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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
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