Photo: B. Chandler

The Geordie at War Project states:

Sgt. Nubley’s unit was Operational training Unit, which shows that he had completed his RAF pilot’s training and was undergoing operational level training prior to posting to a squadron. His crew consisted of: Sgt. G.J. McGill-Nutt (Pilot); Sgt. J.A. Taylor (wireless operator) and Sgt. E.P. Smith (air gunner).

They took off from Bassingbourn in Vickers Wellington 1c T2556 ‘K’ of 11 O.T.U. for night flying practice on 15th October 1941. At approx.. 2035 hours, in poor weather, the bomber overshot the airfield, stalled and crashed, a fire breaking out immediately. It is reported that Sgt. Smith escaped “virtually unscathed”. The remaining members of the unit died in the crash.

Sgt. McGill-Nutt of the RNZAF rests in Bassingbourn cum Kneesworth Cemetery; Sgt. Nuble lies in Benwell (St.James) Cemetery, Newcastle upon Tyne, and Sgt. Taylor is interred at the City of London Cemetery, Manor Park, East Ham.

Whilst Sgt. E.P. Smith survived this crash unscathed, it is possible that he is the same E.P. Smith listed on the Commonwealth War Graves website as being lost 28 November 1942 whilst serving with 58 Squadron.
Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses Volume 7: Operational training Units 1940-1947; W.R. Chorley; 2002; Midland Publishing; ISBN 1 85780 132 6.

John Greener Nubley is remembered on page 82 of M46.02

The CWGC entry for Sergeant Nubley