On July 17, 1944, a tragic mid-air collision occurred near Lympne Airfield, claiming the lives of two young pilots. Flight Sergeant Roger Lee Short, 21, flying a Spitfire XII MB877 from 41 Squadron, collided with a Tiger Moth II DE575 piloted by Flight Sergeant Clifford Oddy, also 21. The incident took place one mile north of the airfield, shortly after Short took off in formation with other Spitfires.
Background of 41 Squadron at Lympne
41 Squadron had arrived at Lympne on July 11, 1944, flying the Mark XII Spitfire equipped with the Rolls Royce Griffon engine. They were the first of only two squadrons to operate this iconic warbird. Prior to their arrival, the squadron had been heavily involved in supporting the D-Day build-up and operations, and from Lympne they engaged the V-1 flying bomb menace.
The Collision
The collision occurred when the Tiger Moth, flown by Oddy, crossed the path of Short's Spitfire during takeoff. The subsequent inquiry determined that the Tiger Moth was flying at a lower altitude than authorized. The Tiger Moth crashed near Lympne Castle, while the Spitfire also went down. Both pilots were killed instantly.
The Pilots
Roger Lee Short was the son of Henry Mallett and Elizabeth Short, and married to Dorothy Ellen Short of South Ruislip, Middlesex. He is buried at Hawkinge cemetery, Plot O, Grave 80, though the grave is now in poor condition. Clifford Oddy was the son of Clifford and Catherine Oddy of Armley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, and married to Elsie Oddy of Headingly. He is buried at Armley cemetery.
Upcoming Talks and History Society
The Lympne Airfield History Society will hold meetings in Lympne church. On September 1, John Simpson will discuss the local Home Guard and their links to Lympne Airfield. In November, Rachel Cornish will compare natural flight with manmade aircraft. Doors open at 6.30pm, entry £3. For details, call 07508 708725 or email johnsimpson43@btinternet.com.
