Thunder & Lightnings

Test Flying Memorial

"...and everywhere the
blue sky belongs to them
and is their appointed rest
and their native country"
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge



Date11/10/1945
CasualtiesCpl S.S. Dicks, Armament Test Observer
AircraftFairey Swordfish Mk III NF333
Took off fromGosport, Hampshire
Purpose of flightExperimental torpedo drop
Incident locationSolent
Incident detailsThe Swordfish, flown by Fg Off R.F. Hollands, who survived the accident, collided with a Beaufighter over the torpedo range. The Swordfish dived out of control into the sea, killing the observer. The Beaufighter regained Gosport and landed safely


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