3 Squadron loss, Hunsdon.
 

Hi, im new to this forum, so hi to all.
Im doing some research on my local airfield (RAF Hunsdon) and im hoping that forum members can help with a query regarding a 3 Squadron loss on 7th December 1941, when P/O John McVay was killed when his aircraft crashed returning from a patrol.
Can anyone tell me the serial number & code letters of his Hurricane IIC and if the cause of the crash was ever discovered.

:)Thanks

Re: 3 Squadron loss, Hunsdon.
 

7 December 1941.

3 Squadron.
Hurricane IIC Z3916

Convoy patrol. Crashed near Epping returning in bad weather.

FCL. - N L R. Franks.

Re: 3 Squadron loss, Hunsdon.
 

Sunday 7 December, 1941.
FIGHTER COMMAND.
Convoy patrol.
3 Squadron, RAF (Hunsdon, Hertfordshire - 11 Group).
Hurricane IIC Z3916

On returning in snow showers and thick cloud at 1810, struck a tree and dived into the ground a quarter of a mile north of Thornwood village, in the neighbouring county of Essex, 6 miles SE of Hunsdon. The pilot is buried at Ware, Hertfordshire. Investigators highlighted the pilot's lack of night flying experience; he had been posted in from his operational training unit with a total of ten hours, of which only two had been on instruments.

Pilot: NZ404913 Plt Off John Douglas McVAY, RNZAF - Age 28. 245hrs. 3rd op.

See:
For Your Tomorrow:A Record of New Zealanders who have Died while serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services since 1915. Volume One: Fates 1915 -1942.
Martyn,Errol W.
Christchurch:Volplane Press,1998.
p.158

Col.

Re: 3 Squadron loss, Hunsdon.
 

Thanks chaps, some excellent information there, certainly more than I expected....spot on. :):)
Cheers
Bob