FIVE SHOCKING AIR SMASHES IN ENGLAND

Grey River Argus, 20 September 1948, Page 4

FIVE SHOCKING AIR SMASHES IN ENGLAND

Fifteen Killed and Fifteen Injured (Rec 8.10 p.m.) LONDON Sept 18. Fifteen airmen and civilians were killed and 15 civilians were injured in crashes during the “Battle for Britain” displays to-day at 802 R.A.F. stations, watched by nearly 600,000 people.

At Manston R.A.F. station, near Margate, a Mosquito, giving a demonstration of high speed aerobatics hurtled to the ground, and crashed among cars anu cyclists on their way to the air show. The p.ai-.j burst into flames, firing a chain of cars. Red hot wreckage was flung over a wide area, and most of it crashed into cars which burst into flames, trappping many of the occupants in their seats.

A 32-seater coach, filled with passengers, was among vehicles 'hit by wreckage Most of the occupants were severely injured. The bodie-.: of 10 victims so far recovered were burnt beyond recognition. The pilot and nagivator of the Mosquito were both killed. A general call for fire engines and ambulances went out, and nearby farm buildings were used as a temporary mortuary. Of six people who were detained at Margate Hospital, one has died, unidentified. CRASH AT 400 MILES AN HOUR The Mosquito had just completed a successful loop, and was making a second run over the aerodrome at 400 m.p.h. at 800 feet when, the nilot lost control. The aircraft hit the ground, skided along the road and the petrol tanks explpoded. A family in a car at the- head of the line in <he road, had an amazing escape. The Mosquito crashed witn a blinding flash immediately in front of their car, but nene of the four occupants was seriously hurt. Dozens of cars were destroyed. SPITFIRE EXPLODES At Coningsby, in Linconshire, a Mosquito crashed on a nearby farm an hour before the station was opened to the public. The crew of two were killed. A third Mosquito crash occurred at Lichfield, Staffordshire, where the crew of two were killed.

A Spitfire exploded 300 feet from the ground at Fife, as the pilot tried to pull out of a power dive. The nilot was killed. A Vampire let fighter crashed when landr- at Sealand, Flintshire, but the pilot was unhurt.