The co-pilot's grave
Ted Haslam, the First Officer on the Hermes, who had injured his head in the forced landing, died at 5.30am on 31 May, having reached the safety of the oasis. The wooden cross made by the French soldiers was eventually replaced with a granite cross, and transported by camel to the cemetery at Lebgar, where the villagers have tended the grave.
Ted was a qualified pilot serving with Bomber Command during and after the war, with over 5,000 flying hours under his belt. Len Smee described him as a 'real gentleman'. Ted had been married to Olwen for just nine months before the crash. Ten years ago, Olwen visited Ted's grave for the first time with Rob Watt and another expedition. Last year's trip was her second visit.
