Longstaff, A

Killed in Flying Accident 1943-04-19

Male Head

Birth Date: unkown date

Born:

Home:

Enlistment:

Enlistment Date: Unknown

Service

RAF

Unit

31 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)

Base

Rank

Sergeant

Position

Sergeant

Service Numbers

This incident involved multiple aircraft:

  1. Hudson Mk. V Serial: AM773

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

Hudson AM773

Male Head

Sergeant Burns, P M (RAAF)

Killed in Flying Accident
1943-April-19
cemetery unknown

Sergeant Gillis, John Archibald (RCAF)
Wireless Air Gunner
Killed in Flying Accident
1943-April-19
Ottawa War Memorial, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Male Head

Pilot Officer Howard-Bangs, J (RAF)

Killed in Flying Accident
1943-April-19
cemetery unknown

Male Head

Sergeant Longstaff, A (RAF)

Killed in Flying Accident
1943-April-19
cemetery unknown

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 AM773

Hudson Mk. V AM773

Taken on strength for No. 31 Operational Training Unit at Debert, NS. Category B damage at Sussex Army Camp, NS at 16:45 on 15 April 1942. Assigned to No. 4 Repair Depot at Scoudouc, NB for crash repairs on 20 April 1942, with 269:20 logged time. Arrive there on 26 April 1942, re-allocated to Clarke Ruse on 20 May 1942. Back to Eastern Air Command on 26 October 1942. Lost on an operational patrol on 19 April 1943. 4 crew killed: Sgt. A. Longstaff, RAF; Pilot Officer J. Howard-Bangs and Sgt. J.A. Gillis, RCAF; plus Sgt. P.M. Burns, RAAF. Application to write off dated 5 May 1943, when aircraft was still listed as missing.

1941-06-26 Taken on Strength Eastern Air Command 2019-08-20
1942-April-15 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Sussex Army Camp New Brunswick Names: Duncan | Kirkwood | Ryon
1943-April-19 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Names: Burns | Gillis | Howard-Bangs | Longstaff
1943-07-03 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20