Help needed RE: West Malling Boston Crash, May 03, 1942

[Terrymccully]

Hey Everyone. I’m new here and signed up in a desperate search for info about a Douglas Boston crash that happened in May 03 1942. My Grandmothers brother went down in a crash. I have very little info but I will share it all with you. The unit he was with was the 418th RCAF. His name was F/S Robert Earl Williams. Service Number: R/76043. He was one of the wireless air gunners. The only info about the crash that I could find was on a website that had all the plane numbers and history. This Douglas Boston was an Mk III and converted to the intruder configuration. Crashed as a result of undercarriage failure on take off from West Malling. Bomb load exploded killing 3 crew and one bystander. One medical officer was also hurt. Also word is it was a full bomb load. I assume this would have been a huge explosion. I’m sure that it would have made the local news paper and what not. There has to be further info on this crash kicking around some place. I have seen lots of other info about other crashes and seen that they even have memorials for said crashes but none at all for this Boston crash that happened right on the airfield.
My grandmother is still alive and is 95 years old. If I could find out anything at all about this crash, maybe a photo or news paper clipping would be a great help. I want to get this info off to her before she is someday with her brother again. Would anyone be willing to help me search for info about this big crash? I’m in Canada and have very limited access to old archives from that local area. Please send me an email with any info you may come up with. Email = terrymccully@hotmail.com

Thanks so much in advance guys

[kebecker]

just to add the aircraft number; W8340. Flight Sergeant Williams was 20 years old and from Florence Cape Breton and is buried in the Brookwood cemetery.

Source; They Shall Grow Not Old, CATP Museum Brandon Manitoba

[Terrymccully]

Thanks for the info Kebecker and greetings from a rather cold Calgary this morning... looks like I will have to get in touch with Ottawa for further info.

[kebecker]

I am sure you have looked at the usual sources, the Canadian Virtual War Memorial (Vetrans Affairs) is a good start (no grave photograph of your relation though). The Royal Canadian Legion have a Lost Trials section in thier monthly magazine. And 418 Squadron Association may be able to help