NEW ZEALAND WW2 AIRCREW CASUALTY
(75 Sqd RNZAF)
Avro Wellingtons.
1939-45 Star, Aircrew Europe, Defence & War Medals, New Zealand Service Medal 1939-45.
&
Memorial Cross.
To:
405331. Wilfred Hubert SMEATON Flt/Sgt--P/O (Obs) 75th (R.A.F) Sqdn R.N.Z.A.F
Killed aged 28. on 21st May 1942.
P/O W. H. SMEATON was taking part in a night flying continuation training exercise from RAF Feltwell on the night of 21st May 1942 in Wellington Z.1566 (AA- ) when the sortie encounterd un-forecast bad weather. Navigation became difficult and the pilot elected to commence a visual let down through cloud. As is common, this is a dangerous undertaking and the aircraft struck the ground at Grindon Farm near Leek in Staffordshire. There was one survivor (Gunner, Sgt S.J. Chappell RNZAF) who was seriously injured in the tail section of the aircraft.
P/O W. H. SMEATON was the son of Smith & Lucy husband of Heather Hinemoa Smeaton of Davenport, Auckland, N Z.
With copy of newspaper cutting showing the family of Sgt Chappell, the only survivor visiting the crash site.
Buried in Buxton Cemetery Derbyshire. UK. Grave 4179
SOLD