User:Mjroots/Gloster Meteor crash at Wadhurst

On 20 January 1956, a Royal Air Force Gloster Meteor aircraft crashed at Wadhurst, East Sussex, United Kingdom after the aircraft hit a tree on a low pass over the small town. The pilot had disobeyed orders, and was probably showing off at the town where his parents lived. Both crew were killed, as were two people in Wadhurst. A number of buildings were damaged or destroyed.

Aircraft
The accident aircraft was Gloster Meteor NF 12 WS661, operated by the All-Weather Operational Conversion Unit, Royal Air Force. It was based at RAF North Luffenham, Rutland.

Accident
Initial casualty reports were the both crew had been killed, as had one person in Wadhurst. One person had been severely injured, and a rescuer had been slightly injured. The injured were taken to the Kent and Sussex Hospital, Tunbridge Wells and Pembury Hospital, Pembury, Kent. The severely injured victim died on 22 January from extensive burns. Five buildings had been severely damaged by fire. A total of ten fire engines were sent by the East Sussex and Kent Fire Brigades. The appliances came from Crowborough, Heathfield, Matfield, Mayfield, Paddock Wood, Southborough, Sparrow's Green and Tunbridge Wells. One appliance based at Tunbrige Wells crashed into a telegraph pole and overturned near Wadhurst. Two firemen were injured. On learning of the accident, Kent Fire Brigade dispatched a replacement.

Aftermath
The day after the crash, sightseers flocked to Wadhurst. Many of them abandoned their cars in the narrow lanes surrounding the village. AA patrolmen assisted the police in controlling traffic.

An inquest into the death of the four victims was opened on 23 January at Mark Cross, East Sussex. Evidence was heard that the aircraft should not have been over Wadhurst at the time. Three people had been killed outright in the crash, a fourth had subsequently died of extensive burns. The inquest was then adjourned to 31 January. When the inquest reopened, evidence was heard that the pilot was not performing aerobatics over the town. A verdict of accidental death was returned on all four victims.

In January 2006, a service of remembrance was held in St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Wadhurst to commemorate the 50th anniversay of the accident. In May 2006, the Wadhurst History Society published the book The Day Wadhurst Changed Friday 20th January 1956 to commemorate the accident.