Gloster Javelin F.A.W. Mk.6 XA825 / A of No.29 Squadron, RAF, crashed on Emly Bank in the Moorfoot Hills on the 21st November 1960

Gloster Javelin

 

Victor Leslie Hill Flight Lieutenant Pilot Killed
John Michael Knight Flight Lieutenant Navigator / Radar Operator Killed

 

The two crew were on a training flight from RAF Leuchars in Fife when their aircraft struck Emly Bank near Peebles and broke up over a wide area.

Impact point of Gloster Javelin XA825 on Emly Bank near Peebles
A scar still remains where the aircraft first struck Emly Bank not far from its summit. In the scar are numerous pieces of the aircraft.
Impact point of Gloster Javelin XA825 on Emly Bank near Peebles
This is the scar at the point of impact looking in the direction the aircraft was travelling.
Crash site of Gloster Javelin XA825 on Emly Bank near Peebles
The view from the point of impact towards the North.
Wreckage from the tail of Gloster Javelin XA825 on Emly Bank, Midlothian
Most of the wreckage from the aircraft lies in two gullies which are to the west of the point of impact.
Wreckage from the tail of Gloster Javelin XA825 on Emly Bank, Midlothian
The first gully contains the remains of the aircraft’s tail.
Wreckage from the tail of Gloster Javelin XA825 on Emly Bank, Midlothian
The collection of wreckage from the tail looking up hill.
Main wheel and tyre from Gloster Javelin XA825 on Emly Bank
Lower down the same gully is one of the main wheels, this used to be fairly exposed but has over the years become increasingly buried as sand and gravel washes down the gully.
Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engine from Gloster Javelin XA825 on Emly Bank
Further to the west in the second gully are both Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engines, this is the upper of the two engines, and least damaged of the two.
Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engine from Gloster Javelin XA825 on Emly Bank
A second photograph of the upper engine.
Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engine from Gloster Javelin XA825 on Emly Bank
Lying a short way down stream is the second Sapphire engine.
Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engine from Gloster Javelin XA825 on Emly Bank
A second photograph of the engine showing the compressor (left) and combustion stage in the centre and right, a few of the fuel injectors are still in place.