AJ699 HARVARD

The Harvard AJ699 was an advanced trainer aircraft used extensively during World War II. This particular aircraft had a tumultuous service history, marked by several significant incidents.

One of the earliest recorded mishaps occurred on March 26, 1943. A/LA G. Wakeling was piloting the Harvard AJ699 at an altitude of about 700 feet when the engine unexpectedly failed. Displaying quick thinking and skill, Wakeling performed a forced landing approximately 2 miles west of Collins Bay. Despite suffering minor injuries, he was fortunate to survive the ordeal. Following the incident, Wakeling was transferred to No. 50 Course. However, his luck ran out on May 5, 1943, during a night flying training session. His aircraft tragically crashed into a tree while attempting to land, causing him to sustain severe head injuries. It was noted that, as with many other accidents of the time, A/LA Wakeling had not fastened his Sutton harness, which could have mitigated his injuries. Wakeling’s recovery was slow, and he was eventually transferred to No. 54 Course before returning to the United Kingdom. It remains unclear whether Wakeling saw combat, but he did survive the war.

Harvard AJ699 was involved in several other incidents during its service. A notable accident occurred during a formation flying-R.T. Air to Air Exercise. A/LA R. L. Bamford from New Zealand (D/2784) reported that while changing position to become the No. 3 aircraft, his pitot head struck the port elevator of A/LA Clarabut’s Harvard AJ657. The collision caused Clarabut’s aircraft to enter a dive, forcing him to descend by parachute. He eventually landed on Wolfe Island, crashing through the ice. A/LA Bamford circled the area to ensure his comrade’s safety, but the incident led to Bamford being charged with gross carelessness.

Another incident involved a collision with a bird during an over-lake navigation test. A/LA Bramwell FX91872 and F/O Johnson were on this test when their aircraft struck a bird, causing damage to the leading edge of the main plane. Despite the damage, they managed to bring the aircraft back safely.

The final and most catastrophic event in Harvard AJ699’s history occurred on September 3, 1943. Sgt. Scowcroft and his pupil, A/LA Holstead, were conducting the same over-lake navigation exercise when they encountered issues and had to abandon the aircraft in Lake Ontario, off Cobourg. The aircraft sank within approximately two-and-a-half minutes, marking the end of AJ699’s service.

Aftermath and Legacy #

Following the series of unfortunate events, the wreckage of Harvard AJ699 was eventually recovered from the depths of Lake Ontario. The remains of the aircraft were later used to create a monument at Kingston Airport, serving as a tribute to the aircraft and the airmen who trained on it during the war.

The monument stands as a reminder of the challenges faced by pilots and trainees during World War II and the significant role that training aircraft like the Harvard played in preparing Allied pilots for combat.

External Links #

• Harvards Above: A resource dedicated to the history and legacy of Harvard aircraft.
• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum: Museum showcasing historical aircraft, including Harvards.
• Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association: Organization preserving the history and aircraft of the Harvard trainers.
• Harvards Above
• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
• Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association