[pfP7063]

Hi Malcolm

The following comes from 263's ORB

April has been marked by a succession of tragedies. On the 1st., F/L Crooks DFC was killed. He was in company with S/L Donaldson near the Lizard when a Do.215 was sighted. S/L Donaldson engaged and damaged it. F/L Crooks crashed in flames and was killed. From eyewitness accounts, it appears that he was shot down by the Dornier but S/L Donaldson did not see him after giving the "Tally-Ho". On the 20th., F/O Howe was killed as a result of an accident whilst on a visit to Wittering aerodrome, and on the 30th., P/O Milligan was killed as a result of an accident at Aldermaston. They were all 3 experienced pilots, and their loss is felt very heavily. There were 3 encounters with the enemy during the month, on the 1st., the 6th., and the 7th., but unfortunately no confirmed victory could be claimed. On the 10th. we left Portreath and moved to Filton where the Squadron was originally formed in 1939. Since then the Operational flying has been limited to all intents and purposes to convoy patrols in the Bristol Channel.

1st.
P6998 S/L A.H. Donaldson Patrol 1835 - 1915
P6989 F/L D.A.C. Crooks DFC Patrol 1835 - KIA

A Do.215 was intercepted north of the Lizard. S/L Donaldson attacked and damaged it. F/L Crooks crashed in flames near Helston and was killed. It appears that he was shot down by the Dornier, but S/L Donaldson did not see him after giving the "Tally-Ho".

Kind regards

Paul