Choloy, France

Details:

10 January 1954 - F/O KI Latta

Extracts from Station Historical Record:

10 January 1954 - Telephone call received from F/O JGR Gane, 430 Squadron, that 41614 F/O Kenneth Irvin Latta of 421 Squadron was killed in an automobile accident on a mountain road at Les Allues, Haute-Savoie, France. Both officers were attending an official ski course being conducted by the French Army and Air Force at Les Allues. F/O Latta was driving down a mountain road with a French officer when the automobile in which they were riding encountered another vehicle and in attempting to pass on the narrow road, the car in which F/O Latta was a passenger went over the bank and fell approximately 600 feet into a ravine. Both occupants were killed. Body received by French locals at Moutiers and taken to local hospital where arrangements were completed for its removal to 2 (F) Wing. Bad telephone connection impeded confirmation of the fatality.

11 January 1964 - Plans and preparations being finalized for the burial of the late F/O KI Latta. Body being escorted by F/O JRG Gagne with French Air Force to Born Airport, Lyon, on 12 January where it will be met by our ME and brought direct to the unit for burial. Board of Inquiry appointed with S/L JR Ritch as President, who proceeded to Lyon and Les Allues for inquiry action. Committee of Adjustment appointed with F/L EF Jackson as President, taking action on Service estate of the deceased.

14 January 1954 - The station observed the funeral service of the late F/O KI Latta. Services were conducted in the unit Protestant Chapel with S/L JN Bracher officiating. Following embussing outside the unit main gate, the cortege proceeded to Metz where final service was held and the body interred in the French Military Cemetery at Chambiere, Metz. G/C L Randall and F/L W Couzens represented Air Division HQ and representatives from the American and French forces were present. A fly past in honour of F/O Latta was conducted by the pilots of 421 Squadron.