Samuel Capewell
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
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Youngest son og John Richard and Lily Cpewell of 13 Mickledale Road, Bilsthorpe.
Had one older brother, John H born in 1920.
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.
Samuel is buried in Bilsthorpe's St Margaret's churchyard.
Photo of Samuel Capewell
Headstone