Reads "Our dear son and brother" Dick - Pilot officer Richard Long R.A.F.O Killed December 10 1932 aged 21. He was beloved of all that knew him.
Research notes by Charlotte:
Richard was a trained pilot who was a member of the Reserve of Air Force Officers, who would have been called upon to serve if any conflict began.
He died not in the air but in a car accident. He was taking part in the London to Gloucester Reliability Motor Trial when his companion Arthur Wincott lost control of the vehicle on a bend and it hit a tree. Arthur escaped with bruises but poor Richard was killed instantly*. They had been travelling for around 5 hours, since midnight.
At the time of his death he lived with his parents in Aylesbury but was originally from Marlow. His parents had previously ran the Chequers in Marlow High Street.
Richard was a car salesman.
The London to Gloucester event was an annual one. Though supposedly possible for amateur drivers in ordinary cars to finish most did not do so. The route deliberately took in country roads with steep hills and plentiful bends. It also included off road rally sections. Some people's cars were written off from the stress of taking part. In the same year Richard died another driver crashed after fainting from exhaustion at the wheel but she escaped with her life.
You can see Pathé News footage of the 1931 rally on the Pathé website here
*some details from South Bucks Standard 16th December 1932.
Researched by Charlotte, photo and transcription by Kathryn. Grave Marlow cemetery.
©Marlow Ancestors. You are welcome to use this content including the photo for family or local history purposes with credit to this blog and a link here.
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