Remembering airmen who died 75 years ago Family of pilot sought ahead of RAF crash tragedy anniversary

A genealogy enthusiast is appealing for information about an RAF pilot from Canterbury who died in a plane crash 75 years ago.

On June 6, 1944 - the same day as the Normandy Landings - Flt Lt Peter Marshall Cadman and his instructor, petty officer Harold Roots, were on board an Airspeed Oxford over the English countryside.

They were conducting routine training circuits when one of the engines exploded, engulfing the plane in flames and sending it crashing to the ground just south of Bristol. Both men were killed instantly. Peter - know as Caddy to his colleagues - was already an experienced pilot, and was training to become an instructor.

A 16-year-old farm boy working on his parents’ farm witnessed the crash and ran to help, but realised there was no hope for those on board.

Peter - just 22 when he died - is buried in Canterbury Cemetery, while Harold - two years his senior - is buried in Holy Cross Church, Bearsted.

Their tragic story has intrigued Simon Roots from Nottingham - a relation of Harold, who has been researching his family’s history.

Mr Roots and his wife are planning to mark the 75th anniversary of the accident this June - when many will also be marking the anniversary of D-day landings - by unveiling a memorial at the crash site.

He is keen to hear from any rel- atives of Peter who might be able to help him in his research or to accompany them.

He said: “I have spoken to the son of that young farmer from 1944, who still lives on the farm in whose field the plane crashed.

“He fully supports our mark of remembrance and is able to point out the location of the crash.

“He has recollections as a young man himself, ploughing the fields years later and still turning up fragments of the aeroplane.”

Peter was the only son of Percy Eric Cadman and Gladys Eleanor Cadman of London Road, Canterbury.

He was educated at Charterhouse, where he was known as an outstanding musician. He joined the RAF volunteer reserve and served as a Halifax pilot, flying operationally from July 1943.

In November 1943, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for an operation to Düsseldorf with 77 Squadron.

He had been posted to train as an instructor at No.3 Flying Instructor School, when he was killed. A tree has now been planted in his memory in the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Now, Mr Roots is hoping to get in touch with surviving members of the Cadman family.

He said: “I’ve tried contacting several Cadmans in the Canterbury area, but have so far had no luck.

“These are two young lads who gave their lives on D-day, albeit in England and not in France.

“They were very young when they died.

“I want the people of Canterbury to know that this young man from their city has not been forgotten.

“I would really like to identify some of Peter’s relatives. He was a very talented musician and was an only child - his dad died a number of years before him.”

Mr Roots added: “On June 6, the nation will be remembering the sacrifices made by those on the beaches at Normandy, but we should also recognise the sacrifices of those serving at home who still paid the ultimate price for their country.”

Anyone who can help Mr Roots is asked to email simonroots164@ btinternet.com.

Thursday, March 14, 2019 Kentish Gazette (KG) www.kentonline.co.uk

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