Choloy, France

Details:

18 November 1965 - F/L GRE Symington

Comments by Dale Newton:

F/L GRE "Ralph" Symington was killed in a T-33 flying accident while stationed at 1 Wing Marville, France. F/L Symington had been a pilot with 421 Squadron at 2 Wing, Grostenquin France, prior to his transfer to Marville.

Comments by Keith Stetson:

F/L Symington died in a T-33 crash while on approach to the American airbase located at Phalsbourg in France. He was assigned to Wing Instrument Flight (WIF) at 1 Wing Marville and was flying in T-33 13310 at the time of his death. F/O Jenson, flying in the back seat, survived the crash, and he was found the next day.

Extracts from 1 Wing Historical Summary:

On 18th November 1965, F/L Symington and F/O G Jensen were piloting a T-33, number 21614, on a poor-weather day. While executing an approach and letdown at Phalsbourg USAF airfield, their aircraft struck some tree tops. F/L Symington took control of the aircraft and ordered F/O Jensen to eject. Although F/O Jensen successfully ejeced, F/L Symington had insufficient altitude and was killed after ejecting.

Grave marker photos courtesy of Malcolm Cromarty - February 2001