On 1st July 1928, the R.A.F. lost one of it's finest aerobatic pilots in a freak accident when Avro 504N (H2534) of the RAF Practice Camp at Sutton Bridge, dived into the ground not far from RAF Henlow, killing Flight Lieutenant Harold Charles Calvey of No.23 Squadron, Kenley and Flight Sergeant William Charles Hollier, a carpenter/rigger.
In February, 1915, William enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps, mustering as an Aero Rigger. Six months later, he married Ruth Margaret Rogers, in Gravesend - the couple had four children, two girls and two boys, between 1915 and 1921.
On the morning of 30th April, 1932, three of 23 squadron's Bulldogs were carrying out various manoeuvres in the Ashdown Forest area, when the two rear aircraft of the 'vic' formation collided, following a signal to change formation.
On 14th August 1929, Flying Officer Charles Henry Jones of No.23 squadron, RAF Kenley, was killed when his Gloster Gamecock Mk.I (J7914) stalled off a steep turn shortly after take-off from RAF Sutton Bridge.
On 1st March 1929, Flying Officer Patrick Nelson Sealy-Allin, of No.23 squadron, lost his life when his Gloster Gamecock collided with another flown by Ft/Sgt James Guy Freeman
On 15th July, 1930, Flying Officer Peter Bagwell Rogers of No.23 Squadron, lost control of his Gloster Gamecock Mk.I (J7894) and spun into the ground at Gedney Dawsmere, near Holbeach Ranges, Lincolnshire, during gunnery practice.
On 30th September 1931, the tricky Bristol Bulldog claimed a life when No.23 squadron's Pilot Officer Noel Arthur Ireland failed to recover from a spin while practicing aerobatics.
