LEST WE FORGET
Leading Aircraftman Robert John CRANSTON
Service No: 408277
Born: New Town TAS, 26 December 1918
Enlisted in the RAAF: 15 August 1941
Unit: No. 1 Service Flying Training School, RAAF Station Point Cook VIC
Died: Aircraft Accident, (No. 1 Service Flying Training School Oxford aircraft AT644), Werribee VIC, 8 May 1942, Aged 23 Years
Buried: Hobart (Cornelian Bay) Public Cemetery, TAS
CWGC Additional Information: Son of George Berthram Cranston and Violet Alice Cranston, of Hobart
Roll of Honour: Unknown
Remembered: Panel 115, Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT
During low level bombing practice near Werribee on 8 May 1942, Oxford AT644 hit a tree and crashed at 1350 hours, killing all three crew members who were:
Leading Aircraftman Robert John Cranston (408277) (Trainee Pilot)
Leading Aircraftman Eric Kenneth Gilbert (408281) (Trainee Pilot)
Leading Aircraftman John Albert McKenzie (407904) (Trainee Pilot (Designated Pilot))
References:
Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour On-Line Records
Commonwealth War Graves Commission On-Line Records
Department of Veteran’s Affairs On-Line WWII Nominal Roll
National Archives of Australia On-Line Record A9845, 239