August 25, 1942
The Duke of Kent was killed today "in the service of his country," reports the New York Times. He was 39 years old. He was the first member of the British Royal Family to die in active service in the war.
He was a "passenger aboard the Sunderland flying boat which crashed in Scotland, killing all aboard." The Duke was the youngest surviving brother of King George VI.
The announcement of the Duke's death was made by the Air Ministry, shortly before midnight. "The Air Ministry deeply regrets that Air Commodore His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent was killed on active service when a Sunderland flying boat crashed in North Scotland. His Royal Highness, who was attached to the staff of the Inspector General of the Royal Air Force, was proceeding to Iceland on duty. All of the crew of the flying boat also lost their lives."
Due to wartime restrictions, "movement of members of the royal family cannot be printed without special permission," so it is "impossible at this time" to know where King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were when they received the "grim news."
HRH Prince George Edward Alexander Edmund was born on December 20, 1902, at York Cottage, Sandringham. He was the fourth son and fifth child of King George V and Queen Mary. He was created Duke of Kent, Earl of St. Andrews, and Baron Downpatrick on October 12, 1934, six weeks before his marriage to HRH Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark.
Their marriage at Westminster Abbey took place on November 29, 1934, and produced three children, HRH Prince Edward (1935), HRH Princess Alexandra (1936), and HRH Prince Michael (1942), whose baptism on August 4, 1942, in the private chapel at Windsor Castle, was one of the last family events attended by the Duke of Kent. One of Prince Michael's godparents is President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as the little prince was born on July 4, American Independence Day.
The Duke of Kent believed strongly in the future of aviation. He received his pilot's license in 1929.
Prince Edward, who will celebrate his seventh birthday in October, succeeds his father as Duke of Kent. Earl of St. Andrews and Baron Downpatrick.
6 comments:
I have always been intrigued this accident. Contrary to what the article says, there was one survivor in that crash, Sergeant Andrew Jack. However, even though there was an eyewitness, there are many questions regarding this accident that have never been answered. For instance, the accident was due to pilot error even though the pilot was a very experienced pilot. The plane had seriously deviated from its flight plan for no apparent reason. It was rumored that Prince George was on a secret mission and that he was the one piloting the plane. I understand the secrecy about everything during the war years and even 10 or 20 years after, but I don't understand why this is still shrouded in mystery 80 years after the fact, especially since there was a survivor. Unfortunately, Sergeant Jack died more than 40 years ago. I wonder if he ever wrote about the accident, because I'm absolutely sure he was thoroughly debriefed by the government. Could this incident ever fall in the category of "declassified information" or will it remain a secret forever? What do you think?
probably not known in the immediate aftermath of the crash
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_east/3342953.stm
My mother Vera Eaton saw the Duke shortly before, when he was visiting a neighbour of hers in Londonderry with the Duke of Hamilton.
Thanks, BlueSaphire70 and Marlene, for the question, probable answer, and link. Very interesting!
Well, upon reading that article I can see why it has remained a secret for so long. I can also see it remaining a secret for quite a bit longer. Too many people who will be affected by these revelations are still alive.
Thanks Marlene for posting the extra article. All your photos are great.
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