Lockheed Hudson T9326 QX-V took off on an anti-submarine patrol at 0430hrs on 30th September 1940. Moments later, the American built, Mark I plane crashed only a few miles from the airfield.
The R.A.F. 224 Squadron Hudson took to the air from R.A.F. Aldergrove, Co. Antrim reaching a height of around 200 feet. At this point, the plane lost power and height and crashed.
R.A.F. 224 Squadron was one of 2 based in Northern Ireland equipped with Hudsons. They had moved to Ulster to strengthen the anti-U-Boat force after the fall of France in 1940. The coastal reconnaissance light bombers had radar fitted to enable them to locate submarines. All members of the aircrew on board died as a result of the incident.
Remembering the crew of Hudson T9326
| Last Name | First Name(s) | Rank | Role | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | Ronald Chrstopher | Sergeant | R.A.F.V.R. 740172. Killed. | |
| Gibbs | Arthur James | Sergeant | R.A.F.V.R. 748374. Killed. Buried in St. Catherine's Church of Ireland, Killead, Co. Antrim. | |
| O'Connor | John Patrick | Sergeant | R.A.F. 627424. Killed. | |
| Posgate | Kenneth | Sergeant | Pilot | R.A.F. 565653. Killed. Buried in Killead Presbyterian Church, Killead, Co. Antrim. |
| Swann | Stanley | Sergeant | R.A.F. 551592. Killed. Buried in St. Catherine's Church of Ireland, Killead, Co. Antrim. |