His Majesty’s Jockey Killed in Crash

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 173, 25 July 1939, Page 2

His Majesty’s Jockey Killed in Crash

DEATH ON WEDDING EVE LONDON, July 29. A de Havilland Rapide air-liner, especially chartered to tako Jack Crouch, the King’s young jockey, to ride at Newcastle, disappeared between York and Newcastle, in thick weather. Fellow jockeys who knew of Crouch’s intention to attend the meeting were mystified when ho did not put in an appearance. The pilot of tho aeroplane was Mr. F. S. Appi, and the wireless operator, Mr. J. Elmslie. The machine was reported missing when it became overdue at Woolsington (Newcastle) airport. It was feared that it might have got oft its course toward the sea. Appeal for News. The British Broadcasting Corporation broadcast an appeal for news of the machine. Tho distanco in a straight j line between York and Newcastle is i about 75 miles. The machino reported her position by wireless about mid-day ■when near York. No further messages were received. Next day the aeroplauo was found burned out at a deserted moorland spot on Ettersgill Fell, near Barnard Castle, County Durham. Crouch and the two other occupants were lying dead near tho wreckage. They had been thrown clear, but not burned. Invitations to Crouch's wedding, fixed for July 1, had been sent out on the previous day. The house which he ' and his bride were to have taken over at Tattenham Corner was all ready for occupation. Scattered Wreckage Discovered. Members of tho Royal Air Force flew over a wide area during the search, but the discovery was made about 5 p.m. by two men scouring the .wild hills in the l orest-in-Teesdale district. The men—Mr. Richardson, of Middle- j ton-in-Teesdalc, a newsagent, and Mr. Robert Bedfearn, a postman, saw through field-glasses tho wreckage scattered at a spot miles from the nearest habitation. The police and people in the district at once made up a party to go out to the wrecked machine. \V. Jarvis, who trains tho King’s horses, said: “I feel tho loss of J. Crouch very deeply. Although ho had been with me for only three years, I grew very fond of lum. lie was a good jockey, but what is more important he was honest and straightforward. His success did not go to his head. I believe that this would have been his best season, for the King has several good horses this year.” The Hon. G. Lambton, another Newmarket trainer, stated that but for his intervention, Airs. Lambton would have been in the aeroplane. “She told mo she was flying to Newcastle,” he said, “but I replied that I did not want her to do so, and she did not carry out her intention. ’ ’

Ordeal for Jockey’s Fiancee. Crouch was to have beeu married to Miss Barbara Hives, daughter of Mr. W. Hives, head stableman to Walter Nightingall, the Epsom trainer. She went home to her parents after a night! of suspense at tho telephone at Crouch’s lodgings at Epsom, before the news of the discovery *of the tragedy became; known. Crouch had ridden 11 winners this season, including Great Truth at Man-

Chester and Mouzelle at Newmarket for the King. Mr. Appi, although only 21, had had a considerable amount of flying experience and was regarded as an extremely capable pilot. Mr. Elmslie, who was 28, and came from Northumberland, had had a great deal of experience of aviation wireless.