Mosquito HP850
 

Good morning everybody,

The Mosquito HP 850 from 464 Sqn crashed on 9th Oct 1943.
Does anyone have any details about the mission of that day?
Or any other details about this incident?
thanks
sealander

Re: Mosquito HP850
 

Daylight raid to the Messerschmitt engine works at Woippy, near Metz. Hit by flak at the coast and came down at Ijzendijke.

The formation encountered a group of Royal Navy vessels and altered course, crossing the coast at a heavily-defended point.

Re: Mosquito HP850
 

Thanks for your fast reply,
any idea why they would alter course?
The mouth of the river Westerschelde was well supplied with FLAK, this was not a secret to RAF pilots so I am puzzled why they decided to fly inland at that point.
Anybody who has the ORB of 464 Sqn?

Sealander

Re: Mosquito HP850
 

The RN was notorious for firing at anything in the air, friend or foe, hence the course change. As for why they didn't turn back, or why they chose to cross where they did, is anyone's guess.

The 464 Squadron ORB is online at:

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ResearcherScreen.asp

Put 464 Squadron in the keywords field, click on search. Click the "display" button which appears. On the results page, click on "Digitised Images first". Then click on the "View digital copy" icon for theb "Unit history of number 464 Squadron - September 1942 to September 1944" file. In the window which results, click the "Enlarge" so the entries become legible. I find it easiest to navigate through the pages by entering a number in the "Page" box.

There is a brief description of the operation on page 112, details start on page 116, though the convoy etc doesn't appear to be mentioned.

Re: Mosquito HP850
 

A little detail extra: Crashed in the Clarapolder near Mollekot (close to the barns of farmer M. De Dobbelaere), 2 kms S of IJzendijke, 12.10 hrs. Crew buried 10-10-1943 at 16.30 hrs.
Regards,
Henk.

Re: Mosquito HP850
 

MHUXT and Henk,
thanks very much for your help
Sealander