Took off from Dumfries at 20:17 on a night flying exercise. and IR bombing practice.
Aircraft was over the target for IR Bombing purposes at 2320, but this was abandoned due to poor visibility. The aircraft then set a course direct to Base from West Freugh Occult, and crashed into the summit of Cairnsmore Hill, Bardnock Wood, Scotland.
Killed: Pilot Officer John Morgan Cooley RCAF J/25764 KIA Troqueer Cemetery Sec. H. Extn. 2. Grave 113. Flight Sergeant Mervyn Charles Simpson RAF KIA Troqueer Cemetery Sec. H. Extn. 2. Grave 17. WO Jack James Mount Ward RAF KIA Riddrie Park Cemetery Glasgow Sec. G. Grave 38.
Survivors: Sergeant R McLeod RAF pilot seriously injured but recovered. Flying Officer P J LaLonde RCAF nav J/35917 seriously injured but reovered.