Miles Magister R1832. 248 Sq. 28.8.1940. Nr Sumburgh.
The Magister based at Sumburgh had taken off for what is described on the 1180 accident card as a Special Intruction flight, however the word `Aerobatics` is also on the card but this has been crossed out.
During low aerobatics and to the north of the airfield, the pilot struck the ground in a low shallow dive.from which no explanation is given only a theory that perhaps a slight down daught could have caused the aircraft to fall so quickly, the Magister hit the ground and was totally written off killing the two crew. P/O Havilland was cremated at Aberdeen,and AC2 Moon was buried in Lerwick Cemetery,Shetland.
So far the exact location has not been found for this accident, but enquiries suggest somewhere near Scousburgh. Further investigations are needed.
PILOT: P/O R.H.Havilland. RAFVR.
PUPIL: AC2 R.Moon. RAFVR.
Gloster Gladiator II N5716. Unst, Shetland. 21/06/1940.
This Gladiator of Sumburgh Fighter Flight had ben on a routine patrol when it suffered an engine failure of the NE coast, the pilot in haste spotted a place to land and set the aircraft down on a beach in shallow water at Haroldswick,Unst, however before coming to a halt it hit a dip and flipped over, it is not certain how the pilot managed to free himself or whether he was helped by locals, but it would appear he was OK and lived to fly another day.
Pilot: P/O Noel .I.L. Francis.
Footnote:
Another Gladiator of SFF crash landed on Samphrey Island after engine trouble and overturned also in a boggy area, this is reputed to be N5642 on 30/12/1941 piloted by P/O Winter. More info is needed on this aircraft and it is hoped ARGOS members up in Shetland will be able to locate the site if anything still remains.
An aerial view of Samphrey Island off Mossbank in Shetlands NE mainland
Shetland (Or Sumburgh as it was often refered) Flighter Flight Gladiator pilots, L to R: Gillan,Thomas & Winter. Photo: Shetland Museum.
