Expeditor
From California
Beechcraft ( HB124) aircraft, which had taken flight from its Patricia Bay RCAF base, in British Columbia, on an operational exercise, crashed at Whidbey Island, Washington, USA. Whidbey Island is home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
The accident claimed the lives of three Canadian airmen and one civilian crew member.
Blenkiron, Joseph Lambert (Civilian)
Killed in Flying Accident 1944-April-12
Birth Date: 1919
Born:
Parents:
Spouse:
Home:
Enlistment:
Enlistment Date: unkown date
Service
Unit
32 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)
Base
RCAF Stn. Patricia Bay, British Columbia
Rank
Civilian
Position
Service Numbers
Crew or Other Personnel
Expeditor HB124
Accident Card - Beechcraft Expeditor Mk. 3T serial:HB124
This accident involved 1 aircraft on 1944-April-12. Beechcraft Expeditor s/n HB124.
This accident involved 4 people. Blenkiron JL, Hemphill S, Ruocco VS, Walls G
This accident had 4 fatalities. Pilot Officer George Walls RCAF Killed in Flying Accident service no:J/39171 Expeditor HB124, Leading Aircraftman Samuel Hemphill RCAF Killed in Flying Accident service no:R/142563 Expeditor HB124, Flight Lieutenant Victor Silvio Ruocco RCAF Killed in Flying Accident service no:J/9204 Expeditor HB124, Civilian Joseph Lambert Blenkiron Killed in Flying Accident service no: Expeditor HB124
Unit Desciption
32 OTU (32 Operational Training Unit)
The Operational Training Unit (OTU) was the last stop for aircrew trainees. They spent 8 to 14 weeks learning to fly operational aircraft (Hawker Hurricane or Fairey Swordfish, e.g.). The instructors had experience in actual operations, and often were posted to OTUs after their operational tour.
Avro Anson
More information on the RCAF Station at Patricia Bay, British Columbia can be found at:
RCAF.info - Patricia Bay, British Columbia
BC Aviation Museum Video On History Of Pat Bay
Project 44 BCATP
YouTube - Valour Canada Aerodrome of Democracy