New Zealand aircrew query
 

Hi guys

Two queries concerning the same Blenheim crash:

On 27 May 1941, Blenheim T2338 of 14 Squadron crashed near the Qattara Depression, some 60 miles south of El Daba (Egypt).

The main mystery surrounds the pilot, F/O Murray MacKenzie, a New Zealander in the RAF, who survived the crash-landing, but then disappeared. His story has been well documented, but has there been any sequel?

Secondly, the Wop/AG was named as Sgt J.N. McConnell RNZAF from Gisborne, NZ. In the official NEW ZEALANDERS WITH THE RAF published by the War History Branch, it states that although McConnell survived the bale out before the crash and was rescued after about six days, he was later 'killed on air operations 13 June 1942.'

However, the J.N. McConnell killed in action on 13 June 1942, was RNZAF fighter pilot Jack Nock McConnell (RNZAF No. NZ405293) who was shot down flying Spitfires with 601 Squadron at Malta.

My query, were they one and the same? Did the 14 Squadron air gunner retrain as a fighter pilot?

Cheers
Brian

Re: New Zealand aircrew query
 

Brian
I think there is an error as I am in touch with McConnell' s nephew

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showth...ghlight=Murray

Re: New Zealand aircrew query
 

Hi Chris

I can't imagine how I missed your recent enquiry!!

However, I am still confused! Which Jack McConnell family are you in contact with? I assume the one aboard T2338 - if so, when did he die and in what circumstances?

Do you have a photo of him - and perhaps of his crew?

Cheers
Brian

Re: New Zealand aircrew query
 

Brian

This is two different McConnells. The one in the Blenheim was not from New Zealand while the one shot down over Malta on June 15th (not 13th) was.

Are you in contact with Errol W Martin, author of For your Tomorrow?
He is as far as I know the expert of all lost airmen from New Zealand since 1915.
I can put you in touch if you are not.

B Rgds
Stig

Re: New Zealand aircrew query
 

Brian
I have an account written at the time but no photos

Re: New Zealand aircrew query
 

Hi guys

Stig - thanks for confirmation of two different men. Was the Blenheim survivor W.J. McConnell, and the Spit pilot J.N. McConnell?

Chris - I have an account that appeared in Bowman's JUMP FOR IT. Do you have a different version? If so I would appreciate a copy.

Cheers
Brian

Re: New Zealand aircrew query
 

Not seen Jump for It. The account was written by McConnell but is more about what happened after landing rather than the mission.

Re: New Zealand aircrew query
 

Correct Brian

W J McConnell was the Blenheim gunner and he was not from New Zealand.

J N McConnell was from NZ and had service number 405293.

Cheers
Stig

Re: New Zealand aircrew query
 

Thanks again Stig & Chris

Yes, I'm interested in what happened following the bale out - any chance of a scan or photocopy, please?

Also, any chance of being put in contact with the nephew in a quest for photos of his uncle?

Cheers
Brian

Re: New Zealand aircrew query
 

Will scan when I am back in the UK & will ask the nephew who works for me but I have asked already & nothing was forthcoming