Tag Archives: raf

2009.48.1

Short report by Peter G Rackliff (MAO 518 Squadron 1943-1945) of his private investigation into the fatal mid-air collision between two Halifax meteorolgical survey planes over Tiree during World War II, in which all 16 crew members died. Draws on evidence from the official `Report on a Flying Accident (Form 765c)` – August 1944, `Weather conditions and Air tests`, extracts from independent eyewitness accounts of crofter Hugh MacLean, Barrapol and shepherd David McClounnan, and extracts from the `Proceedings of a Court of Inquiry (Form 412)`.

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In his covering note, the author writes, “This accident has always troubled me; a chance in a million or more. I have done my best with what was available… With P/O Organ having just broken out of cloud, he could still have been losing height, whereas we know that P/O Turner had been ‘climbing up’ beyond the  runway. If Organ had not banked to starboard it’s possible that his aircraft would have just passed beneath S-Sugar. They were so close that his maneouvre ensured contact with his port wing, but it was a natrual reaction to turn away, in a vain effort to avoid a collision” . Includes ring-bound updated version donated 17 Aug 2014.

2009.5.1

Digitised booklet `A Guide to RAF Tiree`

Digitised book of 20+ annotated maps of RAF buildings and infrastructure on Tiree during WWII. Published by An Iodhlann. Printed in 1999 by Tiree Community Business limited. Photocopy stored in filing cabinet 9 drawer 2.

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2008.26.1

Black and white photograph of rescue of a Swordfish crew in June 1944.

The rescue of a two-man Fairey Swordfish crew in June 1944 aided by 281 Squadron (Air-sea Rescue) from RAF Tiree. One crew member died later in hospital. Ship H91 is a small convoy escort vessel. Fairey Swordfish carried torpedoes and operated from aircraft carriers.

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2008.26.2

Black and white photograph of donor`s Warwick crew at RAF Tiree.

Warwick crew from 281 Squadron (Air-sea Rescue) at RAF Tiree.
L-R: (back) Sgt Bob Forbes (Wireless Operator & Air Gunner) F/O Johnny Rapp (Pilot), Sgt Pilot George (surname unknown) (2nd Pilot, Canadian Royal Air Force) Sgt Leo Crowther (W/O & A/G), (front) Ernest Haller (W/O & A/G), Pilot Officer Ces Hyde (Observer/Navigator)

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2008.24.1

Black and white photograph of Warrant Officer William Arthur Graham.

Warrant Officer William Arthur Graham who was killed when two Halifax aircraft collided in mid-air over Tiree airfield on 16th August 1944. William, who was twenty-one when he died, was in the Royal Australian Air Force. He was the son of William and Rose Graham of Sydney, New South Wales in Australia and husband of Mabel Graham of Preston in England. He is buried in Dalton-upon Furness cemetery.

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