Gilfillan , Desmond Thornhill (D T)

Died in Aircraft Accident, crashed approx. 32 kms south of Beaufort West, in Miles M.19 Master Mk II/III #2953. An eye witness, a Mr Nigrini who at the time was a 14 year old schoolboy met up with Desmond's nephew David Pringle Southey in 1999 at the crash site, and said he had been playing outside near their farmhouse some 2 km away on the opposite side of the road, when they heard the explosion and saw the plume of smoke. He then took David along the route that the plane had traversed after first impact, pointing out in (somewhat gory, but respectful) detail where Desmond's head had hit the first rock as he was dragged beside the plane still wearing his harness. Finally, he showed David where the burning wreckage and body had come to rest in the veld. After some 57 years, a blackened patch in the veld was still visible and David picked up fragments of glass and metal from the site. Another eye witness Marais (Ray) de Villiers was a 17-year old schoolboy at Central High School in Beaufort West. It was during their winter holidays on the farm Steynskraal, where Ray's mother lived, some 30kms south of the town, that he and his brother, Peter, suddenly saw a plume of smoke rising from near the N1 highway (then under construction). Fearing that there had been an accident, Ray's Mom scraped together bandages and first aid kit and set off with the boys down the farm road towards the N1. The tragedy which confronted them upon their arrival at the crash site on that chilly day has remained with Ray all his life. In his own words: "There were quite a number of people there already, including the Nigrinis's from Springfontein and National road construction workers. The engine of the plane was still burning and there were a few minor explosions emanating from the wreckage. The pilot's body was thrown clear as the plane slithered along the veld from the point of impact to its final position...the young pilot was dead on impact...his barrathea jacket was lying a short distance from his body". Ray had a lifelong intention to erect a memorial. However, it was not until 2008 that Ray was finally able to renew contact with the family. In an eloquent and beautifully handwritten letter he explained his motivation: "Your Uncle and many other forgotten servicemen died in the service of their country and I feel that they should be remembered in this sea of change...he saw it as his duty to fight for his country and was willing to put his life on the line in the course of that duty. This is part of our history and heritage and I want to see it preserved for future generations". If you find yourself on that lonely stretch of N1, about 32kms south of Beaufort West, with little more than 10 minutes to spare, park your vehicle alongside the road, clamber through the eastern fence and visit the memorial to Desmond which is located little more than 200m from the fence