Ernest Deverill’s distinguished RAF career ended with a terrible crash at RAF Graveley in the early hours of 17 December 1943. All except one of the crew were killed.
Parts of his aircraft, which caught fire, can be seen here in their display box at the Heritage Centre, RAF Wyton, a poignant reminder of that dreadful night.
There are many demands on everyone’s money at this time of year, but with the anniversary of Deverill’s death fast approaching we are asking for contributions towards the financing of the Deverill Collection.
So please contribute what you can to help us settle the last debts for this tribute to an outstanding pilot and ‘Knight of the Air’.
DONATE TO THE ARCHIVE
We are giving away a free pair of Black Thursday booklets to anyone who contributes £30 or more. The Black Thursday booklets
DETAILS OF THE PURCHASE OF THE DEVERILL COLLECTION
Two years ago, the RAF Pathfinders Archive bought the Deverill Collection to ensure that it would not go into private hands and possibly end up being sold off in separate parts.
Acquisition of the Deverill Collection
Since the Archive acquired the Deverill Collection, it has been on loan to the Heritage Centre, RAF Wyton, where it can be seen by the public, by appointment.
Our previous appeal for funds to settle the outstanding loan to purchase the Deverill Collection has taken the amount still owed to £3,700, less that 10% of the purchase price. Clearing the balance will enable us to look to the future when we may be able to acquire other suitable Pathfinder items. These too will be loaned for display at the Pathfinder Collection at RAF Wyton, and will enhance the wonderful collection already there.
Above: the new Black Thursday display at RAF Wyton. See this page: The Deverill Collection at RAF Wyton
RAF PATHFINDERS ARCHIVE 