly two hours' searching, although witnesses were only a mile distant. Fragments of the fuselage were widely scattered, over the side of the mountain into which the Sunderland crashed in a mist. The removal of the bodies over the rugged, pathless moorland was a task requiring considerable organisation. It was done by soldiers, airmen, sailors and shepherds.

    The Duke and two others were thrown dear of the Sunderland. Apparently they were killed instantly.

    Air Ministry officials state that the Sunderland was a coastal command machine from an operational station. Its crew and the passengers were all servicemen. For this reason a civil inquiry is not likely to be held.

    The official casualty list of the Duke of Kent's crash is 14 killed, including

    Wing Commander T. L.Moseley, the first pilot,

    Flight Lieutenant F. M. Goyen, the captain (both members of the RAF),(Of Australia)

    Pilot Officer S. W. Smith, the second pilot (a member of the RAAF)

    Sergeant E. F. Blacklock (a member of the RNZAF).

    Sergeant A. S. W. Jack, aged 24, who was injured, and was the rear gunner, was the sole survivor of the crash. He walked several miles from the scene before searchers arrived. He is now in hospital. He is suffering from burns on the face, arms and legs, but his condition is not very serious. Sergeant Jack told the matron: "I do not know where I am, but I am glad to be in bed.

    He wandered three miles through heather and became completely lost. He was eventually found by crofters, who took him to a neighbouring village, where he was given first aid and then taken to hospital.

    The Duke's commanding officer was Air Chief Marshal Sir Edgar Ludlow-Hewitt, who had been Inspector-General of the RAF since 1940, and who planned the Sylt raid. The Duke of Kent joined Sir Edgar's department after leaving the welfare section. His job was to visit stations at home and abroad and report to Sir Edgar on conditions generally. He had covered 40,000 miles inside England and 15,000 miles abroad.

    Flight Lieutenant Goyen was an Australian. He was born at Box Hill (Victoria). He entered the RAF in 1938 as a pupil pilot and was commissioned in 1939. His father lives at Shepparton, Victoria.

    BURNT OUT WHEN FOUND

    Messages from Scotland disclose that the Sunderland burst into flames after crashing on a rugged 1000 ft hill in a lonely roadless part of the highlands. The plane was practically burnt out when found. The military authorities cordoned the area.

    The civilian who gave the first news of the crash was a farmer, who was searching for sheep. He heard the plane overhead, then saw it crash. He sent off his son by motor bicycle to tell the police. Then, with two neighbours, he located the wrecked machine, which was still on fire, about 4 p.m. Some bodies were found in the wreckage badly burned. Others had been thrown clear and died from injuries.


    MINISTERS' SYMPATHY

    The Minister for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair) conveyed to His Majesty and the Duchess of Kent the deep sympathy of the Air Council, all ranks of the RAF and WAAF, and himself.

    The Home Secretary (Mr Morrison), in a speech, revealed that the Duke served for a time in the factory department of the Home Office and carried out the normal duties of factory inspector. He gave up this work on his marriage, but continued the closest interest in the industrial welfare of the factories.

    Mr Morrison added: "The Duke recently rendered most valuable service in visiting blitzed areas. Like his father and all members of the Royal Family, he was always anxious to serve. His death as a member of the RAF again shows the close ties binding the Royal Family to the nation."

    The Lord Chamberlain has announced that the King has commanded Court mourning for four weeks, beginning today.


    SHOCKED AMERICANS

    NEW YORK, August 26.-The Duke of Kent's untimely death shocked Americans, who held him in very high regard, especially since President Roosevelt became the godfather of his youngest child this month. President Roosevelt sent a message of condolence to Their Majesties, also separate messages to Queen Mary and Duchess of Kent.

    "The New York Times," in an editorial, says that the manner of the Duke's death will make the men of the Empire straighten to the task still to be done, for the Duke of Kent died on active service.

    OTTAWA, August 26.-The Prime Minister of Canada (Mr Mackenzie King) sent a massage to Their Majesties and the Duchess of Kent expressing the sympathy of the Canadian Government and people.


    DUKE OF WINDSOR

    NASSAU, August 27.-The Duke of Windsor will not return to England for the Duke's funeral.

    A special memorial service will be held in the Nassau Cathedral.


    MELBOURNE, August 2.

    Flight-Lieutenant Frank M. Goyen, captain of the Sunderland in which the Duke of Kent was killed, was born at Box Hill, Melbourne. He went to England four years ago and since the outbreak of the war had served in Greece, Crete, Alexandria, Nigeria and Gambia. He was rescued twice after forced landings at sea.

    Pilot Officer Sidney W. Smith, second pilot of the plane, was a native of Broken Hill. He enlisted as an Empire air scheme trainee.


    ROCKHAMPTON SYMPATHY

    The Mayor of Rockhampton (Mr R. W. Evans) yesterday dispatched a telegram to the Governor General as follows: "The citizens of Rockhampton and district desire to express their profound sorrow at the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent in such tragic circumstances. Please convey to the Royal Family our deepest sympathy."

    Cheers

    Geoff
     
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  7. Harry Ree

    Harry Ree Very Senior Member

    Regarding the death of the Duke of Kent,there has been somewhat controversy aired from time to time on the Duke's background, external to his public life,his supposed mission on this trip......a reference to Hess peace initiatives and the circumstances of the crash.

    I remember a comprehensive article on the loss of the Sunderland and the subject published by the AFB some years ago which I have not to hand.

    Links here give a further insight into the loss of the Sunderland and its crew and passengers and a claim by the niece of Flight Sergeant Jack,the only survivor, that the Duke of Kent was at the controls of the Sunderland when it crashed

    BBC NEWS | UK | Wales | North East Wales | Secret of duke's plane death

    From the "Education Forum"

    Prince George's mysterious death in 1942
     
  8. annemarie59

    annemarie59 Member

    yes i knew this story the lady who was interviewed by bbc wales was my late auntie thank you for the reply
     
  9. Sean Barton

    Sean Barton New Member

    Have you found what you were looking for? I am very interested in him, too.
     
  10. Brian Williams

    Brian Williams New Member

    My father was in 228 Squadron. He flew with Frank Goyen at times. My father died when I was very young. He told my mother that he was supposed to be the rear gunner on that flight but was swapped at the last moment for flight sgt.Jack.
    After reading a newspaper article, my mother became aware that a relative of his lived nearby in North Wales and meant to make contact, but never did.
    My understanding is that flight st Jack was reluctant to talk about it. I would be interested in any anecdotal evidence of 'family talk'. regarding the crash.
     

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