207434 F/O Bernard Hall Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 630 Squadron from:Derby (d.17th May 1945) I am carrying out research into the crash of Avro Lancaster RF124 (LE-S).
The aircraft based with 630 Squadron, had left East Kirkby on 17th May 1945 on a routine cross-country training flight.
The aircraft had the following crewmen on board:
- F/O Bernard Hall 24 yrs pilot
- F/O Ronald James O'Donnell 21 yrs F/Engineer
- F/O Victor Francis Dobell Meade 23yrs Air Bomber
- Sgt Reginald Henry Smith 21yrs Navigator
- Sgt Gordon Leonard Rabbetts 21yrs Wirless Op
- Sgt Vincent Reginald Woodburn Southworth 20yrs(?)A/Gunner
- Sgt John Alfred Sills 21yrs A/Gunner
All crewmen were members of the RAFVR
At approx 17:15 hrs on that date the aircraft was seen to be in trouble over Wednesfield Nr Wolverhampton, West Midlands. The aircraft hit the ground and was completely destroyed with the crew suffering simply horrendous injuries. All died on impact.
The crew's remains were collected and returned to their respective families for burial back in their own home towns.
As a resident of Wednesfield I can pass on to any surviving family members that their loved ones are still remembered on each anniversary when poppy wreaths are placed at the crash scene.
I have spoken to many eye-witnesses in recent weeks (Since April 2011) and have had many conflicting accounts of the final flight path of the doomed aircraft. It's final flying state is also in doubt with some witnesses stating that engine(s) were on fire or emitting smoke and others state it was gliding down under control. One even states that a crewman was seen lying prone on the portside wing. The official enquiry finding was that the crash was caused by an 'Obscure' reason. The official record states that the a/c came out of low cloud inverted and flew into the ground.
If anyone is able to pass on any further information please contact me.
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