Boston Harbor – May 2, 1925
On the morning of May 2, 1925, Lieutenant Alexander V. MacAulay, and his observer, Private Angus D. MacPhee, both of the Massachusetts National Guard, took off from East Boston Airport to join other military aircraft circling overhead for a formation flight over Boston in celebration of Loyalty Day. When MacAulay’s aircraft reached 800 feet, it suddenly went into a spin and dove into the mud flats of Boston Harbor.
Lt. MacAulay died later that day. Private MacPhee was seriously injured, but not fatally.
Lt. MacAulay, a veteran of World War I, was from Beverly, Massachusetts, and is buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery in that town. (See www.findagrave.com memorial #87490098) https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/87490098/alexander-vernon-macaulay
Sources:
New York Times, “Dies After Plane Dive, Honored As Safe Flyer”, May 3, 1925
The Pawtucket Times, (R. I.), “Bay State National Guard Airplane Falls 800 Feet; Two Airmen Escape Death”, May 2, 1925.
