Sergeant Ernest Harry Lomax

On 11th March 1940, No.3 squadron Hurricane Mk.I’s were scheduled to take part in an army co-operation exercise with the Westland Lysanders of 16 squadron.

‘A’ flight took off from Kenley with F/Lt. Churchill leading Sgt. Wilkinson and Sgt. Ernest Lomax down to Hawkinge. In the course of the exercise, Sgt. Lomax, in L2123, made a mock attack on one of the Lysanders, and appeared to go into an uncontrolled spin at 1500ft, from which he failed to recover, crashing into Folkestone Golf course, where he was killed instantly and his aircraft burnt out.

Ernest Harry Lomax was 28 years old and married to Renee Jeanne Lomax. He was buried at St. Margaret’s Church, Edgware, with his squadron providing an escort and firing party.

Lomax had already had a lucky escape when he parachuted to safety after his Gloster Gladiator went into an uncontrolled spin during aerobatic exercises on the 24th January 1938. You can read more about that incident here.

Rest in Peace, Sir and thank you for your service.