Site last updated 1st February 2012
Peak District Air Accident Research

Peak District Air Accident Research

Peak District Air Accident Research

 

Avro Anson Mk.I L7968 of the Central Navigation School crashed near Buxton, on the 15th October 1942 while on a night navigation exercise from RAF Cranage.

 

Crew / Passengers Rank -if applicable Position e.g. Pilot Status
Paul Joseph Woodcock Sergeant RAFVR Pilot Killed
James Munro Matheson Sergeant RCAF Pilot (u/t) Killed
Richard James Reay Sergeant RCAF Pilot (u/t) Killed
William Gordon Dale Sergeant RAFVR Wireless Op. / Air gunner Killed

 

The crew had been returning to Cranage but had mistaken one of the navigation beacons so instead of flying towards the airfield flew away from it towards the high ground around Buxton.  Before they were able to correct this error the aircraft struck the hillside killing all those on board.

 

Above is the view looking towards where the aircraft crashed, very little was found when we visited the crash site, if the aircraft had been a little higher it would have cleared the hill.

 

BACK