Church, Harold William
Killed in Flying Accident 1944-01-18
Birth Date: 1917-January-25
Born: Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
William Leonard & Dora Church
Home: Prince Albert, Saskatchewan (parents)
Enlistment:
Enlistment Date: Unknown
Service
RCAF
Unit
36 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)
Base
RCAF Stn. Greenwood, Nova Scotia
Rank
Flight Lieutenant
Position
Flight Lieutenant
Service Numbers
J/5977
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan (parents)Took off from 36 OTU, Greenwood, Nova Scotia at 16:00 in Oxford Mk V EB-506 for dual pilot checks. After climbing steeply to 300 feet, the aircraft suffered an engine failure and crashed to the ground at Kingston Nova Scotia. All on board were killed (includes Church):F/Lt Lawrence James O'Connell RCAF J/15311 KIFA Gate Of Heaven Cemetery Bedford N.S. Sec. 4. Plot L. Grave 59.Flying Officer Rex James Walls RNZAF KIFA Old Holy Trinity Cemetery Middleton N.S. Sec. 1. Grave 3.Flying Officer John Dermot Walsh RNZAF KIFA St. Lawrence RC Curch Kingston N.S. Air Force Plot.
Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
www.findagrave.comThis incident involved multiple aircraft:
- Oxford Mk. V Serial: EB506
All the above aircraft in the above list are referenced in this report.
Oxford EB506
Airspeed Oxford
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
Oxford Trainer
Wikipedia Oxford Trainer 
Harold A Skaarup Web Page 36 OTU (36 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 Air Force Station at Greenwood, Nova Scotia can be found at:
Greenwod Military Aviation Museum Video History Of Greenwood
Oxford EB506
Oxford Mk. V EB506
Taken on strength early in the war, for use with BCATP. Retained RAF serials.1943-03-26 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1944-January-18 Accident: 36 Operational Training Unit Loc: Kingston Nova Scotia Names: Church | O'Connell | Walls | Walsh
1944-04-03 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07