Being new to the area - I pass this unkept place quite often. So today I take myself off for a wander around it. My intent was more to take 'artistic' shot - but ended up adding in 51 military headstones from WW1 & 2 that are scattered throughout. I came across this young man, 19 yr old 551706 Sgt P.H. Lucas, awarded the DFM To die so young, makes you wonder for a moment or two In Memory of Sergeant PHILIP HENRY LUCAS D F M 551706, Royal Air Force who died age 19 on 24 September 1940 Son of Albert Victor and Amy Lucas, of Headingley, Leeds. Remembered with honour But to add to my feeling of sorrow for one so young, I came across this young man 1602 cadet R.G. Robinson ATC- aged 15! Could he be the youngest to have a military headstone? Im sure someone here will tell me Cadet REGINALD GRAHAM ROBINSON 1603, 152 Sqdn., Air Training Corps who died age 15 on 20 September 1947 Son of Walter and Mabel Robinson, of Hull. Remembered with honour Brings renewed light to the phrase ' they shall not grow old...'
Capt Bill Didn't happen to get this chap did you? Plot 198 QUAID RE 18/05/1945 Andy I didnt think of checking the website before my trip, there is one section that I didnt check - so i'll go back during the week. the military headstones are scattered all over the grounds in ones and twos the east side of the road is quite 'neglected' Google Maps
Wireless Operator/Air Gunner Air2/9467 Sergeant Lucas has shown exceptional keenness and efficiency both as an Air Gunner and Wireless Operator. He has been with the squadron since the outbreak of war and has completed 20 operational sorties. The example he has set has been of great value and an incentive to his brother operators and his work in the air obtaining fixes and loop bearings has been a deciding factor in the successful completion of a great many sorties. He is shortly to be sent to OTU for a rest. 22nd August, 1940. Remarks by Station Commander. This recommendation is submitted for consideration but I am of the opinion that a Mention in Despatches would be a more fitting award. Remarks by AOC. This Wireless Operator/Air Gunner has now completed 20 operational flights over enemy territory and his keenness and determination have been an example to other members of his squadron. Strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Meda. LG 19.11.40 It looks like the Station Commander was ignored, thankfully. Cheers Andy
I came across this young man, 19 yr old 551706 Sgt P.H. Lucas, awarded the DFM To die so young, makes you wonder for a moment or two In Memory of Sergeant PHILIP HENRY LUCAS D F M 551706, Royal Air Force who died age 19 on 24 September 1940 Son of Albert Victor and Amy Lucas, of Headingley, Leeds. Remembered with honour Details of the above loss......... 24 September 1940. 19 OTU. Whitley V P5006. Training. F/S. C H. Ashley + Sgt. D S. Proudfoot + Sgt. N R. Foley + Sgt. E S. Millard + Sgt. P H. Lucas DFM + Sgt. I D S E. Hay + Took off Kinloss for a navigation exercise. At circa 1640 hrs the Whitley emerged from the cloud cover, the base being given as 1,500 feet above ground level, and crashed on Ben Aigen, Moray. BCL Vol.7. W R - Chorley
Cpt Bill Contact 152 Squadron Hull Air Training Corps and see if they have the history behind this persons demise. I know through being a member of the local ATC welfare committee that Air Cadets "helped out" on airfields during the war time period and a lot went on to join the air force during the war years. If they do have the history I would be interested to find the reason.
Re: the crash site Aberdeenshire Council Sites and Monuments Record - Moray - NJ34NW0026 - BEN AIGAN A cairn is situated on the summit of Ben Aigan, and marks the crash site of Whitely P5006 aeroplane. On a cross country exercise from RAF Kinloss, Whitley P5006 crashed on Ben Aigen ESE of Rothes on the 24th September 1940. None of the crew survived. It was reported in January 2012 that the memorial cairn had been partially dismantled, and the stones apparently re-used to form the letters WA (to represent the name of the aircraft, Armstrong Whitley) on the ground c.100m to the NNE. Hillwalkers point about the crash site cairn having been dismantled/re-arranged Scottish Hills Forums-viewtopic-Essem & Cuillin Sub 2k'ing In Moray - We've Got Balls!! I’m guessing here but I would say that the “W” represents “Whitley” and the bar of boulders depicting an “A” links with the manufacturers name i.e “Armstrong”. I have since confirmed that the “new” memorial looks directly across Rothes back to the deceased crew’s home base in Kinloss. Here’s a Link to get more information about Whitley P5006. Roll of Honour 19 Operational Training Unit, Aircraft Master Page
