Lockheed Hudson AM604 flying with R.A.F. 206 Squadron crashed near R.A.F. Aldergrove, Crumlin, Co. Antrim on 1st February 1942. The Coastal Command plane was taking part in a non-operational aerodrome defence exercise. The starboard wing of the plane struck trees near the airfield at Aldergrove. The Hudson landed upside down and caught fire on impacting the ground. All members of the crew died as a result of the incident.
A Court of Inquiry took place after the accident:
The pilots in Squadron Leader Hennock’s Flight were ordered to follow the Flight Leader in echelon starboard. He gave all the necessary orders required by any reasonable pilot. The aircraft hit trees as a result of an error of judgment by Fraser in flying too low or diving too close to the ground.
Station Commander – R.A.F. Aldergrove.
Imperial War Museum Photo: (CH 6573) (Part of the Air Ministry Second World War Official Collection). Lockheed Hudson Mark III T9431 VX-B of R.A.F. 206 Squadron based at R.A.F. Aldergrove, Crumlin, Co. Antrim on a patrol over the Atlantic Ocean. Copyright Flying Officer H. Hensser - Royal Air Force Official Photographer.
Had Fraser conformed normally to the manoeuvres of the Flight Commander as was done by the second aircraft in the formation, the accident would not have occurred.
A.V.M. Commanding No. 15 Group R.A.F.
Remembering the crew of Hudson AM604
| Last Name | First Name(s) | Rank | Role | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campbell | Archibald Dethridge | Sergeant | Observer | R.A.A.F. 400858. Killed. |
| Fraser | Hugh Gavin | Pilot Officer | Pilot | R.A.A.F. 402051. Killed. |
| Fry | Philip Alexander | Sergeant | Air Gunner | R.A.F. 920055. Killed. |
| Kettle | Geoffrey Taylor | Sergeant | Air Gunner | R.A.F. 913612. Killed. |
Pilot Officer Fraser, Sergeant Campbell, and Sergeant Fry’s graves are in Catherine’s Church of Ireland, Killead, Co. Antrim. Sergeant Kettle’s grave is in Northwood Cemetery, Cowes, England.
