HISTORY buffs are hoping residents may be able to shed more light on the life of a man who was killed in a plane crash in Castle Bromwich 100 years ago today.
Lieutenant Percy Charles Moynihan lost his life after his aircraft collided with a tree as he attempted to take off on May 22, 1918.
Originally from Islington, London, Lt Moynihan had been a member of the 54 Training Squadron - part of the RAF, which had only been formed some seven weeks earlier.
The 27-year-old had acquired his aviator's licence in 1915 and had been made a flying officer less than a fortnight before he died.
He was one of many young pilots who lost their lives in the First World War. While aircraft had revolutionised warfare, they were notoriously dangerous and during the course of the conflict Britain reported more than 9,000 servicemen killed or missing in action.
Lt Moynihan, whose tragic accident occurred at around 3pm, is buried at St Mary and St Margaret's Church. He is not, however, among those named on the village's war memorial.
The story is the latest in a series unearthed by Solihull's heritage and local studies service. For the past four years, the organisation has been posting a succession of reports to mark the centenary of various events of local interest.
If you know more about Lt Moynihan's story, visit the Solihull Life website for details on how to get in touch.
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