Choloy, France

Details:

30 December 1963

Comments:

This group of service and civilian personnel were killed in the crash of a Bristol Freighter aircraft that occurred at 1 Wing, Marville France.

Additional Comments - Jim Bauman

My father, S/L Ron Bauman, investigated the Bristol crash of KC-697. He was Chief of AIB at that time in Europe. We were on vacation in Switzerland at the time of the crash and had to return so my father could conduct the investigation. I recall hearing that the cause of the crash was due to the fact that the Ground Control Approach (GCA) controller tracked a ghost image on the radar, instead of the real image. As a result, the aircraft was too low and it hit some trees on approach. The cause of the crash was identified as equipment related - and was not a controller error.

Additional Comments - Wesley Dixon

The Bach Family - I seem to recall that the Bachs lived in PMQs. We never visited with them in their home, but we always shared a table with them whenever we were in the Mess at the same functions. George and I worked in the same hanger while we were stationed in Winnipeg in the late 1950s so my wife and I did know them quite well and for quite a number of years. As far as we know there were two other boys and they were Hazels from a previous marriage. They were not overseas but back in Canada with Hazels mother at the time of the accident. I can't say how long the Bachs had been in 2 Wing, but I do know that George did not have enough time to take the CF-104 training so he accepted the chance to go over to England and help close the base at Langar. Hazel was so pleased with this move, and on departure from 2 Wing she said "at least we are all leaving here and won't be ending up in Choloy". George was an AMSUP and I believe he worked in 430 Squadron. I have no knowledge of their home towns and I regret that I do not have any photos of the Bach family.