Hampdens shot down 21 December 1939
 

Hi guys

Minor mystery! On 21 December 1939, 602 Squadron Spitfires erroneously shot down two Hampdens - L4089 (P/O RJ Sansome) and L4090 (P/O PF Dingwell), one falling in the sea off North Berwick, the other into Aberlady Bay.

However, The Blitz Now & Then (Volume 1) states that L4072 (Sgt E. Marshall) was also a victim of the Spitfires and crashed on to the Church of Christ, Amble, killing one and injuring another on the ground in addition to two of the crew.

Could someone unravel this for me, please?

Cheers
Brian

Re: Hampdens shot down 21 December 1939
 

Hello Brian,

Chorley confirms Hampdens L4089 & L4090 of No.44 Squadron fell victim to No.602 Squadron Spitfires but that L4072 of No.49 Squadron apparently ran out of fuel before crashing into a chapel at Broomhill. So it would seem that The Blitz Then & Now (Volume 1) may well be in error on this point.