NZ391981 Aircraftsman 1st Class Lindo James Thomson 1921-9/4/1941

There is little to be found surrounding the circmstances of the deaths of Lindo Thomson, his pilot, Lionel Squire and Ernest Johnson.  But a brief description from a list of RNZAF flying accidents was enough: "Aircraft took off from airfield but soon returned with thick smoke pouring from exhaust. Made a steep turn at 100 feet, stalled and dived into ground at Nelson."

The aircraft involved was a Vickers Vildebeest, a 1920s biplane light bomber.  It was obselete by the time of World War 2 and used by the RNZAF for training and a few coastal patrols when there was nothing else handy.  On this occasion it was being flown by No. 2 Squadron, RNZAF, patrolling Cook Strain out of Nelson.

Related to many residents in Riverton, the recent death of Aircraftsman Lindo James Thomson at Tahunanui Aerodrome, Nelson, was deeply regretted. The young man was 20 years of age and was the son of Mr and Mrs J Thomson, of Invercargill. He was buried at the Eastern Cemetery on Tuesday and the pall-bearers were members of the RNZAF at present im the district.  -Western Star, 18/4/1941.

DEATHS OF AIRMEN

CRASH ON GOLF LINKS

EVIDENCE AT INQUESTS 

(0.C.) NELSON, Friday. The inquests into the deaths of Flight-Lieutenant Lionel Mountjoy Squire, of Blenheim, Aircraftsman Lindo James Thomson, of Invercargill, and Corporal Ivan Ernest Johnson, of Greatford, Rangitikei, were held at Nelson before the coroner, Mr, F. Mitchell. The evidence showed that all the men died as a result of burns and shock received when their aeroplane crashed on the Tahunanui golf links. Nelson, on April 9. In describing the accident, Squadron-Leader R. J. Cohen said he saw the aircraft gliding to the edge of the aerodrome to land. When over the golf links at a height of about 50ft it began turning into the wind. It stalled and crashed on to the links about 10 yards from the edge of the aerodrome and burst into flames. He immediately went to the scene of the accident on the fire tender.

With the aid of the fire crew they were able to remove Johnson from the aeroplane alive, but the other two could not be got out owing to the intensity of the flames. Johnson was seriously burned and was removed to hospital immediately. The aeroplane had had its normal routine inspection before the flight and had been signed out as serviceable. 

Squadron-Leader Cohen said he was satisfied from what he saw that the crash was accidental.  -Auckland Star, 24/5/1941.

Invercargill Cemetery.