Papworth, W G

Killed in Flying Accident 1943-07-20

Male Head

Birth Date: unkown date

Born:

Home:

Enlistment:

Enlistment Date: Unknown

Service

RAF

Unit

31 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)

Base

Rank

Pilot Officer

Position

Pilot Officer

Service Numbers

This incident involved multiple aircraft:

  1. Hudson Mk. III Serial: BW777

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

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 BW777

Hudson Mk. III BW777

Cat "A" crash at Debert, NS on 20 Jul 1943. The a/c took off on an exercise to practice dual circuits and landings but failed to gain altitude, struck some trees and then crashed and burned. Squadron Leader R.T. Hunn and Pilot Officer W.G.M. Papworth were both killed. To No. 4 Repair Depot at Scoudouc, NB for scrapping on 22 Aug 1943

1942-07-15 Taken on Strength Eastern Air Command 2019-08-20
1942-September-01 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Aerodrome Names: Mitchell | Nichol | Sandberg | Stracey
1943-July-20 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Aerodrome Names: Hunn | Papworth
1943-09-28 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20