I'm looking after some extra information about the dead of LAC Charles De Wever VR 1899837 (Belgian) , 32 SFTS,killed in a flying accident on the 26 of August 1944. According to my information the aircraft, a Harvard MK II (serialnr unknown/circumstances??), crashed 12 MILES FROM BOWDEN-CALGARY. He was first buried at the INNISFAIL CEMETRY BOWDEN CALGARY (?) and transfered to Tirlemont cemetery (Belgium) in November 1956. Thanks and greetings from Belgium
Alexander
__________________
HIS NAME I OFT RECALL. THERE IS NOTHING LEFT TO ANSWER BUT HIS PICTURE ON THE WALL
The RCAF casualty list issued 11 September 1944 identifies him De WEVER, Charles Erasme, L.A.C., R.A.F., Bradbournevale, Kent, England.
The address is not the one shown on CWGC and may provide you another avenue to research.
Also, only speculation on my part and perhaps coincidence, but the same casualty list has another man, 1802123 Sgt. (Pilot) Gordon Richard BENNETT, RAFVR killed on active service on the same date and also buried INNISFAIL. Possibly other occupant of the Harvard?
UPDATE:- I posted the question at rafcommands, received the following:
"The aircraft involved will be Cornell 14498 which crashed at No.32 EFTS., Bowden Alberta on 26th August 1944.
From No.32 EFTS Diary: 26 Aug 44 "There was an accident today at 08.45 hours 1 1/2 miles south and approximately 9 miles east of the town of Bowden to Cornell Mk.II 14498 piloted by 1802123 Sgt. Bennett, G.R. with his pupil 1899831 L.A.C. de Wever, C.E., in which both occupants lost their lives. As far as can be at present ascertained from civilian witnesses a report sounded from the aircraft which appeared to be flying straight and level, which was followed by the falling off of one wing and then the aircraft diving vertically into the ground with the engine full on."
The funerals took place place on August 26th and that of Lac de Wever was attended by the Belgian Attache, F/Lt Goethals.
The aircraft card for Cornell 14498 confirms the aircraft was involved in a Category "A" accident on 26.8.44.
Though I do not have a copy of the accident report this appears to be a classic case of a Cornell wing or centre section failure. These were investigated and initially thought to have resulted from overstressing the airframe in aerobatics or heavy landing. The Cornell had very light control forces that may have allow pilots overstress the aircraft. Investigations by the NRC revealed some cracks in the wooden spar webs and modifications the spars and control forces were authorised."
Thank you very much for this very interesting information. I've seen your topic about De Wever Charles at rafcommands. I'll try to get a copy of the aircraft movement card and try to find out about his family...Tirlemont town hall is +/- 15 minutes away from where I live.
Very strange that he's still listed as buried at the INNISFAIL CEMETRY. I've visited his grave at Tirlemont cemetry not so long ago!
Do you know where I can get a copy of the accident report? RCAF archives or RAF archives?
Greetings from Belgium
Alexander
__________________
HIS NAME I OFT RECALL. THERE IS NOTHING LEFT TO ANSWER BUT HIS PICTURE ON THE WALL
