Bushell, Philip Edward

60f81560a49c57323928b13e_Airspeed-A-S-10-Oxford-Mk--II--RCAF--Serial-No--A5277----in-flight-over-Saskatchewan--1942---Bob-Brown.jpeg image not found

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

Oxford Trainer

Wikipedia Oxford Trainer

Harold A Skaarup Web Page

36 SFTS (36 Service Flying Training School)

Graduates of the EFTS "learn-to-fly" program went on a Service Flying Training School (SFTS) for 16 weeks. For the first 8 weeks the trainee was part of an intermediate training squadron; for the next 6 weeks an advanced training squadron and for the final 2 weeks training was conducted at a Bombing & Gunnery School. The Service schools were military establishments run by the RCAF or the RAF.

There were two different types of Service Flying Training Schools. Trainees in the fighter pilot stream went to an SFTS like No. 14 Aylmer, where they trained in the North American Harvard or North American Yale. Trainees in the bomber, coastal or transport pilot stream went to an SFTS like No. 5 Brantford where they learned multi-engine technique in an Airspeed Oxford, Avro Anson or Cessna Crane.

For Information on RCAF Station Penhold see here

Harvard Historical Aviation Society

Midland Aircraft Recovery Group - Men Of 36 SFTS

Bomber Command Museum Of Canada - 36 SFTS

Vintage Wings Of Canada - SFTS Penhold

Project 44 BCATP

Project 44 BCATP

YouTube - Valour Canada Aerodrome of Democracy

---

Oxford AS523

Oxford Mk. I AS523

Taken on strength at No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School at Fort William, Ontario. To No. 4 Training Command on 11 September 1941, for use by No. 36 Service Flying Training School at Penhold, Alberta. Initial allotment noted as pending allocation to No. 35 Service Flying Training School, which opened at North Battleford, Saskatchewan on 4 September 1941. Still with No. 36 SFTS when it suffered a Category A crash near Red Deer, Alberta at 14:30 on 24 December 1941. Student pilots attempted a precautionary landing after encountering a snow storm on a cross country exercise, but struck trees. Leading Aircraftman P.E. Bushell died of injuries on 6 January 1942. Second student was Leading Aircraftman D.F. Phillips, RAF who died of injuries on 26 December 1941. Scrapped at No. 10 Repair Depot.

1941-08-07 Taken on Strength No. 2 Training Command 2019-08-20
1941-December-24 Accident: 36 Service Flying Training School Loc: Bowden Alberta Names: Bushell | Phillips
1942-08-18 Struck off Strength Struck off, reduced to spares and produce 2019-08-20