Picton-Warlow, Wilfred (Captain)

Killed in Flying Accident 1914-December-20

1914-12-20 down in the English Channel, missing presumed killed in airplane crash. The machine was a two-seater Bleriot monoplane, a type that was in process of being discarded. As these machines could be spared from service at the Front such of them as were serviceable as school machines were sent home. Officers on leave were allowed as a privilege to fly them. This machine was overhauled before starting, and Captain Warlow tested it by a short trial flight. The weather was clear, but there were some high banks of clouds, and it is supposed that Captain Warlow got into the cloud banks and lost his way, exhausted his supply of petrol, and came down into the sea. He was supplied with petrol sufficient for twice the distance of his intended flight.