CRASH OF AN AVRO ANSON
AT EVERSLEY, MOUNT COLE
ON 21 MAY 1942

visits since 22 October 2000

Avro Anson

Subject:     Crash in Vic WW2
Date:              Wed, 1 Sep 1999 09:28:42 +1000
From:             "gshardy" <gshardy@netconnect.com.au>

Hi;

My father used to speak of a RAAF twin engine plane crashing into Mt Ben Nevis during the second world war. If I remember correct it was from RAAF Ballarat.

I am also surprised that you do not mention any crashes around this area with Ballarat being a training base.

Ben Nevis is about 20ks east of Ararat. I hope this may be of some help for your research.

You have a good site.

Steve

Subject:     Crash in Vic WW2
Date:              Tue, 14 Sep 1999 10:58:39 +1000
From:             "gshardy" <gshardy@netconnect.com.au>

Found out crashed in 1942 killing 4 going to local library and check old local papers soon.

gsh

Subject:    Crash in Vic WW2
Date:             Sat, 9 Oct 1999 08:26:36 +1000
From:           "gshardy" <gshardy@netconnect.com.au>

Peter,

Taken from "The Ararat Advertiser" dated 23MAY42

An officer and three airmen were killed and an airmen injured when an RAAF aircraft from a SA training school crashed at Eversley, Mount Cole, on Thursday last. {this would have been 21MAY42}.

Killed
Pilot off George Holman Nav instructor
F Sgt Illindworth Pilot
Sgt Denis Lenihan Wireless Op
LAC Edwin Snell Trainee

Injured
LAC Arthur Pott Trainee

There is nothing about the aircraft. But this is the one I have been looking for, the location is Mt Ben Nevis.

I have a copy of the paper here, I do not think it will scan. It gives the full names, there ages and where men are from.

I will try to scan and send.

Sorry not much but best I can find.

Steve

Subject:    Ararat Addy
Date:             Mon, 11 Oct 1999 08:52:18 +1000
From:           "gshardy" <gshardy@netconnect.com.au>

Peter,

Will not scan very well so will spend five and type article for you.  I will not edit for you and you can see the stuff ups in it.

FOUR KILLED, ONE INJURED IN R.A.A.F. CRASH
An officer and three airmen were killed and an airman trainee was injured when an R.A.A.F. aircraft from a South Australian training school crashed at Eversley, Mount Cole, on Thursday last.

Those killed were:- Pilot Officer George William Holman, 32, married, of Brighton[Vic]; Flight Sergeant Denis Aloysius Lenihan, 31, single, of Narrogin, Western Australia; Sergeant Denis Aloysius Lenihan, 31, single, of Gilberton, South Australia;and L/Ac. Edwin Cyril Snell, 25, single, of Brisbane, Queensland.

L/Ac. Arthur Edward Pott, 21, single, of Bowen, Queensland, sustained a broken arm. he was admitted to the Ararat Hospital.

The cause of the accident is obscure and is being investigated by the R.A.A.F. Inspectorate of Aircraft Actions.

Pilot Officer Holman, who was a navigation instructor, was born at Leeds, England. He was educated at the Moe State School and Brighton Secondary School, and before enlisting in the R.A.A.F. in July, 1941, he was an accountant.

Flight Sergeant Illingworth, who was pilotting the aircraft at the time of the crash, enlisted in the Air force during February, 1941. He received his training in Western Australia and South Australia. Before he enlisted he was a clerk.

Sergeant Lenihan was a wireless opperator. Before enlisting he had secured experience as a jackeroo, mechanic, wool-classer and dealer in livestock. He was educated at the Christian Brothers' College, Adelaide, and at Strathfield, New South Wales.

L/A.C. Snell was a bank officer before enlisting. He joined the Air Force in August, 1941, and was trained in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. He was educated at the Church of England Grammer School, Brisbane.

L/A.C. Pott was also a bank clerk. He joined the Air Force in June, 1941, and was trained in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.

paper is dated sat 23 MAY42

good to see that Officers are in RAAF and Airmen in Air Force.

note the early mistake with the Fsgt's name.

and bloodie long sentences.

my cdrom phone book lists

AE & KD Pott
17 Godsall ST
Toowoomba
07 4632 4826

let me know if you have any luck with aircraft type etc

Steve

Subject:    Vic 17
Date:             Sun, 22 Oct 2000 21:03:02 +1000
From:           "Rick Hanning" <allancain@bigpond.com>

Peter,

This aircraft was Avro Anson W2020. I will look into it for you.

Regards
Rick Hanning

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