Handley Page V/1500

Handley Page Aircraft Company Ltd

On January 10, en route to Cricklewood in foggy conditions, the crew encountered engine problems due to air in the fuel line and attempted an emergency landing. The aircraft landed in an open field located in Thompson's Wood near Sewardstone, Essex. All five occupants were uninjured and the aircraft suffered minor damages. Nevertheless, it was repaired on site and it was decided to take off six days later to continue to Cricklewood. Upon takeoff from a soft ground, the twin engine bomber failed to get airborne and crashed into the hedge lining the field. All five occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Handley Page Aircraft Company Ltd

Assembled at Cricklewood Airfield in May 1918, the aircraft departed Cricklewood for its 13th test flight, carrying six crew members. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to a height of about 700-800 feet, all four engines stopped. The pilot elected to return for an emergency landing when the aircraft stalled and crashed in a field located in front of 21 Garrick Avenue in Golders Green, bursting into flames. Colonel Ogilvie, who was seating in the tail gunner position at the back of the plane, survived, while all five other occupants were killed. Crew: Cpt Vernon Earl George Busby, pilot, † Mr. Bertram G. Cooper, † Mr. R. P. Cooper, † Mr. W. H. Hathaway, † Mr. J. W. Windebank, † Colonel Ogilvie.