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Re: Spitfire collision & other question,s
Hello Allan,
And just to confuse -
Derek Palmer's book has on page 226
"Flight Lieutenant Bell and the CO collided rendering both their aircraft uncontrollable. Squadron Leader Ekins baled out immediately and effected a safe landing bruising his legs and cutting his hands. Flight Lieutenant P. H. Bell was not so fortunate, his aircraft (BL852) headed straight towards the ground from 1500 feet where the collision occurred. He baled out but his parachute failed to open in time to save him".
AB has for BL852 -
402/312/403/401/416/19/315 - Engine cut; crashed during attempted bellylanding,Ballyhalbert 8.7.43.
So this a/c met its end with 315 Sqn not 19 .Spitfire the History confirms this as does the Polish Squadrons Remembered web site "8 July. Spitfire IX BL852 (PK-?) F/Sgt F. Malczewski. Flying accident. Pilot injured. SOC."
N.R. Franks has in FCL vol 2 (these machines were BM323 and BM539).
Spitfire the History has -
BM323 no mention of 19 Sqn, only "CE ops 9-7 FH262.25".
BM539 "19S 1-7 air coll with BM323 cd nr 125 SLG CE 9-7 FH136.45".
So question of who was in which a/c remains open.
Alex
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