Robert Andrew McConnochie was the son of William and Sarah, hailing from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, in the United Kingdom who served as part of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve before he died at 23 years of age.

Pilot R.A. McConnochie and 2nd pilot Harry Maynarrd Walsh were tasked with an Overseas Aircraft Delivery Unit flight for Malta via Gibraltar, crewed by No. 15 Operational Training Units personnel. They set off as part of a six man crew on the night of September 23rd 1941 between 23:04 and 23:19 in a Vickers Wellington IC Z8354 from the satellite station of Hampstead Norris alongside three other aircraft. On the return trip the Wellington’s port engine was faulty, and in an attempt to land at RAF Abingdon they crashed at Jarn Mound on Boars Hill at 03:20 on 24th September 1941 killing all on board.

The crash was documented by the national press supposedly due to the photography of young German man living nearby who caught the burnt out aircraft on film and was later arrested for spying.

R.A McConnochie is buried in grave 603 at Harwell Cemetery, a short walk from St Mathew’s church. Two members of the crew, Pilot Officer H.M. Walsh (RAAF) and Sergeant M.W. Foxon, are also buried at Harwell cemetery. Sergeant L.C. Marien was laid to rest at Leicester City Cemetery, Sergeant E Murch at Hounslow Cemetery and Sergeant F J Kemp at Marton St Paul Cemetery.