HC Deb 12 November 1947 vol 444 cc87-8W
103. Mr. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for Air why the squadron of heavy bombers which left Binbrook, Lincolnshire, aerodrome on a goodwill mission to the Turkish Air Force landed in Egypt on the outward journey in view of the presence of cholera in Egypt and the precautions the Turkish Government were taking to prevent its spread; what is the reason for three planes making a forced landing in France on the return journey; and what was the cause of the death of one of the aircrew immediately on his return to this country.

Mr. A. Henderson

This squadron which paid a goodwill visit to Turkey, landed at a R.A.F. station in the Canal Zone of Egypt as part of its training programme; all members of the squadron were innoculated against cholera before leaving the United Kingdom. The Turkish Government were aware that the squadron would land in Egypt and raised no objection. Two aircraft, and not three, landed at the R.A.F. Staging Post at Istres on the return journey; one because of an engine defect and the other because of the weather. I regret to say that a member of the squadron died shortly after landing in this country; his death was due to the effects of lack of oxygen.