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WW2 loss of an Avro York

Hello,

WW2 loss of an Avro York.

On the 14th of November 1944 an Avro York crashed into the side of a mountain.
The Pilot was a chap named Lancaster.

All ten persons aboard were killed.

Serial number was MW126.

Does anyone know (a) why this a/c was according to Air Britain MA100-MZ999 flying 120 m north of its intended track and another source (b) that it was flying too low in bad weather /fog over the French Alps (c) What information was given out to the media at the time on the AVM's loss or was there a black out on the news of his loss until after the war?

The passengers were AVM Sir Trafford Leigh Mallory and his wife Lady Doris Jean Leigh Mallory. The AVM was on his way to take up his new Command in the Far East.

Thanks
Alex

Re: WW2 loss of an Avro York

Alex,
This crash is a topic in one of the After the Battle magazines. I’ve read it in the Dutch version (Toen en Nu 40/45, No.39). De topics and numbering of the Dutch and English versions are not always in sequence, so it could be a issue close to no.39.

Dennis

Re: WW2 loss of an Avro York

hello Dennis,
Many thanks for the info.
Dont suppose that you could send me a short translation of the details ?

Thanks
Alex

Re: WW2 loss of an Avro York

The Pilot was a chap named Lancaster.
captain:S/L Charles Gordon Drake Lancaster, DFC and Bar, 75989
2nd pilot: F/L Peter Chinn, 107984
Nav: F/L Keith Allan Mooring, 126892
W/o: F/L John Austral Casey, 403555
F/e: F/O Alfred John Enser, 169052
Mec: Corp John Ellis Morton Burgess, 523400
Mec: LAc John Chalmer Burnett, 967906
Sgt Harold John Chandler, 1618502

a) why this a/c was according to Air Britain MA100-MZ999 flying 120 m north of its intended track and another source
There is still no explanation for the course deviation. Fact is that the pilot had limited experience in long distance flying. Other pilots flying through the same weather reported extremely bad weather,
(b) that it was flying too low in bad weather /fog over the French Alps
At 2000 meter it hit a mountain peak during a severe snowstorm near Le Rivier d’Allemont.
(c) What information was given out to the media at the time on the AVM's loss or was there a black out on the news of his loss until after the war?
On November 19th 1944 German radio reported that the search for the plane of Leigh-Mallory had ended.

Hope this helps

Dennis

Re: WW2 loss of an Avro York