12 December 1945 Liberator C.VII EW624 232 Squadron The aircraft had been airborne for 18 minutes on an air test and was carrying several members of ground crew as a well as its crew. The pilot had feathered both outboard engines, which was only permitted at heights above 3000 feet, when the aircraft was flying at only 200 feet above ground level!! He then attempted to unfeather the outboard engines but the aircraft lost height, its tail unit struck trees, the aircraft cartwheeled into the ground and caught fire 2 miles west of RAF Negombo Ceylon. In addition to the fatal casualties, four others on board were injured. The pilot's commanding officer was exceptionally critical of his actions in ignoring flying orders and allowing the aircraft to descend dangerously close to the ground before initiating any recovery action. A number of civilians working on a local estate were to the fore in attempting to rescue the crew and one, Mr. Botelage Edmund Perera was awarded the George Medal for his bravery. . Flying Officer Eric COATSWORTH Pilot + Warrant Officer Leslie William OFFORD Flight Engineer + Warrant Officer Henry WOODWARD Wireless Operator + Leading Aircraftman Frank Houghton CLEMENTSON + Flight Sergeant Mervyn Oliver Clive FARDLE + Aircraftman 1st Class Henry Lee SING + Aircraftman 1st Class Ernest Thomas WILFORD + Citation for George Medal An aircraft crashed and immediately burst into flames. Perera was one of the first to arrive at the scene and inspite of the fact that he had never seen an aeroplane before, other than in the air, he immediately attempted to rescue the crew. By this time the flames were rising to a height of 60 feet. He found one member of the crew lying near the aircraft and dragged him to safety. He then entered the wreckage and dragged another man clear, he found a further member of the crew who was strapped into the aircraft and uncut the straps and released him. While he was doing so, one of the petrol tanks exploded and the fire increased greatly in intensity but when he saw a foot protruding he once again went in and dragged yet another airman clear. Perera showed outstanding courage and complete disregard for his safety. Source – The Price Of Peace – C. Cummings. Movement history of Liberator C..VII EW624 Ex. 44-39251 Delivered Dorval 15 August 1944 To the UK 18 August 1944 To Scottish Aviation Ltd, Prestwick. To 511 Squadron 26 August 1944 To 246 Squadron 1 October 1944 To India To 232 Squadron 9 August 1945 During feathering practice lost height and hit trees 2 miles north west of Negombo, Ceylon 12 December 1945 Struck Off Charge 28 February 1945.
So unnecessary, may they rest in peace. What was it they say about old and bold pilots? All the best Andreas
