Aviation Crashes and Related Incidents 1942
07-01-1942
1104hrs
Avro Anson I AX229 attached to 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit at RAF St Eval crashed into the sea off Fistral Bay, Newquay, the three occupants were slightly injured.
07-01-1942
0430hrs
Vickers Wellington Z9040 of the Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit at RAF Portreath on a flight to Gibraltar crashed shortly after take-off 4 miles off Portreath.
07-01-1942
1820hrs
The body of a British airman Sgt Leslie Jennings 922094 of RAF St Portreath (one of the crew of Wellington Z9040), was landed at St Ives, having been picked up in the sea 1 mile off Hells Mouth, St Ives.
08-01-1942
1600hrs
The body of an Australian airman Sergeant H W Tindley 400546 (one of the crew of Wellington Z9040), was found at North Cliffs, 3 miles N of Camborne Police Station.
12-01-1942
1445hrs
a British sea mine is washed ashore at Crackington Haven. Near Bude.
12-01-1942
Supermarine Spitfire IIa P7991 of 66 Squadron based at RAF Portreath crashed on approach to RNAS St Merryn.
13-01-1942
0950hrs
Fairey Swordfish I P4201 S6-G of 774 Squadron RNAS St Merryn ditched 2 miles N of Boscastle. Sub-Lieutenant A G Penny and LAC A E Renwick are safe. Air Gunner LAC R J Hale was killed.
14-01-1942
1914hrs
3 High Explosive bombs dropped on No 4 runway at RAF Predannack, 2 RAF personnel are injured.
15-01-1942
Vickers Wellington Z9043 of the Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit at RAF Portreath is missing on a flight to Gibraltar.
17-01-1942
Bristol Beaufort II AW299 from RAF St Eval crashed in a field at Trewarrian, 2 miles NE of St Mawgan Police House. The aircraft is only slightly damaged and 2 members of the crew were slightly injured. 19/ 20-01-1942
Vickers Wellington Z8504 of the Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit at RAF Portreath is missing on a flight to Gibraltar.
24-01-1942
1041hrs
two Supermarine Spitfire IIa’s P7843 LZ-? named `Aldergrove` and P8430 LZ-? of 66 Squadron based at RAF Portreath collided and fell into the sea 2 to 3 miles SSW of Porthleven. Rescue aircraft were sent out but nothing was found.
29-01-1942
Lockheed Hudson Mark III AM946 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit at RAF Portreath reported missing on a flight to Gibraltar.
30-01-1942
0527hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V T4328 YG-? 502 Squadron at RAF St Eval overshot on landing after operations and hit an air raid shelter. 17
01-02-1942
1540hrs
Bristol Beaufighter IIf of 600 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force from RAF Predannack crashed on the downs between Kynance Farm and the Cliffs of the Lizard. The aircraft is badly damaged but the 2 occupants were uninjured.
01-02-1942
1542hrs
Supermarine Spitfire of 130 Squadron at RAF Portreath crashed on Little Trethavas Farm, Predannack the aircraft was badly damaged.
04-02-1942
Supermarine Spitfire Vb AD412 NN-? 310 Squadron RAF Perranporth. Missing on patrol off Lands End.
07-02-1942
1605hrs
Hawker Hurricane IIc BN220 ZY-? 247 Squadron spun into the ground during aerobatics 600 yards West of RAF Predannack. F/Sgt N W R Wood was killed.
09-02-1942
Supermarine Spitfire Vb BL326 PJ-? 130 Squadron crashed on take off from RAF Perranporth when it lost power just after becoming airborne, and hit a parked Curtiss P40 Tomahawk. 14/02/1042 Lockheed Hudson V AM717 1 OADU/24 Squadron RAF Portreath took off on a ferry flight. The engine cut shortly after and the aircraft force landed near Porthtowan, Redruth.
14-02-1942
Supermarine Spitfire Vb AD414 NN-? 310 Czech Squadron based at RAF Perranporth swung on take-off and hit the top of an aircraft pen. F/Lt Miroslav Kredba 81895 was killed.
15-02-1942
Consolidated Liberator 1 G-AGDR of BOAC was shot down off the Eddystone Lighthouse by a Spitfire.
18-02-1942
Bristol Beaufort II AW279 86 Squadron RAF St Eval. Took off in haze and pilot lost control and crashed half a mile NW of St Merryn.
20-02-1942
1420hrs
Blackburn Shark II K4881 of 774 Squadron RNAS St Merryn crashed in a field at Truas Farm, Tintagel 11/2 miles SW of Tintagel Police house. The aircraft was extensively damaged and the two occupants injured.
25-02-1942
de Havilland Queen Bee P4751 of the Pilotless Aircraft Unit/1 Anti- Aircraft co-operation Unit RAF Cleave crashed in sea off Cleave.
26-02-1942
Supermarine Spitfire IIa P7299 of 66 Squadron at RAF Portreath was struck while parked by another Spitfire and was written-off.
04-03-1942
Supermarine Spitfire Vb AD369 PJ-? 130 Squadron based at RAF Perranporth was been damaged beyond repair in a heavy landing. Sgt Jarvey was rescued from the wreckage.
07-03-1942
de Havilland Queen Bee P4750 of the Pilotless Aircraft Unit/1 Anti-Aircraft co-operation Unit RAF Cleave crashed in sea 2 miles North of Bude.
07-03-1942
1830hrs
Armstrong-Whitworth Whitley GR VII Z9366 of 502 Squadron based at RAF St Eval swung on take-off for a test flight overshot the runway and caught fire.
08-03-1942
2300hrs
Lockheed Hudson V AM535 ZS-? 233 Squadron RAF St Eval crashed in a field at Lower Treburrick Farm, St Ewain 4 miles NE of St Mawgan. The aircraft was completely burnt-out and the three occupants died.
15-03-1942
1500hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vb BL241 AZ-E of 234 Squadron based at Ibsley, Hampshire crashed in a field on Lower Thorne Farm, 2½ miles NW of St Neot Police house. The aircraft was badly damaged and F/Lt James Edward Hogg 61241 was killed.
15-03-1942
1525hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vb AA726 AZ-C of 234 Squadron based at Ibsley, Hampshire crashed on Trenance Downs, 2 miles NW of St Austell Police Station. The aircraft was badly damaged and the pilot Sgt Gray was seriously injured.
15-03-1942
1645hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vb AA725 AZ-F of 234 Squadron based at Ibsley, Hampshire crashed in a field at Polmartin Farm, 3 miles NW of Lerryn Police house. The aircraft was slightly damaged P/O Cameron was uninjured.
15-03-1942
1715hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vb BL668 AZ-K 234 Squadron based at Ibsley, Hampshire crashed in a field at Tremoreland Farm, Bodmin, 4½ miles NE of Bodmin Police Station. The aircraft was badly damaged and P/O Locke sustained serious injuries. The above aircraft had been returning from an Anti-Shipping Escort to Lockheed Hudsons when the weather closed in six of the squadron managed to land at Exeter. S/L Birchfield ordered the other six to climb above cloud and proceed inland, he then lead them down again but was unaware that they were over the high ground of Bodmin Moor. S/L Birchfield and another member of the squadron managed to avoid flying into the ground. 18
18-03-1942
1545hrs
Bristol Beaufighter Ic T4937 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit based at RAF Portreath crashed in a field on a hill at Trembleath Farm, St Mawgan in bad visibility. The aircraft was completely burnt-out and the two occupants killed.
18-03-1942
Supermarine Spitfire IIa P7999 of 66 Squadron swerved on take-off from RAF Portreath and crashed.
20-03-1942
1415hrs
Supermarine Spitfire II P7363 of 66 Squadron stalled at low altitude and crashed into the sea 5 miles WNW of Portreath near Gull Rock. The pilot was killed.
24-03-1942
2155 hours Supermarine Spitfire Vc AB496 LZ-? of 66 Squadron at RAF Portreath crashed into a field at Trevissa Farm, 1¼ miles from St Erth Police house. The aircraft was smashed and burnt-out the pilot was killed after colliding with AB462 during night flying practice.
24-03-1942
2155hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vc AB462 LZ-W of 66 Squadron at RAF Portreath crashed into a field at Frithen Farm, 1½ miles SW of St Erth Police house. The aircraft was smashed and burnt-out the pilot was killed.
24-03-1942
2315hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley GR VII Z6763 YG-? 502 Squadron based at St Eval swung on take-off and the undercarriage collapsed.
24-03-1942
de Havilland Queen Bee V4801 of 1 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit was shot down by ground gunners off Cleave.
25-03-1942
1522hrs
Handley Page Hampden AT118 VN-? 50 Squadron based at Swinderby, Lincolnshire forcelanded after engine failure but crashed at Roswidney Farm, Ludgvan 1½ miles NE of Crowlas Police house. The aircraft was completely burnt-out but the crew of four were safe.
27-03-1942
de Havilland Queen Bee P4706 of 1 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit RAF Cleave crashed in sea off Cleave.
27-03-1942
de Havilland Queen Bee P4808 of the Aircraft Unit/ 1 Ant-Aircraft co-operation Unit RAF Cleave crashed 2 miles North of Cleave.
28-03-1942
Lockheed Hudson III V8984 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit RAF Portreath undercarriage failed on landing after an aborted ferry flight.
29-03-1942
1615hrs
de Havilland Hornet Moth AW118 of 78 Signals Wing detached to Harrowbeer, Devon force-landed through lack of fuel at Highway, Lanteglos-by-Fowey, 2 miles N.N.E of Polruan Police house. The aircraft was undamaged and the two occupants safe.
05-04-1942
2225hrs
Bristol Beaufighter VIf X7960 BQ-? 600 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force from RAF Predannack crashed at Goonhilly Downs, 3½ miles SW of St Keverne Police house. The two occupants a Sgt Pilot and Observer were badly injured and the aircraft was extensively damaged.
12-04-1942
1108hrs
two Supermarine Spitfire Vb aircraft BL497 & AD420 of 310 Czechoslovakian Squadron collided in mid-air near RAF Perranporth. F/Lt Zimprich 81904 flying BL497 severed the tail of aircraft AD420 causing it to crash on Gear Sands, 1 mile NE of Perranporth Police Station this aircraft was badly damaged and the pilot F/Sgt Halama 788017 was killed. Flight Lieutenant Stanislav Zimprich ditched his aircraft in the sea 1 mile N of Perranporth Police Station but he was washed away and drowned. His body was washed ashore 3 months later at Coombe Martin, North Devon.
12-04-1942
A Farmer found a machine-gun and ammunition lying in a field at Trevissa Farm, St Erth.
17-04-1942
Hawker Henley TT III L3293 of 1 Anti Aircraft Co-operation Unit based at RAF Cleave ditched off the Cornish Coast.
19-04-1942
Bristol Beaufighter If T4936 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit RAF Trebelzue. Missing on ferry flight to Gibraltar
28-04-1942
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley GR VII Z9153 GE-? 58 Squadron RAF St Eval suffered engine failure and struck an obstruction whilst landing at Okehampton airfield.
10-05-1942
Vickers Wellington Mark X HF829 of No 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit at RAF Portreath returned to base shortly after take-off owing to low boost, the aircraft rapidly lost height on the approach, undershot the runway and hit a hedge.
11-05-1942
1555hrs
Blackburn Roc Target Tug L3180 of 792 Squadron at RNAS St Merryn crashed at Tregolds Farm, St Merryn. The aircraft was a total wreck and of the two occupants one was seriously injured and one dead.
16-05-1942
Supermarine Spitfire Vb AD476 QV-? 19 Squadron based at RAF Perranporth hit a fuel bowser while taxying, injuring the pilot Sgt J Sokol. 19
16-05-1942
Lockheed Hudson V AM521 PZ-? 53 Squadron RAF St Eval. Crashed on landing at RNAS St Merryn in bad weather and hit a gun emplacement.
22-05-1942
An aircraft windscreen was found in a field at Penpont, 1 mile NNW of Blisland Police house. RNAS St Merryn has been informed.
24-05-1942
1105hrs
a Fairey Fulmar I N1861 of 762 Squadron Fleet Air Arm at RNAS St Merryn crashed in a field at Fernacre Farm, 3 miles NNE of St Breward Police house. The sole occupant was dead and the aircraft a total wreck.
25-05-1942
1000hrs
part of a pilots cowl frame was found at Forge Farm, Mawla, Camborne.
27-05-1942
1305hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vb W3851 PJ-? 130 Squadron based at RAF Perranporth emerged from cloud and crashed in a field ¼ of a mile E of Breage. The aircraft was totally wrecked and P/O Robert Wigington 78495 was killed.
29-05-1942
Lockheed Hudson IV FH245 of 1444 Flight based at RAF Portreath swung on take-off and suffered an undercarriage collapse.
01-06-1942
1330hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley AD698 77 Squadron RAF Chivenor flew into 300 feet high cliffs on Lundy Island in bad visibility returning from an A/S patrol. 6 killed.
02-06-1942
Bristol Beaufighter Ic T4899 of Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit crashed on approach to RAF Portreath.
03-06-1942
Two Supermarine Spitfire Vb aircraft W3937 & BL341 of 130 Sqdn and 234 Sqdn collided while on a Convoy Patrol, BL341 ditched off RAF St Eval and Sgt Leblond was rescued by a vessel from the convoy. W3937 crash-landed at RAF Portreath.
04-06-1942
0308hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z6734 YG-? 502 Sqdn at RAF St Eval returning from operations swung on landing after engine failure, and the undercarriage collapsed, crew safe.
04-06-1942
1615hrs
de Havilland Tiger Moth N6598 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit, RAF Portreath on taking off from St Mary’s aerodrome Isles of Scilly for the return journey ditched in the sea near Porthellick Head, Isles-of-Scilly. The two occupants are safe having been rescued by the RAF.
07-06-1942
A Bristol Beaufighter IVf of 600 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force RAF Portreath shot down a Junkers Ju88 while on a convoy escort patrol off the north coast of Cornwall. The Beaufighter was damaged by return fire and the starboard engine was put out of action and the port damaged, which later failed causing the aircraft to crash into the sea. P/O Albert B Harvey 106869 managed to free himself from the cockpit, but his navigator F/O Bernard B Wicksteed 60434 was trapped in the fuselage and only managed to free himself when the aircraft hit the seabed thirty feet down. They were 7 miles off Portreath and came ashore at dawn and were rescued by a party of civilians and Marines.
10-06-1942
1204hrs
de Havilland Tiger Moth N6619 of the Station Flight RAF Portreath crashed on Porthellick Moors, Isles-of-Scilly. The pilot is safe and the aircraft is only slightly damaged.
13-06-1942
Hawker Hurricane X 1449 Flt St Marys, Isles of Scilly was abandoned 30 miles NE of St Marys when the engine caught fire.
16-06-1942
Bristol Beaufort II AW303 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit, RAF Portreath. On ferry flight to Gibraltar had an engine failure and ditched near Ericeira, Portugal.
17-06-1942
1505hrs
Miles Magister N3823 of 234 Squadron at RAF Portreath crashed at Bridge, Illogan. The two occupants were killed and the aircraft completely smashed.
18-06-1942
1325hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley GR VII Z9161 GE-? 58 Squadron RAF St Eval had engine failure whilst being diverted due to bad weather and ditched in the sea 3 miles SW of Bude Police Station. The crew of five were uninjured and were rescued by a Supermarine Walrus W3026 AQ-N of 276 Squadron the aircraft was unable to take off and taxied into Bude.
19-06-1942
de Havilland Queen Bee P4772 of the Pilotless Aircraft Unit/ 1 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit RAF Cleave crashed at Sandy Cove near Bude.
19-06-1942
Bristol Beaufighter Ic T5156 ND -? 236 Squadron RAF Predannack. Flew into the sea while on a shipping escort 10 miles SSW of Scilly Isles.
30-06-1942
1025hrs
Hawker Sea Hurricane I Z4847 7-B of 748 Squadron at RNAS St Merryn crashed in a field at Lamellion Farm 2 miles ENE of St Minver Police house. The aircraft suffered extensive damage but the pilot was only slightly injured. 20
01-07-1942
1615hrs
Vickers Wellington Ic X9637 SJ-V of 21 Operational Training Unit Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire crashed into the sea 2 miles S of Fowey Police Station while on a navigation sortie. The aircraft broke up and caught fire on impact. The crew P/O R E C Elsworth (Pilot); Sgt F D Schmeltz RCAF (Navigator); Sgt J F Clark (Navigator); Sgt R E Thompson (Air Bomber); Sgt G R Waters (Wireless Operator); Sgt R. Cunningham (Air Gunner); Sgt G B Amery (Air Gunner). Only two bodies were recovered those of Sergeant Schmeltz and Sergeant Clark.
04-07-1942
Lockheed Hudson I V9111 of 1404 Flight at RAF St Eval flew into high ground near St Eval in bad visibility.
10-07-1942
Lockheed Hudson I V9174 of 1404 Flight caught fire while refuelling at RAF St Eval.
10-07-1942
de Havilland Queen Bee P4764 of the Pilotless Aircraft Unit/ 1 Ant-Aircraft co-operation Unit RAF Cleave crashed at Langtree.
10-07-1942
1230hrs
Fairey Fulmar X8756 of 887 Squadron FAA at RNAS St Merryn crashed in a field at Trelossa Farm, Philliegh, 3 miles NNW of Porthscatho Police house. The sole occupant was uninjured.
12-07-1942
1214hrs
Bristol Beaufighter VIc X7958 crashed in a field on Penhale Farm, Grade Ruan, 1¼ miles E of Mullion Police house. The aircraft suffered extensive fire damage and of the two occupants one was slightly injured.
12-07-1942
Supermarine Spitfire Vb BL313 AZ-? of 234 Squadron based at RAF Portreath suffered engine failure on take-off from RAF Perranporth and hit a dispersal hut. The pilot Sgt W A Chisholm was injured.
14-07-1942
Bristol Beaufort II AW307 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit, RAF Portreath. On a ferry flight to Gibraltar had engine failure and ditched off Motril, Spain.
15-07-1942
Vickers Wellington VIII HX396 WN -J of 172 Sqdn, RAF Chivenor crash-landed at RAF Portreath after sustaining damage in combat with an Arado Ar196 while on Anti-Submarine patrol.
19-07-1942
1040hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vc EN888 PJ-? 130 Squadron from RAF Perranporth suffered flak damage from a ship and attempted to reach RAF Predannack but crashed into the sea 3½ miles SE of St Keverne Police house. The aircraft sank but the pilot was rescued.
21-07-1942
1450hrs
Lockheed Hudson III T9460 of 1404 (Met) Flight crashed into the cliffs at Port Quinn, 1¾ miles from Port Isaac Police house. The four occupants were killed and the aircraft completely wrecked.
21-07-1942
1530hrs
North American Mustang I AG540 SP-? 400 Squadron RCAF RAF Middle Wallop was on a low level navigation flight, partly over the sea in foggy conditions, crashed in a field 100 yards inland on the side of a hill at Gurnards Head, Zennor, 4 miles NE of Boscaswell Police house. The aircraft was wrecked and the pilot F/Lt J McGrath was killed.
23-07-1942
1530hrs
Miles Magister R1976 from RAF Perranporth crashed in a field at Bush’s Farm, Redruth.
24-07-1942
0855hrs
Bristol Beaufort II AW288 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit RAF Portreath crashed at Rosgrogga Chapel, Camborne. Broke out of low cloud and crashed into a building.
25-07-1942
Hawker Hurricane Mk X of 1449 Flt St Marys, Isles of Scilly. Undershot landing and undercarriage leg collapsed.
25-07-1942
Bristol Beaufort II AW274 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit RAF Portreath. Stalled on take off and wing hit the ground and collided with Whirlwind P7116 236 Squadron. Aircraft burnt out.
28-07-1942
1620hrs
North American Mustang I AG478 XV-? 2 Squadron based at RAF Sawbridgeworth crashed at Castle-an-Dinas, Madron, 2½ miles N of Chyandour Police Station. The aircraft was completely smashed and P/O B E Hawes was killed.
30-07-1942
1430hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley GR VII Z9192 YG-? 502 Squadron from RAF St Eval crashed in a field at Merlin Farm, St Mawgan, 1½ miles from St Mawgan Police house. The aircraft was completely burnt-out and the crew of six and two RAF passengers killed.
01-08-1942
1555hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z6723 JL-? of 10 Operational Training Unit detachment at RAF St Eval overshot on landing and the undercarriage collapsed.
03-08-1942
1520hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley GR VII Z9190 YG-J of 502 Squadron St Eval crashed on Hayle Beach, 1 mile NW of Hayle Police Station. The aircraft was extensively damaged and of the crew of six, two are seriously injured; one slightly injured and the remaining three are safe.
04-08-1942
1250hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Ia X4551 of 53 Operational Training Unit force-landed in a field at Tregarrick Farm, St Tudy, 1¼ miles NW of St Breward Police house. There was damage to the undercarriage and propeller the pilot was slightly injured. 21
04-08-1942
1415hrs
Fairey Fulmar N4078 of 887 Squadron RNAS St Merryn crashed in a field at Trevinnick Farm, 2 miles NW of St Kew Highway Police house. The aircraft was extensively damaged.
06-08-1942
1930hrs
two High Explosive bombs are dropped at St Breward, 100 yards from St Breward Police house. The Sunday school used as a rest centre was demolished, 30 other houses slightly damaged including the Police house. Telephone wires and water main affected, services informed, water main affected the whole water supply in Bodmin town. One person is seriously injured (boy of 9 years dead), and two slightly injured.
06-08-1942
During a raid on Truro the Luftwaffe dropped a bomb on the Royal Cornwall Infirmary which killed Flt/O Mary Cecely Polglase WAAF from RAF Portreath who was being cared for while sick.
09-08-1942
de Havilland Queen Bee P4769 of the Pilotless Aircraft Unit/ 1 Ant-Aircraft co-operation Unit RAF Cleave was shot down by A/A fire into sea off Cleave.
19-08-1942
2330hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley GR VII Z9524 of 58 Squadron RAF Chivenor, Devon. Ditched in sea between Scillies and Lands End after engine failure.
21-08-1942
2142hrs
Bristol Beaufighter VIf X8006 BQ-? 600 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force RAF Predannack crashed into the sea 2 miles NE of Lizard Police house. The aircraft submerged and the two occupants P/O Yielder and Sgt Peacock missing presumed drowned.
23-08-1942
de Havilland Queen Bee P4820 of the Pilotless Aircraft Unit/ 1 Ant-Aircraft co-operation Unit RAF Cleave crashed on approach to Cleave
25-08-1942
1340hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vb AR422 QV-?19 Squadron RAF Perranporth returning to base in bad weather struck the hill top crashing on wasteland at Cocksbarrow, Carthew, 21/2 miles NNW of St Austell Police Station. The aircraft was completely smashed and P/O I M Munday was seriously injured.
27-08-1942
Lockheed Hudson III T9438 of 1404 (Met) Flight RAF St Eval suffered an engine cut and belly-landed at St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly.
27-08-1942
2117hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z9133 MH-F of 51 Squadron based at RAF Chivenor, Devon crashed after engine failure on return from an Anti-Submarine patrol at Eastern Green Beach, Long Rock, near St Michael’s Mount, 1 mile E of Chyandour Police Station. The six occupants were uninjured; the aircraft has damage to the undercarriage and was also covered by the high tide.
28-08-1942
de Havilland Queen Bee L7748 of No 1 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit based at Cleave crashed on landing.
02-09-1942
1335hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vb AB178 PJ-N of 130 Squadron from RAF Perranporth crashed in a field at Rosewarne Farm, Camborne. The aircraft’s propeller and undercarriage were damaged and the pilot Sgt S O Appleby was slightly injured.
03-09-1942
1215hrs
Miles Magister P6353 from RAF Scorton, Yorkshire landed in a field at Tregongon Farm, Ruan Highlanes, 1½ miles NW of Veryan Police Station. The aircraft was undamaged and the pilot safe.
05-09-1942
2225hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z6481 JL-? of 10 Operational Training Unit detachment RAF St Eval returned from an Anti-Submarine patrol undershot the runway and crashed at Higher Denzell Farm, 2 miles N N E of St Mawgan Police Station. The aircraft was badly damaged and five of the six crew were injured they are; P/O D F S Bertera; F/O N S Grant; Sgt B A Stoker; Sgt W G Fewell and Sgt L H H Stipt.
08-09-1942
2145hrs
Lockheed Hudson III V8987 OS-Y of 279 Squadron RAF St Eval crashed in a field at Trevillidor Farm, St Eval 1¾ miles NE of St Mawgan Police House. The aircraft was completely burnt out and the four occupants Sgt Garrard, Sgt Redhead, Sgt Schulty and Sgt Logan were killed.
12-09-1942
1300hrs
Supermarine Spitfire V crash-landed at Feock a ¼ mile N of Feock Post Office. The aircraft was not seriously damaged and the pilot was uninjured.
16-09-1942
Vickers Wellington BM661 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Dispatch Unit at RAF Portreath suffered an engine fire on route to Gibraltar and ditched 15 miles southwest of the Isles of Scilly.
17-09-1942
2100hrs
Lockheed Hudson III AM792 MK-? of 500 Squadron RAF St Eval crashed at New Down, Pillaton, St Mellion 1½ miles W of St Mellion Police House. The aircraft was badly damaged, of the four occupants two are safe.
18-09-1942
1230hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z6974 JL-? of 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval took off on an Air Test but crashed in flames almost immediately with engine failure . Sgt D G Murray RCAF although very seriously injured recovered. F/Sgt W W Evans RCAF, A/C 1st Class R E L Stevens and A/C 2nd Class G P Hunter were killed. 22
19-09-1942
1640hrs
Fairchild Argus EV994 of the Air Transport Auxiliary from No 2 Ferry Pilots Pool at Whitchurch, Bristol force landed at Suffenton Farm, St Teath 4 miles S SW of Camelford Police Station. The aircraft was intact and the pilot safe. The pilot informed Bristol, RAF St Eval and RNAS St Merryn.
20-09-1942
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V G-AGDY of BOAC (formerly BD386) was damaged at RAF Portreath.
26-09-1942
0145hrs
Sgt E S P Fox flying a Bristol Beaufighter VIf of 406 Squadron RCAF based at RAF Predannack claimed a Junkers Ju88 destroyed SW of the Lizard.
26-09-1942
0215hrs
S/L Denis Chetwynd Furse 62320 and his Radar Operator P/O John Haddon Downes 110132 flying Bristol Beaufighter Mark VIf X8226 of 406 Squadron RCAF RAF Predannack. Destroyed a Dornier Do217E Werk Nummer 4349 U5+IH of 1 Staffel KG2 over St Just the German crew were made prisoners of war.
27-09-1942
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V AD708 of 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval returning with engine failure from an Anti-Submarine patrol, landed at 0745hrs on the short runway and swung out of control and the undercarriage collapsed. As the crew scrambled clear a fire broke out W/O Class II D H Thompson RCAF suffered burns. The other crew members Sgt C N Ellis, Sgt A T Wall, P/O H S Smith, Sgt D Thomas and Sgt E Campell were uninjured.
29-09-1942
1830hrs
Vickers Wellington HF921 ‘M’ of 311 Czech Squadron based at Talbenny, Wales ditched 10 miles S of Lands End. S/L J Sejbl (Pilot); Flight Sgt V Kubalik (Pilot); F/O K Slama (Pilot) and Sgt J Bajer (WOp) were rescued suffering from shock and exposure. Sgt J Stern (Air Gunner) was rescued injured, but P/O P Friedlander (Air Gunner) missing.
01-10-1942
RAF Davidstow Moor taken over by the RAF prior to being completed, as every airfield in the south west is required for ‘Operation Torch’ the landings in North Africa.
08-10-1942
1350hrs
Bristol Beaufighter VIc T5141 of 235 Squadron based at RAF Chivenor, Devon was seen to crash into the sea off Pendean Lighthouse, 1½ miles N of Boscaswell Police House. The bodies of two British airmen were brought ashore, papers on the bodies indicate that they had recently been attached to RAF Chivenor, Barnstaple, Devon.
08-10-1942
1645hrs
Bristol Beaufighter VIc X8086 crashed at Trythalls School, New Mills, Madron 2½ miles NW of Chyandour Police Station. The aircraft was completely burnt out and the two occupants dead.
09-10-1942
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V AD671 JL-? 10 Operational Training Unit St Eval. Missing from anti-submarine patrol in the Western Approaches.
12-10-1942
1238hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z9323 MH-X 51 Squadron RAF Chivenor,crashed into the sea 1½ miles NW of The Headlands, Newquay 2½ miles NW of Newquay Police Station. The aircraft was a total lost the six crewmen when rescued were injured and suffering from shock.
12-10-1942
A convoy of 98 American vehicles arrives at RAF Davidstow Moor. This is to prepare for operations in connection with ‘Operation Torch’.
20-10-1942
1645hrs
Miles Master T8612 from RAF Portreath crashed in a field at North Cliffs 2 miles NW of Camborne Police Station, the two crew were uninjured.
27-10-1942
1920hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z6959 of 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval aborted their Anti-Submarine patrol because of heavy oil consumption which was followed by an engine fire a shortly after. The fire was extinguished but a bearing seized causing the connecting rod to burst through the engine casing. Having reached the coast Sgt A V Howarth ordered his crew to bail out. He tried to land the aircraft but crashed out of control 1 mile E of St Erme, 3 miles NNE of Truro. Sgt Howarth was killed.
27-10-1942
2240hrs
Handley Page Hampden P5394 of 415 Sqdn RCAF detached to RAF St Eval on returning from a Shipping Strike crashed into the sea off Pentire Point 4 miles N of Padstow Police Station. Due to engine failure & being lost The aircraft sank but the four occupants were rescued one with slight wounds.
28-10-1942
0800hrs
Lockheed Hudson III AM717 ZK-D of 24 Squadron RAF Hendon, Middlesex after taking off from RAF Portreath force landed in a field on Cameron Farm, St Agnes 1½ miles SW of St Agnes Police House. The aircraft was slightly damaged the seven occupants uninjured.
01-11-1942
1905hrs
Handley Page Hampden TB I AT193 GX-? 415 Sqdn RCAF RAF St Eval while landing on return from a Shipping Strike hit a lorry and the petrol dump and burnt out. One man was killed and three injured.
03-11-1942
1200hrs
Lockheed Hudson III AM648 of 407 Sqdn RCAF RAF St Eval crashed into the sea during bombing practice 6 miles W of The Headland, Newquay. The aircraft was completely smashed and submerged, the six occupants are all dead three bodies were recovered.
03-11-1942
Lockheed Hudson III AM646 of 407 Squadron RCAF based at RAF St Eval crashed into a hill near Carew Cheriton, South Wales. 23
06-11-1942
Lockheed Hudson V AM660 MK-? 500 Squadron swung on take off from Portreath and the undercarriage collapsed.
06-11-1942
1540hrs
Lockheed P-38 Lightning of the 1st FG 27th FS USAAF took off from RAF Portreath on route to North Africa but crashed in a field at Goonbrea Farm, St Agnes 1 mile W of St Agnes Police Station. The aircraft was completely burnt out the pilot suffered a broken leg.
07-11-1942
Supermarine Spitfire Vc AR502 NN-? 310 Czech Squadron RAF Exeter. Abandoned 25 miles S of Eddystone Lighthouse after being damaged by a FW 190.
07-11-1942
1350hrs
Boulton Paul Defiant I N3516 AQ-? 276 Squadron based at RAF Harrowbeer, missing from and ASR search off Dodman Point, Cornwall. The two crewmen are believed killed.
09-11-1942
B-24D Liberator 41-23686. (Thunderbird) of the USAAF. Crash Landed at RAF Davidstow Moor, over ran the runway and became bogged down in soft ground, causing damage to the nose wheel and tailplane. Crew safe.
09-11-1942
0523hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z9439 ‘K’ 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval shortly after take off at 0508 hours turned back when the oil temperature on the starboard engine rose alarmingly. Almost immediately Sgt I M Morgan had great difficulty in lining up with the runway and crashed 100 yards short of the flarepath. The undercarriage collapsed and the aircraft was written off.
10-11-1942
1640hrs
de Havilland Tiger Moth force landed in a field at Pendruffle Farm, Duloe. The two occupants landed for the purpose of putting on more clothing and were uninjured. The aeroplane then took off and landed safely at RAF Predannack.
11-11-1942
1045hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z6954 of 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval overshot on landing and the undercarriage collapsed.
13-11-1942
Vickers Wellington III BK280 ‘F’ of 142 Squadron had a tyre burst on take off from RAF Davidstow Moor, swung off the runway and suffered an undercarriage collapse.
14-11-1942
1830hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z9484 of 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval returning from an Anti-Submarine patrol swung on landing and the undercarriage collapsed.
16-11-1942
Fairey Swordfish I V4709 of 837 Squadron FAA suffered engine failure en-route from RNAS St Merryn to RNAS Hatston, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands. The aircraft managed to force land at RAF St Eval without damage.
23-11-1942
1030hrs
Hawker Sea Hurricane of 748 Squadron Fighter Pilots Pool from RNAS St Merryn force landed at Trebyan Farm, Lanhydrock 2½ miles S of Bodmin Police Station. The aircraft was slightly damaged the pilot slightly injured.
25-11-1942
1650hrs
Short Sunderland Mark III DV972 of 119 Squadron, Pembroke Dock, South Wales was on a low-level bomb practice in the Bristol Channel. On dropping a stick of depth charges one hit a suspected mine, causing severe damage to the aircraft causing it to ditch in the sea off Trevose Head in the midst of a mine field. The aircraft was a total loss, 9 injured crewmen were recovered by a Royal Navy Supermarine Walrus L2230 of 764 Sqdn from Lawrenny Ferry, Pembrokeshire. The crew of the Walrus managed to pull the nine crewmen aboard despite very rough sea conditions. A second Walrus from the squadron was also on scene, which sent a message that a vessel would be needed to transfer the Sunderland crew to once the first Walrus was out of the minefield. Pinnace P1228 of No. 44 Air Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit at Padstow set out at 1657hrs and sighted distress flares at 1955hrs. The rescued airmen transferred to the Pinnace which then took the Walrus in tow with its crew still aboard. soon after the seaplane rose up and crashed against the stern of the boat. The two naval crewmen quickly transferred to the launch and the Walrus was sunk by gun fire. The rescue launch arrived back at Padstow at 0215hrs.
26-11-1942
1817hrs
Handley Page Halifax II W1094 LQ-B “Admiral Bill” of 405 Vancouver Squadron RCAF Beaulieu, Hampshire stalled on approach to RAF St Eval crashed and burnt out
27-11-1942
Vickers Wellington II W5550 of 104 Squadron on delivery to the squadrons base at RAF Luqa, Malta ditched off the Isles of Scilly.
28-11-1942
1115hrs
Blackburn Skua Target Tug L2943 of 792 Squadron from RNAS St Merryn crashed in a field at Roscarrick Farm, St Endellion 1 mile W of Port Isaac Police Station. The aircraft was extensively damaged but the two occupants were uninjured.
29-11-1942
1600hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V EB362 of 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval crash landed at base when pilot found he couldn`t unfeather both airscrews, aircraft caught fire, 2 injured.
30-11-1942
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V AD961 JL-? 10 Operational Training Unit St Eval. Missing from Anti-Submarine patrol in the Western Approaches. 24
01-12-1942
1500hrs
Hawker Sea Hurricane of 748 Squadron from RNAS St Merryn crashed in a field at Treclago Farm 1 mile S of Camelford Police Station. The aircraft was extensively damaged and the pilot slightly injured.
02-12-1942
Supermarine Spitfire Vc EP749 QV-? 19 Squadron based at RAF Perranporth flew into a hill in misty conditions at Mary Tavy, Devon. Pilot Officer Wladyslaw Marya Maurycy Ciechanowski 126082 (Poland) was killed.
06-12-1942
0520hrs
Bristol Beaufort II DD980 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit RAF Portreath crashed at West Point, Porthtowan Beach. The aircraft was completely smashed. Four occupants two dead and two missing.
06-12-1942
0528hrs
Lockheed Hudson VI FK522 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit RAF Portreath crashed during a night take-off at Sunny Bottom Cliff between Portreath and Porthtowan. The aircraft was completely smashed and the five crewmen were killed. Four other men including 78206 Flight Lieutenant John Chevalier Hardman the Engineering Officer of 1 OADU were killed after scrambling down the cliffs to try and rescue the crew.
15-12-1942
de Havilland Queen Bee L5888 of 1618 Flight crashed into the sea off Cleave.
17-12-1942
Avro Lancaster I W4359 DX-? Of 57 Squadron RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire caught fire in the air and crashed on Errisey Farm, Grade Ruan 2¼ miles SE of Mullion Police House. The aircraft was completely destroyed as it exploded on impact all the crew were killed.
18-12-1942
de Havilland Queen Bee V4752 of 1618 Flight crashed near RAF Cleave.
18-12-1942
de Havilland Mosquito NF II DD605 PS-? 264 Squadron overshot and crashed on a single engined landing at RAF Portreath.
18-12-1942
0845hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V AD684 JL-H of 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval returned to base with a loss of power from the aircraft’s starboard engine. Landing crosswind, on a wet surface, the brakes proved ineffective and the Whitley overshot and hit a bank on the edge of the airfield. The force of the crash injured two members of the crew who were taken to Station Sick Quarters.
22-12-1942
1415hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley GR VII Z9367 YG-? of 502 Squadron RAF St Eval swung on landing and the undercarriage collapsed.
24-12-1942
1000hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V BD261 of 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval ditched off Pedn-men-du Point near Sennen while on Anti-Submarine atrol due to engine failure. Sgts J B Woods and R J Simmons RCAF were recovered alive; The bodies of Sgts R A Brant and J F Bootle were recovered but there is no trace of Sgt A P B Rumsey.
24-12-1942
1830hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V AD711 JL-R of 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval on return to base in appalling weather conditions. The pilot Sgt F P O’Malley saw three white lights through the mist as he made his approach and took these to be flare path indicators. These turned out to be house lights he applied power to go around again but as he pulled back the control column there was a grinding noise and the aircraft crashed at Sea View Farm near the airfield. All members of the crew were injured.
28-12-1942
1720hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z6669 JL-F of 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval returning from an Anti-Submarine patrol was advised to divert either to Chivenor or Exeter. The Whitley was very low on fuel, after trying Chivenor which was also fogged in Sgt F Charlton decided his best course of action was to have his crew bale out, after which he tried to make for Davidstow Moor. As he turned onto the approach beacon both engines cut and he crash landed in a field at Coombes Head Farm, Lewannick. On impact the aircraft burst into flames and Sgt Charlton was killed.
28-12-1942
Lockheed Hudson III V9029 1404flt RAF St Eval. Overshot landing and ran into a ditch.
