Private Peter J Townsend

Private Peter John Townsend served with 4 Platoon, B Company, 1 PARA.

Members of 4 Platoon, B Company, 1 PARA were in a Bedford 4 Tonner on their way to Warminster for a shooting day. When on the A303 just opposite Popham Airfield, the 4 tonner was clipped by a van and lost control and rolled over into a ditch at the side of the road.

Pte Townsend was sitting at the tailgate and was nearly thrown clear but unfortunately was trapped by the side of the wagon as the roof folded in. Pte Cook was also near the back but was trapped under the central seating spar which cut right across the small of his back. The vehicle was evacuated quickly and everyone thought Pte Townsend was the only injury, he was alive and semi-conscious at the time and was put in the first ambulance. Pte Alan Pitcher went back under the wagon and found Pte Cook who was still alive as well but despite Pte Pitcher’s best efforts administering first aid, while they tried to lift the vehicle up, Pte Cook died at the scene of the accident.

23 year old, Pte Townsend survived long enough to get to hospital but died of extensive internal injuries on the operating table on 8 November 1979.

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