Thunder & Lightnings

Test Flying Memorial

"...and everywhere the
blue sky belongs to them
and is their appointed rest
and their native country"
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge



Date19/12/1941
CasualtiesSgt J.V. Rutter, P; Lt D.N. Timms, Obs (both Airborne Forces Establishment); Volunteers – Sgt H. Harrison; Pte H.E. Hornby; Pte L.W. Felton; Pte M. Pilkington; Pte G.M. Keogh – all of the Border Regiment, part of the First Air Landing Brigade
AircraftGeneral Aircraft Hotspur Mk II BT488
Took off fromRingway, Manchester
Purpose of flightThe Hotspur, under tow, was undertaking air sickness trials of more than 2hr duration.
Incident locationNear Ringway, Manchester
Incident detailsAfter 1½hr, deteriorating weather brought the trials to a close and the Hotspur was released from the tug, instantly climbing steeply, stalling and entering a spin. The spin was recovered but the glider entered a steep dive impacting a field and disintegrating, killing all on board


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