Estevan- WWII Plane Accidents

Menasco Moth Bi-Plane, and an Avro Anson Mk II Accident, July 29, 1942

3 RAF Victims of 2 separate airplane crashes, on the same day, all were Part of No. 38 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) (RAF) based south of Estevan, at the old airport.

2 were killed in a De Havilland D.H.82C2, Menasco Moth serial #4873 biplane accident.
Crash occured 3 miles west of the main aerodrome, at 11 AM, on July 29, 1942.
The Plane caught fire and burned out.
Flight Sergeant John Rochester Boiston, was the Pilot, and AC1 Wilfred Cant ,was the Passenger.
Reported to be caused by Pilot loosing control.

And the other accident, the same day, an Avro Anson MK II, Ser # N8528
Flight Instructor on this plane was Flight Officer R. Moon
Pupil Pilot was L.A.C. James Stewart
The Instructor was demonstrating a single engine landing at the main aerodrome, the Anson swung to the right, causing it to strike the open doors of the east corner of the hangar, at 10 AM.
FO R. Moon was seriously injured.
The Anson was written off due to damages.

The 3 headstones / bios of the victims of these crashes are listed below

Funeral photos were contributed by Duane Bill from Calgary AB, with thanks!

Funeral Parade photo taken looking north from corner of 3rd st, and 13th Ave.
Old red brick Customs Office, Post Office, Insurance agent, on right

Caskets carried on a military truck, to the Cemetery

Honour Guard at the Cemetery

3 men died in this accident, see names below

3 Victims

James Stewart
b- ca 1921, UK
d- July 29, 1942, age 21
Leading Aircraftman
Svc #1550825.
RAF Volunteer Reserve
Anson N8528.
Son of John and Agnes W. Stewart of Glasgow, Scotland.
Sec. 8. Plot 1. Lot 1

Wilfred Cant
b- bet Sept-Dec 1922 Lancester Reg Dist., County Durham, England
d- July 29, 1942, Age 19
Svc #1094923
Aircraftman 1st Class
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
1st Leadgate Group
Son of Robert Cant and Mary nee Walton, of Leadgate, Co. Durham, England
Sec. 8. Plot 1. Lot 11

John Rochester Boiston
b- Mar 22, 1920, in Gillingham, Kent, UK
d- July 29, 1942, age 22
Flight Officer
Svc #129507
RAF Volunteer Reserve
Sec 8, Plot 1, Lot 12

Part of No. 38 Service Flying Training School (RAF) based in Estevan.
Killed in a De Havilland D.H.82C2 Menasco Moth Ser #4873 biplane
accident at 11 AM, on July 29, 1942.

Extra info below, and his Picture above, from his niece, Dec 2, 2009, Carolyn Boiston Wheeler:

John was the Son of Lt. Cdr. William Rochester Boiston

(W.R. Boiston (Photo courtesy of Mrs Carolyn Boiston Wheeler) MBE DSM RN
and Edith Boiston (nee Bradford)
John was born in Gillingham, Kent
(16 Holmside)
on 22 March 1920
Third child, and only son of the above couple.
Carolyn's mother Dorothy Boiston was John's elder sister.

Ext Links Not my site, link may or may not work in the future

John went to Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School in Rochester, Kent, UK
And is shown on their memorial website
http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Kent/RochesterMathematicalSchool.html

1946 Dakota Crash
1946 Dakota Crash Memorial

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