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Re: 107 Sqn RAF
Follow up info re the BZ387 crash site and email correspondence with a person who is also trying to find out the same info. at the school where it all ended for these young men.
This is the response to one line of enquiry, whats most pleasing is that the crash site are actually looking into commemorating the site and are trying to get info to assist that.
I think that is a fitting tribute to the sad loss that all the families of the crew suffered and a mark of respect for their sacrifice.
Here it is ...
From: Douglas
Sent: 14 August 2009
To: David
Subject: RE: Raf Bomber Crash 06/01/44
Where do you live because I would welcome you to Eagle House to visit the place of the crash and discuss the whole incident and the proposed memorial. It would be wonderful if I can get one or two of my members who were at school during the 1940s to also meet you. We do serve a very good lunch for visitors!!
The information given is very helpful – thank you. Sadly you did not quote the website you mentioned in the text.
Douglas
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From: David
Sent: 14 August 2009 20:43
To: 'Douglas'
Subject: RE: Raf Bomber Crash 06/01/44
Douglas,
That is unbelievable!!!
I have been trying to find out about what happened for around 4 years, when out of the blue earlier this week I decided to have another look at it having drawn a blank previously.
I have all the info you request along with photos of two of the crew who perished that day, two of whom were very close friends of my wife’s grandfather. Sidney Millbank. I will email photos of them together along with pictures of the crew in front of what is believed to be the aircraft concerned in Sept 1943.
Sidney was not flying with his usual crew that day and I do not known for sure why however I have got a rip cord and family seem to remember that he had to bail out at some time and was injured..again and possibly in hospital.
Details of the aircraft and crew are as follows. The crew that crashed at the school was as follows
Boston IIIA BZ387 OM-L From 107 Sqn Raf
Lt ARTHUR G. TRUXLER (U.S.A.A.F.) Pilot (Art in photo and individual photo)
Pilot Officer DONALD H SKIPP Bomb aimer ( Don in photo)
Pilot Officer ALBERT JOHN NAISBIT air gunner
Pilot Officer BRIAN ALPHONSUS McCONNELL D F M (RAAF) air gunner
Returning from a bombing raid in Northern France when it would appear that on approach to RAF Hartford Bridge one of the engines failed, having being involved in heavy and accurate flak over the target area. From my initial findings it would appear the aircraft was attempting to land when this happened and veered over and into a steep dive and then crashed killing all the crew.
I have obtained this info from the following website and recommend that you take a look at it there is more info on this incident than I have included above which is just a quick overview.
I am really pleased that your school are looking to place a memorial at the site that really would be fantastic.
I look forward to more communication on this matter.
Regards
David
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From: Douglas
Sent: 14 August 2009 19:54
To: 'David'
Subject: RE: Raf Bomber Crash 06/01/44
David
I cannot believe I have received this email from you because I am in the throes of investigating who the crew were so we could honour them in the school grounds. I have only recently written to the RAF for further information. Here is the reply:
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Thank you for your e-mail of 28th July 2009, concerning a fully-laden and damaged British aircraft, which crashed during early 1944 in the grounds of Eagle School House, Berkshire, whilst returning to Blackbushe aerodrome from a bombing mission in Europe.
Unfortunately, I regret to say that original, surviving, wartime casualty information on RAF aircraft and crew losses, in our archive here at the Air Historical Branch, is not retained on computer, or by geographical location, but is filed by aircraft type/Serial Number, exact date of incident, and name of personnel involved. Therefore, should you be able to provide us with any of these type of details, then we will attempt to supply you with further details on the incident in question.
I am sorry that, on this occasion, we have been unable to provide you with the information you require.
Yours sincerely
Alan Thomas
Air Historical Branch 3 (RAF) 1”
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I know the spot where the crash happened but at the moment I do not have any photographs. Several of my members remember the occasion although they were on school holidays at the time. Any more details from you including the names of the personnel would be much appreciated.
Douglas
Chairman – Old Eagle House Society
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From: David
Sent: 14 August 2009 16:58
To: douglas
Subject: Raf Bomber Crash 06/01/44
Dear Sir,
I am investigating the Boston Bomber crash that happened on 6th Jan 1944, I have noticed a reference to it on your home page.
The reason for my research is that two members of the crew were very good friends with my wife’s grand-father and should have been of that aircraft that day, however he was not and survived the war.
I would be grateful if you had any photos of the crash site in the school archives and any other info such as casualties and damage.
I thank you in advance.
David
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