Martinet HP269 near Hutton Cranswick.
On 11th July 1943 this 1489 Flight aircraft was being flown on a flight to test the weather when it struck the ground within the WAAF site at Hutton Cranswick airfield whilst performing a low level tight-turn. Sadly the two men on board were killed.
Pilot - F/Sgt Willis Henry Armstrong RCAF (R/112872), aged 22, of Orangeville, Ontario, Canada. Buried Harrogate Stonefall Cemetery, Yorkshire (20E/7098).
Winch Operator? - Cpl Raymond Cooper RAF (632705), aged 25. Buried Outwell Cemetery, Norfolk.
F/Sgt Armstrong's grave in Harrogate Stonefall Cemetery. William Armstrong was born on 5th August 1920 in Riverview, Ontario, Canada and was the son of Elmer Roy and Gertrude Adeline (nee Henry) Armstrong. He enlisted for RCAF service on 7th July 1941 in Toronto. After basic training in Canada he was awarded his Pilot's Wings on 17th July 1942. On arrival in the UK in August 1942 he trained at 17 (P)AFU and 59 OTU before posting to 1489 Flight at Hutton Cranswick on 7th March 1943.
