- Contributed byÌý
- ´óÏó´«Ã½ Southern Counties Radio
- People in story:Ìý
- Flt/Lt JW Merriam, Sqd Ldr Barker, FO Martin
- Location of story:Ìý
- Llandwrog, Wales
- Background to story:Ìý
- Royal Air Force
- Article ID:Ìý
- A7754376
- Contributed on:Ìý
- 13 December 2005
It was the usual day at Llandwrog — target towing, two separate towings and two separate Whitley aircraft, each carrying about twenty-two persons, including the pilots. After the gunning practice, we peeled off to return to base.
Then the unexpected happened. One came to land on a long approach, and the other on a short circuit. The camouflage was so good that against the mountain background, neither could see the other, and at 500ft a disaster — both craft caught fire and there was nothing left.
Nothing could extinguish the fires in time and it was not possible to get near. My wife, billeted in a holiday chalet, heard the crash, came charging to the scene and was relieved to find out that I was OK and not involved.
An outdoor service was held the following Sunday — later I was duty officer, with others, to take loved ones to the mortuary. Sqd Ldr Barker and FO Martin died and no-one could be recognised, except for some personal belongings.
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