Hello everyone, just thought I'd show this little group of treasures.....This chap was 2nd Lt. Arthur Courtney Williams RFC. Born and Raised in Toronto, he graduated flight school and became an Instructor at Camp Hoare/Borden, training other Canadian Pilots. His life came to an end when the following happened (Taken from the Toronto Star)
"September 18 1917
The worst accident ever seen so far at Camp Hoare occurred shortly before noon on Tuesday resulting in a horrible death for two aviators, Second Lieut. Arthur Williams of Toronto and Cadet Ludford of Venezuela.
The Accident happened near the Pine River in the western part of Camp Borden, during the military maneouvres of the infantry forces, and was witnessed by several thousand men. Several Aeroplanes were in the air, hovering over the line of parade, and evidently taking advantage of their opportunity to advance their training by making observations on troops in the line of march, when a machine tried to cross behind that of Lt. Williams, but crashed into it instead.
The hit machine dropped to the ground, a distance of several hundret feet, taking fire as it fell. Just after it struck the ground the gasoline tank exploded. Lt. Williams' head was almost completely severed from his body, while the top of Cadet Ludford's skull was taken off. Both Bodies were burned almost beyond recognition. The Aviator in the other machine was not badly injured.
Second Lieut. Arthur Courtney Williams was a son of Mrs. E.G Williams, 101 Spadina Road. He was 21 years of age and enlisted with the RFC in April. He had qualified as pilot and had been appointed instructor in aerial gunnery.
Cadet John Edward Ludford was a member of the American Flying Corps. He was in his 20th year and came from Caracas Venezuela. "
This excerpt is the wording in the middle of the tall frame, as are his shoulder flashes, cap badge, Wings and Rank Pips. There are Cadet photos and photos of him as an officer. Also of interest is the Aircraft ID Plate from his Curtiss JN-4 aircraft. Several larger phptos exist in the group....even more than I have pictured here, as well as letters he wrote and some other insignia. Letters from the King, the Privy Purse and the Death Plaque are also included.....
This is by far my most favourite grouping. It's the whole reason why I'm in this hobby.....to remember the people, and tell their stories.
I must also ask the Cliché question....anyone have any idea what an insurance value for this set might be?
Cheers!
"September 18 1917
The worst accident ever seen so far at Camp Hoare occurred shortly before noon on Tuesday resulting in a horrible death for two aviators, Second Lieut. Arthur Williams of Toronto and Cadet Ludford of Venezuela.
The Accident happened near the Pine River in the western part of Camp Borden, during the military maneouvres of the infantry forces, and was witnessed by several thousand men. Several Aeroplanes were in the air, hovering over the line of parade, and evidently taking advantage of their opportunity to advance their training by making observations on troops in the line of march, when a machine tried to cross behind that of Lt. Williams, but crashed into it instead.
The hit machine dropped to the ground, a distance of several hundret feet, taking fire as it fell. Just after it struck the ground the gasoline tank exploded. Lt. Williams' head was almost completely severed from his body, while the top of Cadet Ludford's skull was taken off. Both Bodies were burned almost beyond recognition. The Aviator in the other machine was not badly injured.
Second Lieut. Arthur Courtney Williams was a son of Mrs. E.G Williams, 101 Spadina Road. He was 21 years of age and enlisted with the RFC in April. He had qualified as pilot and had been appointed instructor in aerial gunnery.
Cadet John Edward Ludford was a member of the American Flying Corps. He was in his 20th year and came from Caracas Venezuela. "
This excerpt is the wording in the middle of the tall frame, as are his shoulder flashes, cap badge, Wings and Rank Pips. There are Cadet photos and photos of him as an officer. Also of interest is the Aircraft ID Plate from his Curtiss JN-4 aircraft. Several larger phptos exist in the group....even more than I have pictured here, as well as letters he wrote and some other insignia. Letters from the King, the Privy Purse and the Death Plaque are also included.....
This is by far my most favourite grouping. It's the whole reason why I'm in this hobby.....to remember the people, and tell their stories.
I must also ask the Cliché question....anyone have any idea what an insurance value for this set might be?
Cheers!
In particular I really like the dtata plate from the Jenny.
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