Colledge, William Wilson

Killed in Flying Accident 1943-07-01

Birth Date: 1918

Born:

William Wilson Colledge & Mary A. Colledge

Home: Vancouver, British Columbia (parents)

Enlistment:

Enlistment Date: Unknown

Decorations: DFC

Distinguished Service Cross

Service

RCAF

Unit

3 FIS- Flying Instructor School (RAF)

Base

RAF Castle Coombe

Rank

Flight Lieutenant

Position

Flight Lieutenant

Service Numbers

J/8207

Took off in Oxford Mk I X6858 from Castle Coombe on a low-level training flight (supposed to remain above 250 feet.

Not known who was flying at the time but aircraft clipped the top of some trees, lost control and crashed in Bishopswood, south of Wickwar, Gloucestershire.

Killed includes Colledge:F/Lt Kenneth Munro RAAF KIA Haycombe Cemetery Bath Plot 51. Sec. H. Row V. Grave 253.

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.
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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

Wikipedia Wikipedia Oxford Trainer

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page