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The Great War Memorial Plaque to Lieutenant Richard Milne Collingwood
204th Training Depot Station, Royal Air Force, he died on 10th July 1918, aged 21. Son of Major William George Collingwood, (R.E) and Louisea Ada Collingwood
| Estimación: | 80 GBP - 100 GBP |
| Hammer price: | 70 GBP |
According to research, an inquest was held by Mr. C. B. Harris, county coroner, with reference to the deaths of three officers and a mechanic, who lost their lives as a result of a collision in the air at a Kent aerodrome.
Lieut. Charles Edgar Swannell, 26, and Lieut. Richard Milne Collingwood, 21, had been up for a flight and were slowly descending. Another aircraft, in which were 2nd Lieut. James Fraser Grady, 38, and Boy Mechanic Leonard George Henry Samson, 17, was ascending for gunnery practice.
100ft. from the ground, the aircrafts came into collision, one 'turned turtle' and caught on fire. Both crashed to the ground and all four occupants were killed from fractured skulls.
A verdict of "Accidental Death" in each case was returned, and the jury expressed their sympathy with the bereaved relatives.
Richard Milne Collingwood is buried at Leysdown (St Clement) churchyard.