down, the other machines also made a descent, Major Brearley landing in a cleared field a mile and a half to the north. Fawcett flew close overhead to ascertain the trouble, but Taplin moved him up with a signal to await ten minutes. Having ascended somewhat, Fawcett circled the ground and thus came in obliquely flying low over the scrub. Suddenly, and without warning, the plane nose-dived from about 50ft. up, being completely smashed
on striking the earth. The unfortunate pilot and mechanic were terribly injured, and died within a minute of being lifted from the machine by Lieut. Taplin and Mr. J. Trestrail, mechanic. No clue to the accident could be found on examining the machine, both Major Brearley and Lieut. Taplin agreeing that the engine was in perfect condition.
An inquest on the bodies was held during the day, with Mr. M. P. Durack, M.L.A., one of the passengers, as the Coroner. The jury was satisfied that the deaths were due to an aeroplane accident, the cause of which they left to technical inquiry.
Later the victims were buried in the Murchison House cemetery, near the scene of their death.
Edward Wilson Broad enlisted in the Royal Air Force in London in November, 1914, and joined the 24th Squadron, serving 20 months In France, after which he was transferred to England as instructor. He arrived in W.A. in March of this year and was in the employ of the State Implement Works for some time before joining the "Airways." He resided with Mr. Robert Duncan, Miss M B. Broad and Mrs. Duncan, sisters and brother-in-law of the late mechanic.
The deceased's parents, Thomas Broad and Edith Wilson Mead, were married in October 1881 at Alderbury, Wiltshire, England. Their family of two boys and three girls were: Harold Wilson born 1882 in London; Mary Beatrice born 1885 in London; Edith May born 2 January 1888 in West Ham, Essex; and another daughter.
