Help with Stirling BF383 shot down 27 April 1943
 

Dear all,

On behalf of the family of one of the MIA, I'm looking for information about Stirling BF383 "WP-T" of 90 Sqn RAF which crashed in the former Zuiderzee (today: IJsselmeer) in the night of 27 April 1943 on a raid to/from Duisburg, Germany. I'm particularly interested in information that could solve the fate of the MIA, such as Air Gunner Sgt James Riby Boyes (see picture). According to Theo Boiten, the aircraft was shot down by Oblt. Werner Husemann (Stab/NJG1) rather than Ofw. Heinz Vinke as was previously thought. I will post some questions on Husemann on the LW Board.



Questions that I have at the moment:

• What was Sgt. Boyes' position/function in this aircraft? Upper/Tail/Nose Gunner?
• What is the exact crash location? (In case the family wants to place (drop) a wreath or something.)
• In 1965, parts of the aircraft were salvaged. There was one picture of the tail in the Flight International of 2 May 1968, I believe. Are there more pictures of the wreck or the recovery?
• Is there a recovery report of the Royal Netherlands Air Force Salvage Unit (Bergingsdienst Koninklijke Luchtmacht) regarding this wreck?
• Can anybody identify the other crew members in the attached picture? Picture is thought to show part of the crew of BF383 in Ridgewell, Essex. (I have been told that 90 Sqn was stationed there at some point.) Sgt James Riby Boyes is the one on the outer right.

Thanks in advance,

Marcel

Re: Help with Stirling BF383 shot down 27 April 1943
 

Marcel,

I don't believe your photo shows any aircrew. Two of the four chaps shown, including Boyes, do not have an aircrew brevet (half wing above left pocket) First and second men are wearing Leading Aircraftman stripes, so not aircrew.

Perhaps this was taken at one of his training schools before crewing up?

Regards,

Dave

Re: Help with Stirling BF383 shot down 27 April 1943
 

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your remark, I hadn't noticed. (The photo caption was handed down by the family together with the photo.)

Regards,

Marcel