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This data is related to World War 2
Sergeant

Samuel Capewell

Service number 1236711
Military unit 1453 Fighter's Flight Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Address 13 Mickledale Lane, Bilsthorpe
Date of birth 11 Nov 1921
Date of death 13 Apr 1942 (21 years old)
Place of birth Unknown
Employment, education or hobbies

In 1939 Samuel was working has colliery assistant electrician and was an ambulanceman as part of the colliery's St John's Brigade.

Family history

Youngest son og John Richard and Lily Cpewell of 13 Mickledale Road, Bilsthorpe.
Had one older brother, John H born in 1920.

Military history

Based at RAF Wittering flying in a Douglas Havoc serial No. AX910 as observer/wireless operator.
Spun into the ground at Aldwincle St Peters, Northants, when control was lost during a turbinlite night flying test.
Turbinlite was a 2,700mil candela searchlight fitted into the nose of a number of Havoc night fighters during the early part of the war. The Havoc would locate enemy aircraft using radar and then light them up using the searchlight so the accompanying Hurricane fighters could attack the bombers. The turbinlite was not a success and was phased out once radar on the fighters were improved.
Pilot J H Horrell and Pilot Officer F Draycott were also killed in the crash.

Extra information

Samuel is buried in Bilsthorpe's St Margaret's churchyard.

Photographs

No photos