Cyril John's Story.
Cyril John Covill was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on 9th January 1924 to parents Benjamin and Annie. After finishing his education he worked as a clerk. He enlisted in the RAAF on 22nd June 1942 and trained as a pilot in Australia before embarking for UK on 5th May 1943 arriving on 7th July 1943. He was assigned to 5 (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit at RAF Ternhill on 28th December 1943.On 30th January 1944 Cyril was on a solo training flight in Miles Master AZ651 when he encountered engine trouble whilst flying over Cheshire. He attempted to bring the aircraft in for emergency landing in a farmer’s field but as he came into land, he noticed power lines in his way and pulled the aircraft away sharply to avoid hitting the lines. The aircraft stalled and crashed at Ridley Bank Farm. Cyril was seriously injured and was taken to Mostyn Hall Hospital for treatment where he died of his injuries on 31st January 1944. He was buried at the RAF Regional Cemetery at Blacon in Chester. He is memorialised with a plaque located Mount Thompson Cemetery in Brisbane.
Accident Form 1
Accident Form 2
Court of Enquiry
Miles Master aircraft of 5 (P) AFU as flown by Cyril at the time of his fatal accident
Memorial Plaque at Mt Thompson Cemetery in Brisbane
Research by Steve Merrill