LEST WE FORGET
Aircraft Accident (No. 455 Squadron Hampden I aircraft AE195), off the Scottish Coast, 26 August 1943
On August 26, Hampden AE195 piloted by Sergeant R C. Woodroofe (RAF) crashed into the sea while on a night navigation exercise and Woodroofe and two members of his crew-Sergeants P. J. Taylor and A. G. McKenzie, both of the RAF – were killed. The other member of the crew – Sergeant B. L. Martin (RCAF) – managed to attract the attention of a rescue launch with his whistle and was saved.
The crew members were:
Sergeant Alexander Gracey McKenzie (R/130972) (RCAF)
Sergeant B L Martin (RCAF) Rescued
Sergeant John Peter Taylor (1317474) (RAFVR)
Sergeant Bertram Cecil Woodroofe (1558418) (RAFVR) (Pilot)
References:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission On-Line Records
Lawson, John Horwood Wightman (251634) The Story of No. 455 Squadron (RAAF), Wilke and Company, Melbourne VIC, 1951
Bibliography:
Gordon, I. (Ian) Strike and Strike Again: 455 Squadron 1944-5, Banner Books Belconnen ACT 2616, 1995