Crash landing in an oxford

In Linton's letter home dated September 23rd, 1942, he describes the second of two flying accidents he had, just two months before his death in a Wellington Bomber.

Linton doesn't describe the first incident in much detail, but according to his military record, he was in an Airspeed Oxford, and the engine cut out on take-off and they immediately crash landed. According to his medical record, he suffered "minor injuries and slight shock."

Above: An Airspeed Oxford Aircraft in flight.

Linton's letter:

Sept 23, 1942

My Dear Family,

Once again I commence the weekly budget. As I told you in my last letter, I was just recovering from a nasty accident. About a week after that, I was involved in another, although fortunately not so serious.

Once again I was not flying. The instructor was coming into land, and had actually touched down and bounced a bit. I noticed he suddenly rammed on full throttle again, and as we soared off into the sky again, he informed me that his wheel had collapsed and we would have to land without any wheels at all.

It was quite odd, flying about up there, and knowing damn well you were going to crash when you tried to land. We took our time, and strapped ourselves in securely, removed our watches and swung them on a rail in the aircraft, so as they would not be broken.

Actually it came off quite well, and the plane was damaged very little, and we were not hurt much, only a bit shaken. That, I think, should be almost my quota for the present conflict, eh?

Since writing to you last, I have had another shift. We were posted to this new station, and had been there only four days when two of us were picked out, and sent to yet another. They certainly believe in shifting you around over here.

We managed to get forty-eight hours leave in over the shift, and I went back and spent the weekend with the Methleys - very enjoyable too. I am wondering if you have been receiving my letters so far. I have written some kind of a letter every week but one, since I have been over here, and will continue to do so. I have not received any from you, for about three weeks and am getting worried. I will probably cable you tomorrow, and get you to send me some money too. We hope to get some leave soon, and money over here is not plentiful.

And what of life at home? I am always thinking of you, and wondering just what you are all doing. Look after yourselves, and someday soon, I'll toddle home and we'll go on just where we left off. I suppose you are very busy just now, and just about in full production for the season. I suppose you wish you had some more trees Dad, to stop the wind blowing the cows over!! One of these days, you'll really get a strong one, and then you'll wonder what's happened. I'd give something for a loaf of your bread, Mother. All flour over here is brown and fairly coarse.

I often wish I could tell you, brother, of all the various planes and mechanical devices we see over here, but they will keep, and make good chatter when we're installed in the family four poster again.

The weather here is getting cold now. It is a different cold from anything I have ever struck before. Seems damp, and goes right through you.

And now I must bring this letter to a close. It is rather a scrappy edition, and the writing shocking, but we are fairly busy here, and don't get a great deal of time to ourselves.

Look after yourselves, and write a lot.

My love to you all,

Your wayward son and brother,

Linton xxxxx

My regards to everyone, and give old Roy a bone for me. Also Walter and Poy.

Be good.

R.L.J.

Above: Linton in his flying gear, 1941.

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