John Going Versturme-Bunbury

[georgetanksherman]

While researching through the British Flight Training Schools that were here in the U.S. during WW II, I came across this Canadian that was in training with the R.A.F. in Arizona, U.S.A., this is all I could find on him so far.

John Going Versturme-Bunbury, born in Victoria, British Columbia, on 12th August 1918. John served as a student pilot with the RAF, moving to a training school in Arizona in July 1943. On the afternoon of 17 August 1943, J.G. Versturme-Bunbury, Leading Aircraftsman, RAF Volunteer Reserve (Service No: 1809485), was killed when his airplane collided with another place mid-air over Falcon Field, Mesa City, Maricopa County, Arizona. The coroner's report established that he suffered multiple fractures of the head, arms and legs, causing instant death. His death was not reported in The Times until October 15th 1943. (11) He was buried at Lot 4, Block 528, Grave 4, Mesa City Cemetery. The Debt of Honour register gives his age as 25, and states that he also served in the Merchant Navy and that his parents were living in San Francsico. John's address was given as Apt 2, 1335 Washington Street, San Francisco.

Remember them Always !

[Temujin]

Hey George, what I have found so far

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[Temujin]

Clipped from Arizona Republic, 20 Aug 1943, Fri, [Third Edition], Page 17

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[Temujin]

JOHN CLEMENT PAILLET VERSTURME-BUNBURY

One of Adolphus and Mary Ann Versturme's younger sons John Clement Paillet Versturme-Bunbury was born in the Barton Regis (Clifton?) district of Gloucestershire in 1889. In April 1909, a Lieutenant J. C. P. Versturme-Bunbury disembarked at Cape Town (10a). On 17 October 1912 he married Irish-born Dorothy Going at the Parish Church of Colnbrook, Buckinghamshire. His residence was given as Highfield-Hartley, Plymouth, Devon, and he was described as a Gentleman, aged 23. Dorothy Going was the adopted daughter of Col. George Nuttall Going (1861-1943) and his wife Leila Mary (1860-1938), nee Ellis, a first cousin, twice removed of Richard Ellis. Family papers suggest that Dorothy was born in Rugby on 11 October 1890, but the identity of her natural parents is unknown. Dorothy's marriage certificate gives her residence as Poyle Close, Colnbrook, her age as 21 and her father's name and profession are those of her adoptive father.

George and Dorothy had one son, John Going Versturme-Bunbury, born in Victoria, British Columbia, on 12th August 1918. John served as a student pilot with the RAF, moving to a training school in Arizona in July 1943. On the afternoon of 17 August 1943, J.G. Versturme-Bunbury, Leading Aircraftsman, RAF Volunteer Reserve (Service No: 1809485), was killed when his airplane collided with another place mid-air over Falcon Field, Mesa City, Maricopa County, Arizona. The coroner's report established that he suffered multiple fractures of the head, arms and legs, causing instant death. His death was not reported in The Times until October 15th 1943. (11) He was buried at Lot 4, Block 528, Grave 4, Mesa City Cemetery. The Debt of Honour register gives his age as 25, and states that he also served in the Merchant Navy and that his parents were living in San Francsico. John's address was given as Apt 2, 1335 Washington Street, San Francisco.

John Clement Paillet Versturme-Bunbury was buried close to his son in 1937. His memorial says he was born Clifton, England 1889 and died in San Francisco in 1937. Although he died in 1937, he was buried with the fallen men from the Royal Air Force. Thus, he must have been re-buried there after the death of his son. Images of both gravestones are to be found on www.arizonagravestones.org.

http://www.turtlebunbury.com/family/bun ... turme.html

[Temujin]

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[georgetanksherman]

Temujin, It seems that the record keeping with the B.F.T.S. here in the states was not all that up to par it seems, I know that for No. 1 B.F.T.S. in Terrell, Texas, there was a fire that destroyed a lot of info in 1947, but not sure about the other schools, I can get some what a story, but as far as airplane and serial numbers, if it was an aircraft accident, those that died from illness are known ! But Cheers for the info, if I find out any more info, I will pass it along ! A Warrior who was born in Canada, lived in America and joined the Royal Air Force. Lest We Forget !

Cheers

George

[georgetanksherman]

Got a little feedback from the #4 B.F.T.S. page, Number 4 British Flying Training School - No. 4 B.F.T.S., LAC John Going Verstume-Bunbury was killed on 8/17/1943, along with instructor Willard W. Schendel. The plane was a PT-17 Boeing Stearman which hit another PT-17 Boeing Stearman being flown by LAC Ralph Brian Wainer, who landed his badly damaged aircraft safely. John and Willard's plane then crashed and burst into flames. I do not know the plane number at this time.

[Temujin]

That helped a bit George, info on Willard Woodruff Schendel

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