Information on PR Spitfire loss - 30 June 1941
 

Good morning,

My name is Sean, and I'm interested in all things Spitfire related (especially the end of line Spiteful, hence the log in).

I was wondering if any knew of any information on a PR Spitfire that failed to return on 30 June 1941. The aircraft was K9787 of PRU 1, but I have no further information than that.

I was wondering if anyone knew who the pilot was, the mission, or even what happened to the aircraft during her last flight?

Any information would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Sean

Re: Information on PR Spitfire loss - 30 June 1941
 

if you use Geoff Sullivans search engine for the CWGC database you will find P/O Samuel Bowes of the PRU is listed as missing for this date.
http://www.hut-six.co.uk/cgi-bin/search39-47.php

I expect this the pilot.
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_...sualty=1530194

Re: Information on PR Spitfire loss - 30 June 1941
 

K9787 Ia s/n-1 EA MII FF 14-5-38 Mkrs trials RAE 5-38 to 6-38 Martlesham Heath 18-8-38 gun install 23-9-38 pyrotechnics 8-10-38 wire trials 19-10-38 spin and dive trials 27-10-38 electric trials 6-1-39 perf trials. Vickers 13-4-39 for incorporation of mods RAE 26-4-39 to replace K9852 as radio trials aircraft 15-5-39 operating trials at Martlesham Heath with K9788 and K9793 Martlesham Heath 15-6-39 fuel cons trials hand and diving trials with 30 different types of fixed pitch props. cockpit hood functioning trials which demo the canopy was difficult to open at 350mph Suggested remedy a second entry/exit door in fus as emergency. Super for install MIII and Rotol constant-speed 3-blade Jablo prop. AMDP Gloster aircraft 23-10-39 FIE shed RAE mods Cv PRIII Type C at 6MU 11-7-40 comparison trials with N3297 (proto Mk III) and fitt 7lb sliding inertia weight on elev control. PRU 1-6-41 FTR ops 30-6-41 FH363.50

Re: Information on PR Spitfire loss - 30 June 1941
 

Hi Sean,

The pilot of K9787 was indeed Bowes as Dennis suggests.

He failed to return from a sortie to Le Havre and Cherbourg

Source: 1 PRU ORB

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

Re: Information on PR Spitfire loss - 30 June 1941
 

1 PRU loss log lists K9787 as Type G (PR.VII), not Type C (PR.III).

Re: Information on PR Spitfire loss - 30 June 1941
 

All,

Thanks for the great information. Are the circumstances of how the pilot and aircraft were lost known? From the mission, I expect the aircraft was lost at sea?

Thanks again.