Identity
Person No.
1891
Service No.
Unknown
Last Name
First Name
Cecil William
Initials
C W
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Age at Death
22
Military Service
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause of Death
Died in air crash, was flying Sopwith Camel C1588 at Martlesham Heath (an aircaft testing and experimental centre) when its port wing cracked in level flight at 450 feet and he side-slipped in and was killed. This Camel had been at Martlesham since May 1918 where it was used for propeller testing, and lubricant and engine testing, amongst other things. The aircraft had clocked only 8 hours flying time when it was lost
Grave Reference
Location
Country
Locality
Cemetery
Coordinates
Additional Information
Notes
Son of Arthur C. and Kathleen Blain. Born 7 October 1896, at Hooton, Cheshire. With his Observer (2nd Lt C D Griffiths) plus Capt W D S Sanday plus Lt C W Busk and Lt Mase claimed two Albatros two-seaters forced to land on 6 August 1916. With Griffiths, shot down and taken prisoner 7 August 1916 in Strutter A380. A successful POW escapee. On Stutterheim War Memorial, Eastern Cape
Citation
LG Sup 3 June 1919 pg. 7033 - "In recognition of distinguished services rendered during the war"
External Source
Unknown
South African War Graves Project