FRIENDS and neighbours paid a special tribute to an airman who was killed in Oxford during the First World War 99 years ago this week.

A “neatly-made aeroplane in flowers” from them was among the wreaths at the funeral of Flight Sergeant Arthur George Banfield Rodgman.

He was the third of 17 wartime fatalities associated with the pilot training aerodrome at Port Meadow.

On August 20, 1917, the 21-year-old had flown an RE8 two-seater reconnaissance aeroplane from Northolt, Middlesex, where he was based with 35 Training Squadron.

Peter Smith, of Arthur Street, Osney, Oxford, who has been researching the history of the Port Meadow base, tells me: “He was setting off to return having refuelled at Port Meadow, but he crashed near Wolvercote Manor Farm shortly after take-off, apparently after passing low over an old friend’s house he was paying respects to.

“Smoke was reported to have appeared and the aircraft entered a flat spin and nosedived into the ground from 100ft. The petrol tank exploded and the plane caught fire with flames reported to be up to 30ft high.”

A report in the Illustrated Oxford Journal read: “When flying at an altitude of about 100ft, the machine suddenly dived and crashed to the ground. The tank appeared to explode and the machine and its occupant were immediately consumed in flames in one of Mr Butterfield’s meadows.

“Help was at once forthcoming, Dr Bourne being one of the first on the scene, but owing to the flames, it was found impossible to get near the unfortunate man.

“The body was subsequently recovered in an almost unrecognisable condition.”

Two eye-witnesses, Fred Partlett and Mr W Higgs, of Boulter Street, Oxford, were fishing in Pixey Meadow when the aircraft flew 100ft above them.

The newspaper reported: “From the noise and speed of the engine, they came to the conclusion that all was not well. The machine suddenly lurched on to its head and nosedived to the earth. A sheet of flame about 30ft high shot up, the petrol tank evidently having burst.”

The two men ran to try to help the airmen, but could not get near him. A court of inquiry recorded a verdict of death by misadventure with no blame attached to the pilot.

Flight Sergeant Rodgman was born in Bristol on October 16, 1895 and enlisted with the Royal Flying Corps in October 1915.

He was promoted to Air Mechanic First Class in September 1916 and to Flight Sergeant in July 1917. He had been flying for five months when he was killed, and had been recommended for a commission. He is buried at Exeter, where his parents, George and Elizabeth Rodgman, lived.

A MEMORIAL is to be established to commemorate the 17 airmen associated with the Port Meadow base who died in the First World War.

More than £4,400 has been raised towards the £10,000 target, but more support is needed so that the memorial can be completed by 2017.

Peter Smith, chairman of the Wolvercote WW1 Aerodrome Memorial Project, writes: “We are pleased with progress so far with fund raising, but would appreciate more support now to ensure this memorial and information board happen. 

“Significant donations have come from the Doris Field Charitable Trust, Bernard Morris Trust and Somerville College, as well as donations from individuals – a heartfelt thank you to all who have donated so far.”

More information is available on the project’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/wolvercoteww1memorial) or from Mr Smith on 01865 728883.

The Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Tim Stevenson, has agreed to be the project’s Patron.

The aerodrome history is featured in a free exhibition at Oxford Town Hall – ‘Oxford’s Great War’ – which runs until October 8.