Aldridge, Howard (Sergeant)

Accident 1943-January-20

Male Head

Birth Date: unkown date

Born:

Parents:

Spouse:

Home: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Enlistment:

Enlistment Date: unkown date

Service

RCAF

Unit

487 (B) Sqn- Squadron (RNZAF)
Ki Te Mutunga Through to the end

Base

RAF Feltwell

Rank

Sergeant

Position

Navigator

Service Numbers

R/115486

Mission

Ventura Mk. II AJ171

Operational 1943-January-20 to 1943-January-20

487 (B) Sqn (RNZAF) Feltwell
487 New Zealand Squadron (Ki Te Mutunga). Ventura aircraft AJ 171 was participating in low-level training exercises. Sergeant Gerald John Abrey approached the Kings Forest Lodge, near West Stow, Suffolk, in Ventura II AJ171 EG-D. The aircraft caught the top of some trees on slightly rising ground and crashed near the gateway of the Kings Forest Lodge, near West Stow, Suffolk. Abrey and his wireless operator, Flg Off. Frederick Drake RCAF, a 25-year-old Canadian from London, Ontario, were both killed. Sergeant Howard Aldridge RCAF (from Toronto, Ontario), the navigator, was thrown clear and escaped with severe injuries.