Stuart's Story.
Stuart Berryman was born in Hamilton, Ontario on 18th April 1922 to parents Edward and Elizabeth. Prior to enlisting he worked as a stockkeeper. He enlisted in the RCAF on 5th September 1942 and was selected for aircrew training. He trained as an air bomber in Canada before being transferred to UK where he arrived on 18th July 1944. On 31st October 1944 he was assigned to 26 OTU then on 22nd April 1945 he was assigned to 428 Squadron RCAF for operations. On 30th April 1945 Stuart was assigned to Lancaster KB479 for a cross country training flight. During the flight the aircraft spun out of control from an altitude of about 18,000 feet and crashed in Staffordshire killing all 7 crew. The cause of the crash was never determined but lack of oxygen my have been a contributing factor as examination of the wreckage showed that an oxygen cock was turned off.
Accident Report 1
Accident Report 2
Accident Report 3
The funeral at Blacon (credit Veterans Affairs Canada)
The funeral at Blacon (credit Veterans Affairs Canada)
Memorial near the crash site
428 Squadron RCAF Record Book