Trafford

Born during the June quarter 1920 in the Bedwellty R.D. - ref: 11a/159, the
son of Alfred Rees & Gertrude Davies (nee Smith).   In 1911 Alfred was
aged: 16 and employed as a Blacksmith's Striker residing with his grocer
father and family at 40 King Street, Abertillery, Monmouthshire.

Morris attended Bury Technical School and Loreburn College, Manchester.  
Employed as a Draughtsman at Edward Wood & Co., Constructional Engineers,
Trafford Park.  He joined the RAF in 1939 and at the time of his death was
engaged on experimental RADAR work    At the time of his accident, he was
based at R.A.F. Pembrey, being part of 11 Group Fighter Command.    With
Christmas 1945 fast approaching, Flt. Lt. R. Howard & Flying Officer Davies
sought authorisation to fly to Castle Bromwich, near to where they planned
to spend their leave.    The Flight Commander failed to check the pilot's
flight plan and to give instructions on procedures to be adopted in the
event of bad weather.   Despite the poor weather, the pair decided to
take-off, in a Miles Martinet Trainer - Number HN888, which was one of the
first batches of machines built by Phillips & Powis (Miles Aircraft Ltd) at
its Reading factory.  It was powered by a Mercury XXX engine - serial
number 101682.  It was mainly of wooden construction and used as a target
tug aircraft.

Which one of them was at the controls is not known.   The last message
received from them put them over the Brecon Beacons but, shortly afterwards
the aircraft entered cloud and crashed into the steep hillside at Cwm Bach,
killing both occupants.   Castle Bromwich is to the north of Brecon,
whereas Cwm Bach, leading up to Great Rhos lies in a south easterly
direction.   Although it cannot be established, it is quite likely that
they were returning to base in accordance with Squadron 'Standing Orders'. 
 When the aircraft was reported overdue, four Spitfires searched the area
to no avail.  His father who was the General Manager (GB) for Beaty Bros
Ltd, Canada, manufacturers of agricultural equipment & household appliances
received a telegram on the 22nd from Aberporth Cardigan Aerodrome stating
that his son was missing. 

The aircraft was eventually found on the 02/02/1946 by a local farmer -
Richard Watkins who was out inspecting his sheep near Llandrindod Wells -
it had crashed into the side of a deep valley not far from New Radnor.  
The local police had to climb 2000 feet in the dark, through heavy rain and
sleet to reach the crash scene.    The bodies of the airmen were still in
the wreckage, preserved by the sub-zero temperatures.     Abergavenny ATC
have for years been trying to recover the engine of this aircraft which
still lies at the bottom of this remote valley.   See "Final Descent" by
Terence R. Hill

Buried 07/02/1946 - Burial No. 24860.    Grave purchased by Alfred Davies. 
His wife Vera, was the only daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. Eccleshall, 116
Greatstone Rd, Firswood, Stretford.

No.595 Squadron was formed on 1 December 1943 at Aberporth, from Nos.1607,
1608 and 1609 Flights, for anti-aircraft co-operation duties in Wales.
Various detachment flew Martinets, Henleys, Hurricanes and Oxfords, but at
the end of 1944, Spitfires and Vengances also went into service. After the
end of the war, the squadron remained in being after most of the other AAC
units were disbanded. Flying Spitfires, Martinets and Oxfords, the squadron
received Vampires for high-speed co-operation in December 1946, and No.595
operated from South Wales until renumbered No.5 Squadron on 11 February
1949.