Love, William Arthur Loftus
William Arthur Loftus Love, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, son of William & Mary Love of Oxted, Surrey.
In 1937 he enrolled in the Natural Science Faculty at King’s College, London, graduating with a BSc in 1941, having specialised in Geography. He had also completed studies to obtain a diploma in Theology, thereby becoming an Associate of King’s College.
In November 1942 he was promoted from Pilot Officer to Flying Officer. The Air Ministry Form 1180 gives the following information about the crash on the evening of the 14th of March 1943:
“Aircraft climbed steeply after take-off, turned over on its back and dived into the ground. Investigation findings: Reason for accident obscure – possibly throttle nut was loose. Pilot unwise to climb at so slow speed.”
William Love was 29 years old.
Biographical
| Surname(s) | Love |
|---|---|
| First name(s) | William Arthur Loftus |
| Date of birth | 27 July 1913 |
| Family details | Son of William Alva Love and Mary Love, of Oxted, Surrey. |
| Previous education | St Saviours School |
| College | King's College London and/or King's College London Hospital |
| Dates at college | 1937-1941 |
| Dept / course | Faculty of Science |
| Qualifications | B.Sc.; A.K.C. |
| Military unit | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
| Service number | 124512 |
| War / conflict | World War Two (1939-1945) |
| Date of death | 14/03/1943 |
| Age at death | 29 |
| Rank at death | Flying Officer (Pilot) |
| Burial place | Haresfield (St. Peter) Churchyard |
| Commemoration(s) | King’ s College Chapel |
| Notes | The aircraft was an Avro Anson based at RAF Moreton Valence, the crash occurred at 7.30 pm as the aircraft took off for a night navigation exercise. The other crew member was Leading Aircraftsman Alfred James Aldham. |
| Sources | King’ s College London Archives; Commonwealth War Graves Commission; additional information contributed by Alec Jeakins |