In Memory Of

BLAIN, CECIL WILLIAM

Service Details
Age:
 22
Date of Birth:
 1896-10-07
Rank:
 Lieutenant
Regiment:
 Royal Air Force
Date of Death:
 1919-01-22
Cause of Death:
 Died in air crash, was flying Sopwith Camel C1588 at Martlesham Heath (an aircaft testing and experimental centre) when its port wing cracked in level flight at 450 feet and he side-slipped in and was killed. This Camel had been at Martlesham since May 1918 where it was used for propeller testing, and lubricant and engine testing, amongst other things. The aircraft had clocked only 8 hours flying time when it was lost.
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 BA. I. 79.
Cemetery:
 IPSWICH OLD CEMETERY
Localitly:
 Suffolk
Country:
 United Kingdom
Additional Information
Decorations:
 A F C
Citations:
 LG Sup 3 June 1919 pg. 7033 - "In recognition of distinguished services rendered during the war"
Son of Arthur C. and Kathleen Blain. Born 7 October 1896, at Hooton, Cheshire. With his Observer (2nd Lt C D Griffiths) plus Capt W D S Sanday plus Lt C W Busk and Lt Mase claimed two Albatros two-seaters forced to land on 6 August 1916. With Griffiths, shot down and taken prisoner 7 August 1916 in Strutter A380. A successful POW escapee. On Stutterheim War Memorial, Eastern Cape