Anson N9912 on Whitwell Moor, Stocksbridge, Peak District.
On 31st March 1941 this 25 OTU aircraft flew into high ground on Whitwell Moor, Bolsterstone, above Stocksbridge whilst on night cross country navigation
exercise. The crew sustained injuries but are believed to haver recovered and returned to active service. The location for this mishap given in police
records is "Long Lane, Stocksbridge" and small fragments are known to exist at the crash site.
Pilot - P/O Bernard Maurice Fournier RAFVR (85242), of Epsom Downs, Surrey. Injured.
Crew - Names unknown.
Bernard Fournier received a commission on 7th September 1940 to the rank of P/O on probation and was later posted to 49 Squadron following
this incident at Stocksbridge. On 29th August 1941 he was killed when Hampden AE126 was shot down and crashed into the sea just off Holland. He
and his three crew are buried Ameland General Cemetery, Holland. Their gravestone photographs were found on the internet and the website
"www.bomber history.co.uk" gives further information; it is a fantastic resource. They were.. Second Pilot - Sgt Duncan Henry Barrett RAFVR (901205),
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Ernest Richard Palmer RAFVR (747878) and Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Dennis Watson RAFVR (942231).
Anson N9912 was built to contract 766119/38 by A.V.Roe & Co. Ltd. at Newton Heath and was awaiting collection in February 1940. After a
period of MU storage it was taken on charge by the newly formed 14 OTU at Cottesmore on 8th April 1940. On 1st March 1941 it was transferred
to the newly formed 25 OTU at Finningley only to suffer this accident on 31st March 1941 and after which Cat.E/FA damage was recorded.