Robert Wright "Blackburn Botha"

ROBERT JOHN WRIGHT

Leading Aircraftsman Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Service Number: 1394100

Died 19 August 1942, age 19 years  

Commemorated at Runnymede Memorial Panel 98

Son of Robert and Alice Wright, 18 Great Bushey Drive, Totteridge

Blackburn Botha

Robert was a Leading Aircraftman in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR). He was assigned to 1 OAFU (Operational Advanced Flying Unit). His life was cut tragically short on August 19, 1942, when the aircraft he was aboard crashed into the Solway Firth

The aircraft involved was a Blackburn B-26 Botha I, with registration L6233. According to historical records, this aircraft "crashed into the sea three miles SW of Abbey Head" on that fateful day. The Blackburn Botha was a twin-engine bomber and reconnaissance aircraft developed for the Royal Air Force before the war.

Several other crew members were also lost in this tragic incident. The Aircraft

The Blackburn Botha was not among the most successful aircraft of World War II. Initially designed as a reconnaissance plane and torpedo bomber, its performance issues limited its effectiveness in combat roles. By 1942, many Bothas had been reassigned to training duties, which explains why Wright's aircraft was part of an Operational Advanced Flying Unit rather than a front-line squadron.

The Bureau of Aircraft Accidents recorded: The aeroplane crashed into the sea some 5km southwest of Abbey Head for unknown reasons. All five crew members were killed.

Robert was a student at Queen Elizabeth Boys' School, Barnet, where he was recorded on the honour roll.

Sources 1939 register RG101/1188F/005/39

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