Winterbottom, Kevin Roy (K R)

On returning to Air Force base Waterkloof and while on final approach for landing, the aircraft suffered an engine failure. 2 Lt Winterbottom was immediately faced with the situation that the runway was beyond gliding distance, there was a busy road ahead of him and he was losing height rapidly. At that stage he could have ejected safely but he chose to remain with his aircraft and turn to the left and away from the road, a manouevre which then set him heading for the built-up area of Monument Park. Realizing this and although extremely low, he persisted with his left turn in a final effort to avoid damage to property and injury or death to persons on the ground. The aircraft was then so low as to exclude a possibility of ejection and it hit the ground just as it cleared the built-up area. 2nd Lieutenant Winterbottom was killed instantly. There can be no remnant of doubt that he sacrificed his own life in his courageous effort to ensure that his crippled aircraft would cause no harm to persons or damage to property on the ground. This display of bravery under conditions of personal danger, not only distinguishes this deceased young officer, but amply justifies the posthumous award of the Honoris Crux.

Honoris Crux (Posthumous). Post-nominal letters HC; the (P) in HC (P) means the award was posthumous. This is the Honoris Crux (1975) (Cross of Honour), instituted 1 July 1975, for bravery in dangerous circumstances — the junior of the four Honoris Crux classes (Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Honoris Crux). Recipient no. 025; gazetted 9 July 1976. First Honoris Crux awarded for gallantry outside battle.

On returning to Air Force base Waterkloof and while on final approach for landing, the aircraft suffered an engine failure. 2 Lt Winterbottom was immediately faced with the situation that the runway was beyond gliding distance, there was a busy road ahead of him and he was losing height rapidly. At that stage he could have ejected safely but he chose to remain with his aircraft and turn to the left and away from the road, a manoeuvre which then set him heading for the built-up area of Monument Park. Realizing this and although extremely low, he persisted with his left turn in a final effort to avoid damage to property and injury or death to persons on the ground. The aircraft was then so low as to exclude a possibility of ejection and it hit the ground just as it cleared the built-up area. 2nd Lieutenant Winterbottom was killed instantly. There can be no remnant of doubt that he sacrificed his own life in his courageous effort to ensure that his crippled aircraft would cause no harm to persons or damage to property on the ground. This display of bravery under conditions of personal danger, not only distinguishes this deceased young officer, but amply justifies the posthumous award of the Honoris Crux.

• Col (rt) Graham du Toit Last Post
  Col (rt) Graham du Toit Last Post 09 Jun 2024: 70388129PE 2/Lieutenant Kevin Roy Winterbottom HC (P), 4 Squadron, Atlas MB326KM Impala Mk II Serial No. 1022; bird strike after take-off from AFB Waterkloof caused catastrophic engine failure; remained with the aircraft rather than eject, turning away from a busy road and Monument Park; killed instantly on impact; posthumous Honoris Crux, age 21. HC (P) = Honoris Crux (Posthumous). ROH age is 22. Graham and CauseDeath say immediately after take-off; SAWGP Additional Information / citation narrative is on returning, final approach for landing (not overwritten). Wikipedia: born Pretoria 1955, Pretoria Boys High 1972, joined SAAF 1973; 25th Honoris Crux, first for gallantry outside battle.
• Other web source
  Wikipedia: Kevin Roy Winterbottom. Honoris Crux (1975) HC, posthumous; Impala Mk II #1022, 9 June 1976.
• Other web source
  Wikipedia: Honoris Crux (1975), post-nominal HC. Recipient no. 025, gazetted 9 July 1976, 4 Sqn SAAF.
• SADF.info Border Roll of Honour
  SADF.info Border RoH
• South African War Graves Project