Mystery Crash Reported at 04.30 hrs 15 August 1940 (missing from Boscombe Down)
 

Hello All

I am interested in a mystery crash recorded by No.3 Group Winchester Observer Corps Centre that was reported at 04.30 hours 15th August 1940.

The Winchester Observer Centre Signal Log states that the crash reported at 04.30 hours 15.8.1940 was the missing aircraft from Boscombe Down.

The plane [Whitley P5044] which crashed into the balloon barrage at Eastleigh had already been reported. However, the Signal Log, does not say whether the crash reported at 04.30 hrs is a Fighter, returning Bomber or other aircraft.

Despite 10 years collecting copies of all the Bomber Command Stations ORBs, Bomber Squadrons ORBs, Appendices, other files, Forms E, the Raid Forms and numerous Flying Accident Card copies for the 14/15 August 1940 night, the crash reported in at 04.30 hrs heading for Boscombe Down remains a mystery.

Has anyone compiled a comprehensive list of crashes / crash landings for central Southern England / Hants area please?

Regards Mark

Re: Mystery Crash Reported at 04.30 hrs 15 August 1940 (missing from Boscombe Down)
 

I have now managed to find the image and attach it.

Regarding the entry at 04.30 hrs, it only refers to Boscombe Down asking the Winchester Observer Corps Centre if they have any sound plots in squares U50 to U54 as one of their planes is late and must be short of petrol.

Re: Mystery Crash Reported at 04.30 hrs 15 August 1940 (missing from Boscombe Down)
 

Hi Mark,
In your research have you seen …

AIR 22/171 A.M.W.R. daily reports for summary Nos. 378-408 1940 Aug.
AIR 35/176 Headquarters Daily intelligence reports Nos 1 - 46, Mar. 25th - May 9th 1940
WO 106/2078 G.H.Q. Daily Intelligence Summaries: 1 - 99 1940 May-Aug.
WO 106/2079 G.H.Q. Daily Intelligence Summaries: 100 - 199 1940 Aug.-Dec.
AIR 22/12 War Room Daily Summaries 378-408 1940 Aug.
AIR 22/100 R.A.F. Daily Summaries of Casualties 1940 July-Dec.
HO 202/1Nos 1-151 June to October 1940. ( Ministry of Home Security: Home Security War Room Reports)

I have not seen all of these but they are where I would start if looking into an unexplained event in August 1940.

Hope this helps,
Bruce

Re: Mystery Crash Reported at 04.30 hrs 15 August 1940 (missing from Boscombe Down)
 

Thanks Bruce

I have seen some of those and have some photocopied already.
There are a couple which I will check on my next visit.

Regards Mark