The Drowning of Francis Frederick Collins

 

A poignant newspaper clipping reporting the death of Francis Fredrick Collins of ‘A’ Squadron Glider Pilot Regiment RAF Blakehill Farm by drowning.

 

In the 1930s and 1940s a water-filled gravel pit in Latton village, just north of Cricklade was used as a swimming pool. The 'Latton Lido' was popular with aircrews from RAF Down Ampney and Blakehill.   Glider Pilot Walter H Dyson is also mentioned in the story. 

 

Lt Francis Frederick Collins Age 24 Died 17th June 1945 Son of Stanley G. Collins and Clara Collins, of Basingstoke, Hampshire; Husband of Susanna May Collins, of Glasgow, Scotland. Basingstoke (Worting Road) Cemetery, Hampshire. Plot A. Grave 52