Grostenquin, France
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There are a few points which should be mentioned.

a - 2 (F) Wing served as a "salvage center" for the entire Air Division, and as such, the 2 Wing Salvage section was sent out to deal with every crash.
b - Canadair was manufacturing a number of F-86 Sabres for the RAF. Sabre 19637 or XB763 - was destined for the RAF, but being flown by 422 Squadron at 4 (F) Wing at the time of the incident. The aircraft was painted with RAF markings, but was being flown by an RCAF pilot at the time of the crash.
c - F/O FK Axtell was flying the aircraft when he experienced fuel exhaustion while over Belgium. He elected to bail out and survived the ejection. Ironically, the Sabre continued towards what proved to be a perfect belly landing (without pilot or canopy) near the village of Aniche, France.


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  1. Remains of XB763 in an open field near Aniche - 17 March 1954.
    Note the RAF markings.
    Courtesy Alan Richards.

  2. Crane prepares to lift Sabre XB763 onto a flatbed truck - March 1954.
    Courtesy Alan Richards.

  3. Crane prepares to life Sabre XB763 onto a flatbed truck - March 1954.
    Note the RAF markings.
    Courtesy Alan Richards.

  4. Sabre XB763 being lifted onto a flatbed truck - March 1954.
    Courtesy Alan Richards.

  5. Remains of Sabre XB763 on flatbed truck at San Quentin, heading for Grostenquin - March 1954.
    Courtesy Alan Richards.

  6. Remains of Sabre XB763 loaded onto a Bristol freighter aircraft at 2 Wing - March 1954.
    The aircraft was bound for write off in England.
    Courtesy Alan Richards.


Photographic Credits

All photos are used with permission.

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Updated: January 25, 2004