Search for further remains at site of Spitfire crash after bones discovered

A search has begun for human remains at the site where a Second World War Spitfire crashed almost 70 years ago.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jul 2012, 07:00 BST

Police and experts are examining the site at the village of Westruther, Berwickshire after a group of voluntary excavators discovered bones last weekend. Initial tests say the bones are human.

An RAF Spitfire crashed in the Scottish Borders on January 16 1943, killing 20-year-old pilot Sergeant Malcolm Robertson from the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

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At the time, investigators said there was only one person on board the aircraft when it crashed shortly after embarking on a training flight from Drem air base, East Lothian where 602 Squadron were based.

Sergeant Robertson’s remains were interred at Craigton Cemetery in Glasgow.

Lothian and Borders Police and anthropologists from the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at Dundee University hope to conclude their search today.

Detective Superintendent Lesley Boal said: “Our primary objective is to safely and securely undertake a dignified recovery of any other human remains present at the previously excavated site. While we are unable to confirm identification at the moment, the next of kin of the deceased pilot has been contacted and we will continue to keep them updated.”

An initial report has been submitted and police are liaising with the Ministry of Defence.

Related topics:PoliceBerwickshireScottish Borders