Martin Baltimore Mk.I AG689 of the Empire Central Flying School, crashed shortly after take off from Rednal Airfield near Oswestry at Tedsmore Hall on the 16th September 1944

 

Frederick William Westley AFC Squadron Leader Pilot Survived
David Scott Sherman Wilkerson Wing Commander Passenger Killed
A. Packard Lieutenant Commander, USN Passenger Survived
Richard Henry Cram Jeffery Squadron Leader, RCAF Passenger Survived
James Wilfred Cross Major, SAAF Passenger Killed

 

The five officers were all attached to No.9 Course at the Empire Central Flying School at RAF Hullavington, which had started on the 24th August 1944, where officers from the UK, Commonwealth and USA were being brought together to develop new approaches in aircrew training, as well as being taught those things already found during earlier courses. The five pilots had flown to RAF Rednal, and it was shortly after taking off after concluding their visit when their aircraft developed a problem and crashed causing the deaths of two of those onboard.

Memorial at the crash site of Martin Baltimore AG689 near Rednal, Shropshire
This memorial was placed close to the crash site of the Baltimore. The aircraft crashed in the woods behind the memorial
Memorial at the crash site of Martin Baltimore AG689 at Tedsmore Hall, Shropshire
This is the plaque that is fixed to the cross, it reads:
WING COMMANDER D.S.S WILKERSON DSO, DFC, RAFVR
DIED HERE FOR HIS COUNTRY ON 16 SEPTEMBER 1944 AGED 27 YEARS
A survivor of 46 hazardous operations against the enemy as pilot of a Halifax bomber, he was tragically killed when travelling as passenger in a Baltimore aircraft on a domestic flight which crashed into this hillside, after taking off from Rednal airfield. He was an inspired leader who possessed the qualities of humanity, good humour and understanding, which endeared him to everybody who had the privilege of knowing him. The United States Navy posthumously awarded him the Silver Star for Gallantry
HUGH CAWDRON MADE AND ERECTED THIS CROSS IN MEMORY OF HIS FRIEND AND BROTHER SCOUT