Swordfish/Albacore identity
 

Hi,

On 9th June 1944 a Swordfush/Albacore took off from Donibristle in Fife. The pilot flew too low and crashed near Fordall Estate near the airfield. Along with the pilot there were two WRENS on board as well. All three were killed.

Chief Petty Officer (A) Frederick Ernest Andrews (NZD1370), Leading WREN Joan Margaret Ashburner (45374) and Leading WREN Margaret Elsie Clare Batchelor (45380) are all buried in Dunfermline (Douglas Bank) Cemetery, Dunfermline.

Does anyone know the identity of the Swordfish/Albacore? It may have belonged to Donibristle Ferry Pool.

Regards,

Alex

Re: Swordfish/Albacore identity
 

Alex,

It was an Albacore.

A nice tribute here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/s...a5354714.shtml

Regards,

Leendert

Re: Swordfish/Albacore identity
 

Leendert,
NZ3170 and a Swordfish (LS 181 - E3B). Source: Errol Martyn's "For Your Tomorrow" Vol.2 page 235.
Regards,
Henk.

Re: Swordfish/Albacore identity
 

Hi Leendert, Henk

I saw the link and I have vol 3 of Errol's FYT, which mentions the Swordfish.

I know Errol's research is excellent, but with two aircraft options I was just wanting to be certain I have the correct aircraft.

The article is very interesting but it does mention an Albacore carrying out a wheels up landing. So memory is not always what it seems.

Alex

Re: Swordfish/Albacore identity
 

Hi Alex

Was it an authorised flight?

Cheers
Brian

Re: Swordfish/Albacore identity
 

Hi Brian,

As yet I don't know if the flight was authorised or not. I only came across the above article today when I was searching the 'net for aircraft crashes in Fife.

The Wrens were described as Radar Wrens. I've not heard of that phrase before.

Normally I'd request a copy of the accident form, but did the Royal Navy keep similar accident records to the RAF? I've made a couple of requests to the FAA Museum about accident cards but have never received any reply.

Alex

Re: Swordfish/Albacore identity
 

Hi Brian,

Some further info. Both Wrens were radio mechanics and the Swordfish was up on a test flight. So it looks like it was an authorised flight.

Alex

Re: Swordfish/Albacore identity
 

FAA accident cards were apparently shredded by an over zealous officer in the 60s. Apparently he thought that after 25 years they were not relevant any more.........

Re: Swordfish/Albacore identity
 

Hi Chris,

That wasn't so good. Most of what I'm looking into involved FAA aircraft.

Alex

Re: Swordfish/Albacore identity
 

Many thanks Alex

Cheers
Brian