Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

I have a Spitfire crash near Belgar, New Romney, on 24 October 1941.

Can anyone provide a definitive identity?

I have no further details.

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

Fiedorczuk of 315 Sqn perhaps?

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

Yes, I did wonder about that as a possibility Franek. He has to be a contender although without consulting 315's ORB I am not sure where he got his Spitfire down that day. Wojtek....can you answer that query?

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

I am not sure if ORB has that info. 315 was in combat over Gravelines, so I think New Romney is on the way back to Northolt.

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

can't help ..but Belgar is Tenterden rather than New Romney

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

I think there are two or three "Belgars" in Kent.

There is certainly one at New Romney, SSW of the town, and just to the north of Lydd Airport. Map Ref (OS) : 059229

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

Yes, there is nothing about crash location in 315 Sqn ORB. Anyway if it may be some kind of help:
"One of our aircraft was hit by cannon shell in cockipit. Pilot was seriously wounded but fortunately was able to fly to England where he crash landed as a result of engine failure"
Regards

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

... it was Spitfire W3761 as ORB states

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

Northolt's diary says Fiedorczuk was wounded but ac repairable. The AHB Cas Cards might give a clue as to location if you would like me to check?

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

Yes, Chris, if you can get a location from the cascard that would help.

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

Andy: Sorry but all the Cas Card says is wounded in W3761 Kent 1515 hrs 24 Oct 41 and taken to Hawkinge Medical Centre

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

Andy, Chris
I've checked 315 Squadron's Diary (PISM LOT.A.V.53/3A) but also there is nothing about the place where Fiedorczuk's plane crashed. A bit about circumstances such as when, where and how plane was hit and Fiedorczuk wasn't able to baile out bacause canopy was stuck. Aparently he had slightly similar situation three days before.
Of course there is a few 315 members still alive (pilots and ground crew) but don't think they can remember that very acurately.

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

That afternoon F/O Lukaszewicz flew No. 315 Sqn Magister "To Hawkinge and back". This must have had something to do with the incident, so perhaps it's worth looking into RAF Station Hawkinge ORB.

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

BTW
I would not tell, there are many 315 pilots with us. I know of two, and talked with one before the Christmas. I can call him again, but as noted, I doubt if he would ever know such details as a location of Fiedorczuk's crash.

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

Franek
Kornicki, Zajac or Jaworski?
Ground crew: Kawa or Skrzypczak. I'll see Skrzypczak shortly so I can ask.

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

I have forgotten Kornicki, sorry.

Re: Spitfire loss at New Romney, Kent - 24 October 1941
 

Thank you for the input, everyone!

I suspect that the Belgar crash was Fiedorckzuk and that he was then taken to Hawkinge which is not TOO far away. One can then surmise that Lukaszewicz then flew down to Hawkinge in the Maggie to collect him.

Unfortunately, all assumptions. No hard facts!