Virtual
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Australia

Born in York, Western Australia on 7th April 1897, Roy Mouritzen represented his school in the rowing team of 1915. He was a good all round sportsman.

He left college at the age of 19 and travelled to England, arriving in London on 17th June 1916, where he joined the Artists Rifles as a cadet. He soon passed the examination for entry into the Royal Flying Corps and obtained his commission as an observer. On 27th May 1917 he obtained his Pilots Wings and was posted to 37 Squadron at Stow Maries.

On 5th June 1917 he was the pilot of a 2 seat Sopwith 1½ Strutter A3805. Returning to the aerodrome he attempted a landing downwind 100yards from a hut. He opened the throttle and rose but struck a caravan, causing the aircraft to crash. He received injuries from which he was to die 2 hours later.

His last words were ‘Well boys, I have had bad luck, I hope you have better. Carry on.’ - SOURCE (37rfc.org)

Roy was born as Walter Roy MOURITZEN on 7th April, 1897 in York, Western Australia

His parents were Christian Frederik Ludvig MOURITZEN and Jenny Hansine Caroline BERG who were Danish Immigrants to Western Australia

He came to England from Perth, Western Australia to serve  in the Royal Flying Corps. He was also on the General List. He was 20 years old.

Supplement to the London Gazette on 8th March, 1917 (page 2354) General List (R.F.C.)

"The under mentioned cadets to be temporary 2nd Lieutenants on probation , 27th February , 1917)"  his name was listed

The summary below was completed by Cathy Sedgwick (OAM) – Facebook “WW1 Australian War Graves in England/UK/Scotland/Ireland”

Roy Walter Mouritzen was born in April, 1897 at York, Western Australia. According to Denmark Church Records - Wolter Roy Mouritzen was born on 9th April, 1897 at York, Australia & he was baptised on 19th March, 1899 at Garnisons, København, Danmark (Denmark).

Mr R. W. Mouritzen, Scholar, aged 19, was a passenger on “Kashgar”. He had departed from the port of Fremantle, Western Australia & disembarked at the Port of London, England on 17th June, 1916.

He joined the 2nd Artists Rifles, 28th Battalion, London Regiment as a cadet.

On 11th November, 1916 Cadet Roy Walter Mouritzen was posted to Oxford for training with Royal Flying Corps. He was transferred to 49 R.S. (Reserve Squadron) “Spittlegate” on 26th February, 1917.
Cadet Mouritzen was appointed Temporary Second Lieutenant – on probation with effect from 27th February, 1917.

Newspaper item – The West Australian, Perth, Western Australia – 3 March, 1917:
Mr C. F. Mouritzen, of Ord-street, has received advice by cable that his son, Mr Roy Mouritzen, has gained his commission in the Imperial Flying Corps. Mr Roy Mouritzen, who is only 19 years of age, was a student at Christian Brothers’ College, and he left the State about nine months ago to join the aviation school. His numerous friends will be pleased to learn of his advancement.

Temporary Second Lieutenant Mouritzen was transferred to 54 R.S. (Reserve Squadron) at Wyton on 26th March, 1917.

From 25th May, 1917 Second Lieutenant Roy Walter Mouritzen was appointed as Flying Officer.

On 5th June, 1917 Second Lieutenant Mouritzen was piloting a Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter (A8305) out of R.F.C. Woodham Mortimer, 3 miles WSW of Maldon, Essex, England. On returning to the aerodrome at dusk he attempted a landing downwind 100 yards from a hut. He opened the throttle and rose in order to miss a marquee but struck a caravan (which had arrived during his flight), causing the aircraft to crash when it landed. The plane was damaged beyond repair & Second Lieutenant Mouritzen sustained a fractured spine.

Second Lieutenant Roy Walter Mouritzen died on 5th June, 1917 from injuries sustained in a Flying accident.

A Court of Inquiry was held on 6th June, 1917 found that the crash was due to inexperience of the pilot.

He was buried on 10th June, 1917 in Ss. Mary and Margaret Churchyard, Stow Maries, Essex, England.

(The above is a summary of my research. The full research can be found by following the link below)

https://ww1austburialsuk.weebly.com/stow-maries.html