Grumman Wildcat Mk.V JV499 of No.778 Sqn, Royal Navy, crashed on Blackside on the 2nd December 1944

Grumman Wildcat

 

John Geoffrey Armstrong Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR Pilot Killed

 

The 22 year old pilot was returning to No.778 Squadron’s home station of HMS Condor (RNAS Arbroath) from RAF Ayr on Saturday the 2nd December 1944. At some point during the flight, probably only shortly after leaving Ayr, the aircraft flew into Auchenlongford Hill on Blackside near the village of Sorn in Ayrshire killing the pilot.

Small amount of wreckage at the crash site of Grumman Wildcat JV499 on Blackside, Sorn, Ayrshire
Today little remains at the crash site, the few pieces being scattered amongst the grass on the hillside.
Largest piece of wreckage at the crash site of Grumman Wildcat JV499 on Blackside, Sorn, Ayrshire
This is the largest item still present at the site.
Grave of Sub Lieutenant John Geoffrey Armstrong at Ayr Cemetery
Sub Lieutenant Armstrong was buried at Ayr Cemetery.