All entries within the GPR for the family name EYLES

My uncle, George Lawrence Eyles, was killed when The Bristol Beaufort Mk 1 he was navigating plunged into the estuary of the River Taw as it approached RAF Chivenor on the night of December 7th 1941. He died along with the pilot and wireless operator but the rear gunner survived. It is almost certain that a catastrophic failure of the aircraft occurred, most likely a jamming of a wing tab making the aircraft uncontrollable. An eye witness saw the aircraft approach and dip one wing violently before plunging nose first into the water. The Beaufort experienced many similar accidents, especially amongst those built in Australia for their airforce. Being wartime it was hushed up. I am writing a history of my mother's family so I am particularly grateful for this photograph of his headstone.