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Re: Secret mission 10 Sqdn RAAF 18/06/1940
Hello,
Strange coincidence that i was just reading about this very event last night.
It seems that this Walrus (L2312)was requested on the 17th June from RAF Mount Batten where 10 Sqdn RAAF used it on occasion to fetch Mn DeGaulle and her family and maid from France on the 18th June.But it was not until many months after that notification of the site of the crews graves was received from the Red Cross that the a/c had crashed in fog two miles from Ploudaniel. The aircrew were -F/Lt. J.N.Bell RAAF, Major Norman Hope SIS and F/Sgt. C.W. Harris. However that is just the start. An MTB (29)was sent after her when nothing was heard from the Walrus. it left Plymouth on the 19th June.Mn De Gaulle with her people had already left France before the Walrus had even left for her. On the 17th June had gone into Brest and with money from an Aunt embarked on one of the last two ships to leave for England, a Polish one and an English one. She chose the English ship, and arrived safely in Falmouth on the 19th June they were in England before the MTB had sailed from Plymouth for them. The Polish ship was sunk.on the way over.
Details from Secret Flotillas by Brooks Richards (in two vols). A Great read for interest in James Bond and the "Secret" side of war and Sailing.
There is no mention of Bernard Nowell in the book.
Alex
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