Cernak Crash Diorama
RAF Upottery Commission

On the 4th June 1943 “ A” flight from Czechoslovakian Squadron 313 based at RAF Culmhead (Formerly RAF Church Stanton ) was ordered to take off and undertake low flying practice that included “Mock” Attacks on trains travelling on the Plymouth to Bristol main railway line in the Bradford upon Tone/ Hillfarrance area, 4 miles West of Taunton.

During the mission at around 1120am an express from Plymouth to Liverpool was spotted heading North to Taunton and so following orders the flight decided to undertake a mock “attack” on the train
One of the pilot’s F/O Jaroslav Cermak made an “attack” approaching the carriages from the west and then at the last minute skipping over the train. He then turned and heading to the train again, this time from the east to the west this time from an angle of 45 degrees.

Unfortunately either due to Pilot error or mechanical failure he suddenly lost Power and instead of pulling up over the train The aircraft lost speed, and hit the roof of the second coach with his port wingtip.

Due to the trains speed this had the effect of rotating the aircraft on to its back and the aircraft crashed into the adjoining field on the western side of the field about 100 yards from the railway line where it exploded killing the pilot instantly, with the Aircraft remains catching fire.
Cermak is buried in the Wellington Rd cemetery, Taunton

Fortunately and due to the fact the Aircraft just “ clipped” the railway coach, it only sustained a broken window However a female passenger, a Naval Wren on route from Plymouth to Liverpool was hit by flying glass and was taken off the train at Taunton to be treated, after which she continued her journey on a later train.