CANADIAN AIRMEN DIE IN MID-AIR COLLISION
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Plane Becoming Uncontrollable Crashes Into Another Above Camp Borden
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Lieut. White, Ace, and Cross Killed When Machine Falls as Streak of Flame
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(Canadian Press Dispatch)
Camp Borden, Ont., Feb. 24.—Colliding with another aircraft, one thousand feet above the ground, when their machine became uncontrollable, Flight-Lieut.
J. L. M. White, D.F.C., of Halifax, N.S., and Flying Officer R. H. Cross, of Toronto, Ont., crashed to earth and were instantly killed this morning. Their Avro aeroplane came down as a streak of flame.
Both Pilots Experienced
The other machine, piloted by Flying Officer A. L. Morfee, was damaged, but Morfee was able to glide to earth without injury. He was alone in his machine.
Colonel
L. S. Breadner, D.F.C., who is in command of the camp, stated to the Canadian Press this afternoon that the results of the official enquiry now in progress would be sent to headquarters at Ottawa. So far as known the machines were in perfect condition when they took the air. Both pilots were experienced, and Cross had been connected with the department at Ottawa.
The accident occurred near the flying field and shortly after the machines ascended from the morning's work.
The body of Lieut. White will be forwarded to Halifax tomorrow for interment there. White was the son of W. J. White, of Halifax. He had an excellent record in the Great War, where he won the Distinguished Flying Cross, Cross de Guerre and other decorations, he was credited with bringing down 31 German [planes], making him an ace among the flyers. He was 29 years of age.
A. C. Cross, of Toronto, father of Flying Officer Cross, arrived tonight to take charge of his boy's body for removal to Toronto where a military funeral will be held on Thursday. For some time he acted as adjutant at Ottawa. He was 24 years of age.
Mr. Cross, father, is a war veteran himself and was in hospital for treatment when the news came of his son's death. He left for the camp immediately, however.
Manitoba Free Press (Winnipeg, Manitoba) - Wednesday, February 25, 1919
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