Only One Survivor

Manawatu Times, Volume 67, Issue 205, 28 August 1942, Page 5

Only One Survivor

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.' LONDON, Aug. 26. It is disclosed that the Sunderland fly-ing-boat In which the Duke of Kent lost his life burst into flames after crashing into a rugged foothill in lonely, roadless part of the Highlands. The plane was practically burnt out when found. The sole survivor was tlve rear-gunner, FlightLieut. A. S. Jack, aged 24. He was admitted to hospital suffering from burns. His condition is not very serious. The Duke’s body was taken to a High land castle. The funeral will be with full military honours. He will be buried in the Royal vaults beneath St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. Others in the plane when It crashed were Lieut. John Lowther, R.N., the Duke’s private secretary, Hon. Michael ScOtt, the Duke's A.D.C., and Mr Hale, the Duke’s valet The crashing of the Sunderland flying boat was In no way due to enemy action. The King saw the Duke shortly before the fatal flight. Their Majesties received the news of the Duke’s death late last night. The news was also broken to the Duchess of Kent, who was away fron London. Prince Edward, Is the Duke of Kent’s heir, but It is not certain that he will be come Duke of Kent, because the King usually bestows Royal Dukedoms on one person and they do not descend. The Duke’s job was to visit stations at home and abroad and report to the In-spector-General of the R.A.F. (Air Marshal Hewitt) on conditions generally. Ho had covered 40,000 miles Inside England and about 15,000 miles abroad. A New York message states the news of the Duke’s untimely death shocked tho Americans, who held him in the highest regard, especially since President Roosevelt became a godfather to his child recently. The Press features details of the tragedy and gives lengthy obituaries, with pictures of the Duchess of Kent ana her children. The Times, in a leader, says: The manner of his death will make the men of the Empire straighten to the tasks still to be done, for the Duke of Kent died on active service for his country, like many others who have died already and the countless thousands who yet may die. Among the many messages of condolence received by Their Majesties, and Queen Mary and the Duchess of Kent, were those from President Roosevelt and Mr Mackenzie King, the Army Council, General Smuts, the Governor-General ot South Africa, General Sikorskl (Poland), and M. Jovanovitch (Yugoslavia). The Court will go Into mourning for four weeks beginning to-day. The Official Wireless states that the Duke’s death has brought messages of sympathy and warm appreciation of his services from all over the world. Sir Archibald Sinclair, Secretary for Air, has conveyed to the King and Duchess of Kent an expression of the deep sympathy of the Air Council, of all ranks of the R.A.F. and the W.A.A.F., and of himself in the tragic loss to the Royal House. He expressed in particular the keen sense of gratitude cr all ranks for the Duke’s devoted interest in furthering their well-being. His loss would be felt deeply, not only in this country but throughout the Empire. The Duke’s Air Force duties had carried him many thousands of miles and all in the service were conscious of the benefits they now enjoyed as a result of his work of Inspection, guidance, and advice on welfare matters. All those with whom he came in contact had been filled with respect, admiration, and gratitude for the deep keenness with which he served his country’s cause. The Duke of Abercorn, Governor ol Northern Ireland, sent a message to the King and expressed the heartfelt fiym pathy of the people of Northern Ireland, stating that the late Duke's visits to Northern Ireland had been an inspiration to all there and had left happy memories behind. The Governor also sent messages to the Duchess and Queen Mary. Mr Andrew, Prime xMinlster of North ern Ireland, referred to the Duke'; death in • Parliament, and said that in his visits to Ireland he had set an example of service and self scriflce that would never be forgotten. NEW ZEALANDER SECOND PILOT Received Thursday, 10 p.m. LONDON, Aug. 27. The Duke of Kent’s Sunderland orashed in one of the loneliest parts of the Highlands. The wrecaage was only found after nearly two hours’ search, although witnesses were only a mile dis tant. Fragments of the fuselage were widely scattered over the mountain Into which the Sunderland crashed in mist Removal of, the bodies across the rugged, pathless moorland was a task requiring considerable organisation and was dontby soldiers, airmen, farmers and shep herds. The Duke of Kent and two others were thrown clear of the Sunderland and they were apparently killed instantly. An Air Ministry official stated that the Sunderland was a Coastal Command machine from an operational station. Its crew and passengei-s were all members of the services; therefore, a civil inquiry was unlikely. The official casualty list gives the names of 14 who were killed, including Wing-Commander T. L. Moseley, R.A.F who was the first pilot; Sergeant E. F Black lock, R.N.Z.A.F., second pilot Flight-Lieutenant F. M. Goyen, R.A.F. an Australian who was the captain.