This crash involved not a routine bomber but a Wellington being used for top-secret radar research. On 14 December 1942, Wellington X3707 took off from RAF Defford in Worcestershire -- home of the Telecommunications Research Establishment, where Britain developed its airborne radar systems -- bound for RAF Turnhouse (now Edinburgh Airport). On board were four RAF crew and one American signals officer, 1st Lt Kaulis of the USAAC, reflecting the close Anglo-American collaboration on radar technology. As the aircraft approached Edinburgh it suffered engine failure. The pilot attempted an emergency landing on the allotments in the Happy Valley area of Craiglockhart, beside the Union Canal. The aircraft struck the Allan Park Bridge (now a footbridge) and burst into flames. All five crew were killed. The secret nature of the mission meant the crash received minimal contemporary publicity. Warrant Officer McFadyen and Flight Sergeant McGregor were both Scottish, buried in Glasgow and Ballingry respectively. The American officer's burial location has not been confirmed.
Aircraft & Operation Details
Aircraft Type
Vickers Wellington
Serial Number
X3707
Squadron
RAF Bomber Command
Date of Loss
WW2
Operation Type
Training
Cause of Loss
Engine failure; aircraft struck Allan Park Bridge while descending
A 24-year-old pilot from the RAFVR, French was flying a top-secret radar research mission from RAF Defford (home of the Telecommunications Research Establishment) to RAF Turnhouse when engine failure forced the emergency landing attempt.
W/O Andrew McFadyen(age 26)Observer
From Glasgow, Scotland
Flt Sgt Charles McGregor(age 23)W/Op Air Gunner
From Ballingry, Fife
Flt Sgt John Robert Harper(age 29)Radar Operator
From Pickering, Yorkshire
1st Lt S. Kaulis(age 26)Signaller
An American signals officer from the USAAC, Kaulis's presence on the aircraft reflected the close Anglo-American wartime collaboration on radar development.
Memorial Details
Type
Small concrete cairn with metal plaque detailing names of airmen
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Edinburgh City Branch, Legion Scotlandlegion scotland
Feature article in The Scotsman about the day a bomber crash-landed in Craiglockhart, Edinburgh. Covers the 2012 memorial unveiling and the history of the secret radar testing mission that ended in tragedy.
Memorial unveiled 11 November 2012Timed for 70th anniversary and Remembrance Sunday
Memorial record for the Craiglockhart Memorial Cairn commemorating the crew of Wellington X3707. Small concrete cairn with metal plaque in Craiglockhart Gardens, Edinburgh.
Located in Craiglockhart Gardens, Edinburgh EH14 1BSConcrete cairn with inscribed metal plate
Imperial War Museums register entry for the CraigLockhart View Wellington X3707 memorial in Edinburgh. Records the memorial commemorating the five crew killed including the American signals officer.
IWM memorial reference 97912Five crew including 1st Lt Kaulis USAAC
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