Child victims of 1951 RAF plane crash (former Bidadari Cemetery)

A Royal Air Force (R.A.F) twin engine Hornet crashed in front of a home at East Coast Road on 10 August 1951. The pilot of the plane, Sergeant George Edmund Howson (27) died on the spot. Among the civilian casualties, the first to succumbed to their injuries and died was Pamela Mary Ganderton (3). Next was her brother, Phillip Ganderton (2). The third child to die was Michael Alphonso (5) who was mortally injured while trying to shield his 3 year old brother, Malcom Alphonso.

Those injured included, Malcom Alphonso (3), Mrs. Amy Alphonso (35), Mrs. Joyce Ganderton (28) and Mrs. Emma Nepos (34)

Child victims of RAF Plane Crash 

Philip Henry Ganderton (left) and Pamela Ganderton (source: NLB)

Damaged cause by the RAF plane

Mother on stretcher sees son buried 

Mrs. Joyce Ganderton lying on a stretcher with both her feet bandaged and her left arm in a sling, went to funeral of her 22 month old son, Philip. Soon after Philip was buried, 5 year old Michael Alphonso, another victim of the crash was buried beside Philip. Monsignor Bonamy of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd conducted the service for Philip Ganderton while Father Ashness of Katong Church conducted the service at the grave of Michael Alphonso. Two wreaths from 33rd R.A.F Squadron Teng and Station Tengah were sent. 

Mrs. Joyce Ganderton lying on a stretcher throws a handful of earth on her son's grave

Gravestone of Philip Henry Ganderton (source: NLB)

The Child Angel tombstones tragic story revealed 

With this 3 child angels tomb together in the picture below, i can now piece together the tragic story of who they are, -the victims of the RAF Hornet Crash on 10 August 1951. From left - Philip Ganderton, Pamela Ganderton (both in 1 plot ) and the one further right with the child angel on the taller pedestal belongs to Malcom Alphonso. 

Child angel tombstones reveals a tragic story (source: NLB)

Michael Nobert - beloved eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Alphonso
died 12 August 1951 aged 5 years (source: NLB )

References

Child Victims of RAF Plane Crash. (1951, August 13). Singapore Standard, page 1 

2 children die from crash injuries. (1951, August 13). Singapore Standard, page 1

Mother on stretcher sees son buried. (1951, August 14). The Straits Times, page 7 

Bidadari Christian Cemetery. Rojak Librarian