Death at RNAS Arbroath June 1941

[Daffodilly]

Hello,

I have a Death certificate for Samuel Hoskin Bunch who died of multiple injuries and burns on 11 June 1941 at RNAS Arbroath.

I have tried looking around as I wondered how he came by such terrible injuries.  I have seen the entry on the CWGC site but this is all I can find.  I just wondered if anyone out there has any knowledge of whether it was a bombing raid, plane crash or what, or where else I can try looking.

I have checked death certificates several either side of his but he was the only one so it might not have been an air raid.  I have been looking on Arbroath websites but can find no significant event.

Thanks for reading this.

Daff

[kyt]

Bunch was an ex-Battle of Britain pilot, one of the few Fleet Air Arm pilots who took part, flying Sea Gladiators.

He was killed in a night flying accident, when two aircraft collided. He had been serving with 880 Squadron at the time. I don't have the aircraft serials, but will have a look.

K

[Daffodilly]

Oh wow, thank you for such a quick reply.

I have seen his name on the Battle of Brittain Memorial in London, below his cousin, but don't know anything about him.

The information you have given me is just what I wanted to know, thank you so much.  He died on June 11th an 1.30am, presumably instantly.  Poor lad.

Thanks for your help.

Daff

[kyt]

Just a few more details. Bunch was flying a Sea Hurricane and hit a Swordfish during take off. The pilot of the Swordfish, Sub/Lt R P Cross was unhurt.

K

[Daffodilly]

Thank you Kyt.

You must have quite a detailed source to know all this, I am intrigued.  Does it say what time/day he took off?

I am glad the other pilot was ok. It looks as though the squadron was in the process of converting from Sea Gladiators to Sea Hurricanes at the time.

http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Squadrons/880.html

Thanks for your help.

Daff

[kyt]

It's a variety of sources, rather than one  But at this stage I don't have any more info but will check with some others to see if they do.

K

[Daffodilly]

Thank you ever so much.

Daff