e-bay DB-7 France from 1940
 

Hi all,

have somebody more info about this wreck of DB-7?

Looks like destroyed on the ground .....

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Foto-RAF-Bris...QAAOSwOyJX8Vmi

Thanks Faenor

Re: e-bay DB-7 France from 1940
 

Hi Faenor

This wreck is in fact the DC-3 ex OO-AUI used by the RAF and lost on 23.05.40. Captured intact by Germans and destroyed on the ground possibly by strafing aircraft.

Regards - Tom

Re: e-bay DB-7 France from 1940
 

24 (COMMUNICATIONS) SQUADRON, HENDON Douglas DC-3. Port wing hit by AA fire over St Omer and forced-landed near Arques. (Pilot1) Raymond Emille Chartier reputedly shot while attempting to evade capture, (Pilot2) Albert Lassois captured wounded, (W/Op) Jan-Paul Grauwels captured slightly wounded in left arm, (F/Eng) Piet Vrebos captured unhurt. Captain John Mathew Hampden Hoare (of BOAC) killed, Pilot Officer Benson Freeman and rest of passengers believed captured unhurt. Aircraft OO-AUI later burned out 100% write-off.
Impressed into RAF service, this ex-Belgian Sabena Airlines aircraft and its civilian crew was one of nine transport aircraft employed in air-lifting essential stores to Merville this day. It was en-route back to England carrying several crew members of aircraft destroyed there earlier.

Re: e-bay DB-7 France from 1940
 

Thanks for info

Faenor

Re: e-bay DB-7 France from 1940
 

I have now had the opportunity to look at Pilot Officer Benson Freeman file at National Archives (he was prosecuted after war for aiding Enemy) and served 10 years

It makes clear that he was 2nd Pilot to Albert Lassois on 23rd May 1940 in OO-AGZ

Freeman reports states P/O Peter Edward Bressey 70082 was co-pilot in OO-AUI and killed in same incident - which would make sense if pilot Raymond Emille Chartier and Hoare (acting as Navigator) also killed in Cockpit - while passengers (Lassois and Freeman) survived