The search for the final resting place of the ashes of the late Flt Lt Reginald Samuel Sailes started in 1987 with the unexpected delivery of a photograph to Kevin Hart, Flt Lt Sailes’ great nephew.
‘Hunting for Red October’ covers Kevin’s continuing search for his great uncle’s grave, a great uncle given the nickname ‘Red’ during his years in the RAF and the 1935 song, ‘Red sails in the sunset’. Reg was born in New Cross, London, UK on 3 October 1915. Hence the link to October.
Reg served in the RAF 29 April 1941 – 27 June 1951 and Kevin’s RAF career was 5 February 1998 – 4 February 2016.
Reg and his navigator departed RAF Hemswell, 27 June 1951, 0810hrs for a cross-country low-level navigation and bombing exercise carrying HE ordnance, a sortie Reg had successfully completed many times before. As the aircraft approached Lincoln Cathedral, an eyewitness on the ground saw grey smoke emitting from the starboard engine. Three (3) farm workers from Warren Farm, Cold Harbour, Lincolnshire saw the stricken aircraft pass over Warren Wood trailing black smoke from the engine. Reg was attempting to land his aircraft at RAF Spitalgate, Grantham, where a passing out parade was about to begin. The aircraft caught fire and cartwheeled into the ground at Warren Farm, Cold Harbour, Spitalgate, Lincolnshire at 0825hrs.
