Captain Vernon Earle George Busby

Another fatality was recently brought to my attention by Alan Smith. Captain Busby was killed at Golders Green in London on the 8th June 1918 during a test flight in Handley Page V/1500 B.9463. He was flying from the Handley Page factory and aerodrome in Cricklewood, North London, with five others when the aircraft stalled and spun into the ground. There were four fatalities and two survivors.

Whilst Captain Busby was not actually killed at Martlesham Heath he was based here and had been sent to assist with the flight testing of this aircraft. He does therefore meet the criteria for inclusion and his name has been added to all aspects of the project.            Added Monday 30th November 2009

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Pilot Officer Gerard Hamilton Maffett

This Officer was serving with 257 (Burma) Squadron at the time of his death. He was originally included however in the absence of any documentary proof that he actually died whilst on Operations from Martlesham Heath his name was removed. New unquestionable evidence, backed up by the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon, states that despite being on strength at Debden he was forward based at, and operating from, Martlesham Heath when he launched on his final mission.

His name has therefore been reinstated on all aspects of the roll of honour.               Added Monday 30th November 2009

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Flying Officer Harold Thomas Jackson

The events surrounding his death are included in the Operational Record Book for th 23rd March 1944.                                                       Added Sunday 27th January 2008

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Pilot Officer Harold Graham Tipple

This officer was a pilot with 264 Squadron based at Martlesham Heath during the first year of the war. Documentary evidence has been discovered which qualifies his inclusion. His name has now been added to all aspects of the Roll of Honour.                  Added Sunday 27th January 2008

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Squadron Leader Humphrey Trench Gilbert DFC

This officer has been removed from the Roll of Honour. Whilst original source information suggested he was based at Martlesham Heath two official sources have since confirmed otherwise. At the time of his death he was based at RAF Great Sampleford with 65 Squadron, not 71 Squadron. There is a possibility he may have been at Martlesham but there is not substantive documentary evidence to back up this theory.

Any inconvenience this has caused is regrettable but I am dedicated to ensuring that this roll of honour is, and remains, accurate.                                         Added Wednesday 9th January 2008

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It is my intention to maintain the highest integrity and accuracy in the compilation of losses and I take great care in the verification of each entry. After an exhaustive progress meeting and as a result of extensive and further research it has been decided to remove the following airmen from the Martlesham Heath Roll of Honour:

Sergeant Allan Cruickshank Hendry

Sergeant Douglas William Hogg

Pilot Officer Gerard Hamilton Maffett

Pilot Officer Kenneth Manger DFC

Sergeant Richard Hines Oakley

Lieutenant J. B. W. Wills

Although previous information had linked their deaths with Martlesham Heath subsequent documentary evidence had suggested otherwise. This latter evidence is by far more significant and therefore the decision has been made to remove the names.

Readers are reminded of the commitment to accuracy and the ongoing search for source information and personal testimony will continue to produce new and added information. It should be stressed that this was seen as the final tranche for information and as such the names are unlikely to change from here on.                                 Added Wednesday 20th August 2008