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PostPosted: 20 Nov 2018, 17:17 
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Joined: 20 Nov 2018, 16:13
Posts: 11
Incident 1

Can anyone add anymore info or confirm /add details

March 21, 1931

Collision between DH9 and Avro at Pretoria

Pilot: Cadet Gilroy Allan King flying DH9

Source Irvin List 1933 and Aeroplane Magazine 1931

Irvin List

Cadet Allan King of SAAF was flying near Pretoria on 21st March 1931 , in a DH-9 aeroplane, and he came into collision with an Avro Avian flown by another Cadet, who was in formation with another flight. It appeared that the Avian was in the act of changing its direction at 1,200 feet as it collided, and the whole of the seven machines engaged in the manoeuvers appeared to be in danger of collision as a consequence. However, the leaders of the two flights managed to rise clear and lead the other machines out of the danger zone. The Cadet in the Avian apparently had no time to jump clear from his wrecked cockpit, but he none the less pulled the parachute ring and the Irvin opened. He was unfortunately killed, however in the crash.

Aeroplane Magazine 1931

A SOUTH AFRICAN SERVICE CATERPILLAR Cadet Gilroy King, South African Air Force, escaped by- parachute when the D.H.9 aeroplane in which he was flying near Swartkop Aerodrome, Pretoria, came into collision with an Avro "Avian" piloted by Cadet Mauritz Kruger, also of the South African Air Force. Cadet Kruger was killed, as the damaged to his machine was so extensive that he was unable to use his parachute. The South African Air Force is equipped with Irvin Parachute of the same type as those used by the Royal Air Force. -

Mauritz Kruger death confirmed by Probate records
birth: 1905 Fouriesburg
death: 21 March 1931 Pretoria

This incident is reported to have also been between a DH9 (106) and an Avro 504K (Unknown) but I think evidence suggests Avian more likely ?

I have also seen DH9 113 quoted for this incident

Gilroy Allan King (sometimes listed as Allan-King) was later Lt Col in South African Forces #213402 with Military OBE.

DOB: 10-10-1905 to DOD:23-6-1976 - Buried Pretoria-West, Rebecca Street, Cemetery

Can anyone add more about Gilroy King or the aircraft involved

Many Thanks

Paul


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