Identification and Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Bolingbroke aircraft, originally designed as a maritime patrol and bomber aircraft during World War II, was used extensively by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for various missions, including training exercises. The aircraft was a Canadian version of the British Bristol Blenheim Mk IV, adapted for coastal defense and patrol duties. The Bolingbroke was equipped with a powerful radial engine and a crew of four, including the pilot and three gunners.
History #
On an overcast day in 1943, a training mission involving three Bolingbroke aircraft from the Royal Canadian Air Force ended in tragedy over the waters of Lake Ontario. The mission, part of a routine aerial gunnery practice, turned fatal due to a series of errors in communication and formation discipline.
The training exercise called for the three Bolingbroke aircraft to fly in a line astern formation while engaging in aerial gunnery practice. Each aircraft carried a crew of four, consisting of a pilot and three student gunners. However, due to a miscommunication, the drogue aircraft (responsible for towing a target for the gunners) failed to arrive. This led the lead aircraft (serial number 10147) to signal a return to base.
As the formation began its return, the third aircraft (serial number 10084) attempted to break formation and fly in echelon with the second aircraft (serial number 10015), despite having been briefed to maintain the original formation until within 3 miles of the base. Tragically, the pilot of 10084 misjudged his speed and proximity, resulting in a mid-air collision that sheared the wings off both aircraft.
Both planes plummeted into the icy waters of Lake Ontario, killing all eight crew members aboard. The exact location of the wreckage remains undisclosed, but it is known to rest at the bottom of the lake, a somber reminder of the perils faced by military personnel even during training exercises.
Final Disposition #
The remains of the two Bolingbroke aircraft lie in the depths of Lake Ontario, their exact location undisclosed to the public. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in military aviation, particularly during the rigorous training missions that prepare crews for the harsh realities of combat.
Resources & Links #
- Aviation Safety Net
- RCAF Historical Records
- Ottawa Memorial Project
- Veterans Affairs Canada – Canadian Virtual War Memorial
- Veterans Affairs Canada – Canadian Virtual War Memorial
- Veterans Affairs Canada – Canadian Virtual War Memorial
- Veterans Affairs Canada – Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Tags #
- Aircraft Model: Bolingbroke
- Location: Lake Ontario
- Incident: Mid-air Collision
- Injuries: Fatal
- Occupants: 8 (4 per aircraft)
Analysis #
This tragic mid-air collision over Lake Ontario during a routine training mission highlights the critical importance of adhering to flight protocols, especially during complex maneuvers. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by military personnel, even in non-combat scenarios. The loss of these two Bolingbroke aircraft and their crews emphasizes the need for stringent communication and formation discipline to prevent such accidents in the future. The wrecks remain a poignant symbol of the sacrifices made by those who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
