Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

Hello, have any of you out there got any information on the fate of Keith Grant Learn - service number J25159 - RCAF. He flew with 66 Squadron and flew into high ground near Tangmere in MJ175. Does any one know where he came down? Can anyone who has access to 66's ORB please look up this incident which happened on 3/4/44.

Thank you

Adam

Re: Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

He was killed in the crash (source: They Shall Grow Not Old). He came down at North Tangmere.

John Engelsted

Re: Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

Thank you, is that North Tangmere, or North of Tangmere?

Thanks

A

Re: Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

Source says "North Tangmere"

John

Re: Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

Much obliged?

Re: Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

Hi Adam

From what I recall, Tangmere is on a fairly flat area east of Chichester, and I can't see (and have never heard of) anywhere called 'North Tangmere'.

However, the South Downs are not far to the north of Tangmere, so I wonder if he hit them.

Ian

Re: Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

Interesting too that this loss is not in the book RAF Fighter Command Losses 1944-45 by Norman Franks, as 66 Sqn was very much a part of 2nd TAF at the time

Re: Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

Ian, you are absolutely right. And Larry yes, so are you

A

Re: Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

I have two Spitfire losses recorded in my master index; one at 'Tegleaze', East Lavington, the other at Littleton Warren, Sutton.

I need to dig out the reports, but I suspect both are the same incident.

Re: Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

Hi Andy, if you would that would be extremely useful

Thank you - just been enjoying Finding the Few - thanks for that

AK

Re: Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

A pleasure.

I will dig out what I have.

By the way, this was a CFIT and if on a non-operational flight then this would possibly explain non-inclusion in Franks' FCL.

Re: Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

Thank you, excuse my ignorance, but what is a CTIT?

Thanks

Adam

Re: Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

CFIT = Controlled Flight Into Terrain

It may be rather more modern jargon than wartime period, but is currently used in the aviation industry worldwide to categorise accidents of this nature.

I have searched but not yet located a Police report - but I will have something! Unfortunately, my 1944 Sussex incidents are in a large box file and not in date order, yet.

What is your interest in this case? Always pleased to help - but equally curious as to reason for specific interest.

Re: Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

The only additional information I have been able to establish is:

11.45 hours

Map Reference 378345

This is a wartime OS map reference, but it places it pretty much exactly on the crown of the wooded hill at Tegleaze, and due south of East Lavington.

Re: Keith Grant Learn. 66 Squadron - Tangmere.
 

Thank you very much Andy, I will PM you via your website

Thanks

Adam