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...To Be Remembered
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On 23 September 1940 a Bristol Blenheim Mk1 from 17 Operational Training Unit
Royal Air Force (17 OTU RAF) took off from RAF Upwood for live bombing practice
over Cardigan Bay. The aircraft was piloted by F/Lt Robert
George COVENTRY RAF; Sgt J LANE RAFVR and Sgt G WILSON
RAFVR was his crew.
Whilst returning to its base the aircraft developed engine
problems. At approximately 14:30, it is believed that the pilot
was trying to land the stricken aircraft at a nearby airfield
when it crashed at Field Court Farm. The pilot, 27-year-old
Canadian-born Robert Coventry, the son
of a Canadian MP, died instantly in the
crash and is buried at Down Hatherley
church near Gloucester. His two crewmates survived.
Robert's heroic actions on that fateful day meant dozens of
youngsters sitting in their Quedgeley School classroom close-by
survived the fiery crash. 80 years on from the tragedy, villagers,
including some of the children whose lives were probably saved
by Robert on that fateful day, are planning for a memorial to be
built in his memory.
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