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Wright, James (Sergeant)

Killed in Flying Accident 1941-October-16

Male Head

Birth Date: unkown date (age unknown)

Service
RAFVR
Unit
2 TC- Training Command (RAF)
Base
Fort William, Ontario
Rank
Sergeant
Marshal
Air Chief MarshalA/C/M
Air MarshalA/M
Air Vice MarshalA/V/M
Air CommodoreA/C
Group CaptainG/C
Wing CommanderW/C
Squadron LeaderS/L
Flight LieutenantF/L
Flying OfficerF/O
Pilot OfficerP/O
Warrant Officer 1st ClassWO1
Warrant Officer 2nd ClassWO2
Flight SergeantFS
SergeantSGT
CorporalCPL
Senior AircraftmanSAC
Leading AircraftmanLAC
Aircraftman 1st ClassAC1
Aircraftman 2nd ClassAC2
Position
Pilot
Service Numbers
932825

RAF Ferry Command, Oxford aircraft AT 445 was being ferried from Winnipeg to Calgary when it collided in air with Oxford AS571, which was only slightly damaged with no casualties. AT 445 crashed near Regina, Saskatchewan

Both aircraft had been part of a formation of 21 Oxfords being ferried from Fort William to No 36 Service Flying Training School at Penhold, Alberta by the No 2 Training Command Communications Flight

Oxford AT 445 lost several parts in flight, and spun in on the boundary of Regina aerodrome

Sergeant J Wright (RAFVR) was killed in this flying accident, his body found out of pilot seat, in rear part of the cabin, with parachute partially deployed

This incident involved multiple aircraft:

  1. Oxford Mk. I Serial: AT445
  2. Oxford Mk. I Serial: AS571

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

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Find-A-Grave.com Finadagrave.com

Burial
Google MapRegina Cemetery
Block B Plot 2 Grave 33

Oxford AT445

Airspeed Oxford

(Bob Brown Photo)(Source Harold A Skaarup Web Page)
Airspeed A.S. 10 Oxford Mk. II, RCAF (Serial No. AS277), 25, in flight over Saskatchewan, 1942.

The Airspeed AS.10 Oxford was a twin-engine monoplane aircraft developed and manufactured by Airspeed. It saw widespread use for training British Commonwealth aircrews in navigation, radio-operating, bombing and gunnery roles throughout the Second World War.

The Oxford was developed by Airspeed during the 1930s in response to a requirement for a capable trainer aircraft that conformed with Specification T.23/36, which had been issued by the British Air Ministry. Its basic design is derived from the company's earlier AS.6 Envoy, a commercial passenger aircraft. Performing its maiden flight on 19 June 1937, it was quickly put into production as part of a rapid expansion of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in anticipation of a large-scale conflict.

As a consequence of the outbreak of war, many thousands of Oxfords were ordered by Britain and its allies, including Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, Poland, and the United States. Following the end of the conflict, the Oxford continued to achieve export sales for some time, equipping the newly formed air forces of Egypt, India, Israel, and Yugoslavia. It was considered to be a capable trainer aircraft throughout the conflict, as well as being used a general-purpose type. A large number of Oxfords have been preserved on static display. Wikipedia

YouTube Oxford Trainer

Wkikpedia Wikipedia Oxford Trainer

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

last update: 2021-09-27 15:31:03

Oxford Mk. I AT445

Category A crash on 16 October 1941, reported by No. 3 Air Observers School at Regina, Saskatchewan. Sgt. J. Wright, RAF killed. Being ferried from Winnipeg to Calgary at the time, collided in air with Oxford AS571, which was only slightly damaged. This aircraft lost several parts in flight, and spun in on the boundary of Regina aerodrome. Wright's body was found out of pilot seat, in rear cabin, with parachute partially deployed. Both aircraft were part of a formation of 21 Oxfords being ferried from Fort William to No. 36 Service Flying Training School at Penhold by the No. 2 Training Command Communications Flight.

1941-09-03 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1941-October-16 Accident: MISC FerryING Loc: Regina Airport Names: Gregory | Wright
1942-12-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Oxford AS571

Oxford Mk. I AS571

Taken on strength at No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School at Fort William, Ontario. To No. 4 Training Command on 8 October 1941, for use by No. 37 Service Flying Training School at Calgary, Alberta. Collided with Oxford AT445 on 16 October 1941, during formation flying. Reported by No. 3 Air Observer School at Regina, Saskatchewan. Apparently repaired and returned to service. Winter conversion set installed at No. 37 SFTS by 2 July 1942. To Aircraft Repair, 8 January to 17 March 1943. To storage with No. 4 Training Command when completed, issued from storage on 5 April 1943. Back to storage on 4 April 1944. To No. 2 Air Command on 1 December 1944, pending disposal on that date. Stored at Swift Current, Saskatchewan, where it was noted with 1010:45 total time, never overhauled.

1941-09-04 Taken on Strength No. 2 Training Command 2019-08-20
1941-October-16 Accident: MISC FerryING Loc: Regina Airport Names: Gregory | Wright
1945-02-19 Struck off Strength Struck off, to War Assets Corporation for disposal 2019-08-20

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