Battle Crash
 

Before I start trawling, can anyone save me time by identifying this aircraft?

Re: Battle Crash
 

Hi Chris,
Is it possibly L5528 of 150 Squadron?
Lost on 27th July 1940.
See here https://discovery.nationalarchives.g...ls/r/C16471943
regards
Gerry

Re: Battle Crash
 

Gerry-that one was at RAF Newton; there are German vehicles in the background of the photo

Re: Battle Crash
 

Doh!!
Didn't even notice them...…...

Re: Battle Crash
 

Serial appears close to that though

Re: Battle Crash
 

If you go to RAFCommands AIR81 database and search for the phrase "Battle L55" there are many returns

http://www.rafcommands.com/database/air81/


There are some very very useful search functions over on RAFC now, well worth playing around with.

Re: Battle Crash
 

The serial number is possibly L5328.
That's a Battle belonging to 12 squadron.
Gerry

Re: Battle Crash
 

Hello Chris,

This is a new Battle photo to me, and a new wreck. The location seems to be an abandoned (RAF) airfield.

No matter how I look at it the serial seems to begin with 'L53'. The third numeral is probably '0' or '2'. Twelve Battles in the 'L53..' series were left in France. Based on photo evidence I can rule out all five in the 'L532.' batch, some of the others too like L5334 and L5397. None were lost in the 'L530.' group. That leaves four with unknown fates; L5333, L5338, L5362 and L5396.

If that second digit was indeed '5' and not '3' then L5508, L5509 and L5520 come into play, Again all final fates unknown.

Sorry I cannot help more, but I hope someone can identify this Battle.

Regards,

Martin Gleeson.

Re: Battle Crash
 

OK I had a look, and based on the the downward "curve" of the middle of second number and the height of the "middle" of the number if I think it is a 5 rather than a 3 (compare to visible 5), and the wreckage hanging down is hiding the front of the 5. The last digit is an 8 to me and so the 4 number is either a 0 or 2

so L55?8

That can make it either L5508 (103 Sqn no fate) or L5528

L5528 was lost 27-7-1940 in UK (at Newton with 150 Squadron)

So as far as I can see it is L5508


Possible loss is one of these unknowns

https://www.northlincsweb.net/103Sqn...__to_1940.html

Based on the damage?

14th June 1940 – Fairey Battle I – Various – 2 aircraft destroyed in bombing at Souge and possibly others at the MU at Nantes

I think though "bombing" would be more appropriate damage -= any idea of what attacked Souge on this date


https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peo...a3294795.shtml
"
14.6.40

1700.
Low flying attack by approximately 9 M.E’s 110s or Dornier aircraft who approached over the brow of a hill bordering the aerodrome and delivered an “excellent attack”.

Several aircraft hit and set on fire. Sergt. Dons (?) wounded."

or

on 15th June 1940

Any photos of Souge from period ??

Re: Battle Crash
 

PS look at damage on roof of House

That looks like the after effects of a bombing o me

Loss of tiles etc, the rest of the building appears undamaged

Re: Battle Crash
 

Thanks all

Re: Battle Crash
 

Well Paul

One problem.
The photo attached has at least previously been identified as L5508 captured in France

Cheers
Stig

Re: Battle Crash
 

I agree that it causes a problem

Anyone else want a crack L5506 ? maybe

Re: Battle Crash
 

Well Paul

I am not saying the photo I attached IS L5508.
Just saying it has been identified as such.....

Cheers
Stig

Re: Battle Crash
 

The crashed Battle looks very much to me like L5325 which was damaged at Beauvais. From other photos I use to have.

Re: Battle Crash
 

I have to admit G-ASEA is spot on, it is L5325 at Beauvais. There is another photo taken from the opposite side showing the serial but nothing else to match the two sides except for that piece of tubular frame holding the two wings together.

Regards,

Martin.

Re: Battle Crash
 

All


Glad that is sorted out

so L5508 photo may still be one left at Sougé, Loir-et-Cher



Paul

Re: Battle Crash
 

Gentlemen: This must be a match. The photo came from a chap from 1./KG 76 and they arrived at Beauvais in June 1940. With what Sqn was L5325?

Re: Battle Crash
 

The Air Britain L-serials book just notes it as being with the AASF, presumed lost in France 5.40

Re: Battle Crash
 

Yes, but that was the early volume.

The second printing (combining both the L and N registers) says;
4 FPP (Ferry Pilot Pool Unit) swung on landing, Beauvais 19.5.1940. Presumed abandoned on evacuation.

Cheers
Stig

Re: Battle Crash
 

I use to corresponded with the Grandson of the man in charge of Beauvais Aerodrome. He was writing the history of the aerodrome he sent me many photos, so I able to recognise some of the buildings there. Also he told me that his grandfather was put in charge of the R101 airship wreck and return of the dead to England.
Dave