16 September 1943 B17 from 384 Bomb Group at Grafton Underwood, Northampton, lands at Fairlop low on fuel and damaged after a raid on Stuttgart. Took off on runway 2. Witnesses state that it only just cleared the chimney pots.
1947? A miserable day, and unexpected landing by an Anson and a lone RAF Officer concerned about fire hazard from fuel leaking from starboard engine. All spectators asked to stand well back and to extinguish cigarettes. A stroppy labourer type on a bicycle refused to do either and defied the pilot by pedalling up close to take a closer look. He was warned again and to the joy of all, was knocked clean off his bike by a single punch from the pilot. The labourer type sidled off uttering oaths and threats, The Anson stood there for hours, Its departure not witnessed.
Date unknown. Proctor approaches airfield. This aircraft has unusual markings, the roundel divided into 3 coloured sectors (thought by witness to be Czech?). Plane lands, pilot not willing to talk, when a black Ford 8 van arrives. Two men get out and remove stretcher upon which a decease male with polished black shoes peeking from under blanket. They load the deceased person onto the Proctor. Men get back into van and drive off, Aircraft taxies down runway, takes off and disappears in an easterly direction.
The latest mystery
A control wheel from what is believed to be a Curtis has been acquired from a
jumble sale in Portsmouth. Attached is a note saying "From my Curtiss biplane
which crashed at Fairlop killing the pilot Bill Appleby (a Canadian) whilst
doing an upward turn. The control wheel is in the possession of John Butterly a
pilot for many years including RAF and BA.
Information is required on all three outstanding incidents. I would be grateful to hear from you if you can shed any light on them. All information will be acknowledged on web page. Thanks. David Martin.
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