Details:
26 October 1954 - F/O RH "Duster" Curran
Comments by Earl Snyder:
F/O RH Curran was a pilot with 421 Squadron at Grostenquin. He was known as "Duster" Curran and was killed in an automobile accident in his Austin Healy while on leave.
Extracts from Historical Report:
25 October 1954 - Over the weekend F/O JW Hough and F/O RH Curran, pilots of 421 (F) Squadron, were involved in an automobile accident. F/O Hough suffered only minor cuts and lacerations around the face and hands. F/O RH Curran severely injured, fractured femur and ruptured liver and internal injuries. Accident occurred near Weisbaden and both are interned in 495 US Army Hospital, Weisbaden. Blood transfusions given to F/O Curran who is on the critically injured list. A volunteer group of blood donors from the unit leaving on 26 October to replace blood from American blood bank.
26 October 1954 - Official word received from 7100 USAF Hospital, Weisbaden that 204945 F/O Roland Henry Curran, 421 (F)Squadron, succumbed as a result of injuries he received in a car accident with F/O JW Hough, 421 (F) Squadron, operator of the vehicle. A group of 20 blood donors departed by GMT for Wesibaden, Germany, to replace blood bank donations given to the late F/O RH Curran. Arrangements being completed re the return of the body of F/O RH Curran with F/O PV Whitehead as its escort.
27 October 1954 - The body of F/O RH Curran being prepared for shipment to unit. F/O PV Whitehead appointed escort officer and co-ordinating all details.
28 October 1954 - Body of the late F/O RH Curran arrived from Weisbaden, escorted by F/O PV Whitehead who did an excellent job in completing all arrangements required. Funeral orders all completed, funeral party had practise and F/L BR Patience, OC Administrative Detail visited Choloy Military Cemetery to inspect the site and action any problems.
29 October 1954 - The funeral of the late F/O RH Curran was held in the Station Protestant Chapel. Internment was made at the Armed Forces Military Cemetery (Canadian Section) at Choloy, near Toul. The Order of the Day attached covers.
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Grave marker photos courtesy of Malcolm Cromarty - February 2001