#4771, Christopher Albert de BATHE

Sir Christopher may have previously served with the 1st Highland Light Infantry. He inherited the title from his uncle in 1940 and died in 1941.
The manner of his death is so gruesome and bazaar as to be unbelievable if it weren't for an eye witness account. Sir Christopher was with other RAF colleagues to watch twin-engined aircraft practicing dive bombing manoeuvres over the golf course. It seems he and three others were walking across the practice ground when he was struck by an aircraft at very low level. This had the effect of decapitating him and he was killed instantly. The identity of the victim was reported at the time as being Christopher de Bathe.
Our picture of Christopher de Bathe, presumably with his mother is by courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery.