Vincent, Howard James

Killed in Flying Accident 1942-08-10

Birth Date: 1916-March-31

Born: Canna, Saskatchewan

Son of Hedley W. Vincent and May (nee Hawthorne. Vincent, of Canora, Saskatchewan.

Home: Canora, Saskatchewan

Enlistment: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Enlistment Date: 1941-05-01

Service

RCAF

Unit

31 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)

Base

Debert, Nova Scotia, Canada

Rank

Sergeant

Position

Sergeant

Service Numbers

R/98849

Home
Google MapCanora, Saskatchewan
First Burial
Google MapCanora Cemetery, Canora, Saskatchewan
31 Operational Training Unit, Debert, Nova Scotia. Hudson aircraft BW 401 was on a cross-country navigation exercise when the weather conditions deteriorated unexpectedly at base. The aircrew acknowledged an r/t message diverting the aircraft to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The Hudson struck high ground while in level flight and completely disintegrated. Pilot Officer P.A. Rogers, Sergeants J.K. Hobson, A.W. Cooke, and Pilot Officer J.A. Bursill (RAAF) were also killed.

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. III Serial: BW401

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

Findagrave.com

Hudson BW401

Male Head

Pilot Officer Bursill, J A (RAAF)

Killed in Flying Accident
1942-August-10
cemetery unknown

Sergeant Cooke, Arnold William (RCAF)
Wireless Air Gunner
Killed in Flying Accident
1942-August-10
Mount Royal Cemetery, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Pilot Officer Hobson, John Kenneth (RCAF)
Observer
Killed in Flying Accident
1942-August-10
Woodlawn Cemetery Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Pilot Officer Rogers, Paul Amos (RCAF)
Observer
Killed in Flying Accident
1942-August-10
Edmonton Cemetery, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Sergeant Vincent, Howard James (RCAF)
Air Gunner
Killed in Flying Accident
1942-August-10
Canora Cemetery, Canora, Saskatchewan, 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 BW401

Hudson Mk. III BW401

With No. 31 Operational Training Unit at Debert, NS when taken on RCAF books. Crashed on Dalhousie Mountain, near Scotsburn, NS in the early morning on 10 August 1942. On cross country exercise, ordered to divert to Charlottetown, PEI due to deteriorating weather at Debert. Acknowledged order, struck mountain top at cruise speed en route to Charlottetown and completely disintegrated. All crew killed, including Pilot Officer J.A. Bursill (or Bursil?), RAAF; Pilot Officer A. Rogers, Sgt. A.W. Cooke; Sgt. J.K. Hobson; Sgt. H.J. Vincent. Ownership to No. 4 Repair Depot on 13 August 1942 for write off. Memorial service for victims held on 66th anniversary of crash, 10 August 2008, at crash site.

1941-12-22 Taken on Strength Eastern Air Command 2019-08-20
1942-August-10 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Pictou County Nova Scotia Names: Bursill | Cooke | Hobson | Rogers | Vincent
1942-11-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20