AIRMAN KILLED.
PLANES COLLIDE IN MID-AIR.
MAN ESCAPES BY PARACHUTE.
(P.A.) WELLINGTON, November 8. An airman pilot in training was killed and another escaped by parachute when the aircraft in which they were engaged in solo flying practice collided in mid-air in the South Island at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday. Leading-Aircraftman John Oughton Mitchell, whose father is Mr F. C. Mitchell, Tuturau, Southland, was killed instantly. Leading-Aircraftman R. J. Wisker escaped by parachute. -Ashburton Guardian, 9/11/1942.
AIRMAN’S DEATH
INQUEST OPENED
Sitting as coroner on Sunday, Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., opened an inquest into the death of John Oughton Mitchell, a single man, whose parents reside at Wyndham. The deceased, who was in training at a southern airport, was killed instantaneously on Saturday afternoon when two planes collided in mid-air during training operations. After evidence of identification had been taken, the inquiry was adjourned sine die. -Otago Daily Times, 10/11/1942.
John Mitchell died while conducting forced landing practice at the Outram landing field. He was flying a DH Tiger Moth, registration NZ733 and collided with another Moth. Both aircraft were "reduced to produce" - that is, salvaged for spare parts.
Raoul John Wisker went on to fly the Avro Lancaster bomber in combat over Europe with 75 (NZ) Squadron, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after a particular mission which ended in a landing on three engines.
"Flying Officer Wisker was the captain of an aircraft detailed to attack a flying bomb site near Linzelix. "On the bombing run," the citation states, "his aircraft was repeatedly hit by anti-aircraft fire, one shell bursting immediately beneath the starboard wing. This caused the aircraft to go into a violent spiral dive. He managed to regain control, and, in spite of severe damage to his aircraft, made a second bombing run, thus executing asuccessful attack. He later discovered that the aircraft sustained 205 holes. Flying Officer Wisker has just completed a most successful tour of operations. Throughout he has proved himself to be a keen and conscientious pilot." -Evening Post, 18/10/1944.
John Mitchell died while conducting forced landing practice at the Outram landing field. He was flying a DH Tiger Moth, registration NZ733 and collided with another Moth. Both aircraft were "reduced to produce" - that is, salvaged for spare parts.
Raoul John Wisker went on to fly the Avro Lancaster bomber in combat over Europe with 75 (NZ) Squadron, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after a particular mission which ended in a landing on three engines.
"Flying Officer Wisker was the captain of an aircraft detailed to attack a flying bomb site near Linzelix. "On the bombing run," the citation states, "his aircraft was repeatedly hit by anti-aircraft fire, one shell bursting immediately beneath the starboard wing. This caused the aircraft to go into a violent spiral dive. He managed to regain control, and, in spite of severe damage to his aircraft, made a second bombing run, thus executing asuccessful attack. He later discovered that the aircraft sustained 205 holes. Flying Officer Wisker has just completed a most successful tour of operations. Throughout he has proved himself to be a keen and conscientious pilot." -Evening Post, 18/10/1944.
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| Wyndham Cemetery. |
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