Trying to confirm date of British pilot loss
 

Hello,

In the EoE British loss DB, Peter C. has just posted this:

"9 November 1939 Add: RAF FIGHTER COMMAND 3 SQUADRON, CROYDON Hurricane L1907. Crashed in the North Sea, exact circumstances not recorded. Pilot Officer Geoffrey Buller Mitchell killed. Aircraft a write-off. (Source: Studiegroep)
Alternative sources record this aircraft crashed in the sea on 1 February 1940. Geoffrey Mitchell was washed ashore and buried at Den Burg on the island of Texel."

Since there are apparently two alternative sources for info on this loss, can anyone help confirm this loss date of 9 Nov 1939, and/or provide any further relevant info on this incident?

As always, thanx!

Regards,

Re: Trying to confirm date of British pilot loss
 

Hi

In respect of Hurricane L1907 of No 3 Squadron

Hope this helps.

Aircraft Movement card states 'Aircraft lost at Sea 09-11-39'

& Squadron Operations Book Lists ' G.B.Mitchell flying Hurricane L1907 on Patrol over the Sea (missing) 09-11-39.

regards

Iain

Re: Trying to confirm date of British pilot loss
 

Ian,

Iain, thanx for contributing. I am sure that these are sources that PC consulted for his loss entry. It appears that with these two references, plus the Netherlands "Studiegroep" data (which may be based upon these sources) this nails it down tighter for a Nov. 11, 1939 loss date, as Peter has concluded.

Regards,

Re: Trying to confirm date of British pilot loss
 

The files of the late Henk Wetling state his body washed up on 2/12/1939 on dutch coast, his death was determined to be due to drowning and he was buried initially on 5/12/1939 in the Civil Cemetary at Den Burg / Texel (but rebured in 1949 in Military Section)

Re: Trying to confirm date of British pilot loss
 

Paul,

Thanx. That should absolutely cinch the earlier date of death for the pilot. I'm sure that Peter will take this into account in his evaluation, which was obviously the correct solution to the issue in the first place. Should lay to rest the possible February death date.

Regards,

Re: Trying to confirm date of British pilot loss
 

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Website lists this information:

MITCHELL, GEOFFREY BULLER

Rank: Pilot OfficerTrade: Pilot
Service No: 40249
Date of Death: 09/11/1939
Age: 20
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force, 3 Sqdn.
Grave Reference Plot K. Row 1. Grave 3.CemeteryTEXEL (DEN BURG) CEMETERY

Additional Information:
Son of Herbert Archibald and Winifred Mitchell, of Downleaze, Bristol.

Dave

Re: Trying to confirm date of British pilot loss
 

Dave,

Thanx. One more bit of confirming evidence.