The Crash of Wellington 9702

My father was a rear gunner in Sunderland's, Wellington's and also served in Catalina's. On Nov 6 1941 he was on a training flight in Wellington 9702. The flight took off at 1600 hrs from Atherstone aerodrome ( satellite aerodrome of Wellesbourne Mountford) , and crashed at 1710 south of the aerodrome over Atherstone Rd as a result of engine failure. (In haystacks in front paddock of large country house).

Crew:
• Pilot Officer John Sanders (Rear Gunner)
• Flight Sergeant Rich (Instructor - Killed)
• Pilot Officer Ron Clamp (Student Pilot - Killed)
• Sergeant Whitworth (Student Pilot - died 12 months later as a result of a flying accident on the same aerodrome)
• Sergeant Mitchell (Wireless Operator - killed over Tobruk when aircraft exploded as result of direct hit on its bomb load)
• One other (Killed - opportunity passenger and not on the crew list)

As a result of the accident, an oxygen bottle thrown 1/4 mile and an engine thrown 100 yards

All survivors taken to EMS Hospital at Stratford-upon-Avon

An interesting note - during the early 60's my father returned to the aerodrome, and the billets in which he had been staying (Officer's quarters), had returned to their original use - pig sty's