Hoffman, Albert

Killed in Flying Accident 1942-05-30

Birth Date: 1918-June-30

Born:

Son of Henry and Catherine Elizabeth Hoffman, of Ritzville, Washington, United States.

Home: Ritzville, Washington, USA

Enlistment:

Enlistment Date: Unknown

Service

RCAF

Unit

31 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)

Base

Debert, Nova Scotia, Canada

Rank

Pilot Officer

Position

Pilot Officer

Service Numbers

J/9477
Prev: R/101290

Home
Google MapRitzville, Washington, USA
First Burial
Google MapMemorial Cemetery At R Itzv Ile, Washington, Usa
31 Operational Training Unit, Debert, Nova Scotia. Pilot Officer Hoffman was killed in Hudson aircraft AM 737 while attempting a single-engine landing. He had to go around again to avoid an aircraft on the runway, the Hudson went out of control and crashed into some woods at the aerodrome boundary at Debert. Pilot Officer Pilot Hoffman is buried in the Memorial Cemetery at R itzv Ile, Washington, U.S.A.

Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

www.findagrave.com

Library and Archives Canada Service Files (may not exist)

This incident involved multiple aircraft:

  1. Hudson Mk. V Serial: AM737

All the above aircraft in the above list are referenced in this report.

Findagrave.com

Hudson AM737

Pilot Officer Hoffman, Albert (RCAF)
Pilot
Killed in Flying Accident
1942-May-30
Ritzville Memorial Cemetery, Ritzville, Washington, USA

Lockheed Hudson A-28 A-29 AT-18

Lockheed Hudson
Source National Air Force Museum of Canada.
lockheed_hudson.jpg image not found

The Lockheed Hudson was an American-built light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft built initially for the Royal Air Force (RAF) shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War and primarily operated by the RAF thereafter. The Hudson served throughout the war, mainly with Coastal Command, but also in transport and training roles, as well as delivering agents into occupied France. They were also used extensively with the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) anti-submarine squadrons.National Air Force Museum of Canada.

YouTube Hudson

Wikipedia Wikipedia Hudson

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Kestrel Publications Hudon - Kestrel Publications

31 OTU (31 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.
More information on the RCAF Station at Debert, Nova Scotia can be found at

General History 31 OTU by Maj (Ret) G.D. Madigan

General Wall Of Honour NO31 OTU

Project 44 BCATP

General Project 44 BCATP

YouTube YouTube - Valour Canada Aerodrome of Democracy

Hudson AM737

Hudson Mk. V AM737

First assigned to No. 31 OTU at RCAF Stn Debert, NS. Cat "A" crash at Debert aerodrome at 14:15 on 30 May 1942. After an oblique photography mission and following an engine failure, the pilot during a landing attempt lost control while attempting to avoid another aircraft on the runway and crashed into woods on aerodrome boundary. Pilot Officer A.E. Hoffman (pilot) was killed. Sgt's W.D. Earl and A.C. Norris were seriously injured. To No. 4 Repair Depot for write off on 3 Jun 1942.

1942-01-26 Taken on Strength Eastern Air Command 2019-08-20
1942-May-30 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Aerodrome Names: Earl | Hoffman | Norris
1942-08-17 Struck off Strength Struck off, reduced to spares and produce 2019-08-20