Postcard: George Nairn

Postcard: George Nairn

Photo: B. Chandler

Photo: B. Chandler

There is also a family headstone which reads:

The Yorkshire Post 27/03/1919 reports:-

An inquest was held at Newcastle last night on Lieut. Fred Fenwick (32) R.A.F. test pilot Newcastle Aerodrome of Newcastle and John Hy. Underwood (21) wireless mechanic of London who lost their lives on Monday through a machine, piloted by Fenwick, fouling the cable of a stationary balloon at Newcastle Aircraft Exhibition. The evidence showed Underwood was taken up to give a wireless telephonic demonstration and Capt. Alston suggested that the accident was due to the sun being in the pilot's eyes and his miscalculating the distance from the cable. The work was quite routine. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned in each case.

Frederick Fenwick was born in 1888 at Newbiggin by the Sea, the youngest son of Henry and Sarah Jane Fenwick.

In 1891 the family is at Quarry House North Seaton. Henry is a Gardener. By 1901 Henry has died and the family are at Mitford. Joseph is a Printer Compositer, James is a Grocer's assistant, John Waddell is a Plumber's Assistant and Frederick at 13 was still at school.

In 1911 Frederick and his mother are living at 24 Brighton Grove Fenham. Frederick is a Draughtsman (Engineering)

Fred enlisted in September 1914 and joined the 9th Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers (12102). He went to France 15/07/1915.

In February 1916 Frederick left the Northumberland Fusiliers to become an Officer Cadet. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps 06/07/1916 and served with them till the end of the war.

Lieut. Fenwick was given a full military funeral as can be seen from the two photographs.

John Henry Underwood's name is on a panel at Manor Park Cemetery Essex.

Fred Fenwick is remembered at Fenham on F31.29

The CWGC entry for Lieutenant Fenwick