Hyland, Thomas Vincent

Killed in Flying Accident 1943-04-08

Male Head

Birth Date: 1916-October-27

Born:

Son of Thomas William and Esther Hyland, of West Vancouver.

Home: West Vancouver, British Columbia

Enlistment:

Enlistment Date: Unknown

Service

RCAF

Unit

31 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)

Base

Debert, Nova Scotia, Canada

Rank

Sergeant

Position

Sergeant

Service Numbers

R/128953

Home
Google MapWest Vancouver, British Columbia
First Burial
Google MapCapilano View Cemetery At West Vancouver, British Columbia
31 Operational Training Unit, Debert, Nova Scotia. Sergeants Hyland and P.W. Elliott (RAAF) were engaged in a navigation exercise and were killed when Hudson aircraft FK 408 crashed near Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

www.findagrave.com

Library and Archives Canada Service Files (may not exist)

This incident involved multiple aircraft:

  1. Hudson Mk. VI Serial: FK408

All the above aircraft in the above list are referenced in this report.

Findagrave.com

Hudson FK408

Male Head

Sergeant Elliott, P W (RAAF)

Killed in Flying Accident
1943-April-08
cemetery unknown

Male Head

Sergeant Hyland, Thomas Vincent (RCAF)
Pilot
Killed in Flying Accident
1943-April-08
Capilano View Cemetery, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Lockheed Hudson A-28 A-29 AT-18

Lockheed Hudson
Source National Air Force Museum of Canada.
lockheed_hudson.jpg image not found

The Lockheed Hudson was an American-built light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft built initially for the Royal Air Force (RAF) shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War and primarily operated by the RAF thereafter. The Hudson served throughout the war, mainly with Coastal Command, but also in transport and training roles, as well as delivering agents into occupied France. They were also used extensively with the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) anti-submarine squadrons.National Air Force Museum of Canada.

YouTube Hudson

Wikipedia Wikipedia Hudson

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Kestrel Publications Hudon - Kestrel Publications

31 OTU (31 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 RCAF Station at Debert, Nova Scotia can be found at

General History 31 OTU by Maj (Ret) G.D. Madigan

General Wall Of Honour NO31 OTU

Project 44 BCATP

General Project 44 BCATP

YouTube YouTube - Valour Canada Aerodrome of Democracy

Hudson FK408

Hudson Mk. VI FK408

Used by No. 31 Operational Training Unit at Debert, NS. With this Unit when it crashed at 21:50 on 8 April 1943, near Cape Mabou Mountain on Cape Breton, NS. Flew into high ground 50 minutes after taking off on navigation exercise, carburetor icing suspected. Pilot Sgt. T.V. Hyland and navigator Sgt. P.W. Elliot, RAAF killed. The WAG, Flight Sergeant B.J. McCarthy survived with only minor injuries. Assigned to No. 4 Repair Depot at Scoudouc, NB for scrapping on 12 April 1943.

1942-11-14 Taken on Strength Eastern Air Command 2019-08-20
1943-April-08 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Cape Mabou Mt Nova Scotia Names: Elliott | Hyland | McCarthy
1943-08-02 Struck off Strength Struck off, reduced to spares and produce 2019-08-20