The Association has learned of the death of Lt Cdr Keith Richard Alderson RN on 9 January 2023 aged 85.
From Records
Keith served from 1954 to 1973
1960 892 NAS
1962 831 NAS
1963/64 893 NAS
1968 FDO2 HMS Hermes
1969 750 NAS
1972 ACRO HMS Ark Royal
*From References
Whilst flying Sea Venom WW221 of 831 Squadron Watton on 23 September 1963, during a night flight in poor weather, the aircraft ran out of fuel, unable to reach Watton, the aircrew ejected successfully and the aircraft crashed near Foulsham, Norfolk.
Lt K R Alderson & Lt M Walker unhurt.
Whilst flying Sea Vixen XJ577 of 893 Squadron Victorious on 21 April 1965, on Victorious, the engines failed on catapult launch, the starboard engine was seen to be on fire, the pilot reported fire indications from both engines. The pilot ejected safely, the aircraft ditched ahead of the ship and the observer was found dead below the surface of the sea in the parachute which failed to deploy 25° 29’N 127° 48’E possible titanium fire.
Lt K R Alderson recovered uninjured, S/L J E Rainsbury killed.
*Fleet Air Arm Fixed-Wing Aircraft Since 1946 by Ray Sturtivant, Mick Burrow & Lee Howard