Loss of Spitfire R6634 18/07/40
 

Good Morning, I am enquiring into the circumstances surrounding the shooting down of Ft/Lt Frank HOWELL on the 18/07/40 in Poole Bay Dorest. It would appear that his aircraft was damaged during combat with a JU88 which appatantly was also shotdown. I am particulary interested in answers to the following questions but any other information relating to this matter would be of interest. Thanks in advance Del.

1. HOWELL parachuted to safety landing in Poole Bay, and was rescued by a Royal Navy, launch. Does any one know what launch it was and where it operated from? Incidently he was unhurt and back in the air the following day!
2. The Spit was believed to have crashed at Studland. Some reports state that it was a right off but others state that it was recovered and repaired. Can any one confirm which is correct.

Re: Loss of Spitfire R6634 18/07/40
 

Somewhere I think I have contact details for Jennifer Dexter, Howell's daughter, who has undertaken a good deal of research relating to her late father. PM me and I'll see if I can help.

Andy Saunders

Re: Loss of Spitfire R6634 18/07/40
 

The history of Spitfire R6634 in Air Britain Aeromilitaria Autumn 2007 shows NO history post 18/07/40 and says Howell resecued by RN Auxiliary Vessel

Re: Loss of Spitfire R6634 18/07/40
 

R6634 Ia 723 EA MIII
FF 26-5-40 24MU 30-5-40 609S 4-6-40
Damaged by return fire from Ju88 and abandoned 5m off Swanage Dorset 18-7-40

Re: Loss of Spitfire R6634 18/07/40
 

I have PR-F/R6636 crash-landing on Studland Beach (Fg Off A R Edge) and R6634 being shot down 4 miles south of Poole. I have a copy of Howell's logbook as you well know!