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Aviation Crashes and Related Incidents 1943
02-01-1943
1300hrs
the body of an American Major. United States Army Air Force washed ashore at Porth Beach, Newquay.
04-01-1943
The body of an American Airman was washed ashore at Tresco, Isles of Scilly.
06-01-1943
1845hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley GR VII Z9379 502 Squadron RAF St Eval. Struck a motor transport vehicle on take off and crashed.
10-01-1943
0900hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z6464 JL-G of 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval swung to port on take off and collided with a Consolidated B-24D Liberator 41-23923 of the 1st Squadron of the 480th Anti-Submarine Group. Both aircraft burst into flames as the survivors struggled to extricate themselves before the depth charges exploded. The bombardier & navigator on the B-24 were killed instantly. This aircraft was taxing out for take off but holding back 100 yards from the runway awaiting the departure of the former aircraft. Captain Bertram C Martin pilot of the B-24 attempted to save either 1st Lt W H Bagley or 1st Lt E E Haskell. His burns and those of his Radio Operator T/Sgt James R Lowry were so severe that both men died within 24 hours. The other members of the crew 2nd Lt Walter A Krozel co-pilot, S/Sgt M L Halsey, S/Sgt T J O’Toole, T/Sgt H A Sullenberger, Sgts J W Mansfield and A W Lundy were all suffering from burns and taken to the Royal Cornwall Infirmary, Truro. Of the Whitley crew Sgt J R Terry, Sgt A I Davies were killed. Sgts A R Knowles, K Sanderson and L W West were injured. Sgt Amos survived uninjured. 25
11-01-1943
1500hrs
Bristol Beaufighter NF I R2138 NG-K of 604 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force RAF Predannack crashed in a field at Clahar Farm, Mullion ¼ mile N.E. of Mullion Police House. The aircraft exploded on impact and the two occupants were killed.
12-01-1943
1130hrs
The wreckage of an aircraft washed ashore at Praa Sands, Breage bearing a makers plate ‘Lockheed Aircraft Corporation Ltd, Burbank, California.
13-01-1943
1441hrs
Vickers Wellington Ic T2619 of 26 OTU RAF Wing, Buckinghamshire crash landed in a field behind the Control Tower at RAF Davidstow Moor. Whilst on a navigational exercise over North Devon the port propeller came off followed by partial failure of the starboard engine. Sgt C D Belcher and crew survived.
17-01-1943
Bristol Beaufighter VIc T5322 of 235 Squadron RAF St Eval crashed at Stowe Farm, Kilkhampton 3 miles W of Kilkhampton Police Station. The machine was completely smashed and the two occupants killed.
17-01-1943
1535hrs
Handley Page Halifax II DT514 LQ-? 405 Squadron RCAF Beaulieu, Hampshire on return from an Anti-Submarine patrol overshot on landing at RAF Predannack.
18-01-1943
0930hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley GR VII Z9379 of 502 Squadron RAF St Eval suffered engine problems and belly-landed at Goonhilly Farm, St Keverne ¾ mile SE of St Mawgan Police Station. There was little damage to the aircraft and no fire the 6 crew were safe.
18-01-1943
A civilian at Trethevy Farm, Tintagel found an unexploded cannon shell The round was handed to the police on 22nd January, the local bomb recognition officer states that it is of either British or American manufacture.
22-01-1943
1530hrs
Lockheed Hudson III V9042 OS-P of 279 Squadron RAF St Eval ran out of fuel and crashed at Lecudden Farm, Helland 3 miles N of Bodmin Police Station. The 5 occupants baled out one slightly injured four uninjured.
22-01-1943
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z6753 JL-S of 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval after an Anti-Submarine patrol over the Bay of Biscay. On return they encountered atrocious weather and flying control advised them to make for RAF Cleave near Bude. At 1640hrs the Whitley overshot the runway and ended up against an earth bank. The crew of Sgts R WE Wedderburn, B J Clinging, F O Ross RCAF, P/O P Sandal and Sgts F C Fidgeon and S HC Brown were uninjured.
22-01-1943
Consolidated B-24D 41-24018 aircraft ‘S’ of the 2nd Squadron, 480th Anti-Submarine Group, RAF St Eval on returning from a patrol encountered bad weather over southwest England. Approaching the coast the radio operator asked the 19 Group controller to home the aircraft into St Eval. Unfortunately the request was made on the wrong radio frequency. The controller at St Eval attempted to respond but it was too late and the aircraft slammed into cliffs 2 miles E of Hartland Point killing all on board.(Captain George O Brousard).
23-01-1943
Supermarine Spitfire Vc EP604 QV-? 19 Squadron based at RAF Perranporth was damaged in a flying accident.
23-01-1943
1541hrs
two Supermarine Spitfire Vc aircraft EE682 and EE633 of 602 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force RAF Perranporth collided in mid-air. EE682 crashed into the sea off Prussia Cove, 2 miles SSE of Goldsithney Police House. The aircraft sank and the body of the pilot Sgt Samuel Smith 657263 was recovered from the sea. EE633 managed to land safely at Perranporth.
27-01-1943
1659hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z6875 JL-P of 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval suffered engine problems on patrol and attempted to land at St Mary’s, Scilly Isles but overshot hit a belt of trees and crashed at Lambstone.
03-02-1943
Handley Page Halifax II DT503 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit missing on a ferry flight from Portreath to Gibraltar.
04-02-1943
Bristol Beaufighter I V8257 of 604 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force crashed on landing at RAF Predannack.
05-02-1943
0645hrs
Vickers Wellington HF673 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit RAF Portreath crashed into the sea 7 miles off St Ives Head.
05-02-1943
A Lockheed Hudson III AM528 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit RAF Portreath swung on take-off and was damaged.
07-02-1943
1730hrs
Hawker Henley TT III RAF Trebelzue crashed at Polgreen Farm, ½ mile NW of St Mawgan. The aircraft burnt-out and was completely wrecked the two occupants were killed.
07-02-1943
A Hawker Henley TT III L3390 of 1 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit RAF Cleave hit high-tension cables near St Austell and crashed. 26
10-02-1943
1335hrs
Boeing B-17F 42-5258 U.S. 8th Air Force en-route from Morocco, North Africa crashed in a field at Treswithick Farm, Cardinham. The aircraft was completely smashed, but the 9 occupants were safe.
10-02-1943
Lockheed Hudson III V8986 of 1404 Flight RAF St Eval failed to return from a position 30 miles SE of the Scilly Isles.
14-02-1943
Vickers Wellington HF749 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit swung on take off from RAF Portreath and suffered an undercarriage collapse.
14-02-1943
Boeing B-17E 41-9044 325 Bomb Squadron, 92nd Bomb Group Bovingdon crash landed at Chivenor after taking off from Portreath. Crew safe. (Captain Alan E Hermance).
17-02-1943
0920hrs
Supermarine Spitfire from RAF Portreath crashed at Copperhill Farm, Troon. The aircraft was completely burnt out and the pilot burnt beyond recognition.
17-02-1943
Wellington HF701 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit RAF Portreath missing on ferry flight Portreath to Gibraltar.
23-02-1943
Supermarine Spitfire Vc EE730 LO-? 602 Squadron RoyalAuxiliary Air Force RAF Perranporth while on a practice flight a it hit the sea and lost its propeller blades 6 miles SW of the Lizard. Sergeant R J Gourlay baled out a Supermarine Walrus W2784 AQ-? 276 Squadron from RAF Predannack rescued him and flew him to Harrowbeer.
26-02-1943
Supermarine Spitfire Vc EE687 LO-? 602 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force crashed into the sea 9 miles SW of the Lizard following engine failure while on an operational sortie
04-03-1943
Supermarine Spitfire Vb AD369 PJ-? 130 Squadron RAF Perranporth. Was damaged beyond repair in a heavy landing during an overshoot.
07-03-1943
1230hrs
Westland Lysander R2630 AQ-? 276 Air Sea Rescue Squadron RAF Portreath crashed at Carrack Rocks, Zennor. The aircraft was completely smashed and the two occupants seriously injured.
08-03-1943
1130hrs
Bristol Beaufighter VIc EL264 WR-D of 248 Sqdn RAF Predannack crashed at Bruggen Farm, Grade Ruan. The aircraft was completely burnt out of the two occupants one is dead and one seriously injured.
08-03-1943
Hawker Hurricane 1 P3656 of 1449 Flight force landed during training flight St Marys.
09-03-1943
Fairey Swordfish II HS333 4B of 834 Squadron FAA RAF Exeter overshot a night landing at RNAS St Merryn hit a bank and overturned.
12-03-1943
1700hrs
Grumman Martlet BJ522 of 748 Squadron FAA from RNAS St Merryn crashed at Trevorrick Farm, St Issey the aircraft was seriously damaged.
15-03-1943
0327hrs
Vickers Wellington HX771 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit RAF Portreath crashed on the airfield and burnt out, the seven crew were all killed.
18-03-1943
1530hrs
Grumman Martlet AX829 S7-Q of 748 Squadron FAA from RNAS St Merryn crashed in a field at St Issey, 2¼ miles from White Cross Police House. The aircraft is completely smashed.
25-03-1943
1445hrs
Handley Page Hampden P1223 of 1404 Meteorological Flight RAF St Eval on return from operations ran out of fuel and crashed at Trevose Farm, St Merryn. There were four persons on board one was seriously injured, the other three were slightly injured.
25-03-1943
Hawker Henley Target Tug III L3355 of 1604 Flight was hit by L3300 while parked at RAF St Mawgan.
25-03-1943
0230hrs
Handley Page Halifax II HR683/G of 502 Sqdn RAF St Eval swung on take-off and ran off the runway.
26-03-1943
0435hrs
Handley Page Halifax II HR689 of 502 Sqdn RAF St Eval returning from operations stalled on approach and hit Boeing B-17F 42-29647 of the 305th BG 365th BS from RAF Chelveston. Seven men killed and one injured.
26-03-1943
1320hrs
Boulton Paul Defiant TT II DR948 of 286 Squadron Filton, Bristol, stalled into Pelistry Bay, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, during drogue towing operations. The crew of two were killed.
26-03-1943
Bristol Beaufighter 11f T3155 EE-N 404 RCAF RAF Chivenor crashed at St Columb Major. When on approach to St Eval it stalled and crashed during a transit flight. F/O R Field (Pilot) Can. J. 10498 and Sgt. Taylor C F 1130288 both killed. 27
29-03-1943
1840hrs
Lockheed Hudson III AE519 OS-S of 279 Sqdn RAF Davidstow Moor crashed into the sea off St Ives. Of the five crew Flying Officer Gibbs was recovered seriously injured and taken to Trewassa Hospital where he died the following day from his injuries. The other four F/Sgts Long, Povey, Bacon and Fletcher all missing.
29-03-1943
2004hrs
Handley Page Halifax II HR688/G YG-K of 502 Squadron RAF St Eval diverted in bad weather after operations and crashed at Maundown Hill, Wiveliscombe, Somerset.
29-03-1943
Fairey Swordfish II W5836 of 833 Squadron FAA RAF St Eval lost flying speed during landing in bad weather at night with a bomb load at RNAS St Merryn and the undercarriage collapsed.
04-04-1943
1600hrs
de Havilland Tiger Moth DE826 of the United States Army Air Force from Heston Airport, Middlesex crashed at Hay Crock Farm, St Breock 2½ miles SSW of Wadebridge Police Station. The aircraft was wrecked but the two occupants were safe.
04-04-1943
Radio controlled Queen Bee P4680 of 1618 Flight RAF Cleave crashed on landing.
05-04-1943
1020hrs
Boeing B-17F 42-3062 of the U.S. Air Transport Command on a ferry flight from America to St Eval crashed at Hayle Towans, 1¾ miles N of Hayle Police Station. The aircraft was badly damaged by fire but the five crewmen were safe. (Captain Nathan S Kohn).
05-04-1943
1830hrs
Lockheed Ventura II AE852 YH-S of 21 Squadron based at RAF Oulton, Norfolk crashed into the sea off Portreath. Fishermen rescued the four crewmen twenty minutes after the crash. One man was seriously injured the other three were in a shocked condition.
09-04-1943
1000hrs
a French fishing boat approached Lizard Point and a man came ashore stating that he was F/O Gordon Henry Francis Carher RAF. He states that he was shot down on a bombing raid over Lorient, France on the night of 13th February 1943 and has escaped with the other occupants of the fishing boat. He was detained in Police custody for enquiries, the boat was directed to Penzance and the 18 occupants all male landed there.
14-04-1943
2255hrs
Avro Lancaster I ED703 QR-? 61 Squadron based at RAF Syerston, Nottinghamshire ditched 35 miles SW of the Scilly Isles returning from an operation to La Spezia, Italy. The seven-man crew were brought ashore at St Mary’s.
14-04-1943
An Avro Lancaster I W4318 PM-C of 103 Squadron based at RAF Elsham Wolds Lincolnshire ditched 50 miles from Falmouth after a raid on La Spezia, Italy.
16-04-1943
1450hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vb AB518 YT-? 65 Squadron RAF Perranporth collided with a Bristol Bisley EH374 and crashed at Nance Wood, Illogan, 1 mile NW of Illogan Police Station. The aircraft burnt out and the pilot was killed.
16-04-1943
1450hrs
Bristol Bisley EH374 of 42 Operational Training Unit RAF Bicester, Oxfordshire collided with Spitfire AB518 and crashed at Lower Laity Farm, Old Portreath Road, Illogan, ½ mile NE of Illogan Police Station. The three crewmen are dead.
16-04-1943
B-24D Liberator 41-24122 “Yard Bird” flown by Captain Leon Packer of the 93rd BG 409th BS crash landed at RAF St Eval on return from operations over Brest, France.
20-04-1943
Hawker Henley Target Tug III L3324 of 1602 Flight from RAF Cleave crashed into the sea 1 mile W of the Headland, Fistral Bay, Newquay. The two occupants were rescued by the Newquay lifeboat both suffering from slight shock.
20-04-1943
1730hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vc EE686 VZ-R of 412 Squadron RCAF suffered engine failure and force-landed in a field and ran through a hedge into the road by the quarry at Reen, 1 mile NE of Perranporth. The pilot was injured and the aircraft badly damaged.
23-04-1943
0500hrs
Handley Page Halifax II BB268 of 58 Sqdn Swung on take-off in a strong cross-wind at RAF St Eval and was badly damaged.
26-04-1943
A Bristol Beaufighter If X7751 of 141 Sqdn RAF Predannack struck a hut and lost a wing while beating-up the airfield.
27-04-1943
1758hrs
Fairey Swordfish I L2855 of 774 Sqdn from RNAS St Merryn force landed in a field at Trevilley Farm, St Teath. The aircraft was slightly damaged but the three occupants were safe.
27-04-1943
Vickers Wellington HE712 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit missing on a ferry flight between Portreath and Gibraltar.
28-04-1943
1610hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley VII Z9370 ‘L’of 612 Sqdn RAF Davidstow Moor suffered port engine failure during an Anti-Submarine patrol and force landed at RAF Portreath. 28
01-05-1943
1400hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vc EE629 YT-? 65 Squadron RAF Perranporth had the engine cut out the aircraft then rolled over and dived into the sea 2½ miles SW of Land’s End.
01-05-1943
Fifteen Boeing B-17F aircraft of the 306th Bomb Group returning from operations over St. Nazaire, France landed at RAF Predannack. Several aircraft had been badly damaged and with casualties aboard. B-17F 42-29649 of the 423rd BS landed safely with a fuselage severely weakened by fire.
02-05-1943
1620hrs
Handley Page Hampden P1147 of 1404 Flight was carrying out circuit training at RAF St Eval when the undercarriage collapsed on landing.
03-05-1943
Boeing B-17F 42-3024 'Royal Flush' of the 544 BS 384 BG force landed at RAF Cleave after a 13 hour flight from North Africa and running low on fuel.
05-05-1943
de Havilland Mosquito II W4080 PS-? 264 Squadron suffered starboard engine failure on take off and the crashed on the aerodrome at RAF Predannack.
06-05-1943
0225hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mark VII EB328 ‘N’ of 612 Squadron RAF Davidstow Moor crashed in a field at Weens Farm, St Kew Highway. The pilot lost control after an engine fire whilst returning from an Anti-Submarine patrol one member of the crew bailed out and five were killed.
14-05-1943
1810hrs
de Havilland Tiger Moth DE625 RAF St Mawgan force landed in a field at Boskenna Farm, St Buryan due to fog. The aircraft and the sole occupant were undamaged.
19-05-1943
0950hrs
Lockheed Hudson IIIa FH168 of 38 Wing Army Co-operation Unit at RAF Netheravon, Wiltshire took off from RAF St Eval for the Middle East after a refueling stop. It suffered fuel starvation to the port engine and crashed in a field at Crugoes Farm, Blackcross, St Columb Major. The aircraft was completely smashed and burnt out, Two killed and five injured. Crew: Pilot F/Lt R H Jesse. Navigator P/O Arthur Rotenburg. WOp/AG F/Sgt G Russell. Passengers: W/Cdr R W Hurst. S/Ldr E W Armstrong. Cpl H A Palmer. All injured A/Cmdr Sir Nigel St Valery Norman CBE. Killed. P/O Rotenburg died at St Eval Hospital of his injuries a few hours later.
19-05-1943
1015hrs
Blackburn Skua L3040 of 792 Squadron FAA RNAS St Merryn force landed in a wheat field at Trewarmett, Tintagel. The two crewmen were uninjured and the aircraft slightly damaged.
20-05-1943
Vickers Wellington XIV MP615/G 407 Sqdn RCAF RAF Chivenor, Devon crashed at Tregender Farm, Ludgvan. The six crewmen were safe and the aircraft slightly damaged.
20-05-1943
0520hrs
Sunderland II W3986 RB-U I0 Squadron RAAF RAF Mount Batten, Plymouth, Devon caught fire 15 minutes after take off and crashed 4 miles NW of Bishops Rock Light 12 killed.
21-05-1943
Supermarine Spitfire Vc EE612 DW-? 610 Sqdn RAF Perranporth crashed on landing, the pilot survived. The aircraft was written off.
22-05-1943
Supermarine Spitfire Vc EE641 FF-? Of 132 Sqdn RAF Perranporth while returning from a bomber escort sortie crashed 8 miles S of Exmouth. The pilot Sgt P.J. Watkins baled out and was rescued.
29-05-1943
0933hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley GR VII BD679 ‘E’ of 612 Squadron RAF Davidstow Moor, ditched 60 miles SW Bishops Rock with engine failure. Crew took to their dinghy and were spotted by Hudson 279 Squadron RAF Davidstow Moor on the 30th and were rescued by naval vessel same day.
30-05-1943
2315hrs
the crew of a Supermarine Walrus were rescued from the sea by a Motor Launch 25 miles NNEof the Scilly Isles. There were no casualties.
31-05-1943
Bolton Paul Defiant 1 AA318 NW-? Of 286 Squadron RAF Portreath failed to climb after take off, hit a bank and crash landed at Portreath.
01-06-1943
Supermarine Walrus W3026 of 276 Squadron detachment at RAF Portreath ditched and later sank under tow 10 miles NE of the Isles of Scilly.
01-06-1943
Vickers Wellingtons HE568 & HE961 of No1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit RAF Portreath both crashed on take off on ferry flight.
02-06-1943
1858hrs
Short Sunderland III EJ134 UT-N of 461 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force based at Pembroke Dock, Wales was damaged by eight Junkers Ju88C-6 aircraft while on patrol. During the fight the flight engineer Flying Officer E CE Miles was mortally wounded and the aircraft lost a propeller after an engine was put out of action. F/Lt Colin Walker was given a course for home by his navigator P/O K M Simpson who then collapsed through loss of blood. The Sunderland crashed on the beach at Praa Sands, Cornwall without further casualties.
04-06-1943
1030hrs
an empty fuel tank from a Supermarine Spitfire fell into fields at Little Treworder Farm, Truro. 29
06-06-1943
0745hrs
the undercarriage and parachute from an Airspeed Horsa assault glider was found at York House, St Ives.
06-06-1943
0945hrs
an Airspeed Horsa Mark I DP350 from RAF Trebelzue force landed at Garrow Downs, St Breward. The aircraft and occupants were not damaged.
11-06-1943
Supermarine Spitfire Vb AR462 DW-? 610 Squadron RAF Perranporth was abandoned over the sea 20 miles SW Lizard after the engine cut.
13-06-1943
1600hrs
a Focke-Wulf Fw190 was damaged 60 miles SW of the Isles of Scilly by F/Sgt W S Kent flying a de Haviland Mosquito II of 264 Squadron based at RAF Predannack.
13-06-1943
A Lockheed Ventura II AE937 SB-E of 464 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force based at RAF Methwold, Norfolk was shot down by fighters near Guernsey, Channel Islands.
14-06-1943
A Supermarine Spitfire Vc EP699 DW-? Of 610 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force suffered a flying accident at RAF Perranporth.
17-06-1943
While on convoy patrol off the Isles of Scilly a Spitfire V of 412 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force was shot down by a North American Mustang of 414 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force. The Spitfire’s pilot, Pilot Officer Lloyd W Powell was killed. A Spitfire then shot down the Mustang flown by Flying Officer Frederick L Vaupel.
17-06-1943
The badly decomposed body of a British Airman was washed ashore at Barretts Zawn, St Teath and is that of 1077299 Sergeant J Travis from Middleton, Manchester of 10 Operational Training Unit a crew member of Whitley BD412 lost on 31st March 1943. He was buried with full military honours in Chapel Street, Methodist Chapel yard, Camelford, Cornwall.
22-06-1943
Handley Page Hampden TB I N9096 GX-? 415 Squadron RCAF overshot and collided with X3061 while landing in heavy rain at RAF St Eval. Both aircraft exploded and burnt out, bomb blast damaging Hampden X3115, all aircraft belonged to 415 Squadron.
22-06-1943
2322hrs
an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V EB334 of 10 Operational Training Unit detachment at RAF St Eval returning from operations force landed in a field at Chapmans Well, Launceston due to bad weather.
23-06-1943
1330hrs
Boulton Paul Defiant TT I DR948 NW-R of 286 Squadron detached to RAF Portreath for Target Towing duties crashed in Pellistry Bay, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly. The aircraft was smashed and partly burnt out the pilot died and the airgunner was seriously injured.
23-06-1943
de Havilland Mosquito II DZ740 RS-? 157 Squadron collided with DZ707 DZ-? 151 Squadron near RAF Predannack. The crew of DZ740 were killed but DZ707 managed to return to base.
24-06-1943
1757hrs
Hawker Hurricane I V6725 RAF Harrowbeer, Devon crashed at Triffle Hill, St Germans, the pilot was killed.
24-06-1943
Vickers Wellington HF476 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit at RAF Portreath missing on a ferry flight to Gibraltar.
26-06-1943
0655hrs
Airspeed Horsa I LH175 from RAF Portreath crashed at Coosewartha Farm, Mount Hawke, Truro. The aircraft broke in half and two of the three occupants were seriously injured.
26-06-1943
Airspeed Horsa Mark I HG944 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit at RAF Portreath was damaged in a heavy landing.
27-06-1943
1416hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Va R6887 from RNAS St Merryn crashed near the air station killing the pilot.
27-06-1943
1416hrs
Hawker Sea Hurricane II NF716 of 748 Squadron FAA RNAS St Merryn crashed at Trevillador, St Ervan. The aircraft was completely burnt out and the pilot killed.
27-06-1943
0940hrs
the undercarriage released from a glider landed by parachute in a field at Higher Mithian Farm, Mithian Downs, St Agnes.
28-06-1943
1645hrs
Bristol Beaufighter VI V8897 of 301 Ferry Training Unit from RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire crashed in a forced landing at Gwealavellan Farm, Camborne. The aircraft was burnt out, one man killed and the other seriously injured.
28-06-1943
2 Boeing B-17 Fortresses of the US 8th AAF 95 BG ditched in sea off Newlyn.
30-06-1943
Supermarine Spitfire Vc AB504 131 Squadron RAF Exeter. Engine cut on patrol and ditched near Eddystone Lighthouse. 30
01-07-1943
The first runway has become operational at RAF St Mawgan with the first landings being made by a B-24 followed by a B-17. The 491st Base & Air Base Squadron USAAF.
03-04-1943
Supermarine Spitfire IV AA811 543 Squadron St Eval of the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit. On return from from a PR mission to Lannion the engine cut and the pilot abandoned the aircraft 60 miles S of the Lizard.
04-07-1943
A B-17 of the 92nd Bomb Group on an operation to Nantes, France suffered battle damage but managed to return and crash-land at RAF Portreath.
05-07-1943
An oxygen mask marked US Air Force was found in a field at Great Prideaux Farm, Luxulyan.
06-07-1943
1200hrs
a rubber dinghy found in a field at Hendra Farm, Tintagel. The dinghy was seen to fall from Liberator V FL984 ‘S’ of 59 Squadron based at Aldergrove, Northern Ireland on detachment to RAF Davidstow Moor.
07-07-1943
1120hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vb P8742 JH-? 317 Polish Squadron based at RAF Perranporth attempted to take-off on the wrong runway but could not maintain height and struck a wall at Trevellas ½ mile from the airfield. The pilot Flying Officer T Owczarski was seriously injured but survived.
07-07-1943
2255hrs
the undercarriage of a glider released from an Airspeed Horsa was found at Fishing Cove, Camborne.
13-07-1943
2130hrs
a small British practice bomb was found at Porthmissen Farm, Padstow. Bombing practice was taking place on sea ranges at the time.
14-07-1943
North American Mustang I AP248 SY-K of 613 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force based at RAF Portreath suffered engine failure on take-off and force landed before going over the cliffs, the pilot Flying Officer Ian Horne was saved.
16-07-1943
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley BD276 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St Eval bounced on landing after an Anti-Submarine patrol and collided with two parked Handley Page Hampdens P1204 and AD757 of 1404 Met Flight. 4 Killed from BD276 F/Sgt T E N Redway RAAF, Sgt J Kirby, F/Sgt J S Ogilvy RCAF & Sgt G C Wilkinson.
19-07-1943
2102hrs
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V BD359 JL-X of 10 Operational Training Unit RAF St. Eval returning from an Anti-Sub,marine patrol ditched in poor weather off Barnstaple, Devon.
23-07-1943
Handley Page Hampden P1293 of 1404 Meteorological Flight RAF St Eval crashed due to faulty instrument flying on return from operations at Homeleigh, St Ervan 1½ miles E of the control tower at RNAS St Merryn. The aircraft burnt out and the crew of four were Killed.
27-07-1943
Lockheed Hudson III V9041 1404Flt RAF St Eval. Swung on take off crashed and caught fire.
29-07-1943
0930hrs
Vickers Wellington X HE576 ‘K’ 304 Squadron Polish Air Force RAF Davidstow Moor crashed on take off at Tresmarrow Farm, Davidstow. The two Pilots F/Lt Z Janicki 1st pilot. S/L Rodziewicz 2nd pilot were killed the rest of the crew were slightly injured and badly shaken.
30-07-1943
Hawker Typhoon Ib R8638 ZH-O of 266 Squadron detachment at RAF Warmwell suffered engine failure and crashed while force landing at RAF Portreath. The pilot F/O H A Cooper was safe.
03-08-1943
1100hrs
Handley Page Hampden AT225 of 1404 Met Flight from RAF St Eval was taking off on a training sortie when a tyre burst and the undercarriage collapsed
09-08-1943
Hawker Henley Target Tug III L3292 of 1602 Flight from RAF Cleave dived into the sea off Penhale Point.
12-08-1943
1150hrs
Hawker Hurricane IIb Z3658 VD-E of 1449 Flight based St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly collided with the foremast of HMS Scillonian tearing a wing off and crashed in the sea 16 miles NE of the islands. The aircraft caught fire and sank immediately, the pilot F/Sgt T B Hunter is missing.
14-08-1943
Boeing B-17F 42-30331, U.S. Air Transport Command force landed at RAF St Eval out of fuel on a ferry flight. (Captain Kurt A Richter).
15-08-1943
de Havilland Queen Bee P4774 from RAF Cleave crashed at Trevethey Farm, South Petherwin, Launceston. The aircraft was slightly damaged, there being no occupant in this radio-controlled aircraft there were no injuries.
15-08-1943
Short Sunderland III JM685 UT-X of 461 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force based at RAF Pembroke Dock, Wales was damaged in combat at 1800 hours by Junkers Ju88C-6 aircraft of V/KG40. W/O I Jones was injured and F/Sgt R V Woodhouse Killed in Action, F/Lt P R Davenport and the other crew members were uninjured, the aircraft force landed at 2040 hours off Hugh Town, Isles of Scilly. 31
17-08-1943
Handley Page Halifax V DJ994 of 295 Squadron towing an Airspeed Horsa Mark I DP329 missing on a flight between Portreath and Rabat-Sale, Morocco.
18-08-1943
0648hrs
Handley Page Hampden AT135 GX-S of 415 Squadron RCAF based at RAF Thorney Island, Hampshire had an engine fall off while on an Anti-Submarine patrol crashed into the sea 8 miles W of the Isles of Scilly, the aircraft was a total loss but the crew of four were rescued.
23-08-1943
0800hrs
a red parachute with a wheel attached fell into the sea 2¼ miles NE of Hayle, the object was dropped by a British aircraft.
24-08-1943
A return shuttle mission by 60 Boeing B-17’s flying from North Africa to England bombed Bordeaux-Merignac airfield, France enroute. Three aircraft were lost to mechanical failure including B-17 ‘Lulu Belle’ of the 385th Bomb Group. The crew managed to ditch in the sea off Lands End and 8 of the 12 crewmen were rescued, two drowned while trying to swim to a life raft dropped by the RAF and the other two died from exposure.
25-08-1943
2030hrs
Avro Anson I EG500 of 276 Squadron RAF Portreath crashed into the sea 15-20 miles NW of St Ives. The aircraft submerged, five crewmen were rescued one slightly injured.
26-08-1943
1645hrs
Short Sunderland III JM711 of 308 Flying Training Unit based at Pembroke Dock, Wales struck a small boat with its port float on landing in the Isles of Scilly after a ferry flight.
27-08-1943
2000hrs
Hawker Henley III of 1623 Flight RAF Cleave crashed 300 yards W of RAF Station Rame Head, 1½ miles S of Millbrook Police Station. The aircraft was burnt out and the two crew killed.
31-08-1943
1200hrs
an American Piper L-4B Cub 43-705 aircraft ‘W’ of the 190th Field Artillery Battalion US Army based at Bude was damaged on landing at Maer Downs, Bude. The aircraft was slightly damaged and the two occupants including Lieutenant W C Whorley were uninjured.
03-09-1943
1535hrs
Bristol Beaufighter TF X LX813 of 235 Squadron RAF Portreath crashed at Treleigh Bridge, Redruth ½ mile N of Redruth Highway. The plane was on a routine affiliation exercise training in air combat techniques with a Spitfire when it stalled at 1000ft and went into a steep turn and crashed and caught fire. The aircraft burnt out and the crew of two killed. Pilot. Sgt. Harold Picking, 1430576 RAF (VR) aged 31. The Navigator F/O Gordon Havelock Young, 132011 RAF (VR) aged 24.
03-09-1943
Consolidated B-24D Liberator 42-41181 U.S. Air Transport Command crashed St Eval out of fuel on a ferry flight from America to UK (Captain James A Monahan).
07-09-1943
0642hrs
Handley Page Halifax Mark II DK197 of the Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit swung on take-off from RAF Portreath and hit a parked Halifax.
10-09-1943
Handley Page Halifax V EB130 of the Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit was landing at RAF Portreath in a crosswind and hit the control tower.
11-09-1943
Handley Page Hampden AD724 517 Squadron RAF St Eval. Swung on take off and was damaged beyond repair.
12-09-1943
de Havilland Moth Minor HM585 (formerly G-AFTH) from Dunkeswell, Devon hit a haystack while force landing in bad weather at Trevone, Padstow, Cornwall.
13-09-1943
1500hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vc EE727 FU-? Of 453 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force returning to Perranporth on attempting to overshoot struck a telegraph pole and wires, stalled and crashed onto the cottage at Trevellas, St Agnes 2 miles S of Perranporth, occupied by Mrs A Walker and her son Barry. Mrs Walker was seriously injured and her four-year-old son Barry killed. The pilot 414505 Flight Sgt Mervyn Francis Nolan RAAF was also killed.
15-09-1943
2050hrs
an American Republic P-47D-5-RE Thunderbolt 42-8420 of the 352nd Fighter Squadron 353rd Fighter Group based at Metfield, Suffolk. Flown by Captain Robert C. Durlin. Became lost and low on fuel. As the aircraft flew over Dizzard Point it was abandoned and the Thunderbolt crashed at Congdons Farm, Week Orchard, Week St Mary 2 miles N of Week St Mary Police Station. The aircraft was completely burnt out and the pilot seriously injured.
16-09-1943
A Boeing B-17F 42-30018 of the 305th Bomb Group based at RAF Chelveston returning from a mission against Nantes, France force landed low on fuel at the partly obstructed St Just civil aerodrome. The aircraft was virtually undamaged and after repairs the aircraft took off on the 28th September.
16-09-1943
A Boeing B-17F 42-29749 of the 351st Bomb Group based at RAF Polebrook on the same mission as that above, flown by Lieutenant Jack H Omohundro managed to land at Treligga, but was able to take off again from this grass aerodrome. 32
19-09-1943
Supermarine Spitfire Vb ‘Nyasaland II’ W3853 LZ-? of 66 Squadron based at RAF Perranporth took off in course pitch and crashed on the airfield. The aircraft was written off the pilot F/Sgt GT Neal survived.
22-09-1943
Supermarine Spitfire Vb AB515 LZ-? of 66 Squadron based at RAF Perranporth suffered engine failure and made a wheels-up landing at Wembury, Devon. The aircraft was badly damaged but the pilot survived.
23-09-1943
Hawker Typhoon Ib EJ901 ZH-? of 266 Squadron based at RAF Exeter suffered engine failure and 80398 P/O Norman John Lucas bailed out 33 miles S of Lizard Point and was rescued.
23-09-1943
Supermarine Spitfire Vc EP352 LZ -? of 66 Squadron based at RAF Perranporth suffered a flying accident and was struck off charge on the 30th September 1943.
25-09-1943
A Hawker Henley Target Tug III L3272 of 1603 Flight crashed on landing at RAF Cleave.
26-09-1943
A Douglas Boston IIIa BZ310 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Despatch Unit at RAF Portreath crashed on take-off.
28-06-1943
Boeing B-17F 42-29811 U.S. Air Transport Command crash landed RAF St Eval out of fuel on a ferry flight to the 482nd Bomb Group at Alconbury, Huntongdonshire. (Captain Norman F Hergert).
03-10-1943
A Hawker Henley Target Tug III L3353 of 639 Squadron crashed on landing at RAF Cleave.
07-10-1943
Consolidated Liberator GR V BZ779 of 311 Czech Squadron crash landed at RAF St Eval after being damaged by JU88s over the Bay of Biscay.
07-10-1943
1600hrs
Bristol Beaufighter XIc JM111 HO-? 143 Squadron RAF Portreath crashed in a field at Venton Vaise, Callestick, Perranporth. The aircraft was completely wrecked and the crew of two killed.
10-10-1943
1145hrs
Supermarine Spitfire II P8260 AF-E of the Air Fighting Development Unit having taken off from RAF St Eval crashed in a force-landing at Roseworthy Farm, Camborne. The pilot was safe. (This was one of several Spitfires escorting the captured Enemy Aircraft Flight detached to RAF Davidstow Moor and touring west country airfields).
14-10-1943
Hawker Typhoon Ib JP383 HF-? 183 Squadron based at RAF Predannack burst a tyre on take off and crashed on the airfield. Pilot F/O K H Ridley safe.
17-10-1943
2040hrs
North American Mustang I AG587 'L' 400 Squadron RCAF from RAF Redhill, Surrey. Force landed out of fuel at Parc Farm, St Clements,Truro the pilot was safe.
19-10-1943
Hawker Henley Target Tug III L3349 of 1604 Flight swung on landing at RAF Cleave and collided with L3326 of the same unit which was damaged beyond repair.
23-10-1943
0200hrs
an American B-24 42-73046 Captain John E Cox. of the 448th Bomb Group on a ferry flight from Florida USA to Seething, Norfolk crashed on take off at Trembleath Farm, St Mawgan. The aircraft was smashed and crew of 11 killed.
23-10-1943
1500hrs
Supermarine Spitfire Vc EP361 NL-? 341 Squadron Free French Air Force from RAF Perranporth crashed during an exercise at Carthew Farm, St Issey. The aircraft was completely smashed and burnt out the pilot Captain Layec Free French Air Force was killed.
23-10-1943
Two Supermarine Spitfire V aircraft AD260 & EP639 of 66 Squadron based at Perranporth collided while beating-up the airfield after a successful search operation over the Ile de Batz for survivors of a British vessel. W/O D R C Mace and F/Lt D T Baker were killed.
24-10-1943
1135hrs
two Supermarine Seafire Ib aircraft NX889 & NX890 of 736 Squadron from RNAS St Merryn collided and crash into the sea 2½ miles NW of Padstow. One pilot managed to bail out the other missing.
27-10-1943
1200hrs
parts of an aircraft bearing the serial V4467 a de Havilland Queen Bee from RAF Cleave were found on Trevone Beach, Padstow.
28-10-1943
A Hawker Henley Target Tug III L3347 of 1602 Flight crashed on landing at RAF Cleave.
04-11-1943
A Hawker Typhoon Ib JP897 HF-? Of 183 Squadron flown by Flight Sergeant C E Waddington was destroyed in a landing accident at RAF Predannack. The Flight Sergeant survived without injury.
04-11-1943
Supermarine Spitfire Vc BM427 DW-? 610 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force based at Bolt Head, Devon while flying on Air Sea Rescue duty hit the water in a turn 40 miles SSE of Lizard Point and crashed.
07-11-1943
1205hrs
Hawker Typhoon Ib JP431 HF-T of 183 Squadron based at RAF Predannack suffered engine failure and crashed at Marhayes Pond, Week St Mary. The aircraft burnt out but the pilot F/Sgt W F Tollsworth was only slightly injured. 33
07-11-1943
Vickers Wellington XIV HF150 of 304 Squadron Polish Air Force based at RAF Davidstow Moor was wrecked in a ground collision with a stationary Wellington MP615 of 3 Coastal Operational Training Unit at Haverfordwest following a forced landing.
12-11-1943
A Bristol Beaufighter VIc T5284 of 235 Squadron RAF Portreath returning from operations had both engines cut on approach to RAF Predannack and crashed ¼ mile S Predannack.
17-11-1943
Supermarine Spitfire Vb BL583 GW-? 340 Squadron Free French Air Force based at RAF Perranporth while on patrol crashed in the sea off The Lizard. Sgt Tummers missing presumed dead.
20-11-1943
Martin B-26C Marauder 42-43316 crashed at St Mawgan.
30-11-1943
0129hrs
Douglas Dakota Mark III FL515 of 511 Squadron based at Lyneham, Wiltshire crashed into the sea 1 mile N of Portreath Airfield. The aircraft submerged with the 12 crew and passengers.
01-12-1943
A dispute at Davidstow Moor airfield involving 150 labourers, the dispute arose over the men having an interval for tea after 3 hours. An agreement was reached and the dispute ended.
03-12-1943
Douglas C-47A Skytrain 42-100511 ditched near Lundy Light, 15 miles off shore Bristol Channel. (Captain Sarke Samarian).
04-12-1943
A Douglas Dakota III FL545 of 512 Squadron based at RAF Hendon crashed on take-off from RAF Portreath.
05-12-1943
1815hrs
Boeing B-17F 42-30350 of the 388th Bomb Group 563rd Bomb Squadron based at Knettishall, Norfolk returning from a mission to Bordeaux, France ditched out of fuel. All 10 crewmen were rescued 5 miles SW of the Isles of Scilly (Captain Robert W Meyers).
07-12-1943
A Dutch refugee arrived at St Mawgan airport and was refused to leave to land by an immigration officer, he was subsequently conveyed to the London Reception Centre.
12-12-1943
Hawker Henley Target Tug III L3350 of 639 Squadron RAF Perranporth crashed at Vanstones Farm, St Agnes. The aircraft was badly damaged but the crew of two safe.
13-12-1943
Consolidated B-24H Liberator 42-7733 crash landed RAF Predannack out of fuel on a ferry flight (Captain Robert C Ayrest).
13-12-1943
1115hrs
Boulton Paul Defiant Target Tug I DR927 of 691 Squadron from RAF Roborough, Devon crashed at Blarrick, Anthony. The aircraft was completely smashed of the two occupants one was seriously injured and the other died.
18-12-1943
1445hrs
Supermarine Spitfire PR XI MB790 of 541 Squadron RAF St Eval on return from a photographic sortie it force landed at Treween Farm, Budock, Falmouth. The pilot was slightly injured, one wing was torn off the aircraft but there was no fire.
21-12-1943
0335hrs
An American Consolidated B-24 Liberator 41-11595 Captain Charles L Hobbs took off from RAF St Mawgan but crashed at Trewissick Farm, Colan. There were 7 occupants on board, four were injured and three killed.
22-12-1943
Douglas C-47A 42-100512 crashed RAF St Eval out of fuel on a ferry flight.(Captain Leonard T Spence).
23-12-1943
1100hrs
Douglas C-47B Skytrain 43-60733 of the 27th Air Transport Group, 87th Transport Squadron, 8th USAAF. The crew was flying back to Grove Air Station from RAF St Mawgan when the aircraft crashed into the summit of Brown Willy Tor on Bodmin Moor in fog. The four crew were killed 0-664390 1st Lt Theodore E Garland, Pilot; 0-521760 2nd Lt Daniel C Larkin; 18025422 S/Sgt Paul W Welter and 35334261 Sgt Charles Miller. They are commemorated on the Roll of Honour at Davidstow Moor Museums.
23-12-1943
0121hrs
Vickers Wellington Ic W5714 of 15 Operational Training Unit based at RAF Hampstead Norris when on a night navigational exercise became lost. The aircraft was presumed to have crashed into the sea W of the Isles of Scilly. F/O D E Raymond RCAF, Flight Sgt G A Hebblewhite RAAF, Sgt C Griggs, Sgt A CR Miles and Sgt F W Mittonette are missing the body of F/Sgt A Lipshitz DFM was recovered.
23-12-1943
2200hrs
Short Sunderland III DD836 of 228 Squadron based at Pembroke Dock, Wales made a forced landing in the Scilly Isles while returning from operations with damage to the port outer engine. The aircraft drifted into a small boat damaging an aileron causing damage.
25-12-1943
Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress 42-37869 of the US 8th Weather Flight took off from St Eval on a return flight to Cheddington, Hertfordshire it crashed into Sheeps Tor hidden in cloud 3½ miles SE of Bridestowe, Devon. (Captain Ernest H Patterson). Patterson and his Co-pilot survived as did Sgt Basil Brown RAF Met Observer. 5 crew were killed. 34
27-12-1943
Short Sunderland III EJ137 of 201 Squadron was on patrol in poor weather when it was hit by a ships cannon and landed in the Scilly Isles. The aircraft was towed to St Mary’s for repairs.
27-12-1943
1935hrs
Short Sunderland III EK581 of 423 Squadron RCAF damaged its port float & outer engine on landing at St Mary’s, Scilly Isles on return from operations.
28-12-1943
0303hrs
PB4Y-1 Liberator 32035 of the US Navy based at Dunkeswell, Devon returning to America via RAF St Mawgan crashed on take-off into Watergate Bay, Newquay. The aircraft was completely smashed and all 13 occupants killed.
28-12-1943
1245hrs
An aircraft believed to be American, flying in a southerly direction over Tregony Moor, collided with overhead power cables, pieces of the aircraft fell to the ground and were taken in charge by US Military Police
28-12-1943
2015 hours de Havilland Mosquito II DZ749 of 157 Squadron based at RAF Predannack flying in cloud crashed at Trevergy Farm, Curry 2½ miles NW of Mullion. The aircraft was completely burnt out and the two crew died.
28-12-1943
de Havilland Mosquito FBVI HX861 of 60 Operational Training Unit based at RAF High Ercall, Shropshire crashed at St Dennis killing both crew members.
28-12-1943
An Airspeed Oxford V3668 of the United States 8th Army Air Force Air Transport Command suffered an accident at RAF St Mawgan. (Captain Henry Steale).
29-12-1943
0845hrs
Douglas Boston III W8370 of 1 Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit based at Melton Mowbray crashed after take off from RAF Portreath at Penharrow Bottom, Gover Farm, St Agnes. There were four occupants aboard of which one was seriously injured, one slightly injured and two killed.
31-12-1943
A B-24H Liberator of the 448th Bomb Group USAAF based at Seething, Norfolk crash landed at RAF Portreath on return from operations against airfields on the French Atlantic coast.
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