2nd Lt C.L.Milburn was lost at Stow Maries on the 22nd April 1918 in a flying accident. There is a question as to which BE he was flying at the time. Suggestions so far indicate either BE2e B4535 or BE12 C3240. Can anyone help with the history of these two aircraft so that we might pin point the actual one involved?

Thank you for any help available.

You probably know this already, but the Cas Card gives 2Lt CL Milburn (Canadian) being on night flying practice in BE12 C3240(note C- prefix) of 37Sqn and suffering engine failure at take off and crashing (22.4.1918). Milburn was making some anti-Gotha patrols in BE2e B4535 in Feb and March 1918, including a crash at night on the 16th Feb, but I suspect the likelihood is that he met his death in the BE12, as per the Cas Card.

Hope this helps,

Trevor

The only entry I have against C3240 is 22.4.18 but it would seem the likely candidate, given B4535's subsequent history.

B4535 37 HDS B Flt by 22.4.18. Experimental Flt Gosport, for RN Signal School Portsmouth, by 5.18 until 1.19.

Thank you both for that. It is appreciated.

This officer has a fascinating history, I have obviously missed his card on my trips to Hendon. If either of you have a copy is it possible to obtain one as we are now in contact with his family.

I have a list of BE and subsequent types shown serving at Stow. What is the best way to obtain their history?

Sorry but I don't have a copy - just my transcription of the key events and circumstances.

I imagine this forum is as good a place as any to seek details, though I would expect the amount of info to vary greatly from posting to posting - there's next to nothing on many aircraft in my experience, then on others there's a great deal. You've got a copy of Air Defence of Britiain by Cole and Cheesman, I presume, as that is a good source of information - including some of that which I gave you last night about Milburn.

Regards,

Trevor

The BE 12 was fitted with the RAF 4a engine which was notorious for cutting out just after take off. This engine was used in the RE8 and has been fingered as responsible for some of the many training accidents in this machine. It would be consistent with an accident in a BE12 shortly after take off.

Thanks very much to all.It figures, we lost 3 pilots in BE12 accidents. More than any other type.