South African War Graves Project -

Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Blinkhorn, of Cape Town. Born October 1900 at London, England. Enlisted in the Honourable Artillery Company, Reserve Battalion (No. 12401) on 5 November 1918, seeing no active service overseas (no Medal entitlement). A mechanical engineer, he emigrated to South Africa with his wife and child, settling in Wynberg, Cape Town. During the 1930s he learn to fly at Young's Field under Captain Duk and purchased a Spartan, also owning a Puss Moth and Leopard Moth. By the time of the Second World War was a Company Director upon his enlistent in the South African Air Force on 24 September 1940. Posted to the Reserve Communication Squadron as 2nd Lieutenant, he thence joined No. 61 Squadron and was advanced Captain. During the next five years, he racked up nearly 3000 hours flying and had carried 5083 passengers on his flights, including politicians, military officials and fellow pilots.

Age:	44
Date of Birth:	-0001-11-30
Service No:	203096V
Rank:	Captain
Unit:	61 Sqdn.
Regiment:	South African Air Force
Date of Death:	1945-07-08
Cause of Death:	Died in Aircraft Accident, Junkers #647, took off in a Ju86 and climbed over to the Pakhuis Mountains near Clanwilliam in dreadful weather, on a flight to transfer urgent spares to the Swartkops Air Station. The court of inquiry heard - Whilst flying in a valley bad visibility, low cloud, rain and with a strong westerly wind the pilot tried to climb over the mountains. When near the summit and in a steep climb a cloud suddenly blew over the top and curled down. The aircraft disappeared into this and crashed into the mountain, burst into flames and was destroyed. Blinkhorn and his three passengers were all killed, with the wreck only being discovered and recovered some time later. The aircraft (in sections) is on display at the S.A.A.F. Museum, Pretoria

Grave Reference:	Grave UL. 150.
Cemetery:	CAPE TOWN (PLUMSTEAD) CEMETERY

Localitly:	Western Cape
Country:	South Africa

Decorations:	Air Force Cross
Citations:	LG 8 June 1944 pg. 2665 - "A.F.C London Gazette 8 June 1945. The recommendation states: "Captain Blinkhorn has served in the Squadron on Communication work since 1940 having completed 1400 hours flying. He has a fine record free from accidents, and has flown regularly in all weather. His work has been mainly the piloting of high Officials of the Govt. and the Forces. This Officer's loyalty, zeal and ability in the performance of his duties have contributed materially to the efficient running of the Squadron."
Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Blinkhorn, of Cape Town. Born October 1900 at London, England. Enlisted in the Honourable Artillery Company, Reserve Battalion (No. 12401) on 5 November 1918, seeing no active service overseas (no Medal entitlement). A mechanical engineer, he emigrated to South Africa with his wife and child, settling in Wynberg, Cape Town. During the 1930s he learn to fly at Young's Field under Captain Duk and purchased a Spartan, also owning a Puss Moth and Leopard Moth. By the time of the Second World War was a Company Director upon his enlistent in the South African Air Force on 24 September 1940. Posted to the Reserve Communication Squadron as 2nd Lieutenant, he thence joined No. 61 Squadron and was advanced Captain. During the next five years, he racked up nearly 3000 hours flying and had carried 5083 passengers on his flights, including politicians, military officials and fellow pilots.