Luard, Richard Aubrey

Killed in Flying Accident 1941-10-23

Birth Date: 1915-June-20

Born:

Son of Arthur D. Luard and Mary Luard, of Burford, Ontario.

Home: Burford, Ontario

Enlistment:

Enlistment Date: Unknown

Service

RCAF

Unit

31 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)

Base

Rank

Pilot Officer

Position

Pilot Officer

Service Numbers

J/7801

Home
Google MapBurford, Ontario
First Burial
Google MapSt John's Parish Cemetery, Truro, Nova Scotia
31 Operational Training Unit, Debut, Nova Scotia. Hudson aircraft crashed.

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: AM896

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

Findagrave.com

Hudson AM896

Male Head

Sergeant Hornsey, Norman Leonard (RAF)

Killed in Flying Accident
1941-October-23
cemetery unknown

Male Head

Sergeant Kelley, Robert Frederick (RCAF)
Wireless Air Gunner
Killed in Flying Accident
1941-October-23
St John's Parish Cemetery, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada

Pilot Officer Luard, Richard Aubrey (RCAF)
Observer
Killed in Flying Accident
1941-October-23
St John's Parish Cemetery, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada

Pilot Officer O'Hanley, Charles Beeching (RCAF)
Pilot
Killed in Flying Accident
1941-October-23
Truro Cemetery Incorporated, Robie Street, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada

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 AM896

Hudson Mk. V AM896

Taken on strength at No. 31 OTU at Debert, NS. Cat "A" crash at 07:30 on 23 Oct 1941, near Great Village, NS (7 miles west of Debert). The a/c flew into the ground and disintegrated, all 4 crew, Pilot Officer C.B. O'Hanley, (pilot), Pilot Officer R.A. Luard, (nav), Flight Sergeant (RAF) N.L. Hornsey (WAG) and Flight Sergeant R.F. Kelly (WAG), were killed. Scrapped by No. 4 Repair Depot.

1941-10-21 Taken on Strength Eastern Air Command 2019-08-20
1941-October-23 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Great Village Nova Scotia Names: Hanley | Hornsey | Kelly | Luard
1941-12-10 Struck off Strength Struck off, reduced to produce 2019-08-20